<![CDATA[Malay Mail - Malaysia]]> https://www.malaymail.com/feed/rss/malaysia Malaysia en Malay Mail Copyright 2024 Malay Mail Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:02:32 +0800 <![CDATA[Penang Bridge finally begins to accept credit and debit cards for toll payments]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/penang-bridge-finally-begins-to-accept-credit-and-debit-cards-for-toll-payments/124221 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/penang-bridge-finally-begins-to-accept-credit-and-debit-cards-for-toll-payments/124221 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — PLUS has recently announced the activation of the open payment system (SPT) at the Penang Bridge’s toll plaza. This allows users to perform toll payments over there by using MyDebit cards as well as Visa or Mastercard-branded debit and credit cards.

It is a long time coming for Penang Bridge

Truth be told, the implementation of debit and credit card payments for Penang Bridge’s toll plaza has been in the works for quite some time. PLUS has attempted to implement it back in 2018 through the PLUS RFID.

However, the PLUS RFID project met fierce objections from Touch ‘n Go (TNG) parent company, CIMB who subsequently took legal action against PLUS. Both companies eventually settled the matter in late 2019 with TNG RFID ultimately becoming the de-factor RFID system across PLUS highways.

In March 2023, Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi listed Penang Bridge as one of the 5 highways that would support SPT. At that time, the minister said the support for debit and credit card payments at all five highways would go live by September 2023.

Once September rolled in, the live date for SPT on Penang Bridge was then moved to the end of 2023 to provide additional time for PLUS to further study the implementation over there. It was only last Friday, 15 March that the highway concessionaire finally announced the support for credit and debit card payments at Penang Bridge on a trial basis.

Penangites can still get a 20 per cent discount for debit and credit card payments

The implementation of debit and credit card payments for Penang Bridge’s toll plaza has been in the works for quite some time. — SoyaCincau pix
The implementation of debit and credit card payments for Penang Bridge’s toll plaza has been in the works for quite some time. — SoyaCincau pix

Just like the existing TNG card and RFID payment methods, Penang residents as well as those who work or study at the state that want to utilise debit and credit cards for toll payments at the Penang Bridge can still apply for the 20 per cent discount from PLUS.

That being said, do note that this discount is only available for Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles which include cars, 3-wheeled commercial vehicles, and motorcycles with sidecars alongside lorries, vans, and buses that have 2 axles and 4 wheels.

Aside from having Malaysian nationality, there is also a long list of support documents that one has to provide to PLUS to obtain the discount including a copy of the Vehicle Ownership Certificate. You can submit your application at the Jimat di Penang portal. — SoyaCincau

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Chief Chapree Tue, 19 Mar 2024 10:12:54 +0800 penang bridge,cashless tolls,cashless toll payment
<![CDATA[PM Anwar: Malaysia’s household debt at RM1.53t as of last year]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/pm-anwar-malaysias-household-debt-at-rm153t-as-of-last-year/124218 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/pm-anwar-malaysias-household-debt-at-rm153t-as-of-last-year/124218 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — The country’s aggregate household debt stood at RM1.53 trillion at the end of 2023, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

In a written parliamentary reply yesterday, Anwar who is also the finance minister said housing loans made up the largest share of household debt at 60.5 per cent, followed by vehicle loans at 13.2 per cent, personal financing at 12.6 per cent and loans for other purposes including purchasing of non-residential property, credit card debt, security and others.

In aggregate, the total household debt for the previous years is as follows, 2022 (RM1.45 trillion), 2021 (RM1.38 trillion), 2020 (RM1.32 trillion), 2019 (RM1.25 trillion) and 2018 ( RM1.19 trillion).

The prime minister was responding to a question by DAP’s Labis MP Pang Hock Liong asking the government to state the country’s aggregate household debt for 2018 to 2023.

The prime minister added that the ratio of household debt to gross domestic product (GDP) at the end of 2023 increased slightly to 84.2 per cent compared to 2018 which stood at 82 per cent.

From 2018 to 2023, the average annual growth of household debt is 5.1 per cent.

This annual household debt growth is mainly driven by housing loans and vehicle loans following various home ownership incentives offered by the government and the private sector, as well as sales and service tax (SST) incentives for the purchase of motor vehicles between 2020 and 2022.

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Soo Wern Jun Tue, 19 Mar 2024 10:05:04 +0800 malaysia economy,malaysia household debt,household debt
<![CDATA[Steps to reduce impact of hot weather on paddy planting among focus of Parliament today]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/steps-to-reduce-impact-of-hot-weather-on-paddy-planting-among-focus-of-parliament-today/124209 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/steps-to-reduce-impact-of-hot-weather-on-paddy-planting-among-focus-of-parliament-today/124209 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — The immediate and longterm measures to minimise the effects of hot and dry weather conditions on paddy planting activities, especially in Sabah, are among the focus of today’s Dewan Rakyat sitting.

According to the Order Paper on the Parliament website, Munirah Majilis (Warisan-Kota Belud) will pose the question to the Agriculture and Food Security Minister during the Minister’s Question Time.

Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN-Rantau Panjang) will inquire about the steps taken by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to ensure the well-being of social workers in the country and the status of the consultation process on the Social Work Profession Bill.

Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading) will ask the Human Resources Minister about the timeline for the relevant parties to take action against employers for negligence, particularly concerning issues like delayed salary payments and failure to make Employees Provident Fund contributions for workers, upon receiving complaints from affected employees.

There will also be a question from Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan (BN-Kuala Pilah) to the Prime Minister regarding the mechanism implemented by the government to shorten the waiting time for Malaysians to perform the haj.

In the same session, Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol) will ask the Communications Minister about whether the government plans to require all social media platform service providers in the country to register with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, while also seeking clarification on how this measure will not restrict media freedom.

Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik) is expected to ask the Defence Minister about the acquisition of 18 Fighter Lead-In Trainer-Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT/LCA) FA-50 worth RM4.08 billion for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

Sabri Azit (PN-Jerai) will ask the Transport Minister to state the statistics of speed limit violations captured by speed trap cameras nationwide and whether the government plans to increase the speed limit to 120 km/h.

The sitting will then continue with the winding-up session for the debate on the Jurisdictional Immunities of Foreign States Bill 2023.

Also listed are the tabling of the Limited Liability Partnerships (Amendment) Bill 2024 for its first reading and the tabling of the Supplementary Supply (2023) Bill 2024 and the Police (Amendment) Bill 2024 for their second reading.

The First Meeting of the Third Term of the 15th Parliament will last for 19 days until March 27. — Bernama

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:01:24 +0800 hot weather,heatwave,agriculture sector,Parliament sitting
<![CDATA[Drugs worth more than RM350,000 seized in Tawau]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/drugs-worth-more-than-rm350000-seized-in-tawau/124198 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/drugs-worth-more-than-rm350000-seized-in-tawau/124198 Malay Mail

TAWAU, March 19 — The Sabah Customs crippled an attempt to smuggle in 10.79 kilogrammes of drugs (methamphetamine) worth RM356,070 through the courier service at Jalan Bakau, here on March 9.

Sabah Zone Customs assistant director Datuk Mohd Nasir Deraman said a team carrying out operations raided a premises between 12 noon to 1pm yesterday and found 10 packagings containing drugs.

“The drugs were hidden among packed foodstuff and placed inside a courier box and labelled as angling items. The courier boxes containing the drugs are believed to have been brought from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau via the land route,” he told reporters during a media conference, here yesterday.

Meanwhile, the customs also foiled an attempt by a sawmill to export 101 pieces of teak wood via a container to India without a proper permit and using false declaration and seized the items together with the Sabah Forestry Department on Feb 23.

“When containers were screened at the Tawau Port, two of three containers contained suspicious items and did not look like items that were listed up in the Customs declaration form. Upon inspection, one container had 101 teak wood while another container contained 1,514 pieces of teak wood, all worth RM80,322.23.

Following the seizure of the items, Mohd Nasir said the department would be calling up the managers of the courier service company and the sawmill to assist investigations.

Mohd Nasir said the department welcomed members of the public to contact the Customs Toll-free number 1-800-88-8855 or any Customs office nearby if they came across illegal activities in their respective areas. He added that the identity of the informers would not be revealed. — Bernama

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 08:04:15 +0800 sabah drug bust,drug bust,drug trafficking
<![CDATA[Customs Dept: 87.8kg of drugs seized in Sarawak in first three months of 2024]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/customs-dept-878kg-of-drugs-seized-in-sarawak-in-first-three-months-of-2024/124197 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/customs-dept-878kg-of-drugs-seized-in-sarawak-in-first-three-months-of-2024/124197 Malay Mail

KUCHING, March 19 — The Royal Malaysian Customs Department has seized a total of 87.8kg of narcotics worth nearly RM2.6 million in Sarawak from January until March 12 this year, said its state director Norizan Yahya.

He said this included a bust involving 46kg of methamphetamine worth RM1.5 million at a house in Matang on March 6, where a local man in his 20s — suspected to be a member of a drug syndicate — was arrested.

“The drugs were found packed into 45 tea packages and hidden inside four sacks containing bundle clothes.

“Early investigation found that the suspect was tasked with delivering the drugs to customers in Kuching,” he told a press conference here yesterday, adding the suspect has been remanded for seven days starting March 7 for further investigation.

Norizan said the syndicate, believed to have been operating for the past several months, would bring drugs from the peninsula into Sarawak by packing them with bundle clothes to avoid detection.

The department’s Narcotics Division is currently working to track down several more members of the syndicate, he added.

On the major Customs busts in Sarawak this year, he said one took place at Sibu Airport on Jan 11 which saw the arrest of one local man, and the other at Miri Airport on Jan 31 which also saw one local man arrested.

“Each suspect was found with 15kg of methamphetamine. They are on remand until their case is mentioned in court,” he said.

Norizan also called on the public to channel information to Customs to help the department combat the smuggling of drugs and other contrabands.

“Drug smuggling is a threat to national security. Anyone with information on such activities can call 1-800-88-8855 or any Customs office in the state.

“The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential,” he said. — The Borneo Post

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:55:05 +0800 drug trafficking,drug syndicate,sarawak customs department
<![CDATA[DPM Fadillah: Energy Transition Ministry, Sarawak govt to form joint committee]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/dpm-fadillah-energy-transition-ministry-sarawak-govt-to-form-joint-committee/124194 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/dpm-fadillah-energy-transition-ministry-sarawak-govt-to-form-joint-committee/124194 Malay Mail

KUCHING, March 19 — The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) and Sarawak government will form a coordination committee to ensure the former’s programmes and projects planned in the state can be effectively implemented for the benefit of Sarawakians, said its minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Fadillah, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said this matter was agreed upon following a courtesy call by the ministry on Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.

“A total of 46 projects were approved under the water sector in Sarawak through Petra, namely 33 continuation projects and 13 new projects costing a total of RM6.01 billion. The amount approved for implementation in 2024 is up to RM298 million.

“These approved projects include flood and coastal flooding protection, coastal erosion, estuary conservation, study for Integrated River Basin Management, sewage treatment plant development, treatment plant sludge, sewerage system development and upgrading of water treatment plants,” he said in a statement.

Fadillah said the federal government is always concerned and vigilant in ensuring sustainability in the implement of government projects to guarantee maximum impact on the people of Sarawak.

“Comprehensive and continuous monitoring is the main key to balanced national development, as desired by the prime minister through the Malaysia Madani concept,” he said.

Fadillah, who is also in charge of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs, had earlier chaired the coordination meeting at the Sarawak Drainage and Irrigation Department, revealed the statement.

He was also given a briefing regarding the design of Kuching city’s flood mitigation plan, so the benefits of the project can reach the targeted community effectively and accurately once implemented.

He also visited the Kuching Federal Complex to listen to a briefing on Sarawak projects implemented by federal agencies and departments.

Also present during the courtesy call were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; state Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi; Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA64 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali; Petra secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli; and ministry officials. — The Borneo Post

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:51:15 +0800 Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation,sarawak state government,sarawak green energy,sarawak renewable energy
<![CDATA[Joint initiative out to address education disparity in Sarawak rural communities]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/joint-initiative-out-to-address-education-disparity-in-sarawak-rural-communities/124193 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/joint-initiative-out-to-address-education-disparity-in-sarawak-rural-communities/124193 Malay Mail

BINTULU, March 19 — The ‘Bridging Learning Loss for Rural Primary School Students in Sarawak’ is hailed as a ground-breaking initiative meant to address learning disparities in Sarawak’s rural communities through innovative digital solutions.

Funded by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Yayasan Hasanah, the programme was launched at SK Ulu Segan here yesterday, where Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn officiated at the event.

In his speech, Sagah said technology has the power to not only bridge ‘learning loss’ gaps, but also foster a culture of innovation and inquisitiveness that would prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.

“However, technology alone is not the panacea for educational inequities. It is the dedication and commitment of our teachers and school leaders that will determine the success of this initiative,” he said.

In this regard, Sagah called upon all dedicated teachers and school leaders to embrace this initiative wholeheartedly.

The programme was carried out by MEITD in collaboration with a social enterprise, Chumbaka Sdn Bhd, with the support also coming from the state Education Department (JPN).

According to Chumbaka chief executive officer Dr Chew Yen Seng, the programme is meant to benefit more than 900 school-children.

“The primary objective is to equip and support ‘Pemulihan’ (Rehabilitation) and English language teachers with the necessary digital tools and resources.

“By addressing the prevalent issue of ‘learning loss’, especially in English and Mathematics, the programme aims to empower educators and uplift students, ensuring that they reach their full potential.

“To support schools and build the capacity in the teachers, the programme will involve the training of teachers from 40 participating schools in teaching methodologies and the utilisation of ‘Kayam School’ digital content.

“These trained educators would then implement the learning intervention programme within their respective schools, from March to December.

“Kayam derives from the Iban word for ‘play’, and is founded on the ‘Kit Kit School App’, an open-source solution that clinched the co-winner title at the Global Learning XPRIZE in 2019, earning a grand prize of US$10 million.

“Kayam School offers interactive learning content for Mathematics, English and Digital Literacy, catering to students from preschool to Year 3.”

Chew added that the app had undergone extensive field testing in 21 remote villages in Tanzania, from August 2017 to March 2019, involving 421 students.

“It has yielded unprecedented results. We are optimistic about replicating, even surpassing, these achievements here in Sarawak.

“With the dedicated support of our selected teachers and the PPDs (district Education offices), we aim for our students to advance by at least Level 2 proficiency command in English and Mathematics,” he said.

Chew also pointed out that while this initiative was still in its pilot phase, the hope would be for its success to pave the way for broader benefits to students across Sarawak in the future.

According to JPN Sarawak deputy director (Learning Sector) Siti Zulaiha Ibrahim, the six participating PPDs are PPD Bintulu, PPD Belaga, PPD Tatau/Sebauh, PPD Daro, PPD Sibu and PPD Kapit.

“For 2024, it (programme) involves about 1,400 remedial students in Year 2 and Year 3 in Sarawak. Hopefully, the programme would give positive input to 40 primary schools and 80 teachers.”

Also present at the event were Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, representative of MEITD permanent secretary Anielia Siam, PPD Bintulu officer Samri Suhaili and SK Ulu Segan headmaster Yahya Piduman. — The Borneo Post

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:46:52 +0800 sarawak education system,Bridging Learning Loss for Rural Primary School Students in Sarawak,rural community
<![CDATA[After ‘green light’ from Agong over austerity, how should Putrajaya juggle fiscal deficit and public welfare?]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/after-green-light-from-agong-over-austerity-how-should-putrajaya-juggle-fiscal-deficit-and-public-welfare/122544 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/after-green-light-from-agong-over-austerity-how-should-putrajaya-juggle-fiscal-deficit-and-public-welfare/122544 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — Putrajaya must tread lightly on any further austerity measures despite the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s support, several academics have said amid heavy debt saddling the country and its people struggling to make ends meet.

While the experts polled by Malay Mail were in favour of frugality in government spending, they also said that the backing of the monarch should be interpreted as urging the government to be more astute with their policies.

“The path forward is a fiscal reduction path which means the government still needs to spend but only for necessary projects that benefit the economy,” economist Lee Heng Guie told Malay Mail, agreeing with the consolidation programme instituted by the unity government.

Similarly, economist Nur Ameera A Jaz from the University of Malaya’s Centre for Foundation Studies in Science said the government should prioritise austerity measures while focusing on people’s welfare via targeted subsidies.

However, Universiti Putra Malaysia’s academic Ida Md Yasin asserted that any abrupt austerity measures will hurt some groups.

“We need to set a target for a few years. We need to do it bit by bit. We cannot do it so abruptly because there will be a group of people affected,” the economist said.

Similarly, Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) political scientist Azmil Tayeb has pointed to the austerity measures taken by the previous Pakatan Harapan administration under then finance minister Lim Guan Eng, which he said were not well received.

“It was not popular nor significantly benefited the people who need the help the most,” he suggested.

An increased aggressiveness in austerity measures may cost political parties their supporters, as plugging loopholes will affect some people despite being advantageous to many, his colleague from USM, Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid also cautioned.

“If they are responsible politicians, they will indeed be thrifty for the sake of future generations but not to the extent of jeopardising livelihoods which are made up of real men and women. Therefore, targeted subsidies is a reasonable action,” the professor said.

Last month, Yang diPertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim said he supports the government’s move to immediately take austerity measures including implementing targeted subsidies since the government has always been in a position of fiscal deficit since 1998.

This weak financial situation, he said, will make it difficult for the government to implement new development projects or provide financial infusions to stimulate economic growth.

Sultan Ibrahim also said he hopes that the government will be firm in curbing the leakage and misappropriation of public funds, including reviewing weaknesses in governance at all levels of statutory bodies and government-owned companies and their subsidiaries.

To address the country’s fiscal position, the government in the past year has among others raised the rate of the sales and services tax (SST) for some services, implementing low-value goods tax and luxury goods tax, and rationalising subsidies for electricity tariffs and diesel.

“By carefully directing subsidies to those who need them most, the government can save significant amounts of money, which can then be channelled back to the people, fostering economic stability and prosperity in the long term.”

“Successful implementation of targeted subsidies will have huge savings that will prevent the government from doing austerity drives,” political scientist Azmi Hassan suggested.

The experts polled by Malay Mail suggested that further moves can be taken after the backing of the Agong, including revamping the pensions scheme, taxing the ultra-rich, and holding off implementing the goods and services tax (GST).

“The government can consider promoting double or triple pension recipients to honourably opt for only the highest pension, as Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail had done.

“This kills two birds with one stone, as the move will be politically popular with the people while at the same time is economically prudent,” Ahmad Fauzi said.

Azmil and Azmi however disagreed, suggesting that Putrajaya should increase tax on the super-rich and highly profitable corporations and channel the revenue back to the people in the form of subsidies for the low-income and tax breaks for the middle class.

“A blanket austerity measure especially when they affect the social safety net would be foolhardy and not help to spur the economy, especially domestic consumption,” Azmil said.

“Austerity drive — it will hurt some sectors in this case,” Azmi agreed.

Given the dire need to recover economically, Azmi said is confident that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim can prove it in parliament.

“The spending of money will be more efficient and more responsible, this is tied to the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act that was passed last year,” Azmi said.

But, to successfully implement austerity measures such as targeted subsidies, educating the public on targeted subsidies would ensure the success of its implementation, Nur Ameera said.

“Many people may not see the immediate benefits of such measures, leading to scepticism or resistance. Effective communication ensures stability,” she said.

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Zaf Seraj,R. Loheswar Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0800 austerity drive
<![CDATA[No plans to impose ceiling prices on vegetables, says Fuziah]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/no-plans-to-impose-ceiling-prices-on-vegetables-says-fuziah/124179 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/no-plans-to-impose-ceiling-prices-on-vegetables-says-fuziah/124179 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) does not plan to impose any restriction or ceiling prices for the sale of vegetables following an expected price hike of up to 25 per cent in the market.

Its Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh said the ministry will monitor and take action based on the profiteering law if there are traders who raise the prices of vegetables excessively.

“KPDN does not impose restrictions or ceiling prices but we will monitor so that there is no profiteering.

“We have to understand the supply chain starting from the vegetable grower, the cost of production, transportation, in addition to wholesale and retail prices,” she said at a press when commenting on the expected 25 per cent increase in the price of vegetables in the market following claims by vegetable farm operators who are now facing a shortage of foreign workers to the point of affecting supply.

Earlier, she had aunched the Malaysia Save Food (MySaveFood) Ramadan 2024 national programme while inspecting Rahmah Ramadan bazaars at Jalan Raja Alang here.

Commenting on the organisation of MySaveFood, Fuziah said a total of 75 bazaars in 11 states including the Federal Territory were involved in the project which is driven by Pengguna Siswa from 35 universities including 19 public universities.

“Through the MySaveFood project last year, a total of 25 tonnes of food with a value of RM281,429.01 were successfully saved and the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) alone on the first day of Ramadan managed to collect a total of 429.8 kilogrammes of food from three Ramadan bazaars.

“While in Kampong Bharu, a total of 426.4kg of food was saved,” she said. — Bernama

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:03:01 +0800 ceiling price
<![CDATA[Selangor Sultan opens 77-year-old mosque in Sabak Bernam, breaks fast with villagers]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/selangor-sultan-opens-77-year-old-mosque-in-sabak-bernam-breaks-fast-with-villagers/124178 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/selangor-sultan-opens-77-year-old-mosque-in-sabak-bernam-breaks-fast-with-villagers/124178 Malay Mail

SABAK BERNAM, March 18 — The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, today officially declared open a 77-year-old mosque in Kampung Sungai Haji Dorani here and broke fast with the villagers.

Masjid An Nur had been built as a surau in 1947 and the villagers elevated it to a mosque two years later.

His Royal Highness accompanied by Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah arrived at 6.25 pm and was greeted by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and State Secretary Datuk Haris Kasim.

Also present were State Islamic and Cultural Innovation Committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah; Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof and Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) director, Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad.

Sultan Sharafuddin also graciously joined in breaking the fast with the villagers and distributed RM500 worth of Aidilfitri contributions to 458 recipients, comprising asnaf, the needy and converts from the Sabak Bernam district, totalling RM229,500.

His Royal Highness also delivered a speech to inaugurate Masjid An Nur, before signing the inauguration plaque to conclude the ceremony.

With a grant of RM400,000 provided by JAIS, the mosque’s facilities have been upgraded, now able to accommodate up to 550 worshippers, including the installation of air conditioning, building a meeting room and sacrificial slaughter area, upgrading of women’s ablution facilities, and adding vehicle parking spaces to meet current needs.

Sultan Sharafuddin also performed the Maghrib, Isyak, and Tarawih prayers with the congregation. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 23:53:53 +0800 Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah
<![CDATA[Pulau Angsa helicopter ditching still being investigated, search for black box continues, says MMEA]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/pulau-angsa-helicopter-ditching-still-being-investigated-search-for-black-box-continues-says-mmea/124174 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/pulau-angsa-helicopter-ditching-still-being-investigated-search-for-black-box-continues-says-mmea/124174 Malay Mail

KLANG, March 18 — The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is still conducting investigations into the real reason an MMEA AW139 helicopter ditched in the waters of Pulau Angsa, Kuala Selangor on March 5.

Its director-general, Adm (Maritime) Datuk Hamid Mohd Amin said the search for the aircraft’s black box also is ongoing at the incident site to gather more evidence into the cause of the incident.

“Investigations are ongoing, when everything is completed we will make an announcement to the media,” he told reporters after launching Op Khas Pagar Laut here today.

He was commenting on developments into the helicopter flown by Lt Cmdr (Maritime) Tengku Mohd Nizam Tengku Zakaria, with Lt Cmdr (Maritime) Mohamad Azrol Saidi, and aircrew Warrant Officer I (Maritime) John Ibno and rescue diver Petty Officer (Maritime) Muhamad Nurhayyat Hashim, who were all rescued after the helicopter ditched into the waters of Pulau Angsa.

Hamid shared that the helicopter crew had returned to duty as usual last week after having undergone complete health checks and that the incident did not have a big impact on their health.

“The impact on them is not that bad and after some rest, they have returned to duty in good spirits,” he added. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 22:47:48 +0800 MMEA helicopter crash
<![CDATA[Ministry of Finance in final stages of determining several policies regarding HVGT]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/ministry-of-finance-in-final-stages-of-determining-several-policies-regarding-hvgt/124169 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/ministry-of-finance-in-final-stages-of-determining-several-policies-regarding-hvgt/124169 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 --The Ministry of Finance (MoF) is in the final stages of finalising several policies regarding the high value goods tax (HVGT).

The ministry, through a reply on the Parliament’s website, said the policies will be carefully studied and determined to ensure that they do not have additional impacts on low-income groups.

“Among the policies being studied are the types of goods that will be subject to HVGT and the threshold value for determining high-value goods,” according to the MoF.

The ministry was replying to a question from Roslan Hashim (PN-Kulim) who asked for an explanation regarding the high value goods tax on jewellery for the tax value of each RM10,000 and how it affects the middle 40 per cent household income group (M40) in Malaysia and below.

HVGT or formerly known as luxury goods tax will be determined according to the type and category of goods based on the threshold value of the goods’ price. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 22:15:42 +0800 Ministry of Finance,High Value Goods Tax
<![CDATA[King, Queen break fast with Unity Government leaders and foreign dignitaries]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/king-queen-break-fast-with-unity-government-leaders-and-foreign-dignitaries/124168 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/king-queen-break-fast-with-unity-government-leaders-and-foreign-dignitaries/124168 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim King of Malaysia and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah Queen of Malaysia graced a ceremony to break fast with cabinet ministers from the Unity Government and foreign dignitaries at Istana Negara, tonight.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail together with his two deputies Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof joined His Majesty and Her Majesty during the ceremony to break fast.

The Unity Government cabinet was also represented by Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzil, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi as well as deputy ministers.

Also in attendance was Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and Dewan Negara Speaker Datuk Mutang Tagal.

Meanwhile, foreign dignitaries present were from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, Palestine, Russia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia and Brunei.

Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah also performed the fardhu maghrib prayers together with cabinet ministers and dignitaries while the congregation was led by Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Dr Luqman Abdullah at the Surau Utama Istana Negara.

This is the first time His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim King of Malaysia is breaking fast with the Unity Government sice being sworn in as the new King of Malaysia on Jan 31, 2024. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:57:25 +0800 agong
<![CDATA[Jurisdictional immunities of Foreign States Bill 2023 aims to preserve nation’s dignity, says MP]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/jurisdictional-immunities-of-foreign-states-bill-2023-aims-to-preserve-nations-dignity-says-mp/124165 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/jurisdictional-immunities-of-foreign-states-bill-2023-aims-to-preserve-nations-dignity-says-mp/124165 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — The Jurisdictional Immunities of Foreign States Bill 2023 is expected to safeguard the country’s dignity and bolster diplomatic ties with foreign nations.

Taking heed of the murder of Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korea’s supreme leader Kim Jong-un in Malaysia in 2017, RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) highlighted that the law aims to prevent foreign countries or leaders from being immune in court proceedings within the country.

He said the incident harmed Malaysia’s reputation, indicating that the country was perceived as lacking adequate security measures and laws to safeguard foreign visitors.

“This incident made Malaysia a subject of ridicule... I believe this law will prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

“Section 10 of this bill explicitly states that a foreign country, head of State and head of Government are not exempt from court jurisdiction in cases involving death, personal injury, or property damage,” he said when debating the bill in the Dewan Rakyat today.

During the session, several Members of Parliament proposed that the government review specific provisions in the bill, particularly those related to the role and powers of the prime minister.

Datuk Dr. Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) raised concerns about certain provisions, particularly Clauses 30, 32, and 33, which were seen as granting excessive power to the prime minister.

“There should be checks and balances on the power granted, as excessive authority can potentially lead to misuse. It’s not advisable for one person to have unchecked decision-making authority,” he said.

Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) proposed that the provisions concerning the prime minister’s authority in Clauses 30, 32, and 33 be amended to incorporate the role of the King.

“In this regard, the Agong should be given a role and the Prime Minister is required to consult and obtain the Agong’s approval before making any decision,” he said.

Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) emphasised the need for increased public debate and discussion during the drafting process of the bill.

“I also suggest that this bill be postponed for the time being and referred to a parliamentary special select committee,” he said.

Earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, when tabling the bill for the second reading, clarified that Clause 30 grants the Prime Minister the authority to revoke any or all immunities extended to foreign countries if he deems that Malaysia does not receive reciprocal immunity under the proposed Act.

She said Clause 32 empowers the Prime Minister to exempt any foreign country from specific provisions of the act, with the authority to impose necessary or expedient conditions or restrictions as deemed fit.

“Clause 33 empowers the Prime Minister to enact regulations considered expedient or necessary to fully enforce or enhance the implementation of the provisions of this Act,” she said.

The Dewan Rakyat sitting continues tomorrow. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:37:55 +0800 Jurisdictional Immunities of Foreign States Bill 2023
<![CDATA[Terengganu govt to guide Ayah Pin’s family members in the right path, says exco]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/terengganu-govt-to-guide-ayah-pins-family-members-in-the-right-path-says-exco/124160 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/terengganu-govt-to-guide-ayah-pins-family-members-in-the-right-path-says-exco/124160 Malay Mail

JERTIH, March 18 — The Terengganu government and relevant authorities will approach family members and relatives of Ariffin Muhammad, also known as Ayah Pin, as part of the effort to guide them in the right path, said State Information, Preaching and Syariah Empowerment Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi.

He said establishing good relationships can keep them in check and prevent the deviant teachings from resurfacing.

“I have also spoken with Hulu Besut assemblyman (Mohd Husaimi Hussin). It will involve methods such as ensuring their welfare, education, (providing) counselling and the like,” he told reporters after visiting their commune in Kampung Batu 13, Hulu Besut near here.

Also present were Terengganu police chief Datuk Mazli Mazlan and Mohd Husaimi, who spent nearly 30 minutes at the settlement and met with one of Ayah Pin’s widows, Che Jaharah Awang, 64.

Muhammad Khalil said they have not seen any suspicious activities or evidence indicating the resurgence of the deviant teachings of the ‘Sky Kingdom’ that once shocked the nation.

Meanwhile, Mazli assured that police would continue to monitor to ensure that such deviant teachings would not disrupt the safety and peace in Terengganu.

“We always monitor this commune...such activities (the revival of the deviant teachings) are not happening as rumoured...We take these matters seriously, and monitoring is carried out at all times,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mazli said police will conduct a thorough investigation before deciding whether to summon an individual who goes by ‘Imam Muda Kulan’ on Facebook who claimed that certain movements are reviving Ayah Pin’s teachings in Besut.

“I also urge the public to channel (such) information to the relevant authorities rather than using social media which could create fear among the public,” he said.

Earlier, Pahang police confirmed that no efforts to revive the deviant teachings of Ayah Pin have been detected in the state, as claimed by a newspaper report.

The Terengganu Religious and Malay Customs Council Fatwa Committee had declared that Ayah Pin’s beliefs and teachings were deviant and conflicting with Islam under Section 25 of the Islamic Religious Administration Enactment 1986, which was gazetted in 1997.

In April 2005, the Besut district Land Office issued notices to demolish several giant replicas built by Ayah Pin in the Hulu Besut commune, where he had over 150 followers.

He passed away on April 22, 2016, at the age of 74 due to old age. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:00:05 +0800 Ayah Pin,deviant practices,deviant Islamic sects
<![CDATA[Sarawak minister wants some events in state if Malaysia takes up 2026 Commonwealth Games]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/sarawak-minister-wants-some-events-in-state-if-malaysia-takes-up-2026-commonwealth-games/124156 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/sarawak-minister-wants-some-events-in-state-if-malaysia-takes-up-2026-commonwealth-games/124156 Malay Mail

KUCHING, March 18 - Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah today said Sarawak should get to host some events should Malaysia agree to take over the 2026 Commonwealth Games from Australia.

However, he acknowledged that this was still being discussed.

"If Malaysia were to host it, then I want to see some of the sports to be held in our state so that we can share some of the sports,” he told reporters after launching What About Kuching (WAK) tourism events to be held in October this year that will feature foods, drinks and arts festivals.

Karim, who is also the state Minister of tourism, creative industry and performing arts, said host premier events were typically held in the peninsula.

“That should be shared together by Peninsular Malaysia and the two Borneo states,” Karim said.

He cited Petronas Le Tour de Langkawi 2024 as an example where the last two stages will be in Sarawak.

The LTDL 2024 will take place from September 29 to October 6 and the race route will also feature Miri and Bintulu that are set to be hosts for the first time, in addition to the debut city of Kulai in Johor.

The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) in a meeting today said it was considering hosting a “downsized” Commonwealth Games in 2026 but the final decision would lie with the government.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is scrambling to find a host after the Australian state of Victoria abruptly pulled out in July last year, citing spiralling costs.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh confirmed that the government was considering the plan to host the games.

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Sulok Tawie Mon, 18 Mar 2024 20:34:55 +0800 Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah,2026 Commonwealth Games
<![CDATA[Kelantan in dire straits for clean water, needs federal aid to replace ageing pipes]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/kelantan-in-dire-straits-for-clean-water-needs-federal-aid-to-replace-ageing-pipes/124155 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/kelantan-in-dire-straits-for-clean-water-needs-federal-aid-to-replace-ageing-pipes/124155 Malay Mail

KOTA BHARU, March 18 — The Kelantan government admits to facing several constraints that cannot be fully overcome in order to distribute, supply clean water to the people in the state.

Public Works, Infrastructure, Water and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Izani Husin said among the constraints were dependence on underground water sources, insufficient water treatment plants (LRA), water leakage due to ageing pipes and the increase in population.

“We are also facing problems of water quality because most of the land in this state contains high minerals such as magnesium (hard water precipitates will clog pipes) which require high cost and a longer water treatment period.

“Already in dire straits, there is also a drought causing us to ration water distribution according to priority to several areas that are experiencing serious water shortage,” he disclosed.

He said this when asked to comment on the water supply problem in the state after the opening ceremony of the Public Works Department, Kelantan State Electrical Engineering Branch Bill 1/2024 at the Dewan Bunga Teratai in Kota Darulnaim Complex here today.

Izani, on behalf of the state government, apologised to all consumers who are affected by the problem and to give the authorities time to resolve the problem in stages.

He informed that the state will overcome the problem by 2028 at the latest after several new water treatment plants (LRA) are completed, along with the hope of securing the cooperation of the federal government to replace old pipes during that time frame.

“The existing old pipes cannot handle the high water pressure to distribute water to users because they are deteriorating and face the risk of leakage,” he said.

Following that, he said the water supply problem in several areas in Bachok is being overcome through a temporary link-up between LRA Chicha and Pasir Tumboh while the LRA Telok is expected to be completed in April.

“We know water is a critical and essential resource, we apologise for not being able to supply water. We just hope the people can be patient and give us time to solve it and during that period, we will work on various remedies including (manual) delivery of water to affected homes,” he said.

Today, Syarikat Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd (AKSB) stated that water supply disruptions in Gunung, Bachok, especially in Taman Putri Saadong and nearby areas are periodic and temporary.

AKSB explained that the water supply was cut off because the supply received from LRA Chicha has dropped due to the intrusion of salt water in Sungai Pengkalan Datu, Pasir Tumbuh, causing the chloride content to exceed the permissible level. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 20:18:06 +0800 kelantan,kelantan water woes
<![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Ministry: Report unreasonable prices directly to authorities, not on social media]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/consumer-affairs-ministry-report-unreasonable-prices-directly-to-authorities-not-on-social-media/124154 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/consumer-affairs-ministry-report-unreasonable-prices-directly-to-authorities-not-on-social-media/124154 Malay Mail

SHAH ALAM, March 18 — Consumers have been urged not to use social media to highlight unreasonable price hikes but to report it directly to the authorities for fear of evidence being disposed of before action can be taken.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDN) trade, distribution and business sector senior director Datuk Rohaizi Bahari said once a report is made to ministry enforcement officials, prompt inspections and investigations will be conducted.

“When information is viralled, there is a possibility evidence could be destroyed and so on,” he told reporters at the official opening of the AEON supermarket in Setia Alam here today.

He said accurate and detailed complaints should be made through proper channels for immediate action.

On the issue of socks with the word “Allah” being sold at KK Mart convenience stores, Rohaizi said any items related to symbols and sensitive matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry (KDN).

He said the sale of goods in a premise is at the discretion of the business owner, who should ensure that the items sold comply with the law. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 20:16:22 +0800 consumer affairs
<![CDATA[Rafizi: Update data on Padu to avoid being left out of first round aid eligibility determination]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/rafizi-update-data-on-padu-to-avoid-being-left-out-of-first-round-aid-eligibility-determination/124152 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/rafizi-update-data-on-padu-to-avoid-being-left-out-of-first-round-aid-eligibility-determination/124152 Malay Mail

PUTRAJAYA, March 18 — Individuals who are eligible for government assistance but do not update their data in the Central Database Hub (Padu) by the end of this month are at risk of being left out from the first round of aid eligibility determination after the targeted subsidy programme is implemented.

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said those individuals would have to wait for the next round when Padu reopens for updates at a regular frequency level that will be determined by the government later.

He said updating Padu by March 31 is important so that existing data can be worked on and algorithm development can be done to determine eligibility parameters including disposable income, family’s basic living expenses and discretionary income.

“We have to follow the accurate timeline for the implementation of the targetted subsidy programme and that timeline requires the data to be ready by March 31, 2024.

“The updating process will not be permanently closed, but I’m sure if we keep it open and they still hesitate (to register and update their data), it won’t do any good,” he told a press conference here today.

Rafizi said the next step would be developing the API (Application Programming Interface) so that those over 300 government databases are connected and updated automatically in Padu.

“That’s what we mean by creating a central government database that is updated close to real-time,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rafizi also refuted a news portal’s report that the public were disappointed when most of the registration service counters they went to, were closed.

Explaining the issue, the minister said the Padu and Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) team had been on the ground since the first week of January and had opened counters in localities which were deemed more effective.

“Since January, we have received many requests from residents’ associations, elected representatives, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for the Padu and DOSM teams to open counters in their areas.

“In Selangor, for example, DOSM counters are open seven days a week from morning to night. It is not true to say that the counters are closed, as if the officers are not working, that is not true,” he said. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 20:05:32 +0800 Rafizi Ramli,Padu database
<![CDATA[High Court strikes out woman’s bid to declare herself as non-Muslim]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/high-court-strikes-out-womans-bid-to-declare-herself-as-non-muslim/124151 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/high-court-strikes-out-womans-bid-to-declare-herself-as-non-muslim/124151 Malay Mail

SEREMBAN, March 18 — The High Court here today allowed the Negri Sembilan Islamic Religious Council’s (MAINS) application to strike out the originating summons (OS) filed by a woman seeking to declare herself as a non-Muslim.

Judicial Commissioner Mohamad Haldar Abdul Aziz made the decision after reviewing the affidavits and written submissions submitted by MAINS and the 46-year-old businesswoman as the plaintiff.

In today's proceedings, MAINS was represented by Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, Danial Farhan Zainul Rijal, and Muhammad Hariz Md Yusoff, while the Malaysian government and the National Registration Department (NRD) were represented by Senior Federal Counsel Amalina Zainal Mokhtar, with the applicant represented by lawyer S. Karthigesan.

The plaintiff filed an originating summons against the Malaysian government, MAINS, and NRD as the first to third respondents on March 23 last year.

Through the originating summons, the woman sought for the NRD to amend and update her personal information records to indicate her non-Muslim religion in the registration system.

The applicant also requested an immediate change of her Malay name to an Indian female name.

Speaking to reporters, Karthigesan said his client was converted from Hinduism to Islam by her father when she was just four years old.

Meanwhile, Zainul Rijal said that MAINS filed the application to striking out the case on June 28 last year, arguing that the applicant is a Muslim, adding that if the applicant wishes to change her religion, the application must be made in the Shariah Court, not the Civil Court.

He said the woman was previously married to a Muslim man and they divorced in the Selangor Shariah Court. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:27:44 +0800 leaving islam
<![CDATA[Study on Lemon Law’s effectiveness to consider loopholes in Act 599]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/study-on-lemon-laws-effectiveness-to-consider-loopholes-in-act-599/124146 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/study-on-lemon-laws-effectiveness-to-consider-loopholes-in-act-599/124146 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — The study on the effectiveness of the Lemon Law, which is being drafted by the government, will consider several loopholes in provisions under the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599) so that it can resolve cases where consumers face repeated issues with purchased products, such as a newly-bought vehicle.

Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of LIving Minister Fuziah Salleh said the study would review the definition of consumer under the Act as currently it touches all domestic use and not commercial consumers.

“We also will look at the lack of a governing body to look at consumer complaints and if we create regulations, we want them to be able to plug all those loopholes. Otherwise, we will consider having new laws,” she said after a special Dewan Rakyat session today in response to a speech by Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) that discussed the need of such legislation to protect consumers, especially vehicle buyers.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali had recently announced that the government was studying several Lemon Laws and best practices of other countries following reports of newly purchased vehicles suffering endless problems going viral on social media.

The Lemon Law would allow compensation rights to consumers to obtain remedies for products that repeatedly break down or fail to meet quality standards, including seeking a replacement of damaged vehicles, a reduction of price or compensatory payment.

“In Malaysia, legal provision based on Lemon Law relate to the compensation rights of consumers against suppliers or manufacturers if the product fails to comply with the guarantee set under Act 599,” Fuziah said.

In the five years before March 15, she said that the ministry’s consumer movement division received 261 consumer complaints on vehicle quality problems involving new and used cars that were newly purchased, she said.

A total of 502 cases involving new vehicles were filed at the Malaysian Consumer Claims Tribunal in the same period, with 493 cases resolved, while 1,335 cases involving used cars were filed, with 1,120 cases resolved. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:05:34 +0800 Lemon Law
<![CDATA[Hanipah, Vazeer Alam sworn in as Federal Court judges]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/hanipah-vazeer-alam-sworn-in-as-federal-court-judges/124145 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/hanipah-vazeer-alam-sworn-in-as-federal-court-judges/124145 Malay Mail

PUTRAJAYA, March 18 — Court of Appeal Judges Datuk Hanipah Farikullah and Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera were sworn in as Federal Court judges today.

Hanipah, 64, and Vazeer Alam, 62, took their oaths before Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat at a ceremony held at the Conference Hall, Palace of Justice.

Hanipah, who hails from Besut, Terengganu, was appointed as a Court of Appeal judge on April 27, 2018. She previously presided over a panel of three judges in Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor’s appeal concerning the appointment of former Federal Court judge, the late Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram, as the lead prosecutor in the solar hybrid project corruption case.

Hanipah also led a three-member bench in Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s appeal regarding the RM1.9 million lawsuit against former Attorney-General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, in addition to hearing appeals in criminal cases.

Vazeer Alam, who was appointed as a Court of Appeal judge on Aug 8, 2019, led the panel of three judges for the appeal of the corruption case involving former Felda chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad, as well as the case of the murder of Cradle Fund chief executive officer Nazrin Hassan.

Meanwhile, three judicial commissioners, Su Tiang Joo, 64, Alexander Siew How Wai and Amelati Parnell, both aged 57, took the oath of office and allegiance as High Court judges.

Su was sworn in before Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Datuk Akhtar Tahir, while Siew and Amelati were sworn in before Sabah and Sarawak Chief Justice Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli.

Born in Muar, Johor, Su was appointed as High Court of Ipoh, Perak, judicial commissioner on Sept 1, 2020, before being transferred to the High Court of Kuala Lumpur on Feb 28, 2023.

Siew, born in Sandakan, Sabah, was appointed as High Court of Kuching, Sarawak judicial commissioner on July 10, 2020.

He made a significant decision in the Kuching High Court regarding the implementation of Undi18, allowing the judicial review of five youths who requested the enforcement of the amendment to the Federal Constitution to lower the minimum voting age from 21 to 18 years.

Meanwhile, Amelati, a native of Sarawak, began her career as a magistrate at the Kuching Magistrate’s Court in 1990 before being appointed as a judge of the Sibu Sessions Court, Sarawak, in 2007.

She was later appointed as the judicial commissioner of the High Court of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, in 2021, before being transferred to the Bintulu High Court, Sarawak, on Jan 1, 2024. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:41:16 +0800 Hanipah Farikullah,Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera
<![CDATA[Parliament approves latest UUCA amendments despite concerns from both sides of aisle]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/parliament-approves-latest-uuca-amendments-despite-concerns-from-both-sides-of-aisle/124144 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/parliament-approves-latest-uuca-amendments-despite-concerns-from-both-sides-of-aisle/124144 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — The Universities and University Colleges (Amendment) Bill 2023 was passed in Parliament today despite concerns from some lawmakers.

While the latest amendments seek to empower student bodies in local institutions of higher learning, several lawmakers such as DAP’s Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing said the law still treated students as immature and incapable of handling their own affairs.

“If we look at the amended sections — 15a, 16b and 48 — the main powers, or absolute power, for example collection of funds, organising events, appointment of disciplinary committee or period of the Students’ Representative Council, in the amendments, the University Council was mentioned.

“This meant that, these aspects — collection of funds, organising events, appointment of disciplinary committee — still do not see student representation in the Board.

“I would like to ask, who is the board made of? We know that the board does not have student representation and majority are of academics. I’m not denying that is it important to have academics in forming the board, but I believe there is a need to have student involvement to determine any policies or guidelines that are related to student welfare,” Tan told the Parliament in his debate on the Bill.

While Tan expressed gratitude for the amendments, he said reforms should still continue towards the repeal of the UUCA.

Among others, the amendments authorise student bodies to perform regulated fundraising and participate in regulating disciplinary offences via a student disciplinary committee that must include three senior university officials.

Earlier during debate, Bersatu’s Perlis MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim questioned why the UUCA was being repealed when Pakatan Harapan (PH), which is part of the national unity government, previously promised its repeal.

He also complained about the limited time given to each MP to debate the Bill.

“By right we don’t need to talk about UUCA any more, because I support the Pakatan Harapan (PH) manifesto which said that it would abolish UUCA if they win (the general election),” he said.

When tabling the amendment, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir said it was aimed at empowering students to cultivate student movements in the country.

Responding to MPs concerns on the amendments tabled, Zambry said the amendments were not unilaterally made by the government but had gone through multiple engagement sessions since 2021 with student groups.

In December 2018, Parliament had passed amendments to UUCA that removed the restriction on students participating in political activities on campus.

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Soo Wern Jun Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:26:22 +0800 Universities and University Colleges Act
<![CDATA[Power reserve margin rate projected between 28 and 36pc in Peninsular Malaysia]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/power-reserve-margin-rate-projected-between-28-and-36pc-in-peninsular-malaysia/124142 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/power-reserve-margin-rate-projected-between-28-and-36pc-in-peninsular-malaysia/124142 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — The power reserve margin in Peninsular Malaysia is projected to be between 28 and 36 per cent from 2024 to 2030, which is above the minimum level necessary to accommodate electricity supply demand in the event of supply disruptions at any power plants.

Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said this level of power reserve margin will be maintained according to the Planning and Implementation Committee for Electricity Supply and Tariff (JPPPET) to ensure affordable electricity supply costs.

“The power reserve margin includes electricity generated by power plants operated by energy-generating companies utilising gas, coal, and renewable energy sources.

“The electricity supply from fossil and non-fossil energy generation companies will undoubtedly create source diversification for electricity supply generation to ensure the safety of the national electricity supply system,” he said when replying to a question from Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (PH-Gombak) in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Akmal Nasrullah also said that the JPPPET, established to determine the energy supply planning and the direction of the national electricity supply industry, is a government effort to ensure that the country’s electricity resources can be supplied sufficiently, sustainably, and at affordable rates for consumers.

Akmal Nasrullah said that during the JPPPET meeting on Nov 24 last year, the forecasted energy demand to accommodate electricity supply demand in Peninsular Malaysia, including industrial and electric transportation demand, was discussed and approved.

“For example, the projected electricity supply demand in Peninsular Malaysia for this year is 19,480 megawatts (MW), and we expect it to reach 20,049 MW by 2030, which is an increase of about 2.9 percent,” he said.

He added that factors contributing to this increase are the growth in economic activity, industrial development such as the establishment of data centres, the resumption of economic and social activities after the Covid-19 pandemic and the higher projections for electric vehicles. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:12:59 +0800 JPPPET
<![CDATA[No PSC increase, component for Asean destination standardised, says minister]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/no-psc-increase-component-for-asean-destination-standardised-says-minister/124140 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/no-psc-increase-component-for-asean-destination-standardised-says-minister/124140 Malay Mail

SEPANG, March 18 — The Ministry of Transport stressed that there was no increase in passenger service charges (PSC); rather, a component was standardised following a rate revision for Asean travel destinations.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said airport operators also needed revenue to manage the airports, pay water and electricity bills, and wages.

“Previously, there was a separate category at a lower rate for Asean destinations, but now they are grouped with international destinations.

“PSC is the charge collected by airport operators, that is, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and Senai Airport (which is not owned by MAHB) to manage and maintain their airports and not paid as a tax to the government.

“The airport operators also have maintenance costs for electric and water bills, as well staff salaries, and the whole ecosystem in an airport,” he said.

Loke noted that the cost of managing an airport is high, and airport operators must have revenue, and the PSC is among their main revenue sources.

Asked for assurances that airport operators would improve facilities following the PSC adjustment, the minister said operators were subject to the requirements of the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) and had to meet its standards.

On March 13, Mavcom said the PSC revisions would apply for the First Regulatory Period (RP1) from June 1, 2024, to Dec 31, 2026.

The commission recently revised the PSC rates to between RM7 and RM73 for RP1, payable by passengers departing from and transferring through Malaysia, and they include a security charge for the provision of security services at airports.

It maintained the domestic departure PSC at RM11 at all airports except Senai International Airport.

The PSC for international travel (Asean and beyond) has been unified into a single international departure PSC of RM73 for Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 and RM50 for KLIA Terminal 2 (previously known as klia2) and other airports.

Currently, the Asean and beyond Asean PSC are RM35 and RM73, respectively. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:30:55 +0800 passenger service charges PSC,passenger service charges
<![CDATA[Rafizi: 5.43m individuals update data on Padu as of March 17]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/rafizi-543m-individuals-update-data-on-padu-as-of-march-17/124139 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/rafizi-543m-individuals-update-data-on-padu-as-of-march-17/124139 Malay Mail

PUTRAJAYA, March 18 — A total of 5.43 million individuals across the country have updated their data in the Central Database Hub (Padu) as of March 17, according to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.

However, he said there were also 4,752 areas identified nationwide where the residents have not registered with Padu or any government assistance programme before.

“The residents of these areas, although identified as B40 and B60, did not have their data listed in any government assistance database before.

“Therefore, they are at risk of being left behind from receiving or being included in any future government programmes and assistance,” he told a press conference here today.

Selangor leads the list of areas not yet covered by Padu with 1,282 areas, followed by Kuala Lumpur (992), Sarawak (765), Sabah (620), Johor (271), Penang (243), Kelantan (228), Kedah (157), Pahang (70), Perak (67), Terengganu (35), Negeri Sembilan (eight), Perlis (seven), Putrajaya (five) and Melaka (two).

Rafizi said most of the areas were PPR or public housing flats, condominiums, apartments, low-cost houses, quarters, shop houses, water houses or longhouses, and individual homes.

As such, he said the Ministry of Economy and the Padu team would give their focus in the last two weeks before the last date to update data on Padu on March 31, to intensify the registration of individuals and households in the database, especially those identified as having the highest risk of being left behind.

He said a town hall session will be held this Saturday (March 23) at the MBSA Convention Centre in Shah Alam aimed at providing information on the benefits of Padu and obtaining cooperation from relevant parties to help increase registration among the residents in those areas, especially in Selangor and the Kuala Lumpur, before the deadline.

The town hall session will also be attended by the relevant members of Parliament, assemblymen, district officers, mayors and presidents of local authorities, as well as representatives from Joint Management Bodies (JMB).

Rafizi said Padu registration counters will also be open throughout the town hall session to assist the residents in registering and updating their data on Padu.

“I also call on all state governments to take similar steps to encourage Padu registration for residents in those areas,” he said.

Taking Kuala Lumpur as an example, Rafizi said that areas with a higher non-Malay population such as Seputeh, Segambut, and Bukit Bintang are at risk of exclusion because these groups may not be aware of the government’s assistance programmes.

This is because the previous approach required individuals in need to go to government departments to apply for government aid, but with Padu, the government can identify individuals eligible for assistance.

Padu, launched on Jan 2, is among the government's initiatives to develop a database that will serve as the primary source of reference for all government agencies in making decisions based on accurate data, in addition to enhancing the efficiency of government service delivery to improve people’s wellbeing.

Padu also aims to assist the government in strengthening the nation's fiscal sustainability and providing space to implement fiscal reforms to enhance spending efficiency. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:22:03 +0800 Rafizi Ramli,PADU,Padu database
<![CDATA[Google’s forex glitches can have detrimental impact]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/googles-forex-glitches-can-have-detrimental-impact/124138 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/googles-forex-glitches-can-have-detrimental-impact/124138 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — Google’s foreign exchange (forex) rate glitch, which displayed erroneous US dollar/ringgit quotes on March 15, is indeed a cause for concern.

This was the second time a mistake was made within a brief window of 40 days, which if left unchecked can adversely affect sentiment and cause financial losses, although Google Malaysia has since issued an apology on X (formerly known as Twitter).

The first glitch on Feb 6 involved the publication of a grossly erroneous US dollar/ringgit exchange rate of RM6.24, while last Friday’s glitch showed an exchange rate of RM4.98.

In actuality, the ringgit traded between RM4.68 and RM4.70 versus the greenback last week.

Google Finance provides one-day, five-day, one-month, six-month, year-to-date, one-year, five-year and maximum charts on its currency exchange page. The glitch in March only appeared in Google Finance’s five-day chart and was not reflected in the other charts.

Despite Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the government calling it out, the glitch remained for the next 24 hours.

It should be noted that Malaysia was not the first country to experience this, with similar incidents in past years involving Ghana, Pakistan, Morocco and Nigeria, affecting the exchange rates between the dollar and their respective local currencies. These incidents were widely reported.

Exchange rate information is crucial for an array of financial decisions, including but not limited to currency exchange, international trade, investment decisions, and other forex-related decisions.

While the countries affected by the glitches do not publish monetary losses directly in public forums or major news outlets, the potential for such losses exists.

The lack of widely reported incidents also suggests that either such glitches are infrequent and quickly corrected or that the impact has been minimal because of cross-verification practices.

However, the absence of publicised reports does not entirely rule out the occurrence of losses, as affected parties may resolve such issues privately or through customer service channels without resorting to public forums or legal action.

Even if there were no actual financial losses, the frenzy caused by such glitches and the adverse impact on the respectively countries in terms of perception and stability were undoubtedly detrimental and uncalled for.

Hence, as a reputable search engine, Google should exercise caution in getting verified exchange rates from central banks and financial institutions rather than quotes originating from websites.

When a similar glitch happened to Morocco’s dirham last year, its central bank, Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM), was forced to come forward and deny speculation that the country’s currency had lost around 70 per cent of its value as the incident reportedly created a nationwide panic among its netizens.

Google’s disclaimer on currency exchange rates states: “Google cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.”

Financial professionals often cross-reference exchange rates from multiple sources before executing significant transactions in order to mitigate the risk of loss due to glitches like these.

Similarly, reputable financial institutions and services also have safeguards and checks to prevent reliance on inaccurate data. However, such services could be out of reach for ordinary citizens, precipitating panic and frenzy with detrimental effects.

While real financial losses could have been mitigated or minimised via existing mechanisms, social media platforms such as TikTok, X, Facebook and other widely used platforms enable unscrupulous parties to misuse such information to cast aspersion on government policies and initiatives.

Coupled with the rise of artificial intelligence-driven services such as ChatGPT from OpenAI, it is unfortunate that the risk of misinformation and unreliable projections will only increase in frequency.

The advice for ordinary citizens is that when faced with suspicious information on exchange rates, they should refer to BNM’s website to confirm the validity of the information that they have received. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:11:09 +0800 ringgit exchange rate,Google
<![CDATA[Google Malaysia apologises for erroneous USD-MYR exchange rate]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/google-malaysia-apologises-for-erroneous-usd-myr-exchange-rate/124135 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/google-malaysia-apologises-for-erroneous-usd-myr-exchange-rate/124135 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — Google Malaysia has issued an apology for the erroneous US Dollar-Ringgit (USD-MYR) exchange rate published on its finance page.

“We immediately contacted the third party that provides USD-MYR exchange rate information to correct the error. The issue has now been resolved and we apologise for any confusion caused,” Google Malaysia posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Google also went on to say that it provides currency exchange rates for informational purposes only.

“Please consult official sources such as the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) website for making any financial decisions,” it said on the micro-blogging site.

Google published an inaccurate exchange rate on March 15, 2024. This was the second incident in which Google published inaccurate USD/MYR exchange rate data in 2024. This first was on Feb 6. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:03:22 +0800 ringgit exchange rate,Google
<![CDATA[Malaysia considers hosting ‘downsized’ Commonwealth Games]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/malaysia-considers-hosting-downsized-commonwealth-games/124134 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/malaysia-considers-hosting-downsized-commonwealth-games/124134 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) said today it was considering hosting a “downsized” Commonwealth Games in 2026 but the final decision would lie with the government.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is scrambling to find a host after the Australian state of Victoria abruptly pulled out in July last year, citing spiralling costs.

“For example, it doesn’t have to include 15 sports. It could be 10 sports, resulting in a smaller opening and closing ceremony,” OCM secretary-general Mohamad Nazifuddin Najib said.

“So, all of that can be discussed, but we’ll let the decision come from the cabinet.”

Malaysian sports minister Hannah Yeoh confirmed that the government was considering the plan to host the Games.

“The most important thing is that when the decision is made, we assure you it will be after taking into consideration all the possible angles,” she was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.

Victoria’s sudden move, and the lack of an obvious alternative, triggered debate about the future of the games, which take place every four years and were last held in Birmingham in 2022.

Malaysia said last week the CGF had offered “a significant financial investment of 100 million pounds” to help support the Southeast Asian nation to host the Games.

But dissent had emerged over the prospect of hosting the games, with a former sports minister criticising the idea as “reckless” because the games are a little over two years away.

However, the CGF has suggested that Malaysia was not the only country that could potentially stage the Games in 2026.

Singapore, which is aiming to host more large-scale sports events, said last week it was “assessing the feasibility” of the CGF’s invitation to host the games.

The wealthy city-state holds the Formula One night race annually and will be hosting the World Aquatic Championships in 2025.

The Youth Olympic Games was also held in Singapore in 2010.

Some observers have said both Malaysia and Singapore should co-host the event, a point that was also raised by the OCM.

“There is a possibility that we can collaborate with Singapore, but there is also a possibility that Singapore can decide to take over as the organiser and we miss this opportunity,” Nazifuddin said.

Song Seng Wun, economic adviser for CGS International, said “a significantly scaled-down Games will be more do-able but will still require a significant amount of money”.

A joint bid could be “the only solution on paper”, he told AFP.

“Singapore is too small and will need more infrastructure investment,” Song said. — AFP

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:56:27 +0800 Commonwealth Games host,Commonwealth Games,Hannah Yeoh
<![CDATA[PTPTN borrowers urge to grab repayment discount incentive]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/ptptn-borrowers-urge-to-grab-repayment-discount-incentive/124131 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/ptptn-borrowers-urge-to-grab-repayment-discount-incentive/124131 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — Borrowers of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) have been urged to grab the loan repayment discount incentive, which will end on March 31.

In a statement today, PTPTN said that between October 14, last year and January 31 this year, more than 394,000 borrowers had benefited from the incentive, with the total discount amounting to RM57.78 million, involving repayments eligible for discounts totalling RM442.09 million.

"Through the tabling of Budget 2024 on October 13 last year, the government agreed to give PTPTN borrowers up to 15 per cent discount incentive on loan repayment for three categories.

"The three categories include a 10 per cent discount for full settlement of the remaining debt, a 10 per cent discount for a repayment of at least 50 per cent of the remaining debt in one payment, and a 15 per cent discount for repayment through salary deduction or direct debit," read the statement.

PTPTN chief executive Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid thanked the government for the repayment incentive that benefits PTPTN borrowers.

He also expressed appreciation to borrowers for their commitment to making repayments, as this ensures the continuity of the education loan fund for the next generation so that no student is barred from attending institutions of higher education due to financial problems.

"We hope that borrowers will take the opportunity to repay and contact PTPTN if they have problems because PTPTN is ready to help," he said.

In addition, he said PTPTN offers various repayment channels for the convenience of borrowers, including through the myPTPTN application, which is more accessible, faster and more secure.

Borrowers can contact PTPTN through the PTPTN Careline at 03-2193 3000, live chat at www.ptptn.gov.my, e-complaints https://eaduan.ptptn.gov.my/, PTPTN sales representatives at https://www.ptptn.gov.my/hubungi-ptptn or PTPTN's official social media. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:48:00 +0800 PTPTN loan repayment discount
<![CDATA[Penang water company urges Penangites to reduce water usage by 10pc amid ongoing dry season]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/penang-water-company-urges-penangites-to-reduce-water-usage-by-10pc-amid-ongoing-dry-season/124124 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/penang-water-company-urges-penangites-to-reduce-water-usage-by-10pc-amid-ongoing-dry-season/124124 Malay Mail

GEORGE TOWN, March 18 — The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has urged all water consumers in the state to immediately reduce their water consumption by 10 per cent amid the ongoing dry season.

PBAPP chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan said that the estimated water consumption in the state hit 927 million litres per day (MLD) yesterday compared to the daily average of 877 MLD recorded in 2023.

“This represents a sudden 50 MLD surge in water consumption year-on-year. Such a surge in a water-stressed state like Penang is rather unwise and unsustainable because it has caused issues in some areas in the Barat Daya and Seberang Prai Selatan districts,” he said in a statement today.

Pathmanathan also said that the effective capacity of the Air Itam Dam had dropped by 0.8 per cent, from 38.1 per cent on Friday (March 15) to 37.3 per cent yesterday.

As such, he said PBAPP was compelled to draw down more than 11 MLD from the dam and the Air Itam Water Treatment Plant (WTP) had to produce 25 MLD of treated water to meet increased water demand.

“The implementation of the Air Itam Dam Action Plan 2024 (AIDAP 2024) has increased the effective capacity of the dam by 4.5 per cent, from 32.8 per cent on Feb 5 to 37.3 per cent on March 17.

“One of the key factors that will determine the continued success of AIDAP 2024 is moderate consumption of water.

“PBAPP has been pumping 33 MLD of water from the Sungai Dua WTP into the Air Itam water supply service area to gradually increase the effective capacity of the dam,” he said.

Pathmanathan, however, said that if PBAPP is unable to continue pumping 33 MLD of treated water from Seberang Perai to Air Itam due to abnormally high water consumption, AIDAP 2024 would not work.

“Moreover, there will be more widespread water supply issues in the Barat Daya and Seberang Prai Selatan districts,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pathmanathan said that from March 14 to yesterday, the water level of Sungai Muda stood between 1.71m and 1.89m, which was below the “2.0m safe level” for water abstraction at the Lahar Tiang Intake in Seberang Perai.

He said that the level of the 120 billion-litre Muda Dam in Kedah that releases water into Sungai Muda reportedly dropped to 48.6 per cent on Friday (March 15).

Pathmanathan said that the PBAPP will continue to abstract as much raw water as possible from Sungai Muda daily to meet Penang’s water demand.

“PBAPP personnel are on standby to draw down a maximum of 600 MLD from the Expanded Mengkuang Dam (EMD), as and when we are unable to abstract sufficient water from Sungai Muda,” he added. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:55:03 +0800 Penang Water Supply Corporation,penang water supply,penang water woes
<![CDATA[PAC chairman: UiTM Holdings Group, subsidiaries yet to achieve intended objective of creating wealth for UiTM]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/pac-chairman-uitm-holdings-group-subsidiaries-yet-to-achieve-intended-objective-of-creating-wealth-for-uitm/124123 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/pac-chairman-uitm-holdings-group-subsidiaries-yet-to-achieve-intended-objective-of-creating-wealth-for-uitm/124123 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has found that UiTM Holdings Group and and its subsidiaries have yet to achieve the original objectives for Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), which was to create investment opportunities and improve the strategic position of the company's core business.

UiTM Holdings Group is a wholly-owned investment holding company of UiTM and presently manages nine active subsidiaries with operations spanning five business divisions namely, energy, education, healthcare, technology and creative.

This report today is presented after the PAC's proceedings on December 6, 2023. In the proceedings, the Higher Education Ministry's (KPT) Deputy Secretary General (Policy), Datuk Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian, UiTM Vice Chancellor Prof Datuk Shahrin Sahib @ Sahibuddin and acting Chief Executive Officer of UiTM Holdings Group, Farisan Mokhtar were called in as witnesses.

In the statement released today, PAC chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said that UiTM's failure to obtain the approval of the minister of finance is inconsistent with the provisions under the MARA University of Technology Act 1976 [Act 173], which resulted in the takeover of UiTM Private Education Sdn. Bhd. (UPESB) and UiTM Technoventure Sdn. Bhd. (UTVSB), which is against the act.

“Capital injection amounting to RM259.98 million by UiTM from 2007 to 2018 without the approval of the Minister of Finance (MOF) to own shares in UiTM Holdings is not in accordance with the requirements of Act 173.

“The solar project by UiTM Holdings benefits the operation of UiTM. However, the actual exchange of land conditions at Solar Park I Gambang, Pahang has not yet been completed," Mas Ermieyati said.

She added that the company's failure to finalise a new lease agreement between UiTM and UiTM Private Healthcare Sdn. Bhd. (UPHSB) had resulted in rent arrears for 15 months, in addition to causing the UiTM Specialist Health Centre hospital building to be poorly maintained.

The PAC had also recommended several measures to UiTM and KPT, to mitigate the red flags highlighted.

In the statement, Mas Ermieyati advised UiTM to be more effective in regulating UiTM Holdings and its subsidiaries so that they generate profits and can pay dividends in line with the goals of the establishment.

She said that UiTM needs to ensure compliance with the approval authority in making investments, loans and the establishment of subsidiary companies following the provisions of Act 173.

“KPT and UiTM must ensure that corrective action is taken in the issue of capital injection amounting to RM259.98 million to comply with Act 173.

“UiTM Holdings must immediately resolve the issue of the exchange of actual land conditions at Solar Park I Gambang, Pahang.

“UiTM Holdings needs to present a comprehensive plan on investment and business direction, including on the dealing resulting in the 15-month arrears on the building rental and the maintenance of the UiTM Specialist Health Centre hospital building," she added.

Mas Ermieyati said that PAC will also recall representatives from the MOF, KPT and UiTM for follow-up action proceedings on the said issue, within two months, to find out the response from the said parties to the recommendations given by the PAC.

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Yiswaree Palansamy Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:01:55 +0800 PAC report,UiTM Holdings Group,UiTM
<![CDATA[Transport Ministry aims to complete KLIA aerotrain project by year-end, says Anthony Loke]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/transport-ministry-aims-to-complete-klia-aerotrain-project-by-year-end-says-anthony-loke/124122 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/transport-ministry-aims-to-complete-klia-aerotrain-project-by-year-end-says-anthony-loke/124122 Malay Mail

SEPANG, March 18 — The Ministry of Transport (MoT) is closely monitoring the progress of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s aerotrain project and expects it to be completed before the end of the year, said Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

He said the project is ongoing since the contract has been renegotiated and the consortium which undertakes the project has been formed.

“We are monitoring the progress and we want them to complete the project. Our target is before the end of this year,” he told the media here, today.

Earlier, Loke witnessed a signing ceremony signed between the government and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).

It was reported that a French rolling stock manufacturer Alstom Transport Systems (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd had been appointed as the project’s original equipment manufacturer and also serves as the project coordination lead.

The Malaysian government, via the Ministry of Transport, and MAHB today inked new operating agreements (OAs) for 45 years until Feb 11, 2069, said Loke Siew Fook.

Upon signing the agreements, the airport operator will continue its role to operate, manage, maintain, and develop 39 airports and STOLports (short take-off and landing airports) nationwide. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:47:38 +0800 KLIA aerotrain project,klia aerotrain
<![CDATA[Dr Mahathir discharged from IJN after two months]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/dr-mahathir-discharged-from-ijn-after-two-months/124121 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/dr-mahathir-discharged-from-ijn-after-two-months/124121 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been discharged from the National Heart Institute (IJN) after more than two months of undergoing treatment.

The two-time former prime minister was discharged at 11.30am today, a statement from his office said.

The 97-year-old was admitted to the IJN on January 26 this year for treatment of infection and for observation. His condition is said to be stable.

“As we have been made to understand, yes, cleared of infection, hence the discharge,” an aide to the former prime minister said in a short text message.

A week ago Dr Mahathir issued his first public statement since being admitted. In the statement, he said he was recovering and thanked doctors and medical workers who treated him.

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Syed Jaymal Zahiid Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:52:31 +0800 mahathir mohamad,mahathir mohamad in IJN
<![CDATA[State division chiefs call for Sabah PKR chairman Sangkar Rasam to step down citing poor leadership]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/state-division-chiefs-call-for-sabah-pkr-chairman-sangkar-rasam-to-step-down-citing-poor-leadership/124118 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/state-division-chiefs-call-for-sabah-pkr-chairman-sangkar-rasam-to-step-down-citing-poor-leadership/124118 Malay Mail

KOTA KINABALU, March 18 — Another internal crisis is on the cards for Sabah PKR as 15 out of the 26 divisional chiefs today called for its chairman Datuk Sangkar Rasam to step down, citing poor leadership.

The disgruntled leaders said that Sangkar had failed to conduct crucial party-building activities like election preparedness, communication and leadership training and public speaking exercises.

“So far the only thing he does is organise the welcome events for our national leaders when they visit from West Malaysia,” Kota Marudu chief Sazalye Donol told reporters this afternoon.

The dissatisfaction has been brewing since last year but reached its peak when they called for a meeting yesterday to discuss the matter before deciding on having a press conference today.

The other divisional chiefs whose names were on the statement are Kota Belud’s Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, Kota Kinabalu’s Datuk Christina Liew, Sepanggar’s Peto Galim, Tuaran’s Razeef Rakimin, Pensiangan’s Raymond Ahuar, Sipitang’s Wendey Agong, Beaufort’s Dikin Musah, Beluran’s Basran Omar, Kinabatangan’s Azmi Tambuyong, Papar’s Roslee Malek, Kimanis’s Awang Chuchu, Kalabakan’s Roslan Sapar, batu Sapi’s Aris Remigius and Semporna’s Amin Mem.

The other 11 divisional chiefs chose to remain neutral on the matter.

Donol said that they had a proposed replacement for Sangkar but declined to disclose the candidate’s name, although he hinted that Kota Belud chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmut who is also Sepanggar MP, Api-Api assemblyman and former Sabah PKR chief Liew, and Inanam Assemblyman and Sepanggar chief Peto could be among them.

Sangkar was appointed to the position in 2022 but the dissatisfaction began about a year later, where the 15 had signed statutory declarations (SD) stating their stance.

Donol said that PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was aware of the matter as the SDs had been handed to his political secretary.

“It’s not that we want to challenge the president’s authority as it is his decision and prerogative to appoint the leader, but this is for the party’s welfare and wellbeing at the end of the day,” he said, adding that Sabah PKR faces critical challenges in the upcoming state elections.

Two years ago, the then Sabah PKR chairman Datuk Christina Liew had also faced similar protests but despite strong opposition divisional leaders, she remained in her position until the party elections in 2022 when she was replaced by Sangkar.

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Julia Chan Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:33:46 +0800 Sabah PKR,Sangkar Rasam
<![CDATA[Natural Resources Ministry conducting study on national carbon market policy, says Nik Nazmi]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/natural-resources-ministry-conducting-study-on-national-carbon-market-policy-says-nik-nazmi/124116 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/natural-resources-ministry-conducting-study-on-national-carbon-market-policy-says-nik-nazmi/124116 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) is conducting a study on the National Carbon Market Policy (DPKK), slated for completion next year, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Its Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, said the policy seeks to support the adoption of both compliance and voluntary carbon market mechanisms in Malaysia, thus facilitating the implementation of carbon projects by investors.

He said that the policy was also in line with the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Roadmap to reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45 per cent by 2030.

“DPKK is also formulated to facilitate relevant stakeholders, such as state governments and the private sector, to develop the local carbon trading industry.

“The ministry will continue to hold discussions with state governments regarding the carbon market mechanism since matters related to land and forestry fall within the jurisdiction of the state government,” he said during the question and answer session.

Nik Nazmi said this in reply to a question from Datuk Ali Biju (PN-Saratok) about the current status of carbon trading implementation in Malaysia and the direction of the national carbon policy.

In response to Ali’s supplementary question regarding the government’s plan to introduce the carbon tax, Nik Nazmi said the Ministry of Finance, which is responsible for overseeing taxation matters, has commenced discussions with stakeholders, while NRES has provided technical input to the process.

“So, among the factors we consider is the fact that we still have a lot of carbon subsidies for things like petrol, diesel, natural gas, and so on. That’s why we need to look at this matter comprehensively.

“We’ve started the process of transitioning to targeted subsidies...this is not a matter of increasing government revenue but rather of achieving net zero carbon emissions,” he said. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:09:45 +0800 carbon credits,National Carbon Market Policy
<![CDATA[Sarawak minister urges federal govt to accord automatic Malaysian citizenship to abandoned children]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/sarawak-minister-urges-federal-govt-to-accord-automatic-malaysian-citizenship-to-abandoned-children/124115 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/sarawak-minister-urges-federal-govt-to-accord-automatic-malaysian-citizenship-to-abandoned-children/124115 Malay Mail

KUCHING, March 18 — Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah today urged the federal government to accord automatic Malaysian citizenship to abandoned children under the proposed amendments to the Federal Constitution.

She said in most cases, it is difficult to find out who their biological parents are as these children were found abandoned by members of the public due to the absence of information.

“When these children are later adopted, their adopted parents have great difficulties registering them as Malaysian citizens,” she told reporters when met an event.

She said the Sarawak Special Committee for Citizenship established under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution, which she co-chaired with Home Minister, had discussed the matters with the state government asking that stateless children who are under the care of the Welfare Department and welfare bodies to be given the Malaysian citizenship certificates.

“We beg that special consideration be given to these stateless children, including those under 21 who have yet to be issued with the citizenship certificate.

“Since they were born in that situation and placed in the welfare institutions, we want them to be given special consideration by the federal government,” she said.

She said the couples, who may be childless, are sincere and want to take care of these children as their own.

She said without citizenship these stateless and abandoned children will be denied access to education which is a basic human right.

“As a former teacher, I know how difficult it is when these children try to enter schools and if they are allowed, their parents will have to pay fees meant for foreigners,” she said.

She said when these children get married in the future, their offspring will also become stateless.

Previously, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced that the Cabinet had given the green light for the proposal over the Federal Constitution amendment involving citizenship to be tabled in Dewan Rakyat.

Saifuddin said the ministry would also submit a request to the Dewan Rakyat’s secretary for the amendment to be included in the House proceedings, this year.

The amendment amends subsection (b) of article 14 to include the term “mother” to facilitate the legal acquisition of the child’s citizenship.

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Sulok Tawie Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:18:48 +0800 stateless children,malaysian citizenship law,Malaysian citizenship,automatic Malaysian citizenship,abandoned children
<![CDATA[Terengganu urged to collect drainage contributions to tackle flash floods]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/terengganu-urged-to-collect-drainage-contributions-to-tackle-flash-floods/124114 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/terengganu-urged-to-collect-drainage-contributions-to-tackle-flash-floods/124114 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) has proposed that the Terengganu government imposes a levy on developers, with the revenue to be used for flash flood mitigation in the state.

Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the levy, or drainage contribution, can be imposed on any land development or disposal by land ownership and altering land conditions for residential, commercial and industrial purposes by developers.

“Many states in the peninsula have already introduced this method so the state government (Terengganu) can consider this as many of these flash floods are caused by development in the surrounding areas,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was replying to a supplementary question from Datuk Ahmad Amzad Mohamed @ Hashim (PN-Kuala Terengganu), who wanted to know the solutions to the flood problem in Taman Alamanda, Jalan Tekukur in Kuala Terengganu.

In his reply to a question from Ahmad Amzad on the ministry’s initiative to tackle flooding in Kuala Terengganu, Akmal Nasrullah said RM6.7 million was allocated to Terengganu last year for river dredging and related matters under the River Protection Programme to reduce the risk of flooding.

He said RM200,000 was allocated under the same programme this year and channelled to the Kuala Terengganu Parliament.

“The Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) is also studying the Terengganu River Basin Flood Mitigation Master Plan. The main output of the study is flood hazard and risk maps for the Terengganu River Basin, which is expected to be completed by 2025.

“The Sungai Ibai Estuary Conservation Project in Kuala Terengganu commenced on July 24, 2023 and is expected to be completed on November 23, 2025 with a contract value of RM24 million,” he added. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:07:40 +0800 Terengganu floods,flash flood
<![CDATA[Anthony Loke: Port handlers that allowed Israeli shipping company Zim's cargo to enter Malaysia will be reprimanded]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/anthony-loke-port-handlers-that-allowed-israeli-shipping-company-zims-cargo-to-enter-malaysia-will-be-reprimanded/124111 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/anthony-loke-port-handlers-that-allowed-israeli-shipping-company-zims-cargo-to-enter-malaysia-will-be-reprimanded/124111 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke said his ministry plans to reprimand the logistics company that let an Israeli shipping company’s container enter Malaysian roads.

Loke said he is aware that a container belonging to a company called Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd was seen on the side of the road recently.

He said the government had already told these companies that they are not allowed to dock in Malaysia and must return to their country of origin.

He said the port handlers may have made a mistake in letting the container enter and therefore the ministry will investigate the matter before taking action.

“We already said at the end of last year Zim cannot enter, they are an international company, and even if they tried to enter they can’t because all these shops are being monitored by international NGOs who track their movements.

“Before this, Zim was operating in Malaysia and they have many containers that are still here and it will gradually be removed. We have given them instructions to remove everything. From what I have heard the port handlers made a mistake allowing the container to enter the country so we will reprimand the company,” he said when met by reporters today in Sepang.

Loke warned existing companies or anyone else who plans to smuggle their wares in that they will be dealt with severely.

He said as of now he was made aware of four or five containers left belonging to Zim which will be transported out of Malaysia’s ports in due time.

A video was widely shared on social media showing a cargo truck with a container with the words Zim driving along the road.

Zim and other Israeli-based companies were asked to leave Malaysian waters once the war in Palestine broke out.

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R. Loheswar Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:01:45 +0800 israeli ship,malaysian ports,israeli cargo ship,Zim,Zim,ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd,israeli shipping company
<![CDATA[Anthony Loke: Govt renews MAHB contract to handle all airports in Malaysia for 45 years until 2069]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/anthony-loke-govt-renews-mahb-contract-to-handle-all-airports-in-malaysia-for-45-years-until-2069/124110 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/anthony-loke-govt-renews-mahb-contract-to-handle-all-airports-in-malaysia-for-45-years-until-2069/124110 Malay Mail

SEPANG, March 18 — Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and the government of Malaysia inked a new operating agreement (OA) to entrust the group with operating, managing, maintaining and developing 39 airports and short take-off and landing (STOL) ports for the next 45 years.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the new agreement extends until February 11, 2069 and will offer the group flexibility to pursue strategic investments essential for enhancing airports capacity, facilities and infrastructure therefore elevating its service standards.

“MAHB can now invest in terms of capacity building. upgrading our airports based on the investment recovery model. That will be helpful for the government because one of the biggest hurdles and challenges we face in upgrading our airports is the lack of development allocation from the government.

“Every year we have to bid for development allocation from the government. ministry of economy and the ministry of finance and not every year do we get allocation for airport upgrading. Many smaller airports need upgrading periodically like in Sabah and Sarawak which have lots of potential but are under capacity now.

“We need to upgrade them as soon and as fast as possible to tap into the tourism potential,” he said today during the signing ceremony at Sepang.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke speaks during a press conference in Sepang March 18, 2024. — Picture by Raymond Manuel
Transport Minister Anthony Loke speaks during a press conference in Sepang March 18, 2024. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

Loke reassured that with MAHB handling the airports it will alleviate the government’s financial burden.

He said while this agreement is done all other disruptions to passengers will be minimised.

Apart from the 39 airports, Malaysia Airports also manages and operates one international airport in Istanbul, Turkiye. The 39 airports in Malaysia comprise five international airports, 17 STOL ports and 17 domestic airports.

Present at the signing ceremony were Acting group chief executive officer of Malaysia Airports Mohamed Rastam Shahrom, MAVCOM executive chairman Datuk Seri Saripuddin Hj Kasim and Malaysia Airports chairman Tan Sri Zainu Ali.

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R. Loheswar Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:47:41 +0800 MAHB,Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd MAHB
<![CDATA[Total of 34,497 online scam cases reported, losses estimated at RM1.2b last year, Dewan Negara told]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/total-of-34497-online-scam-cases-reported-losses-estimated-at-rm12b-last-year-dewan-negara-told/124108 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/total-of-34497-online-scam-cases-reported-losses-estimated-at-rm12b-last-year-dewan-negara-told/124108 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — A total of 34,497 cases of online scams involving losses of RM1.218 billion were reported nationwide in 2023, the Dewan Negara was told today.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said based on the 2023 statistics, telecommunications crime cases such as SMS contest scams, online impersonation scams, and phone call scams were among the highest recorded cases, with 10,348 cases involving losses totalling RM352.9 million.

“In this issue, the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) also plays a role in coordinating rapid responses to online crime scams. For your information, throughout the year 2023, a total of 6,434 investigation papers were opened through NSRC calls, involving a total loss of RM105.4 million.

“Out of this total, RM17,536,372.30 was successfully blocked before being withdrawn by the criminals, and a total of RM178,407.93 in seized funds was successfully returned to the victims,” he said when replying to a question from Senator Manolan Mohamad.

He added that a total of 1,610 exhibitions and 3,727 talks related to scams were conducted last year to raise awareness among the public. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:42:44 +0800 online scams,scam syndicate
<![CDATA[Health Ministry: Sabah records highest TB cases in 2023]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/health-ministry-sabah-records-highest-tb-cases-in-2023/124109 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/health-ministry-sabah-records-highest-tb-cases-in-2023/124109 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — Sabah reported the highest number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2023, totalling 5,814, followed by Selangor with 5,631 cases and Sarawak with 3,177 cases, the Senate was told today.

Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Amang Sauni said 22,680 cases (84.7 per cent) were infections among citizens, while 4,101 cases (15.3 per cent) were among non-citizens.

He said the the ministry is currently in the process of procuring an Ultra Portable X-ray machine to aid in detecting TB in remote areas or outside health facilities, particularly in regions with limited access.

“Since 2014, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has progressively enhanced the capacity to diagnose latent TB infection (LTBI) and drug-resistant TB using more precise and rapid technology.

“Until 2023, a total of 62 units of rapid molecular tests have been deployed nationwide to facilitate early detection of TB and drug-resistant TB cases,” he said during a question and answer session.

He was responding to a question from Senator Dr A. Lingeshwaran who wanted to know the breakdown of TB cases by state, age and citizenship, as well as data on drug-resistant TB for the past 10 years and measures to overcome this issue.

Lukanisman further explained that the MOH has implemented several measures to curb the spread of TB, including through screenings and testings or case confirmation for symptomatic patients at health facilities, such as those with prolonged fever, loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, night sweats and coughing up blood.

“We also conduct contact screening for individuals living with patients and those at high risk of contracting TB among family members, colleagues, residents in dormitories, colleges, nurseries, and kindergartens.

“Also for high-risk groups such as HIV patients, those with renal failure on dialysis, diabetic patients, the elderly, smokers, prison inmates and related institutions,” he said. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:37:25 +0800 tuberculosis outbreak,tb cases
<![CDATA[King presents instruments of appointment to five judges]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/king-presents-instruments-of-appointment-to-five-judges/124105 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/king-presents-instruments-of-appointment-to-five-judges/124105 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia today presented the instruments of appointment to five judges in a ceremony at Istana Negara here.

The ceremony, which took place at Bilik Singgahsana Kecil, began with the presentation of the instruments of appointment to Federal Court judges Datuk Hanipah Farikullah and Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera.

Also receiving their instruments of appointment were three High Court judges, namely Su Tiang Joo, Alexander Siew How Wai and Amelati Anak Parnell.

Hanipah and Vazeer Alam previously served as the judges of the Court of Appeal, while the other three judges were judicial commissioners.

Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Court of Appeal president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim witnessed the ceremony.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and Attorney-General Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh were also in attendance. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:59:16 +0800 king,sultan ibrahim sultan iskandar,instruments of appointment,judges
<![CDATA[Dewan Negara appoints select committee members]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/dewan-negara-appoints-select-committee-members/124104 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/dewan-negara-appoints-select-committee-members/124104 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — The Dewan Negara today approved a motion to appoint five Select Committee members for the Third Session of the 15th Parliament.

They are the Senate president Datuk Mutang Tagal (chairman), Senator Datuk A. Kesavadas, Senator Tan Sri Mohamad Fatmi Che Salleh, Senator Datuk Ahmad Azam Hamzah and Senator Susan Chemerai Anding.

The motion tabled by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran was approved by the majority of senate members.

“In accordance with the provisions of the Senate’s Standing Order 70 (2), the sitting hereby empowers the Select Committee to call individuals to be present before it and request for the issuance of letters,” said Kulasegaran at the Dewan Negara sitting today.

The Select Committee is appointed to carry out the duties provided for by the Standing Orders. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:55:29 +0800 dewan negara
<![CDATA[Dewan Negara president urges senators to play active role in parliamentary diplomacy]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/dewan-negara-president-urges-senators-to-play-active-role-in-parliamentary-diplomacy/124097 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/dewan-negara-president-urges-senators-to-play-active-role-in-parliamentary-diplomacy/124097 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — Senators are urged to take a more active role in empowering the status Dewan Negara as the highest legislative body and realising the true position of the Malaysian Parliament as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

Dewan Negara president Datuk Mutang Tagal said among the roles that senators could undertake is intensifying their participation in parliamentary diplomacy.

“In my brief tenure in this capacity, I have had the privilege of hosting several distinguished foreign guests.

“Such engagements will provide Honorable Members with the opportunity to collaborate on legislative initiatives and policy frameworks aimed at tackling global challenges such as climate change, violence, human rights, and trade,” he said in his speech at the opening of the Dewan Negara sitting today.

He said that by sharing knowledge and expertise, senators could develop more informed and comprehensive solutions to complex issues, thereby aiding the process of scrutinising, reviewing and deliberating laws in the Senate.

In this regard, Mutang hoped that senators would be more proactive in leveraging their professional networks via the Malaysian Parliament as a diplomatic channel to enhance inter-parliamentary and international relations comprehensively.

“From time to time, I will also invite Honourable Members to join me during courtesy calls from foreign dignitaries.

“This is also an initiative on my part to support Honourable Members in further expanding your networks according to your respective professional fields,” he said.

In his speech, Mutang also expressed sadness over the passing of former Sarawak Governor, the late Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, on Feb 21 and extended condolences to his family.

He described the late Abdul Taib as a dedicated figure and leader deeply committed to his struggles, principled and a noble friend.

“Therefore, I invite this august House to observe a minute of silence as a sign of respect in remembrance of his passing,” he said. — Bernama

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:30:10 +0800 Mutang Tagal,dewan negara,senators
<![CDATA[Investigations into KK Mart will continue over sale of 'Allah' socks despite apology, says deputy home minister]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/investigations-into-kk-mart-will-continue-over-sale-of-allah-socks-despite-apology-says-deputy-home-minister/124093 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/investigations-into-kk-mart-will-continue-over-sale-of-allah-socks-despite-apology-says-deputy-home-minister/124093 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — The Home Ministry will continue its investigation into convenience store chain KK Mart, over the its sale of socks with the word ‘Allah’ printed on it, despite the store’s apology on the matter, Deputy Home Minister (KDN) Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said today.

“KDN views this issue seriously and enforcement action was taken by carrying out checks at all KK Mart premises nationwide and the results of the inspection we made found that KK Mart had already recalled all the socks in question from all of its branches nationwide.

“However, we conducted further investigations on the management and vendors involved to ensure that these socks are no longer in the market.

“Although an apology was issued by KK Mart and the vendors involved, KDN will continue investigations to contain this issue that caused public uproar and annoyance, and if found guilty, the relevant parties may be punished with a fine of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both,” he told Parliament today.

Shamsul was responding to a question by Paya Besar MP Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah, who had asked about the ministry’s action on the sale of the said socks.

Last week, Malaysiakini reported that the police are not investigating the convenience store chain for selling the socks with the word Allah printed on them.

The news portal reported Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan saying that this was because no complaints were lodged over the matter.

However, Shamsul told the Dewan Rakyat that 36 police reports have already been lodged to date and one investigation paper has been opened under Section 298A of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

“The investigation paper is still under police investigation, and we are constantly monitoring so that things like these do not happen again,” he said.

National news agency Bernama yesterday reported that the socks with the word ‘Allah’ printed were sold at KK Mart in Bandar Sunway and the issue had gone viral on social media since March 13.

KK Mart Group founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri Dr KK Chai has since apologised over the issue.

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Yiswaree Palansamy Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:21:20 +0800 kk mart,allah socks
<![CDATA[Johor Immigration dept nabs ‘flower girls’ in entertainment centre raid]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/johor-immigration-dept-nabs-flower-girls-in-entertainment-centre-raid/124091 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/johor-immigration-dept-nabs-flower-girls-in-entertainment-centre-raid/124091 Malay Mail

JOHOR BARU, March 18 — The Johor Immigration Department has arrested 44 foreigners during a raid at an entertainment centre in Iskandar Puteri last weekend.

The raid, part of an Immigration Department operation called “Ops Gegar”, targeted foreign women who acted as stage entertainers that are popular in nightspots here.

Johor Immigration director Baharuddin Tahir said the raid, initiated from public tip-offs, took place on last Friday at 12.10am.

He said the department was made aware that there have been cases of foreign women involved with immoral activities and were illegally working in the country without proper documentation or permits.

“A total of 42 foreign women, who worked as ‘flower girls’, were arrested. The raid included their living quarters located on the third floor of the premise.

“Initial investigations revealed that each woman is paid between RM50 and RM500 for their services.

“Further checks revealed that the women had violated their social visit passes and temporary employment visit passes,” said Baharuddin in a statement today.

In addition, Baharuddin said the department’s enforcement team also arrested two men from China and Bangladesh to assist in investigations.

Johor Immigration Department enforcement officers during a raid at an entertainment centre in Iskandar Puteri where 44 foreigners were nabbed last weekend.  —  Picture courtesy of Johor Immigration Department
Johor Immigration Department enforcement officers during a raid at an entertainment centre in Iskandar Puteri where 44 foreigners were nabbed last weekend. — Picture courtesy of Johor Immigration Department

He said out of the 42 foreign women, 40 were from Thailand while one was from Indonesia and another from Myanmar.

“All those arrested are between the ages of 25 and 45,” he said.

Baharuddin said the case is being investigated under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963 for overstaying and Rule 11(7)(a) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 for violating their social visit passes.

In a separate case, the Johor Immigration Department arrested 63 foreigners for working without proper permits in several raids here last week.

Baharuddin said the raids, held from March 13 to March 17, saw 26 premises inspected within the Johor Baru district.

“Those arrested were 21 men from Bangladesh, eight men from India, eight men from Nepal, six men from Pakistan, two men from Indonesia, five women from Indonesia and one woman from the Philippines.

“In addition, there were also four men, four women, two boys and a girl, all from Myanmar who were apprehended during the raids,” he said, adding that those arrested were aged between 3 and 61.

Baharuddin said the case is being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act of 1959/63 for entering the country without valid travel documents and overstaying.

He added that authorities are also investigating the case under Section 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 for violating their visit pass requirements.

The Immigration Department has been cracking down on undocumented migrants and visitors since last year, especially those who misuse their social visit passes to work without valid documents.

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Ben Tan Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:55:42 +0800 flower girls,immigration department,undocumented foreigners,undocumented foreign workers
<![CDATA[Malaysian bonds beat emerging Asia peers as ringgit strengthens this month]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/malaysian-bonds-beat-emerging-asia-peers-as-ringgit-strengthens-this-month/124088 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/malaysian-bonds-beat-emerging-asia-peers-as-ringgit-strengthens-this-month/124088 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — The Malaysian ringgit has been reported to be one of emerging Asia’s best performing currencies this month, giving investors another reason to buy the nation’s bonds.

Bloomberg reported that the ringgit strengthened by almost 0.8 per cent in March after Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) said it was encouraging state-linked firms to repatriate and convert their overseas earnings.

It added that other bond positives are improving exports and a relatively stable inflation rate.

M&G Investments Asia fixed income fund manager Peerampa Janjumratsang was quoted as saying that Malaysia’s government bonds are a key element of Asia’s investment strategy.

“We currently maintain a moderately overweight position,” said the Singapore-based fund manager to the international financial wire.

Janjumratsang said that this was based on the “potential for the ringgit’s outperformance, supported by the country’s strong consumption and stable inflation profile.”

Based on indexes compiled by Bloomberg, Malaysia’s local-currency sovereign bonds have returned 1.1 per cent to dollar-based investors this month, compared with a gain of just 0.2 per cent for emerging Asian debt as a whole.

The report said part of their recent outperformance can be put down to the ringgit, which bounced back from a 26-year low set last month as the government and BNM stepped up efforts to support it.

In late February, it was reported that foreign investors’ appetite for Malaysia’s sovereign and corporate bonds will likely be less this year amid a weakening currency, dwindling hedged returns and slowing global economic activity.

Economists said the country’s sovereign bonds particularly may face a bleak prospect over the near term due to the negative sentiment surrounding the ringgit.

M&G’s Janjumratsang said the ringgit’s recent gain motivates exporters and local investors to favour ringgit deposits and investments over the US dollar.

She added this counters fears of a further depreciation of the ringgit.

Malaysian exports jumped by 8.7 per cent in January from a year earlier, ending 10 straight months of annual declines based on a government report on Febuary 20.

Based on a Bloomberg survey, the report said that economists will predict another year-on-year increase when February’s data are released today.

BNM data showed that overseas investors bought a net US$119 million of Malaysia’s conventional government bonds in February in comparison with Thailand and Indonesia, where both saw net outflows.

The report also quoted Singapore-based Maybank Securities Pte ltd head of fixed-income research Winson Phoon who said that they will continue to recommend staying tactically FX-unhedged in Malaysian bond positions as the ringgit tends to outperform regional currencies when the regulator steps up support following an extended period of weakness.

Earlier, it was reported that the ringgit opened lower against the US dollar in cautious trading, ahead of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday.

At 9.05am, the ringgit had depreciated to 4.7150/7190 against the greenback, from last Friday’s close at 4.7050/7095.

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Ben Tan Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:27:55 +0800 malaysian bonds,malaysia economy,ringgit vs usd
<![CDATA[Court of Appeal tells AGC to decide by September on representation of Zahid's acquittal in foreign visa bribery case]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/court-of-appeal-tells-agc-to-decide-by-september-on-representation-of-zahids-acquittal-in-foreign-visa-bribery-case/124086 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/court-of-appeal-tells-agc-to-decide-by-september-on-representation-of-zahids-acquittal-in-foreign-visa-bribery-case/124086 Malay Mail

PUTRAJAYA, March 18 — The Court of Appeal today issued the Attorney-General Chamber (AGC) an ultimatum to decide on Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s representation for the AGC’s consideration to discontinue its appeal in the latter’s acquittal in the foreign visa system (VLN) contract case.

A three-member bench led by Court of Appeal judge Datuk Hadhariah Syed Ismail also allowed for today’s appeal hearing to be adjourned to another date following a request from Ahmad Zahid’s lawyers since the status of their representations to the AGC were still undecided.

“Whatever representations (made), the prosecution must provide an answer (on the new date),” Hadhariah said, after also taking into consideration the voluminous notes of proceedings and submissions filed in regard to the present appeal.

At the onset of the hearing, Ahmad Zahid’s counsel Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik had informed and subsequently asked to be allowed an adjournment of today’s court proceedings following representations made, with the latest on February 7.

Ahmad Zahid had previously submitted similar representations calling for the prosecution to withdraw its appeal in January 2023.

“We understand that the representation is pending consideration.

“So, I think it is most fair and just for the Attorney General to carefully consider the representation made by the respondent,” Hisyam said.

Also appearing for Ahmad Zahid was lawyer Hamidi Mohd Noh who seconded Hisyam’s request for adjournment, citing additional time to be given for the defence to extensively study the submissions filed by the prosecution just last week.

AGC Trial and Appeals division head Datuk Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar who appeared for the prosecution, did not object to the defence’s request for adjournment.

Sitting with Hadhariah were Court of Appeal judges Datuk Azman Abdullah and Datuk SM Komathy Suppiah.

The court then fixed September 9 for hearing.

On September 23, 2022, the Shah Alam High Court acquitted and discharged Ahmad Zahid of all the charges after ruling that the prosecution had not made out a prima facie case against him. The prosecution then filed its notice of appeal to the Court of Appeal.

The Umno president pleaded not guilty to 33 counts of receiving bribes amounting to S$13.56 million from Ultra Kirana Sdn Bhd (UKSB) for himself as home minister to extend the contract of the company as the operator of a one-stop centre (OSC) service in China and the VLN system, as well as to maintain its contract with the home ministry to supply the VLN integrated system.

According to the charge sheet, Ahmad Zahid, who was former home minister, was alleged to have committed those offences at Seri Satria, Precinct 16, Putrajaya and Country Heights, Kajang, between October 2014 and March 2018.

This is Ahmad Zahid’s second case after he was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal by the Kuala Lumpur High Court on September 8, 2023.

In that case, Ahmad Zahid was accused of dishonestly misappropriating RM31 million from the charitable organisation Yayasan Akalbudi he founded.

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Kenneth Tee Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:13:18 +0800 ahmad zahid foreign visa trial,ahmad zahid hamidi trial,Foreign visa system trial,yayasan akalbudi
<![CDATA[Warisan permanent chairman Karim Bujang quits party, joins Gagasan Rakyat]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/warisan-permanent-chairman-karim-bujang-quits-party-joins-gagasan-rakyat/124083 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/18/warisan-permanent-chairman-karim-bujang-quits-party-joins-gagasan-rakyat/124083 Malay Mail

KOTA KINABALU, March 18 — Parti Warisan’s permanent chairman Datuk Karim Bujang has left the party and joined Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat).

The senior politician handed over his membership application form to Gagasan Rakyat’s President Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor at SICC on Sunday.

Also present to witness the handing over of the application form were Gagasan Rakyat’s Deputy President Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, the party’s vice presidents Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif and Datuk Masiung Banah, its Secretary General Datuk Mohd Razali Razi, Information Chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan and Treasurer Datuk Haji Gulamhaidar Khan Bahadar.

Karim joined Warisan in 2018 and contested for the 2020 Kimanis by-election. He lost to Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datuk Mohamad Alamin Datuk Mohamad Alamin. — The Borneo Post

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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:45:43 +0800 Warisan defectors,Parti Warisan Sabah,Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah,sabah politics,Karim Bujang