<![CDATA[Malay Mail - Malaysia]]> https://www.malaymail.com/feed/rss/malaysia Malaysia en Malay Mail Copyright 2024 Malay Mail Tue, 19 Mar 2024 16:20:43 +0800 <![CDATA[Ruckus in Parliament as Opposition accuse govt of bulldozing Bill on foreign country’s immunity, claim PM given absolute power]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/ruckus-in-parliament-as-opposition-accuse-govt-of-bulldozing-bill-on-foreign-countrys-immunity-claim-pm-given-absolute-power/124290 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/ruckus-in-parliament-as-opposition-accuse-govt-of-bulldozing-bill-on-foreign-countrys-immunity-claim-pm-given-absolute-power/124290 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — The Parliament today has approved the Jurisdictional Immunities of Foreign States Bill 2023 despite a ruckus that broke due to differences in views from the Opposition bloc.

A heated argument sparked while the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said made attempts to explain the Bill after the Opposition claimed Clause 30, 32 and 33 give absolute power to the prime minister.

“Kota Baru MP and Larut MP, you were ministers before, how many committees have been chaired by the prime minister [before this], you didn’t have any problems,” she said, referring to Perikatan Nasional’s Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan and Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

“About checks and balances, you are right, but I want to give an analogy, Kota Baru you spoke about sovereignty, I’m saying that there are no issues of sovereignty mentioned here, sovereignty is in the National Security Council (NSC), the impunity policy is reciprocity, whereby if they revoke our immunity in a foreign country, we can revoke their immunity here, that’s all we are asking for.

“We are not talking about sovereignty, you read just a little [of the Bill], you need to read from the beginning, that’s the problem, you want to show that the government is not a responsible government. Now I’m trying to explain, if compared to other countries, they don’t have a council, here we have a council,” Azalina told the Parliament in her winding-up speech on the debate of the Bill.

She further stressed that the Bill had nothing to do with sovereignty and it was not an amendment to the NSC Act 2016.

“This [Bill] is about immunity. I just want to end by saying this before I sit down, that, without this law, we fear that what happened with the Sulu claims may repeat because the other countries assume that our country isn’t giving reciprocity to immunity,” she said.

Clause 30 on “withdrawal of immunities of foreign State where there is no reciprocal treatment” states where the prime minister is satisfied that Malaysia would not receive, in any foreign State, any immunity corresponding to those conferred by Malaysia under this Act, they may withdraw all or any of immunity against that foreign State.

Meanwhile, Clause 32 on “power to exempt” states that the prime minister may exempt any foreign State from any of the provisions of this Act subject to any condition or restriction he may consider necessary or expedient to impose.

Azalina added that if looked at the preamble of the Bill, it states that the Act is to provide for the immunity of a foreign State and its property, the head of the State and the head of the Government of a foreign State from the jurisdiction of the court of Malaysia; the circumstances for the waiver of immunity; the restrictions of immunity; the establishment of the Foreign State Immunity Council; the withdrawal of immunity where there is no reciprocal treatment and to provide for other matters connected therewith.

“It means that, this Bill has to do with proceedings in our country,” she said.

Adding to this, she stressed that the NSC cannot be sidelined when it comes to matters relating to sovereignty and security, as it is stated in the NSC Act that it is responsible for all security issues in the country.

Hamzah, when he stood up to ask for the minister’s clarification, said that there are concerns of superpowers “squeezing” the prime minister in the future, hence the caution of placing such huge powers on the prime minister alone.

“For example, a prime minister, not the prime minister now we know Tambun won’t do things that will destroy the country’s sovereignty. We support this [Bill], but we just want to make it better, and those on the other side who are my friends, I just want to explain that, if one day there are situations whereby the prime minister is squeezed by a superpower, and he has such huge powers, all you MPs over that side will be responsible for this, including you Pengerang,” Hamzah said, referring to Azalina.

The Lower House broke into another shouting match when Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s Beluran MP Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee claimed that Deputy Speaker Alice Lau had bulldozed the process of passing the Bill.

He said that he was ignored when he stood up before a voice vote was called.

“It is unfair, I wanted to raise Standing Order 54(1) and 54(2), we want to refer to this Bill, we support the Bill but there are some improvements, Clause 32 and Clause 33. I wanted to ask that this House refer the Bill to a select committee. We discuss it further.

“I stood up way earlier, you bulldozed the process here. I said 54(1) and 54 (2). Parliament secretary please advise the Speaker. Standing Order 54(2), you have to send the motion to the House — motion without notice. You bulldozed, let it be on record that you bulldozed the process,” Kiandee said.

He recalled when he was in the government bloc, that when the Opposition raised Standing Order 54(1) and 54(2), room was given for a Bill to be sent to a select committee.

“You are wrong,” he said to Lau, who replied that Kiandee submit a motion if he was not pleased with the decision.

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Soo Wern Jun Tue, 19 Mar 2024 16:19:20 +0800 malaysia parliament,opposition MPs,Malaysian prime minister,Jurisdictional Immunities of Foreign States Bill 2023
<![CDATA[New national rice and paddy scheme to be announced soon, Dewan Rakyat told]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/new-national-rice-and-paddy-scheme-to-be-announced-soon-dewan-rakyat-told/124285 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/new-national-rice-and-paddy-scheme-to-be-announced-soon-dewan-rakyat-told/124285 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — The national rice and paddy restructuring scheme will be announced soon after the government has finished getting views from all parties through the engagement session that is being held.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the new scheme was necessary to increase supply because local white rice production was only 62 per cent in the country with 50 per cent of it distributed for the market.

“This is a long-term arrangement because this white rice supply issue will remain problematic as long as we do not have enough rice in Malaysia. For that reason, all parties including MPs will be involved in engagement session so that they can give their views.

“This is a national problem that demands a joint solution because who would have thought that the current hot weather for example could cause production loss,” he said when replying to a question from Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Rosol had wanted to know the extraordinary measures that the government will take to overcome the issue of local white rice shortage in the market.

Mohamad said the ministry planned to open new paddy farms in Sarawak, Sabah, Johor, Perak and Pahang to further increase the supply of white rice in the country.

Replying to a supplementary question from Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis (Warisan-Kota Belud) who wanted to know if the government plans to give money to farmers affected by the current hot and dry season in Kota Belud and Papar, Mohamad said the matter is subject to the assessment of the Rice Crop Disaster Fund (TBTP) committee.

“Through this fund, paddy farmers are given RM876 per hectare with the maximum amount of aid to eligible rice farmers being limited to the destroyed area of three hectares.

“Last year, a total of RM12 million was channelled and for Sabah, it (aid) involved an area of 219 hectares, especially in Kota Belud,” he added. — Bernama

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:41:30 +0800 national rice and paddy policy,rice prices,local rice supply
<![CDATA[Finance Ministry: Govt always takes cautious approach when reforming tax system]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/finance-ministry-govt-always-takes-cautious-approach-when-reforming-tax-system/124284 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/finance-ministry-govt-always-takes-cautious-approach-when-reforming-tax-system/124284 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — The government has always taken a cautious approach to reforming the national tax system, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

He said that although there is a need to grow the country’s revenue, the government needs to balance that desire by taking into account the need to protect the people from excessive burdens.

“Tax reforms through Budget 2024 support the Madani government’s efforts to strengthen the fiscal base and bring the country’s economy to a better track.

“An example of tax reform is the increase in the service tax rate from six per cent to eight per cent effective from March 1, 2024, which focuses on activities related to discretionary services and activities between businesses (business-to-business/B2B),” Amir Hamzah said during a question and answer session at the Dewan Negara today.

He said the increase in service tax does not involve services that are a basic need and part of the people’s lifestyle.

“This is to ensure that the people are not burdened with higher consumption tax rates, especially in essential services such as food and beverages, parking, telecommunications and logistics.

“The government expects that this change will not cause a sudden increase in the price of services and will not bring a shock to the economy,” Amir Hamzah said.

In addition, he said the government had also enacted the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023, which came into effect on Jan 1, 2024, so that the government could deal with its fiscal governance issues.

“The government will remain committed to fiscal consolidation in the medium term and special focus will be given to ensure fiscal sustainability through sustainable revenue generation and expenditure effectiveness through increased efficiency, reducing leakage and waste,” Amir Hamzah said.

He also said that Malaysia practices an anti-cyclical economic policy in which the Ministry of Finance regulates fiscal policy through the Treasury and monetary policy through Bank Negara Malaysia so that both policies would ensure the level of national economic growth remains stable.

Amir Hamzah said these are implemented through intervention policies to hinder the economic cycle from growing too slowly or too fast.

“At the same time, the Ministry of Finance needs to ensure that there are sufficient funds so that the federal government can fulfil its role of providing quality and timely services to the people, especially from the aspects of education, health, safety and welfare.

“Therefore, the cost of providing these services needs to be balanced with the imposition of taxes that are reasonable and match the level of service required by the people,” he said in response to Senator Datuk Dr Arman Azha Abu Hanifah who asked about the Finance Ministry’s intervention measures regarding the tax reforms imposed on the people. — Bernama

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:38:32 +0800 malaysia tax system,tax systems,tax reform initiatives
<![CDATA[Govt assures maritime boundary agreements won’t affect national sovereignty, says deputy home minister]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/govt-assures-maritime-boundary-agreements-wont-affect-national-sovereignty-says-deputy-home-minister/124283 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/govt-assures-maritime-boundary-agreements-wont-affect-national-sovereignty-says-deputy-home-minister/124283 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — The unity government has assured that every decision to resolve Malaysia’s maritime boundaries with neighbouring countries will not compromise sovereignty and interests.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin said the government has never and will never take lightly any decision involving issues of national sovereignty.

He said the government would only sign maritime boundary agreements after considering the joint resolution elements achieved with a particular country based on the principle of boundary delimitation with solid legal and technical justifications.

“The government is firm about this and will not compromise. To resolve Malaysia’s outstanding border issues with other countries, the government remains committed to conducting negotiations to produce solutions acceptable to both parties.

“This is crucial to ensure not only the country’s sovereignty is safeguarded but also to protect diplomatic relations between Malaysia and those countries,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was replying to a question that Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) asked about the list of maritime boundary agreements signed by the government and its follow-up actions.

Mohamad said the government had signed nine maritime boundary agreements with neighbouring countries, the latest being two treaties with Indonesia, namely the Delimitation of the Territorial Seas of the Two Countries in the Southernmost Part of the Straits of Melaka (Straits of Melaka Treaty) and the Delimitation of the Territorial Seas of the Two Countries in the Sulawesi Sea (Sulawesi Sea Treaty).

“Both treaties were signed on June 8, 2023 at Seri Perdana, Putrajaya and all these agreements and treaties are in force and implemented by the government,” he added. — Bernama

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:34:32 +0800 maritime boundary agreements
<![CDATA[Kemaman Municipal Council senior assistant pleads not guilty to accepting Honda Stream as bribe]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/kemaman-municipal-council-senior-assistant-pleads-not-guilty-to-accepting-honda-stream-as-bribe/124279 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/kemaman-municipal-council-senior-assistant-pleads-not-guilty-to-accepting-honda-stream-as-bribe/124279 Malay Mail

KUALA TERENGGANU, March 19 — A senior administrative assistant of the Kemaman Municipal Council (MPK) pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to six charges of bribery involving instalments by a supply company for the hire-purchase of a vehicle valued at RM90,000.

The charges were read out to Yusliza Othman@Yusof, 51, before Judge Mohd Azhar Othman.

The accused is alleged to have accepted bribes in the form of instalment payments for the hire-purchase of a Honda Stream vehicle from 2017 to 2022 as an inducement to secure MPK supply contracts for the company.

The supplier allegedly paid the monthly instalments of RM1,068 per month, while the car was fully utilised by the accused.

The charges were framed under Section 16(a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which is punishable by imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of at least five times the amount or value of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher upon conviction.

MACC deputy public prosecutors Mariah Omar and Nur Raihan Mohd Yusof appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was represented by lawyer Abdul Hayyi Salim.

Earlier, Mariah proposed a bail of RM15,000 with one surety and additional conditions refraining the accused from tampering with witnesses and surrendering his passport to the court.

However, Abdul Hayyi requested for a lower bail citing his client is a widower with two children, aged 23 and 18 who are still studying, following his wife’s death in October 2022 due to kidney failure.

The court then set bail at RM12,000 with one surety and agreed to the additional conditions as well as ordered him to report to the nearest MACC office once a month until the case is concluded.

The court scheduled April 3 for the next case mention for the submission of documents by both parties. — Bernama

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:31:15 +0800 Yusliza Othman,bribery case,bribery charges,Kemaman Municipal Council
<![CDATA[Sabah PKR still strong under Sangkar Rasam, says leadership council secretary]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/sabah-pkr-still-strong-under-sangkar-rasam-says-leadership-council-secretary/124277 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/sabah-pkr-still-strong-under-sangkar-rasam-says-leadership-council-secretary/124277 Malay Mail

KOTA KINABALU, March 19 — The Sabah Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is still strong under the leadership of Datuk Sangkar Rasam, said state leadership council (MPN) secretary, Simsudin Sidek.

In a statement on Tuesday, he said the appointment of the MPN is according to the party constitution and approved by the president.

“On February 22, 2024, the restructuring of all state leadership chairs in all states was done by the party and Datuk Dr Sangkar Rasam was retained as the chairman of the Sabah MPN.

“All parties must respect the decision made by the party president,” he said in response to a media report on Monday that 15 Sabah PKR branch leaders have unanimously rejected the leadership of Sangkar.

However, Semporna PKR branch chief Mohd Amin Abdul Mem has denied being involved in the movement even though his name was included in the list.

Simsudin said that internal turmoil in the party may have be due to differences of opinion but that is normal in the organisation.

“The action does not give an advantage to the party but leads to a split in PKR in Sabah,” he stressed.

Simsudin also explained that many programmes have been implemented before.

“Party programmes and activities at either state or branch level are regularly held from time to time and periodically involving party members and leaders, as well as the community as a whole.

“For example, the MPN, AMK, Women and Branch meeting tour has been held involving all branches to strengthen the relationship between leadership and members. In addition to that, community programmes such as food basket assistance, periodic training jointly organised by the centre and state, cultural and family events, celebrations involving party members and the community,” he explained.

Therefore, he called for all party members to focus on the upcoming Sabah 17th State Election, compete and win many seats.

“I also call for all parties to respect the decision of the president and the party, while any doubts and differences of opinion can be channeled through the platform that has been prepared by the party,” he added.

The 15 PKR division chiefs have signed statutory declarations rejecting Sangkar’s leadership and the documents have been submitted to PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for further action.

They were Datuk Mustapha Sakmud (Kota Belud), Datuk Christina Liew (Kota Kinabalu), Peto Galim (Sepanggar), Sazalye Donol Abdullah (Kota Marudu), Razeef Rakimin (Tuaran), Raymond Ahuar (Pensiangan), Wendey Agong (Sipitang), Dikin Musah (Beaufort), Basran Omar (Beluran), Azmi Tambuyong (Kinabatangan), Roslee Malek (Papar), Awang Chuchu (Kimanis), Roslan Sapar (Kalabakan), Aris Remigus (Batu Sapi) and Amin Mem (Semporna).

Their spokesman, Sazalye, said at a press conference on Monday that since Sangkar was appointed as PKR Sabah liaison chairman in August 2022, he failed to conduct any programmes to strengthen the party. There were no strategic, leadership, public speaking and election training. — The Borneo Post

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:25:06 +0800 sabah pkr,Sangkar Rasam
<![CDATA[In Johor, Emraz Travel and Tours charged with failure to compensate umrah pilgrims]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/in-johor-emraz-travel-and-tours-charged-with-failure-to-compensate-umrah-pilgrims/124275 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/in-johor-emraz-travel-and-tours-charged-with-failure-to-compensate-umrah-pilgrims/124275 Malay Mail

JOHOR BARU, March 19 — Umrah package operator, Emraz Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd, and one of its directors pleaded not guilty in the Magistrates Court here today to eight charges of failing to adhere to a tribunal-ordered compensation totalling RM131,890 to eight pilgrims.

The director, Datuk Zulkarnain Endut, 43, who also represented the company, was accused of failing to comply with a Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia award, which ordered repayment of sums ranging from RM4,900 to RM40,470 to the eight victims.

Zulkarnain and the company were alleged to have committed the offenses at the tribunal’s office, 17th Floor, Menara Ansar, Jalan Trus, here between July 24, 2023, and January 10 this year.

The charges were framed under Section 117(1) of the Consumer Protection Act 1999, which carries a maximum fine of RM10,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both upon conviction.

Magistrate Nur Fatin Mohamad Farid granted Zulkarnain bail of RM4,000 with one surety for all charges, and ordered him to report to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) office in Putrajaya once a month.

The court has set April 22 for the next case mention for document submission and charges against another principal offender, namely company director, Datin Mazuin Mustafa, 43, who is also the wife of Zulkarnain, as she was unable to attend court due to medical reasons.

KPDN deputy public prosecutors Mohd Sophian Zakaria, Suhana Mohd, and Shafiq Mahadi appeared for the prosecution, while Zulkarnain and his company were represented by lawyer Datuk Hanif Hassan.

On January 15, the accused were charged with the same offenses in the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court, involving 63 charges involving RM589,031.

Subsequently, on Feb 15 they faced 51 charges involving RM503,221 in the Kota Bharu Magistrate’s Court, before appearing in the Seremban Magistrate’s Court for 51 charges totalling RM473,730 on February 26.

On March 8, it was reported that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture revoked Emraz Travel and Tours’ licence effective March 11 this year, in accordance with paragraphs 8(1)(b) and (d) of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482).

The Ministry stated that the company breached licensing conditions and provisions outlined in Act 482, while also conducting business in a manner detrimental to the public interest, the tourism sector, and the national economy. — Bernama

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:12:02 +0800 Emraz Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd,Emraz Travel and Tours,umrah scam,umrah package fraud,umrah pilgrims
<![CDATA[PKR's Fahmi Zainol tells Nga Kor Ming to refrain from commenting on 'Allah' socks issue]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/pkrs-fahmi-zainol-tells-nga-kor-ming-to-refrain-from-commenting-on-allah-socks-issue/124274 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/pkrs-fahmi-zainol-tells-nga-kor-ming-to-refrain-from-commenting-on-allah-socks-issue/124274 Malay Mail

GEORGE TOWN, March 19 — PKR central committee member Fahmi Zainol has warned DAP’s Nga Kor Ming not to meddle in the KK Mart issue where socks with the word “Allah” was sold.

The Penang state exco said the issue is not merely about religious and racial sentiments.

“It is more than that. It is about the sanctity of the name Allah and it is the duty of Muslims to uphold and revere the sanctity of the name Allah,” he said in a statement issued today over the controversy.

He said Nga should remain silent about the issue instead of adding ‘fuel to the fire’ with his comments.

“There is no need for him to voice out about this issue as this is not related to him at all,” he said.

He said if the Housing and Local Government Minister understood the concept of respecting the sanctity of each religion, he would not have meddled in this matter that could make things worse.

“Rather than commenting on this issue, it is better that he focused on his ministry,” he said.

He said Nga should have let the authorities take the necessary actions and kept mum about it.

Yesterday, Nga accused Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh of violating the “Madani spirit” after the latter called for a boycott of the store.

Nga told Dr Akmal to refrain from stirring up religious and racial sentiments.

Today, Dr Akmal responded by reaffirming his stance to call for a boycott of KK Mart despite the store issuing an apology for selling socks featuring the word “Allah”.

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Opalyn Mok Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:22:29 +0800 nga kor ming,Allah socks,kk mart
<![CDATA[Poultry wholesaler in Perak fined RM10,000 for selling standard chicken above ceiling price]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/poultry-wholesaler-in-perak-fined-rm10000-for-selling-standard-chicken-above-ceiling-price/124273 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/poultry-wholesaler-in-perak-fined-rm10000-for-selling-standard-chicken-above-ceiling-price/124273 Malay Mail

KUALA KANGSAR, March 19 — A chicken wholesaler was fined RM10,000 by the Sessions Court here today for selling standard chicken above the ceiling price set by the government last October.

Judge Rohaida Ishak meted out the fine, in default of four months in jail, on Sharuddin Saidon, 54, after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Sharuddin was charged with selling controlled goods, namely standard chickens at RM8.90 per kilogramme (kg), exceeding the maximum wholesale price set at RM8.10 per kg as stipulated in Paragraph 3 of Section 11 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Determination of Maximum Price) Determination) Order (No 12) 2022.

The offence was committed at Premis Ewanda Maju Berkat Enterprise at 27D, Jalan Besar, Padang Rengas here between 6.30 am and 7 am on Oct 14 last year.

The charge under Section 11 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 is punishable under Section 18 (b) of the same Act with a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both.

Perak KPDN deputy public prosecutor Hasyutantee Khalil prosecuted, while the accused was not represented. — Bernama

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:06:58 +0800 chicken prices,price control scheme,chicken price hike,price controls on chicken and eggs
<![CDATA[Ex-Bar president Ambiga: Govt waging 'war' on children with regressive citizenships amendment; withdraw these changes]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/ex-bar-president-ambiga-govt-waging-war-on-children-with-regressive-citizenships-amendment-withdraw-these-changes/124272 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/ex-bar-president-ambiga-govt-waging-war-on-children-with-regressive-citizenships-amendment-withdraw-these-changes/124272 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — The current federal government is effectively going to “war” with Malaysia-born children with its plan to push forward with changes to citizenship laws in the Federal Constitution as it would remove the existing rights of such children to be Malaysian citizens, former Malaysian Bar president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan said today.

In a press conference to highlight the plight of four Malaysia-born women who are still stateless, Ambiga highlighted the resulting unfairness to them if such citizenship law changes are passed in Parliament.

Ambiga referred to one of the government's planned citizenship amendments — dubbed regressive by civil society — which would replace citizenship “by operation of law”, with citizenship by “registration”.

Under existing citizenship laws under the Federal Constitution, those born in Malaysia and who have not acquired citizenship of any country within a year of their birth are Malaysians by “operation of law” or in other words, they are entitled to be Malaysians, which would protect them from becoming stateless. Citizenship by registration would require these Malaysia-born individuals to apply to be registered by the government.

Ambiga highlighted the risk that would arise from the government's planned amendment to the Federal Constitution, as it would result in government officers being the ones to decide at their discretion who would be registered as a Malaysian, instead of currently where they would be entitled to citizenship as a right.

“The Federal Constitution used the words 'operation of law', which means no individual can interfere with that.

“When they say they are going to remove the words 'operation of law', immediately your antenna should go up and quiz them. Because what they are doing is taking away a fundamental provision in our citizenship laws. What they are saying is, 'I will decide, our office will decide who becomes a citizen'. Please quiz them why are you taking away such a basic citizenship right under citizenship laws. So they are messing with the constitution," the lawyer said.

“They are giving pathetic reasons. This is a war on children by this government, this government is doing it. I'm horrified, and shame on Pakatan Harapan doing this because you are going after children," she said, questioning what stateless children or their parents had done wrong for them to be deprived of Malaysian citizenship when the Federal Constitution states that they are entitled to citizenship.

Ambiga said the government's planned amendments would make it “easier” to reject Malaysian citizenship to those who are entitled under the Federal Constitution to be citizens, stressing the seriousness of the planned amendments that would remove the word "operation of law".

“They think they can just change whatever they want and in a flash remove citizenship from so many who deserve it. That must be stopped, I think this is really taking the cake. We are waiting for other reforms and what are they doing? They're going after babies, going after kids," she said.

She also referred to another of the government's planned regressive citizenship amendments, which would affect Malaysia-born foundlings (babies who were abandoned by their parents and found) by removing the words “operation of law” and putting them under the requirement of “registration” for their citizenship.

Ambiga also expressed shock at the reasons that have been given by the government to justify its proposed regressive amendments to citizenship laws, saying that it indicates a lack of understanding of the Federal Constitution.

“I cannot understand how any of our MPs in all honesty can sit there and allow this government to mess with citizenship rights. You are not messing with a statute, amending a statute is a different thing. You are messing with this, the Federal Constitution, and on a key provision in the Constitution," she said, referring to the Federal Constitution the highest law of the country.

“So far none of the answers they have given have any merits whatsoever. It proves to me they don't know what they are talking about, that's why they hide behind those words, thinking they can scare people using xenophobic language into agreeing to this,” she said of the justifications given by the government.

“Really at the end of the day, we have so many other reforms that need happening, and they want to mess with the Constitution,” she said.

“So I strongly urge this government, to withdraw these ridiculous amendments. And I encourage MPs to defeat — they should all vote with conscience, and defeat these amendments, get on with the job with reforming," she said, having also urged all MPs in Malaysia to understand the importance of keeping the existing citizenship law provisions in the Federal Constitution.

Under the current Dewan Rakyat meeting, March 18 (today) to March 27 (next Wednesday) are scheduled for the government to table its Bills or planned new laws or legal amendments for MPs to vote on.

The government's planned citizenship amendments have yet to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat, and Singapore news outlet Straits Times had last Saturday reported that the Bill was initially expected to be presented on March 25.

Lawyers For Liberty executive chairman Latheefa Koya (first from left), lawyer Datuk S. Ambiga (second from left) and Legal Advisor N. Surendran (first from right) take a group photo with Seri Mulyati Syamsudin (third from left), Wiwin Handayani (centre), Khairunnisa Ibrahim (third from right) and Vanessa (second from right), during a press conference at the Lawyers For Liberty office in Petaling Jaya March 19, 2024.
Lawyers For Liberty executive chairman Latheefa Koya (first from left), lawyer Datuk S. Ambiga (second from left) and Legal Advisor N. Surendran (first from right) take a group photo with Seri Mulyati Syamsudin (third from left), Wiwin Handayani (centre), Khairunnisa Ibrahim (third from right) and Vanessa (second from right), during a press conference at the Lawyers For Liberty office in Petaling Jaya March 19, 2024.

Human rights group Lawyers for Liberty adviser N. Surendran highlighted the urgency of the four stateless women's case, as their existing rights to Malaysian citizenship — which the government has refused to recognise—- would be taken away if the new law containing the regressive citizenship amendments are passed.

“They are just the tip of the iceberg, there are many more like our four friends,” he said.

Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) adviser Latheefa Koya said the rights group is currently handling 15 pending stateless cases in court, and that LFL is already handling hundreds more of such cases and that the government's planned regressive amendments would worsen the statelessness problem as more would become stateless.

“As we speak, every day we have a walk-in or email on cases, actually too many for use, we can't manage even with the unamended Constitution. We are already dealing with the stateless issue, so you can imagine when it's amended, how many will fall out of that category, that's why we say it compounds the statelessness issue,” she said.

Ambiga, Surendran and Latheefa are representing the four stateless women — aged 21, 22, 29 and 41 according to their birth year — who were born in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur and who are still seeking to be recognised as Malaysians.

Previously, lawyer Sharmila Sekaran, who also chairs the child rights advocacy group Voice of the Children, had cautioned that the government's planned regressive citizenship amendments means locally-born children would have their existing rights to automatically be citizens taken away, and will instead result in “Little Napoleons” in the civil service having the power to decide if they should be registered as Malaysians.

Read here for Malay Mail's brief summary of the five proposed regressive amendments and their effect.

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Ida Lim Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:21:15 +0800 malaysia citizenship,malaysia citizenship laws,citizenship of children born abroad,citizenship rights,Citizenship Amendment Act,citizenship amendments,Lawyers for Liberty
<![CDATA[Penang Customs Dept foils attempt to smuggle nine million sticks of cigarettes]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/penang-customs-dept-foils-attempt-to-smuggle-nine-million-sticks-of-cigarettes/124271 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/penang-customs-dept-foils-attempt-to-smuggle-nine-million-sticks-of-cigarettes/124271 Malay Mail

BUTTERWORTH, March 19 — The Penang Royal Malaysian Customs Department foiled an attempt to smuggle in white cigarettes estimated to be worth RM1.8 million in a container during an inspection in Port Klang, Selangor on March 7.

State Customs director Roselan Ramli said the inspection was conducted when the container anchored at the port at about 10.40am.

“Upon further inspection, we discovered 900 boxes containing nine million sticks of white cigarettes worth about RM1.8 million with a total tax of RM6.12 million,” he told a press conference here today.

Roselan said based on the documents obtained, the container, which originated from a Southeast Asian country, was managed by a shipping company with a branch in Port Klang and imported by a company based in Selangor.

He said that investigations found that the modus operandi of the syndicate is to declare the items as furniture to avoid detection by the authorities.

“Further investigations are underway to track down the suspects involved in the smuggling activities,” he said, adding that the case was being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 and the Excise Act 1976. — Bernama

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:03:17 +0800 cigarette smuggling,Penang Customs
<![CDATA[Agong confers 2024 Federal Territory awards on 33]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/agong-confers-2024-federal-territory-awards-on-33/124270 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/agong-confers-2024-federal-territory-awards-on-33/124270 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia today conferred federal awards, medals and honours on 33 recipients in conjunction with the 2024 Federal Territory Day.

Also present at the investiture ceremony held at Istana Negara was Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as well as Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa were also present.

The recipients were led by Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh who received the Darjah Kebesaran Seri Mahkota Wilayah (SMW) which carries the title Datuk Seri.

Eight people received the Darjah Kebesaran Panglima Mahkota Wilayah (PMW) which carries the title Datuk, including Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry secretary-general Ching Thoo Kim.

Other PMW recipients are head of General Surgery Department at Kuala Lumpur Hospital Dr Hanif Hussein and Federal Territories Department deputy director-general Ramlee Yatim.

In addition, eight individuals received the Darjah Johan Mahkota Wilayah (JMW), Kesatria Mahkota Wilayah (KMW) (five), Ahli Mahkota Wilayah (AMW) (five) and Pangkuan Mahkota Wilayah (PPW) medal (six).

The recipients of KMW include Istana Negara legal adviser Zulharry Abdul Rashid. — Bernama

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:59:37 +0800 federal territories awards,federal territories day
<![CDATA[Ringgit a top performer in region since govt coordination measures implemented, says Amir Hamzah]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/ringgit-a-top-performer-in-region-since-govt-coordination-measures-implemented-says-amir-hamzah/124269 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/ringgit-a-top-performer-in-region-since-govt-coordination-measures-implemented-says-amir-hamzah/124269 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — The ringgit was in first place compared to nine other regional countries since the coordination measures among the government, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), government-linked investment companies (GLICs) and government-linked companies (GLCs) were implemented on Feb 26, 2024.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the local currency’s performance was based on data from BNM’s Financial Markets Committee on March 1, 2024, which stated that there was an immediate impact on market trends and increased market interest in the ringgit.

“The government is committed to ensuring that the performance of the ringgit is at a better and stronger level,” he told Dewan Negara today.

He said various measures have already been taken, and that BNM always ensures that the domestic foreign exchange market remains orderly and maintains financial stability. The Malaysian central bank also continues to monitor the financial market and take the necessary measures, including intervention in the foreign exchange market, to curb excessive currency movements.

In addition, he said, BNM also monitors the conversion of export revenue into ringgit by exporting companies and continues to encourage the use of local currency for export settlement so that dependence on the US dollar can be reduced.

He said that the Ministry of Finance and BNM have taken integrated and coordinated actions to bring money into the foreign exchange market. “Among them are encouraging GLICs and GLCs to bring back foreign investment income and convert the income to the ringgit more consistently.”

Amir Hamzah said the government also controls overseas investment by private companies to reduce pressure on the ringgit, this includes encouraging them to prioritise domestic investment and delaying new overseas investment. “Overseas investment must be managed prudently such as protecting the value (of the ringgit) through ’hedging’ foreign currency exposure and bringing back the proceeds of overseas investment.”

In addition, he said that besides the joint measures with BNM, the government is also focusing on economic reform efforts which will indirectly strengthen the economic performance and the ringgit.

“The government has introduced the Madani Economic framework, with the main pillar being to restructure the economy to emerge as a leader in Asia. The Madani economy focuses on ensuring Malaysia is a competitive investment destination,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said in dealing with the issue of the value of the ringgit, all parties should play their respective roles and Malaysians are expected to adopt a “Malaysia First” attitude as daily consumers.

“Buy Malaysian goods and services, as well as invest in unit trusts and domestic hedge investments,” he said, adding that the campaign to travel within the country and buy local goods will continue to be increased because it helps strengthen the ringgit and improve economic performance.

He said that to encourage the influx of foreign tourists, the government has taken steps, including exempting visas for 30 days for Chinese and Indian citizens from December 2023. — Bernama

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:54:02 +0800 ringgit,ringgit depreciation,madani economic framework,Madani Economy
<![CDATA[Draft of Online Safety Bill being fine-tuned, says deputy communications minister]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/draft-of-online-safety-bill-being-fine-tuned-says-deputy-communications-minister/124266 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/draft-of-online-safety-bill-being-fine-tuned-says-deputy-communications-minister/124266 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — The draft of the Online Safety Bill is being fine-tuned, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.

She said the Communications Ministry and the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department had been tasked with conducting a study on the requirements of the new act.

Teo said that a committee has been established to study the new law, and discussions regarding it are currently ongoing.

“There is a possibility that this Bill may be brought to Parliament for approval in the next sitting...it is currently being worked on,” she said during the Ministers’ question time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

She said this in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat), who wanted to know whether the government intended to enact online safety legislation.

Responding to the original question from Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol) about whether the ministry would make it mandatory for all social media platform service providers in the country to register with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Teo said the matter was being refined and MCMC was in the process of completing the licensing framework.

She said that the proposed licensing enforcement targets providers of social media services and Internet messaging services that can be accessed by users according to the evaluation criteria that will be set.

Teo said that the measure was deemed necessary due to the prevalence of harmful content on social media and Internet messaging platforms.

“This regulatory proposal aims to elevate online security and address content that violates the country’s laws in line with current global trends and advancements, without intending to restrict media freedom,” she said.

According to Teo, the implementation of these measures will not only enhance user protection but also guarantee that users can access online services from the platform provider securely and reliably.

Meanwhile, Teo said that the decision to remove any social media content does not rest solely with the MCMC but also involves the platform providers.

She explained that upon receiving complaints from the public and law enforcement agencies, the MCMC will notify the online service providers to take appropriate action to remove the reported content.

“The decision to remove the content will be made by the platform provider after determining whether the complaint violates their community guidelines,” she said in reply to a supplementary question from Shamshulkahar regarding MCMC guidelines for evaluating social media content prior to requesting its removal.

Teo said that between Jan 1 and March 14 of this year, platform providers turned down 14 per cent of content removal requests from the MCMC, citing that the content did not breach their community guidelines.

She noted that during the same period, 86 per cent of the content removed was related to gambling, fraud, and fake content. — Bernama

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:51:20 +0800 online safety bill,communications ministry
<![CDATA[Jamal Yunos fails bid to strike out Khairy Jamaluddin’s defamation suit]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/jamal-yunos-fails-bid-to-strike-out-khairy-jamaluddins-defamation-suit/124267 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/jamal-yunos-fails-bid-to-strike-out-khairy-jamaluddins-defamation-suit/124267 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — Sungai Besar Division Umno chief, Datuk Seri Jamal Md Yunos, failed in his bid today to strike out the lawsuit brought against him by former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin pertaining to alleged defamation during the Umno General Assembly 2022.

Khairy’s lawyer, Shakeel Saifuzzaman, stated that the Judicial Commissioner of the High Court, Dr Suzana Muhamad Said, struck out Jamal’s application on the grounds that there were issues which need to be addressed in the lawsuit.

“The defendant’s (Jamal’s) application to strike out the writ of summons and the plaintiff’s (Khairy’s) statement of claim has been dismissed by the court.

“The court has also set May 27 for case management,” the lawyer said when contacted after the online proceedings today.

Jamal had filed the application on September 19, 2023, citing various grounds such as unclear allegations against him, accusations of defamation, and abuse of the court process.

Khairy filed the lawsuit on May 24, 2023, stating that during the 2022 Umno General Assembly held on Jan 14 last year, Jamal held a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre attended by media practitioners, Umno representatives, and several members and leaders of the party.

He alleged that on the same day, Jamal uploaded a video on Facebook titled “Saya harap Khairy Jamaluddin dikenakan tindakan oleh Lembaga Disiplin Umno selepas mengeluarkan kenyataan yang semberono dan memalukan Umno #UmnoDuluKiniDanSelamanya” (I hope Khairy Jamaluddin is disciplined by the Umno Disciplinary Board after issuing baseless and shameful statements against Umno #UmnoThenNowForever) under the name DS Jamal Yunos (DS Jamal Yunos Official).

According to the former Umno Youth chief, the defendant also uploaded the same video on a TikTok account under the name ‘jamal_yunos.’

Khairy alleges that the defamatory statements included implications that he lacks integrity, is unfit to be a leader, and is disloyal to Umno and its leaders. — Bernama

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:45:55 +0800 Jamal Yunos,Khairy Jamaluddin,defamation suit
<![CDATA[Socks manufacturer mulls legal action against China supplier, says only five pairs have ‘Allah’ embroidered]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/socks-manufacturer-mulls-legal-action-against-china-supplier-says-only-five-pairs-have-allah-embroidered/124264 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/socks-manufacturer-mulls-legal-action-against-china-supplier-says-only-five-pairs-have-allah-embroidered/124264 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 19 — The vendor of the “Allah” socks that were sold at convenience store chain KK Mart clarified that the socks were mistakenly included in a larger shipment of 18,800 pairs that they ordered from the supplier and discovered that only five pairs from the bulk had the word “Allah,” not 14 as previously reported.

Xin Jiang Chang Sdn Bhd said they are seeking advice on whether they can take legal action against their China-based supplier Mu Mian Qing Hosiery Co Ltd for supplying the five pairs.

“We have already contacted our China-based supplier to seek an explanation, and they have admitted that the problematic socks were included in the bulk of stocks we purchased by mistake.

“We are currently seeking legal advice to explore possible legal actions against the supplier for their negligence in fulfilling our order requirements,” Xin Jiang Chang Sdn Bhd said in a statement today.

The company apologised for the mistake and highlighted that they did not order such socks.

"We sincerely apologize for any offense or distress caused by this regrettable incident. It was never our intention to produce or distribute products that could incite division or hurt sentiments within our community.

“We acknowledge the lessons learned from this incident and are implementing stricter quality control measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” it said.

However, Xin Jiang Chang Sdn Bhd also expressed concerns over the safety of their officers citing disseminated personal data on social media and having received violent threats that include burning down the factory and endangering lives.

“We urge fellow Malaysians to remain calm and refrain from engaging in any form of vigilantism or violence and allow the relevant authorities to carry out their investigation following the law,” the company said in the statement.

The Home Ministry yesterday said it will continue probing convenience store chain KK Mart over the sale of socks with the word "Allah" printed on it, despite the store’s apology on the matter, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah told Parliament.

Shamsul said 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.

Section 298A handles “causing disharmony, disunity, or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will, or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion”, punishable with imprisonment between two and five years.

Section 233 meanwhile is on the improper use of network facilities or network service.

National news agency Bernama reported that the socks 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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Zaf Seraj Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:42:41 +0800 kk mart,Allah socks,Xin Jiang Chang Sdn Bhd
<![CDATA[PAC tells Finance Ministry to be more proactive on protracted lease issue of St Regis Langkawi, Kampung Tok Senik Resort]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/pac-tells-finance-ministry-to-be-more-proactive-on-protracted-lease-issue-of-st-regis-langkawi-kampung-tok-senik-resort/124256 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/pac-tells-finance-ministry-to-be-more-proactive-on-protracted-lease-issue-of-st-regis-langkawi-kampung-tok-senik-resort/124256 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) today urged the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to be more proactive in solving problems that arise for real estate development management in two Langkawi projects.

In a statement today, PAC chairperson Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said that as a core ministry in the nation's administration, the MoF should not have waited very long to sort the lease issue of St Regis Langkawi and the Kampung Tok Senik Resort.

“This considering the shares owned by these two companies belong to the MoF either through the Minister of Finance Incorporated (MoF Inc) or Lada," she said, referring to the Langkawi Development Authority.

MORE TO COME

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Yiswaree Palansamy Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:04:26 +0800 public accounts committee PAC,Mas Ermieyati Samsudin,langkawi,Kampung Tok Senik Resort,st regis langkawi
<![CDATA[Penang Hill Corporation says majority stakeholders agreed to cable car project, civil societies already consulted]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/penang-hill-corporation-says-majority-stakeholders-agreed-to-cable-car-project-civil-societies-already-consulted/124255 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/penang-hill-corporation-says-majority-stakeholders-agreed-to-cable-car-project-civil-societies-already-consulted/124255 Malay Mail

GEORGE TOWN, March 19 — The majority of stakeholders have agreed to the upcoming cable car project, said Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng today.

He said PHC, together with the project concessionaire, organised multiple tailored focus group discussions with stakeholders including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as part of the project’s Social Impact Assessment (SIA) requirement.

"The project via its SIA, obtained a broad majority consensus from participating stakeholders,” he said in a statement here, adding that environmental group Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) however did not turn up at the focus group discussion.

Cheok was responding to a statement by SAM yesterday that called on the Department of Environment to hold a public display of the cable car project’s environmental impact assessment (EIA) before approving it.

SAM president Meenakshi Raman said it was wrong for the EIA to be approved without a public display session and obtaining public feedback on it.

She claimed that the project, as a model of transportation, will be listed under the Second Schedule of the Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Order 2015 which requires public display and public comment.

She also said the cable car project is a "mass rapid transport project” as it involves the transportation of 1,000 passengers per hour to the top of the hill as announced by Cheok.

Cheok clarified that the Penang Hill Cable Car project was classified under the First Schedule of the abovementioned Order under the category of development in slope area with land clearing less than 50 per cent of an area with a slope greater than or equal to 25 degrees but less than 35 degrees, which does require a publish display of EIA report.

He also stressed that the cable car is not considered a mass rapid transportation as it is not designed to carry mass numbers of people.

"The capacity of the cable car is 1,000 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD). These figures are by far less than the PPHPD numbers served by other electric modes of public transportation, including monorails, MRTs and LRTs,” he added.

He said the EIA report is also publicly available at the Department of Environment’s library, and insisted that the implementation of the project was carried out following the law and had received approval from the relevant authorities, thus, fulfilling all compliance requirements.

"The technical studies on cable car alignment and tower locations were also conducted by the Doppelmayr Group engineers, who collaborated with local engineers on-site,” he said.

He said the team from Austria has a proven track record as they had installed cable cars in multiple United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) heritage sites, and the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve is not the first Unesco biosphere reserve to implement cable cars.

"Cable car technology has been around for decades and has been globally recognised as a green mode of transportation,” he said.

He said it was successfully implemented at numerous Unesco sites worldwide, including World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves and Unesco Global Geoparks, and this project is expected to contribute significantly to the tourism sector in the state.

On a separate matter, PHC said the deadline for Waterfall Cafe, which was asked to relocate to make way for the cable car project, was extended to June this year.

Cheok said the cafe owner, Anantha Raj, will need to revert to the district office with his relocation plans by the end of this month.

He also said the cafe owed substantial arrears in rental but they were still given alternative sites to relocate to.

"The Penang Northeast District Land Office had offered reasonable alternatives to Waterfall Cafe to relocate from the site and continue conducting its business but the cafe had rejected the offers,” he said.

Among the offers were a spot inside the new to-be-constructed multistorey car park complex as well as a temporary site for them to operate during the construction of the Penang Hill Cable Car system.

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Opalyn Mok Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:01:13 +0800 Penang Hill Corporation,cheok lay leng,Penang Hill cable car
<![CDATA[What About Kuching could become next Edinburgh Festival Fringe, says Sarawak minister]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/what-about-kuching-could-become-next-edinburgh-festival-fringe-says-sarawak-minister/124250 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/what-about-kuching-could-become-next-edinburgh-festival-fringe-says-sarawak-minister/124250 Malay Mail

KUCHING, March 19 ― What About Kuching (WAK) has the potential to become one of the world’s biggest arts and culture festivals much like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, said Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said since its inception, the annual WAK has served as a vibrant celebration of arts, culture, and lifestyle, both locally and internationally, spotlighting Kuching as one of the state’s premier festival platforms for creative endeavours.

“From its humble beginnings, WAK’s journey exemplifies how clear its mission and objectives can propel an event to international acclaim for the benefit of all quarters and to bring acclaim to Sarawak.

“I know (WAK festival director) Donald Tan and his team have got high hopes to turn WAK into something like the Edinburgh Festival.

“I believe with the kind of support they have from the industry and those who are in Kuching, WAK can grow into that level one day,” he said when officiating at the WAK 2024 Call for Proposal Media Launch last night.

He said what sets WAK apart is its enduring relevance and inclusive nature.

“Held annually throughout October, WAK welcomes everyone to participate, embodying a collaborative spirit between the public and private sectors.”

He also said the festival’s impact extended far beyond the confines of Kuching city, drawing attention to Sarawak’s burgeoning creative scene.

“I commend the WAK team for their visionary approach in expanding the festival’s reach this year with the inclusion of two satellite mini WAK Festivals in Sibu and Miri in June and August respectively, extending this cultural extravaganza to our creative communities in central and northern Sarawak.

“We should be excited and to stay tuned as the respective city councils together with the WAK team will be unveiling further details in the upcoming weeks and months,” said Abdul Karim.

Tan said WAK, which enters its sixth edition this year, is calling for the creative communities to submit their proposals early through the festival’s website at aboutkuching.com.

“We are giving about three months for the creatives to submit their proposals and with the WAK Calendar Programme launching in the middle of the year, this will allow a lot of audience to come to Kuching, thus doing our tourism number great favours,” he said.

He hoped more creatives from around the world will participate in WAK and join local creators in making Kuching the ideal staging ground for the festival.

“Last year, we got creatives from Scotland who happened to be traveling around the area. They submitted their proposal and ended up staging their event here.

“We hope to see more from the creative industry, such as our Indonesian creators will come to Kuching in October and stage their events, so that we can uplift our local standards and have meaningful sharing of platforms,” he said.

Among those present at the event were Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Ministers Datuk Sebastian Ting and Datuk Snowdan Lawan. ― The Borneo Post

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:32:48 +0800 What About Kuching,sarawak,Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
<![CDATA[Non-Muslims invited to join Sibu’s annual Sungkei Perdana]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/non-muslims-invited-to-join-sibus-annual-sungkei-perdana/124249 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/non-muslims-invited-to-join-sibus-annual-sungkei-perdana/124249 Malay Mail

SIBU, March 19 ― Members of the non-Muslim community here have been invited to join the annual Sungkei Perdana.

An estimated 10,000 people from all walks of life are expected to converge at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 here for the mass breaking of the fast on March 23.

Education, Innovation and Talent Development Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said Sungkei Perdana is a hallmark of racial unity and religious harmony in Sarawak, particularly in Sibu.

“We invite Sibu folk both Muslim and non-Muslim to join this mass breaking of fast.

“There will also be Solat Maghrib and bamboo canon competition at phase 1, organised by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Nangka Youth and its Belia 1828,” he said today.

The Nangka assemblyman said preparations have started early in view of the massive crowd expected to join the potluck-style picnic.

He also hoped for fine weather so that more people could participate.

Separately, Dr Annuar said the Nangka constituency’s Program Ketuk Sahur began today with the Kampung Hilir 1 village security and development committee (JKKK).

“This programme involves 11 JKKKs in Nangka, where over 500 houses will be visited,” he said.

It involves providing villages with sahur or the early morning meal eaten by Muslims before the sun rises and fasting resumes during Ramadan. ― The Borneo Post

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:29:44 +0800 sibu,sahur
<![CDATA[Tourism Minister Tiong tells Umno Youth chief to stop adding fuel to fire over KK Mart fiasco]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/tourism-minister-tiong-tells-umno-youth-chief-to-stop-adding-fuel-to-fire-over-kk-mart-fiasco/124247 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/tourism-minister-tiong-tells-umno-youth-chief-to-stop-adding-fuel-to-fire-over-kk-mart-fiasco/124247 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing today urged Umno leaders to restrain the party's Youth chief over the latter's continued attacks against convenience store KK Mart, as he accused Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh of stoking racial tension by harping on the controversy around the sale of socks with the word “Allah” embroidered on them.

Tiong alleged Dr Akmal was only “adding fuel to the fire” by calling on the country's Muslims to boycott the popular convenience chain even as the company has already issued a public apology.

“Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh shouldn't ride on the issue for personal political gains that in the end would only damage harmony among the country's multi-cultural people,” the minister wrote on his Facebook page.

“The company did not only apologise immediately, in fact, had acted swiftly to remove the product from their shelves in all their stores. As such all parties shouldn't add fuel to the fire and instead let KK Mart make amends.”

KK Mart Group founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri Dr KK Chai said immediately after the issue blew up that the company was not aware the socks sold in their stores had “Allah” written on them, and vowed to cooperate with the authorities.

However, this morning Dr Akmal called on Muslims to boycott the convenience store as he continued to pile pressure on the company despite calls from various parties, including his political allies, to refrain from issuing comments that could worsen the tense situation.

Umno and Barisan Nasional were the biggest losers in the 15th general election, winning the least number of seats between the three main political blocs in a defeat that analysts said underpinned popular rejection of the once-dominant political coalition. BN has struggled to win ethnic minority support over the last three decades.

Tiong called on Umno senior leaders to restrain Dr Akmal.

“With great hope I urged the Umno leadership to view this matter seriously and prevent Dr Akmal from using the party's youth wing as a platform to serve his personal agenda,” the minister said.

Yesterday, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, had accused Dr Akmal of violating the “Madani spirit” with his response to the issue.

Nga suggested that Akmal should refrain from stirring up religious and racial sentiments saying that was an outdated tactic and may backfire on Umno.

Last Saturday, Dr Akmal filed a report against KK Mart's management at the Merlimau police station in Melaka at 10.30pm. The day after, he demanded that KK Mart's management publicly apologise for selling socks featuring the word “Allah” within two days by displaying a nationwide banner at all 881 branches of the store.

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Syed Jaymal Zahiid Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:24:26 +0800 kk mart,Tiong King Sing
<![CDATA['Bring it on': Umno Youth chief claims call to boycott KK Mart despite apology not an incitement]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/bring-it-on-umno-youth-chief-claims-call-to-boycott-kk-mart-despite-apology-not-an-incitement/124246 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/bring-it-on-umno-youth-chief-claims-call-to-boycott-kk-mart-despite-apology-not-an-incitement/124246 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has today reaffirmed his stance on boycotting KK Mart despite the store issuing an apology for selling socks featuring the word “Allah”.

In a Facebook post, he said Umno firmly defends Islam, the Bumiputera, and the Malay Rulers saying that boycotting the convenience store is not incitement but just the wing being steadfast with its principles.

“If you say that defending the word of Allah by boycotting KK Mart is incitement, bring it on. We're not afraid even a bit.

“Umno's principle is to defend Islam, the Bumiputera, and the Malay rulers, and it has never changed from the past until now, and God willing, it will remain so forever. That's what Umno Youth holds onto until death,” he wrote in his Facebook post.

He further urged his supporters to maintain their resolve in boycotting the convenience store, asserting that the strength of the Islamic community's response lies in its unity and determination.

Dr Akmal warned that any attempts to downplay the significance of religious and ethnic issues would not be tolerated, and called for a collective effort to uphold these principles.

He also responded to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who accused him of violating the "Madani spirit" with his response to the issue.

Yesterday, Nga suggested that Akmal should refrain from stirring up religious and racial sentiments saying that was an outdated tactic and may backfire on Umno.

Last Saturday, Dr Akmal filed a report against KK Mart's management at the Merlimau police station in Melaka at 10.30pm.

He also urged all individuals and organisations, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation, to demand strict action against those responsible for the incident.

The day after, he demanded that KK Mart's management publicly apologise for selling socks featuring the word "Allah" within two days by displaying a nationwide banner at all 881 branches of the store.

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Anis Zalani Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:19:17 +0800 Muhamad Akmal Saleh,kk mart,umno
<![CDATA['Don't take this lightly': HR minister tells PAS-affiliated kindergarten Pasti to ensure welfare of teachers]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/dont-take-this-lightly-hr-minister-tells-pas-affiliated-kindergarten-pasti-to-ensure-welfare-of-teachers/124241 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/dont-take-this-lightly-hr-minister-tells-pas-affiliated-kindergarten-pasti-to-ensure-welfare-of-teachers/124241 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — Human Resources Minister Steven Sim has today warned companies to not take their workers' welfare lightly, amid claims of the absence of retirement funds for teachers of Islamic kindergarten Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam (Pasti) affiliated with Islamist party PAS.

Speaking in the Parliament, Sim insisted that employment laws apply to every companies, regardless of their private or public status as political affiliation.

“Our country has rules and laws. Doesn’t matter who, private or government companies, whichever state be it Kedah or Penang, doesn’t matter what political party PAS or DAP, everyone must follow the law.

“On the ministry’s stand, workers have a right to salaries. In this matter, don’t take this lightly... the ministry will take action if workers’ rights are not upheld,” Sim told the Parliament during Minister’s Question Time here.

He was responding to a question by Parti Amanah Negara’s Sri Gading MP Aminolhuda Hassan on the welfare of the teachers there.

Earlier in March, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad had called out PAS, urging the party to address the underpayment of salaries to the party-run kindergarten.

Nik Nazmi said PAS should have the moral responsibility to ensure the welfare of teachers in Pasti which it established over 30 years ago, amid claims that its teachers do not have a retirement plan, including the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF), besides being paid below the minimum wage of RM1,500.

In addition, Sim also announced that the 24 staff of state subsidiary Kedah Argo Holdings Bhd who have yet to receive their salary will receive them before Hari Raya Aidilfitri after a decision in a board meeting on March 17.

“Firstly, the current and delayed salaries of staff will be paid before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the total is about RM560,000. The company has also decided to stop operations, therefore termination interests and salary in lieu of notice will be paid in three months starting this March,” he told the Parliament.

He added that the affected staff are also advised to file a report of late salaries with the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) so authorities can start an investigation.

This was in reply to Aminolhuda, who asked the government to state the timeline for the relevant parties to take action on the employer's negligence if there is a complaint from the employee to the authorities.

Aminolhuda gave the example of the delay in salary payments and EPF contributions in one of the subsidiaries under the supervision of the Kedah Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBKI) companies.

Previously, a letter addressing grievances regarding salary payments and the operational activities of Kedah Agro purportedly issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Kedah State Government gained widespread attention on social media.

Last week, Sim had said that Kedah JTKSM issued a notice to Agro Holdings in January to promptly settle the salaries of its 24 employees after it confirmed the problem faced by the workers of the MBKI subsidiary.

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Soo Wern Jun Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:01:04 +0800 pas,Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam
<![CDATA[Govt has no plans to peg the ringgit at this time, says second finance minister]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/govt-has-no-plans-to-peg-the-ringgit-at-this-time-says-second-finance-minister/124237 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/govt-has-no-plans-to-peg-the-ringgit-at-this-time-says-second-finance-minister/124237 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — The government has no plans to peg the ringgit at this time, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

He said looking at the pegging of the ringgit around 1998, the economic condition at that time was different compared to the current condition.

He explained that in the case of the economic condition in 1998, the stock market had plunged by 76 per cent, but now from the start of this year, the stock market has risen 6.0 per cent, while foreign debt in 1998 was more than 16 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) but currently, it is only 2.0 or 1.0 per cent.

“Hence, if we look in terms of the national reserves, Bank Negara has reserves of more or less RM13 billion, it’s much better at RM26 billion (recorded) in 1998.

“Therefore, (there’s) no need for us to react hastily. The government is indeed sensitive to the issue of the ringgit and will strive to address it,” he said during a question and answer session in the Dewan Negara today.

Amir Hamzah said analysts also opined that the ringgit will stabilise this year to a better level and possibly to the 4.50 level against the US dollar.

“Under the MADANI economy framework, we believe the ringgit will perform better in the future,” he said.

He was replying to a supplementary question from Senator Tan Sri Mohamad Fatmi Che Salleh, who wanted to know if the government was planning to peg the ringgit to control or safeguard the country’s assets. — Bernama

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:21:11 +0800 peg ringgit,ringgit peg,ringgit depreciation,ringgit
<![CDATA[Johor Regent calls for stern action over 'Allah' socks issue, says matter should not be taken lightly]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/johor-regent-calls-for-stern-action-over-allah-socks-issue-says-matter-should-not-be-taken-lightly/124234 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/johor-regent-calls-for-stern-action-over-allah-socks-issue-says-matter-should-not-be-taken-lightly/124234 Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — Johor regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim today urged authorities to enforce stern action over the sale of socks with the word "Allah" printed on them, to prevent similar incidents from happening.

Taking to his official Instagram handle, Tunku Ismail said that the issue cannot be viewed lightly.

“I view this issue seriously and hope that it does not affect the nation’s harmony,” he said.

Convenience store chain KK Mart is currently under investigation over the sale of socks with the word "Allah" printed on them.

"Regarding the recent issue, I urge the authorities to take stern action on the said matter and ensure that such issues do not happen again.

"The Allah word is a holy word that is highly regarded in the hearts of Muslims," Tunku Ismail said.

The Home Ministry yesterday said it will continue probing convenience store chain KK Mart over the sale of socks with the word "Allah" printed on it, despite the store’s apology on the matter, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah told Parliament.

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.

Section 298A handles "causing disharmony, disunity, or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will, or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion", punishable with imprisonment between two and five years.

Section 233 meanwhile is on the improper use of network facilities or network service.

National news agency Bernama reported that the socks 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 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:30:04 +0800 kk mart,Allah socks,insult to islam
<![CDATA[MoHE: Amendments to Universities and University Colleges Act to be tabled in Dewan Negara next month]]> https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/mohe-amendments-to-universities-and-university-colleges-act-to-be-tabled-in-dewan-negara-next-month/124231 https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/19/mohe-amendments-to-universities-and-university-colleges-act-to-be-tabled-in-dewan-negara-next-month/124231 Malay Mail

PUTRAJAYA, March 19 — The Universities and University Colleges (Amendment) Bill 2023, which was approved by the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Negara next month.

The Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) said the Dewan Rakyat unanimously approved the bill after the second and third reading by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir.

It said the bill would make the student empowerment agenda successful, marking a historic moment as the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) is once again amended to elevate the dignity of public university students.

“The amendment is the result of a series of engagements carried out by the MoHE with the student leaders since 2021 until now.

“It is one of the progressive measures implemented by the government to reform the organisational culture and refresh the student movement in accordance with their ability to manage self-maturity,” it said in a statement today.

The Universities and University Colleges (Amendment) Bill 2023 involves amendments to six provisions in the act to improve governance, covering management of activities to student discipline.

The amended Section 15A allows student representative councils and student bodies to collect funds and receive contributions in any manner, subject to prevailing written regulations and laws.

Section 16B transfers disciplinary authority from the vice-chancellor to the student disciplinary committee to reflect the current practice in public universities. — Bernama

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:35:16 +0800 mohe,Universities and University Colleges (Amendment) Bill 2023,Universities and University Colleges Act
<![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