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1,375,152 | Chinese Premier says Malaysia-China relations exemplary, proposes four steps to advance ties | KUALA LUMPUR: China will continue to work with Malaysia in advancing their friendship and bilateral relations for mutual benefit and a brighter future for both nations, said its Premier Li Qiang.
Speaking at a dinner to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China bilateral relations, which was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim here on Wednesday (June 19), Li said the relationship is a fine example of relations between countries in the region.
Li emphasised the milestone as a new starting point for both nations to chart a stronger and more prosperous shared future together.
"Be it in the past, present or future, friendship remains the defining feature of China-Malaysia relations. We have brought this relationship to a new starting point and we share the aspiration to carry it forward to future generations,” he said.
Towards that, Li highlighted four proposals that both countries can focus on to build a stronger relationship going forward.
The first, he said is to enhance the traditional friendship and consolidate the foundation for bilateral relations.
"It is important to keep to the right direction in growing this bilateral relation, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, build stronger political mutual trust, and pursue wide-ranging cooperation in the context of building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future,” he said.
Secondly, Li said there is a need to synergise the development strategies of the two countries while expanding on their mutual interests.
"It is important to develop greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Madani Economy Framework, step up trade in agricultural and other products, and tap the potential for cooperation in emerging areas, such as green energy and advanced manufacturing, to deliver more benefits to our two nations,” he said.
On the third suggestion, the Chinese premier highlighted on the need to deepen exchanges and mutual learning to promote further understanding of the people in the two countries, including in the fields of arts and culture, tourism, education and sports.
Fourthly, Li proposed for a strengthened solidarity and coordination between China and Malaysia in the international arena to address global challenges together.
"China is ready to work with Malaysia to advocate for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, and jointly build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, amicable and harmonious home in Asia.
Li, who is in the country for a three-day official visit since Tuesday (June 18), recalled that 50 years ago, Malaysia had withstood the Cold War pressure to establish a formal relationship with China, taking the lead among Asean countries.
Today, the ties have remained strong across all fronts, with both nations continuing to steadfastly support each other through hard times while emphasising the relationship is based on win-win cooperation.
"Over the past 50 years of diplomatic ties, China and Malaysia have treated each other with kindness and sincerity, and have remained good neighbours, good friends and good partners.
"Our two countries have rendered each other firm support in exploring the development paths suited to our national conditions. Ours is a fine example of relations between the countries in the region,” he said.
Li also noted that China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years.
He highlighted that fruits from Malaysia like durian and mangosteen are famous among Chinese consumers.
"Through mutually beneficial cooperation, our two countries have both achieved growth and built ever closer economic ties, which have created a strong impetus for our respective modernisation drive,” he said.
In 2023, China remained Malaysia's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years since 2009, with a trade volume of RM450.84bil (US$98.90bil).
"Going forward, China will march ahead together with Malaysia towards modernisation, champion friendship as the overarching theme in our bilateral relations, and write a new chapter of a shared future,” he said.
This is Li’s inaugural official visit to Malaysia since taking office in March 2023.
The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, following the signing of the Joint Statement between second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and then-premier Chou En Lai on May 31, 1974.
Malaysia's diplomatic relations with China have strengthened since the upgrading of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2013. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Li Qiang,Anwar Ibrahim,China,Malaysia,Anniversary | KUALA LUMPUR: China will continue to work with Malaysia in advancing their friendship and bilateral relations for mutual benefit and a brighter future for both nations, said its Premier Li Qiang. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/chinese-premier-says-malaysia-china-relations-exemplary-proposes-four-steps-to-advance-ties | |
1,375,120 | China-Malaysia ties contribute to regional stability and development, says Dr Wee | PETALING JAYA: Collaboration between China and Malaysia has not only benefitted both countries but contributed positively to regional stability and development, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said it was a significant milestone for both nations, marking five decades of strong friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.
“From trade and investment to cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties, Malaysia and China have forged a robust partnership that continues to thrive.
“As we commemorate this special occasion, let's reaffirm our commitment to further deepen and diversify our bilateral relations.
“Let's continue to build bridges of understanding and cooperation that will pave the way for a brighter future for both Malaysia and China, “ he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (June 19) night.
Dr Wee also said that he was delighted to be part of the grand dinner celebrating the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.
He also wished for greater prosperity and harmony between China and Malaysia.
The dinner was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who is in Malaysia for an official three-day visit which ends on Thursday (June 20). | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Dr Wee Ka Siong,Malaysia-China 50th Anniversary,Grand Dinner,Anwar Ibrahim,Li Qiang | PETALING JAYA: Collaboration between China and Malaysia has not only benefitted both countries but contributed positively to regional stability and development, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/china-malaysia-ties-contribute-to-regional-stability-and-development-says-dr-wee | |
1,375,118 | Malaysia-China diplomatic ties 50th Anniversary pivotal for future cooperation, says Fahmi | KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil regards the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China as a significant milestone to be celebrated, as well as an opportunity to enhance future cooperation.
He said the celebration holds great significance, given the strong ties established between the two countries over the past 50 years, initiated by second Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein during his visit to China in 1974, which have now borne considerable fruit.
"This has resulted in a comprehensive and strategic partnership, as highlighted by the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim). China has been Malaysia's main trading partner for the past 15 years.
"To me, this is a pivotal moment for us to celebrate. It is also a time to look forward to what we can build together, ensuring that the Southeast Asian region becomes more prosperous and peaceful through the close relationship between Malaysia and China,” he added.
Fahmi was speaking to reporters after attending a dinner commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China on Wednesday (June 19) night.
On Malaysia's upcoming role as Asean chair starting next year, Fahmi, who is also the government spokesman, expressed confidence that Malaysia's chairmanship and its close relationship with China would positively impact the Asean alliance.
"The Prime Minister also mentioned how Malaysia, several years ago, opened the door for China to engage in discussions and dialogue with Asean,” he said.
Malaysia is set to take over the Asean chairmanship from Laos next year. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Fahmi Fadzil,Communications Minister,Malaysia,China,Diplomatic Relations,Asean | KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil regards the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China as a significant milestone to be celebrated, as well as an opportunity to enhance future cooperation. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/malaysia-china-diplomatic-ties-50th-anniversary-pivotal-for-future-cooperation-says-fahmi | |
1,375,112 | MACC nabs school clerk over power abuse allegations | KOTA KINABALU: A school clerk has been detained by graft busters for using her position to secure two contracts worth some RM40,000 for herself and a company linked to her husband in Sabah’s east coast Tawau district.
According to a source, the suspect, in her 50s, had allegedly abused her position as an administrative assistant to invite a so-called company to provide a rental service for photocopy and copy printer machines worth some RM20,000 in 2020.
“However, it was the suspect who was doing the job,” said the source, when contacted on Wednesday (June 19).
“In the same year, the suspect also used her position to appoint a company linked to her husband for works involving the installation of sinks and pipes, among others, a contract worth some RM20,000,” the source added.
The suspect was detained when she went to provide her statement at the Tawau Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office at 11am today.
It was learned that the suspect will be charged at the Special Corruption Court in Tawau on Thursday (June 20).
When contacted, Sabah MACC chief Datuk S Karunanithy confirmed the arrest, adding that the suspect would be charged under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Courts Crime,MACC,Contracts,School Clerk,Tawau,Graft,power abuse,Sabah | KOTA KINABALU: A school clerk has been detained by graft busters for using her position to secure two contracts worth some RM40,000 for herself and a company linked to her husband in Sabah’s east coast Tawau district. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/macc-nabs-school-clerk-over-power-abuse-allegations | |
1,375,086 | Five-year-old girl dies after hit by van in Johor | JOHOR BARU: A five-year-old preschool student died after being hit by a school van in front of her family’s house along Jalan Suria in Bandar Seri Alam here.
Seri Alam OCPD Supt Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the accident happened around 11.35am on Wednesday (June 19).
“The incident occurred when the 50-year-old female school van driver had dropped off the victim and her six-year-old brother in front of their house.
“The driver then decided to drive forward after seeing the brother walking at the back of the van assuming the victim was following him.
“However, as the van moved forward, it hit the victim who was walking in front of the vehicle as the driver did not realise her presence,” he said in a statement on Wednesday night.
Supt Mohd Sohaimi added due to the collision, the victim sustained serious injuries. The driver immediately got out of the van and informed the victim’s mother.
He said the victim’s mother then brought her daughter to Masai Health Clinic but the medical officer there confirmed the victim’s death.
“Police have since detained the suspect for investigation and the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987,” he added. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,Girl,Dies,Accident,Johor,Jalan Suria,Bandar Sri Alam,Van,Supt Mohd Sohaimi Ishak | JOHOR BARU: A five-year-old preschool student died after being hit by a school van in front of her family’s house along Jalan Suria in Bandar Seri Alam here. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/five-year-old-girl-dies-after-being-hit-by-van-in-johor | |
1,375,073 | 100,000 received RM200 cash aid to offset diesel price increase, says Finance Minister II | PETALING JAYA: The Finance Ministry has approved 100,000 applications for the monthly RM200 Budi Madani cash assistance under the diesel subsidy rationalisation as of Wednesday.
The Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said that the applications included individual diesel vehicle owners (Budi Individu), as well as farmers and small planters (Budi Agri-Komoditi).
In a statement issued by the Finance Ministry on Wednesday (June 19), Amir Hamzah said that as of June 10, 30,000 applicants have received their payments, followed by another 46,000 on June 19.
“For those who apply before June, they will get their payments in early July.
“Those who are eligible will get their RM200 assistance monthly through their bank accounts or may get their cash from Bank Simpanan Nasional.
“The reason for the diesel subsidy rationalisation is to target the assistance to those eligible and the communities who need it.
“The RM200 monthly cash assistance is to help with the extra expenditure of more than 80% of eligible diesel vehicle owners.
“I call upon eligible Malaysians to quickly register to get the diesel subsidy rationalisation cash assistance in June. The government is committed to start the payment in the month the application is made,” said Amir Hamzah.
The Budi Madani initiative started on May 28 is a platform to distribute cash assistance to privately-owned diesel vehicle owners who are eligible.
Applicants can check the status of their applications at https://budimadani.gov.my.
“For those whose applications have not been approved, they may file appeals on the site itself.
“Farmers and small planters are requested to apply under the relevant ministries. For appeals, they can use the Budimadani website.
For more information, the public may access https://budimadani.gov.my, contact 1-800-88-2747 / 03-8882 4565 / 03-8882 4566 or email budimadani@treasury.gov.my. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | BudiMadani Cash Assistance,Finance Ministry,Amir Hamzah,Diesel Subsidy Rationalisation | PETALING JAYA: The Finance Ministry has approved 100,000 applications for the monthly RM200 Budi Madani cash assistance under the diesel subsidy rationalisation as of Wednesday. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/100000-received-rm200-cash-aid-to-offset-diesel-price-increase-says-finance-minister-ii | |
1,375,069 | Two Penang couples claim trial to possession of stolen property | BUTTERWORTH: Two couples have pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here to a charge of possessing stolen property.
Muhammad Ezwan Syafiq Joha, 27, and his wife Nurul Hidayah Mahat, 24; and Endang Nur Nabila Suriana Mahat, 22, and her husband Muhammad Affizan Abdullah, 24; claimed trial before Sessions judge Noor Aini Yusof on Wednesday (June 19).
Based on the charge sheet, all four of them did with fraudulent intent keep the property, which included a bangle weighing 27.95g; a necklace weighing 130.56g; a bracelet weighing 84.64g; and a necklace weighing 50g; belonging to one Siti Nur Khalieda Yusra Mohd Jais.
The four are accused of committing the crime at a house in Kampung Aman, Pokok Sena, Kepala Batas at 9pm on April 25.
They were charged under Section 412 of the Penal Code for dishonestly receiving stolen property, transferred by the commission of gang robbery, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
DPP Mohammad Syafiq Nasrullah Saleem Ali prosecuted while the four were represented by Ranjit Singh Sandhu.
Mohammad Syafiq said bail would not be offered as it was a non-bailable offence.
Ranjit Singh, however, requested that the court grant bail for the four accused and appealed for a nominal sum as three of them were unwell.
He said Muhammad Ezwan only worked as a trader with an income of RM1,200 a month.
"He is married and his wife Nurul Hidayah does not work.
"They have two young children, while Nurul Hidayah has diabetes and requires insulin injections," he said.
Ranjit Singh said Endang Nur Nabila is also a mother and is diabetic.
"She (Endang Nur Nabila) is unemployed while her husband, Muhammad Affizan, works as a part-time landscaper with an income of RM1,500 a month. He has asthma," he said.
Judge Noor Aini then asked Ranjit Singh to submit medical reports for the three accused.
She then set bail of RM18,000 with one surety for each accused.
Additional conditions imposed were that the the four accused must report to the nearest police station on the 1st and 15th of every month, hand over their passports to the court, and should not approach or contact the victim or witnesses during the trial.
"If the accused do not have an international passport, the court will order the Immigration Department not to issue passports to them until the trial is over," the judge added.
She set July 19 for submission of documents.
It was reported in April that a businesswoman suffered losses of around RM800,000 when her house in Kepala Batas was robbed. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,Butterworth,Married Couples,Not Guilty Plea,Possessing Stolen Property,Businesswoman,Robbed,Jewellery | BUTTERWORTH: Two couples have pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here to a charge of possessing stolen property. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/two-penang-couples-claim-trial-to-possession-of-stolen-property | |
1,375,063 | Sabah to get tough on water theft | KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor wants those who steal water to be prosecuted as the Sabah government tries to clamp down on non-revenue water (NRW).
The Chief Minister said he has instructed the state Water Department to invoke the laws under its purview and drag culprits to court.
“Arrest them and charge them,” he said during the Chief Minister's Department post-cabinet meeting here on Wednesday (June 19).
“Similarly, we want factories found stealing water to be brought to court instead of merely issuing compounds," he added.
It was imperative for stern action against those stealing water, he added.
“Illegal connections have been identified as the main cause for the 60% NRW in Sabah, which is the highest in the country,” he said.
NRW refers to treated water that is lost before it reaches consumers.
On the water protest on Friday (June 14) led by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students, he said the Water Department had been called up to brief the state cabinet on the matter.
Hajiji said they were informed that, during the past two months, UMS only experienced water outages for one or two days because of burst pipes.
He added that water supply to UMS was between four million and seven million litres a day (MLD) coupled with the tube well that could supply one MLD.
“I have asked the UMS vice-chancellor to find out the reason for the water not reaching the students,” he said.
He added that numerous illegal connections had been detected in five villagers near the university.
“That is why I want the department’s enforcement team to cut these illegal connections.
“Apart from that, take stern action against the culprits," Hajiji said.
He also suggested that the department install a 500-litre tank at the site and charge the villagers for the water.
“This will prevent them from connecting illegally to the water mains," he said.
In response to the Opposition’s claims, Hajiji said the state government has made various efforts to ensure water is supplied to the people.
Among others, he said, the Telibong II Water Treatment Plant has been completed and was now awaiting the installation of piping.
Once completed, it would be able to provide an additional 160 MLD to cater for the northern part of Sabah, including UMS, and its surrounding areas.
Besides that, Hajiji said, works to boost water supply on the southern part of the state’s west coast started eight months ago and are expected to be completed by 2026.
Hajiji said this would benefit the people in the Papar, Lok Kawi and Putatan areas. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Sabah,Chief Minister,Hajiji Noor,Water Theft,Non-Revenue Water,Stern Action,Court,Arrest,UMS,Villages,Illegal Connections | KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor wants those who steal water to be prosecuted as the Sabah government tries to clamp down on non-revenue water (NRW). | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/sabah-to-get-tough-on-water-theft | |
1,375,060 | EC to meet on June 28 over Nenggiri by-election | PETALING JAYA: The Election Commission (EC) has received notice of the Nenggiri seat in Kelantan being vacated and will hold a special by-election meeting on June 28, says its secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak.
In a statement on Wednesday (June 19), the EC said the sudden declaration of the seat being vacated would need further discussion as the law dictates that the seat has to be filled 60 days from the date the commission is notified by the Speaker.
ALSO READ: Kelantan Speaker declares rogue Bersatu rep's Nenggiri state seat vacant
“The EC has received an official notice from Kelantan Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Abdullah on the issue of the sudden vacating of state seat N43 Nenggiri, following the incumbent Mohd Azizi Abu Naim having his membership revoked by Bersatu on June 13.
“As accorded under Clause (3) Article 31A of the Kelantan state constitution, the vacant seat must be filled in within 60 days from the date EC receives notice of the vacancy.
“In line with that, a special by-election meeting will be held on June 28 to discuss the by-election. A media conference will be held after the special meeting,” Ikmalrudin said in the statement.
ALSO READ: See you in court, Nenggiri rep tells Kelantan Speaker after seat declared vacant
Earlier on Wednesday, Mohd Amar declared the Nenggiri seat vacant after the state assembly received written notice under clause (3) of Article 31A of the state constitution from Azizi on June 13 and a notice from Bersatu that his membership had been revoked.
”Therefore, I declare in accordance with Clause 1, Article 31A that there is an unexpected vacancy in the Nenggiri state seat represented by Azizi," said Amar.
Nenggiri is one of the three state seats in the parliamentary constituency of Gua Musang, the other two being Paloh and Galas. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Politics,Election Commission,Special Meeting,Kelantan,Nenggiri,By-Election | PETALING JAYA: The Election Commission (EC) has received notice of the Nenggiri seat in Kelantan being vacated and will hold a special by-election meeting on June 28, says its secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/ec-to-meet-on-june-28-over-nenggiri-by-election | |
1,375,029 | State govt should take ownership of Sabah Labour Ordinance changes, say local business owners | KOTA KINABALU: Sabah businesses feel they are being hung out to dry over proposed amendments to the Sabah Labour Ordinance (SLO), claiming the changes will be bad for them if passed in Parliament.
A coalition of associations from various sectors said there has not been sufficient engagement with the Sabah government to collect their feedback on the amendments, which could be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat meeting that begins next week.
Their spokesman Yap Cheen Boon said the proposed SLO amendments were similar to the Employment Act 1955 implemented in the peninsula which does not suit Sabah's unique circumstances.
Yap, who is also Sabah Employers Association president, said the state government should take the lead in any changes to the SLO to ensure a level playing field.
“We request the state government to put a halt (to the proposed amendments),” he told a press conference here on Wednesday (June 19).
“For any law to be passed, the procedure should be that the Sabah government must first engage the stakeholders and get their feedback, (and only then) make adjustments to the law.
“We see this (part of the) process lacking. The best thing to do is put this exercise on hold, do the consultation and then work out the best way forward,” he added.
Others at the press conference were representatives from the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (Sabah branch); Sabah Entrepreneurs Transformation; Kota Kinabalu Hardware, Machinery & Building Materials Traders Association; Sabah Timber Industry Association; Timber Association Sabah; and the Federation of Sabah Industries.
Yap said the only engagement with industry and business representatives in the state over the SLO amendments was back in 2019.
He said that during the federal Human Resources Ministry’s Workers Day celebration in May this year, it was made known that the state Cabinet had approved the SLO amendments together with the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities (Amendment) Act 2019 (Act 446) included.
He said this was followed by a meeting with the Labour Department last month to discuss technical details on housing laws within the SLO amendments.
“We were told to get ready for impending Parliament approval.
“We are disturbed by the legislative procedure that seems to have taken the prerogative out of Sabah and into the Federal Government’s hands, with state government involvement absent throughout the whole process,” Yap said.
He said Sabah business owners were of the view that incorporating housing legislation into the SLO amendments would pose serious cost and compliance challenges, and they also questioned the Federal Government’s capacity to implement the rules in the state.
“The government is already facing many issues in the peninsula even when labour and housing laws were passed and implemented separately there.
“(If the proposed SLO amendments are passed) we can foresee businesses struggling further in a weakened economy.
“We might have more closures or a higher unemployment rate in the state,” Yap said.
He added it was also baffling that the SLO amendments which affect both businesses and workers within the state were to be put up for parliamentary approval instead of at the Sabah State Legislative Assembly.
“We urge the state government not to remain silent and passive but reclaim the prerogative and exercise ownership of the SLO.
“Initiate consultation with all stakeholders, finalise the technicalities and imbue the laws with the Sabah context,” he said.
The SLO amendments were to be tabled in Parliament in November but postponed to March.
However, the Bill was not tabled at the last meeting.
Former deputy human resources minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the Bill was postponed as it was being reviewed by the Attorney General. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Sabah Labour Ordinance,Amendments,Businesses,Challenges,Weakened Economy | KOTA KINABALU: Sabah businesses feel they are being hung out to dry over proposed amendments to the Sabah Labour Ordinance (SLO), claiming the changes will be bad for them if passed in Parliament. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/state-govt-should-take-ownership-of-sabah-labour-ordinance-changes-say-local-business-owners | |
1,375,016 | TARUMT, UTAR hold strategic meeting to discuss future direction, says Dr Wee | PETALING JAYA: Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TARUMT) and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) recently held a meeting to chart out the future course and strengthen ties between the two educational institutions, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Tunku Abdul Rahman University College Education Foundation (TARCEF), he along with Board of Governors of TARUMT chairman Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy and TARUMT president Prof Lee Sze Wei met with key representatives from UTAR.
The UTAR delegation included UTAR Education Foundation’s Board of Trustees chairman Tan Sri Sak Cheng Lam, UTAR Governing Board chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh and UTAR president Datuk Prof Ewe Hong Tat.
“Our meeting was to discuss the direction of the two universities which were founded by MCA in 1969 and 2002, respectively and to establish closer relations and cooperation between TARUMT and UTAR," said Dr Wee in a Facebook post on Wednesday (June 19).
He added that these two universities have produced 385,000 graduates with a total enrollment of 53,000 students at present.
TARCEF is the owner of TARUMT. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology,TARUMT,Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman,UTAR,Wee Ka Siong,Facebook,Education | PETALING JAYA: Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TARUMT) and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) recently held a meeting to chart out the future course and strengthen ties between the two educational institutions, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/tarumt-utar-hold-strategic-meeting-to-discuss-future-direction-says-dr-wee | |
1,375,006 | WSSF 2025: Kesuma-ISSA strategic plan to address global phenomena | GENEVA: Malaysia is set to take a leading role in efforts to enhance social protection both locally and globally during the upcoming World Social Security Forum (WSSF) 2025.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said that this international forum is very timely, as countries worldwide, including Malaysia, are currently facing new challenges related to social security.
He explained that the primary issues to be addressed include the direct impact of an aging population and the sustainability of pension funds, as well as developing the best social security system for gig workers.
“WSSF 2025 is expected to be a platform for the world to share appropriate strategies and forward-looking measures to ensure these challenges are tackled starting now.
“We cannot afford to be complacent and delay, as the aging population phenomenon will have profound effects, including on current projections regarding the sustainability of pension funds for gig workers.
“Hence, the Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) is holding discussions with the International Social Security Association (ISSA) to ensure that WSSF 2025 can achieve its goals and reflect Malaysia’s commitment to human rights and social protection, especially for workers,” he said in a statement today.
On June 13, during his first official working visit to Geneva, Sim also held discussions with the ISSA team at its headquarters to refine several agendas, particularly in strengthening the social safety net in Malaysia and examining the development of the gig economy sector.
Discussions also focused on the agenda behind the 'Technical Seminar: Social Security for Self-employed and Platform Workers' scheduled for Aug 27-28 at the World Trade Centre (WTC) in Kuala Lumpur.
The seminar, a collaboration between Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), ISSA, and Kesuma, will be a crucial platform to address current issues and plan effective solutions to protect workers in the gig economy.
Since its establishment in 1927 under the auspices of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), ISSA now has 324 member institutions from 163 countries worldwide.
Through international cooperation, Perkeso, which has been a member of ISSA since 1974, has implemented various improvements to ensure the sustainability of Malaysia's social safety net.
Also present were Perkeso’s strategy and transformation division head Edmund Cheong Peck Huang; ISSA secretary-general Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano and ISSA social security development director Raul Ruggia-Frick.
Meanwhile, Sim said that Malaysia is currently actively pursuing improvements through amendments to related acts to comply with the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention 1952 (Convention 102).
He said such efforts align with the government’s commitment to policy and public institution reforms, which are among the principles of the Madani Government.
“With the ratification of Convention 102, Malaysia can further strengthen social protection and ensure adequate benefits for workers and their families,” he added. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | null | GENEVA: Malaysia is set to take a leading role in efforts to enhance social protection both locally and globally during the upcoming World Social Security Forum (WSSF) 2025. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/wssf-2025-kesuma-issa-strategic-plan-to-address-global-phenomena | |
1,374,999 | Arul Kanda wins bid to file counterclaim for pay in 1MDB suit | PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal here has partly allowed former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) president and chief executive officer Arul Kanda Kandasamy’s appeal to amend his statement of defence to include his counterclaim seeking outstanding salary and bonuses in response to the company’s lawsuit against him.
A three-judge panel led by Justice Datuk Azizah Nawawi allowed Arul Kanda’s appeal to amend his statement of defence to add the counterclaim, which is confined to his employment contract claim for outstanding salary and bonuses from 1MDB.
"We find merits in the appeal,” said Justice Azizah, who delivered the court’s unanimous decision on Wednesday (June 19).
ALSO READ: 1MDB’s bid to have joint trial against ex-bosses rejected
She said the counterclaim was made in response to the respondent’s (1MDB) statement of claim on the issue of termination of employment.
Presiding alongside Justice Azizah were Justices Datuk Lim Chong Fong and Datuk Dr Choo Kah Sing.
Earlier in the appeal hearing, Arul Kanda’s lawyer Sanjay Mohan told the court that his client was not pursuing the appeal concerning his claim for abuse of process but was limiting the appeal to the proposed amendments related to the claim for outstanding salary and bonuses.
The counterclaim contains two separate and distinct claims: one for the recovery of outstanding salary and bonuses due to Arul Kanda, and the other for abuse of process.
In February, the High Court dismissed Arul Kanda’s application to amend his statement of defence to include the counterclaim for both issues.
ALSO READ: 1MDB suit: Arul Kanda files RM56.7mil counterclaim over wrongful termination
Arul Kanda, who was acquitted by the criminal High Court in the 1MDB audit tampering case in March last year, is seeking, through his counterclaim, a sum of RM202,600 for loss of income, a bonus of RM2.5mil, and special damages of RM54mil (for loss of income from June 2019 to 2036) as well as general, exemplary and aggravated damages.
In his counterclaim, he said that on June 25, 2018, 1MDB wrongfully terminated his contract without any basis or investigation to conclude that he had acted against the company’s interests.
In May 2021, 1MDB filed a lawsuit against Arul Kanda and its former chairman Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah for alleged breach of trust and conspiracy, causing 1MDB to incur losses of US$1.83bil in connection with its investment in 1MDB-Petrosaudi Ltd, which was converted into an investment in Brazen Sky Limited, purportedly held in the Bridge Global Fund.
ALSO READ: Duo not responsible for 1MDB losses, court told
It claimed that Arul Kanda and Irwan Serigar committed breach of trust and conspiracy by misappropriating 1MDB funds amounting to US$3.5bil paid to Aabar Investments and US$1.265bil paid to the International Petroleum Investment Company (Ipic) on May 9, 2017.
According to 1MDB, Irwan Serigar also conspired with Arul Kanda to cause the company to enter into an Employment Extension Agreement and make payments totalling RM2,905,200 to Arul Kanda under the agreement, disregarding 1MDB’s interests and resulting in losses to the company.
On Aug 23 last year, the Kuala Lumpur High Court dismissed the bid by Arul Kanda and Irwan Serigar to strike out the US$6.59bil lawsuit filed by 1MDB against them.
Lawyers Brendan Navin Siva and Aida Haryani Salamon represented 1MDB. Representing Arul Kanda were lawyers Adam Lee and Hing Hong Jer. – Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,Arul Kanda Kandasamy,1MDB,Counterclaim,Court of Appeal,Partial,Contract,Salary,Lawsuit | PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal here has partly allowed former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) president and chief executive officer Arul Kanda Kandasamy’s appeal to amend his statement of defence to include his counterclaim seeking outstanding salary and bonuses in response to the company’s lawsuit against him. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/arul-kanda-wins-bid-to-file-counterclaim-for-pay-in-1mdb-suit | |
1,374,988 | Man arrested for dangerous driving along Senai-Desaru Expressway in Johor | KOTA TINGGI: Police have arrested a 53-year-old man after a short clip showing him driving dangerously along the Senai-Desaru Expressway (SDE) went viral on social media.
Kota Tinggi OCPD Supt Hussin Zamora said police received the four-second video, which went viral on Facebook, at around 9.30pm on Monday (June 17) night.
“The video shows a car driving dangerously by passing other vehicles and entering the opposite lane at KM61.3 along SDE, which put other road users at risk.
“Police were able to detect the driver when he came to the Kota Tinggi police district headquarters at around 8.30am on Wednesday (June 19) to help with our investigation,” he said in a statement here on Wednesday.
Supt Hussin added police then carried out a urine test on the suspect where he tested positive for drugs.
He said the suspect was then detained to be investigated under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drug Act 1952 and Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
In an unrelated case, police have arrested a drug trafficker following an operation at a petrol station in Gelang Patah near Iskandar Puteri.
Iskandar Puteri OCPD Asst M. Kumarasan said the 44-year-old suspect was arrested last Thursday (June 13) at around 9.30am.
“Checks on the suspect found he tested negative for drugs, however, he has prior narcotics records against him.
“We found a backpack at the scene where further checks found 20 packets weighing 3.05 kilograms of ganja worth RM9,300, which police immediately seized.
“Besides the drugs, police also seized a car and a motorcycle as well as RM90 in cash from the suspect,” he said adding that the total value of all seized items was RM105,390.
ACP Kumarasan added that the initial investigation believed that the suspect was part of a drug trafficking syndicate, which has been active since July 2016.
He said the suspect was currently under remand until Thursday (June 20) to assist with the investigation under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drug Act 1952. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,Man,Dangerous Driving,Senai-Desaru Expressway,Supt Hussin Zamora,Kota Tinggi,Drug Trafficker,Gelang Patah. Iskandar Puteri | KOTA TINGGI: Police have arrested a 53-year-old man after a short clip showing him driving dangerously along the Senai-Desaru Expressway (SDE) went viral on social media. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/man-arrested-for-dangerous-driving-along-senai-desaru-expressway-in-johor | |
1,374,963 | Petrol, diesel prices unchanged until June 26 | KUALA LUMPUR: The retail prices for RON97 and RON95 petrol as well as diesel will remain unchanged at RM3.47, RM2.05 and RM3.35 per litre, respectively, for the June 20 to 26 period.
The Finance Ministry, in a statement on Wednesday (June 19), said the retail price of diesel in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan will also remain unchanged at RM2.15 per litre.
It said the prices were fixed based on the weekly retail pricing of petroleum products using the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula.
The ministry said the government will continue to monitor the trends of global crude oil prices and take appropriate measures to ensure the welfare and well-being of the people continue to be protected. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Finance Ministry,Petrol,RON97,RON95,Diesel,Prices | KUALA LUMPUR: The retail prices for RON97 and RON95 petrol as well as diesel will remain unchanged at RM3.47, RM2.05 and RM3.35 per litre, respectively, for the June 20 to 26 period. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-until-june-26 | |
1,374,929 | Pregnant woman pleads guilty to soliciting clients for prostitution | BANGI: A six-month pregnant woman pleaded guilty in the Bandar Baru Bangi Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (June 19) to soliciting clients for prostitution through the Telegram app under the pseudonym 'Miza Ozawa'.
Siti Amiza Baharuddin, 27, was charged with committing the offence at a condominium unit in Bukit Mahkota, Kajang, at 4pm on June 6, under Section 372B of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison, or a fine, or both.
Magistrate Nurdiyanah Mohd Nawawi set June 24 for sentencing.
Siti Amiza was also sentenced to one month in prison and fined RM12,500 by the same court after pleading guilty to two charges of possessing obscene materials and unregistered medicines.
For the offence of possessing obscene materials, the court sentenced her to one month in prison and fined her RM6,500, or seven months in prison if she fails to pay the fine, and for possessing unregistered medications, she was fined RM6,000 in default six months jail time.
However, the court ordered both sentences to run consecutively from the date she was arrested on June 6.
She was charged with possessing obscene materials in her laptop and three mobile phones at the same location, time, and date, under Section 292(a) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison, or a fine, or both.
Siti Amiza was also charged with possessing two boxes of ‘Secret Negro’ and two boxes of ‘Dara Jelita’, in violation of Regulation 7(1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984 at the same location, time, and date.
The charge was framed under Regulation 30 (1) of the same regulation and is punishable under Section 12(2) of the Sale of Drugs Act 1952, which carries a maximum fine of RM25,000 or three years in prison, and for subsequent offences, a fine of up to RM50,000, or five years in prison, or both.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Nur Liyana Mohd Sulaiman requested that the court impose a deterrent sentence on the accused and order the sentences to run consecutively.
Siti Amiza, who was unrepresented, pleaded for a lenient sentence on the grounds that she had no income after her savings for childbirth were confiscated by the authorities.
"I support myself in Selangor and request the minimum possible fine," she said. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,court,pregnant woman,prostitution,obscene materials,unregistered medications,Bandar Baru Bangi | BANGI: A six-month pregnant woman pleaded guilty in the Bandar Baru Bangi Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (June 19) to soliciting clients for prostitution through the Telegram app under the pseudonym 'Miza Ozawa'. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/pregnant-woman-pleads-guilty-to-soliciting-clients-for-prostitution | |
1,374,930 | 'Game-changing' ECRL reaches two-thirds completion | KUALA LUMPUR: Construction work for the 665km East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has reached 67% completion despite several hiccups and challenges throughout its development and implementation phases.
Aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating economic development, the project traversing Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor is set to be an economic game-changer, especially in boosting Malaysia’s transportation network.
It is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The massive infrastructure project, which connects the east and west coasts of the peninsula with 20 stations along its route, is also a testament to the strong bilateral relationship between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing.
ALSO READ: ECRL to be completed by end-2026, operational from January 2027
The RM50.2bil project notched another milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for the ECRL Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal (ITT) Station officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and China’s visiting Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday (June 19).
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali said Li's presence at the ceremony reflected the strong bilateral relationship between the two longstanding partners ang augured well for the successful implementation of the project, which is under the Beijing-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Wednesday's event was the first groundbreaking ceremony held in Selangor and the beginning of construction for the first station on the ECRL line in the state, which will have a total of five stations, he said.
"This station will serve as the main gateway to the capital city, facilitating ECRL users' travel from Klang Valley to the East Coast states or vice versa.
"ECRL will also be connected to the Kelana Jaya LRT Line at the Gombak ITT, providing a better network and greater passenger capacity.
"The ECRL line, from Kota Baru in Kelantan to Gombak in Selangor, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 and operational by January 2027.
ALSO READ: Construction cost for ECRL stays at RM50.27bil, says Loke
"Travelling time between Kota Baru and the Klang Valley is anticipated to be around four hours compared to seven hours or more by road during festive seasons.
"Overall, the progress of the ECRL project is at 67%,” he said.
In April, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ECRL network in Selangor spanning nearly 120km would have five stations, namely the Gombak, Kapar and Jalan Kastam Integrated Terminals for passengers only while the Bandar Serendah and Puncak Alam stations would be connecting stations for passengers and cargo.
The construction phase for the ECRL began with the groundbreaking ceremony in Kuantan, Pahang in August 2017, but the work was suspended in 2018 for financial reasons before the project was restarted in July 2019 at a lower cost.
The ECRL connects state capitals, major urban centres, industrial hubs, ports, airports and tourism zones and interchanges with existing railway lines in Peninsular Malaysia.
The project is owned by MRL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Minister of Finance (Incorporated), while China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) serves as the main contractor.
Malaysia Institute of Transport (Mitrans) director Associate Prof Dr Wan Mazlina Wan Mohamed said ECRL is a crucial national infrastructure project that would boost regional development and connectivity, and improve public transit across its electrified railway network, connecting urban and rural areas.
It will also reduce environmental pollution by transitioning from the use of fuel-based vehicles to an electrified rail network and provide a safe alternative mode of public transport for long-distance journeys, said Wan Mazlina.
ALSO READ: ECRL freight, passenger services price structure most likely to be unveiled in 2026
In March, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said ECRL will serve as a catalyst for socioeconomic growth and is expected to increase the country’s GDP by 3.78% by 2047.
"The ECRL is poised to be a game-changer for Malaysia, linking us more closely to the Pan-Asia railway network and enhancing our connectivity,” he said in his keynote address at the Seminar on East Coast Rail Link-Economic Accelerator Project (ECRL-EAP) Business and Investment Opportunities.
Meanwhile, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the ECRL, once completed, will benefit the real estate sector, among others, through the effects of urbanisation and the increase in property prices.
In April, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) said the ECRL-EAP is anticipated to generate RM1.4 trillion for Malaysia's economy by 2047 with a focus on industrial parks, logistics hubs and transit-oriented developments.
It encouraged companies to seize opportunities arising from ECRL, with areas that could be further explored including renewable energy; sustainability products and services; education and training centres. – Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | ECRL,project,Li Qiang,Chinese Premier,Gombak,Integrated Terminal,Malaysia Rail Link | KUALA LUMPUR: Construction work for the 665km East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has reached 67% completion despite several hiccups and challenges throughout its development and implementation phases. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/039game-changing039-ecrl-reaches-two-thirds-completion | |
1,374,924 | Penang Garbage Truck Operators Association appeals for inclusion of RoRo lorries in subsidy programme | BUTTERWORTH: Lorry owners need clarification about the diesel subsidy as only some of their vehicles qualify for the aid.
The Penang Garbage Truck Operators Association said that while their rigid lorries (waste) qualify for the subsidy, their Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) lorries do not.
Its president, Arif Ibrahim, said their expenses have increased drastically.
"We are confused as they are the same lorry, but the classifications changed a few years ago.
"We are private lorries that make our money off trips from collecting waste from factories, residences and other establishments," he said during a peaceful protest held outside the Seberang Perai City Council (Jawi Branch) on Wednesday (June 19).
Arif said the members have now decided to collectively raise their charges to meet their increased expenses since the diesel subsidy was implemented.
"It is the only way to help us manage expenses as many of our lorries did not qualify for the subsidy.
Arif said the lorry owners are asking the government to include RoRo lorries in the list of qualified vehicles to relieve diesel subsidies.
"Some of us have two or three lorries, and only one qualifies for the subsidy.
"This means that we pay 55% more for a full tank for the lorries that do not qualify for the subsidy.
"A full tank for a three-tonne lorry used to be RM150, but now it is more than RM200, and it can only last a day of work," he said. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Lorry,Diesel Subsidy,Rigid Lorry,RoRo Lorry,Penang Garbage Truck Operators Association,Inclusion,Qualified Vehicles | BUTTERWORTH: Lorry owners need clarification about the diesel subsidy as only some of their vehicles qualify for the aid. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/penang-garbage-truck-operators-association-appeals-for-inclusion-of-roro-lorries-in-subsidy-program | |
1,374,916 | King grants audience to China’s premier Li Qiang | KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia on Wednesday (June 19) granted an audience to China’s Premier Li Qiang at Istana Negara here.
Li and his delegation arrived at about 3.30pm, accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing.
Among those present at the audience were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Malaysia’s Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad.
Li arrived in Malaysia yesterday to begin his official visit, which lasts until tomorrow. This is his inaugural visit to the country since assuming his position in March 2023.
His visit also coincides with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations following the signing of the Joint Communiqué between second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and then Chinese premier Chou En Lai on May 31, 1974.
As part of his visit today, Li and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will attend a dinner to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China bilateral relations. Before that, Li is expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) in Gombak.
The Chinese Premier is also scheduled to attend a luncheon with the business community from both countries before concluding his official visit tomorrow.
In 2023, China remained Malaysia's largest trading partner for the 15th consecutive year since 2009, with a trade value of RM450.84bil (US$98.9bil).
The relationship between Malaysia and China has grown stronger following the enhancement of bilateral ties through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2013. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | King,Malaysia,Sultan Ibrahim,Li Qiang,audience,China,official visit,Istana Negara | KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia on Wednesday (June 19) granted an audience to China’s Premier Li Qiang at Istana Negara here. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/king-grants-audience-to-chinas-premier-li-qiang | |
1,374,741 | 40% revenue rights: Sabah PH says open to alternative solutions | KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Pakatan Harapan is open to alternative amicable solutions with regards to state rights including the 40% net revenue entitlement.
In expressing support for the recent Court of Appeal decision to allow the Sabah Law Society (SLS) to proceed with the judicial review on the state’s constitutional rights to receive 40% of its special grant revenue, the coalition said it was vital that Sabah receive its fair constitutional share.
It said that the Court of Appeal’s decision marked a significant step in ensuring that Sabah’s constitutional entitlements are honoured.
“We believe that the judicial review proceedings are crucial for addressing this matter and are committed to supporting this legal process until its final resolution,” it said in a statement.
“However, Pakatan also remains open to exploring alternative amicable solutions to resolve this long standing issue between Sabah and the Federal Government,” it said.
Sabah Pakatan said it hopes that discussions and negotiations through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) committees can finally lead to the acknowledgment and delivery of Sabah's 40% entitlement.
“Pakatan Harapan stands firm in advocating for justice and equity and will continue to support initiatives that uphold these principles,” their statement said.
Sabah Pakatan comprises PKR, DAP, Parti Amanah Negara and Upko.
On Tuesday (June 18), the Court of Appeal allowed the SLS to proceed with a judicial review on the state’s constitutional rights to receive 40% of its special grant revenue. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Sabah Pakatan Harapan,alternative,amicable solutions,state rights,40% net revenue,entitlement,Court of Appeal decision,Sabah Law Society (SLS) | KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Pakatan Harapan is open to alternative amicable solutions with regards to state rights including the 40% net revenue entitlement. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/40-revenue-rights-sabah-ph-says-open-to-alternative-solutions | |
1,374,672 | Don’t appeal SLS appeals court victory, SAPP Youth urges Federal Govt | KOTA KINABALU: The Federal Government has been urged to accept the Court of Appeal’s decision to allow the Sabah Law Society (SLS) to proceed with a judicial review over Sabah's entitlement to 40% of grant revenue.
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Youth vice-chairman Yong Yit Jee said the federal Attorney General's Chambers should not pursue the case any further at the apex court.
“The government should show commitment and sincerity in honouring the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Federal Constitution by not appealing the decision,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (June 18).
The Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed the federal Attorney General’s appeal against granting leave to the SLS to proceed with a judicial review of the state’s constitutional right to receive 40% of its special grant revenue on Tuesday.
In dismissing the appeal via online proceedings, a three-member panel decided that SLS has locus standi for the review.
Justice Ravinthran Paramuguru said the two main issues raised by the Senior Federal Counsel (SFC), namely locus standi and justiciability, lacked merit given the factual and legal matrix of the unprecedented application for judicial review.
Yong, a lawyer, welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision and congratulated SLS on its victory.
“Many promises have been made by the Federal Government over the years.
“However, the MA63, especially this 40% net revenue entitlement, has been consistently side-lined or given empty promises,” he said. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Appeal,MA63,Court of Appeal,State Entitlement,40% Revenue Tax | KOTA KINABALU: The Federal Government has been urged to accept the Court of Appeal’s decision to allow the Sabah Law Society (SLS) to proceed with a judicial review over Sabah's entitlement to 40% of grant revenue. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/dont-appeal-sls-appeals-court-victory-sapp-youth-urges-federal-govt | |
1,374,341 | Son elated as late mother ‘attends’ his wedding | Compiled by C. ARUNO, BENJAMIN LEE and R. ARAVINTHAN
A BRIDEGROOM in northern Hebei province, China, shed tears of joy after his late mother “attended” his wedding and gave him her “blessing”, reported China Press.
It was all thanks to his new wife getting experts to recreate her mother-in-law using artificial intelligence (AI).
According to the bride Zhang Jing, the wedding was postponed after the groom’s mother died of cancer in May 2023.
This came as a severe blow to the groom, Zhang Jianshan, who had lost his father to an accident in 2022.
According to Jing, her fiance had always regretted that his mum could not be at his wedding.
Unbeknown to Jianshan, his to-be wife hired a team of AI experts who collected photographs, voice messages and videos of his mother.
The team spent several months creating a video of the mother, which mimics her mannerism and even her voice.
“The only imperfection was the AI video’s intonation. As mother-in-law fell sick, we had limited samples of her voice recordings,” Jing said.
The video was played at the event on June 9 as a surprise to the groom.
“Son, mother is happy seeing you getting married! You got fat! Zhang Jing is so beautiful today. Mother wishes you a happy marriage!
“Jianshan, rest assure mother will be well as long as you remain well. Don’t keep missing me,” the AI-generated mother said.
The footage moved Jianshan to tears. As Jing tried to console her new husband, guests at the reception got teary-eyed too.
> An injured Eason Chan (pic) was forced to postpone more concerts, China Press also reported.
In addition to his gig in Chongqing, China, this month, the Cantopop superstar announced that he would be postponing all shows on the Foshan leg of his Fear and Dreams tour, slated for next month, to January 2025.
According to his agency, Chan is recovering from his injuries, but doctors have advised that the singer take at least six weeks to rest and to complete his physical therapy.
It was earlier reported that the 49-year-old received 30 stitches after sustaining a fractured jawbone and a deep cut to his chin after he fainted from heat stroke while playing tennis on June 10.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Found in Translation,Chinese Views,China,AI,Wedding,Eason Chan,Donnie Yen,Parkour,Zhang Lei | A BRIDEGROOM in northern Hebei province, China, shed tears of joy after his late mother “attended” his wedding and gave him her “blessing”, reported China Press. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/son-elated-as-late-mother-attends-his-wedding | |
1,374,344 | A fall that changed the life of a hardworking man | Compiled by C. ARUNO, BENJAMIN LEE and R. ARAVINTHAN
ONCE a hardworking income earner for his family, a man from Pontian, Johor, has been left bedridden after a fall that caused him severe head trauma, reported Kosmo!.
Housekeeper Mohd Nazli Khamis, 42, now has to rely on his 70-year-old father Khamis Mohd Dom and his sister Nadia Khamis, 46, to care for him.
According to Khamis, his son had a fall at home which caused such severe bleeding in his head that he had to undergo surgery to remove the blood clot.
Having once earned up to RM2,000 a month for his work, Mohd Nazli now sits in a near-paralysed state on his bed every day with a tube sticking out of his neck to help him breathe and eat.
“From being an active and fit person, he is now like a child who needs to be taken care of all the time.
“He is no longer able to speak because of the tube in his neck and can only drink special formula milk, which is expensive,” Khamis told the daily.
> Legendary rock band Rusty Blade’s bass player Sulaiman Ibrahim, or Man Karen, has succumbed to stage four brain cancer in Singapore on Monday, Harian Metro reported.
Man is understood to have battled the disease since 2022.
News of his death was shared by his bandmate, guitarist Khalid Mobin, in a Facebook post.
Man, also formerly with another popular rock band, Rockers, joined Rusty Blade in 1988 to replace its original bassist Razak.
Rusty Blade, which also includes singer Yantzen, guitarist Md Noor Hendrix and drummer Zan, was one of the top rock bands in Malaysia and Singapore since 1978.
> Actress Puteri Sarah Liyana said she is disheartened by social media users’ constant association of her with her ex, Syamsul Yusof, even a year after their divorce, reported Berita Harian.
She said many have slandered her in posts, accusing her of immorality.
“I can accept normal comments but when people accuse me of immorality, I won’t stand for it. They have gone too far.
“I don’t mess with your life, so please don’t mess with mine,” she told the daily.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Found in Translation,pontian,johor,bedridden,fall,rusty blade,bass player,man karen,death,brain cancer,social media,slander,puteri sarah liyana,ex-husband,syamsul yusof, | ONCE a hardworking income earner for his family, a man from Pontian, Johor, has been left bedridden after a fall that caused him severe head trauma, reported Kosmo!. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/a-fall-that-changed-the-life-of-a-hardworking-man | |
1,374,354 | Drop in egg prices a relief for Sabahans and Sarawakians | KUALA LUMPUR: The three-sen drop in retail prices of grade A, B and C eggs has been welcomed by the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
Sabah National Consumer Foundation chairman David Chan said that people, particularly those in the B40 group, still rely on eggs and chicken as daily food sources, and it would burden them if the prices were free floated on the market.
Furthermore, chicken and egg traders would struggle to operate unless they were to raise their selling prices, which would, in turn, affect their sales, he said.
“We are concerned that if prices are not controlled, many parties will be affected, given that many are still facing various issues related to rising prices of goods and cost of living.
“This (reduction in retail egg prices) can help the people to some extent in their daily lives,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on Monday that the new retail prices for Grade A, B and C eggs are 42 sen, 40 sen and 38 sen each respectively with immediate effect.
In Sarawak, Consumers Voice Association president Michael Tiong said the three-sen reduction in egg prices is proof that the government is aware of people’s basic needs and its willingness to ease their burden.
He said it has a positive impact on consumption, which in turn can help stabilise the prices of other basic necessities by putting pressure on traders not to raise prices arbitrarily.
“If traders continue to raise prices, the government must take firm action to ensure that the announced price reduction truly benefits the people,” he told Bernama.
Housewife Zihani Ismawi, 35, who is a frozen curry puff entrepreneur, said that it can help reduce the daily cost of living and increase purchasing power, especially for those who rely on eggs as a protein source.
Baker Winnie Elyse, 49, said the reduction in the prices of eggs, a key ingredient in cake making, provided relief for her, as any increase would have a significant impact on her business’ production costs. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak | KUALA LUMPUR: The three-sen drop in retail prices of grade A, B and C eggs has been welcomed by the people of Sabah and Sarawak. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/drop-in-egg-prices-a-relief-for-sabahans-and-sarawakians | |
1,374,343 | Two fined for trying to sell unapproved devices | PUTRAJAYA: Two company directors have been fined by the Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court for possessing and intending to sell unapproved communication equipment, says the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
These included Baofeng model BF-888S walkie-talkies and various brands of wireless adapters, it said.
The two directors were fined RM5,500 and RM2,500 respectively after pleading guilty before judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan, the MCMC said in a statement yesterday.
The first man, 29, was charged with two offences under Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000, it said.
He was found in possession of five Baofeng model BF-888S walkie-talkies and six wireless adapters of various brands at Lintas Plaza on Oct 11, 2023, with the intent to sell them.
The second man, 41, was charged with one offence under the same regulation for possessing two units of Baofeng model BF-888S walkie-talkies at Sinsuran Complex on the same date, with the intent to sell them.
The offences are punishable by a fine not exceeding RM300,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, the MCMC said.
It reminded the public to avoid engaging in activities involving the sale, possession or use of unapproved communication equipment. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | null | PUTRAJAYA: Two company directors have been fined by the Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court for possessing and intending to sell unapproved communication equipment, says the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/two-fined-for-trying-to-sell-unapproved-devices | |
1,374,362 | Syabu smuggler flees, abandons accomplice | BELURAN: Police thwarted an attempt by two suspects to smuggle 4.072kg of syabu from Tawau to Sarawak after the General Operations Force intercepted a car at the Sapi Nangoh Road Check Point.
Beluran district police chief Supt Hasan Majid said that in the 11am incident last Friday, one of the suspects, aged 43, was detained at the checkpoint.
However, the car driver managed to escape by speeding off during the inspection.
Police said the driver had been identified.
He had a criminal record in Negri Sembilan for drug-related offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
His last known address is Long Nahan Baram, Sarawak.
“Initial investigations showed that the suspects came to Tawau to pick up the syabu and were headed back to Sarawak where the drugs would be distributed or sold in the local market,” Supt Hasan said, Bernama reported.
During the incident, police stopped the car, and one of the suspects accompanied them to open its boot, where a black plastic bag was found.
“However, the driver suddenly stepped on the accelerator and sped off towards Jalan Telupid-Ranau.
“Four red packets labelled Chinese tea were found when the black plastic bag was opened. All four packets contained syabu valued at RM130,304,” Supt Hasan added.
The detained suspect, who will be remanded for seven days and investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, has two previous drug-related offences and also tested positive for drugs.
Supt Hasan urged anyone with information to contact investigation officer Insp Mohd Solahuddin Mohamad at 019-981 0144 or the Beluran district police headquarters at 089-511 1222. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,Sabah,Police,Syabu,Sapi Nangoh,Sarawak,Hasan Majid | BELURAN: Police thwarted an attempt by two suspects to smuggle 4.072kg of syabu from Tawau to Sarawak after the General Operations Force intercepted a car at the Sapi Nangoh Road Check Point. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/syabu-smuggler-flees-abandons-accomplice | |
1,374,352 | Police to ensure by-election runs smoothly | GEORGE TOWN: Police have identified several hotspots around the Sungai Bakap state constituency ahead of the July 6 by-election.
Penang police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said voters or residents in the area need not worry as they have taken all measures, including being at the highest level of readiness, to face the by-election.
“Police are at the highest level of preparedness for the Sungai Bakap state by-election and, so far, we have also identified several hotspots as well as other areas that may be hotspots,” he said at Penang police headquarters here yesterday.
Hamzah said 1,000 officers and personnel from the Penang police contingent will be on duty throughout the Sungai Bakap election period, from the June 22 nomination day until the July 6 polling day, to ensure the democratic process runs smoothly. (Early voting will take place on July 2).
“Police in Penang will use existing resources (of officers and personnel from the Penang contingent) to be placed on duty throughout the Sungai Bakap by-election period, but if there is an urgent need, we will seek help from other states,” he added.
The Sungai Bakap state seat fell vacant following the death of its incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff from PAS, on May 24 due to stomach inflammation. — Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Sg Bakap Polls | GEORGE TOWN: Police have identified several hotspots around the Sungai Bakap state constituency ahead of the July 6 by-election. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/police-to-ensure-by-election-runs-smoothly | |
1,374,353 | Marine cops foil smuggling attempt | KOTA KINABALU: Marine police in Sabah’s northern Kudat district have thwarted an attempt to smuggle controlled goods out of the country, apprehending one foreigner although two other suspects escaped.
Marine police were patrolling the seas off Tanjung Meniagit Banggi under Ops Gelora on Monday when they spotted a boat with three men acting suspiciously.
Sabah Region Four Marine Police Commander Asst Comm Ahmad Ariffin said the team approached the boat when two of the men suddenly jumped into the sea and escaped.
“The team managed to detain one of the suspects, a 26-year-old man who did not possess any identification documents,” he said.
Following further inspection of the boat, they found 30 empty oil drums, which the police believed were intended to smuggle subsidised goods into Mangsee Island in the Philippines, said ACP Ahmad.
He said the marine police subsequently seized the boat, its engine, and the drums valued at more than RM53,000.
He added that the suspect is being investigated for illegally entering the country. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Courts Crime | KOTA KINABALU: Marine police in Sabah’s northern Kudat district have thwarted an attempt to smuggle controlled goods out of the country, apprehending one foreigner although two other suspects escaped. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/marine-cops-foil-smuggling-attempt | |
1,374,355 | Public can help us keep profiteers at bay, says ministry | JOHOR BARU: The public must play an active role in ensuring that errant traders do not use the rationalisation of the diesel subsidy as an excuse to hike prices, says the Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
Its director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said since the new scheme was implemented on June 10, the Johor branch has only received three complaints through its official portal.
“We hope the public can play a more proactive role and not hesitate to file official complaints with us if they come across any unreasonable rise in price,” she said when contacted.
Lilis Saslinda said the public can lodge complaints through the ministry’s hotline at 1-800 886 800, WhatsApp at 019–279 4317, email e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my or its portal at https://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my/
The Johor branch of the ministry, she said, has beefed up enforcement and conducted over 30 inspections statewide since the new ruling came into effect.
“We have also issued notices to several businesses since June 10. This allows us to gain further information on how these businesses come up with the prices they set.
“If we detect any profiteering, then further action will be taken under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011,” she added.
As of yesterday, the Johor branch of the ministry has only issued notices to companies in the transportation sector and tow trucks, Lilis Saslinda said.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely,” she added.
On Sunday, Lilis Saslinda said Johor had issued 22 written notices to transportation companies following the rationalisation of the diesel subsidy.
She said that 20 of the notices were issued to various companies involved in transportation and two to towing companies.
Under Section 21 of the Act, any company found to be manipulating prices will be subject to strict action and may be fined up to RM500,000 for companies and up to RM100,000 for individuals, or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Diesel Subsidy,Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry,Complaints | JOHOR BARU: The public must play an active role in ensuring that errant traders do not use the rationalisation of the diesel subsidy as an excuse to hike prices, says the Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/public-can-help-us-keep-profiteers-at-bay-says-ministry | |
1,374,360 | Full-swing into shared future | Chinese Premier’s visit augurs well for trade, say business groups
KUALA LUMPUR: Li Qiang’s high-profile visit here, which begins in full swing today, marks the first such trip by a Chinese Premier to Malaysia in nine years.
The last such visit was by former Premier Li Keqiang in November 2015 when he attended the East Asia Summit. Prior to that, Chinese President Xi Jinping came to Malaysia in 2013.
Li Qiang’s presence here holds significant meaning for Malaysia, which has maintained stability and positive economic trade relations with China.
Moreover, the two countries celebrate the golden anniversary of their diplomatic ties this year.
“We have established trust, which has resulted in a strong foundation of bilateral relations, particularly in economics and trade,” said Malaysia-China Friendship Association president Datuk Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan.
“Based on our achievements over the past 50 years, we have managed relations well and maintained strong bilateral contact. We expect this visit to further contribute to our ongoing good relationship,” he said when contacted.
Abdul Majid said there was a warm welcome given to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when he visited Beijing last year.
It also led to Malaysia securing a record RM170bil in investment commitments from China, he added.
“This reflects the confidence of the Chinese government and Chinese investors in Malaysia, so this follow-up visit is particularly significant in the context of the 50th anniversary,” he added.
Abdul Majid said there were mutual benefits to the Malaysia-China relationship, adding that Malaysia was seen as a stable country for business.
Despite the changes in government over the past nine years, he said Malaysia had remained a reliable partner of China.
Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) president Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan said that Malaysia’s economic and industrial transformation, as seen in the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap, offers opportunities for collaboration and investment.
Red carpet welcome: Chinese Premier Li Qiang arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for an official three-day visit to Malaysia. — Bernama
Key areas for potential growth include high-technology electronics, 5G, artificial intelligence, green investments, electric vehicles, renewable energy, smart agriculture, and healthcare.
He said Malaysia-China relations are at a strategically opportune time for development through strategic partnerships, and advancing pragmatic cooperation to accelerate mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
“Malaysia must continue to engage China in trade, investment, connectivity-building, regional integration, and security collaboration.
“Both countries can deepen their constructive engagements and exchanges, and bilateral economic and diplomatic efforts, to benefit from new progress and development in the future,” Low added.
Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce vice-president Datuk Joseph Lim expressed hope that the Premier’s visit would strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations and encourage more medium and large Chinese enterprises to partner with Malaysian businesses.
“Over the past year, many small and medium-sized Chinese enterprises have visited Malaysian factories, showing an interest in investing here,” he added.
He said Chinese companies were also keen to invest in industrial parks and the automotive supply chain, with several regional assembly centres already being established in Malaysia.
“This indicates a transfer of technology from China to Malaysia,” he added.
Lim said the Premier’s visit is a testament to the strong diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, highlighted by mutual visa exemptions and thriving trade.
The visa exemptions had boosted bilateral trade, he added.
“Previously, Chinese investors needed to apply for visas to come to Malaysia, but now they can arrange a visit today and arrive by next week.”
MCA China Affairs and Belt Road Initiative (BRI) committee chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said the Premier’s visit symbolised the beginning of another 50 years of friendly ties between the two nations.
He also highlighted future opportunities for collaboration in education, adding that Malaysia’s multicultural environment is a strategic base for Chinese students to learn about the cultures here. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | Li Qiang,Political Stability,Malaysia-China,50th Anniversary | KUALA LUMPUR: Li Qiang’s high-profile visit here, which begins in full swing today, marks the first such trip by a Chinese Premier to Malaysia in nine years. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/full-swing-into-shared-future | |
1,374,342 | Tribute to traditional T’ganu homes | One man’s 20-year mission honours Malay architectural heritage
KUALA BERANG: About 20 years ago, his family members and friends considered him crazy for wanting to build a resort featuring accommodations inspired by the traditional Malay houses of Terengganu.
However, driven by his love for heritage architecture, Tun Ahmad Tun Abdullah, 65, turned a deaf ear and continued to pursue his dream.
In 2004, Tun Ahmad, affectionately known as Pak Tun, embarked on his labour of love. Utilising an area of about one hectare, he built one house after another until he erected eight units, each showcasing the unique characteristics of traditional Malay homes.
Finally, in 2010, Resort Warisan Pahlawan was ready to take in guests. The “heritage settlement” is located in Kampung Pauh about an hour’s drive from Kuala Terengganu.
“Each house is named after a renowned Malay warrior, independence fighter or famous scholar of Terengganu, such as Mat Kilau, Tok Gajah and Tok Pulau Manis,” Tun Ahmad told Bernama.
He said the houses were built without nails – just like how it was done in the old days – using the wedge and mortise method and chengal wood, known for its durability.
“I started this endeavour 20 years ago by searching for abandoned traditional houses across Terengganu to obtain chengal wood which was the cornerstone of most old houses. I bought these houses, dismantled them to collect the wood, and then brought it to the construction site in Kampung Pauh,” he said.
To ensure the authenticity of the houses, he also acquired “singgora” or terracotta roof tiles.
“When the first house was completed, it unexpectedly attracted a lot of interest from the public. I named the house Rumah Tok Pauh (after a scholar).”
During his search for old dwellings in Terengganu, Tun Ahmad stumbled upon the “skeleton” of an old abode. According to the locals, this house was once inhabited by Mat Kilau, a Malay warrior from Pahang who fought against British colonialists.
Located in Pasir Nering, the old-timers residing nearby said Mat Kilau lived in this house for a long period after arriving from Ulu Tembeling, Pahang.
Passion for preservation: Tun Ahmad standing by the entrance of Rumah Tok Pauh, one of the three houses built to fully replicate traditional Malay houses of the past. — Bernama
“I bought the remnants of the house from the owner’s grandson,” he said.
Using the materials salvaged from the crumbling structure, Tun Ahmad erected a traditional house and named it Rumah Mat Kilau.
Tun Ahmad said each house in his resort is constructed according to traditional Terengganu houses such as “Rumah Bujang Berselasar”, “Rumah Bujang Berkembar” and “Rumah Tele”.
Out of the eight houses, only Rumah Mat Kilau, Rumah Tok Gajah and Rumah Tok Pauh are faithful to traditional houses of the past with the bathroom situated outdoors and without modern amenities like air conditioning.
“As for the other houses, only their exteriors feature olden-day architectural elements. Inside, they are equipped with modern amenities to meet the needs of our guests,” he said.
Former director of the Terengganu State Museum Datuk Mohd Yusof Abdullah said both “Rumah Bujang Berselasar” and “Rumah Bujang Berkembar” are types of “Rumah Bujang Berpeleh”.
“Rumah Bujang Berpeleh” features a long roof with panels at both ends resembling an inverted “V”.
Mohd Yusof told Bernama it is known as “Rumah Bujang Berkembar” when two units of “Rumah Bujang Berpeleh” are joined together to form a single house, making the roof’s panels look like an inverted “W”.
“Rumah Tele”, on the other hand, can be distinguished by its central space, which sets it apart from other house types.
“Rumah Tele” also refers to a building or abode located at the back of a palace, which is designated for women.
According to the Terengganu State Museum website, “Rumah Tele” was built in early 1888 by Sultan Zainal Abidin III in the vicinity of the Maziah Palace.
Tun Ahmad said the houses in his resort were built using the expertise of local craftsmen who were assisted by foreign workers. They handled everything, from the basic construction to the wood carvings that adorn both the interior and exterior of the houses.
“The carvings featuring motifs of floral designs and Quranic verses are crafted in the same style as those from long ago. We also created our own furniture to maintain the authenticity of the traditional houses,” he said.
However, he noted that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find craftsmen skilled in building houses without using nails, posing a challenge for them to maintain the resort.
“The craftsmen who helped us build the houses were all elderly people. Some have passed away and others are ill.
“I don’t know what will happen in the next 10 to 20 years. I’m getting old too,” he said.
Tun Ahmad also said it costs him about RM30,000 a month to maintain and manage the traditional houses.
Despite the rising costs, Tun Ahmad does not regret embarking on this “crazy” endeavour two decades ago. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Long | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | null | KUALA BERANG: About 20 years ago, his family members and friends considered him crazy for wanting to build a resort featuring accommodations inspired by the traditional Malay houses of Terengganu. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/tribute-to-traditional-tganu-homes | |
1,374,357 | Malaysia bids to join BRICS alliance | Anwar conveys interest to Brazilian president and ‘will go through the process’
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Malaysia will seek to join the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) intergovernmental organisation, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said he had conveyed Malaysia’s wishes to Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
“We (Malaysia) will go through the process to enable the country to join the organisation. For the past two months, the Foreign Ministry has conducted a study on our policy before deciding to join BRICS.
“I have spoken to the President of Brazil about our wish,” he said after attending a gathering for local residents in Mengkuang Semarah here yesterday.
Anwar was earlier quoted as saying that Malaysia would begin the formal procedures to join BRICS.
In an interview with Shanghai-based news site Guancha, Anwar said Malaysia was now awaiting the final decision and feedback from the South African government.
On the ground: Anwar getting friendly with the children who attended the qurban ceremony with the Prime Minister at Masjid Jamek Cerok Tokun Bawah in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. — Bernama
BRICS was originally founded as BRIC, with the four original members being Brazil, Russia, India and China. It held its first summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009.It was renamed BRICS when South Africa joined in 2010.
The group now comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Together, they make up about 30% of the world’s land surface and 45% of the global population.
The grouping, originally set up to highlight investment opportunities, has evolved into a geopolitical bloc where members meet annually at formal summits.
In July 2014, BRICS created a US$100bil (RM471bil) New Development Bank with a currency pool worth over another US$100bil.
Since 2012, it has been planning an optical fibre submarine communications cable system, known as the BRICS Cable.
During the summit in 2023, BRICS members committed to studying the feasibility of a new common currency.
To date, 15 summits have been held with Russia scheduled to hold the next one in Kazan, Russia, in October. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-19 00:00:00 | null | BUKIT MERTAJAM: Malaysia will seek to join the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) intergovernmental organisation, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/19/malaysia-bids-to-join-brics-alliance | |
1,374,218 | Court of Appeal verdict shows SLS isn't a ‘busybody’, says lawyer | KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Law Society (SLS) believes it has been vindicated over the contention that it was a “busybody” amid its legal battle for Sabah's entitlement to 40% of grant revenue following the ruling by the Court of Appeal.
The Court of Appeal had on Tuesday (June 18) unanimously dismissed the federal Attorney General’s appeal against granting leave to the SLS to proceed with a judicial review over the state’s constitutional right to receive 40% of its special grant revenue.
Its immediate past president Datuk Roger Chin said the appellate court had determined that SLS’ judicial review was not frivolous and should be heard on its substance before the High Court.
“The judges were satisfied that this is a public interest litigation.
“SLS was adversely affected as it has a real and genuine interest in the subject matter of the judicial review - it is not a busybody,” he said, in a statement.
On May 16, counsel Tengku Datuk Fuad Ahmad had referred to SLS as a busybody during a press conference, after representing the state government in the hearing of the appeal by the AG.
The Court of Appeal had allowed the state to intervene in the case following Tengku Fuad’s then eleventh-hour application, effectively becoming a co-appellant alongside the AG in its bid to quash the leave granted to SLS by the Kota Kinabalu High Court on Nov 11, 2022.
However, Sabah AG Datuk Nor Asiah Mohd Yusof has since taken over the case from Tengku Fuad whose services have been terminated amid his controversial arguments in court, including on the 40% entitlement to the state as being “an aspiration” which triggered a public outcry and political storm in Sabah.
Nor Asiah has also informed the appellate court during case management on May 24 that the state government is withdrawing its challenge against the position of the SLS in the case.
Towards this end, Chin said while the legal journey was still long, the first hurdle of judicial review has now been crossed, and that the SLS can now proceed to the substantive hearing.
“SLS may provide further explanations on the Court of Appeal’s decision and outline the steps ahead as the case proceeds through the court’s due process, as and when the need arises, for the benefit of the public,” he said.
In a separate statement, Datuk Brenndon Keith Soh commended the decision of the Court of Appeal in upholding the position of the High Court in granting leave to the SLS.
The legal adviser to the Chief Minister said the state government had conveyed its stand to the Court that this significant constitutional issue ought to be fully ventilated on the merits at the substantive hearing of SLS’s application in the High Court.
“In addition, we had further confirmed that we had withdrawn the earlier submissions made on May 16,” he said, adding the state therefore did not support the federal AG’s appeal.
“In the meantime and separately, negotiations are expected to continue between the state and federal governments on the 40% net revenue special grant under Article 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution - as agreed pursuant to the interim arrangement between the respective governments,” he noted. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Courts Crime, 40%,Constitutional Entitlement,Court of Appeal,Vindicated,SLS,Judicial Review | KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Law Society (SLS) believes it has been vindicated over the contention that it was a “busybody” amid its legal battle for Sabah's entitlement to 40% of grant revenue following the ruling by the Court of Appeal. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/court-of-appeal-verdict-shows-sls-isn039t-a-busybody-says-lawyer | |
1,374,209 | Victim dies a week after fight, Sabah cops reclassify case to murder | KOTA KINABALU: Police have reclassified a case to murder after the victim died while receiving treatment in hospital, a week after a fight with a colleague in Paitan.
The 43-year-old Indonesian plantation worker, who was severely injured, died on June 14.
Beluran district police chief Supt Hasan Majid (pic) said two men were involved in a fight following a misunderstanding on June 8, One was seriously injured and later admitted for further treatment at the Beluran district hospital.
"We arrested a 25-year-old man on the same day and investigated the case under Section 326 of the Penal Code for causing grievous harm.
"Since the victim succumbed to his injuries, the case will now be investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder," he said in a press conference at the Beluran police headquarters on Tuesday (June 18).
If found guilty, the suspect faces the death penalty or imprisonment for up to 40 years, and if not sentenced to death, shall be punished with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.
In another case, Hasan said police detained a 41-year-old Indonesian man who was involved in a fight, resulting in serious injuries to another man at a plantation in Telupidp on June 14.
"The 22-year-old Indonesian victim, who is also the suspect's co-worker, is still receiving treatment at the Beluran district hospital.
"The suspect is currently detained, and the case is being investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code for causing grievous harm," he said. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Courts Crime,Murder,Grievous Harm,Penal Code,Beluran,Sabah | KOTA KINABALU: Police have reclassified a case to murder after the victim died while receiving treatment in hospital, a week after a fight with a colleague in Paitan. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/victim-dies-a-week-after-fight-sabah-cops-reclassify-case-to-murder | |
1,374,201 | Police searching for drug case suspect who fled Beluran roadblock | KOTA KINABALU: Police here are on the hunt for a suspect who fled after being stopped at a roadblock at Sapi Nangoh in Beluran on Friday (June 14).
The suspect is 27-year-old Justin Vau Langat, whose last known address was Long Nahan in Baram, Sarawak.
He was last seen driving a grey Proton Saga with the registration number SYR7763.
On the incident that he fled from, Beluran district police chief Supt Hasan Majid said the suspect was stopped at a roadblock manned by the General Operations Force (GOF).
He said that the suspect was accompanied in the car by a male passenger and added that the GOF personnel ordered one of the two men to join them in the inspection, to which the passenger obliged.
Upon checking, they noticed a black plastic bag at the tire storage area, and the driver suddenly accelerated and fled just as the plastic bag was retrieved.
Supt Hasan added that a crystalline substance believed to be syabu was found in the plastic bag, saying that it weighed at about 4.072kg and is estimated to be worth RM130,304.
Anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts are advised to contact Inspector Solahuddin Mohamad at 019-9810144, the Beluran police headquarters at 089-511222 or any nearby police station. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Courts Crime,Beluran,Sabah,Syabu,Manhunt,Roadblock,Justin Vau Langat | KOTA KINABALU: Police here are on the hunt for a suspect who fled after being stopped at a roadblock at Sapi Nangoh in Beluran on Friday (June 14). | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/police-searching-for-drug-case-suspect-who-fled-beluran-roadblock | |
1,374,181 | Sacrificial buffalo escapes, breaks woman's leg in Menggatal | KOTA KINABALU: A buffalo that was about to be sacrificed broke loose and started charging at people in Kampung Tobur, Menggatal.
A woman in her 40s also broke her leg during the incident.
Villagers had gathered at the Ar-Rahman Surau in Kampung Tobur for the Aidiladha celebration, with several mosque officials preparing five buffaloes for sacrificial slaughter when one animal managed to escape its leash at 9.30am on Tuesday (June 18).
"One of the ropes tethering the buffalo snapped and it broke free.
"The buffalo then ran around the area and charged at villagers," said surau deputy chairman Ali Osman Ismail.
He added that the injured victim was trying to get her child to safety when the animal charged at her.
An ambulance was later called in to take the victim to the hospital.
Earlier, a video went viral showing panicked villagers trying to get away from the rampaging buffalo. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Buffalo,Aidiladha,Menggatal | KOTA KINABALU: A buffalo that was about to be sacrificed broke loose and started charging at people in Kampung Tobur, Menggatal. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/sacrificial-buffalo-escapes-breaks-woman039s-leg-in-menggatal | |
1,374,115 | Babagon villagers to get RM16.8mil concrete bridge in two years | KOTA KINABALU: Some 6,000 villagers from Kampung Timpangoh in Penampang can look forward to better access to the main road with the completion of a concrete bridge soon.
The RM16.8mil bridge will be built over the Babagon River that separates the villagers, mainly farmers whose main crops are lemongrass and galangal, from road access to Donggongon town.
Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, who was at the groundbreaking ceremony for the bridge on Tuesday (July 18), said the 90m structure is expected to be completed within two years as set by the Public Works Department (JKR).
"This bridge is a highly anticipated infrastructure project for residents of the Babagon sub-district, particularly those who need to transport agricultural produce, commute to work, or take their children to school," he said.
The Upko president said that previously, villagers depended on a low-level crossing route in Babagon as the only way out.
“The bridge will become the main route for the villagers when completed.
"This government initiative is a valuable contribution to the local community, and I am optimistic that it will deliver substantial advantages to the residents, particularly in enhancing economic opportunities, education, and employment prospects," the Penampang MP added.
In another development, Benedick also encouraged farmers in the villages to form or join cooperatives for the sake of economic empowerment, social cohesion and sustainable development within the community.
"We have earmarked smaller-scale funds from the ministry for specific projects, including the RM300,000 upgrade of Tamu Babagon and construction of a RM200,000 Sunday school at one of the churches funded by the Penampang parliamentary office," he said.
Also present at the groundbreaking were Upko deputy president Datuk Donald Mojuntin, Penampang parliamentary liaison officer Bryan Matasing, Penampang district officer Francis Chong, and village head Monis A Gimbun, among others. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Sabah,Penampang,Babagon,Villagers,Concrete Bridge,Ewon Benedick,Farmers,Access,Donggongon | KOTA KINABALU: Some 6,000 villagers from Kampung Timpangoh in Penampang can look forward to better access to the main road with the completion of a concrete bridge soon. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/babagon-villagers-to-get-rm168mil-concrete-bridge-in-two-years | |
1,374,102 | Four to be charged with burglary of influencer Kieda Crepe's house | GEORGE TOWN: Police have completed their investigation paper in connection with the arrest of four individuals, including two women, over the burglary case involving influencer Siti Nur Khalieda Yusra or more popularly known as Kieda Crepe.
Penang police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said the four, including a married couple, were aged between 20 and 27 and were arrested on June 6.
"The investigation into the case is completed and they will be charged.
"Police have seized jewellery and gold worth RM100,000 from them as well as recovered all pawnshop receipts totalling RM400,000 from the suspects who had sold the stolen jewellery and gold," he told a media conference at the Penang police headquarters here on Tuesday (June 18).
He said the case was investigated under Section 47 of the Penal Code for house-breaking and police believe they have solved the Kieda Crepe burglary case with the arrest of the four suspects. – Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,Kieda Crepe,Burglary,Jewellery | GEORGE TOWN: Police have completed their investigation paper in connection with the arrest of four individuals, including two women, over the burglary case involving influencer Siti Nur Khalieda Yusra or more popularly known as Kieda Crepe. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/four-to-be-charged-with-burglary-of-influencer-kieda-crepe039s-house | |
1,374,060 | No more plastic bags for KK shoppers by August | KOTA KINABALU: Plastic bags will no longer be offered to shoppers in the city by August, says mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah.
Encouraging city folk to bring their own bags when they go shopping is part of the fifth phase of Kota Kinabalu City Hall’s (DBKK) “Bawa Beg Bah” (3B) campaign, he added.
The ongoing campaign aims to reduce the use of conventional plastic bags, in addition to promoting the practice of "reduce, reuse and recycle" among the public.
Eateries will also stop providing plastic bags and straws, Sabin added at the closing of a World Environment Day campaign at DBKK headquarters here on Tuesday (June 18).
He said under the current phase of the 3B campaign, outlets could only provide plastic bags to their customers four days a week.
“Currently, we are at the fourth phase of the 3B Campaign which disallows plastic bags on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays at all outlets within our jurisdiction.
“So in the next phase, we will increase it to the whole week," he said.
The campaign does not apply to wet markets and fish markets. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Sabah,Kota Kinabalu,City Hall,Plastic Bags,Disallowed,August,3B Campaign,Mayor,Dr Sabin Samitah | KOTA KINABALU: Plastic bags will no longer be offered to shoppers in the city by August, says mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/no-more-plastic-bags-for-kk-shoppers-by-august | |
1,374,057 | KLIA Aerotrain to be completed by Jan 31, 2025, says MAHB | KUALA LUMPUR: The Aerotrain Replacement Project at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is slated to be completed by Jan 31, 2025 which is ahead of the project’s original planned completion date, says Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).
The airport operator said this expedited timeline was finalised through a contract signed on June 14 between Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd (MA Sepang), Alstom Transport Systems (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, and IJMC-Pestech JV, a joint venture between IJM Construction Sdn Bhd and Pestech Technology Sdn Bhd.
MA Sepang is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MAHB.
MAHB said this advances the original completion date of March 31, 2025, by two months.
"As the project coordination lead, Alstom will oversee the delivery of three new trains, the upgrading of two lines, and the overall comprehensive testing required for safe operations,” it said in a statement today.
MAHB said that according to the project’s timeline, the new aerotrains are expected to arrive in Malaysia from China by the end of the third quarter of this year.
"The aerotrains will then undergo commissioning and rigorous testing by the relevant authorities before official operations can commence,” it said.
In March 2022, MAHB announced that it had awarded the KLIA Aerotrain Replacement Project, which has a three-year completion timeline.
However, the project encountered delays, which resulted in a new project award in January 2024 to a consortium comprising Alstom, the aerotrain’s original equipment manufacturer, and IJMC-Pestech JV to steer the project back on track.
"Despite these setbacks, MAHB and its project partners have collaborated effectively to achieve a completion date ahead of the original schedule by implementing innovative strategies and efficient project management,” it said.
Meanwhile, MAHB acting group chief executive officer Mohamed Rastam Shahrom pointed out that the early project completion ahead of the originally planned date was a testament to the relentless commitment to improving the passenger experience.
"This advancement not only addresses immediate operational needs but also strengthens KLIA’S position as a leading transport hub in the region by providing world-class service and infrastructure to our passengers,” he added. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | KLIA,MAHB,Aerotrain,Alstom,Pestech,IJM Construction,Mohamed Rastam Shahrom | KUALA LUMPUR: The Aerotrain Replacement Project at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is slated to be completed by Jan 31, 2025 which is ahead of the project’s original planned completion date, says Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB). | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/klia-aerotrain-to-be-completed-by-jan-31-2025-says-mahb | |
1,374,041 | Ehailing driver charged with outraging modesty of woman | KUALA LUMPUR: A man who allegedly touched a woman's buttocks at a home improvement store in Selayang last week has charged in the Magistrate's Court here.
Irwan Iesa, 38, an e-hailing driver, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out to him before Magistrate Aina Azahra Ariffin on Tuesday (June 18).
He was accused of using criminal force to outrage the modesty of a 38-year-old woman by touching and prodding her buttocks at the shop in Selayang around 2pm on June 4.
The charge, framed under Section 354 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment, or a fine, or whipping, or any two of such punishments upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Izzat Amir Idham proposed bail of RM7,000 with one surety, while Gan Sing Gee from the National Legal Aid Foundation, who represented the accused, requested a lower bail as the accused's wife is heavily pregnant.
The court granted bail at RM5,000 with one surety and set Aug 10 for remention. – Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,Outraging Modesty,Criminal Force,Ehailing Driver | KUALA LUMPUR: A man who allegedly touched a woman's buttocks at a home improvement store in Selayang last week has charged in the Magistrate's Court here. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/ehailing-driver-charged-with-outraging-modesty-of-woman | |
1,374,007 | New Sabah party PIS aims for inclusivity, and curbing 'recycled politicians' | KOTA KINABALU: A new Sabah political party pledges to help realise the dreams of Sabahans, aiming to have 12 vice presidents representing a broad cross-section of the state's people.
Parti Impian Sabah (PIS) pro tem president Michel Alok said these vice presidents would represent the larger ethnic groups and communities in the state including the Kadazandusun, Murut, Rungus, Bajau and Suluk.
It would also limit the tenure of its committee members, including the president, to two terms, "thereby discouraging recycled politicians," he said in a statement on Tuesday (June 18).
The former Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) member said PIS would also work towards the return of state rights under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), fight corruption and strive to eradicate poverty.
“PIS stands resolute in advocating for transformative leadership and democratic governance, with a special emphasis on Sabah, Malaysia.
“PIS (will nurture) a cadre of clean leaders to revolutionise Sabah's political landscape. Our goal is to root out monopolies, corruption, power abuse, and authoritarianism.
Michel said the two-term limit would help bring about a leadership cohort that was constantly developing, and help eliminate corruption and abuse of power.
The party would also stress inclusivity and democratic governance through balanced decision-making, he added. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Politics,Sabah,New Political Party,Parti Impian Sabah,PIS,Michel Alok,Vice Presidents,Ethnic Groups,Inclusive,State Rights,Term Limit | KOTA KINABALU: A new Sabah political party pledges to help realise the dreams of Sabahans, aiming to have 12 vice presidents representing a broad cross-section of the state's people. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/new-sabah-party-pis-aims-for-inclusivity-and-curbing-039recycled-politicians039 | |
1,374,004 | Longboat mishap victim found drowned | SIBU: The body of one of the two people feared drowned in Belaga has been found.
The victim has been identified as 36-year-old Balavishnu Permaloo from Kedah.
Rhuban Apparoo, 30, also from Kedah, is still missing and the search continues, the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said in its daily update on Tuesday (June 18).
ALSO READ: Two feared drowned in Belaga longboat sinking
They were with three others who took a rented longboat for a leisure ride at about 4pm on Sunday (June 16) when it capsized after being hit by strong waves near Rumah Apan Menjawah, Belaga.
It added that Balavishnu's body was found by area residents at 1.15pm Tuesday, some 50m from the spot where the longboat sank.
The boat's skipper managed to save the other three passengers. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Sarawak,Belaga,Missing Persons,Longboat,Capsized,Drowned,Body,Found,Fire and Rescue Department,Search Operation | SIBU: The body of one of the two people feared drowned in Belaga has been found. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/longboat-mishap-victim-found-drowned | |
1,373,999 | Govt to study implications of proposal to place MACC under Parliament, says PM Anwar | BUKIT MERTAJAM: The government will examine the implications of a proposal to place the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) under the jurisdiction of Parliament, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the strict conditions regarding the proposal also need to be reviewed first before any decision could be made on the matter.
"That (placing MACC under Parliament) needs to be discussed... we need to examine the stringent conditions (before deciding)," he told reporters after attending a Hari Raya Aidiladha gathering hosted by his old friend Hamzah Mat Isa in Mengkuang Semarak here Tuesday (June 18).
He also noted that the MACC now appears to be more 'aggressive' compared to the past.
Anwar said that although MACC is still under the Prime Minister's Department, it is the responsibility of the agency to conduct investigations if there is misconduct, regardless of an individual's status.
"Right now, what is important is to investigate, have clear evidence and prosecute. That is crucial. Then use technical arguments, don't avoid the truth. I don't care, don't fabricate, don't oppress. If there is evidence, respond; if there are facts, respond. That is what matters," he said.
Last Sunday, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, when appearing as a guest on a podcast with a news publication, disagreed with the proposal to place the MACC under Parliament.
He said the MACC is the only agency monitored by five independent bodies, while Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption is monitored by four oversight bodies.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also pledged to make Cherok Tokun an outstanding Madani Village under the initiative to adopt it as his foster village.
Earlier, Anwar and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, spent about 45 minutes mingling with and greeting guests at the event. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Anwar Ibrahim,MACC,Parliament,jurisdiction,implications | BUKIT MERTAJAM: The government will examine the implications of a proposal to place the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) under the jurisdiction of Parliament, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/govt-to-study-implications-of-proposal-to-place-macc-under-parliament-says-pm-anwar | |
1,373,991 | Former company manager charged with CBT involving over RM600,000 | KUALA LUMPUR: A former finance and human resources manager of a public relations company has pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here on Tuesday (June 18) to three charges of criminal breach of trust involving over RM600,000.
According to the charges, Fong Chan Tong, 51, who served in IBR Asia Group, allegedly misappropriated company funds amounting to RM601,883 by making 78 transfers into his bank account for personal use.
He is accused of committing the offences at IBR Asia Group in Jalan Damansara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, between April 29, 2022, and May 28, 2024, and was charged under Section 408 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment, caning, and a fine upon conviction.
Fong also pleaded not guilty to three alternative charges of misusing the same company's funds, knowing they were not his own, at the same location, time and dates.
The three charges were framed under Section 403 of the Penal Code, which is punishable with up to five years imprisonment, caning and a fine upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Raihanah Abd Razak proposed bail of RM30,000 with one surety.
However, Fong's lawyer, Farhan Read, appealed for a lower sum, citing that his client is unemployed and supports his wife and two school-going children.
Judge Hamidah Mohamed Deril allowed bail at RM18,000 with one surety and scheduled July 23 for case mention. – Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,Corruption,Criminal Breach Of Trust,CBT,Manager | KUALA LUMPUR: A former finance and human resources manager of a public relations company has pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here on Tuesday (June 18) to three charges of criminal breach of trust involving over RM600,000. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/former-company-manager-charged-with-cbt-involving-over-rm600000 | |
1,373,972 | RM209mil dredging project to deepen Miri Port access channel | KUCHING: The Miri Port is set to spur economic development in Sarawak's northern region with a proposed dredging project to deepen its access channel, says Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
The Deputy Premier said the RM209mil project would improve shipping efficiency and create job opportunities while stimulating the development of related infrastructure and amenities.
"Miri Port will be able to contribute towards the state's economic growth besides offering economic spin-offs to logistics, business distribution, warehouses and so on.
"This project will stimulate more investment for the northern region in Sarawak in line with our aspiration to become a prosperous and developed state," he said at the contract signing for the proposed dredging and associated works at the Batang Baram delta here on Tuesday (June 18).
The project was awarded to a joint venture between Rimbun Prima Sdn Bhd and China Communication Construction Company (CCCC).
It will deepen the access channel at Kuala Baram for Miri Port, while the construction of two 6km training bunds will enable effective flushing of the dredged channel.
"The construction of these bunds in deep water of over 25m will allow Kuala Baram to be a strategic and suitable location to develop a deep sea port.
"I foresee Kuala Baram will be... capable of handling all types of cargo as well as cruise vessels.
"There will be stimulation to other sectors such as shipbuilding and repair, palm oil, oil and gas industries and green energy," Uggah said.
He told reporters that the project would hopefully be completed ahead of its scheduled 33-month duration.
"We hope they will complete it as early as possible, within 24 months. That will augur well for us," he said.
Meanwhile, Miri Port Authority chairman Datuk Paulus Palu Gumbang said the shallow access channel to the port terminal at the Batang Baram delta had caused navigational safety hazards and restricted bigger vessels from calling at the port.
With a deeper access channel, he said Miri Port would be able to realise its designated capacity of handling 3.5 million tonnes of cargo annually.
"This project is crucial as it will improve Miri Port's current capacity and capability to play a lead role as a catalyst for economic activities in Kuala Baram and Miri," he said. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Sarawak,Miri Port,Dredging,Access Channel,Douglas Uggah Embas,Kuala Baram | KUCHING: The Miri Port is set to spur economic development in Sarawak's northern region with a proposed dredging project to deepen its access channel, says Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/rm209mil-dredging-project-to-deepen-miri-port-access-channel | |
1,373,969 | Lowering price of eggs could lead to shortage, says Dr Wee | PETALING JAYA: The decision to reduce the price of eggs by three sen each could lead to a shortage, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said even a small 5% increase in demand could lead to a shortage of one million eggs, with current supply at 21 million.
"Should this happen, shortages will re-occur and prices will go up again as production of eggs cannot be ramped up overnight," said Dr Wee in a Facebook post on Tuesday (June 18).
"While everyone welcomes a reduction in staple food prices, such an announcement will cause more harm than good, creating higher cost to the government with higher subsidies for eggs which currently exceeds RM927mil a year," he said.
Dr Wee said the supply of eggs has stabilised in recent months but added that reports show it had yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.
"The government must do its best to ensure the supply of eggs is not disrupted like before as the poultry industry has yet to rebuild its production buffer," added Dr Wee. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Eggs,Wee Ka Siong,Shortage | PETALING JAYA: The decision to reduce the price of eggs by three sen each could lead to a shortage, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/lowering-price-of-eggs-could-lead-to-shortage-says-dr-wee | |
1,373,967 | Penang cops identify 'hotspots' ahead of Sg Bakap polls | GEORGE TOWN: Police have identified several "hotspots" in the Sungai Bakap constituency ahead of the July 6 by-election.
However, Penang police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said residents in the areas concerned need not worry as police have taken all measures necessary.
"Police are at the highest level of preparedness for the Sungai Bakap state by-election.
"We have also identified several hotspots as well as other potential hotspot areas," he said at a press conference at the Penang police headquarters here on Tuesday (June 18).
He said 1,000 police officers and personnel would be on duty throughout the Sungai Bakap poll period from nomination day on June 22 to polling day on July 6.
"Police will use existing resources (officers and personnel from the Penang contingent) who will be on duty throughout the Sungai Bakap by-election. If there is an urgent need, we will seek help from other states," he said.
The Election Commission has set July 6 for polling for the Sungai Bakap by-election, with June 22 as the nomination day and July 2 for early voting.
The Sungai Bakap state seat fell vacant following the death of its incumbent Nor Zamri from PAS on May 24. – Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Sg Bakap Polls,Sungai Bakap,By-election,Hotspot,Police | GEORGE TOWN: Police have identified several "hotspots" in the Sungai Bakap constituency ahead of the July 6 by-election. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/penang-cops-identify-039hotspots039-ahead-of-sg-bakap-polls | |
1,373,964 | Suspected smuggler nabbed, two flee during Kudat op | KOTA KINABALU: A suspected smuggler was detained while two others managed to escape as marine police foiled an attempt to sneak controlled goods out of the country in Sabah’s northern Kudat district.
Marine police personnel were patrolling off Tanjung Meniagit Banggi during Ops Gelora when they spotted three men in a boat behaving suspiciously on Monday (June 17).
Sabah Region Four Marine Police commander Asst Comm Ahmad Ariffin said his men approached the boat when two of its occupants suddenly jumped into the sea and swam away.
“The operation team managed to detain the sole suspect left behind, a 26-year-old man who did not possess any identification documents,” he said when contacted on Tuesday (June 18).
An inspection of the seized boat found 30 empty oil drums which police believe were intended to be used in smuggling subsidised items to Mangsee Island in the Philippines.
The suspect is being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for illegal entry into the country, he added. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Courts Crime,Sabah,Smuggling,Foiled,Kudat,Marine Police,Arrested,Suspect,Foreigner,ACP Ahmad Ariffin,Subsidised Goods | KOTA KINABALU: A suspected smuggler was detained while two others managed to escape as marine police foiled an attempt to sneak controlled goods out of the country in Sabah’s northern Kudat district. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/suspected-smuggler-nabbed-two-flee-during-kudat-op | |
1,373,960 | Subsidy rationalisation to stop fund leaks, says Anwar | BUTTERWORTH: The rise in fares by Singapore travel agencies shows that they have a long-standing reliance on Malaysian diesel subsidies, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
During his speech at the Aidiladha Korban Perdana sacrificial ceremony at Masjid Jamek Cerok Tokun Bawah, Bukit Mertajam, on Tuesday (June 18), Anwar said that there is a need to revise the diesel subsidy system to prevent financial drain from misuse.
"Singaporean tour buses and travel companies plan to hike their prices citing the loss of diesel subsidies. This reveals how our subsidies have been exploited by foreign corporations and Thai fishing boats for years," he remarked.
Anwar pointed out that subsidies had been inadvertently benefiting 3.8 million foreigners, with diesel being taken out to Thailand and used by fishing boats there.
"This is Malaysian taxpayers' money, and it's been used by foreigners reaping the rewards. From 2012 to 2020, the number of cars produced was minimal compared to the soaring diesel consumption due to foreign utilisation," he added.
On Monday (June 17), Anwar confirmed that the government still shoulders around RM7bil in subsidies associated with diesel in Peninsular Malaysia and clarified that subsidies had not been completely removed.
"The rationalisation of the diesel subsidy is designed to manage the subsidies more effectively, curb misuse, and ensure they reach the intended recipients. Our main objective is to halt subsidy leakages and redistribute the savings to the broader populace," he said. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Butterworth,Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,Singapore Travel Agencies,Diesel Subsidy Rationalisation,Malaysian Economy,Aidiladha Korban Perdana,Misuse of Funds,Foreign Benefit,Masjid Jamek Cerok Tokun Bawah,Bukit Mertajam,Subsidy Management,Peninsular Malaysia,Thai Fishing Boats. | BUTTERWORTH: The rise in fares by Singapore travel agencies shows that they have a long-standing reliance on Malaysian diesel subsidies, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/subsidy-rationalisation-to-stop-fund-leaks-says-anwar | |
1,373,959 | Malaysia-China to ink MOU on housing, urban planning, smart cities, says Nga | PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and China will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the fields of housing, urban planning, and smart cities, announced Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
In a statement on Tuesday (June 18), Nga said the exchange of the MoU between Malaysia's Housing and Local Government Ministry and China's Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development will be witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang during his official three-day visit from today until June 20.
Following the signing of the MoU, Nga elaborated that both countries would explore potential cooperation in smart housing, urban redevelopment, urban mobility, urban livability, urban sustainability, and smart city profiling.
Both countries are also expected to explore smart solutions and services for urban operations and management, smart construction and adaptation, and partnerships in the recognition and certification of smart cities, he said.
"Through this MoU, both countries will benefit from expertise sharing, best practices, and collaboration in significant initiatives and projects," he added.
"The exchange of MoU in the housing and urban development sector is seen as a strategic and significant cooperation between Malaysia and China," he noted.
Nga highlighted that Malaysia stands to gain the latest technology and expertise in housing and urban development from China.
This partnership has the potential to boost investment value, stimulate economic growth, and create new job opportunities while strengthening bilateral relations between Malaysia and China, he emphasised.
Li is scheduled to arrive tonight for his official visit in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
He will hold meetings with Anwar to discuss bilateral relations between the two nations and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Nga Kor Ming,MoU,Li Qiang,official visit,China,housing,urban planning,smart cities,Housing and Local Government Minister | PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and China will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the fields of housing, urban planning, and smart cities, announced Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/malaysia-china-to-ink-mou-on-housing-urban-planning-smart-cities-says-nga | |
1,373,940 | An explainer on BRICS | PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that Malaysia will soon begin the formal procedures to join the grouping, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
In an interview with Shanghai-based news site Guancha, Anwar said Malaysia is now awaiting the final decision and feedback from the South African government.
Here'ss a brief explanation of what BRICS is and what it does.
What is BRICS? by candy | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | null | PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that Malaysia will soon begin the formal procedures to join the grouping, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/an-explainer-on-brics | |
1,373,925 | Premier Li's visit strengthens Malaysia-China relations, says Foreign Minister | SEREMBAN: A three-day-official visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Malaysia will further cement ties between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing and pave the way for both countries to better resolve outstanding issues, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Foreign Minister said the visit will also allow both countries to explore new areas for collaboration and to further build on the 50 years of diplomatic ties that began in 1974.
"Although this year marks the 50th anniversary of both nations establishing diplomatic relations, we already had ties with China hundreds of years ago since the time of Hang Li Po and Admiral Cheng Ho.
"So this is not new to us. What we need to work on is to see how we can further strengthen bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of the peoples of both countries," he said when met after launching the Kampung Angkat Madani programe at Kg Kanchong in Rantau near here.
Mohamad said on Tuesday (June 18) that it is important for both countries to bolster cooperation as China is Malaysia's biggest trading partner.
"China is also the world's second largest economy and there are many areas that we can explore and discuss for mutual gain,"he said.
Mohamad said after the welcoming ceremony in Putrajaya, Premier Li is scheduled to have a four-eyed meeting with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim followed by a bilateral meeting between delegations from both countries.
This will be followed by a luncheon to be hosted by the prime minister.
"From there, I will accompany Premier Li for an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and after that he will visit the ECRL project site in Gombak," he said.
He added that Premier Li is also scheduled to meet representatives from the business communities and chambers of commerce during his visit.
Mohamad said several issues may be raised during Premier Li's visit which include the territorial claims in the South China Sea.
"That is why we need to further build on this good cooperation we have established since 1974.
"The good ties we have enjoyed since will allow us to manage and resolve any issue amicably," he said, adding that China also valued the fact that Malaysia was the first Asean country to establish diplomatic relations with it back then.
On a separate matter, Mohamad said Malaysia was prepared to consider becoming a member of any bloc or organisation if this would benefit both the country and the people.
Responding to a statement by Anwar that Malaysia will soon begin formal procedures to join the intergovernmental organisation BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Mohamad said the move would allow Malaysia's voice to be better heard in the global arena.
Citing Asean as an example, Mohamad said the organisation with a combined population of 700mil people and with the fourth largest GDP was an influential global organisation.
"It is pointless to be part of an organisation if it would not benefit the country and the people. So, we will make an application to be part of BRICS as it allow our voice to be heard and benefits us,"he said.
On another matter, Mohamad urged Malaysians abroad to register with Malaysian missions to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
He said this can also be done online without having to be physically present at the mission.
"In some countries we have more than one mission so it is good if you register so that we can contact you.
"But if Malaysians do not register, then it can be difficult to trace them in the event there is an emergency," he said, adding that Wisma Putra also seeks the assistance of foreign missions here, the police and Interpol to help Malaysians in predicament abroad.
Speaking on the Kampung Angkat Madani programme, Mohamad said this was an initiative by the Prime Minister to provide basic facilities and improve infrastructure in rural areas.
"Wisma Putra has picked Kg Kanchong and Kg Tanjong this year and we will provide an allocation to carry out several initiatives for the benefit of the village folk,"he said adding that these included upgrading the Kg Kanchong community hall, four surau, futsal court and providing street lighting.
At the event, seven cows were also slaughtered and the meat distributed to the poor in conjunction with Hari Raya AidilAdha. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Chinese Premier Malaysia Visit,Kuala Lumpur Beijing Relations,Malaysia China Diplomacy,Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan,South China Sea,BRICS Membership,Wisma Putra,Kampung Angkat Madani Programme,ECRL Project,Yang di-Pertuan Agong Audience,ASEAN,Trade Partners,Intergovernmental Relations, | SEREMBAN: A three-day-official visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Malaysia will further cement ties between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing and pave the way for both countries to better resolve outstanding issues, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/premier-li039s-visit-strengthens-malaysia-china-relations-says-foreign-minister | |
1,373,919 | Food poisoning in Gombak: Cops record statements from 15 including caterer | KUALA LUMPUR: The police have recorded statements from 15 people, including the caterer, to facilitate investigation into the deaths of a 17-year-old boy and a two-year-old girl, suspected to be due to food poisoning on June 8.
Gombak police chief ACP Noor Ariffin Mohamad Nasir said all those called to assist in the investigation were family members, pathologist, food provider, and supplier.
"This brings the total number of individuals whose statements have been recorded so far to 15, and statements from other food poisoning victims will be recorded today," he said in a statement.
Previously, the Selangor Health Department informed that a total of 82 out of 247 people were found to have symptoms of food poisoning after eating food on the Gombak district-level ‘Kemahiran Amal Islami’ (Kamil) programme involving 30 primary schools. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | police,Gombak,food poisoning,statements,caterer,deaths | KUALA LUMPUR: The police have recorded statements from 15 people, including the caterer, to facilitate investigation into the deaths of a 17-year-old boy and a two-year-old girl, suspected to be due to food poisoning on June 8. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/food-poisoning-in-gombak-cops-record-statements-from-15-including-caterer | |
1,373,890 | Man nabbed with 56kg marijuana, largest drug bust by Pahang cops | KUANTAN: The Pahang Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) arrested a man and seized 56.22kg of marijuana worth an estimated RM173,600, marking this year’s largest drug bust in the state so far.
Pahang Police acting chief DCP Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said the 39-year-old man believed to be a major drug trafficker was apprehended at Lorong Seri Mahkota Permai last Saturday around 1.30pm, following a two-month surveillance operation.
He stated that 54 compressed packages of greenish-dried marijuana leaves were found in a car, where the man was suspected to be waiting for customers.
"The suspect operated independently as a main distributor or major player, sourcing the drugs from neighbouring countries and distributing them in Pahang for nearly a year. This is the largest seizure in the state for the first six months of this year.
"With the arrest of this suspect, Pahang NCID has successfully dismantled the distribution network of marijuana in Kuantan," he highlighted during a press conference at the Pahang Police Contingent Headquarters here on Tuesday (June 18).
The suspect has a history of 13 previous criminal offenses related to drugs. He also tested positive for methamphetamine and is currently remanded for seven days to assist in investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, he added. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Pahang,police,drugs,marijuana,NCID,largest drug bust | KUANTAN: The Pahang Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) arrested a man and seized 56.22kg of marijuana worth an estimated RM173,600, marking this year’s largest drug bust in the state so far. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/man-nabbed-with-56kg-marijuana-largest-drug-bust-by-pahang-cops | |
1,373,863 | RCI chairman presents Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, South Ledge report to King | KUALA LUMPUR: The latest report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to study the sovereignty issues over Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge was presented to the His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
A post on Sultan Ibrahim's Facebook page stated that the report was presented by RCI chairman, Tun Md Raus Sharif, to His Majesty at Istana Negara on Tuesday (June 18) during an audience lasting nearly an hour.
In February, the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department announced that Sultan Ibrahim had consented to the immediate establishment of the commission.
The RCI's formation was carried out under the Commissions of Enquiry Act 1950 [Act 119].
On May 23, 2008, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Singapore has sovereignty over Batu Puteh, while Middle Rocks, located less than one kilometre away, belongs to Malaysia.
The ICJ also ruled that ownership rights over South Ledge, approximately four kilometres from Batu Puteh, would be determined according to the maritime boundaries of the controlling country.
On Feb 2, 2017, Malaysia applied for a review of the ICJ's decision of May 23, 2008. However, in May 2018, the Pakatan Harapan government under Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad withdrew the application just two weeks before the scheduled hearing on June 11, 2018.
On Feb 27, Minister in Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the establishment of the RCI was aimed at finding a resolution and moving forward with improvements regarding issues involving national sovereignty, rather than assigning blame to any party.
She emphasised that Malaysians, especially in Johor, deserve an explanation of the reasons and factors behind the decision not to pursue the Application for Review and Request for Interpretation at the ICJ concerning the sovereignty over Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge.
On June 12, Dr. Mahathir provided testimony during the closed-door proceedings of the RCI. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | King,Sultan Ibrahim,RCI,Batu Puteh,ICJ,latest report,presented | KUALA LUMPUR: The latest report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to study the sovereignty issues over Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge was presented to the His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/rci-chairman-presents-batu-puteh-middle-rocks-south-ledge-report-to-king | |
1,373,817 | Halim Saad appeals High Court decision dismissing lawsuit against Dr M and others | PUTRAJAYA: Businessman Tan Sri Halim Saad has appealed the High Court's decision last month to dismiss his lawsuit against the government, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and former finance minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.
The lawsuit pertains to alleged losses he incurred following the government's 2001 acquisition of shares in Renong Bhd and United Engineers Malaysia Berhad (UEM).
Halim Saad’s lawyer A. Surendra Ananth confirmed the filing of the appeal when contacted by Bernama.
According to the notice of appeal, Halim submitted the appeal on June 11 through his solicitor Messrs Surendra Ananth.
Meanwhile, a June 16 notice by the Court of Appeal notified parties that the court has scheduled Sept 9 for case management of the appeal via e-Review.
On May 9, the High Court allowed the applications by Dr Mahathir, former finance minister II Tan Sri Nor Mohamed, and the government to strike out the lawsuit filed by the 71-year-old business tycoon.
Judicial Commissioner Dr Suzana Muhamad Said had held that Halim’s suit was time-barred and that its subject matter had been decided in a previous case.
On April 17, 2013, Halim filed a similar lawsuit against Khazanah Nasional, Nor Mohamed, and the government seeking more than RM1.8bil in damages for selling his shares in Renong.
However, on Oct 31, the same year, the High Court allowed an application by Khazanah Nasional, Nor Mohamed, and the government to strike out the suit on the grounds that Halim had filed the suit after a six-year time frame.
In 2014, Halim lost his appeal in the Court of Appeal. He then failed to reinstate the lawsuit following the Federal Court’s dismissal of his application to obtain leave to commence his appeal in the Federal Court in 2015.
In his statement of claim for the lawsuit against Dr Mahathir, Nor Mohamed, and the government, Halim, the former executive chairman and director of Renong, asserted that he intended to make a general offer to privatise UEM as a subsidiary of Renong, which would have allowed him to gain full control and ownership of UEM.
Halim claimed that he was instructed by Dr Mahathir and Nor Mohamed not to proceed with the general offer because the government wanted to take over all the shares in UEM through a designated entity, namely Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah) or a party to be nominated by Khazanah.
Halim alleged that he was instructed to relinquish his positions as shareholder and director of UEM and Renong, as well as their subsidiaries, requiring him to hand over control of Renong and UEM to the government and sell his Renong shares at a loss.
He claimed that Khazanah had acquired all of UEM’s shares through its subsidiary, Danasaham Sdn Bhd, thereby gaining control over UEM, which at the time owned 32.6 percent of Renong shares.
Halim is claiming, among others, compensation for the forced takeover by the government between July and October 2001 and a declaration that he is a Renong shareholder.
In their statement of defence, the defendants denied forcibly taking over the shareholding of the two companies. They asserted that the takeover was approved by Halim, who received RM165mil in compensation. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,Halim Saad,Dr Mahathir,Mohamed Yakcop,government,lawsuit,Renong Bhd,UEM,shares,appeal,Court of Appeal | PUTRAJAYA: Businessman Tan Sri Halim Saad has appealed the High Court's decision last month to dismiss his lawsuit against the government, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and former finance minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/halim-saad-appeals-high-court-decision-dismissing-lawsuit-against-dr-m-and-others | |
1,373,809 | Penang cops bust drug racket, seize ganja worth RM309,000 | GEORGE TOWN: A drug syndicate has been busted with the arrest of a 46-year-old man here and the seizure of ganja worth RM309,000.
Penang police chief Comm Datuk Hamzah Ahmad the suspect was apprehended on Friday (June 14) by a narcotics team following a tip-off.
"We discovered two compressed blocks believed to be marijuana, weighing close to 2kg, on his motorcycle," Comm Hamzah told the press on Tuesday (June 18).
"He later led us to his car nearby where a similar substance weighing 97.9kg was recovered."
Comm Hamzah added that a car registered to the suspect's sibling was also seized under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,Penang,George Town,Drug Syndicate,Ganja,Suspect,Arrested,Comm Hamzah Ahmad | GEORGE TOWN: A drug syndicate has been busted with the arrest of a 46-year-old man here and the seizure of ganja worth RM309,000. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/penang-cops-bust-drug-racket-seize-ganja-worth-rm420000 | |
1,373,802 | Sabah Electricity inching towards adoption of smart meters | KOTA KINABALU: Utility company Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) is a step closer to implementing smart meters to record electricity usage in homes and premises here.
SESB chairman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said a tender exercise was held from April 16 to June 12 for companies wishing to be part of the initiative.
“Now, the tender applications are being analysed before being brought to the board's tender management committee and subsequently, its procurement and finance committee," he said in a statement on Tuesday (June 18).
Earlier, National Consumer Foundation Sabah chairman David Chan said the SESB should start using smart meters which were more efficient and convenient to track and record power usage than conventional ones.
He said smart meters provide real-time data, allowing consumers to monitor their usage more effectively and make informed decisions about their energy use.
This convenience helps manage energy bills better and avoid unexpected high charges, he added.
Chan said smart meters can ensure more accurate billing by providing precise and timely data, reducing the likelihood of estimated bills and billing errors, thereby building trust between consumers and utility providers.
Chan said smart meters would involve a significant investment in infrastructure and technology, but the long-term benefits for both consumers and the environment could be substantial.
On a related matter, Tangau urged consumers to download the mySESB mobile application to pay bills online, access billing information, receive updates and information, file complaints and reports, among others. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | Stephanie Lee | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Sabah,Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd,SESB,Smart Meters,Benefits,Efficiency,Environment,Billing,Chairman,Wilfred Madius Tangau,Mobile App | KOTA KINABALU: Utility company Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) is a step closer to implementing smart meters to record electricity usage in homes and premises here. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/sabah-electricity-inching-towards-adoption-of-smart-meters | https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2024/06/18/2754390.jfif |
1,373,796 | Chinese premier Li's visit celebrates 50 years of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties | KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese Premier Li Qiang will embark on a three-day official visit to Malaysia starting Tuesday (June 18), marking his first visit to the country as premier.
Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) said the visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, established by the Joint Communiqué signed by Malaysian prime minister Tun Abdul Razak and Chinese premier Chou En Lai on May 31, 1974.
Li is scheduled to meet with Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to discuss bilateral matters and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, Wisma Putra said on Tuesday.
"Malaysia’s ties with China have grown from strength to strength since the elevation of bilateral relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2013,” said Wisma Putra.
Anwar and Li are also expected to witness the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements in various areas of cooperation including in digital economy, green development, tourism, housing and urban development, higher education, science and technology, as well as on the export of agri-commodities to China.
Both leaders will also attend a dinner celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Li will also have an audience with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
While in Malaysia, Li will also attend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) groundbreaking ceremony in Gombak as well as a business luncheon with the business community from both countries.
In 2023, China remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years since 2009, with a total trade of RM450.84bil (US$ 98.90bil). - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | China,Premier,Li Qiang,visit,Malaysia,diplomatic,50th anniversary | KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese Premier Li Qiang will embark on a three-day official visit to Malaysia starting Tuesday (June 18), marking his first visit to the country as premier. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/chinese-premier-li039s-visit-celebrates-50-years-of-malaysia-china-diplomatic-ties | |
1,373,791 | Targeted diesel subsidy: Notify govt of flaws so we can fix them, says PM | BUTTERWORTH: Give feedback on issues and flaws with the diesel subsidy rationalisation to the government so that the system can be improved, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"When we start something, there will be flaws.
ALSO READ: Diesel subsidy not abolished, govt still bears RM7bil in subsidies, says PM Anwar
"Tell us so we can correct it rather than saying cruel things," he told the press during his visit to the Aidiladha Korban Perdana sacrificial ceremony at Masjid Jamek Cerok Tokun Bawah, Bukit Mertajam here on Tuesday (June 18).
“Yes, the move did affect the people but we have to do our best to continue to provide subsidies to the deserving.
ALSO READ: Domestic Trade Ministry working with authorities to end diesel smuggling in border areas
“If you think you are deserving of the subsidies, apply to us and we will help where possible,” he said in response to questions about the subsidy rationalisation after sharing that the move affected companies bordering Malaysia that illegally benefitted from diesel subsidies in the past.
"It will save us funds that have been misused by others.
"The savings from this (exercise) would be returned to the people," he said.
ALSO READ: Government ready to address weaknesses in targeted diesel subsidy, says Anwar
On Monday (June 17), Anwar said the government still had to bear around RM7bil in diesel-related subsidies in Peninsular Malaysia, as these had not been abolished.
"The diesel subsidy rationalisation aims to ensure more efficient management of subsidies, prevent misuse and ensure they reach appropriate groups.
"The main goal of the rationalisation policy is to ensure that subsidy wastage does not continue and for the savings to be returned to the wider population," he said. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Diesel Subsidy Rationalisation,Anwar Ibrahim,Prime Minister,Feedback,Weaknesses,Flaws,Correction | BUTTERWORTH: Give feedback on issues and flaws with the diesel subsidy rationalisation to the government so that the system can be improved, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/targeted-diesel-subsidy-notify-govt-of-flaws-so-we-can-fix-them-says-pm | |
1,373,784 | Company directors fined for possession of unapproved communication equipment, says MCMC | PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced that two company directors were recently fined by the Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court for possessing and intending to sell unapproved communication equipment, specifically Baofeng model BF-888S walkie-talkies and various brands of wireless adapters.
In a statement on Tuesday (June 18), MCMC said that the two individuals were fined RM5,500 and RM2,500 respectively after pleading guilty before Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan.
MCMC elaborated that the first individual, a 29-year-old local man, was charged with two offences under Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000.
He was found in possession of five Baofeng model BF-888S walkie-talkies and six wireless adapters of various brands at Lintas Plaza on Oct 11, 2023, with the intent to sell them.
Whereas, the second individual, a 41-year-old local man, was charged with one offence under the same regulation for possessing two units of Baofeng model BF-888S walkie-talkies at Sinsuran Complex on the same date, with the intent to sell them.
The offences are punishable by a fine not exceeding RM300,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, the statement read.
The MCMC reminded the public to avoid engaging in activities involving the sale, possession, or use of unapproved communication equipment.
"This is to prevent negative consequences that could impact users," it said.
MCMC stated that using unapproved communication equipment can cause interference with telecommunications networks, degrade service quality, and ultimately create problems for other users.
It also highlighted that unapproved communication equipment might not function properly, resulting in poor service quality and user dissatisfaction.
The public is advised to use the MCMC Check Your Label app to verify the certification status of any communication equipment before purchase. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | MCMC,company directors,fined,possessing,intending to sell,unapproved communication equipment,Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000 | PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced that two company directors were recently fined by the Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court for possessing and intending to sell unapproved communication equipment, specifically Baofeng model BF-888S walkie-talkies and various brands of wireless adapters. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/company-directors-fined-for-possession-of-unapproved-communication-equipment-says-mcmc | |
1,373,761 | MATTA proposes 3,000-litre monthly diesel quota for tourism vehicles | PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel (MATTA) has proposed a quota of 3,000 litres per month for diesel subsidy for tour vehicle operators.
It said the allocation would help mitigate the financial burden on those who operate vehicles such as tour buses, and allow the industry to remain competitive.
"We appreciate the government seriously considering the introduction of diesel subsidies for van and tour operators under the purview of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry," MATTA president Nigel Wong said in a statement on Tuesday (June 18).
"While we understand the objectives of the diesel subsidy rationalisation move, the industry needs time to adjust, given the contractual obligations of many agents.
"A grace period will allow tour operators to meet existing commitments without immediately bearing losses from increased fuel costs," he said.
According to Wong, the ministry aims to attract 35.6 million foreign tourists during Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and a diesel subsidy will be crucial to help tourism players make the campaign a success.
"We trust the government will support our proposals to support the industry during this challenging period," he added. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Diesel,Subsidy,Quota,Tourist Vehicles,Buses,Vans,MATTA,President,Nigel Wong,Government | PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel (MATTA) has proposed a quota of 3,000 litres per month for diesel subsidy for tour vehicle operators. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/matta-proposes-3000-litre-monthly-diesel-quota-for-tourism-vehicles | |
1,373,757 | Malaysia set to join BRICS, says Anwar | PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will soon begin formal procedures to join the intergovernmental organisation BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"We have made the appropriate decision. We will launch the formal process shortly.
"We are now awaiting the final decision and feedback from the government of South Africa," the Prime Minister said in an interview with Shanghai-based news site Guancha.
Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the BRICS group welcomed Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as new members during the bloc's summit in August last year.
Their membership took effect on Jan 1.
ALSO READ: BRICS New Development Bank signs first non-sovereign loan in China
In the interview, Anwar said Malaysia is committed to the Global South and its potential membership in BRICS would be of strategic importance given the Straits of Malacca's position as an important shipping lane connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
He said he was relieved that the world was no longer unipolar, with BRICS providing a ray of hope that there are checks and balances in the world.
"We can no longer accept the scenario where the West wants to control the discourse because the fact is they are not colonial powers anymore and independent countries should be free to express themselves," he added. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | R. Sekaran | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Malaysia,Membership,BRICS,Prime Minister,Anwar Ibrahim,Unipolar,West,Checks and Balances | PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will soon begin formal procedures to join the intergovernmental organisation BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/malaysia-set-to-join-brics-says-anwar | |
1,373,753 | Sabah's 40% revenue rights: SLS to get its day in court after AG's appeal dismissed | KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Law Society (SLS) has been granted the right to proceed with a judicial review of the state’s constitutional right to receive 40% of its special grant revenue.
On Tuesday (June 18), the Court of Appeal dismissed the Federal Attorney General’s appeal against a High Court decision to grant SLS leave to challenge grant provisions.
In dismissing the appeal via online proceedings, a three-member panel decided that SLS has locus standi for the review.
Justice Datuk Ravinthran Paramuguru said the two main issues raised by the Senior Federal Counsel (SFC), namely locus standi and justiciability, lacked merit given the factual and legal matrix of the unprecedented application for judicial review.
ALSO READ: Lawyer: RM16bil for Sabah not the same as 40% in MA63
“We unanimously dismiss the appeal. If this matter is not taken up further by the appellant, we direct the High Court to fix a date for the full hearing of the judicial review application,” he said.
He also gave no order as to costs seeing that this is a public interest case.
Before delivering the decision, Justice Ravinthran said SLS had, at the very least, established threshold locus standi.
He said the judicial review application was clearly taken in the public interest, for the benefit of a section of the people, and not to seek redress for a personal wrong or grievance.
He said the issue to be addressed in the judicial review application also involved a matter of high constitutional importance.
“It is taken to purportedly vindicate a constitutional right accorded to the state of Sabah and therefore by extension, for the benefit of the people of Sabah,” said Justice Ravinthran.
He said whether or not there is merit in the application was a matter to be addressed in the full hearing.
ALSO READ: Sabah withdraws objection and counsel
On the aspect of justiciability, he said courts have expressed the view that if a matter is not justiciable, leave to commence judicial review may be refused.
He said the learned SFC submitted that the judicial review application was not justiciable for several reasons, including that the review under Article 112D(2) of the Federal Constitution has to take into account the ability of the Federal Government and the needs of the Sabah government.
The SFC had said these involved policy matters that the court was not equipped to deal with, that the review was only between the Federal and state governments, and that the Special Grant given in Review Order 2022 was made by way of offer and acceptance.
Counsel for SLS argued that the issues to be determined were legal matters that did not require policy considerations, nor did they involve broad discretion that the court was ill-equipped to handle.
Furthermore, it was argued that SLS was not challenging the Special Grant given in the Review order 1970 or 2022 but merely urging the court to rule on the omission of so-called "lost years" that are a matter of constitutional interpretation.
“In our view, at this stage, it cannot be said that the subject matter of the judicial review application is not justiciable,” said Justice Ravinthran.
“For the above reasons, we are not persuaded that the matter is prima facie not justiciable,” he said.
ALSO READ: SLS says Sabah govt's support on 40% revenue rights review a morale booster
The case revolves around the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s decision to grant SLS the right to seek judicial review of Sabah's revenue rights and compel the return of 40% of federal revenue earned from Sabah.
On Nov 11, 2022 Justice Ismail Brahim granted SLS application for leave for the judicial review, ruling that the group had locus standi to do so as it was a matter of public interest.
Justice Ismail also found that SLS’ case concerned a breach of constitutional duty to pay the 40% entitlement for the “lost years” of 1974–2021.
SLS is seeking a declaration that the new 2022 Order agreed to by the Sabah government is unconstitutional and to compel both Federal and state governments to hold another review to include the 40% Special Grant paid to Sabah.
In Tuesday's proceeding, the Attorney General was represented by SFCs Shamsul Bolhassan, Ahmad Hanir Hambaly @ Arwi and Krishna Priya Veenagopal @ Venugopal, while SLS was represented by David Fung Yin Kee, Jeyan Marimuttu and Janice Junie Lim.
Counsel Datuk Nor Asiah Mohd Yusof appeared for the Sabah Attorney General and Datuk Brenndon Keith Soh represented the state government. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Courts Crime,Sabah,40% Revenue Rights,Court of Appeal,Dismiss,Attorney General,Sabah Law Society,Leave,Challenge | KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Law Society (SLS) has been granted the right to proceed with a judicial review of the state’s constitutional right to receive 40% of its special grant revenue. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/sabah039s-40-revenue-rights-sls-to-get-its-day-in-court-after-ag039s-appeal-dismissed | |
1,373,678 | The Star remains most trusted brand among M’sian English news portals | PETALING JAYA: The Star is still the top English-language news portal in brand trust scores in Malaysia, according to an annual study of news trends.
For brand trust scores, news channels Astro Awani and The Star scored 64% and 58%, respectively, as reported in the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2024.
The report added that The Star was the top English daily for weekly offline reach among TV, radio and print, and was also the top English language portal in weekly online reach.
In an overview of the report, lead author Nic Newman shared key findings, including: “In many countries, especially outside Europe and the United States, we find a significant further decline in the use of Facebook for news and a growing reliance on a range of alternatives including private messaging apps and video networks.”
Video is also becoming a more important source of online news, especially with younger groups.
On the subject of artificial intelligence (AI), he noted: “Our research also indicates that people who tend to trust the news in general are also more likely to be comfortable with uses of AI where humans (journalists) remain in control, compared with those that don’t.”
The 13th edition of the Digital News Report is based on data from 95,000 respondents from six continents and 47 markets.
The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism is part of the Politics and International Relations Department in University of Oxford and is affiliated with Green Templeton College.
Their core funding comes from the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Their work is also supported by a wide range of other funders, including academic funding bodies, foundations, non-profits, and industry partners.
The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism is dedicated to exploring the future of journalism worldwide through debate, engagement and research. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | The Star,Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism,top English-language news portal,brand trust scores,Malaysia | PETALING JAYA: The Star is still the top English-language news portal in brand trust scores in Malaysia, according to an annual study of news trends. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/the-star-remains-most-trusted-brand-among-msian-english-news-portals | |
1,372,845 | INTERACTIVE: What’s music to Malaysia's ears? Here’s the answer from Spotify | PETALING JAYA: Malaysia, meet your favourite artistes, according to the number of plays on Spotify.
It turns out that many people in the country are enchanted by Taylor Swift, while others are tapping their feet to K-pop and Indonesian pop songs.
Swift claimed the number one spot as the most streamed artiste in Malaysia, according to data from the music streaming app over the past year.
Her songs were played a total of 94.7 million times within a year on the platform.
In second place is K-pop girl group NewJeans, whose songs were streamed 50.7 million times in the country.
Their most popular song here is the upbeat Super Shy, which raked 14.2 million streams, followed by their viral first hit, OMG at 10.2 million plays.
The numbers are based on an analysis of Spotify data by The Star from May 25 last year to May 23 this year.
Recently, there’s been a boom in music streaming services worldwide, with the number of paid subscriptions to such services exceeding 500 million for the first time, with 667 million overall users of such accounts.
Global recorded music revenues also grew for the ninth year running in 2023, increasing by 10.2% mainly thanks to the rise in paid streaming subscribers, said reports in March.
According to its website, Spotify has more than 615 million users, including 239 million subscribers worldwide.
In Malaysia, there were some changes in popularity among the artistes, but Swift fans, affectionately known as Swifties, kept their queen at the top spot for most of the year.
Watch how the top 10 artistes with the highest number of streams on Spotify changed in a year.
Malaysians are spoilt for choice given Swift's numerous hits, but they particularly loved her breezy number Cruel Summer from her 2019 album, Lover.
It's the most streamed song in Malaysia from the 34-year-old singer.
Trouble for Taylor?
However, while this may come as a surprise, the most played song in Malaysia is not something by Swift.
It's actually an emotional ballad by Indonesian singer Anggi Marito called Tak Segampang Itu.
The song was streamed 25.88 million times, making it the top track enjoyed by Malaysians.
In fact, the love for Indonesian pop in Malaysia is so strong that the second and third songs are also by two Indonesian singers - Sial by Mahalini and penjaga hati by Nadhif Basalamah.
Each track had 19.6 million and 19.5 million streams, respectively.
Swift's hit Cruel Summer only made it to number four in the rankings, with 19.03 million streams.
Here's a taste of the top 10 most listened-to tracks by Malaysians:
Meanwhile, the song that was ranked number one for the most times on Spotify's weekly charts for Malaysia over the past year was Seven (feat. Latto) by Jung Kook, from popular K-pop group, BTS.
The catchy pop hit, which features American rapper Latto, spent a total of 15 out of 53 weeks on top of the charts, for the period between May 25 last year and May 23 this year.
Malaysian, loud and proud
Local artistes were also heavily played on the music streaming app, with singer Sufian Suhaimi being tops.
Cumulatively, his songs were streamed 12.4 million times, with his sentimental hit Terasa Ada getting the most plays at 9.7 million streams.
Pop rock band Projector Band was second, with 11.2 million streams in the past year.
Among local artistes, the song that Malaysians listened to the most was hip-hop number Malampagi by rapper Saixse.
The song, with its thumping beat, garnered 10.82 million streams on Spotify.
Have a listen to songs by our homegrown talent in the list below:
Reach for the stars
To make it big in the age of music streaming today, local artistes need to "aggressively" promote themselves and their music by jumping on such streaming platforms, urged Malaysian Artistes Association (Karyawan) president Datuk Freddie Fernandez.
“TikTok is the number one promotional platform for music nowadays, followed by Spotify, YouTube, and then radio and TV.
“An artiste’s digital presence is key nowadays and being consistent in promoting their material on the various digital platforms is a big factor in achieving success.
“Ground appearances and promotional activities are also a must to help generate fans and followers, especially for new artistes,” he said.
Fernandez said all types of media should be fully utilised and artistes need to be able to push their songs as well as to generate income streams from their music, shows, events, campaigns and the like.
“The government has introduced grants for foreign promotions and that is a good starting point to introduce our artistes regionally and worldwide.
“We have achieved some semblance of success with (Malaysian singers) Yuna in the US, Fish Leong and Michael and Victor Wong in China, and Siti Nurhaliza and the band Search in Indonesia.
“It’s all about hard work, maintaining the highest standards in terms of quality, and then going all out to market it using all the mediums available at our disposal,” said Fernandez, who is also chairman of Music Malaysia, a confederation of music associations aimed at improving the local music scene.
He also suggested that Malaysia look at South Korea’s way of promoting K-pop, where the government worked with the entertainment industry to ensure high standards in music production, followed by strong promotional efforts internationally.
“BTS and Blackpink are just two examples of the tremendous success they have achieved in this realm.
“The Malaysian government should learn from this great example and incorporate some plans to promote local music content abroad,” he added.
With such efforts, local artistes could be given a much-needed boost to gain more international recognition and fans.
Meanwhile, check out the table below to see if your favourite artiste or song made it to the top 100 most listened songs on Spotify in Malaysia: | News | Nation | Complimentary | Long | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | null | We analysed what Malaysia has been listening to on Spotify over the past year. The results are in, so drum roll please! | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/interactive-whats-music-to-malaysian-ears-heres-the-answer-from-spotify | |
1,373,570 | Cow head curry apparently a delicacy for Bangladeshis | Compiled by C.ARUNO, NG Zi QIN and R.ARAVINTAN
BANGLADESHI workers in Malaysia are known to relish cooking curry with cow heads, especially when assisting with the slaughter during Hari Raya Aidiladha, Utusan Malaysia reported.
According to cattle farmer Abdul Latif Abd Rashid, Bangladeshis especially savour the cheek.“Usually, the Bangladeshi workers who help at the surau or mosques during the sacrificial slaughter will request the cow head to cook curry at home.
“However, the cooking process is quite complicated. The cooks need to burn the cow head first, remove its skin, scrape off the meat and then boil it for a long time,” he said.
Abdul Latif, 41, said the cow heads are typically sold at RM10 per kg, depending on the size.
“I also enjoy eating cow heads with my family, especially during Aidiladha. We usually make soup and dip it in black sambal. It’s truly delightful,” he added.
A Bangladeshi sawmill worker identified as Abdullah, 49, said cow head meat is tender and delicious.
“It’s great for cooking curry and eating with rice, especially when shared with friends,” he said, adding that back in Dhaka, they often ate cow heads too during Hari Raya Aidiladha.
> Kosmo! reported that cows were transported by boat to Perhentian Island, Terengganu, for the sacrificial ritual.
Boat operator Mohd Ahazar Abd Rashid said this was his first time transporting live animals.
“I usually deliver goods like sand, iron and cement, mainly for the construction sector.
“This time, I took the challenge of transporting live cows to help the Muslim residents of Perhentian Island perform their sacrifice,” he said at the Kampung Air Tawar jetty.
Mohd Ahazar said the job of transporting the six cows was risky and had to be done carefully.
In addition to dealing with the weather and sea currents, they had to be ready for unforeseen situations since live animals were involved. The journey took around two hours – longer than the usual 90 minutes.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Found in Translation,Malay Views,Bangladeshi Workers,Cow Heads,Curry,Aidiladha,Perhentian Island,Other news and views | BANGLADESHI workers in Malaysia are known to relish cooking curry with cow heads, especially when assisting with the slaughter during Hari Raya Aidiladha, Utusan Malaysia reported. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/cow-head-curry-apparently-a-delicacy-for-bangladeshis | |
1,373,569 | Mob violence greets inter-caste marriage | Compiled by C.ARUNO, NG Zi QIN and R.ARAVINTAN
THE office of a political party in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu was destroyed by a mob after it supported an inter-caste marriage, Malaysia Nanban reported.
This happened following the nuptials of Mathan Kumar, 28, and Uthaya Thatchayani, 23, who are from different castes.
The couple, who had been dating for several years, decided to get married so they went to a registrar’s office to get it done.
However, the bride’s family objected to the relationship, so the couple sought help from the Marxist Party in Thirunelveli city to solemnise the marriage instead.
About 30 people from the woman’s family turned up at the office to take her home.
When they found out that the couple were already married with the help of party members, they trashed the office.
Police arrested 13 people involved in the incident and charged them.
Those arrested included the bride’s parents and the leader of a party representing the woman’s caste.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Found in Translation,Other news and views | THE office of a political party in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu was destroyed by a mob after it supported an inter-caste marriage, Malaysia Nanban reported. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/mob-violence-greets-inter-castemarriage | |
1,373,571 | Infected Jacky Cheung apologises to his fans | Compiled by C.ARUNO, NG Zi QIN and R.ARAVINTAN
HONG Kong superstar Jacky Cheung (pic), who contracted a respiratory virus that gave him a sore throat, was apologetic about his lacklustre performance during a concert in Taipei, Sin Chew Daily reported.
He ended up cancelling three of his concert dates in Taiwan after being infected with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but soon returned to stage without rehearsing.
“Everyone queued for so long just to grab tickets (to my concert). I let you down once again. I feel bad.
“Even though my singing is terrible, all of you remain happy.
“The only explanation is that all of you really love me. I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the care and concern shown by my Taipei friends.
“For this, I will do my best,” said Cheung, 62.
He was supposed to hold nine shows from May 31 to June 16 at the Taipei Arena, but had felt unwell late last month with a sore throat so bad that he could not speak normally.
Cheung was later diagnosed with RSV.
“Looks like I am getting old as a kids’ virus (RSV is common among children) attacked my respiratory system directly. This is terrible for a singer,” he said.
> The late businessman Tan Sri Ta Kin Yan once protected his longtime friend Datuk Seri Michael Chong from being threatened by a pimp, Sin Chew Daily reported.
Chong, who is MCA’s Public Services and Complaints Department head, recounted how a pimp beat him up and broke his arm in 1989 after he exposed a prostitution ring.
“The man threatened to beat me up every time he saw me. This terrified me,” he said.
After hearing about Chong’s problem, Ta and his men took the pimp out for a talk and convinced him to apologise to Chong.
The pimp did so and even offered to pay Chong’s medical bills. However, Ta settled the RM800 bill later.
Throughout his years in helping the public, Chong said Ta had given him unwavering support.
Ta, 72, the founder and chairman of Waz Lian Group, passed away on Saturday.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Found in Translation,Other news and views | HONG Kong superstar Jacky Cheung (pic), who contracted a respiratory virus that gave him a sore throat, was apologetic about his lacklustre performance during a concert in Taipei, Sin Chew Daily reported. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/infected-jacky-cheung-apologises-to-his-fans | |
1,373,548 | FOSTERING HEALTH, COMMUNITY, SUSTAINABILITY AMONG STAFF | PUBLIC Bank’s inaugural Run for Change 2024 marked a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability and enhancing the quality of life through Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices.
The event, held on June 9, at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur, brought together over 1,200 participants, including staff and their family members, to champion sustainable health and wellness.The diverse group included 100 students from the Public Bank Berhad Green Growth Asia Foundation (PBB GGAF) Eco-Schools programme, who are partners in Public Bank’s three-year ESG programme in sustainable environmental education.
Residents from three special homes: Lovely Disabled Home, Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Insan, and Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Taman Megah also joined in the race.
Participants gathered at the starting line, ready to take on their chosen race categories of 5KM or 10KM.
The event transcended the traditional race format, incorporating elements of environmental responsibility and community support.
As the event was held in conjunction with World Environment Day, a portion of the registration fees was dedicated to purchasing young trees for participants to take home, plant and care for.
This initiative helps further the nation’s green goals while allowing participants to actively contribute to environmental sustainability, fostering a hands-on understanding of the importance of preserving nature for future generations.
Employee engagement
The event atmosphere was filled with anticipation and enthusiasm across Public Bank’s departments.
Public Bank’s Run for Change at Padang Merbok in Kuala Lumpur. Race participants were lively despite the early morning start.— Photos by MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Employees expressed their excitement about the event, highlighting personal motivations such as improving fitness, supporting environmental causes and spending quality time with family and colleagues.
Generally, Public Bank staff were excited at the prospect of this event and many jumped at the chance to participate.
Sharifah Quraisyah Syed Suleiman, from the Public Islamic Bank value-based intermediation and digital transformation, marketing and business development department, shared: “I’m incredibly excited to be part of the Public Bank Run for Change event.
“It’s wonderful to see Public Bank taking such an active role in promoting health awareness and community well-being.
A post-race zumba session was organised for particpants.
“Events like these not only encourage a healthier lifestyle but also bring the community together for a positive cause.”
Sharifah, who participated in the 5KM category, was motivated by her goal of leading a healthier lifestyle and fostering a strong bond among her colleagues.
“This event presents a valuable opportunity for personal growth and positive change within the Public Bank community,” she added.
Yu Keong Lim, who has worked in the bank’s Pantai Remis branch loan department for almost 19 years, won in the women’s 10KM open category.
She reflected on her journey, “I’ve been running regularly for about three years and started taking it seriously last year.
“This was a good opportunity to test the fruit of my labour, and it paid off with my win.
“I always feel refreshed after a run and that keeps me motivated to keep at it.”
She shared that exercising regularly is beneficial for everyone and encourages everyone to be better disciplined in setting aside time for exercise.
“We are cooped up in our offices and sit at our desks for hours on end.”
Community impact
Public Bank’s commitment to inclusivity was evident as the event welcomed participants from various community backgrounds.
By including students from the PBB GGAF Eco-Schools programme and residents from special homes, the run demonstrated a comprehensive approach to community engagement.
Public Bank deputy business development manager and the Men’s 10KM open category winner, Eugene Chai, emphasised the importance of such events.
“It’s amazing to see so many happy faces. And after all, it’s for a good cause.
“I’m actually training for a full marathon in Sydney, so this is one of the first of a few checkpoint races.
“I’ve been training hard, and it’s been at the back of my mind.
“I think it’s very important to promote health and wellness, especially mental health.
“Having everyone get together and have some fun is a good starting point.”
Fostering workplace wellness
Promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyles is a core objective of the Run for Change.
The event encouraged participants, especially youngsters, to embrace fitness and wellness as integral parts of their daily lives.
“Promoting health and wellness among employees is crucial for several reasons,” noted Sharifah.
“Not only does it foster a positive work environment and enhance employee morale, but it also directly impacts productivity and overall performance.”
The atmosphere on the day of the event was electric, characterised by camaraderie and collective enthusiasm.
Tay (fifth from left) with Public Bank senior chief operating officer Chang Siew Yen (fourth from left), deputy CEO Datuk Chang Kat Kiam (sixth from left), senior chief operating officer Datuk Sulaiman Abd Manap (seventh from left) together with the race winners of the men’s open, women’s open, men’s veteran and women’s veteran categories.
Participants cheered each other on, creating a supportive environment that underscored the spirit of unity.
Public Bank Berhad managing director and chief executive officer Tan Sri Dr Tay Ah Lek shared, “The inaugural Run for Change 2024 has been a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and commitment of all participants.
“Witnessing over 1,200 individuals unite for a cause that champions sustainability and community well-being is truly inspiring.
“This event highlights our collective responsibility towards the environment and emphasises the importance of inclusivity.”
Public Bank extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their enthusiastic support, making the event a significant milestone in its sustainability journey.
The overwhelming response and active participation have reinforced Public Bank’s resolve to continue organising events that promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility.As the bank looks forward to future initiatives, it remains steadfast in its commitment to ESG principles, community engagement and inspiring more individuals to create a sustainable and inclusive future.
Together, the Public Bank community can make an enduring positive change. | News | STARPICKS | Branded | Long | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | CCTOHE,Digital Advertorial,Public Bank,Run for Change 2024,health and wellness,environmental responsibility,Eco-schools programme | PUBLIC Bank’s inaugural Run for Change 2024 marked a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability and enhancing the quality of life through Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/fostering-health-community-sustainability-among-staff | |
1,373,551 | Corals in marine park in danger | KOTA KINABALU: Corals at the Tunku Abdul Rahman marine park here are suffering from bleaching due to changes in sea temperature and water quality, among other factors.
Sabah Parks issued an alert and urged park visitors and tourism operators to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations to minimise stress on coral reefs, and to avoid touching the coral at all.
“We regret to inform you that Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is currently experiencing coral bleaching,” said Sabah Parks on its Facebook page.
Coral bleaching occurs when corals, stressed by changes in factors such as temperature, light or nutrients, expel symbiotic algae from their tissues, causing them to turn white and potentially leading to their death if the stress persists, it said.
Sabah Parks also said that prolonged exposure to elevated water temperatures can stress corals while pollution and sedimentation can affect their health.
Overexposure to sunlight with high solar irradiance can damage the symbiotic algae, whereas ocean acidification reduces the availability of carbonate ions needed for coral skeletons.
“To all visitors and tourism players, we ask for your cooperation in adhering strictly to the rules and regulations of the park.
“This is crucial to minimise further stress on coral reefs and help our conservation efforts,” Sabah Parks urged.
Visitors are asked to exercise extra caution near bleaching sites and to refrain from touching or stepping on the coral.
They are also requested to report observations on site as the park management has been collecting data on coral bleaching for the past three months.
“We urge visitors to report any sightings or changes in coral conditions to hello@sabahparks.org.my. Your contributions are invaluable to our ongoing efforts to monitor and manage the health of our reefs,” Sabah Parks said.
As the management is closely monitoring the status of coral bleaching within its jurisdiction, the cooperation and adherence to guidelines would help protect these vital marine habitats and contribute to the global understanding of coral ecosystems, it added.
“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this critical time. Together, we can contribute to the preservation and recovery of our precious marine environments.” | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak | KOTA KINABALU: Corals at the Tunku Abdul Rahman marine park here are suffering from bleaching due to changes in sea temperature and water quality, among other factors. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/corals-in-marine-park-in-danger | |
1,373,550 | Accountant loses millions to fake investment scheme | JOHOR BARU: An accountant has been swindled out of more than RM2.2mil after falling for a fraudulent investment scheme.
The 75-year-old man was misled by a message from an unknown source promising high returns via an investment app, Johor police chief Comm M. Kumar said.
“On Dec 19 last year, the man received a message from the scammer with detailed instructions on how he could make investments through the app and gain high returns in a short time.
“Attracted by the profits promised, the victim followed the suspect’s instructions and downloaded the app,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Comm Kumar revealed that the accountant then opened an account in the app and started investing last month.
As instructed, the victim then transferred his money to several bank accounts.
“He was made to believe that he could monitor his investment through the app,” he said.
“At one point, the app indicated that his investment had grown to RM12.9mil.
“However, when he tried to take the money out, he was told to pay a commission of RM1.6mil.
“That was when he realised that he had fallen prey to a scam.”
Comm Kumar said the victim lodged a report on Sunday and the case was being investigated for cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
The offence carries a jail term of between one and 10 years, whipping, and a fine upon conviction. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Johor,Accountant,Scam,Fake Investment Scheme,#JanganKenaScam | JOHOR BARU: An accountant has been swindled out of more than RM2.2mil after falling for a fraudulent investment scheme. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/accountant-loses-millions-to-fake-investment-scheme | |
1,373,557 | Kids hit hard after spike in gastroenteritis cases in Tenom | KOTA KINABALU: Tenom district has been hit with an increase in acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases over the past two weeks, with most of the victims being children.
The outbreak was believed to have started on June 4, with patients complaining of diarrhoea, vomiting and fever, said Sabah Health Department director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna.
This causes dehydration and could even result in death if left untreated, he warned.
“The Tenom health office reported a total of 191 AGE cases with over 70% of the cases involving children under the age of 12,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Of this, 153 patients received outpatient treatment and 37 were hospitalised, with only four still receiving treatment in hospital, he added.
He said based on clinical samples, the suspicion was that polluted water was likely the main cause.
Dr Asits said a probe was being conducted together with the Water Department to find out the source of the pollution.
He explained that control measures such as lab tests, epidemiology and environmental investigations were conducted while awareness programmes were held. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak | KOTA KINABALU: Tenom district has been hit with an increase in acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases over the past two weeks, with most of the victims being children. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/kids-hit-hard-after-spike-in-gastroenteritis-cases-in-tenom | |
1,373,552 | Massive sales of cheap durian bring smiles all around | BALIK PULAU: Despite selling durian at a low price, the sheer volume of sales has kept seller Ismail Hasim Zakaria (pic) busy and happy.
His fresh cloned durians and high-quality kampung durians are sold for just RM6 per kg.
During this durian season, the 35-year-old moves between eight and 15 tonnes daily, ensuring small profits through a high turnover.
“I have my own orchard and suppliers as well. Some days, there is an overload of durians – they are ripening faster than expected.
“Honestly, it’s a headache. If I don’t sell them off by the end of the day, they would spoil and I would suffer a considerable loss.
“I need to ‘get rid’ of them fast as there will be more supply the next day. Why not sell it cheaper so that everyone can enjoy the fruit?” he said.
His stall on Jalan Teluk Kumbar here draws large crowds daily, drawn by the irresistible offer.
On days with lower supply, Ismail prices the King of Fruits at RM8 per kg. He also offers cloned durians for as low as RM2.40 to RM3 per kg, depending on the stock of the day.
“It is still tasty and I want people to be able to take it home and eat it without feeling the pinch in their pockets.
“I would usually throw in a few more durian kampung in their bags as well, for free.
“As I also offer dine-in at my stall, it is nice to see families sit and enjoy the fruit together,” he added.
Ismail expects durian prices to drop by the end of the month or next month as it is a long season this year.
“The demand will taper off once people have to budget their daily expenses.
“For now, it can be costly if they want varieties like Musang King and Black Thorn.
“Musang King is being sold for between RM25 and RM85 per kg, depending on the grade.
“I also sell a few others, with Hor Lor and Red Prawn being the most popular choices at the moment,” he said.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the commencement of the Shenzhen-Penang direct flight route on July 27 aligns perfectly with Penang’s third wave of durian harvests this year.
“It will be the perfect time for Chinese tourists to indulge in this delicacy,” he said in a statement.
The first wave of durian harvests has begun, with the second wave expected to continue from mid-June to July. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | null | BALIK PULAU: Despite selling durian at a low price, the sheer volume of sales has kept seller Ismail Hasim Zakaria (pic) busy and happy. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/massive-sales-of-cheap-durian-bring-smiles-all-around | |
1,373,553 | A durian, by any other name | GEORGE TOWN: You know the smell from afar and you love the taste.
But do you know how durians got their names?
Musang King apparently, was originally known as Raja Kunyit, which means “Turmeric King”, a reference to the fruit’s deep-yellow flesh.
It is believed that a man named Tan Lai Fook from Raub, Pahang, stumbled upon a Raja Kunyit durian tree back in the 1980s in Gua Musang, Kelantan.
He brought a branch of the tree back to Raub for grafting.
This new variant then attracted other cultivators.
The cultivar was named after Gua Musang, its place of origin.
Max Goh, who has an orchard in Balik Pulau, said there were many other durians with names given by farmers over the years.
These variants got their special names from their physical appearance or the name of the person who planted it, he said.
“The Khun Poh durian comes from the name of the person who planted the tree.
“It only goes by the name Khun Poh. We can identify it by its shorter stem,” said Goh, who has been in the business for two decades.
As for the Xiao Hong (Little Red) durian, he said that this was in reference to its flesh which is of a darker hue.
He said the Hor Lor durian is named after the Hokkien word for bottle gourd.
“It is longish in shape and has a slightly broader lower half,” he said.
Penang Agriculture Department director Mohd Muhaimin Ibrahim said the names were usually given by those growing the fruit.
“All durians have a registered fruit name which starts with the letter ‘D’, followed by a number.
“The Red Prawn durian, for example, is known as D175, but it usually called Red Prawn due to its appearance,” he said.
He was of the view that this was due to its pulp which is shaped like red prawns.
“I believe it comes in colours like light pink or orangish,” said Mohd Muhaimin.
He said these names were usually given before the fruit is registered with the department.
“It is based on the characteristic of the fruit or perhaps the appearance of the tree,” he added.
Mohd Muhaimin said the durian known as Black Thorn, for instance, is officially registered as D200 but the fruit indeed has darker thorns.
“This is probably why it was named Black Thorn, as you can notice its darker thorns compared with other durian variants,” he said.
He also said that some durians go by their registered numbers like 222, which is D222.
Among durian fans, there is chatter that even Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan is associated with the fruit.
Or, to be more precise, his Taiwanese wife Joan Lin Feng-jiao, who was once a popular actress.
A well-known durian variant in Penang is named Lin Feng Jiao.
There was an assumption that the durian was named after her, but over the years, others said that the durian was named after a farmer’s wife who loved the fruit. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | null | GEORGE TOWN: You know the smell from afar and you love the taste. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/a-durian-by-any-other-name | |
1,373,563 | Minors among those nabbed for abduction, assault | JOHOR BARU: Three underage boys were among four suspects arrested for abducting, beating up and threatening three teenagers here.
Johor Baru Utara OCPD Asst Comm Balveer Singh said police received a report on Sunday morning about three 14-year-old boys who were abducted from a supermarket in Skudai.
“Early investigations found that a group of about 10 men had forced the victims into three cars at about 8pm on Saturday. The victims recognised one of the suspects.
“They were then taken to an unknown location where they were stripped naked and beaten up.
“The suspects also took photos of the victims, who were naked, and threatened to spread the photos if the incident was made known to others,” he said in a statement yesterday.
ACP Balveer added that the suspects then took the victims’ belongings before leaving them there.
“The three boys, who have bruises on their faces and hands from the beatings, managed to get help from the public.
“They were then sent to the hospital and later went to a police station to lodge a report,” he added.
ACP Balveer said police managed to arrest four of the suspects, including three minors, in Skudai at about 8pm on Sunday.
“The suspects who have been arrested are aged between 15 and 20.
“We also seized a vehicle believed to have been used in the incident as well as the victims’ belongings,” he said.
ACP Balveer said the case is being investigated for kidnapping, causing hurt with weapons, and criminal intimidation.
“The investigation is still ongoing and we are trying to identify the motive behind the incident.
“We are also on the lookout for the rest of the suspects who are still at large,” he said, adding that the four suspects have been remanded for four days beginning yesterday.
He also urged anyone with information on the incident to contact Inspector Intan Khaizira at 013-606 2618. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | null | JOHOR BARU: Three underage boys were among four suspects arrested for abducting, beating up and threatening three teenagers here. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/minors-among-those-nabbed-for-abduction-assault | |
1,373,554 | Wearing her grandma’s 100-year-old baju kurung with care | KUALA LUMPUR: Among former model Juita Jalil’s most treasured possessions is a 100-year-old traditional baju kurung that belonged to her grandmother.
Considering it a precious heritage, Juita has been keeping it for over five decades and even wore it several times when attending functions despite its outdated appearance.
According to Juita, her grandmother’s baju kurung has a classic look, featuring a scoop neckline, fishbone stitching and a front pocket, and its fabric boasts a satiny sheen with a golden checkered pattern.
“I have in my possession four pairs of my late grandmother’s clothes, two of which I still wear. They are really beautiful.
“Whatever it is we wear, it will not be considered outmoded if we know how to style it,” the grandmother-of-three said in an interview with Bernama.
Juita, who is TVET Malaysia’s bureau of development and skills training (teaching staff) principal, said her interest in classic fashion started when she was in her teens.
She was then staying with her grandmother who loved dressing up in traditional clothes and accessories such as brooches, hairpins and flowers.
“At my grandmother’s house, she had a special cupboard for storing her traditional clothes, jewellery and various types of selendang and songket fabrics, which she had classified when and where to use,” reminisced Juita.She added that she has her own way of taking care of her “aged” clothes to ensure they remain beautiful and undamaged.
Not all old fabrics can be dry-cleaned, she said, adding that some of the “heritage” clothes in her collection cannot be washed at all.
“For clothes that cannot be washed, I will wear an inner garment first before wearing them so that the fabric does not come into direct contact with my skin and sweat.
“After I have worn them, I will gently wipe them with a damp cloth before airing them out for a few days in a shaded area,” she added.
Juita also said that as they know her love of heritage items, her collection also includes selendang and songket given by her friends, which she styles with antique accessories like earrings and rings with classic designs.
She said antique accessories are now hard to find in the market and that they need special care to maintain their lustre.
“People don’t make these old items anymore, which is why I love them. It’s not something you can go to the supermarket and buy because it is very valuable.
“Even if I don’t wear them, I will take them out, wipe them and then store them in pouches.
“When we wear any traditional dress, whether it’s a baju kurung, kebaya, cheongsam or saree, together with all the accessories, we will feel like a princess.
“It shows we have class even if the accessories are small like earrings and rings,” she said, adding that she plans to pass her accessories down to her daughters.
Juita also loves the works of designer Salikin Sidek whose creations, she says, retain the traditional characteristics of yesteryear fashion.
“I always collaborate with Salikin and have been showcasing his designs since I got involved in modelling.
“Salikin has been championing traditional fashion for the past 40 years,” she said, expressing her hope that young fashion designers will continue his efforts in maintaining the appeal of traditional Malay fashion. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | null | KUALA LUMPUR: Among former model Juita Jalil’s most treasured possessions is a 100-year-old traditional baju kurung that belonged to her grandmother. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/wearing-her-grandmas-100-year-old-baju-kurung-with-care | |
1,373,560 | Celebrating Aidiladha with prayers | KUALA LUMPUR: Across the country, Muslims came together to celebrate Hari Raya Haji with mosques filled with worshippers, including leaders and heads of state, performing Aidiladha prayers.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail joined more than 20,000 congregants in performing Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Putra in Putrajaya.
They listened to a sermon delivered by the Grand Imam of the mosque, Salahuddin Ghozali.
In the nation’s capital, worshippers, comprising locals and foreigners, performed Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Negara, led by the Grand Imam of the mosque, Ehsan Mohd Husni.
In Selangor, the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah joined more than 3,000 Muslims in performing Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Tengku Ampuan Jemaah in Bukit Jelutong.
Also in attendance were Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah.
In Johor, the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim performed Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Pasir Pelangi Jamek, Johor Baru, with his brothers Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ibrahim and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi was also present, along with state government executive council members and senior government officials.
In Penang, the Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and his wife Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Noor performed Aidiladha prayers alongside more than 2,000 Muslims at the state mosque. They then performed the sacrificial rituals at the mosque compound.
A total of 251 cows were distributed by Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT) Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang to 252 mosques and 25 surau, benefiting some 13,500 B40 recipients in the state.
In Terengganu, residents of Kampung Banggol Chempedak in Serada, near Kuala Terengganu, did something different by performing their Aidiladha prayers by the riverside in Dataran Banggol Chempedak yesterday morning, in addition to bringing food to be consumed after the prayers. More than 100 congregants, consisting of residents of the village and surrounding areas, performed their prayers in the area as the village surau’s new building is currently under construction.
In Negri Sembilan, Masjid Sri Sendayan in Seremban became the focal point for Aidiladha prayers, attended by more than 5,000 worshippers, including foreigners.
The prayers were led by Imam Muhammad Anas Fikri Mohd Nasir, who then delivered a sermon.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun also conveyed Aidiladha greetings to the people of Negri Sembilan and hoped that the community would continue to remember the struggles and sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim and thus be inspired by his example.
In Melaka, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Melaka Tun Mohd Ali Rustam and his wife Toh Puan Asmah Abd Rahman performed Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Al-Azim in Bukit Palah.
In Kedah, the Sultan of Kedah Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah performed Aidiladha prayers with about 2,000 other congregants at Masjid Zahir in Alor Setar.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and the state exco were also in attendance, reported Bernama.
In Perlis, Mentri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli joined more than 1,000 people in performing Aidiladha prayers at Balai Islam Madi, Jejawi Dalam, in Arau.
In Kelantan, the Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Muhammad V performed Aidiladha prayers alongside thousands of worshippers at Masjid Al-Ismaili in Tumpat.
In Pahang, the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, accompanied by Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, performed Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Sultan Ahmad 1 in Kuantan, with more than 1,000 congregants.In Perak, the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah performed Aidiladha prayers with about 800 worshippers at Masjid Sultan Azlan Shah in Ipoh and listened to a sermon.
In Sarawak, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, as well as Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Puan Sri Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, performed Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Jamek in Kuching.
In Sabah, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor performed Aidiladha prayers with about 500 congregants at Masjid Haji Noor in Serusup, Tuaran, before attending the sacrificial rituals at the Tuaran district police headquarters. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Hari Raya Aidiladha,Prayers,Sultans,Leaders,Mosques | KUALA LUMPUR: Across the country, Muslims came together to celebrate Hari Raya Haji with mosques filled with worshippers, including leaders and heads of state, performing Aidiladha prayers. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/celebrating-aidiladha-with-prayers | |
1,373,558 | Group: Extend child safety programme to pre-school | PETALING JAYA: A government initiative for schools to ensure a safe environment for children should be extended to nurseries and kindergartens, says the Association of Registered Childcare Providers.
“Advocacy and empowerment of children are necessary as early as possible so that children are better prepared and understand their rights,” said its president Anisa Ahmad.
“Since the programme is focused on advocacy and empowerment of children to ensure their safety from being abused and neglected, it would be great if it can be extended to pre-school levels.
“We need to teach them about protecting themselves and that no should hurt them. They need to know their rights,” she added.
For now, she said children in nurseries and kindergartens were taught about body parts and their functions as well as about “safe” and “unsafe” touches.
“This is early intervention before they understand what their rights and responsibilities are,” Anisa said.
A child protection advocacy programme called “Kasih Kanak-Kanak” was introduced by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry in September last year.
The ministry’s target is to implement it in 300 schools nationwide this year, with the aim of mobilising society to protect the safety and welfare of children.
So far, it has been held in Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Kelantan, Sarawak, Selangor, Melaka and Negri Sembilan.
In a statement to The Star, the ministry said the programme, for instance, would guide people on ways to seek help by calling Talian Kasih 15999 or via WhatsApp at 019-261 5999 in cases of abuse by parents or other family members.
“The advocacy programme is in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child which was ratified by Malaysia in 1995 to ensure children can continue living in a safe environment, have their voices heard, as well as there being efforts to develop their potential as future leaders,” it said.
The agencies involved in the programme are the Welfare Department, Women Development Department, National Population and Family Development Board, National Welfare Foundation, Malaysian Social Institute, and Malaysian Board of Counsellors, said the ministry.
Its strategic partners include the Education Ministry, the police, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
“We will continue to hold discussions with the Education Ministry to ensure continuity and the effectiveness of the implementation of this advocacy in schools across the country,” the ministry added.
However, Parent Action Group for Education chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said the programme, though well-intended, would require effective implementation to ensure its success.
Some parents did not even know about it, she said.
She said that preventive standard operating procedures should be in place at all times.
“It should not be dependent on a programme schedule,” she said.
“It is also about dealing with the perpetrators and making sure that those who commit the crime face the consequences of the law,” she added. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | null | PETALING JAYA: A government initiative for schools to ensure a safe environment for children should be extended to nurseries and kindergartens, says the Association of Registered Childcare Providers. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/group-extend-child-safety-programme-to-pre-school | |
1,373,561 | Egg prices cut across peninsula | PETALING JAYA: The retail price of chicken eggs has been reduced with immediate effect, with grades A, B and C costing 3sen cheaper.
The new prices in the peninsula are now 42sen, 40sen and 38sen per egg respectively, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced.
He said the price reduction was a result of the government being able to channel the savings from its targeted subsidy rationalisation plan back to the people.
Anwar said the subsidy for eggs at 10sen each would cost the government RM100mil, compared with the subsidy allocation of RM927mil in 2023.
He said this development was due to reduced production input cost for chicken eggs, mainly involving basic ingredients in chickenfeed.
“I want to emphasise that issues related to the people’s cost of living will continue to be dealt with by the government in a more proactive and effective manner.
“We will strive to mitigate any negative impact on the people’s lives,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Retail prices for eggs in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan will be adjusted according to the respective zones and districts, Anwar added.
On the recently introduced targeted diesel subsidy rationalisation plan, he said the government continued to bear the cost of around RM7bil in diesel-related subsidies in the peninsula.
He reiterated that the rationalisation was to ensure more efficient management of subsidies to prevent abuses and for it to reach the groups in need.
“Savings from the implementation of targeted subsidies will be returned to the people in the form of education, health, public transportation and other sectors that have the greatest impact on them,” he said.
He also said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s Ops Tiris, launched on March 1 last year, had had positive results in the fight against abuses of subsidised diesel.
He said as of Dec 31 last year, some 6.44 million litres of diesel, valued at around RM14.2mil, were seized.
Anwar said the success led to Ops Tiris 3.0 with an expanded scope to cover other controlled goods such as refined white sugar (coarse and fine), polybag cooking oil (1kg), RON95 petrol, and liquefied petroleum gas.
“As of June 14, 2024, controlled goods worth RM12.96mil have been seized, with diesel accounting for the bulk of smuggled and misappropriated controlled items,” he added. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | null | PETALING JAYA: The retail price of chicken eggs has been reduced with immediate effect, with grades A, B and C costing 3sen cheaper. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/egg-prices-cut-across-peninsula | |
1,373,562 | Tackle egg prices as a supply issue, govt urged | PETALING JAYA: While there are benefits to cheaper eggs, experts and stakeholders say subsidising egg prices will not solve the supply issue.
Sunway University economics professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng said that while reduced egg prices would help mitigate the effects of inflation, channelling subsidy savings towards raising output would be better in the long run.
“Increasing local farm output and productivity is crucial to addressing the persistently high food prices, as well as rising food import costs.
“More concerted efforts by the government in collaboration with the private sector are needed to increase efficiency and productivity in the food sector in order to keep prices low and stable for all households,” he said.
However, Prof Yeah acknowledged that reduced egg prices would benefit the people by enhancing public acceptance of the diesel subsidy rationalisation plan, with savings from the exercise redirected towards addressing high food prices.
ALSO READ: Egg prices cut across peninsula
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology’s Centre for Business and Policy Research chairman Dr Foo Lee Peng said lower egg prices would benefit lower-income households the most.
“Lower egg prices will likely increase household consumption of eggs, making it easier for families to make it a staple food item that enhances overall nutrition and food security.
“Eggs are also a key component of the CPI (consumer price index) and the item’s reduced price can help control inflation, which is particularly beneficial in times of economic uncertainty,” she said.
Foo said the government should also consider allocating resources to reducing barriers to entry as well as improving its monitoring.
The crux of the matter: Both Prof Yeah (left) and Ameer believe that channelling subsidy savings towards raising output would be better in the long run.
“Reducing barriers to entry, such as streamlining regulatory processes and providing access to finance for small-scale producers, will help foster a more competitive market that will, in turn, keep egg prices low without the need for subsidies.
“Effective monitoring of the egg market to detect price manipulation or anti-competitive behaviour, combined with anti-monopoly regulations, will also be key to preventing price hikes,” she added.
The comments came after the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday that grades A, B and C eggs will now be 3sen cheaper, at 42sen, 40sen and 38sen respectively.
ALSO READ: Egg prices reduced by three sen nationwide
However, Bumiputera Retailers Association president Datuk Dr Ameer Ali Mydin described the latest announcement by the government, which started rationalising diesel pricing on June 10, as a “silly and flip-flop move”.
“The government cannot flip-flop by saying one day (it would) remove subsidies and then providing targeted subsidies by taking money saved from the diesel subsidy rationalisation to subsidise eggs,” he said.
Ameer, who is also Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd managing director, said the move would not help lower egg prices in the long run, with the situation being tied to market supply.
“Even with the earlier subsidy for eggs, there was still not enough eggs in the market as our current supply is only about 35% of the expected demand needed to keep egg prices low.
Ameer.
“While the supply of subsidised eggs in the market has increased by about 30% over the past few months, it is still not near the original level of supply before the subsidy was introduced.
“This means the problem is in the supply of eggs, not pricing,” he said, adding that the government was “barking up the wrong tree”.
Ameer suggested removing egg subsidies altogether to allow their prices to be determined by market forces.
To this, he cited the example of chicken prices at the end of last year, which were fixed by the government at RM9.40 per kg but later lifted after prices stabilised and went below the fixed prices.
Federation of Livestock Farmers’ Associations of Malaysia adviser Datuk Jeffrey Ng said the 3sen reduction in egg prices was agreed upon after discussions with the government.
He said the cost of production, especially where raw materials were concerned, had dropped, and this had allowed the price reduction.
“Most egg farmers were engaged, and what we are doing is for the good of the Malaysian public,” said Ng, adding that the federation had had consistent engagements with the government. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Chicken Eggs,Egg Prices,Subsidies,Economists,Retailers | PETALING JAYA: While there are benefits to cheaper eggs, experts and stakeholders say subsidising egg prices will not solve the supply issue. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/tackle-egg-prices-as-a-supply-issue-govt-urged | |
1,373,564 | A more effective system needed | PETALING JAYA: Glitches and uncertainty in the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) 2.0 fleet card system could cause a slight rise in food prices in the coming weeks, industry experts say.
SME Association Malaysia president Ding Hong Sing said weaknesses in the SKDS fleet card system had marred the first week since the diesel rationalisation initiative was implemented on June 10.
“Many businesses have yet to receive their fleet cards despite applying for them earlier.
“Some have applied for the SKDS programme and still do not know if they are eligible for the refunds,” he said.
He said a more effective mechanism must be implemented and explained to avoid confusion regarding the fleet card.
As a result, he said prices of SME products could increase between 2% and 6% within the next few weeks, especially in the food processing sector.
“This is because some suppliers who did not receive transportation subsidies have already adjusted their prices. We can only wait for the government to clarify the issues,” he said.
On June 10, the diesel price in Peninsular Malaysia started retailing at RM3.35 per litre.
A total of 33 types of vehicles under the SKDS continue to enjoy subsidised diesel at RM2.15 per litre via the fleet card system.
Bumiputra Retailers Association president Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin said traders are still taking a wait-and-see approach to understand the impact of the diesel rationalisation on their businesses.
“It has been only a week, and it is still too early to tell. Most are waiting to see how they will be impacted in the coming weeks,” he said.
So far, he said most traders, particularly in the food sector, have agreed not to raise their prices as costs along the supply chain have been factored under the SKDS.
“Based on feedback, most said that they will not raise their food prices because the delivery companies can still get diesel at a subsidised cost,” he said.
However, Ameer said it has not been all smooth sailing, as there have been reports of glitches in the system.
“There are some companies still waiting for their fleet cards, and some are confused as to how much diesel one is allowed to pump,” he said.
He added that the fleet card could have been better rolled out before announcing the diesel subsidy rationalisation.
Sunway University economics professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng said that the targeted diesel subsidy plan is proceeding smoothly, with most people and businesses tacitly cooperating.
He said floating diesel prices are expected to significantly reduce cross-border smuggling activities.
“Nonetheless, the authorities will need to be vigilant against abuse of the targeted subsidies enjoyed by eligible recipients,” he said.
Moreover, Yeah said close monitoring of the knock-on effects of the floated diesel prices on inflation is needed. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | null | PETALING JAYA: Glitches and uncertainty in the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) 2.0 fleet card system could cause a slight rise in food prices in the coming weeks, industry experts say. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/a-more-effective-system-needed | |
1,373,555 | No division in vernacular schools | PETALING JAYA: Public schools in Malaysia are instruments of harmony, with vernacular schools being one of the drivers of unity, say parent and education groups.
Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said Malaysians are united, and in school, different cultures are celebrated and respected.
“Despite being a target, vernacular schools have surprisingly been the magnet for unity in a pluralistic system,” she said.
Noor Azimah was of the view that more can be done for unity by making the Dual Language Programme (DLP) less restrictive.
The DLP gives pupils the option to study Science and Mathematics in English or Malay.
“The DLP unites pupils and gives them access to global STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) knowledge in order for Malaysia to become a high-income nation,” she said.
Vernacular schools have stepped in to provide alternative options for students who are unable to secure DLP spots in national schools, Noor Azimah added.
She also commended the #MZB365 campaign as an exemplary effort by peace-loving Malaysians for a fair chance at prosperity for all.
The “Maaf Zahir Batin Hari Hari” (#MZB365) campaign was launched on April 6 with support from major media organisations and civil society organisations.
Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education (Magpie) chairman Mak Chee Kin said vernacular schools are fostering inclusivity.
“Those who are criticising should go to the schools and see for themselves.
“In reality, no one is discriminated against there.
“Prayer rooms are given, and Hari Raya is celebrated in these schools,” he said, adding that further evidence comes from the increasing number of non-Chinese pupils at these schools.
Educationist group United Chinese School Teachers’ Association (Jiao Zong) chairman Cheah Lek Aee said that 20% of the pupils in Chinese vernacular schools were non-Chinese.
“More and more non-Chinese children are studying in Chinese primary schools,” he said.
This shows that vernacular schools are recognised and not an obstacle to unity, he added.
Mak,
In classrooms, teachers treat all pupils alike and pay special attention to non-Chinese ones through additional tutoring in the Chinese language, Cheah said.
“Chinese schools teach children from an early age about the peaceful coexistence of all ethnic groups, loyalty to the country, and promotion of national unity.
“For example, during Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Deepavali, schools will hold celebrations for students of all ethnic groups to understand these festivals,” he said.
Cheah suggested that Tamil, Chinese and national schools collaborate on interschool activities to foster more understanding in a pluralistic education system.
Moreover, he said the Education Ministry should strengthen the implementation of the Student Integration Programme for Unity (Rimup).
Cheah.
He also praised the media’s collaborative efforts to rectify the hateful narrative and foster harmony between races.
The media should be responsible for conveying the correct message, and stopping the spread of falsehood and incitement, he added.
National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon said national schools emphasise being united and showing respect for each other.
“In our school, there are no issues related to race – in fact, pupils and teachers of different races get along and communicate well.
“If there is a race-related issue, the teacher immediately acts to calm the situation and resolve the issue properly,” he said.
Fouzi
Yet, outside the school grounds, racial issues are perpetrated, he noted.
Fouzi urged parents and the community to contribute to teaching pupils the values of inclusion and harmony.
He added that having a good grasp of Bahasa Malaysia is crucial to maintaining unity.
“One of the elements of unity is the same national language spoken fluently by all the people.
“The Education Ministry should find a method so that all students who go to school in this country should be fluent and understand the national language,” he said. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | null | PETALING JAYA: Public schools in Malaysia are instruments of harmony, with vernacular schools being one of the drivers of unity, say parent and education groups. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/no-division-in-vernacular-schools | |
1,373,556 | Miracle turns into tragedy | KOTA KINABALU: A man walked away unscathed from an accident only to be killed by an oncoming car just minutes apart.
The 38-year-old victim apparently exited his car and stood in the middle of the road after a collision with another vehicle from the opposite direction.
Moments later, an oncoming car that was driving past the same stretch rammed into him.
Lahad Datu police chief Asst Comm Dzulbaharin Ismail said the incident occurred along Batu 35 KM56, Lahad Datu-Sandakan stretch, at about 12.30am on Sunday.
He said the victim was with a passenger, aged 30, heading towards Sandakan from Lahad Datu when the car suddenly skidded and veered to the opposite lane.
“Their car then collided with another vehicle from the opposite direction, driven by a 49-year-old man.
“The impact caused the victim’s car to spin before it came to a halt in the middle of the road while the other vehicle skidded to the left side,” ACP Dzulbaharin said.
He said both the victim and his passenger then exited the car.
“Moments later, another vehicle, driven by a 47-year-old man, from Lahad Datu towards Sandakan, suddenly hit the victim who was standing there.
“The victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene and was pronounced dead by health officials,” he said.
ACP Dzulbaharin said the victim’s remains has been sent to the Lahad Datu Hospital for a post-mortem, adding that others involved in the accident were not hurt.
“Blood samples have been taken from the victim, the passenger and drivers of the two vehicles for alcohol and drug tests,” he said.
The case will be investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act.
ACP Dzulbaharin urged eye-witnesses to contact the traffic investigation officer Inspector Humaidi Harun at 089-881 255 or the nearest police station. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,accident | KOTA KINABALU: A man walked away unscathed from an accident only to be killed by an oncoming car just minutes apart. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/miracle-turns-into-tragedy | |
1,373,565 | Don’t expect dining out to be cheaper, warn food vendors | GEORGE TOWN: Cooking eggs at home might be a tad cheaper, but do not expect your plate of egg fried rice to be cheaper when dining out.
Most food vendors interviewed said they are glad the cost of eggs has slightly reduced but urged consumers not to expect eating out to become cheaper.
“Don’t expect us to reduce our prices just because the price of eggs has dropped,” said coffeeshop operator Cheow Soi Lei, 57.
She explained that many food sellers do not have time to buy eggs themselves and rely on suppliers who add surcharges to cover transport and delivery costs.
“The suppliers still charge the same,” she said.
She hoped the government could find a mechanism to stabilise the prices of other food items and ingredients to create a snowball effect instead of just focusing on eggs.
Nasi campur seller Zulfahmi Ahmad, 35, agreed that the new price of eggs will not benefit consumers eating out because the reduction is too small to affect the price of a plate of Malay nasi campur.
Nonetheless, he said it is a boon for his cost management since he uses hundreds of eggs daily.
“It eases our burden because when the prices of ingredients go up, we dare not raise prices because the market is competitive.
“We have been absorbing cost increases for some years now,” he said.
Burger hawker Abdul Halim Shahul Hameed, 42, also expressed gladness.
“I use Grade A eggs, so I now save almost RM1 per tray of 30 eggs,” he said.
Abdul Halim said that while it did not sound like much, the daily cost savings increased over time for small traders like him.
He is looking forward to see the prices of more food ingredients drop.
Bayan Baru Food Court Association chairman Roy Ang applauded the move, describing it as “better than nothing”.
“With the high cost of living now, this latest development is encouraging and can help people, especially hawkers,” he said.
He reminded hawkers not to raise their food prices arbitrarily, as this will make customers angry and move away to other places.
Seberang Perai Hawkers and Coffeeshop Owners Association president Lee Kok Yong said the latest development is good news for the association’s 400 members, mostly hawkers and coffeeshop owners.
“Most of them use hundreds of eggs daily, so this reduction will surely be good for them,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday announced that the retail price of Grade A, B and C eggs across the country was reduced by three sen as part of the government’s new subsidy initiative.
Anwar said the new prices for Grade A, B, and C eggs will be set at 42sen, 40sen, and 38sen per egg, respectively.
He said the subsidy provision would involve government expenditure of around RM100mil, covering as much as 10 sen per egg. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | null | GEORGE TOWN: Cooking eggs at home might be a tad cheaper, but do not expect your plate of egg fried rice to be cheaper when dining out. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/dont-expect-dining-out-to-be-cheaper-warn-food-vendors | |
1,373,566 | Traders at Pasar Malam planning to increase food prices (Poll Inside) | PETALING JAYA: Malaysians buying foods at pasar malam may have to fork out more for some items starting next month as traders plan to increase prices following the diesel hike.
Pasar Malam Bumiputera Shah Alam and Klang chairman Kamarul Nizam said that some of their night market traders intend to do so by July 1.
However, the quantum is yet to be determined as they are still waiting to see how the new diesel prices will impact them.
Kamarul, a food and drink trader, said he plans to increase his stall prices by 10%.
Petty traders and Jalan Cemur Kuala Lumpur night market chairman Moganae Sundram said the government’s RM200 Budi Madani cash assistance is insufficient to cover the increased fuel costs.
As a fishmonger, he drives a pickup truck to transport his fish from Perak to Kuala Lumpur and now spends an additional RM600 on diesel.
POLL: Do you buy food at pasar malam regularly?
Other traders, including those selling vegetables and using their own transport to ferry goods from wholesalers, are also affected, he claimed.
However, he said he would not increase prices yet, as his competitors have no plans to do so.
“If I increase prices now, I would lose out to those selling cheaper,” Moganae said.
But he believed it is only a matter of time before they increase the prices of their goods.
Malaysian Bakery, Biscuit, Confectionery, Mee and Kuay Teow Merchants Association president Chaang Tuck Cheong said prices of related goods have remained unchanged because several sectors, particularly food and logistics, continue to enjoy targeted diesel subsidies.
However, he said that it has not been smooth sailing.
There have been instances where lorry drivers are unable to use their fleet cards to refuel due to system glitches, he said.
“Drivers have to pay cash upfront, and they may not be able to claim it back,” he said.
Although the fleet card provides more than enough diesel to cover monthly usage, Chaang said it remains uncertain for now as the claims have yet to be processed.
“We can only wait and see,” he added. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | Night market,diesel,food,owner | PETALING JAYA: Malaysians buying foods at pasar malam may have to fork out more for some items starting next month as traders plan to increase prices following the diesel hike. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/traders-at-pasar-malam-planning-to-increase-food-prices | |
1,373,559 | Rise in Aidiladha sacrifices benefits B40 families | BALIK PULAU: Hundreds of low-income families on this side of Penang island received fresh meat from 14 sacrificial cows to mark Hari Raya Aidiladha.
Thirteen cows were contributed by better-off villagers from the community, with an additional cow donated by the Penang Governor’s Charity Foundation.
Kampung Kongsi’s mosque committee chairman Yuskamarul Anuar Yusop said the slaughtering and meat distribution effort involved over 200 volunteers.
“This has been our tradition since the mosque was established in the 1860s. We want every household to receive some meat so that they can cook and eat it with their family members,” he said, adding that the number of cows sacrificed yesterday was more than in previous years.
Yuskamarul, 41, said it was heartening to see that the volunteers this year were mostly local youths because this ensured that the tradition, not to mention the skills involved in butchering and sharing the fresh meat evenly, would be passed down to future generations.
He said the mosque committee wanted Muslim youths to feel comfortable at the mosque and dispel any misconceptions that mosques are only for the elderly.
Penang Governor’s Charity Foundation chief executive officer Datuk Seri Rozali Mohamud said the foundation delivered 252 cows to 212 mosques and 25 surau across the state.
He said it was a 2.52-fold increase from the previous year’s 100 cows.
“This increase in participation from donors reflects their confidence in the foundation’s ‘korban’ management,” he said in a statement.
Rozali added that a total of 13,500 B40 households were expected to benefit from this initiative, with each one receiving at least 2kg of beef. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-18 00:00:00 | null | BALIK PULAU: Hundreds of low-income families on this side of Penang island received fresh meat from 14 sacrificial cows to mark Hari Raya Aidiladha. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/18/rise-in-aidiladha-sacrifices-benefits-b40-families | |
1,373,492 | Malaysia and Turkiye agree to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, says Anwar | KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Turkiye agreed to increase humanitarian assistance, especially to Gaza, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In his official Facebook posting on Monday night (June 17), Anwar said the proposed decision was discussed together with Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan via a telephone conversation on Monday.
"...in fact President Erdogan also shared his experience and concerns as well as registered his protest against the genocide in Gaza during the G7 Summit which he attended in Italy recently,” he said in the posting.
During the tele-conversation, the President also reiterated his commitment to strengthening cooperation in defence, economy, culture, trade and investment between both countries while Anwar once again forwarded an invitation to President Erdogan to visit Malaysia in July or August.
The Prime Minister assured that the visit would be a meaningful one since it would coincide with the 60th anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and Turkiye (Since June 17, 1964), as well as mark the 10th year of Strategic Cooperation between both countries.
Meanwhile, Anwar said he also received a letter from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who sent Aidiladha greetings to him and all Malaysians.
He said India also agreed that world peace depends on the value of togetherness and instilling the principles of humanity, compassion and sacrifice in building a developed country.
"I also agreed with PM Modi, who touched on the aspects of culture and heritage in respecting each other and which needs to be upheld and celebrated in all corners of the world while we celebrate this holy day.
"Praying that PM Modi continues to be given good health and that the relationship between Malaysia and India continues to be strengthened for mutual benefit,” said Anwar. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Prime Minister,Anwar Ibrahim,Turkiye,Gaza,Humanitarian Assistance | KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Turkiye agreed to increase humanitarian assistance, especially to Gaza, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/17/malaysia-and-turkiye-agree-to-increase-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza-says-anwar | |
1,373,487 | Kajang cops hunt armed men for gold store robbery in shopping mall | KUALA LUMPUR: The police are looking for four men believed to be involved in an armed robbery of a jewellery store in a shopping mall in Kajang near here this afternoon.
Kajang district deputy police chief Supt Mohamad Nasir Drahman said preliminary investigations revealed that four masked men wearing security guard uniforms with gloves had entered the premises on the first floor of the shopping mall at 3.17pm on Monday (June 17).
"The suspects smashed the glass of the jewellery display cases with a steel hammer and took the items.
"They are believed to have two pistols and a rifle. During the incident, the suspects fired a shot at the wall before escaping to the basement car park,” he said in a statement on Monday night, adding that total losses were still being investigated.
Mohamad Nasir said that the police were studying the shopping mall’s CCTV footage and taking witnesses’ statements for further investigation, adding that the case was being investigated under Section 3 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971.
Those who have information of the robbery can contact the nearest police station or investigating officer ASP Mohd Afiq Farhan Mohd Nor at 012-2446768.
A video showing the robbery had gone viral earlier on social media. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Courts Crime,Kajang,Shopping Complex,Supt Mohamad Nasir Drahman,Robbery,Gold Shop | KUALA LUMPUR: The police are looking for four men believed to be involved in an armed robbery of a jewellery store in a shopping mall in Kajang near here this afternoon. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/17/kajang-cops-hunt-armed-men-for-gold-store-robbery-in-shopping-mall | |
1,373,475 | Johor leader supports TMJ’s call for state to be treated as equal partner | JOHOR BARU: A local leader here has expressed his support for Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s call for the state to be treated as an equal partner in the federal government.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim said Tunku Ismail’s view for the state to be treated as an equal partner like Sabah and Sarawak has a constitutional, political and historical basis.
“Johor is not like Melaka, Penang and Singapore, which were directly under the British and were called Straits Settlements.
“Johor is also not part of the Federated Malay state, such as Pahang, Selangor, Perak and Negri Sembilan, which had to accept British residents as advisors,” he said in a statement here.
He said that Johor voluntarily became part of the Unfederated Malay states with Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah but maintained its sovereignty, which the British recognised.
“Johor had essentially accepted the British as a patron, but it remains an independent state with its Rulers having sovereignty over the region, which the British recognised.
He also said that Johor had come out with its own Constitution over a century ago, which is still being used today.
“Before the formation of the Federation of Malaya in 1957, before the existence of the Malayan Union in 1946, Johor had already had its own state Constitution.
“The state Constitution known as Undang-Undang Tubuh Negeri Johor 1895 have been around for 129 years ago and is still being enforced today,” he said.
He said those who think Tunku Ismail’s view is not in line with the Constitution should look at it more holistically.
“His opinion should be viewed through a broader lens and not based on an interpretation of the Constitution, which was drawn up by the Reid Commission on behalf of the British before the formation of Tanah Melayu,” he said.
On June 9, Tunku Ismail said that the federal government should be revamped with Johor treated as a partner instead.
"The system within the Federal Government needs to be changed. Johor does not belong to Malaysia.
"We are partners, so you must start treating us like partners," said the Johor Regent during a podcast at the Johor youth meet-up programme at EduCity Indoor Arena on June 9. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Johor,Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim,Hassan Karim,Federal Government,Partner | JOHOR BARU: A local leader here has expressed his support for Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s call for the state to be treated as an equal partner in the federal government. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/17/johor-leader-supports-tmjs-call-for-state-to-be-treated-as-equal-partner | |
1,373,452 | Inbound traffic crawling on some major highways on Monday night (June 17) | KUALA LUMPUR: Traffic flow on some of the country's main highways is reported to be moving slowly towards the Klang Valley, following the reverse exodus of celebrants and holiday-seekers after the Aidiladha festivity.
A spokesman for the Malaysian Highway Authority said the number of vehicles increased slightly compared to normal days on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway but as of 9.20pm Monday (June 17), traffic remained under control.
He said in the northern region, traffic flow was reported to be crawling from Jawi to Sungai Bakap, Gurun to Sungai Petani, Menora Tunnel to Ipoh, Tapah to Sungkai and Tanjung Malim to Rawang.
"Traffic flow was also reported to be slow from Alor Gajah towards Seremban due to the increase in the number of vehicles," he told Bernama.
On the East Coast, there was an increase in the number of vehicles at the Bentong to Lentang Toll Plaza which slowed down traffic flow in that zone.
He said that so far traffic on the East Coast Highway 1 and 2 were reported to be smooth in both directions.
For the latest traffic information, call the PLUS toll-free line at 1-800-88-0000 and X site @plustrafik or MHA line at 1-800-88-7752 and X site @llmtrafik. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | MHA,LLM,Traffic,Smooth,Aidiladha,Highway,PLUS,East Coast. | KUALA LUMPUR: Traffic flow on some of the country's main highways is reported to be moving slowly towards the Klang Valley, following the reverse exodus of celebrants and holiday-seekers after the Aidiladha festivity. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/17/inbound-traffic-crawling-on-some-major-highways-on-monday-night-june-17 | |
1,373,441 | Malaysia, Pakistan express solidarity with Gazans | KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Pakistan have expressed their continued solidarity with the people of Gaza who are affected by the atrocities committed by the Zionist Israeli regime.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reiterated the commitment when he received a telephone call from his Pakistan counterpart Shehbaz Sharif on Monday (June 17).
"I also praised Prime Minister Shehbaz for his courage in making Pakistan’s position clear regarding the Gaza crisis.
"Leaders from other Islamic countries should continue to strengthen their support to increase humanitarian aid, in addition to redoubling efforts to end Israel’s colonisation and occupation of Gaza,” he posted on his Facebook page on Monday.
Anwar said they also planned to meet in Islamabad, Pakistan soon so that the countries’ bilateral ties could continue to be strengthened.
During the phone call, Anwar and Shehbaz also exchanged Aidiladha greetings and prayed for the well-being of their families and the people of both countries. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Prime Minister,Anwar Ibrahim,Shehbaz Sharif,Crisis,Gaza | KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Pakistan have expressed their continued solidarity with the people of Gaza who are affected by the atrocities committed by the Zionist Israeli regime. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/17/malaysia-pakistan-express-solidarity-with-gazaians | |
1,373,426 | Around 30 Malaysian couples head to Southern Thailand each month for polygamy | NARATHIWAT: The Narathiwat Islamic Religious Council has disclosed that at least 30 couples from Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan and Terengganu travel to the province every month to enter into polygamous marriages.
Its deputy president, Abdul Aziz Che Mamat said the majority of these couples came with the intention of formalising their relationships and were willing to travel long distances for this purpose.
"However, getting married in southern Thailand is not as easy as it may seem. There are specific conditions that must be met, including background checks on the couples.
"One of the mandatory conditions is the presentation of the divorce certificate or the death certificate of a previous spouse if the woman is a widow or divorcee. If these conditions are not met or are questionable, the solemnisation will not be allowed to proceed,” he told Bernama recently.
Abdul Aziz emphasised that marriages are not conducted recklessly, as everyone must consider the lineage and future implications if they are not truthful.
He added that couples wishing to practice polygamy in southern Thailand must obtain verification from the Malaysian Consulate General Office in Songkhla and register their marriages in Malaysia to avoid future problems. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Abdul Aziz,Polygamy,Narathiwat Islamic Religious Council,Marriage | NARATHIWAT: The Narathiwat Islamic Religious Council has disclosed that at least 30 couples from Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan and Terengganu travel to the province every month to enter into polygamous marriages. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/17/around-30-malaysian-couples-head-to-southern-thailand-each-month-for-polygamy | |
1,373,406 | Three underage boys among four arrested for kidnapping, beating up teenagers | JOHOR BARU: Three underage boys are among four suspects arrested for allegedly kidnapping, beating up and threatening three teenagers here.
Johor Baru North OCPD Asst Comm Balveer Singh said the police received a report on Sunday (June 16) morning about three 14-year-old boys who were kidnapped from a supermarket in Skudai.
“Early investigations found that a group of about 10 men had forced the victims into three cars at about 8pm on Saturday (June 15). The victims recognise one of the suspects.
“They were then taken to an unknown location where they were stripped naked and beaten up.
“The suspects also took photos of the victims, who were naked, and threatened to spread the photos if the incident were to be known by others,” he said in a statement here on Monday (June 17).
ACP Balveer added that the suspects then took away the victims’ belongings before leaving them there.
“The three boys, who have bruises on their faces and hands from the beatings, managed to get help from the public.
“They were then sent to the hospital and later went to a police station to lodge a report,” he said.
He said that the police managed to arrest four of the suspects, including three who are underaged, at about 8pm on Sunday (June 16) in Skudai.
“The arrested suspects are between 15 and 20 years old.
“We have also seized a vehicle believed to have been used in the incident and the victims’ belongings,” he said.
ACP Balveer said the case is being investigated under Section 363 of the Penal Code for kidnapping, Section 324 of the same Act for causing hurt with weapons, and Section 506 of the same Act for criminal intimidation.
“Investigation is ongoing, and we are trying to identify the motive behind the incident.
“We are also on the lookout for the rest of the suspects who are still at large,” he said, adding that the four suspects are being remanded for four days starting Monday (June 17).
He also urged anyone with information on the incident to channel it to Inspector Intan Khaizira at 013-6062618. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | police,kidnap,underage,arrest | JOHOR BARU: Three underage boys are among four suspects arrested for allegedly kidnapping, beating up and threatening three teenagers here. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/17/three-underage-boys-among-four-arrested-for-kidnapping-beating-up-teenagers | |
1,373,383 | Student loses RM13,750 to online part-time job scam | SIBU: A female student from a private higher education institution here lost RM13,750 after being deceived by an online part-time job offer.
In her report to the Commercial Crime Investigation Division of the Sibu District Police on Sunday (June 16), the victim claimed that she received an offer to earn extra money through tasks on YouTube after being added to the WhatsApp group ‘Millennium Portfolios Event A13’ by an individual named Ho Siew Ming.
The victim shared her personal and Touch N Go account details for documentation and verification purposes before the suspect instructed her to click on a provided link to complete the assigned tasks.
Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Zulkipli Suhaili, in a statement on Monday (June 17), said the victim was also asked to subscribe to Nike & Adidas and was promised a profit of RM100.
The suspect also told the victim that to earn RM40,000, she needed to complete another task by depositing RM20,000.
"The victim then deposited money totalling RM13,750 in five transactions to four different accounts. However, until the report was filed, she didn’t receive the promised profits and commissions,” he added.
Police are investigating the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Zulkifli urged the public to check with the respective companies or agencies before applying for or accepting any dubious job offers.
Those in need of any advice or further information can refer to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at its hotline at 997 and follow the Facebook page @CyberCrimeAlertRMP @JSJKPDRM.
They can also visit http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule to verify accounts and suspicious phone numbers. - Bernama | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Police,Cheat,Part-Time,Job,Online,Student,#JanganKenaScam | SIBU: A female student from a private higher education institution here lost RM13,750 after being deceived by an online part-time job offer. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/17/student-loses-rm13750-to-online-part-time-job-scam | |
1,373,363 | Sunny side up to drop in prices: Small traders call it 'eggs-cellent' | KUALA LUMPUR: The three-sen drop in retail price of grade A, B and C chicken eggs that was announced on Monday, may seem paltry but it sent endless ripples of relief to small traders and was welcomed by consumers across the country.
Most food traders described the new price of eggs as the sunny side up to cut business costs, given that eggs are widely used in various cuisines and are the main ingredient in making cakes and pastries for the sweet tooth.
Chairman of the Bumiputera Small Traders Association of Pasar Siti Khadijah in Kelantan, Ahmad Nazri Che Omar said the initiative gave traders, especially food sellers, an opportunity to make a little 'eggs-tra' profit, considering that there were still people selling cakes at the old price despite the previous increase in the price of eggs.
"The price drop allows traders to make more profit and offset the price of other raw materials used for business," he told Bernama on Monday (June 17).
In Negri Sembilan, biscuit and cake dealer Nur Anisa Hanis Ramli, 42, said that although some see the price drop as paltry, the effect was felt by those who took big orders for products using eggs as the main ingredient.
"For example, in my job running a confectionery as a livelihood, I need more than 60 eggs every two weeks... so this price reduction of three sen per egg really helps reduce my costs," she said.
Meanwhile, in Kedah, food trader Ashraf Zaidi, 33, said the price reduction announcement could reduce his business costs and benefit customers since the price of egg-based food could be lowered slightly after this.
In Selangor, cake and pastry maker Intan Baizura Zainal, 39, said the drop in the retail price of eggs could reduce the financial pressure on bakery operators because the prices of most ingredients for baking cakes and cookies are currently increasing.
"The decision to lower the price of eggs is timely because even if we want to make a profit, we still need to offer reasonable prices to customers. This may be the beginning of the government's efforts to lower the prices of other essential goods, in line with the desire to return the savings from subsidy targeting to the people in stages," he said.
Twenty-six-year-old Nur Syakirah Ahmad Nazri, a small-scale cake trader from Alor Gajah, Melaka, concurred and hopes that the government will continue to give 'good news' on other items in the future that will indirectly help people like her earn better income.
In Terengganu, canteen operator Ahmad Khairi Samad, 52, said the drop in egg prices would reduce the burden of his operating costs, which on average require about 100 grade B eggs a day because, apart from ready-to-cook meals, his canteen also provides hot meals.
In Penang, Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the decrease in the retail price of grade A, B and C chicken eggs would help reduce financial problems for low-income groups, especially those who buy large quantities for a week.
"This measure will also help traders and food sellers because they can lower costs and CAP hopes that traders who use a lot of eggs will not raise the price of their food after this," he said.
In Perak, a member of the Perak State Consumer Movement Khairul Anwar El Syazalli Musa said the price reduction benefited the people because consumers usually purchase in quantities of 10 eggs.
Meanwhile, in Pahang, single mother Mariam Abdul Ghani, 48, described the move as helping those who are less able because eggs are a cheaper source of protein in a family's daily needs.
In agreement was Perlis housewife Rizalina Mad Saad, 46, from Arau, who described the move as the government being sensitive to the family situations of the people, especially the B40 group since eggs are usually a basic necessity in the kitchen of every home where omelettes and fried rice reign supreme in the Malaysian palate.
On Monday (June 17), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Finance Minister, announced that the retail price of grade A, B and C chicken eggs across the country had been reduced by 3 sen per egg, bringing the price down to 42 sen, 40 sen and 38 sen respectively, effective Monday. - Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Chicken Eggs,Retail Price,Decrease,Trader,Consumer | KUALA LUMPUR: The three-sen drop in retail price of grade A, B and C chicken eggs that was announced on Monday, may seem paltry but it sent endless ripples of relief to small traders and was welcomed by consumers across the country. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/17/sunny-side-up-to-drop-in-prices-small-traders-call-it-039eggs-cellent039 | |
1,373,340 | Sg Bakap polls: No clear favourites, say analysts | GEORGE TOWN: The country’s two largest political coalitions are being strategic by fielding local candidates in the upcoming Sungai Bakap state by-election, which will officially commence this Saturday (June 22).
The Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional camp under the unity government is fielding former northern branch director of Aminuddin Baki Institute Dr Joohari Ariffin, 60, from PKR, while Perikatan Nasional has named Nibong Tebal PAS vice-chief Abidin Ismail, 56, as its flagbearer, apparently to capitalise on the fact that they are homegrown candidates.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) senior lecturer in political science Jamaie Hamil said that both candidates were well-positioned to convince voters based on their community experience and local roots and the narrow winning majority in the last state election.
He said Joohari can bank on his experience as a former civil servant and educator, while Abidin has the advantage of involvement in party and social work. However, both have the potential to resonate with Sungai Bakap voters as local sons.
Jamaie said that from an academic perspective, Joohari had the advantage as he held a PhD in management and educational leadership from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), which may appeal to the middle class and youth.
"When choosing a candidate, people look at their place of origin, apart from education level, work experience or how they can handle community issues, as these will be reflected in the role of an elected representative,” he said when contacted by Bernama on Monday (June 17).
Although there may be a multi-cornered contest, Jamaie considered the Sungai Bakap by-election as a fierce battle between the two political sides due to the slim majority of only 1,563 votes in the 2023 state election.
He added that PKR was keen to reclaim the seat it held for three terms since 2008 before it was captured by PAS in the state election last August, and the latter will undoubtedly want to retain it.
"A majority of slightly over 1,500 votes is neither a white area for the incumbent nor a black area for the challenger. This means that any equivalent party has a chance to win there as it can be considered a grey area. If the majority is 2,000, then, it is a black area," he said.
Joohari began his career as a teacher and retired from public service on Sept 1, 2023, while Abidin works in logistics and was an assistant to the late Sungai Bakap seat holder, Nor Zamri Latiff.
Meanwhile, Academy of Sciences Malaysia fellow Prof Jayum Jawan said the Sungai Bakap by-election was not a contest of personalities but a competition between parties representing ideologies, namely Pakatan and Perikatan, or PKR and PAS.
"It is also about a test of Malay support for Malay-dominated party PKR and Islamic PAS. Thus, PAS is expected to retain it, and losing it means dwindling support among Malays,” he said.
The Universiti Putra Malaysia political science professor said if Pakatan-Barisan wins in Sungai Bakap, it is a sign that support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his leadership is growing stronger, especially as the country heads towards the 16th general election.
The Sungai Bakap by-election is a crucial battleground for PKR and PAS as it will again witness the clash between the two parties for the same seat nearly 10 months after the 2023 state election.
The Election Commission (EC) has set July 6 for polling for the Sungai Bakap by-election, with June 22 as the Nomination Day and July 2 for early voting.
The Sungai Bakap seat, with 39,279 voters comprising 39,222 ordinary voters and 57 police officers, fell vacant following the death of its incumbent Nor Zamri from PAS on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.
In the last state election, Nor Zamri, who was the Nibong Tebal PAS chief, defeated PH candidate Nurhidayah Che Rose with a majority of 1,563 votes.- Bernama | News | Nation | Complimentary | Medium | Santhakumar a/l Mahalingam | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Politics,Sg Bakap Polls,Sungai Bakap polls,candidates,PH,PN,Jamaie Hamil,Prof Jayum Jawan | GEORGE TOWN: The country’s two largest political coalitions are being strategic by fielding local candidates in the upcoming Sungai Bakap state by-election, which will officially commence this Saturday (June 22). | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/17/sg-bakap-polls-no-clear-favourites-say-analysts | |
1,373,281 | Johor cops nab 40 people and issue over 500 summonses in two-day ops | JOHOR BARU: The police have arrested 40 people and issued over 500 summonses in a special two-day statewide operation, says Johor police chief Comm M. Kumar.
He said a total of 37 of the suspects arrested on Sunday (June 16) and Monday (June 17) were driving under the influence of alcohol.
"We have arrested a total of 40 people, including three women. The suspects are aged between 18 and 60.
"Of them, 37 were arrested for driving while intoxicated, one for driving recklessly, and two for obstructing civil servants from discharging their duties," he said in a statement.
He added that three of those arrested are foreigners, while the rest are locals.
Comm Kumar said the suspects are being investigated under Section 45A (1) of the Road Transport Act for driving under the influence of alcohol, Section 42(1) of the same act for driving dangerously, and Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing civil servants from discharging their duties.
“A total of 1,204 people and 1,056 vehicles were inspected during the operation. We have also issued 532 summonses for various offences," he said. | News | Nation | Complimentary | Short | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Johor Police,Two-Day Operation,Arrests,Summonses,DUI,Driving Under the Influence,Road Transport Act,Penal Code,Public Safety,Police Inspection | JOHOR BARU: The police have arrested 40 people and issued over 500 summonses in a special two-day statewide operation, says Johor police chief Comm M. Kumar. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/17/johor-cops-nab-40-people-and-issue-over-500-summonses-in-two-day-ops | |
1,373,278 | Ariah a trailblazing beacon for Sabah women | KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s first female deputy chief minister, the late Datuk Ariah Tengku Ahmad, will be remembered for inspiring women in Sabah to achieve their dreams despite any challenges faced, women’s groups and entrepreneurs recall.
Following Ariah’s death on Sunday (June 16), women professionals have come out to express their condolences as they remember her attributions to women.
One of the state’s most prominent real estate and property developers, Datuk Susan Wong said Ariah was a trailblazer for women in politics who had greatly contributed to the community’s wellbeing.
Ariah’s commitment to serve the people was especially felt during her tenure as Social Services Minister, among other roles, she said.
Wong said being the first female deputy chief minister, Ariah had demonstrated that a woman could accomplish whatever a man could, as evidenced by her roles in political life and activism for non-governmental organisations.
She remembered Ariah as a beacon for women to chart their paths in the male-dominated field of politics then, and prove that they were equally as capable and competent as men.
“She will always be missed and remembered as the one who changed the landscape for women in politics,” she said.
She said Ariah’s unwavering dedication, compassion, and strength have left an indelible mark on the community.
“In memory of an excellent woman who touched countless lives in Sabah, we mourn her passing with heavy hearts. We are deeply grateful for her legacy of kindness and service. May her soul rest in peace,” said Wong.
Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association (Swepa) chairperson, Karen Wong said despite not knowing Ariah personally, she had heard much about Ariah’s storied career, especially as deputy chief minister during the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) era.
She said from the experiences and accounts shared by former Swepa members, they knew Ariah as a legend when she was appointed deputy chief minister.
“During her active years, she launched the Sabah Women Advisory Council (MPWS) in 1988 and as a Minister for Community Development, she worked hard to encourage rural development and raised the status for women,” she said.
She added that her senior counterparts talked of Ariah as a compassionate leader who worked hard on anti-drug programmes in the state.
“She was a strong voice for women and initiated the Pritchard Valley Old Folks Home and built the new home in Kinarut,” she said.
Apart from that, they will always remember Ariah as an exemplary trailblazer in politics and women's empowerment.
“She has inspired a great number of women politicians, leaders and our SWEPA members who followed in her footsteps in bringing women to the forefront of the society,” added Wong.
In previous interviews with the press, Ariah had mentioned how women in the 50s and 60s faced gender discrimination in many areas from sports to career choices.
She had expressed how modern women were lucky to have ample career opportunities whereas in her younger days, the choices were limited to either getting married, becoming teachers, nurses or nuns.
It is learned that she was also one of Sabah’s top sportswomen and a record holder for the hurdling event in the 50s and 60s.
Being an athlete, although Ariah trained to teach physical education, she was not given the chance to become a PE specialist due to prevailing concerns then about women’s performance after getting married and having children.
There were also disparities in terms of salaries between male and female workers, she had noted.
Ariah was laid to rest at the Taman Memorial Tun Mustapha near here. | News | Sabah & Sarawak | Complimentary | Medium | null | 2024-06-17 00:00:00 | Sabah & Sarawak,Ariah Tengku Ahamad,Deputy CM,Women,Trailblazer | KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s first female deputy chief minister, the late Datuk Ariah Tengku Ahmad, will be remembered for inspiring women in Sabah to achieve their dreams despite any challenges faced, women’s groups and entrepreneurs recall. | https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/17/ariah-a-trailblazing-beacon-for-sabah-women |