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Headlines : Sundaily News | Page 1 |
MACC integrates blockchain technology, AI in investigation and operation - .. - 30/01 3:20 pm PUTRAJAYA : The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is integrating blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations and investigations to combat increasingly sophisticated corruption tactics. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki highlighted that technological advancements have introduced new challenges in tackling complex corruption crimes. He said the challenges include cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, and the misuse of AI, which have made criminal .. activities more sophisticated, harder to trace, and often transnational. ???Technological progress can actually be leveraged (for example) with the use of AI including its use from the aspect of data analytics as well as blockchain technology. ???Blockchain (technology) ensures immutable transaction records, while AI enhances data analytics, enabling the detection of fraud patterns and financial irregularities,??? he said in a statement today. The statement was issued in conjunction with Azam???s keynote address at the 3rd International Conference on Technology, Humanities, and Management (ICTHM) in the Maldives. Azam said MACC officers were now equipped with advanced forensic tools and various analytical data software, as well as provided specialised training in finance, accounting, engineering, and technology. The MACC???s Intelligence Division, Forensic Technology Division (BFT), and Financial Analysis Division (BAK), he said, are at the forefront of digital forensics and financial investigations, supported by cutting-edge equipment and expertise. ???In fact, as part of this initiative, the MACC Forensic Laboratory recently received the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation, signifying global recognition of its forensic analysis work in the field of technology,??? he added. Azam said the MACC also support the use of digital platforms such as the e-procurement system, which enhances transparency in public procurement, and the transition to a cashless system, which helps reduce corruption and mismanagement of public funds. ???A system like this ensures that subsidies, welfare, and salaries are transferred directly to beneficiaries without intermediaries, thus reducing the risk of corruption,??? he said. He reaffirmed MACC???s commitment to monitoring key sectors, including law enforcement, public procurement, and Grand Corruption, as part of its core agenda to combat corruption and financial leakages. This commitment, he said, aligns with Malaysia???s National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), which seeks to enhance integrity, transparency, and accountability across various sectors. ???MACC places great importance on the continuous development of its officers by enrolling them in specialised training programmes to expand their expertise and skills,??? he said. He also highlighted the crucial role of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy (MACA) in fostering ethical leadership and strengthening anti-corruption efforts through education and international collaboration. |
Police arrest four following ramming incident outside KL nightclub - 30/01 2:35 pm PETALING JAYA : Police have nabbed four men in relation to an incident where two vehicles ploughed into a group of men in front of a nightclub on Wednesday. According to The Star, Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Azry Akmar Ayob said four men have been arrested to assist investigations so far with a remand order set to be obtained today.. Additionally, Azry said the cause of the incident has been determined to have stemmed from a prior disagreement between the group of .. suspects and the victims who were out partying. ALSO READ: Three injured as vehicles ram into group of men outside KL nightclub Earlier, Brickfields OCPD Assistant Commissioner Ku Mashariman Ku Mahmood said a 24-year-old man lodged a police report over the incident, which occurred in front of a nightclub at Old Klang Road. ???Both vehicles rammed into a group of men, injuring three of them. ???We are investigating under Section 307 of the Penal Code (attempted murder),??? he was quoted as saying. |
KLIA Aerotrain saga: A disappointing delay - 30/01 1:38 pm KUALA LUMPUR : The delay in resumption of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Aerotrain service, originally scheduled for January 2025, has been nothing short of disappointment after over two years of anticipation. Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology economist (aviation and aerospace) Associate Professor Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian noted that the rescheduling could negatively impact the perception of KLIA. The Aerotrain, which serves as a vital mode of .. transport between the airport terminals, was suspended in March 2023 for maintenance and upgrading works after a breakdown, with an initial promise to restore service in time for the New Year. The service, which had been in operation for 25 years, has been a backbone of KLIA???s internal transport network since 1998. ???KLIA is the primary entry point for foreigners, tourists, and aviation traffic and thus it is imperative to parlay a positive apparition to the public,??? he told Bernama recently. He added that the delay could have repercussions on the aviation ecosystem, as a substantial decline in ???confidence value??? can stifle economic vibrancy. On Friday, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) announced that the Aerotrain service would now resume in the second quarter of 2025. The delay will not affect Malaysia???s role as ASEAN chairmanship. During the briefing, MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said that the original timeline was ???overambitious???. Mohd Harridon emphasised that in any project, there should be a thorough due diligence when setting milestones and timelines, to ensure a realistic and equitable projection of the targeted deadline in accordance with the agreed cost. MAHB Not Discounting Safety Element However, despite the mounting excitement and expectations among passengers, MAHB said that the reopening of the Aerotrain has been delayed due to the need for additional safety measures and technical evaluations. While the postponement has understandably caused inconvenience, it is a decision that reflects the airport operator???s commitment to prioritising safety over rushing to meet tight deadlines. Kudos to the airport operator. In this regard, Mohd Harridon commended MAHB for proactively addressing the issue by terminating certain quarters that had failed to meet the agreed work packages. Projection models such as the Delphi Model and Causal Model could appropriately be utilised to gain a better understanding of the technical predicaments that inherently exists and could also give better projections of the milestones. The Delphi Model is a process used to arrive at a group opinion or decision by surveying a panel of experts, while the Causal Model provides a strategic perspective of aviation risk that can be used as input into the policy formulation process. Having said that, MAHB has been transparent in communicating that the postponement was necessary to complete additional upgrades and thorough testing to ensure that the Aerotrain system meets the required safety standards. Given the complexity and potential risks associated with a high-volume transport system, ensuring passenger safety should take precedence over hasty reopening. Furthermore, with the airport operator???s recent privatisation deal to be concluded soon, there are hopes that this will lead to a more reliable travel experience and enhance MAHB???s competitive edge in the regional aviation sector in the long-term. Mohd Harridon stressed that the privatisation deal is vital to alleviate the aviation ecosystem in Malaysia. ???Airports have evolved from a mere focal point of transportation to trade and commercial hubs that serve and entertain passengers through various means such as retail shopping, edutainment, fine dining, aesthetic ambiences and effective services, creating a trading centre that thrives and contributes to the nation???s economic stimulus,??? he said. He added that resuming the Aerotrain services will aid the acquirement of investors or stakeholders which will subsequently support the privatisation deal. In the long term, this careful approach will undoubtedly ensure a smoot |
Ahmad Zahid urges leaders to put political differences aside and focus on .. - 30/01 1:27 pm BAGAN DATUK : Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on leaders to put aside political differences and prioritise serving the people. He emphasised that the trust and mandate given by the people must be honoured, regardless of political party, religion, or race. ???As politicians, we must not allow divisions among citizens. Whether we win by a large margin or a small one is secondary. What truly matters is that, once elected as members of parliament or assemblymen, we .. must fulfil our duty to serve,??? he said when opening the RC Hall in Simpang Empat, Hutan Melintang here today. The hall was built by a businessman from Bagan Datuk, M. Nagaraja, 69, who has been running a cendol business for the past 47 years. Ahmad Zahid, who is Bagan Datuk MP, added that leaders must continue to reach out to the people in their constituencies, including the youth, whether they are working locally or abroad. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said he has known Nagaraja since he was 22 years old and gave him the title ???Raja Cendol??? during an Aidilfitri do in 2007. After the event, he took the opportunity to attend a Chinese New Year open house hosted by his family friends at the Dato Hj Abdullah Ahmad Hall here. He was welcomed by Beh Song Wan, 62, his wife Tian Mee Ping, 56, and their two children. Ahmad Zahid also mingled with the local community members who attended the event. |
Girl, 7, dies of suspected abuse by parents - 30/01 11:57 am KUALA LUMPUR : A seven-year-old girl died yesterday after she was believed to have been abused by her parents in Kajang, Selangor. Kajang District police chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof said Kajang Hospital authorities lodged a report regarding the incident at 1.11 am yesterday. ???Hospital authorities said a seven-year-old girl was brought in by her parents in an unconscious state, but was pronounced dead while receiving treatment in the hospital???s red zone emergency ward,??? he said in a .. statement today. He said a post-mortem found many old and fresh signs of abuse on the victim???s body and the cause of death was due to injuries to the abdomen caused by a blunt object. Following that, the girl???s parents, in their 30s and 40s, were arrested and will be remanded to assist in investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code. He urged those with information on the case to contact the nearest police station or the investigating officer, ASP Nur Ayuni Abd Aziz at 016-2080717. |
Woman loses over RM200,000 to fake investment scam - 30/01 11:24 am KUALA TERENGGANU : A vegetable trader lost RM214,700 after being duped by a fraudulent investment scheme advertised on Facebook. Kuala Terengganu district police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor said the 54-year-old woman came across an investment advertisement by a company on Dec 11, last year. She then contacted a man named ???Zulfikar??? via WhatsApp to seek more details. He said the victim, who resides in Tepoh, Kuala Nerus, was later instructed to reach out to another woman who provided further .. explanations about the investment. ???The victim was promised a profit of RM30,000 within three to six hours with an initial investment of just RM500. Enticed by the high returns, she proceeded with the investment as instructed. ???However, after a few hours, she was asked to make additional payments to withdraw her supposed profits,??? he said when contacted today. Azli said the victim had made 42 transactions to 16 different accounts, using her savings and proceeds from pawning her jewellery. However, after waiting in vain for the promised returns, she realised she had been cheated and lodged a police report at 7.24 pm yesterday. ???The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code. We urge the public to remain vigilant against the various fraud tactics employed by syndicates,??? he said. |
Police record statement from woman slapped by husband in shopping mall - 30/01 11:16 am PETALING JAYA : Police have recorded the statement from the woman who was slapped by her husband at a shopping mall in Kota Warisan. Sepang district police chief, Assistant Commissioner Norhizam Bahaman, stated that the woman???s statement was taken at the Sepang district police headquarters(IPD) at 8pm on Monday. ALSO READ : Police looking for man who slapped his wife near Sepang shopping mall He added that the investigation is ongoing, and the police are still actively searching for the .. woman???s husband. ???It is understood that after the incident, the man took his wife and child to stay in Nilai before sending them home. ???However, the husband left the house again and has not returned as of now,??? he told Sinar Harian on Wednesday. It was reported on Monday that the police received a report made by the victim???s brother. The complainant confirmed the woman who was slapped is his 35-year-old sister, while the man who slapped her is her husband, aged in his 50s. The case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code and Section 18 of the Domestic Violence Act 1994. Earlier, a 29-second video went viral, showing a woman walking out of the shopping mall while holding a plastic bag before a man approaches her and slaps her in public. |
Sarawak floods: Number of victims almost doubles to 5,385 - 30/01 10:49 am KUCHING : The number of flood victims in Sarawak almost doubled as of 8 am today when 5,385 people from 1,505 families sought shelter at temporary relief centres compared to 2,981 people from 862 families last night. Based on the latest report from the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee Secretariat, Bintulu has the highest number of flood victims, with 1,481 people from 396 families placed in six centres; followed by Serian with 1,442 people from 446 families in 15 centres. ALSO READ : Flood .. and landslide evacuees in Sarawak and Sabah surge to 4,000 The number of affected districts also increased from 12 as of 8 pm yesterday to 14 today, with the number of centres activated rising from 36 to 47. Meanwhile, in SABAH, the number of flood victims surged to 2,240 people from 771 families this morning, compared to 1,019 people from 291 families last night, involving eight districts. The Social Welfare Department (JKM) Infobencana website stated that Kota Belud and Paitan were the latest districts to be hit by floods this morning, in addition to Kota Marudu, Beaufort, Beluran, Tongod, Telupid and Sandakan. Kota Marudu remained the district with the highest number of evacuated victims, with 1,467 people from 566 families placed in five temporary relief centres; followed by Telupid with 195 victims from 48 families in two centres; and Beluran with 190 victims from 55 families in three centres. In Sandakan, 118 victims from 28 families are housed in one centre; in Beaufort (102 people from 29 families in one centre); Kota Belud (92 people from 21 families in two centres); Tongod (54 people from 13 families in one centre); and Paitan (22 people from 11 families in two centres) Meanwhile, of the 17 centres opened, three had to operate beyond 100 per cent capacity, namely Sekolah Kebangsaan Kota Marudu at 141.5 per cent by housing 283 victims from 154 families; Dewan Kampung Balaban Jaya in Beluran at 128 per cent by sheltering 128 people from 34 families; and Mini Dewan Kampung Bauto in Telupid at 115.83 per cent by taking in 139 victims from 32 families. READ MORE : Miri landslide: Residents urged to evacuate if ordered |
Anwar presents contribution to stage four cancer patient in conjunction .. - 30/01 10:47 am KUALA LUMPUR : Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented a contribution to stage four breast cancer patient Chai Pau Chin in Kuantan, Pahang in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration. The contribution, comprising cash, mandarin oranges and a food basket, was delivered by the Prime Minister???s political secretary Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi and Semambu state assemblyman Chan Chun Kuang, who visited Chai at her home. ???Hopefully, this small contribution can help ease her burden .. and bring some joy to Chai and her family. ???Let us all pray for her recovery and strength as she faces these challenges,??? according to a re-post on the Prime Minister???s Facebook page today. |
Three injured as vehicles ram into group of men outside KL nightclub - 30/01 10:34 am PETALING JAYA : Authorities are probing an incident in which two vehicles reportedly rammed into a group of men along Old Klang Road, leaving three injured. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. ALSO READ : Police obtain dashcam evidence in Ipoh fatal accident of two siblings According to The Star , Brickfields OCPD, assistant commissioner Ku Mashariman Ku Mahmood, stated that a 24-year-old man lodged a police report regarding the event, which took place on Wednesday (Jan 29) .. outside a nightclub on Old Klang Road. ???Both vehicles rammed into a group of men, injuring three of them,??? he told the English daily. ???One of the victims was rushed to the hospital for treatment.??? The police official noted that not all of the victims had filed reports at the time of the statement. ???We are investigating under Section 307 of the Penal Code (attempted murder),??? he stated. Authorities are urging anyone with information on the incident to contact the KL police hotline at 03-2115 9999, the Brickfields police hotline at 03-2297 9222, or any nearby police station. |
Woman loses nearly RM100k, deceived in court sentence reduction scam - 30/01 9:29 am SHAH ALAM : A woman lost RM95,180 after being deceived by an offer claiming to help reduce the legal charges faced by her husband in court. Selangor Police Chief, Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, said that the 33-year-old victim, who works for an airline company, met the suspect, a woman, in December 2024, who offered assistance in resolving the issue. ???Initial investigations revealed that the suspect met the victim several times and convinced her that she could help settle the matter. ???The victim .. eventually agreed and transferred a total of RM95,180 into two bank accounts provided by the suspect,??? he said in a statement. Hussein added that the victim later realised that the suspect did not fulfill her promise and subsequently lodged a police report on Monday in Kajang, following which an investigation paper has been opened. |
Miri landslide: Residents urged to evacuate if ordered - 30/01 8:54 am MIRI : Residents living in landslide-prone areas are advised to evacuate to temporary relief centres if instructed by the authorities, says Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin. The Senadin assemblyman said this was to prevent a recurrence of the recent tragedy in Kampung Lereng Bukit, which claimed five lives. ???Move immediately if you are instructed to relocate to a temporary evacuation centre (PPS). We do not want such incidents to happen again,??? he told reporters after .. visiting the Kampung Lereng Bukit landslide operation control centre yesterday. ALSO READ : Flood and landslide evacuees in Sarawak and Sabah surge to 4,000 Lee said besides Kampung Lereng Bukit, other areas at high risk of landslides identified in Miri included Kampung Haji Wahid, Kampung Katong Lopeng and Jalan Woodhouse, which was near his residence. He said the authorities would patrol the affected areas, and was there is any landslide threat, residents would be asked to evacuate immediately for their safety. ???All parties must be prepared for possible landslides as continuous rainfall is expected until the end of the month,??? said Lee, adding that he had requested the Miri Division Resident to increase the number of temporary evacuation centres if necessary. In the 2.58 am landslide at Kampung Lereng Bukit today, one male and four female victims, aged between 17 and 71, lost their lives. The victims were from two families living next to each other on the same plot of land in the village. Seven other victims; two males and five females aged between 14 and 60 survived the incident. |
Flood and landslide evacuees in Sarawak and Sabah surge to 4,000 - 29/01 10:51 pm KUALA LUMPUR : The number of flood evacuees relocated to temporary relief centres (PPS) in Sarawak and Sabah has surged to 4,000 as of 8 pm, compared to 1,250 this morning. In SARAWAK, 2,981 individuals from 862 families are housed in 36 PPS across the state. The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee Secretariat stated that Serian recorded the highest number of displaced people, with 1,406 individuals from 453 families taking shelter in 15 PPS. The other affected areas are Bau, Bintulu, .. Kuching, Kanowit, Miri, Samarahan, Sebuyau, Selangau, Siburan, Simunjan, Subis, and Tatau. Whereas, in Miri, a landslide in Kampung Lereng Bukit has left 105 people from 25 families seeking refuge in one PPS. In SABAH, the number of flood evacuees rose sharply to 1,019 individuals from 291 families tonight, compared to 224 from 66 families this morning. According to the InfoBencana website of the Social Welfare Department, in addition to Kota Marudu and Beaufort, which were affected earlier, Beluran, Sandakan, Telupid, and Tongod have all opened PPS to accommodate evacuees this afternoon. Kota Marudu remains the worst-hit district, with 673 individuals from 194 families housed in two PPS. Meanwhile, the Sabah Civil Defence Force reported that three more PPS have been opened in Kota Marudu, and evacuations are still being carried out tonight, with the number expected to exceed 1,000. ???A PPS has also been opened in Lahad Datu, and evacuations are currently underway,??? the statement added. Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) reported a landslide at Jalan Marak Parak, Kota Marudu, rendering the road impassable. Motorists are advised to use the Jalan Kandagon alternative route. Similarly, Jalan Telupid-Tongod is inaccessible due to a landslide, with Jalan Tapaang designated as the alternative route. Flooding has also made Jalan Labuan in Kota Belud impassable, and motorists are urged to take Jalan KB Bypass and Jalan KK Kudat instead. Additionally, sectors C3 and C9 of Jalan Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan, a key route linking Sabah???s west and east coasts, have been hit by floods. Only one lane is passable as of this evening. |
KJ???s allegation against PTDs is baseless - PPTD president - 29/01 10:13 pm KUALA LUMPUR : Former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin???s allegation that administrative and diplomatic officers (PTDs) are only ???looking at Excel spreadsheets??? and lacking a practical understanding of hospital operations is baseless and does not reflect the actual government policy-making process. In refuting the allegation, Administrative and Diplomatic Officers Alumni Association (PPTD) president Datuk Awang Alik said that PTDs always play a professional role, based on data, and take .. into account operational reality when formulating and implementing national policies. In fact, he said PTDs have long been a cornerstone in developing key national policies, including in the health sector. ???The success of Malaysia???s public health system, which is internationally recognised, is the result of close collaboration between health professionals and PTDs in ensuring that the policies introduced are balanced and sustainable. ???The allegation that PTDs fail to understand the challenges in the health sector is not only unfair but also does not reflect the true reality of government administration,??? he said in a statement today. Yesterday, Khairy, in the ???Keluar Sekejap??? podcast, attributed the failure of the Waktu Bekerja Berlainan (WBB) system for healthcare workers to a gap in understanding among bureaucrats at the Ministry of Health (MOH) regarding the reality of medical practice. Khairy reportedly blasted the decision-making process, saying that it was made by civil servants who lacked a practical understanding of hospital operations. Elaborating, Awang said that the proposed implementation of the WBB system was not done arbitrarily, but instead through comprehensive engagement sessions with various stakeholders, including medical officers, hospital administrators, and healthcare workers??? unions. He stressed that it was also guided by in-depth studies and international best practices, which take into account the well-being of medical officers without compromising the efficiency of healthcare service delivery. ???As trained civil servants in policy development, PTDs are responsible for ensuring that decisions are made based on evidence and thorough research. ???Indeed, every new policy implementation will face challenges and have room for improvement, but it is unfair to solely point the finger at the PTDs without considering the entire process and the factors that influence the implementation of a policy,??? he said. According to Awang, the MOH had previously clarified that the WBB shift system was developed by doctors for doctors, and was not unilaterally decided by the PTDs in Putrajaya. As such, he said that the allegation that PTDs did not understand the reality of the healthcare sector is inaccurate as the role of PTDs is to ensure that the policy is implemented effectively within the broader framework of national administration. ???As a conclusion, the PPTD urges all parties to better understand the policy-formulation process first before making statements that could mislead the public. ???The cooperation of all stakeholders, including medical officers and PTDs is key in ensuring that any policy introduced truly benefits all parties without compromising the quality of the country???s public services,??? he added. The Cabinet had, on Jan 24, decided to shelve the implementation of the WBB pilot project to make way for a more in-depth and comprehensive study. |
Two men detained for reselling auctioned petrol to syndicate - 29/01 9:23 pm KOTA BHARU : The Southeast Brigade of the General Operations Force (PGA) uncovered a mini fuel pump inside a storage facility believed to be linked to a syndicate smuggling petrol to Thailand, near Kampung Kubang Jong, in Pasir Mas last Saturday. Southeast Brigade PGA commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan said during Op Taring Delta 1, two men, aged 30 and 34, were caught filling petrol into fuel barrels during a raid conducted at 5 am. He said further inspection of the storage area led to the .. discovery of a lorry containing three large containers of petrol, which belonged to a company licenced to buy auctioned petrol from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). ???The fuel seized amounted to 5,700 litres, with an estimated value of over RM11,700. All confiscated items, along with the two suspects, have been taken to the Pasir Mas District Police Headquarters (IPD) for further action under the Control of Supplies Act 1961,??? he said when contacted by reporters today. Commenting further, Nik Ros Azhan said investigations revealed that the auctioned fuel was being sold by the company to smugglers after it was transferred into barrels and smuggled across the border. During the raid, the company also failed to present any licence, receipt, or invoice related to the quantity of petrol they were permitted to store and sell. Meanwhile, Kelantan KPDN director Azman Ismail said companies found to be involved in smuggling activities could have their licence revoked. Further investigations would be conducted and if found guilty, they could face fines of up to RM1 million. |
KDN introduces improvements to entry permit application process for .. - 29/01 9:19 pm PUTRAJAYA : Adjustments to the marriage period and a reduction in processing time for new applications are among the improvements introduced by the Home Ministry (KDN) to the entry permit application process for foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens. KDN stated in a statement today that foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens applying for an entry permit must have been married for a minimum of three years and held a social visit pass for at least one year. ???This is to ensure the application .. process is more organised and relevant to the needs of family institutions. ???The Client Charter has been streamlined, with the processing time for new applications set at six months. This will provide applicants with greater certainty and expedite the procedure,??? said KDN. The ministry also said that foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens would be exempt from the point system evaluation, with factors such as marriage duration and the number of children taken into account during the approval process to safeguard the welfare of genuine and legitimate families. According to KDN, the implementation of these initiatives would begin no later than Sept 30 (third quarter of 2025). It said that the improvements were in line with the MADANI Government???s commitment to implementing fair and efficient policies for the welfare of all parties. ???It also reflects the KDN???s commitment to supporting the family institution, and with these measures, the KDN is confident they will enhance trust in the entry permit application system and benefit all stakeholders,??? said the statement. |
M???sia to form special committee to support Gaza reconstruction - Mohd .. - 29/01 9:13 pm KUALA LUMPUR : A Special Inter-Agency Coordination Committee, to be managed by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Malaysia Waqf Foundation, will be established to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim???s commitment to rebuilding Gaza. Minister in the Prime Minister???s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na???im Mokhtar said the department fully supported the Prime Minister???s efforts to construct a school, hospital, and mosque in Gaza, Palestine, .. as announced today. ???To that end, at the Prime Minister???s Department (Religious Affairs), I will form and chair a Special Inter-Agency Coordination Committee, managed by JAKIM and the Malaysia Waqf Foundation, to mobilise potential and comprehensive strategies in support of the Prime Minister???s commitment. ???This Special Committee will collaborate with state Islamic authorities and strategic partners to enhance community-wide cooperation in Gaza???s reconstruction,??? he said in a statement today. Mohd Na???im also called on the public to pray for the successful implementation of these plans. ???May Allah SWT grant peace and strength to the Palestinian people in enduring this immense hardship,??? he added. Anwar today announced that Malaysia???s assistance in rebuilding Gaza and Palestine would be carried out through collaboration between Malaysians and the private sector. He said the reconstruction efforts in Gaza would also involve cooperation between the Japanese and Malaysian governments, with plans to establish and launch a fund through the East Asia programme. Last Sunday, a three-phase ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel came into effect, with the first phase lasting six weeks. The agreement came after more than 460 days of conflict, which caused massive destruction in Gaza and claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians. |
Police pursue suspect in snatch theft involving elderly woman in Teluk .. - 29/01 8:50 pm IPOH : Police are actively pursuing a man who robbed an elderly woman of her gold necklace at a house in Hoover Park, Jalan Sultan Abdullah, Teluk Intan, yesterday. Hilir Perak District police chief ACP Ahmad Adnan Basri said the 65-year-old woman was selling flower garlands on her porch, when the suspect approached around 7 am, pretending to be a customer. As the victim was preparing the garland, the suspect came up from behind and snatched her gold necklace. ???The suspect struggled with the .. victim while attempting to grab the necklace, pushing her to the ground. ???Panicked by her cries for help, the suspect fled after managing to snatch part of the necklace,??? he said in a statement today. Ahmad Adnan stated that the victim lost approximately RM1,500 and sustained injuries on her neck, hands, legs, and hip. ???The suspect is described as a stocky-built local man with a dark complexion. He was wearing a black helmet, a black face mask, and a black-and-yellow jacket. He was riding a Honda Wave 125 motorcycle, but its registration number could not be identified. ???The case is being investigated under Section 394 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt in the course of committing robbery,??? he said. He urged anyone with information about the case to come forward and contact the investigating officer, Insp Muzlifah Azmi, at 011-21858926 or the Teluk Intan Police Station at 05-6292222. A 22-second video of the incident has also gone viral on social media. |
Tourism Malaysia to intensify tourism promotion in ASEAN region - 29/01 8:46 pm SEPANG : Tourism Malaysia will intensify its tourism promotion efforts in the ASEAN region by focusing on business tourism and border tourism. Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director-General (Promotion II), Lee Thai Hung, said the move was aimed at ensuring Malaysia as a major tourism destination among the 10 ASEAN countries, in line with its commitment to strengthening the regional tourism industry. He said the company will carry out more sales missions strategically in Malaysias border areas with .. Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei. This initiative aims to attract more regional tourists by introducing a range of promotions and competitive tourism offerings. In each sales mission, we will bring tourism industry players directly to tourists, including representatives from airlines, hotels, theme parks, as well as homestay operators. This will open up more opportunities for collaboration and enhance Malaysias attractiveness as a major tourism destination in ASEAN, he said. Lee said this to the media after attending the Chinese New Year Celebration Ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2, here today. He was confident that the target could be achieved through various promotional initiatives that would be implemented throughout the year, as well as the arrival of international delegations to Malaysia in conjunction with the ASEAN-Malaysia Chairmanship 2025. This year, Malaysia will host a variety of regional-level meetings and events, which are expected to attract more business visitors and tourists from ASEAN countries. The ASEAN chairmanship will not only open up great opportunities for Malaysias tourism sector, but also further strengthen the countrys role as a major tourism hub in the region, he said. Last Friday, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing was reported to have said that his ministry was reviewing the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (TMM2026) target following the success of the countrys tourism sector which exceeded initial expectations. Tiong said the original target of 36 million international tourists may be increased after Malaysia managed to attract 38 million tourists in 2024, far exceeding the forecast. Meanwhile, Lee said todays programme saw Tourism Malaysia celebrate the arrival of domestic and international tourists at four major airports in the country in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations and in tandem with promoting the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign. Apart from KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, three other celebrations were held at Bayan Lepas International Airport, Penang; Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Sabah; and Kuching International Airport, Sarawak. |
Elderly woman robbed at taser-point outside home in Skudai - 29/01 8:22 pm JOHOR BAHRU : A 60-year-old woman was robbed by three men armed with a taser outside her home in Taman Skudai Baru, Skudai, here at 8.06 pm on Monday. Johor Bahru Utara district police chief, ACP Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh, said the victim was approached by the suspects, who arrived on two motorcycles. ???One of them attempted to snatch her handbag while threatening her with what appeared to be a taser. A struggle ensued, causing the victim to fall before the suspects fled with the .. handbag,??? he said in a statement today. The victim sustained minor head injuries and suffered losses estimated at RM1,500. Balveer Singh added that the case is being investigated under Section 395/397 of the Penal Code for armed gang robbery and Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958. Police urge anyone with information to contact the Johor Bahru Utara District Police Headquarters at 07-5563122. A one-minute, seven-second video of the incident has since gone viral on TikTok, showing the woman being robbed at taser-point as she attempted to enter her home. |
Last victim of Miri landslide found, SAR concluded - 29/01 8:17 pm MIRI : The last victim of the landslide incident at Kampung Lereng Bukit, was found at 6.06 pm, according to Miri Police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu. Alexon said the victim was identified as Fatimah Dawi, 71. ???Her body was found at 6.06 pm, and was successfully taken out of the rubble at 6.26 pm before being sent to Miri Hospital,??? he told Bernama when contacted. READ MORE : Six feared buried alive in Miri landslide The 2.58 am landslide affected 12 residents of two houses in the village, .. located on the slopes of Bukit Kanada in Miri. The search and rescue (SAR) team had earlier found the body of a 17-year-old boy at 6.17 am, followed by the body of a woman at 10.53 am. Two more bodies, both of girls, were found at 11.38 am and 11.48 am, respectively. With the discovery of the last victim, the SAR operation which involved 19 officers and 85 members of various agencies, has been concluded. Seven other victims, comprising two men and five women aged between 14 and 60, from the two hoses, were rescued unharmed. ALSO READ : JKM, related agncies to mobilise assistance for flood victims in Sarawak - Nancy Miri landslide: Help from experts in KL to be sought if needed - Uggah |
Sabah to roll out more initiatives for the people this year - Hajiji - 29/01 8:06 pm SANDAKAN : Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced that more initiatives will be implemented this year to drive development and enhance the well-being of the people. Emphasising that unity is key to advancing various development efforts, including economic growth for the benefit of all, he said the state government???s mission to support the people is far from over. ???The state government has extensive plans to boost the economy, particularly through the three main pillars of the .. Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan,??? he said at the district-level Chinese New Year Open House at Dewan Yu Yuan here today. Hajiji stressed that only political stability, unity, and strong cohesion can drive meaningful development for the state and its people. He highlighted the state???s progress, noting that economic performance, particularly revenue collection, has shown consistent growth each year, rising from RM4 billion to nearly RM7 billion last year. ???I believe that within the next two to three years if the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS-PH Plus) coalition is given the mandate, revenue collection could exceed RM8 billion,??? he said. Meanwhile, addressing water supply issues in Sandakan, he said he would summon the director of the water department to resolve the matter. He said this measure is necessary to gain a clearer understanding of the underlying issues and ensure there are no elements of sabotage involved in water management across the state. |
Wan Junaidi extends condolences to landslide victims??? families - 29/01 7:57 pm KUCHING : Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, have extended their condolences to the families of the victims of the landslide in Kampung Lereng Bukit, Miri, Sarawak, following the tragic incident early this morning. In a media statement, Wan Junaidi expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives and prayed for the victims to be granted peace among the righteous. ???My wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah, and I are deeply saddened by .. this tragedy. Al-Fatihah and our heartfelt sympathies to all the victims who have left us. May their souls be placed among the righteous and martyrs,??? he said. Wan Junaidi also commended the efforts of the rescue teams and relevant authorities for their swift response and effort in managing the situation. He further stressed the importance of prioritising safety for residents in hilly and elevated areas, urging the authorities to conduct regular inspections and monitoring to prevent similar incidents in the future. |
Malaysia, Thailand committed to advancing defence cooperation - Mohamed .. - 29/01 7:54 pm KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia and Thailand have reiterated their commitment to strengthening defence relations and exploring new areas of cooperation, including through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to elevate bilateral defence ties. In a Facebook post today, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin expressed Malaysia???s appreciation for Thailand???s continued support in advancing defence cooperation between the two countries. ???Malaysia acknowledges that platforms .. such as the General Border Committee Malaysia-Thailand (GBC MALTHAI) Meeting, which is now in its 56th edition, are valuable efforts in enhancing border security, facilitating joint operations, promoting socio-economic development and coordinating disaster management efforts. ???Malaysia and Thailand share a strong diplomatic relationship, both bilaterally and through platforms like ASEAN,??? he posted. Yesterday, Mohamed Khaled arrived in Bangkok for a three-day official visit to further strengthen border cooperation between the two nations and paid a courtesy call to Thailand???s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, at the Thai Ministry of Defense. The minister said that Malaysia???s Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) and the Malaysian Armed Forces look forward to further strengthening collaboration with the Royal Thai Armed Forces. He also expressed hope that Thailand would benefit from the Malaysian Defence Cooperation Programme (MDCP), which focuses on capacity building and boosting defence diplomacy between the two countries. Additionally, Mohamed Khaled extended an invitation to Phumtham to attend the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA ???25) and two significant events under Malaysia???s ASEAN Chairmanship this year, namely the ASEAN Defence Ministers??? Meeting (ADMM) Retreat and the ADMM Meeting. Meanwhile, in a statement, MINDEF announced that the main agenda of the visit was to attend the 56th GBC MALTHAI Meeting, which took place today. The statement noted that the committee was established following the signing of the General Border Agreement in 1964 and serves as the primary platform for managing border cooperation between the two countries. ???Three key committees operate under the GBC structure namely the High-Level Committee (HLC), the Regional Border Committee (RBC) and the Thailand-Malaysia Joint Combined Training Committee (THAMAL JCEC). ???During the GBC MALTHAI Meeting, both ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the committees under the GBC framework, particularly in strengthening cooperation between the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Thai Armed Forces in addressing border security challenges,??? the statement said. |
JKM, related agencies to mobilise assistance for flood victims in Sarawak .. - 29/01 7:38 pm KUCHING : The Social Welfare Department (JKM) and related agencies in Sarawak have been mobilised immediately to ensure that basic needs and psychosocial support are channelled to all flood victims in the state. Minister of Women, Family & Community Development (KPWKM), Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said all affected parties are urged to always prioritise safety and comply with the instructions of the authorities. ???To those who want to help, donations can be channelled through JKM or recognised .. organisations,??? she said in a statement here today. Nancy said so far, more than 1,097 flood victims in Sarawak have been evacuated to Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) involving the districts of Kuching, Serian, Bintulu, Miri, Siburan, Tatau, Bau and Simunjan. Concerned by the flood situation that has currently hit the state, Nancy said the Serian district recorded the highest number of evacuees with 374 people being housed at six relief centres. She added that for further information or assistance, the public or affected victims can contact Talian Kasih 15999 or the nearest JKM division and district offices. Kuching Divisional Social Welfare Office (PKMB) at 082-507600, Bau District Social Welfare Office (PKMD) 082-763044, PKMB Serian 082-892288, PKMD Simunjan 082-803707, PKMB Bintulu 086-313675 and PKMB Miri 085-432960. |
Minor earthquake detected in Ranau - MetMalaysia - 29/01 7:25 pm KUALA LUMPUR : A minor earthquake measuring 2.9 on the Richter scale struck Ranau, Sabah, at 3.16 pm today. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the earthquake occurred 11 kilometres west of Ranau at a depth of four kilometres. ???Tremors were felt around Ranau. MetMalaysia will continue to monitor the situation,??? the department stated in a Facebook post. MetMalaysia also urged individuals who experienced the tremors to fill out a survey form at .. https://forms.gle/1cWc2YD8DgWpbDJP7. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department???s Operations Centre when contacted confirmed that they had received information about the incident and were monitoring the situation. ???So far, we have not received any report of untoward incidents or damages and we remain on standby for any eventualities,??? the spokesperson said. |
VMY2026: Tourism Malaysia intensifies promotion of three northern states - 29/01 6:49 pm GEORGE TOWN : Tourism Malaysia is actively promoting northern states, particularly Penang, in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) campaign. Tourism Malaysia Northern Region director Abdul Hadi Che Man said efforts included collaborating with travel agencies to offer attractive packages focusing on unique destinations in Penang, Kedah, and Perlis. For Penang, we are highlighting products such as the Heritage Tour, while for Kedah and Perlis, we are showcasing eco-tourism .. products that can attract visitors to explore all northern states. We will also participate in the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair, which will be held in Penang for the northern region. We will bring in travel agencies from Kedah, including Langkawi, Perlis, and Penang to promote tour packages, alongside hotel operators from across Malaysia, he said when met after welcoming tourists at Penang International Airport (PIA) in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration today. He added that travel agencies in the north would be introduced to counterparts in other states to market tourism packages. Meanwhile, Abdul Hadi said todays event is part of Tourism Malaysias efforts in line with the VMY2026 campaign, conducted in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). Tourists arriving on 22 international flights were greeted with lion dance performances and given mandarin oranges as a symbolic gesture of the Chinese New Year celebration. They arrived from Taipei, Kuala Namu (Indonesia), Singapore, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City. This initiative aims to create a memorable experience for tourists visiting Malaysia, he said. He noted that this was the first time Tourism Malaysia had organised such an event, held simultaneously at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminals 1 and 2 (KLIA 1 and 2), Kota Kinabalu International Airport in Sabah, and Kuching International Airport in Sarawak. According to him, Malaysia recorded 38 million visitor arrivals last year, generating RM102.2 billion in tourism revenue, while VMY2026 is expected to attract 36 million international tourists. |
DPM Ahmad Zahid expresses condolences to families of Miri landslide victims - 29/01 6:39 pm KUALA LUMPUR : Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed condolences to the families of victims of the landslide, which occurred at Kampung Lereng Bukit, Miri, Sarawak, early today. In his Facebook post, Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, also expressed sorrow over the tragic incident that occurred when the nation was celebrating the Chinese New Year. ???May they be granted strength to face this difficult trial,??? he .. said. At press time, five victims have been confirmed dead in the 2.58 am landslide. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid also urged the public to remain cautious following a continuous rain warning issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) for several areas in Sarawak and Sabah, which will remain in effect until Friday. ???Therefore, I urge everyone to stay alert, especially those in high-risk areas. Safety must be prioritised,??? he said. He added that the public can obtain the latest information and warnings through publicinfobanjir.water.gov.my, the PublicInfoBanjir Facebook page, X @JPS_InfoBanjir, the myCuaca MetMalaysia app, and the portalbencana.nadma.gov.my. |
RON95, RON97 prices unchanged, diesel up by five cents in Peninsular .. - 29/01 6:11 pm KUALA LUMPUR : The retail price of diesel in Peninsular Malaysia will increase by five sen per litre, from RM3.13 to RM3.18 per litre, from Jan 30 to Feb 5, while in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, the price remains at RM2.15 per litre. The Ministry of Finance (MOF), in a statement today, announced that the retail prices of RON95 and RON97 petrol will remain unchanged at RM2.05 per litre and RM3.43 per litre, respectively. ???The government has set the retail price of diesel in Peninsular Malaysia .. at RM3.18 per litre. This price is still lower than the diesel price floated on June 10, 2024, which is RM3.35 per litre, or the current diesel price in the world market,??? the ministry stated. According to MOF, the prices are determined based on the weekly retail prices of petroleum products, using the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM) formula. The government would continue to monitor market developments and adjust the retail prices of RON97 and diesel, by taking into account market price movements while supporting price stability. ???The government will continue to monitor the impact of global crude oil price fluctuations and take appropriate measures to ensure the welfare and well-being of the people remain safeguarded,??? the statement said. |
No criminal elements in foreigner???s death after being hit by train - .. - 29/01 3:41 pm SHAH ALAM : There are no criminal elements in the case of a foreigner???s death after being hit by a train near the Klang Komuter Station, Jalan Besar, Taman Sri Istana here yesterday morning. South Klang district police chief ACP Cha Hoong Fong said an autopsy was conducted on the body of the 45-year-old man at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR) in Klang yesterday morning. ???The cause of death was due to injuries caused by being hit by a train and there were no criminal elements. The .. South Klang District Police Headquarters (IPD) has opened a sudden death investigation paper for further investigations,??? Cha said in a statement today. Earlier, Cha said he received a call regarding the incident from the complainant who was driving the train saying that a man had been hit at the Klang Komuter Station at Jalan Besar here at 7.22am. He said investigations found that at 6.38 am when the complainant was driving the train from Port Klang to Tanjung Malim, he suddenly heard a loud noise like hitting an object at KM34.734 between Teluk Pulai and Klang. ???Subsequently, there was a gas leak in the train system which caused it to stop and unable to continue its journey. Upon checking, the complainant found the body of a man under the fourth carriage and immediately contacted the police to inform them of the incident,??? he said. Cha said investigations found the deceased fully clothed and his right leg was severed. Earlier, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) said in a statement that one person died while four others were slightly injured after encroaching on its tracks on the route between Teluk Pulai and Klang yesterday. Following this, the KTM Komuter operation was delayed by more than an hour yesterday morning after the train collided with five male trespassers at KM 34.734 between Teluk Pulai and Klang. |
Fuel smuggling: Teenager detained - 29/01 2:39 pm KOTA BHARU: A 17-year-old boy was arrested at an illegal jetty in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, yesterday, for alleged smuggling of fuel into Thailand. Southeast Brigade General Operations Force Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the boy was arrested during a patrol by a team from Battalion 9 which spotted him riding a motorcycle in a suspicious manner near the jetty at about 11 am. The boy was found carrying more than 40 litres of petrol without any document and the fuel is suspected .. to be smuggled into Thailand, he said in a statement today. He said the fuel and motorcycle were seized and the case will be investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961. In another development, Nik Ros Azhan said the PGA team seized cosmetic products worth RM20,000 from Thailand, believed for local markets, at the Posmen illegal jetty, in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas last Monday. He said the cosmetic products were found in several boxes by a PGA team on patrol in the area. The case will be investigated under Section 7(1)(E) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984. |
Unhealthy air quality recorded in Klang, API reaches 162 - 29/01 2:17 pm PETALING JAYA : Klang???s air quality has deteriorated to an unhealthy level, with the latest reading showing an Air Pollutant Index (API) of 162 as of 12.30pm today. According to the Environment Department???s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), API reading of 300 and above is considered hazardous. ALSO READ : No negligence, criminal elements in Klang chemical factory fire - Police Meanwhile, 23 other monitoring stations across the country reported moderate air quality, with .. readings ranging between 51 and 100, 44 stations maintained good air quality levels. |
Reconstruction of Gaza: Malaysia to build school, hospital and mosque - PM .. - 29/01 2:04 pm KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will build a school, hospital and mosque as an initial effort to assist in the reconstruction of Gaza, Palestine, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the reconstruction would be jointly carried out in collaboration with the people and private sector. ???This is a part of our efforts, the sacrifices of the communities and the people. May Allah protect us and guarantee the safety of Gaza and Palestine,??? he said via a video recording today. Anwar said the .. reconstruction of Gaza would involve joint efforts by the Japanese and Malaysian governments, which intend to establish and launch funds through the East Asia programme. On Jan 18, Anwar was reported to have said that the reconstruction of Gaza, which was almost entirely destroyed due to Israeli attacks since October 2023, is estimated to cost over US$1 trillion, He said that such a substantial amount is required because key facilities such as mosques, schools, hospitals and homes have been demolished. Anwar also said that Japan had invited Malaysia to co-chair the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD), focusing on Gaza???s reconstruction. Meanwhile, Anwar posted on Facebook that the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, following the atrocities that claimed more than 46,000 lives and left over two million Palestinians homeless, should be welcomed with plans for Gaza???s recovery. ???Let us offer prayers and hopes that Allah SWT continues to provide protection for Gaza and Palestine as well as bless every effort and sacrifice we make in giving them new hope, Insya-Allah,??? he said. Previously, Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman Jassim Al Thani, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that mediation efforts involving Qatar, Egypt and the United States succeeded in achieving a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, as well as a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel. The agreement, which came into effect on Jan 19, among others stipulates that Hamas will release 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees. |
Malaysia, Qatar to strengthen support for Palestine, align positions on .. - 29/01 2:00 pm KUALA LUMPUR: The parliaments of Malaysia and Qatar have committed to continuing their support for the Palestinian cause while aligning their positions and fostering deeper cooperation both regionally and internationally. In a statement today, Malaysia???s parliament shared that the agreement was reached when Dewan Negara president Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah paid a courtesy call to Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdulrahman Jassim Al Thani, who is also the Minister of Foreign .. Affairs, in Doha yesterday. The statement highlighted that during the meeting, Awang Bemee congratulated Qatar for its successful role in facilitating a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Palestine, emphasising that the Gulf country???s efforts were vital for establishing lasting peace and security in the Middle East. ???The Dewan Negara president also outlined several initiatives aimed at further strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in enhancing parliamentary ties between Malaysia and Qatar,??? it said. These initiatives include intensifying collaboration in areas such as information exchange, sharing best practices and aligning positions on global issues, all to benefit both nations. Awang Bemee, who is on an official visit to Qatar from Sunday to tomorrow, also expressed his hope that the already strong ties between Malaysia and Qatar would continue to grow through ASEAN cooperation and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), particularly during Malaysia???s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. ???The Dewan Negara president also expressed his gratitude to the Qatari government and Qatar Prime Minister for welcoming the Malaysian Senate delegation. ???This visit will undoubtedly strengthen parliamentary relations between Malaysia and Qatar, contributing to a more robust and dynamic bilateral relationship between Kuala Lumpur and Doha,??? it added. |
CNY celebration grander due to close Malaysia-China ties - Ahmad Zahid - 29/01 1:44 pm KUALA LUMPUR: The close relationship between Malaysia and China has made this year???s Chinese New Year celebrations even grander with the stunning display featuring over 1,000 drones by a team from China at the KLCC Twin Towers recently. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the drone display proved that the ties forged between the two countries 50 years ago not only involved government-to-government (G2G) but also between the peoples of both nations. ???The recent drone .. display at KLCC by a team from China reflected our diplomatic ties with China. ???It is not only a result of our G2G relationship but, what is important, is between businesses and the people and this has been elevated through the visits and official visits carried out by the leaders of Malaysia and China,??? he said when met after attending the MCA Chinese New Year Open House at Wisma MCA in Jalan Ampang here today. Those who attended the open house included MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Barisan Nasional deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and the Chinese ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing. The 20-minute display, featuring over 1,000 drones, was held in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations and was held through the collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China. Among the words formed by the drone formation were Happy Chinese New Year, Menara Kuala Lumpur, Menara 118, the Visit Malaysia 2026 logo as well as symbols of the wau (kite) and tanglung (lantern). Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid hopes that more tourists from China will visit Malaysia in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year in 2026. ???So far, 3.8 million tourists from China have visited Malaysia. It is hoped that this can help the economic growth of both countries,??? he said. |
Miri landslide: Help from experts in KL to be sought if needed - Uggah - 29/01 1:01 pm KUCHING: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) is prepared to bring in experts from Kuala Lumpur to assist in rescuing victims buried in the landslide which occurred in Miri early today. Committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the Sarawak Deputy Premier, said such expert assistance will only be sought if necessary. ???For now, the operation to find (the missing victims) is still going on and we are assessing the situation. If there is a need, then maybe we will .. call the experts from Kuala Lumpur,??? he told reporters after attending the state-level Chinese New Year celebration here today. In the 2.58 am incident, six victims are feared buried in the rubble, with two bodies, one each of a teenage boy and a woman, found so far. The landslide affected two houses in the village, located on the slopes of Bukit Kanada in Miri. In another development, Uggah said that, so far, 15 temporary evacuation centres have been opened in the divisions of Kuching, Serian and Samarahan to shelter flood victims while the centre in Miri is to house victims of the landslide. ???All personnel at the division and district levels are now on standby mode for any eventualities. ???My advice to residents living in flood-prone areas is to always be on standby and to evacuate immediately if instructed by the JPBN,??? he said. He added that the JPBN and other relevant agencies have joined forces to evacuate the flood victims. |
2025 CNY Op: Six bus drivers test positive for drugs - 29/01 12:48 am KUALA LUMPUR: Six bus drivers tested positive for drugs in urine screening conducted during the Chinese New Year (CNY) Special Op across the country last night. Road Transport Department (JPJ) Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said they were among the 420 bus drivers who underwent the urine screening in the operation carried out in collaboration with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK). ???Bus operators need to ensure that all their drivers are free of all traffic offences including drug .. usage, symptoms before they are allowed to drive,??? he told at a press conference after the CNY Special Op at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, here last night. He said JPJ had inspected 6,605 buses at 54 depots and 28 main terminals across the country since the CNY Special Op was launched last Jan 20. A total of 635 notices were issued on buses, he said, adding that they included 410 summonses for various traffic offences, the most for having bald tyres. ???When asked, the same reason is often given, which is that they (drivers) don???t have time to see the condition of their bus tyres, but bus operators should also be responsible for ensuring that the tyres of their buses are in good condition,??? he said. Meanwhile, AADK Enforcement and Security Director Azmi Mustafa said most drivers who failed the urine test were found to be positive for amphetamine-type drugs. ???Many reasons are given by these drivers for their actions of taking the drugs, for example, they are tired because of long working hours and need energy to continue working,??? he said. |
NUR@PETRA programme offers e-rebates for purchase of energy-efficient .. - 29/01 12:44 am PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) will implement the ???Nikmat Untuk Rakyat PETRA (NUR@PETRA)??? programme, to be funded by the Finance Ministry and the Electricity Supply Industry Trust Account (AAIBE), with a total allocation of RM70 million. The NUR@PETRA programme is a continuation of the success of the Sustainability Achieved Via Energy Efficiency (SAVE) Programme, which was limited to domestic electricity users only. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk .. Seri Fadillah Yusof, also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said that to encourage more electricity consumers to purchase and use energy-efficient equipment, the programme had been rebranded and its benefits and target groups expanded to comprise industrial and commercial sectors, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He said in a statement today that the NUR@PETRA programme is divided into three categories, with the first category specifically meant for domestic users with an e-rebate offer of up to RM400 for the purchase of air-conditioners or refrigerators that are labelled four or five-star for energy efficiency by the Energy Commission (ST), with 200,000 rebate units set aside on a ???first come first served basis???. ???The second category is reserved for MSMEs, with an e-rebate of up to RM4,000 for the purchase of air-conditioners or refrigerators that are labelled four or five-star for energy efficiency by the ST,??? he said, adding that PETRA expects nearly 1,250 MSME premises will benefit from this programme. The third category, meanwhile, provides an e-rebate specifically for industrial and commercial sector electric users for the purchase of energy-efficient chillers for comfort cooling only, with over 300 business entities set to benefit from it. Fadillah said the e-rebate applications for the NUR@PETRA programme will be opened on Jan 31 for the first category, from Feb 15 (second category) and March 1 (third category). He added that the implementation of the NUR@Petra programme could save electricity consumption by 3,910 Gigawatt hours, equivalent to RM2.23 billion for 10 years, and contribute to a reduction of 3.0 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, subject to the lifespan and operational efficiency of the relevant equipment. Details regarding the criteria, eligibility, method of application, implementation mechanisms and list of brands and models of energy-efficient electrical equipment under the NUR@PETRA programme can be obtained at www.seda.gov.my/nur . |
Ahmad Zahid attends MCA???s Chinese New Year Open House - 29/01 12:38 am KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA Chinese New Year Open House was made more lively today with the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at Wisma MCA, Jalan Ampang. Dressed in a batik shirt, Ahmad Zahid who is also the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, arrived at 9.30 am and was warmly welcomed by MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. Ahmad Zahid and the MCA leadership then took part in the traditional ???yee sang??? tossing ceremony which, for the Chinese community, .. symbolises prosperity, wealth and good fortune. The event was further enlivened by performances featuring Chinese music and cultural dances. Others present included BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan and former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who shared a table with Ahmad Zahid and Wee. BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and the Chinese ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing. A large crowd began converging on Wisma MCA as early as 8.00 am, with the festive atmosphere marked by lion dances, accompanied by the sounds of Chinese drums and firecrackers. Guests were treated to various dishes, including fried noodles, rendang, Chinese tea, assorted pastries and mandarin oranges. Chinese New Year is celebrated as a symbol of new beginnings and is often followed by open houses to celebrate with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. |
CNY: Traffic slow-moving, smart lanes opened to reduce congestion - 29/01 11:53 am KUALA LUMPUR: Traffic is reported to be slow-moving on several major highways this morning following an influx of vehicles, with more people returning to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year holidays. A Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) spokesman said that, as of 10.30 am, traffic volume is increasing on the E1 North-South Expressway (PLUS) heading south, the E1 PLUS Highway heading north and the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway. The spokesman added that several smart lanes had been activated .. to facilitate the journey of road users returning to their hometowns. ???They include along the PLUS Highway from KM293.5 to KM289.5 southbound from Southville City to Putra Mahkota, KM194.8 to KM184.4 southbound from Ayer Keroh to Jasin and KM302.2 to KM297 northbound from Tapah to Gopeng,??? the spokesman said when contacted by Bernama. The spokesman added that an accident at KM429.5 northbound from Sungai Buaya to Bukit Beruntung had resulted in slow-moving traffic. Members of the public can get the latest traffic information through the PLUSLine toll-free number 1-800-88-0000 and via @plustrafik or @llmtrafik on X (formerly Twitter) or the LLM toll-free number 1-800-88-7752. |
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