Malaysian Chinese entrepreneurs are facing tough challenges now, says ACCCIM president Ng Yih Pyng When he returned to Malaysia from overseas some 30 years ago, Datuk Ng Yih Pyng, president of The Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia, felt business competition was tense then

IPOH - A worrying aspect of Malaysias ageing demographic is that only about 600,000 out of 4.2 million Malaysians aged 60 and above meet the Health Ministry's five criteria for 'healthy ageing.'They are considered to be ageing healthily as they have strong social support, no cognitive impairment, are free from depression, and can live independently and carry out daily activities

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 The Air Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has urged the operator of Long Lellang Short...

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has published its preliminary report int...

KUCHING - The Sarawak State Government has contributed RM100,000 to each of the families of the five victims of the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Baram, which occurred on Sept 8.Additionally, educational assistance is being provided through Yayasan Sarawak (Sarawak Foundation) to help ease the burden on the victims' families, specifically by ensuring the continuity of their children's education.The contributions were presented by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to the next-of-kin of the five victims during a handover ceremony held at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly complex today."The loss of a family member cannot be measured in monetary terms, but we can provide some measure of support to them especially to their children."Earlier, we presented offer letters from Yayasan Sarawak to assist with the payment of school and university tuition fees for their children, Abang Johari told reporters following the event.On Sept 8, a BO-105 helicopter carrying five individuals, including the pilot, crashed near the Short Take-Off and Landing Port (STOLport) in Long Lellang.The victims were Alexson Adit Henry, Debra Moset, Dr

Chinese e-commerce giant Pinduoduo must learn to share the pie with local businesses Facing Pinduoduo, we do not only sweat but also bleed while competing

# Waris 4 mangsa nahas helikopter Long Lellang terima pencen mulai 21 Okt PUTRAJAYA - Waris empat kakitangan Kementerian Kesihatan (KKM) yang terkorban dalam nahas helikopter di Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, Sarawak akan mula menerima bayaran pencen terbitan bulanan pada 21 Okt ini sebagai sebahagian daripada usaha kerajaan memastikan kebajikan keluarga mangsa terus terbela

Waris empat kakitangan KKM yang terkorban dalam nahas helikopter Long Lellang layak menerima pampasan minimum RM130,000 secara sekali gus, selain pencen bulanan bermula 21 Oktober ini.

Waris empat kakitangan Kementerian Kesihatan (KKM) yang terkorban dalam nahas helikopter di Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, Sarawak akan mula menerima bayaran pencen terbitan bulanan pada 21 Okt ini.

PUTRAJAYA Waris setiap kakitangan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) yang terkorban dalam nahas helikopter di Miri, Sarawak September lalu layak menerima bayaran pukal sekurang-kurangnya RM130,000.KKM dalam kenyataan pada Khamis memaklumkan, jumlah itu merangkumi gantian cuti rehat (GCR), ganjaran terbitan, bantuan mengurus jenazah dan ex-gratia kematian.Menurutnya, jumlah keseluruhan bayaran pukal yang layak diterima bagi setiap kakitangan yang terkorban adalah tidak kurang daripada RM130,000."Urusan pembayaran faedah dan bantuan kepada waris empat kakitangannya yang terkorban sedang diselaraskan dengan kerjasama Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA) dan Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sarawak (JKNS)," katanya.Selain bayaran pukal, ujar KKM, tanggungan yang layak akan mula menerima pencen terbitan secara bulanan pada 21 Oktober ini.Menurut kementerian, pencen terbitan itu akan dibahagikan mengikut kadar syer kepada waris yang layak berdasarkan peruntukan undang-undang sedia ada."Sehubungan itu, pihak JPA akan memberikan penerangan lanjut kepada waris yang layak berkaitan pembahagian pencen terbitan ini," jelasnya.Dalam pada itu, waris yang layak turut akan menerima pencen tanggungan dan Skim Ex-Gratia Bencana Kerja yang masih diproses oleh Bahagian Pencen Cawangan Sarawak serta Kementerian Kewangan Malaysia.KKM berkata, penyelarasan faedah dan bantuan itu merupakan sebahagian daripada komitmen berterusan kementerian untuk memastikan kebajikan keluarga kakitangan yang terkorban terus diberikan perhatian."KKM sedar bahawa tiada nilai kewangan yang mampu menggantikan kehilangan insan tersayang."KKM berharap penyaluran bantuan ini dapat sedikit sebanyak meringankan beban kewangan dan urusan harian waris yang ditinggalkan," katanya.Nahas helikopter yang digunakan bagi perkhidmatan Flying Doctor Service (FDS) di Long Lellang, Miri, Sarawak pada 8 September 2026 mengorbankan lima individu, termasuk empat kakitangan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) dan seorang juruterbang.Empat kakitangan KKM yang terkorban ialah pegawai perubatan, Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin; penolong pegawai perubatan, Alexson Adit Henry; serta dua jururawat, Debra Moset dan Jessie Paya Jok.Turut terkorban, juruterbang, Kapten Zainol Afiq Bee Sham.Perkhidmatan FDS berperanan membawa perkhidmatan kesihatan kepada penduduk di kawasan pedalaman yang sukar diakses, khususnya bagi komuniti yang berdepan kekangan pengangkutan untuk mendapatkan rawatan kesihatan.Susulan nahas itu, KKM mengumumkan penangguhan sementara semua operasi FDS di Sarawak bagi membolehkan siasatan serta semakan mekanisme keselamatan dan operasi dilaksanakan.Bagaimanapun, perkhidmatan pemindahan perubatan (Medevac) bagi kes kecemasan diteruskan melalui kerjasama KKM dengan Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (JBPM).

Waris empat kakitangan Kementerian Kesihatan (KKM) yang terkorban dalam nahas helikopter di Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, Sarawak akan mula menerima bayaran pencen terbitan bulanan pada ..

MELAKA, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Police arrested a couple and seized a packet of suspected syabu weighing 0.22 grammes after a one-hour chase in Tengkera here yesterday.Melaka Tengah police chief ACP Halim Abas said a special team from the District Police Headquarters (IPD) Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department apprehended the 39-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman in a Proton Saga at 7.20pm."At 6.20pm yesterday, the vehicle driven by the suspects was spotted acting suspiciously near an apartment in Tengkera

MARUDI: A major breakthrough has been achieved in the Baram River crocodile culling operation as a total of nine crocodiles were captured over two days

# Laporan awal nahas helikopter petugas kesihatan dibentang esok- Loke KUALA LUMPUR Laporan siasatan awal bagi nahas helikopter jenis MBB Bo 105 milik Perkhidmatan Doktor Udara (Flying Doctor Service - FDS) di Long Lellang, Sarawak dibentang kepada Jemaah Menteri, esok

However, investigators have yet to establish the cause of the Long Lellang crash or whether any of the issues identified were contributing factors.

KUALA LUMPUR - Helikopter BO-105 yang terhempas di Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, Sarawak pada 8 September lalu memiliki Perakuan Pendaftaran dan Perakuan Kelayakan Terbang yang sah serta disahkan layak terbang ketika pelepasan.Menteri Pengangkutan, Anthony Loke berkata, siasatan awal Biro Siasatan Kemalangan Udara (BSKU) turut mendapati juruterbang helikopter berkenaan memiliki lesen penerbangan dan sijil perubatan yang sah serta berkelayakan mengendalikan penerbangan tersebut."Laporan siasatan awal BSKU telah disediakan dan dijangka dibentangkan kepada Jemaah Menteri pada 16 Oktober."Siasatan masih diteruskan dan laporan muktamad berhubung kemalangan udara berkenaan perlu disediakan dalam tempoh setahun daripada tarikh kejadian," katanya di Dewan Rakyat pada Khamis.Pada 8 September lalu, helikopter yang membawa lima orang termasuk juruterbang, terhempas berhampiran Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport).Helikopter itu sedang mengendalikan penerbangan perkhidmatan Doktor Udara (FDS) ke pedalaman Sarawak.Mangsa yang maut ialah pegawai perubatan, Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, juruterbang Kapten Zainol, penolong pegawai perubatan Alexson Adit dan dua jururawat iaitu Debra Moset serta Jessie Paya.Dalam pada itu Anthony memaklumkan, Pihak Berkuasa Penerbangan Awam Malaysia (CAAM) telah melaksanakan Audit Pengawasan terhadap organisasi penyelenggaraan Layang Layang Aerospace pada 1 hingga 4 September lalu, dengan aktiviti susulan dan penutupan audit diselesaikan pada 6 September.Menurutnya, audit tahunan itu dilaksanakan bagi membolehkan CAAM mempertimbangkan permohonan syarikat berkenaan untuk memperbaharui Kelulusan Organisasi Penyelenggaraan (AMO).Jelas beliau, skop audit merangkumi pematuhan organisasi penyelenggaraan, pengurusan tenaga kerja, kawalan penyelenggaraan, pengurusan peralatan dan komponen pesawat serta Sistem Pengurusan Keselamatan (SMS)."Hasil audit merekodkan tiga penemuan audit dan tiga pemerhatian, termasuk kelemahan kaedah pengiraan serta perancangan tenaga kerja, rekod serahan tugas penyelenggaraan yang tidak jelas bagi pemeriksaan berjadual tertentu dan dokumentasi prosedur kesinambungan operasi selepas kecemasan yang tidak mencukupi."Semua penemuan audit telah ditutup kecuali satu penemuan berkaitan penyeragaman pengiraan tenaga kerja yang masih menunggu proses pengesahan akhir CAAM ketika nahas berlaku."Bagaimanapun, penemuan itu bersifat organisasi dan tidak berkaitan secara langsung dengan keadaan teknikal helikopter 9M-LLF atau sistem pesawat yang terlibat dalam kemalangan berkenaan," jelasnya.

Siasatan awal mendapati juruterbang helikopter BO105 milik Layang-Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd itu mempunyai lesen penerbangan dan sijil perubatan yang sah.

KUALA LUMPUR - [DIKEMAS KINI] Laporan awal siasatan nahas helikopterPerkhidmatan Doktor Udara (FDS) yang mengorbankan lima nyawa termasuk empat petugas kesihatan di Long Lellang, Ulu Baram, Sarawak pada 8 September dijangka dibentangkan kepada Jemaah Menteri esok.Menteri Pengangkutan, Anthony Loke Siew Fook berkata, siasatan awal Biro Siasatan Kemalangan Udara (BSKU) mendapati juruterbang helikopter BO105 milik Layang-Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd itu mempunyai lesen penerbangan dan sijil perubatan yang sah.Beliau berkata, helikopter bernombor pendaftaran 9M-LLF yang beroperasi di bawah kontrak Kementerian Kesihatan (KKM) itu turut memiliki perakuan pendaftaran dan perakuan kelayakan terbang yang sah selain disahkan layak terbang ketika berlepas."Siasatan masih diteruskan dan satu laporan muktamad berhubung kemalangan udara ini perlu disediakan dalam tempoh setahun dari tarikh kemalangan," katanya pada sesi Waktu Pertanyaan-Pertanyaan Menteri di Dewan Rakyat, Khamis.Anthony menjawab soalan Datuk Dr Richard Rapu @ Aman Begri (GPS-Betong) berhubung tarikh audit keselamatan,audit pengawasandan pemeriksaan terakhir Pihak Berkuasa Penerbangan Awam Malaysia (CAAM) ke atas operator helikopter terbabit pascanahas di Long Lellang serta status penemuan keselamatan yang belum ditutup sebelum insiden.Selain itu, Anthony berkata, CAAMtelah melaksanakan audit pengawasan terhadap organisasi penyelenggaraan Layang-Layang Aerospace dari1 hingga 4 Septemberiaitu beberapa hari sebelum nahas berlaku.Beliau berkata, audit tahunan itu merekodkan tiga penemuan ketidakpatuhan dan tiga pemerhatian melibatkan aspek perancangan tenaga kerja, rekod pelaksanaan tugas penyelenggaraan serta dokumentasi prosedur kesinambungan operasi selepas kecemasan.Beliau berkata, semua penemuan audit telah ditutup kecuali satu berkaitan kaedah pengiraan dan perancangan tenaga kerja yang masih menunggu pengesahan akhir CAAM ketika nahas berlaku.Bagaimanapun, Anthony menegaskan penemuan itu bersifat pentadbiran dan organisasi serta tidak mempunyai kaitan langsung dengan keadaan teknikal atau sistem helikopter yang terlibat dalam nahas tersebut."Untuk punca kemalangan, sama ada ia mempunyai hubung kait atau tidak, sudah tentu memerlukan siasatan terperinci mengenai apa sebenarnya berlaku terhadap pesawat itu

KUALA LUMPUR - Isu kenaikan caj elektrik domestik, nilai tambah pelaburan pusat data, keselamatan pengangkutan udara dan kesan jerebu terhadap kesihatan awam antara perkara utama yang dijangka dibangkitkan pada persidangan Dewan Rakyat hari ini.Menurut Aturan Urusan Mesyuarat Dewan Rakyat, pada sesi Waktu Pertanyaan-Pertanyaan Menteri (MQT), Azli Yusof (PH-Shah Alam) meminta penjelasan Menteri Peralihan Tenaga dan Transformasi Air mengenai faktor kenaikan caj elektrik domestik serta jaminan Suruhanjaya Tenaga bahawa kira-kira 85 peratus isi rumah dilindungi daripada kesan pelarasan melalui Insentif Cekap Tenaga.Datuk Wan Hassan Mohd Ramli (PN-Dungun) bertanyamengenaipenilaian Kementerian Belia dan Sukan terhadap penganjuran perlumbaan Formula 1Grand Prix Bahrain 2026di Litar Antarabangsa Sepang, termasuk keberkesanan penganjuran, kesiapsiagaan operasi, koordinasi pihak berkepentingan dan penambahbaikan.Sementara itu, Datuk Dr Richard Rapu @ Aman Begri (GPS-Betong) meminta Menteri Pengangkutan menjelaskan rekod audit keselamatan, audit pemantauan dan pemeriksaan terakhir Pihak Berkuasa Penerbangan Awam Malaysia (CAAM) terhadap operator helikopter 80-105 9M-LLF susulannahasdi Long Lellang.Pada sesi Pertanyaan-Pertanyaan Bagi Jawab Lisan pula,Rodziah Ismail (PH-Ampang)meminta penjelasanmekanisme mengukur nilai tambah bersih pelaburan pusat data selepas mengambil kira penggunaan sumber, insentif, tenaga kerja, kandungan tempatan dan kos peluang negara, susulan kelulusan pelaburan berjumlah RM385.7 bilion sejak 2021.Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah) pula ingin mengetahui langkah Kementerian Kesihatan bagi menangani kesan jerebu terhadap kesihatan awam, termasuk kerjasama dengan Jabatan Alam Sekitar dan agensi berkaitan dalam pemantauan kualiti udara, penyampaian amaran kesihatan serta perlindungan golongan berisiko.Isu lain termasuklah soalan Chong Chieng Jen (PH-Stampin) mengenai peningkatan penyalahgunaan dadah sintetik di Sarawak dan keberkesanan pendekatan Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM), manakala Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir (PN-Setiu) bertanya cadangan meminda Akta Kualiti Alam Sekeliling 1974 bagi menyenaraihitamkan syarikat dan pengimport yang mengulangi kesalahan berkaitan sisa elektronik haram.Sementara itu, Datuk Willie Mongin (GPS-Puncak Borneo) ingin mengetahui langkah-langkah memperkukuh kerangka perundangan dan dasar perpaduan negara dalam menangani isu sensitif berkaitan raja-raja, agama dan kaum (3R), termasuk cadangan penggubalan Akta Perpaduan Negara yang komprehensif.Sidang Dewan Rakyat kemudian diteruskan dengan bacaan kali pertama Rang Undang-Undang Pengangkatan (Pindaan) 2026, diikutiperbahasan hari keempat Rang Undang-Undang Perbekalan (Belanjawan) 2027.Persidangan Dewan Rakyat berlangsung selama 37 hari hingga 8 Disember

Donald Tusk vows decisive action as a long-running dispute over judicial appointments escalates after Poland's conservative president rejects a latest nominee.

MELAKA Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has hinted that he may contest in a different constituency in the upcoming Melaka state election instead of defending his Merlimau seat.In a Facebook post on Wednesday, he thanked the people of Merlimau and asked whether he should consider contesting in another constituency."Thank you, Merlimau

JOHOR BAHRU A former e-hailing driver was sentenced to eight years and six months imprisonment by the High Court here on Wednesday after pleading guilty to abusing a three-year-old boy in 2022.Judicial Commissioner Datuk Abdul Fareed Abdul Gafoor ordered Chan Wen Jin, 32, to serve the sentence from the date of his arrest on Oct 3, 2022.The court also ordered Chan to enter into a three-year good behaviour bond with one surety, without security, and to perform 36 hours of community service within six months.In its judgment, the court said the sentence had to balance the interests of the public and the accused, while taking into account the seriousness of the offence, the facts of the case and mitigating factors.The court described forcing the victim to eat his own faeces from a disposable diaper as an uncivilised and degrading act that could not be considered a form of discipline.It also took into account closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showing Chan committing various acts of abuse against the child, including banging his head, making him perform squats, forcing him to stand for long periods and caning him.The footage showed that the accuseds actions went beyond ordinary physical punishment and instead amounted to excessive and merciless abuse of a helpless three-year-old child who was unable to protect himself, the court said.The court stressed that Chan had betrayed the trust of the victims father, who had entrusted him with the childs care.It also rejected the defences argument that Chan had intended to discipline the boy in the same way he disciplined his own child.If the accused was unable to care for the victim, he should have returned the child to his father, the court said.After weighing the aggravating and mitigating factors, the court ruled that the eight-year-and-six-month prison sentence was appropriate for the offence, emphasising the importance of protecting children from abuse.Chan was initially charged with murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code before pleading guilty to an alternative charge under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001.The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutors Edelynn Wong and Nur Diana Zubir, while Chan was represented by lawyers K Sarawanakumar and Datin Freeda Sabapathy.Chan had earlier been charged at the Johor Bahru Magistrates Court with murdering Lee See Jie, who was three years old at the time of the incident.The alleged offence took place at a house in Jalan Ria 2, Taman Skudai Ria, Skudai, between 8pm and 8.30pm on Oct 2, 2022.

KUALA LUMPUR - A comprehensive package combining post-training support and business starter kits could be key to ensuring that the RM8 billion allocated for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across ministries under the 2027 Budget delivers tangible results in poverty eradication.The measure could transform TVET from a platform for skills training into a driver of socioeconomic change, empowering the B40 group to achieve greater economic independence and break out of the cycle of poverty.Dr Khairul Anuar Abdul Rahman of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) said the support should encompass skills training, industry certification, equipment, business incubation and continuous mentoring to help participants apply their skills to secure employment or start their own businesses.Citing a UTM initiative, the senior lecturer at the Department of Advanced Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, said the university was implementing the "Empowerment of B40 Youth Economy through Air Conditioning System Service and Maintenance Training project at the Melana Indah Peoples Housing Project (PPR), targeting 20 unemployed youths from the B40 group or those working in the gig economy."Participants are not only trained in technical skills and assessed for an Industry Competency Certificate, but are also provided with a starter kit under a Buddy System, which allows them to share equipment in pairs, he told Bernama.Khairul Anuar said the approach was crucial in helping the B40 group overcome barriers to economic independence, particularly the lack of capital and equipment needed to turn their skills into income-generating opportunities.He said the 18-month project also provides technical guidance, customer management training and community service activities, with a target of at least 80 per cent of participants achieving competency and 70 per cent generating their own income.According to him, the model, which brings together universities, local authorities, industry and the community under the Quadruple Helix approach, could be extended to other fields, including care services for the elderly and persons with disabilities (PwD).Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr Mohd Safarin Nordin of the same department said the effectiveness of the RM8 billion allocation would depend not only on the amount of funding disbursed, but also on the implementation mechanisms in place to ensure that the training offered met industry needs."From a TVET research and practice perspective, the success of this allocation hinges not merely on the amount of funding provided, but also on the effectiveness of its delivery mechanisms in bridging the skills gap between training institutions and industry, he said.Mohd Safarin said efforts should focus on four key areas, including industry-driven curriculum reform, better coordination among ministries through the National TVET Council (MTVET), and channelling Human Resource Development Corporations (HRD Corp) RM3 billion allocation towards developing future skills such as automation and artificial intelligence (AI).Both experts stressed that TVET key performance indicators (KPIs) should go beyond the percentage of graduates and the number of certificates issued, with return on investment (ROI) assessed based on employability rates, starting salary increases and long-term career sustainability.When tabling Budget 2027 in Parliament on Friday, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an RM8 billion allocation for TVET across ministries to strengthen skills development and improve youth employability.Of the total allocation, RM3 billion has been set aside for HRD Corp to provide three million training opportunities, with programmes also supporting professionals ongoing skills development

The renovation turf war II: Local interior designers cry foul as business plummets amid influx of price-competitive and digitally savvy China contractors Interior designers and contractors specialised in studio-type renovation in condominiums are in distress

KUALA LUMPUR The cross-border haze that has affected Malaysias air quality since Aug 8 is expected to gradually subside over the next two weeks as wind patterns change, Deputy Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh says.He said Malaysia had entered the monsoon transition phase on Oct 9, with the northeast monsoon expected to begin towards the end of this month."However, I want to emphasise that changes in weather conditions alone are not a long-term solution to the haze issue

SHAH ALAM - Starting out as a training hall in 1956 with a mission to empower the Bumiputera community through education and economic development, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) has grown into one of the country's largest higher education institutions, with about 200,000 students across 34 campuses.However, its size and long history do not mean that UiTM should remain bound by its traditional mould

UKM's Prof Dr Kuik ranks 1st in Asia for international relations, secures 4th consecutive spot on Stanford's Top 2% scientists list PETALING JAYA: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Professor Dr Kuik Cheng Chwee has been listed in the world's top 2% of scientists 2026 by Stanford University

Expert says plans for the e-ART system must take into account passenger capacity, long-term costs and the impact on existing road traffic.

KUALA LUMPUR - Local umrah travel agencies are closely monitoring flight statuses and developments surrounding a fire at Terminal 4 of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to ensure the safety of Malaysian pilgrims scheduled to depart for the Holy Land.Andalusia Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd Umrah Management Board member Nur Hayati Mohd Rodzi said so far, none of the pilgrims under the agencys care have been affected by flight cancellations following the incident."Alhamdulillah, all our pilgrims are safe and are now in Makkah, she said when contacted.Nur Hayati said the flight that departed at 2 am today operated as usual, while Qatar Airways flights also experienced no disruptions

SHAH ALAM The 2027 Budget must deliver lasting improvements in household welfare, public services and economic productivity rather than focus solely on immediate financial assistance.Economists said the effectiveness of the RM459.8 billion budget should be measured by its outcomes, including whether households experience sustainable relief from living costs and whether public spending strengthens the countrys long-term economic resilience.Economist Professor Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai said the increase in government spending could be justified if it addressed genuine structural needs, including the rising cost of living, pressure on public services and the need to strengthen Malaysias economic capacity.However, he said the size of the budget alone did not determine whether the spending was necessary or effective.The key question is not whether the budget is politically popular

Schools are shut

Tax relief for elderly care, but some children still shirk their duties One of the tax relief measures in the 2027 Budget announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last Friday caught my attention and gave me food for thought

SHAH ALAM The governments decision to allocate RM2 billion for school repairs and maintenance should be accompanied by stronger preventive measures to protect students from bullying, abuse and other safety risks, economists said.They said safe school environments required more than adequate physical infrastructure, stressing the importance of trained counsellors, confidential reporting channels and clear procedures for handling complaints.Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Department of Economics and Financial Studies senior lecturer Dr Mohamad Idham Md Razak said school safety should be viewed as an investment in human capital rather than merely an operational expense.He said that while the allocation was important, physical improvements must be complemented by measures to safeguard students psychological well-being and provide a safe learning environment.From an economic perspective, school safety should be viewed as an investment in human capital rather than simply an operational expense.The RM 2 billion allocation for school repairs and maintenance is important, but physical infrastructure must be complemented by preventive measures that protect students from bullying, abuse and other safety risks, he told Sinar Daily.Idham said the economic consequences of failing to protect students could extend beyond individual incidents, potentially affecting their mental health, attendance and educational outcomes.He said schools should prioritise on providing trained counsellors, clear safeguarding procedures, confidential reporting channels and appropriate closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage in high-risk areas, while ensuring students privacy was protected.Funding, he added, should be assessed based on whether schools became safer, incidents were reported earlier and complaints were resolved effectively, rather than simply the number of facilities installed.Meanwhile, economist Professor Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai said funding for preventive measures should be allocated strategically to ensure every ringgit spent delivered meaningful improvements in student safety.He said prevention could be more cost-effective than responding to incidents after harm had occurred, as bullying and abuse could lead to psychological trauma, absenteeism, poorer academic performance and long-term social costs.I would prioritise three areas

The renovation turf war: Guerilla contractors from China spark price war Since the implementation of mutual visa exemption policy between Malaysia and China, various industries have complained about the influx of foreigners abusing tourist visa privileges to conduct illegal business in Malaysia

SHAH ALAM - Falling birth rates point to deeper social problems.Many people who want children are held back due to financial constraints, housing difficulties, gender inequality and the pressures of climate change.Birth rates around the world have been dropping since the post-World War 2 baby boom peaked.In many countries, fertility rates have now fallen below the level needed to maintain population size.Put simply, the average number of children being born is no longer sufficient to replace previous generations in the long term.The decline in the total fertility rate, which refers to the average number of children born to a woman, has also attracted attention from various prominent figures, including controversial American billionaire Elon Musk, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Vatican leader Pope Leo XIV.Since the 1960s, public debate has often focused on the dangers of overpopulation.However, attention has increasingly shifted towards population decline and the economic and national security challenges that may arise from demographic pressures.Paul Ehrlichs 1968 book, The Population Bomb, warned that the world would be overwhelmed by people in the 1970s, leading to uncontrolled population growth that would result in famine and war.It also portrayed human extinction as an increasingly imminent threat, but earlier fears of a population explosion did not materialise.Since 1950, the global total fertility rate has fallen by more than half.In member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the average fertility rate now stands at just 1.46 children per woman, well below the replacement level of 2.1 children needed to maintain population size in the long term.The worlds population is projected to begin declining by the mid 2080s

Every national budget is a tightrope walk above a storm

Budget 2027 : Hua Zong and Jiao Zong welcome RM100 million allocation for Chinese primary school and announcement of a new Chinese primary school KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia ( Hua Zong) and the United Chinese School Teachers' Association ( Jiao Zong) welcome the allocation of RM100 million and a new Chinese primary school under Budget 2027

KOTA BHARU, Oct 11 Adjustments to the scope and design of the Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin (PLSB) project...

GEORGE TOWN - The Penang state government is stepping up efforts to address the declining birth rate through a comprehensive approach that includes expanding access to fertility treatment and strengthening support for couples and young families.State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the initiatives covered various areas, including fertility treatment, affordable childcare, family-friendly workplaces, career flexibility and parental support."At present, fertility-related efforts are being carried out through a collaboration between the state government and the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) under the Fertility Treatment Assistance and Infertility Advocacy Programme (BuAI), she told Bernama recently.Under the programme, couples in Penang can access consultations, counselling, screening and treatment at the LPPKN Family Centre in Bertam, Kepala Batas, which also houses the Northern Zone Subfertility Centre.Lim said BuAI also provides funding for intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment for eligible couples with a monthly household income of less than RM10,000, covering a maximum of one cycle a year and two cycles over their lifetime.She said efforts to strengthen family support also included initiatives to regularise childcare centres, kindergartens and care facilities to ensure children were placed in registered, safe and quality premises.Lim said a study conducted with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) identified financial pressures and economic conditions as among the main factors influencing couples' decisions to have children."The cost of living, childcare and family commitments have led many couples to plan their families, limit the number of children they have or postpone parenthood because they are concerned about their ability to provide their children with the best possible life, she said.However, Lim said the state government had not set a specific target for the total fertility rate (TFR), as the effectiveness of its initiatives needed to be assessed over the medium and long term.The immediate priority was to raise awareness, expand access to fertility screening and treatment, and collect data to evaluate the programmes' effectiveness.According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Penang recorded 18,174 live births in 2024, a 7.2 per cent decrease from 19,579 in 2023, while the crude birth rate fell from 11.0 to 10.1 per 1,000 population

SHAH ALAM Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK) has welcomed the governments commitment to end the interim contract doctor system, following the announcement that more than 9,000 contract doctors will be offered permanent positions in 2027.In a statement, HDK said the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the 2027 Budget tabling marked a significant development for doctors who had faced years of career uncertainty since the contract system was introduced in 2016.It said many doctors had spent years waiting for permanent positions, while others had left the public service in search of better opportunities and greater job security.HDK thanked Anwar and the MADANI Government for addressing an issue that had affected the medical profession for nearly a decade.However, it stressed that the commitment must be followed by concrete action, including clear timelines, fair eligibility criteria and proper recognition for doctors who had served under the contract system for years.These measures were necessary to ensure that no doctor was left behind during the transition, it said.HDK added that ending the interim contract system should form part of broader efforts to improve working conditions, provide clearer career progression and retain experienced doctors in the public healthcare system.It said it would continue to hold the government accountable for ensuring the commitment was implemented effectively.After ten years, our doctors have waited long enough

# US imposes sanctions on ICC, hours after Nobel award to former judge WASHINGTON,UNITED STATES - The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court, vowing to cripple the tribunal's operations just hours after the Nobel Peace Prize went to a former ICC judge who warned of mounting political attacks on the court

# ECRL Kota Bharu-Gombak dijangka beroperasi Disember ini KUALA LUMPUR - Laluan Fasa 1 Laluan Rel Pantai Timur (ECRL) dari Kota Bharu ke Terminal Bersepadu Gombak dijangka mula beroperasi pada Disember ini, menurut Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

As justified as the Iranian leadership might feel in pursuing a maximalist strategy, it must be careful not to mistake short-term advantages for long-term wins.

SHAH ALAM The 2027 Budgets financing measures and support for business expansion have drawn positive responses from the Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (Teraju) and peer-to-peer (P2P) financing platform Funding Societies Malaysia, which say the initiatives could help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) grow.Teraju chief executive officer Junady Nawawi said the budget marked a strategic shift from increasing Bumiputera participation to building companies that are resilient, competitive and capable of expanding.We view Budget 2027 as a reinforcement of the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35) implementation, specifically in ensuring that created opportunities translate into real growth for Bumiputera enterprises.The focus is not only on access to financing and procurement, but also on capacity building, innovation, market expansion, and business scaling, he said in a statement.Under the 2027 Budget, the government increased the procurement allocation for G1 to G4 Bumiputera contractors to RM7.5 billion, from RM4 billion this year.The government will also provide up to RM1 billion in financing through Teraju to improve capital access for enterprises seeking to expand.Junady said the Bumiputera agenda should be measured by how far companies could grow, create quality jobs, increase productivity, enter international markets and build long-term value.Funding Societies Malaysia country head Chai Kien Poon also welcomed measures to lower financing costs and broaden access to capital.He highlighted the RM270 million allocation to attract private capital through equity crowdfunding (ECF) and P2P financing platforms for MSMEs, mid-sized companies and social enterprises.Developmental capital from the government lowers the cost of financing and the barriers to accessing capital, while private investors instil risk discipline

KUALA LUMPUR - The 2027 Budget reflects the Madani Governments commitment to safeguarding the nation and improving the peoples well-being, with record allocations for assistance programmes, subsidies and public housing.Housing and Local Government (KPKT) Minister Nga Kor Ming described the budget as one of the most people-centric, highlighting measures to support households across different income groups, strengthen businesses and improve access to education, healthcare and essential infrastructure.I believe 2027 Budget is one of the most people-centric budgets, reflecting the Madani Governments commitment to safeguarding the nation and improving the peoples well-being.Allocations for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) had reached a historic high of RM16 billion, while total subsidies amounted to a record RM80 billion.Preschool assistance had reached its highest level, with every student set to receive RM200, while farmers, fishermen and rubber tappers would also benefit from the budget.The M40 middle-income group would receive tax cuts for the first time in 16 years, following the last such relief in 2010, he told reporters after the tabling of the 2027 Budget at the Parliament, today.Meanwhile, about 1.2 million small and medium enterprises (SMEs) would benefit from a reduction in the tax rate from 16 per cent to 15 per cent, providing further support for businesses.Nga said education and healthcare had also received increased support, with the Education Ministry once again securing the largest allocation.He said this reflected the government's commitment to pursuing national progress while ensuring that the people's needs remained a priority.For his ministry, Nga expressed appreciation to Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for addressing public concerns, particularly those involving public housing.I am extremely grateful that Anwar has listened to the people's concerns, particularly regarding public housing.A total of RM1.16 billion had been allocated for the provision and maintenance of public housing, including RM157 million for Peoples Housing Programme (PPR) projects next year.With this allocation, I will be able to replace more lifts, repaint more buildings and repair leaking roofs, he said.Nga also highlighted increased funding for KPKT initiatives, including assistance for the maintenance of non-Muslim places of worship, which had risen to RM80 million.Allocations for the development of Chinese New Villages had also increased to RM100 million, while traditional Malay villages had received a significant increase in funding.Beyond KPKT, he pointed to the RM3.3 billion allocated to the Rural and Regional Development Ministry for infrastructure projects intended to improve people's well-being.These allocations, he said, reflected the government's broader efforts to ensure that development benefits communities across different backgrounds and locations.Overall, I believe the 2027 Budget is a people-centric budget with a long-term vision, focused on strengthening the national economy through two key objectives: elevating the nation's standing and improving the well-being of the people, he said.

Palestinian leaders seek to delay long-awaited elections, citing worsening conditions and obstacles to a free vote.

WITH the parliamentary term expected to end around late 2027, Budget 2027 could be the last full Budget before the 16th general election (GE16)

From expanded electricity protection covering 90% of households to higher fuel quotas and RM200 appliance rebates, Budget 2027 keeps the cost-of-living safety net intact, while quietly reshaping Malaysia's long-term energy strategy.

SHAH ALAM The government will increase its allocation for rural road projects to RM2.3 billion under Budget 2027, up from RM1.3 billion in 2022, to improve infrastructure in rural areas.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the allocation was part of the RM3.3 billion set aside for basic rural infrastructure, including street lighting, community facilities and access to clean water and electricity.To improve rural electricity supply, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) will install solar-powered streetlights in villages, as well as rooftop solar panels at welfare homes and places of worship.Electricity supply will also be improved at tahfiz schools, pondok religious institutions and Orang Asli settlements.Meanwhile, the government has reached a long-term agreement between Perak and Penang through a 40-year Bulk Water Supply Agreement between the two state governments.The government has also allocated RM2.5 billion to the National Non-Revenue Water (NRW) programme.The programme will focus on replacing 1,900 kilometres of ageing water pipes nationwide to reduce leaks and improve the country's water supply network.

SHAH ALAM The government will procure 42 new train sets for (Electric Train Service) ETS and KTM Komuter services, while Prasarana will invest more than RM3.4 billion to comprehensively restore its rail services following frequent train breakdowns and service disruptions.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Prasarana and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) had been tasked with taking immediate action to ensure smoother train services and minimise disruptions affecting commuters.Recently, the people have frequently faced train breakdowns and service disruptions, affecting their journeys to work.Therefore, Prasarana and KTMB have been entrusted with taking immediate measures to ensure the smooth operation of train services, he said when tabling the 2027 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat, today.Anwar said Prasarana would invest more than RM3.4 billion in a comprehensive recovery of its rail services as a long-term solution, while the procurement of 42 new train sets would strengthen ETS and KTM Komuter operations.The government will also continue the My50 travel pass for 300,000 users of Prasarana's bus and rail services in the Klang Valley, while introducing MyKomuter50 to benefit 40,000 KTM Komuter users, with average monthly savings of up to RM160.Free passes will also be provided to 360,000 school students, persons with disabilities (PwD) and children aged below six.The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Phase 1, connecting Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Terminal, is expected to begin operations in December this year.Malaysia and China have also agreed to extend the route to Rantau Panjang, with a bus station to be built at the ECRL Kota Bharu station for the convenience of Kelantan residents.The government has also allocated RM270 million to improve stage bus services in major cities, including connections to 15 stations along the East Coast ahead of the ECRL's operation.

KUALA LUMPUR - Some 40,000 KTM Komuter users stand to benefit from the MYKOMUTER50 incentive next year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.Anwar said the initiative would save users up to RM160 a month, while free passes would also be given to 360,000 schoolchildren, the disabled community and children under six

SHAH ALAM The government will increase the air health service incentive from RM30 to RM100, following the helicopter crash involving the Flying Doctor Service in Long Lellang that claimed the lives of frontline personnel.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government was saddened by the tragedy and agreed to raise the incentive as part of its measures concerning air health services.We are saddened by the helicopter crash involving the Flying Doctor Service in Long Lellang, which claimed the lives of frontline personnel.The government has agreed to increase the air health service incentive from RM30 to RM100, he said when tabling Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat, today.The announcement was made alongside other healthcare measures under 2027 Budget, which include an increase in the Health Ministry allocation to RM47.7 billion, up from RM46.5 billion, this year.The government also plans to improve access to treatment by increasing funding for outsourcing patients to other hospitals to RM200 million, with cooperation to be expanded to include private healthcare facilities.

KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim cited Gurindam Dua Belas, a literary work by Raja Ali Haji, to emphasise the importance of justice and trustworthiness in the country's governance.Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said Malay intellectual traditions had long placed both values at the heart of administration that is accountable to the people.He said the expression in the work, written in 1847, conveyed the message that power was not measured by the stature of one's position, but by the justice experienced by the people."Just laws for the people are a sign of a ruler receiving divine favour."Credible governance is not merely about being strong, but about recognising that power must always be accompanied by trust and accountability," he said when tabling the 2027 MADANI Budget in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday.Anwar also quoted the line, "A ruler in agreement with his ministers is like a garden fenced with thorns", to illustrate the relationship between the government and the people, which should be founded on loyalty, justice and trust.

SHAH ALAM More than 9,000 contract doctors will be offered permanent positions in 2027 as the government moves to resolve the long-standing issue of contract medical officers.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Madani government had appointed more than 15,000 contract doctors to permanent positions since 2023, including 4,000 this year.I am pleased to announce that the issue of contract doctors will be resolved.Since 2023, the Madani government has appointed more than 15,000 contract doctors to permanent positions, including 4,000 this year.In 2027, more than 9,000 contract doctors will be offered permanent positions, he said when tabling Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat today.Anwar said doctors who successfully completed their housemanship would subsequently be offered permanent positions as medical officers.The government has increased the Health Ministry's allocation to RM47.7 billion for 2027, compared with RM46.5 billion this year.Separately, the government will increase the basic post incentive for 47,000 paramedics and nurses from RM100 to RM200 a month in recognition of their responsibilities in frontline healthcare.

SHAH ALAM - Floods during the monsoon season are not new in Malaysia, but the government is stepping up efforts to mitigate the risk through five key measures, including strengthening flood management infrastructure and improving dam capacity.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Federal and Selangor governments would work together to address flash floods as soon as possible.This includes assessing the capacity of the Batu and Klang Gates dams to meet water management needs over the next 30 years.Flood mitigation efforts require long-term planning and close cooperation between the Federal Government and state governments, he said when tabling Budget 2027 in Parliament, today.To address flash floods inKlang Valley, Anwar said RM100 million had been allocated to develop retention ponds and carry out river maintenance to reduce flood risks.The measures are aimed at improving the management of excess rainwater and reducing the impact of flooding in vulnerable areas.Meanwhile, the government will initiate the Lebir Dam project as a long-term solution to address flooding and improve clean water supply in Kelantan.Anwar said construction of the Machang Water Treatment Plant was also underway, alongside the replacement of ageing pipes to address water supply problems in the state.

SHAH ALAM Sabah and Sarawak will receive higher federal allocations in 2027, with Sabah allocated RM18.7 billion and Sarawak RM16.2 billion, as the government continues efforts to fulfil commitments under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the allocations would increase from RM17.6 billion for Sabah and RM15.1 billion for Sarawak, this year.He said the Madani government had also increased the interim special grant for the two states threefold, with the latest rate totalling RM1.5 billion.For decades, the special grant has not kept pace with the development needs of Sabah and Sarawak.The latest interim rate totals RM1.5 billion and the payment will be settled before the end of the year, while negotiations with both states continue to finalise a fair and sustainable annual formula, he said when tabling 2027 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat, today.The Prime Minister said 12 matters under MA63 had been finalised under the Madani administration, including permanent representation for Sabah and Sarawak in the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), the transfer of Bintulu Port to Sarawak and the transfer of MASwings to the state, where it will operate as AirBorneo.The Federal Government would continue providing RM209 million in subsidies to support AirBorneo services benefiting 820,000 passengers in rural areas

SHAH ALAM The minimum wage will rise from RM1,700 to RM2,000 from June 2027, with the government saying more than four million workers will be covered, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today.Tabling Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat, the Finance Minister said micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with annual sales below RM50 million would be exempted to give them room to adjust their business models

THINK your gym strength can handle the real world?Project Strong: Ban Canal Edition is putting that question to the test with a half-day fitness challenge that takes participants out of the gym and into the working landscape of Sabak Bernam, Selangor.Organised by Sinar Daily, official media partner of Karnival Ban Canal 2026, the challenge will see 20 teams of two take on physical tasks inspired by the actual work of local farmers and fishermen.REGISTER FOR PROJECT STRONG: BAN CANAL HEREForget treadmills, barbells and air-conditioning

SHAH ALAM - Budget 2027 must focus on improving the people's financial well-being by ensuring income gains are not eroded by rising prices, while creating more opportunities for quality employment.Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia Faculty of Economics and Muamalat senior lecturer in Economics and Banking Dr Mohd Faisol Ibrahim said increasing incomes should be among the government's priorities to ensure that salary and wage increases genuinely improve people's ability to meet their daily needs.He said these efforts must go hand in hand with controlling the prices of essential goods to ensure that income gains are not eroded by rising living costs."The government needs to increase people's incomes so that salary and wage increases genuinely benefit them."At the same time, controls on the prices of essential goods must be strengthened to ensure wage increases are not eroded by price manipulation by producers or third parties seeking to maximise profits," he said.He said the government could also consider income tax relief covering education and healthcare expenses to give the people more room to increase their disposable income."Income tax relief covering education and healthcare should be considered so that people have more disposable income," he said.Meanwhile, Faisol said higher incomes must be supported by the creation of more job opportunities that match university graduates' qualifications.He said this was important to reduce unemployment, increase quality employment and reduce dependence on foreign workers.In Budget 2027, an appropriate increase in the minimum wage could be considered as one of the measures to benefit the people without placing significant pressure on the government's fiscal position."This would not only help improve spending power but could also strengthen the economic cycle, as an increase in the minimum wage would boost contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), benefiting both workers and the EPF in the short and long term," he said.At the same time, targeted subsidies should be strengthened so that the savings generated by the government can be channelled back to the people on a larger scale."Targeted subsidies should also be strengthened so that the savings generated by the government can be channelled back to the people on a larger scale, thereby increasing their disposable income," he said.Faisol also said protection for workers exposed to accident risks, particularly gig workers and those employed by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), should be enhanced to support economic stability.In addition, efforts to increase Bumiputera ownership and participation in high-tech industries should be given attention through financing and education support.To reduce daily expenses, Faisol proposed expanding childcare facilities at workplaces to the private sector, with fees set at appropriate levels according to workers' income."This would not only reduce the costs and time borne by workers but could also improve their productivity," he said.He also proposed extending flexible working arrangements beyond specific days to help workers reduce transportation costs and other work-related expenses.The government could also expand the range of goods eligible for purchase under Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) to ensure the assistance provided is better targeted and benefits recipients.To ensure every allocation delivers a clearer impact, Faisol said the government should place greater emphasis on targeted interventions in Budget 2027."This approach would allow the impact and effectiveness of allocations to be assessed more accurately, while helping to prevent wastage and minimise leakages," he said.He said this approach was important to ensure that Budget 2027 provided more than short-term relief, but also helped strengthen the people's financial well-being over the longer term.

SHAH ALAM - Cash assistance to the public is expected to increase under Budget 2027, although the rise is likely to be moderate and more targeted rather than a large-scale increase for all groups.Universiti Putra Malaysia School of Business and Economics Professor of Economics Professor Dr Law Siong Hoo said positive economic growth and controlled inflation provided the government with some room to increase aid to ease the cost-of-living pressures.However, he said any increase must take into account the country's fiscal position to avoid adding to the government's financial burden in the long term."In my view, the government has fiscal room to provide additional cash assistance, but that room must be used cautiously."A well-performing economy usually helps increase government revenue

2027 Budget Survey : Sin Chew poll reveals M40 wants tax cuts, government must trim spending first and no more handouts PETALING JAYA: As the 2027 Budget announcement approaches, the latest budget survey conducted by Sin Chew Daily delivers a strong signal: due to rising living costs, the public no longer yearns for cash handouts

Trump says all eligible US children are now enrolled in tax-free Trump Accounts aimed at building long-term wealth.

SUNGAI PETANI - Seramai 12 anggota polis termasuk pegawai berpangkat inspektor mengaku tidak bersalah di dua Mahkamah Majistret di sini atas pertuduhan semula memasukkan dadah ke dalam badan, dua tahun lalu.Kesemua tertuduh termasuk Muhammad Shabri Salamat, 32; Muhammad Hazri Ramle, 42; Mohd Khairi Zakaria, 57; G Selva Kumar, 38 dan S Sarvindran, 30, membuat pengakuan itu di hadapan Majistret Noor Farah Hazwani Osman ketika pertuduhan dibacakan terhadap mereka secara berasingan.Sementara itu, Wan Muneer Abdullah, 38; Muhammad Azri Zakariya, 37; Mohammad Muizzuddin Mohamad Taib, 31; Khairol Nizam Mohamad, 36; Mohd Fazly Long, 47; Syamsul Ismail, 29 dan Mohd Arami Aluwi, 36, membuat pengakuan tidak bersalah di hadapan Majistret Noor Fazlina Musa.Mengikut pertuduhan, kesemua mereka berpangkat inspektor, sarjan, koperal dan lans koperal didakwa tanpa kebenaran telah memasukkan ke dalam badan sendiri dadah berbahaya jenis Ketamine dan 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).Perbuatan itu dilakukan antara jam 4.20 hingga 7.23 pagi bertempat di bilik bawah sebuah premis di Aman Square di sini 2 Oktober 2024.Oleh demikian mereka telah didakwa melakukan kesalahan bawah Seksyen 15(1)(a) Akta Dadah Berbahaya 1952 dan boleh dihukum bawah Seksyen 15 Akta Yang Sama.Jika sabit kesalahan boleh dipenjara tidak lebih dua tahun atau denda tidak lebih RM5,000.Pendakwaan dikendalikan Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Nur Hazwani Md Noor dan Adlin Sufiya Kamaruzzaman.Kesemua tertuduh diwakili Peguam Burhanudeen Abdul Wahid, Datuk Suhaimi Ibrahim dan Mohd Khairul Fairuz Rahman.Mahkamah membenarkan Muhammad Shabri, Muhammad Hazri, Mohd Khairi, Selva Kumar dan Sarvindran diikat jamin sebanyak RM2,000 dengan seorang penjamin.Manakala di mahkamah berasingan, Wan Muneer, Muhammad Azri, Mohammad Muizzuddin, Khairol Nizam, Mohd Fazly, Syamsul dan Mohd Arami dibenarkan jaminan sebanyak RM1,800 dengan seorang penjamin.Sebutan semula ditetapkan 30 November depan sebagai tarikh pengurusan kes.Difahamkan, kesemua mereka menghadapi pertuduhan sama di Mahkamah Majistret di sini pada 2024 namun dilepas tanpa dibebaskan (DNAA) pada April tahun ini.Media sebelum ini melaporkan 12 anggota polis digantung tugas serta merta kerana didapati positif dadah dalam serbuan di sebuah pusat hiburan di sini pada 2 Oktober 2024.

KUALA LUMPUR - Barisan Nasional (BN) should reintroduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) if it wins the next general election, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.The MCA president said bringing back GST would be among the coalitions priorities should it secure a mandate under the Agenda Malaysia Biru.This is our promise

Kamil Munim says receiving Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing is not recognition of the violence, citing Malaysia's long record of negotiation in diplomacy.

THE growing number of senior citizens in Malaysia should prompt us to think beyond celebrations, discounts and occasional programmes for the elderly

KUALA LUMPUR - More than half of Malaysian adults are overweight or obese, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to weight management beyond dietary changes and lifestyle modifications.Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist Dr Mak Woh Wei said additional medical interventions, including GLP-1-based weight-management medicines and bariatric surgery, could be considered alongside healthy lifestyle habits, depending on the individual patients condition."Depending on the individual patient, this may include evidence-based anti-obesity medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) based treatments or, for patients with severe obesity and appropriate indications, bariatric surgery

Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim says some debts owed to the government have remained unsettled for as long as 40 years.

Analysts expect Budget 2027 to offer cost-of-living relief while warning the Government not to lose sight of its long-promised reform agenda.

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 7 Training more Sabah-born students to become doctors is seen as among the best long-ter...

SEPANG - The KLIA Aerotrain will undergo a scheduled software upgrade after successfully completing 20,000 continuous operational hours, aimed at further strengthening the systems operational robustness and supporting its long-term performance.The upgrade will be implemented in two phases, with Aerotrain services temporarily suspended during off-peak standard engineering hours, from midnight to 5am, while the works are carried out.KLIA chief operating officer Adam Nicholas Wilson said that since the completion of the Comprehensive Action Plan in June 2026, the Aerotrain system has maintained an availability rate of 99.9 per cent."Over the past 1.5 years, it has completed 167,481 return trips and carried approximately 23.55 million passengers," he said in a statement today.The first phase, field testing from Oct 8 to 17, will involve installing and testing the software update under actual operating conditions to verify its performance and functionality.The field testing and independent safety assessment provide an additional layer of verification before the updated software is permanently deployed.The results will then undergo a comprehensive independent safety assessment.Subject to these assessments, the update will proceed to the Roll Out phase from Nov 28 to Dec 1, when it will be permanently deployed on the Aerotrain system.To ensure continuity of passenger transfers between the Main Terminal and Satellite Building, he said a full bussing service will be deployed throughout the exercise periods as part of the airports operational contingency arrangements."Our priority is to ensure that the Aerotrain continues to provide a reliable and smooth service for passengers at KLIA

SHAH ALAM Healthcare firm Novo Nordisk has unveiled its new corporate identity in Malaysia, adopting the day-to-day name Novo as part of a push to bring chronic disease management closer to everyday lives.The rebrand, centred on the slogan "Lasting Health Starts Now", reflects a shift towards whole-person care and preventative health

PETALING JAYA: Tax reliefs should do more to recognise the financial burden of caring for children, elderly parents and other dependents, says a consumer group.Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) chief executive officer T

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia had 40.77 million registered vehicles as of Sept 30, but only 26.6 million, or 65.3 per cent, are active, says the Transport Ministry.Of the active vehicles, almost 16 million are cars and 9.57 million are motorcycles, the ministry said in a parliamentary reply.The number of registered vehicles stood at 38.7 million at the end of 2024, while 1.62 million new vehicles were registered last year, including about 847,000 cars and 703,000 motorcycles."The high number of registrations shows that the public's dependence on private vehicles is still high," the ministry said in a written reply.It was replying to Jeli MP Zahari Kechik, who asked about the long-term impact of this dependence and plans to ease congestion in Kuala Lumpur, the Klang Valley, Johor Baru, Penang and other major cities.The ministry said more private vehicles meant worse congestion, higher accident risk and longer travel times, hurting productivity and wellbeing while raising travel costs and air pollution.It said its response rests on three strategies: stronger public transport, targeted traffic management and moving more cargo by rail.In the Klang Valley, the LRT Shah Alam Line (LRT3), which opened on June 29 and links Bandar Utama to Johan Setia via Shah Alam and Klang, is projected to record 67,000 passenger trips a day in its first year.In Johor, the ETS service to JB Sentral, running since Dec 12 last year, will be linked to the RTS Link between Bukit Chagar and Woodlands North, which is targeted to start operating in the first quarter of 2027.In Penang, the Mutiara LRT Line is under construction and scheduled to begin operating in December 2031, linking Bayan Lepas, Penang International Airport, George Town and Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai.The ministry said the line would benefit more than 1.8 million island residents and communities in Seberang Perai, southern Kedah and northern Perak, as well as an estimated 3.5 million visitors a year.On traffic management, it said artificial intelligence was being used to adjust traffic light timing according to real time traffic density.Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras linked to the Road Transport Department's MySikap system can also detect moving vehicles with expired road tax or insurance, reducing the need for physical roadblocks.Under the Road to Rail agenda in the 13th Malaysia Plan, the government aims to raise rail's share of cargo movement from 6 per cent in 2025 to 13 per centby 2030, supported by the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).The ministry said these efforts were coordinated by the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Congestion, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister

The proposal comes amid a long-running dispute over pension adjustments following the introduction of the 2% annual increase in 2013.

KOTA KINABALU - A moderate earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale struck the waters off Sandakan at 9.11pm on Tuesday, with strong tremors felt in parts of Sabahs east coast.The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), in a statement, said the earthquake was detected at coordinates 4.9 degrees North and 118.7 degrees East, at a depth of 10 kilometres.It said the epicentre was located about 48 kilometres east of Lahad Datu.The tremors were felt by residents in several areas, including Lahad Datu and Tawau.In Lahad Datu, nurse Nur Damia Hanafi, 34, said she felt her car shaking while waiting at a traffic light on her way home.I was stopped at a red light when I suddenly felt the car shaking.I thought someone was shaking the car from outside, but the tremor lasted only briefly