Day: May 7, 2024

KANGAR, The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) announced an allocation of RM8.12 million to implement 20 projects in Perlis.

Its Minister Nga Kor Ming said the projects included replacing six lifts at the Seri Sena People’s Housing Project (PPR) involving an allocation of RM2.96 million and five housing maintenance programmes involving an allocation of RM1.7 million.

‘A total of RM1.38 million would be channelled to the Kangar Municipal Council for the year 2024 to upgrade street lights, public toilets and markets and RM1.5 million for the study of Perlis Structure Plan 2040 initiative.

‘Apart from that, RM480,000 is allocated for the reconstruction of six stall units at Sena wholesale market and RM100,000 for the 2024 Perlis Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) initiative,’ he said at a press conference today.

Earlier, he attended the 2024 Perlis ANMS. Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli was also present.

Nga said all the projects will be implemented as soon as possible and are expecte
d to be completed this year.

Commenting on the construction of a new PPR in Perlis to meet the demands of the local population, Nga said his ministry will look at the needs in each area and will include any plans in the next Rolling Plan.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, It is fundamental for the defence industry to embrace the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles and its key pillars, particularly, good governance, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He said that society, corporations, and governments have widely adopted the principles as a means to assess risks and opportunities.

‘The principles have transcended beyond profit-oriented entities and more key sectors having a crucial transition, including higher education and health,’ he said in his keynote address at the National Security Seminar, today.

The forum is held in conjunction with the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.

Noting that strong international partnerships can be nurtured easily upon the bedrock of good governance, Mohamed Khaled said transparency, accountability, and the rule of law are the cornerstones of thriving good governance.

‘Having the principles will
allow us to enhance our global reputation. This will position Malaysia as a reliable and credible partner at international fora. In return, a variety of robust international partnerships will help extend our reach and capabilities, allowing for shared information, joint exercises, and security cooperation to address mutual threats.

‘Our active role in ASEAN, the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA), the Melaka Straits Patrol (MSP), and the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), testify to our commitment towards regional security,’ he said.

Admitting to achieve and and maintaining high governance standards is not without its challenges, Mohamed Khaled said corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of transparency can significantly undermine the foundation of trust and stability.

These issues, he said, will erode public confidence and weaken the effectiveness of security frameworks.

‘Addressing these challenges is imperative, it requires more than just incremental improvements. Under the Malaysia MADANI asp
iration by the Unity Government, we strive to ensure two things. Firstly, we will immerse our administration in good governance practices.

‘Secondly, we will continue to highlight Malaysia as a country that is pro-trade, pro-stability, and pro-partnerships,’ he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, The National Disaster Management Policy will be reviewed to enhance the country’s resilience, preparedness and capabilities in managing disasters, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid said he had obtained the Cabinet’s approval for the policy review, which would ensure that the nation’s disaster threats are kept to a minimum.

“As an initial step towards this aspiration, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) is in the final stages of reviewing MKN Directive No. 20: National Disaster Management Policy and Mechanism to align with the requirements and evolution of increasingly complex disaster management.

“The amendments to MKN Directive No. 20 are expected to further enhance management, especially as it is the primary reference document for national disaster coordination and mechanism,’ he said.

He said this at an appreciation ceremony for Frontline Personnel of the Northeast Monsoon 2023/2024 at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre here today.

So
urce: BERNAMA News Agency

KUCHING, The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly today passed the Sarawak Ports Authority Bill to establish a central port authority to manage, regulate, control and administer all ports in Sarawak.

Tabled by Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the bill was passed after 20 members of the state assembly participated in the debate session.

When tabling the bill, Uggah said Sarawak has recently undergone a massive economic development whereby port development plays a crucial role and must undergo transformation by forming a central port authority.

‘The consolidation of Sarawak port authorities into a central port authority could bring increased efficiency. A centralised authority can streamline operations, remove redundancy, and implement uniform policies across all ports.

‘This can lead to more efficient use of resources, faster turnaround times and reduced operational costs,’ he said.

Uggah said with a central body, strategic planning can be
more coordinated and comprehensive, taking into account the development needs of the entire region rather than individual ports.

‘The proposed new centralised Port Authority will replace all existing Port Authorities in the state.This Bill, when passed will also replace the pre-Malaysia law, the Ports Authorities Ordinance 1961,’ he added.

When debating the bill, Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman (GPS-Tupong) said in order to achieve maximum efficiency, it is crucial to ensure that Sarawak’s port infrastructure and system are of the highest quality.

‘A strong and efficient operation will foster the necessary confidence to attract investment in production and distribution systems, supporting the growth of manufacturing and logistics, thus creating employment and increasing the level of income of the people,’ he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, All parties have been urged against speculating and spreading unverified information regarding the health status of Dewan Negara president Datuk Mutang Tagal who is currently receiving treatment at the National Heart Institute (IJN).

The Office of the Dewan Negara President said it will communicate any information regarding Mutang’s health status accordingly.

‘The family of Senator Datuk Mutang Tagal expresses gratitude for the prayers extended for his recovery, and appreciate the space given during this period,’ it said in a statement today.

Mutang received treatment at IJN upon his arrival yesterday from Azerbaijan for a working visit since April 29, returning earlier than scheduled.

The Dewan Negara president led the Malaysian delegation to attend the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, held from May 1 to 3 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Before attending the forum, he paid a courtesy call on President Ilham Aliyev; Prime Minister Ali Asadov and Speaker of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan Sahiba
Gafarova as well well attended meetings and briefings by industry players in that country.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency