Day: May 23, 2024

TOKYO, Japan has expressed its willingness to cooperate with Malaysia in providing humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said this was conveyed to him by his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, during their meeting today.

Anwar, who is on a three-day working visit to the Land of the Rising Sun, posted on Facebook that the aid would encompass the aspects of health, solid waste management and the reconstruction of devastated areas.

‘During the meeting, both of us also assessed the progress of cooperation between the two countries in the fields of investment, trade, high technology, energy transition, environmental cooperation, defence and security, capacity and talent development, as well as higher education.

‘We also touched on other issues of mutual interest including the conflict in Palestine for which I once again expressed solidarity for the people of that country.

‘I hope that Malaysia’s relationship with Japan continues to be strengthened to b
e able to attract more investment for the sake of the country’s economic progress and potential,’ said Anwar, who is also the Minister of Finance.

In a separate post, Anwar said he also led the Malaysian delegation in the meetings with captains of industry and top executives from various companies based in Japan, including IHI Corporation, Nisshin Oilio Group Ltd., Tokuyama Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation, ENEOS, Mitsubishi Corporation and Tokyo Gas.

‘I also use this opportunity to assure them that Malaysia remains the best destination and choice for investment.

‘I also emphasise that Malaysia has stability and an investment ecosystem that is conducive for any company to invest in,’ he said, adding that among the investment opportunities discussed are in the oil and gas industry, renewable energy, hydrogen and ammonia, halal and semiconductor industries.

As of 2023, a total of 2,810 projects by Japanese companies have been implemented in Malaysia, with an investment value of RM102.11 billion (US$29.67 b
illion), creating 344,120 job opportunities.

Japan is Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner for nine consecutive years. In 2023, total trade between Malaysia and Japan was valued at RM156.64 billion (US$34.39 billion).

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

MELAKA, Melaka is hosting this year’s National Youth Day (HBN) celebration for three days starting tomorrow at Dataran Pahlawan here.

Melaka Youth and Sports Department Director Khairul Adri Rosli said the celebration, themed ‘Yakin Boleh’, features 72 activities through 10 lifestyle segments and is scheduled to be opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim this Saturday.

At the event, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to present the National Youth Premier Award (APBN) for the categories ‘Tokoh Belia Lelaki’ (Male Youth), ‘Tokoh Belia Wanita’ (Female Youth) and the Best Youth Organisation.

“Presentation of the APBN is the highlight of the HBN 2024 celebration to recognise and appreciate the contribution and role of the youth in the national development agenda,” he said, adding that Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil are also scheduled to be at the event.

Khairul Adri said the 10 lifestyle segments under the Rakan Muda brand are ‘Rakan Aktif’, ‘Rakan Li
tar’, ‘Rakan Digital’, ‘Rakan Ekspresi’, ‘Rakan Demokrasi’, ‘Rakan Prihatin’, ‘Rakan Mahir’, ‘Rakan Niaga’, ‘Rakan Bum’ and ‘Rakan Muzik’.

“Each segment provides a different platform for youths of various races in the country. The ‘Rakan Aktif’ is a platform for physical activity to produce an active and fit society,” he told Bernama.

The ‘Rakan Digital’ segment, he said, is a platform for digital technology, social media and digital channels to highlight youths’ creativity and innovation, as well as to educate them to be responsible consumers.

He said the three-day celebration would also provide opportunities for youths to do business.

There will also be cooking demonstrations, sports activities, games and exhibitions involving various agencies, he said, adding that the strategic partner for the organisation of the 2024 HBN is the Malaysian Youth Council, which is working with more than 40 youth organisations in the country to ensure the success of the event.

Meanwhile, he said Kembara RIUH @ HBN 2024 w
ill also be held in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and coordinated by MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) will allocate RM50 million for work on fixing and upgrading various facilities at monorail stations, with work expected to begin as early as October this year, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said the upgrading works included repairing damaged elevators at 11 stations, fixing platform doors, renovating toilets, and installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

For elevator repairs, he said the contract had been awarded, and the work would take place from October this year to April next year. The stations involved include Imbi, Hang Tuah, Tun Sambanthan, Raja Chulan, Bukit Nenas, KL Sentral, Chow Kit, Titiwangsa, and Maharajalela.

“Additionally, priority will be given to repairing the non-functional doors between the platform and the monorail.

“This project will take several months to complete, with the first phase involving four stations (KL Sentral, Tun Sambanthan, Maharajalela, and Hang Tuah) expected to be completed by October this yea
r. The second phase, involving seven more stations, is scheduled for completion by December,” he said at a press conference following a working visit to Wisma Monorail here today.

Loke highlighted the importance of these repairs due to several past incidents where passengers fell onto the monorail tracks, with the service widely used, including by visually impaired individuals.

“For the CCTV installation, we want to ensure they are equipped with video analytics because there have been several undesirable incidents at the stations recently. We have identified the locations involved, and the repair work will start in September,” he added.

Earlier, during his visit, Loke presented a certificate of appreciation to a monorail captain, Ahmad Zaharuddin Nordin, who recently prevented a monorail from crashing into a fallen tree.

He said Ahmad Zaharuddin’s quick action to stop the train after the track was hit by a fallen tree had saved more than 30 passengers who were in the monorail at the time.

“I appreciate h
is actions because if not for his quick thinking, a bigger tragedy could have occurred. His 14 years of experience have made him very cautious while driving the monorail, especially during the rainy season. He highly deserves this recognition,” said Loke.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency