Day: May 28, 2024

PADANG BESAR, The Regent of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail advised local product entrepreneurs to further increase the quality of products produced and goods sold in Padang Besar to ensure quality as well as to attract buyers and returning visitors to the place.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra said Padang Besar has a high potential as a one-stop centre for various goods including household items, food and beverages, clothing, sports goods, vehicle accessories, and various other goods for the trade sector between border countries.

“This opportunity needs to be best used especially by the youth and local community to trade and earn a living as well as get seriously involved in the tourism sector which is booming in conjunction with Visit Perak Year (VPY) 2024-2025,” said the Regent.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra said this when officiating at the opening of the Padang Besar Plaza Niaga, and afternoon tea organised by the Perlis State Economic Development Corp (PKENPs), here today.

Also present at t
he event were the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil and Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli.

Additionally, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra said that the local authorities, in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), need to look at a traffic dispersal approach in the focus areas in order to overcome traffic congestion especially during the festive season in town.

“Clear signboards should be installed. These measures indirectly, in addition to making it easier for entrepreneurs, provide relief especially to users of public transport as well as visitors from out of Perlis,” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

PUTRAJAYA, Reported dengue fever cases increased to 2,461 in the 20th Epidemiological Week (ME20), from May 12 to 18, compared with 2,338 cases reported in the previous week.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said two deaths due to complications from dengue fever were also recorded during the period.

He said the cumulative number of dengue fever cases reported up to ME20 was 59,681 cases compared with 43,619 cases for the same period in 2023, while there were 42 deaths due to dengue fever complications reported compared with 28 deaths for the same period last year.

‘The number of hotspot localities reported in ME20 was 59 compared with 60 recorded in the previous week, with 44 localities in Selangor; four localities each in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Sarawak; Kedah (three); Perak (two) and one locality each in Penang and Negeri Sembilan,’ he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, he said one chikungunya case was recorded in ME20, and the cumulative number of chikungunya cases to d
ate is 25 cases with no outbreak reported.

As for zika surveillance, he said 1,021 blood samples and six urine samples were screened and all results were negative.

Dr Muhammad Radzi said that given that now is a school holiday, schools and the appointed cleaning contractors are advised to take steps to prevent dengue, including destroying Aedes mosquito breeding grounds inside and outside the school buildings and discarding containers or rubbish that can hold water.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

ISKANDAR PUTERI, The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is expected to finalise the study for the proposed elevated Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system in Johor Bahru by August this year, says Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh.

He said, however, the state government hoped that the MOT could expedite the decision on the project, which aimed to alleviate traffic congestion and support the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) project set to operate in 2027.

“We at the state level have agreed to choose ART, now it is up to the Federal government, and MOT is expected to decide before August.

‘However, the state government hopes for an earlier decision since we have conducted our own study and chosen ART, and our views should be considered by MOT,’ he said during a press conference after chairing the High-Impact State Projects Task Force Coordination Meeting at the Forest City Golf Hotel today.

Mohamad Fazli was asked to comment on the pro
gress of the ART project, which the state government had previously proposed at an estimated cost of RM7 billion, comprised of three lines, namely Iskandar Puteri (14.78 km), Skudai (18.8 km), and Tebrau (14 km).

Meanwhile, he also announced the development of an application to facilitate the public in submitting various complaints, such as regarding potholes and faulty streetlights.

The application, expected to launch this year, aimed to streamline the work of involved parties, he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

ISKANDAR PUTERI, The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is expected to finalise the study for the proposed elevated Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system in Johor Bahru by August this year, says Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh.

He said, however, the state government hoped that the MOT could expedite the decision on the project, which aimed to alleviate traffic congestion and support the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) project set to operate in 2027.

“We at the state level have agreed to choose ART, now it is up to the Federal government, and MOT is expected to decide before August.

‘However, the state government hopes for an earlier decision since we have conducted our own study and chosen ART, and our views should be considered by MOT,’ he said during a press conference after chairing the High-Impact State Projects Task Force Coordination Meeting at the Forest City Golf Hotel today.

Mohamad Fazli was asked to comment on the pro
gress of the ART project, which the state government had previously proposed at an estimated cost of RM7 billion, comprised of three lines, namely Iskandar Puteri (14.78 km), Skudai (18.8 km), and Tebrau (14 km).

Meanwhile, he also announced the development of an application to facilitate the public in submitting various complaints, such as regarding potholes and faulty streetlights.

The application, expected to launch this year, aimed to streamline the work of involved parties, he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, A graduate of the Cambridge A Level programme at Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL), V. Thamini has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first MCKL alumna to be accepted into both Harvard College in the United States and the prestigious University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

In a statement, MCKL highlighted that in the bustling halls where academic excellence intertwines with vibrant student life, the journey of this exceptional student exemplifies resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of education.

Thamini, 19, who hails from Selangor now stands at the threshold of her undergraduate studies at Harvard College specialising in Economics.

Her journey from MCKL to Harvard College epitomises MCKL’s commitment to academic excellence and the cultivation of global leaders.

This also represents a significant achievement for MCKL, as she becomes the first alumna to gain acceptance into both the esteemed Ivy League institutions to pursue studies in Philosophy, Politics,
and Economics (PPE).

‘From her outstanding performance as a Cambridge A Level Outstanding Scholar to her extensive work experience through internships, Thamini’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and the boundless opportunities that await those who dare to dream big and work hard,’ MCKL said.

In the same statement, Thamini said she selected Harvard College as it suits her ideals for higher education, allowing her to specialise in economics and pursue her passion for understanding how societies and individuals make decisions.

“I find economics an intriguing subject that delves into our collective decision-making processes as well as individual and organisational behaviours.

‘My initial exposure to economic concepts through debate and Model United Nations (MUN), along with my participation in the International Economics Olympiad representing Malaysia, solidified my interest in the field and offered fresh perspectives,” she said, adding that her first term at Harvard will start in Sep
tember, this year.

During her time at MCKL, Thamini held leadership roles such as president of the A Level Student Union and vice-president of the Student Representative Council.

She was also a debate trainer for the MUN and Debate Society, organised events like ‘So You Think You Can Debate?’, and conducted research for the Economics Club.

Reflecting on her time in the Student Union, Thamini said that it was hectic yet rewarding, offering valuable lessons in project management and fostering lasting friendships.

‘Navigating the academic challenges at MCKL demanded meticulous time management and discipline. Balancing a demanding course load, particularly in mathematics, alongside essay writing and extracurricular commitments, required strategic planning and prioritisation,’ she said.

Thamini emphasised the pivotal role MCKL played in preparing her for the rigorous application process to Harvard College. From admissions test preparation to essay writing and document submission, the college provided a nurtur
ing environment that fostered both academic and personal growth.

‘My lecturers were very helpful and supportive of my application, including post-MCKL when I was in my gap year. My university counselor assisted me in registering for admissions tests, essay prep, and collating and submitting various documents for my transcript,’ she said.

Thamini expressed gratitude to her lecturers for their unwavering support and enthusiasm. She thanked her union advisers and student affairs for consistently addressing her questions and proposals and gave a special shoutout to her friends who assisted her in understanding challenging questions and sharing unforgettable memories with her.

Her advice to juniors is to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to always persevere and work hard.

MCKL Cambridge A Level head, R. Shalini, extended her heartfelt congratulations to Thamini, noting that she has always been an outstanding student.

Gaining admission to both Harvard and Oxford reflects Thamini’s dedication to s
eizing every opportunity provided by MCKL, from seeking the guidance of lecturers to actively participating in various extracurricular activities and competitions, she added.

‘With her enthusiasm, intelligence, and strong moral foundation, Thamini has many more accomplishments awaiting her. We wish her all the best,’ she said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency