Day: June 1, 2024

KLUANG, Four elephants were found dead in a fruit orchard in Kahang Timur, here today.

State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said his team, along with the Johor Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), is closely monitoring the incident involving a cow elephant and three male calves.

“I have been in contact with PERHILITAN regarding the actions to be taken. They are aware of the situation and are currently investigating. Samples from the elephant carcasses have been collected for further analysis.

“The cause of death is still under investigation by PERHILITAN. All the elephant carcasses will be buried at the site,” he said in a statement today.

He also advised the public to report any conflicts between wild animals and humans to the authorities, rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Earlier, several images and videos circulated on social media showing four elephants discovered dead in a plantation within this district.

Meanwhile, Johor PERHILITAN direc
tor Johor Aminuddin Jamin, when contacted said the department would perform a thorough necropsy on the animals to determine the cause of death.

“So far, we can’t confirm if these elephants died from poisoning or other causes,” he said.

On April 13, PERHILITAN director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, reportedly identified elephant crossing locations nationwide, including in Johor, along the Kahang-Jemaluang, Kota Tinggi-Mersing and Kluang-Kota Tinggi roads.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

PETALING JAYA, The engineering industry may enhance their reputation and resilience to positively contribute back to the society and steer Malaysia towards a more equitable and environmentally sustainable future, by embracing environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said that ESG considerations are garnering increased attention from both businesses and investors.

He said despite the nation’s rapid development, it grapples with significant challenges such as pollution and socio-economic disparities which requires careful intervention.

‘As Malaysia navigates its rapid growth trajectory, it needs to confront urgent issues like deforestation and environmental degradation which adversely affect ecosystems and communities. Moreover, the widening wealth gap exacerbates social inequalities, particularly affecting marginalised groups like indigenous communities and low-income families.

‘As such, in response to these imbalances, companies are increasing
ly prioritising ESG initiatives and recognising the importance to mitigate environmental impacts, support communities and uphold ethical governance standards. Investors are also placing greater emphasis on ESG criterias when making investment decisions, driven by a desire for sustainable, long-term returns,’ he said in his remarks at the 65th Anniversary Dinner and Awards 2024 of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) here tonight.

Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said the government has taken proactive measures to promote ESG practices, implementing regulations and initiatives aimed at fostering sustainability across industries.

‘By embracing our dedication to sustainable development, Malaysia acknowledges the imperative of bold and forward-looking strategies to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels as we move towards decarbonisation with the ultimate goal of cleaner, more affordable, reliable and sustainable energy sources.

‘Last year marked the launch of
the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), a pivotal initiative aimed at achieving Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2050 and this strategic roadmap not only underscores our nation’s commitment to a sustainable future but also serves as a fundamental framework in supporting compliance with global ESG standards,’ he said.

He acknowledged that ESG is gaining traction in Malaysia, driven by regulatory mandates, investor expectations and a growing awareness of its significance for both business and society.

‘It’s heartening to learn about IEM’s ESG endeavours in upholding high ethical standards, fostering inclusivity and considering social and governance factors for engineering projects which is laudable.

‘Let’s remain mindful that ESG is reshaping engineering for the better and is not merely about addressing challenges but seizing opportunities for innovation, growth and positive societal impact,’ he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of the Prime Minister, today launched six children’s books that incorporate Malaysia MADANI values, in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF) 2024 here.

The books are published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka in collaboration with the Pertubuhan Kebajikan Amal Silaturahim Isteri-Isteri Harapan Malaysia (KASIH Malaysia).

Dr Wan Azizah, who is KASIH Malaysia chairman, said these books are a holistic educational approach to instilling positive values among the younger generation through easily understandable language.

“We want to educate our children so they become more creative, innovative, and courageous in making changes.

“We also aim to instill high levels of compassion, dignity, trustworthiness, and responsibility, as well as emphasising a balance between worldly and spiritual aspects. These values reflect that we Malaysians are a civilised society that practises Eastern values,” she said when launching the books.

Source:
BERNAMA News Agency

TANAH MERAH, The National Unity Ministry will evaluate applications from 115 families in Kerilla Estate, who face the prospect of losing their homes after being evicted by the estate management.

Its deputy minister K. Saraswathy said workers who completed their service or were over 55 years old were required to vacate the estate, relocate and build their homes elsewhere or migrate from Kelantan.

The group said this privately-owned plantation has been the mainstay of livelihoods for estate workers’ families for five generations.

“Now, members of the fourth and fifth generations are seeking land to construct homes and reside close to the Sri Maha Mariaman temple,” she told reporters at the Semarak Perpaduan programme here today.

Saraswathy said previously, affected workers were allocated land in Kampung Gobek, located approximately 12 kilometres from the estate and the temple.

‘However, many objected due to its distance from the temple and the existing burial ground in the estate area,’ she said, adding t
hat the issue would be addressed with the relevant parties soon.

In addition, Saraswathy received a memorandum from the temple management regarding its deteriorating condition.

‘I will look into this and try to secure the necesary assistance to repair and enhance the temple facilities,” she added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, The Ministry of Communications will soon launch the Online Safety for Children and Families campaign to address the issue of safety for this group in cyberspace, said its Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said that the campaign aims to combat child grooming through social media and to stop the issue of children under 13 years old registering for social media use, even though these platforms do not allow it.

“We understand that these platforms offer many benefits, but they also pose many risks.

“My hope is that with this campaign, we can gather all agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Bank Negara, and the Department of Personal Data Protection, to emphasise the steps we need to take to ensure the safety of ourselves, our children, and our families,” he said at a press conference after launching the Kita MADANI Carnival for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya here today.

Fahmi said Bukit Aman’s Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Division (D11) informed that the
platform most misused for child grooming purposes is the WhatsApp application.

When asked about the issue of the supply of Local White Rice (BPT) following allegations that BPT supply is only available at MADANI sales carnivals, Fahmi said the government does not control the supply, but has taken at least three steps to increase the quantity of BPT supply.

“One of them is that the government has modified the contract for agencies to purchase imported rice. This allows more than 20,000 tonnes of local rice to return to the local market.

“The reserve stock of local rice has also begun to be released and taken out of storage. This process takes time,” he said.

He added that he would also forward the issue related to BPT to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) so that appropriate actions can be taken.

Commenting on the organisation of the Kita MADANI Carnival, Fahmi hopes that the carnival, which aims to convey government programmes to the people, can be continued in other states in an effort
to bridge the communication gap.

The Kita MADANI Carnival for the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya was participated in by agencies under the Ministry of Communications, among them the Information Department, Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA), National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

Among the carnival’s programme contents were Jualan Rahmah, Sukan Rakyat, Agro MADANI Sales and MADANI Run.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency