Day: June 9, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Housing Rental Association has suggested that the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) and state local authorities create special laws to address issues related to the rental of People’s Housing Programme (PPR) homes, which often become problematic.

Its chairman, Prakash P. Kalivanan said KPKT had previously suggested that a Residential Tenancy Act be drafted to regulate residential rental activities, but there has been no progress to date.

He said that stern action is necessary because information has revealed an influx of foreign nationals in PPR housing due to local employers’ failure to provide dormitories or accommodation for these workers.

“Recently, we had discussions with several PPR residents and found that at Pangsapuri Teratak Muhibbah, Taman Desa in the capital… 60 per cent of those residing there are foreigners paying RM600 a month, with five to eight people living in one house.

“PPR homes are meant for local residents who are in need. However, because
employers do not provide dormitories or housing for foreign workers, they are forced to rent PPR homes, paying high rental rates,” he told Bernama.

He added that one of the conditions for obtaining a foreign worker quota is that employers must provide dormitories and get approval from the Peninsular Malaysia Department of Labour and the Ministry of Human Resources.

“If employers are providing dormitories, how can foreigners be living in PPR homes? Are employers using deceitful tactics in the provision of dormitories to obtain foreign worker quotas?” he questioned.

Additionally, he noted that so far, no owners or tenants have been prosecuted in court for offences related to the rental of PPR homes.

“Foreigner are ‘reigning supreme’ in this country by residing in PPR homes, while locals wait too long to get PPR homes because they cannot afford the high rent.

“We often hear that authorities want to cancel the original agreements made between the original tenants and the government, but we do not know how ma
ny agreements have been cancelled to date,” he said.

Prakash welcomed KPKT’s intention to take strict action against PPR home owners who rent out their homes to foreigners, saying that legal action should serve as a lesson to others.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming was previously reported saying that his ministry would carry out large-scale operations to detect PPR home owners who rent out their homes to third parties, including foreign nationals.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KOTA KINABALU, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students have been urged to think rationally before joining a rally on June 14 protesting water supply issues at the institution.

UMS Student Representative Council president Roslan Abdullah stressed that obtaining a permit from the authorities for the purpose was essential, and students should consider the consequences of holding the rally without one.

‘If there is a police permit, we at the student representative level do not have the authority to stop them from organising the rally,’ he said, adding he hoped students would maintain the university’s reputation, suggesting diplomacy over protests.

It is understood the #KamiMahuAir Sabah rally is planned to be held in front of Menara Kinabalu to address ongoing water supply problems at UMS.

Acknowledging the issue at hand, Roslan said, however, UMS had been proactive in addressing it, including sending water tanks and constructing tube wells with an RM3 million allocation from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Y
esterday, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud advised students to use proper channels and seek accurate information and facts regarding the matter through face-to-face meetings with the UMS management and the Sabah Water Department.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

PETALING JAYA: Former Education Minister Tan Sri Musa Mohamad who died yesterday was buried at Section 9 Muslim cemetery in Kota Damansara here at 10.40 am today.

Earlier, the body was brought to the Kota Damansara Mosque for bathing and shrouding, followed by funeral prayers led by the deceased’s son-in-law, Mohd Nordin Mat Sah.

Mohd Nordin, when met, expressed his gratitude to all parties who assisted in the funeral arrangements.

Musa, 81, who was also Universiti Sains Malaysia vice-chancellor, breathed his last at 7.12 pm at a private medical centre here due to multiple myeloma (blood cancer).

He was the first non-politician to hold the post of Education Minister from 1999-2004.

He also held several other important posts, including as president of the international organisation of ministers of education from 2001 to 2003 as well as chairman of Multimedia University and chairman of UCSI University Council.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

MELAKA, The Melaka government expressed condolences to the family members of the group of teachers from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Jeram who were involved in a fatal accident in Rompin, Pahang, early this morning.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the state government will monitor the development of this tragedy from time to time.

‘The state government is saddened by the tragedy. May Allah SWT bless their souls and place them among the righteous. Al-Fatihah,’ he said in a statement, here, today.

He said that the state government representatives will pay a visit and provide immediate assistance to all injured victims and the victims’ funeral arrangements will be assisted by the state Islamic Religious Council (MAIM).

Earlier today, three were killed in an accident involving a bus, ferrying 39 passengers including two drivers, and a trailer lorry, on Jalan Kuantan-Segamat.

The bus, ferrying teachers from SK Jeram Masjid Tanah, Melaka, along with their children, to Terengganu, to attend a benchmark
ing programme, reportedly went out of control before crashing into a lorry laden with iron coils and overturned.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUCHING, In conjunction with this year’s Malaysia Day celebration, a Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Festival 2024 Malaysia Day Edition will be held from Sept 13 to 15 at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong, near here.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that the festival, organised by the Sarawak Gastronomy Association, is a celebration of the country’s rich and diverse culinary heritage that showcases Malaysia’s spirit of unity,

‘The festival’s “From Farm to Table” concept emphasises sustainability and supports local farmers by highlighting the journey of local produce to your plates,’ she said at a press conference to announce the event at Sarawak Cultural Village, Santubong, today.

Alongside the farm to table concept, she said the festival features modern fine dining experiences that will fuse traditional flavours with contemporary techniques and offer a unique gastronomic journey.

‘This initiative aligns with Kuching’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City o
f Gastronomy, declared in 2021, underscoring our rich food heritage and positioning us as a global culinary destination,’ she said.

Nancy, who is also the Santubong MP, said this year is the event’s second edition and would see chefs from all backgrounds showcasing their skills and creativity to prepare delectable dishes representing the best of Malaysian cuisine.

She said admission to the festival would be free to the public, providing the perfect opportunity for families to gather and celebrate to create lasting memories.

‘This festival not only celebrates the unity of different ethnicities but also showcases solidarity between various organisations and corporate entities.

‘We unite strongly in the spirit of ‘segulai sejalai,’ especially during this Malaysia Day celebration,’ she added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency