Day: January 8, 2022

BATU KAWAN, Jan 8 — Penang recognises young entrepreneurs and frontliners as critical components of the economy as they supplement the government’s contribution to the provision of goods and services to the people, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He said youngsters in Penang have the ability to strive for business excellence in the fourth industrial revolution (IR4.0), which would see a convergence of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT) and many others.

“Entrepreneurs who think outside the box can also contribute significantly to the country’s development of technology and solutions that will have a positive and long-term impact, especially in the post-pandemic world.

“Ultimately, it presents a huge opportunity for these technologies to thrive in the state and drive the economy forward,” he told reporters after the Young Excellence Award (YEA) 2021 ceremony here today.

The award, organised by the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur Section (PCCC YES) in collaboration with the state government, recognised 68 young entrepreneurs and frontliners aged 18 to 40 years old.

Chow said there were 15 award categories, namely Business Performance Award, Pandemic Business Growth Award, Technology Entrepreneur Award, Green Initiative Award, Brand Award, Social Media and Influencer Award, Woman Entrepreneur Award, Rookie Million Achievement Award, E-commerce Award, E-sports Award, Pandemic Volunteer Award, Pandemic Leadership Award, Pandemic Professional Award, University Leadership Award and University Athlete Award.

He said the YEA award also demonstrated that Penang youths are concerned and enthusiastic about sustainable solutions and volunteerism, which would help in nurturing future Penang leaders as they also require critical yet analytical thinking skills to help them adapt to this rapidly changing world.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUCHING, Jan 8 — Sarawak port managements must be prepared to modernise, innovate and adopt new technologies, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

He said with Sarawak hoping to become a high income society by 2030, the ports would have increasing and more important roles.

“The plan is for us to export more food products by then. Thus, the ports will be a very crucial component of the development,” said Uggah, who is also Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, in a statement here, today.

Uggah said the process of modernisation would include looking into new management styles and improving or enhancing all essential facilities.

“Look at port models around the world and set your benchmark on the successful ones. We in the ministry will be proactive in ensuring your growth in this direction,” he said.

According to Uggah, the state’s ports had a lot of potential and could be just as competitive as those in the region.

“Let us leverage on the ‘Sarawak Boleh’ (Sarawak Can) spirit to rise to the occasion,” he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 — The Meteorological Department of Malaysia (MetMalaysia) has issued a continuous rain warning at the alert level for 10 areas in Sarawak from Jan 11 (Tuesday) until Jan 13.

According to the weather warning issued by the department at noon today on Twitter, the areas involved are Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Kapit (Song and Kapit) and Bintulu (Tatau).

Under the department’s warning system, the alert level or yellow indicates that continuous rain is expected for between one and three days.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

BUTTERWORTH, Jan 8 — The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) in Penang has identified the cause of the short supply of subsidised packet cooking oil in the state following the discovery of item being abused by irresponsible parties.

Its director, Mohd Ridzuan Ab Ghapar said this followed the ministry’s close monitoring at the godowns and factories carrying out packing and wholesalers to ensure the subsidised item is not abused.

“Yes, there were complaints on the shortage of packet subsidised cooking oil. Some of the complaints were received from social media and officially, I take a serious view of the matter and we will take stern actions against any quarters found abusing item.

“In this regard, I also ordered my officers to focus on the case (on lack of oil supply) and intensify monitoring and enforcement to flush out such activities as consumers are unable to purchase the one kilogramme pack subsidised cooking oil,” he told reporters today.

He was met after visiting the Malaysian Family Sales Programme (PJKM) in the compound of At-Taqwa Mosque in Mak Mandin here today.

Elaborating further, Mohd Ridzuan said there are 25 companies in the packaging of packet cooking oil and 500 wholesalers in Penang currently.

As a result of the information and intelligence gathered, we recently (Dec 24) raided an unlicensed premises in Bagan Ajam, here which carried out activities of transferring 20 tonnes of subsidised cooking oil and further investigations are still ongoing to trace the parties involved.

“Based on the investigation, it was found that the modus operandi used by the syndicate was to hire a third party to manage the oil transfer and they were believed to be carrying out the activities for more than three months because we have been conducting intelligence for a month before raiding the premises,” he said.

Earlier, he said a total of 13 PJKM had been held in Penang since December last year and would continue until March as the response was very encouraging.

“The PJKM will be held twice a month in rotation in each Parliamentary constituency, with focus on the localities of B40 and M40 residents as the response is very encouraging from the locals and many do not want to miss the opportunity to get various necessities sold cheaper by five to 20 per cent here,” he said.

Meanwhile, a visitor, Pynun Pydi (she), 73, said she was satisfied with the price of goods offered in PJKM because most of them were cheaper than the current market price and she could save by buying at the sales programme.

“Eggs, chicken and rice are among the cheap necessities at PJKM and if it can be held at the same location every month, it is better,” said the senior citizen.

Rosli Bidin, 65, also agreed with Pynun and hoped that the programme would continue for a longer period of time as it was very beneficial for the people.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency