Day: May 8, 2022

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) — Former managing editor of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Mohamad Nasir Yusoff died today at the age of 62.

His eldest child Nur Nadzmi Nasirah Mohamad Nasir said her father, who was suffering from various diseases, died at 5.48 am at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2), after complaining of fatigue soon after arrival from Miri, Sarawak.

“After disembarking from the plane, he complained about feeling very tired and having shortness of breath and said he wanted to lie down. Not long after that he was gone. He just returned from celebrating Raya in Miri,” she said when contacted.

She said the body had been taken to the Serdang Hospital Forensic Department and is expected to be buried at the Sungai Kantan Muslim cemetery in Kajang tomorrow morning.

Nasirah, who is seven weeks pregnant, said her father was very happy when he learnt about her pregnancy, and it was a pity that he could not get to see the baby.

Mohamad Nasir, who joined Bernama on Oct 1, 1983 and retired on March 7, 2020, leaves behind his wife Halimah Piee and four children – three daughters and a son.

Bernama acting chief executive officer Roslan Ariffin said Nasir had served Bernama with dedication.

“I have lost a good friend and was very sad to hear news of his passing this morning,” he said.

Bernama editor-in-chief Khairdzir Md Yunus said Nasir had served as Bernama’s correspondent in Jakarta and had played a major role in strengthening ties between journalists in Malaysia and Indonesia even after his return from Indonesia.

“This was particularly true in his active involvement in the Ikatan Setia Kawan Wartawan Malaysia Indonesia (ISWAMI) the past few years. His death is a major loss to journalism in Malaysia and Indonesia,” he added.

He said Nasir was a dedicated and creative worker who always performed the tasks entrusted to him, and had contributed many ideas to the organisation, especially when he was heading the Features Desk.

Nasir was a friendly, kind and helpful person who would not hesitate to help fellow journalists, he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

PUTRAJAYA, May 8 (Bernama) — Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today attended the Prime Minister and Ministers’ Aidilfitri open house in Seri Perdana.

Upon arrival at 11.30 am, His Majesty was greeted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.

Al-Sultan Abdullah was then escorted to a special dining room to sample traditional village-style dishes.

Themed ‘Raya Keluarga Malaysia, Syawal Dirai, Nikmat Disyukuri’, this is the first open house hosted by Ismail Sabri after he was appointed prime minister on Aug 20, 2021 and his Cabinet line-up.

The Prime Minister and Ministers’ Aidilfitri open house has not been held for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The last time it was held was on June 5, 2019, in Seri Perdana and was hosted by then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Cabinet members.

His Majesty, after sampling the dishes, went to the main tent at Laman Sari to meet and greet the visitors, accompanied by Ismail Sabri.

Al-Sultan Abdullah spent time mingling with visitors who were clearly excited by His Majesty’s presence in the tent provided for them. The King also obliged requests to take photographs with him.

Meanwhile, one of the guests, Hissyamuddin Hassan, 39, who has a child with special needs, Afif Khairullah, seven, was touched when His Majesty came and greeted his son who suffers from Dravet Syndrome.

“His Majesty stopped at our table when he saw my son in a stroller and asked about my son’s condition,” said Hissyamuddin, who is a Malaysian Armed Forces personal.

Al-Sultan Abdullah left after spending an hour at the open house.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

SEREMBAN, May 8 (Bernama) — The Negeri Sembilan Health Department has recorded a total of 958 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in the state since January until April 27 this year.

State Health, Environment, Cooperatives and Consumerism Committee chairman S. Veerapan said for the 17th endemic week (ME) Seremban recorded the highest number of cases with 81 cases, followed by Port Dickson (16), Tampin (13), Jempol (12), Kuala Pilah (10), Rembau (six) and Jelebu (one).

“There are 13 HFMD epidemic still active, namely five in Rembau, three each in Port Dickson and Jempol, and one each in Tampin and Seremban, and all of them involved child care centres.

“The large number of HFMD cases reported this year in the state is due to the reopening of the eduction sector and public places,” he said in a statement today.

Veerapan said the Health Ministry would continue with efforts to prevent the spread of HFMD apart from monitoring kindergartens and childcare centres.

He said parents or guardians should also constantly monitor the health of their children and not send their children to school or kindergarten if they had symptoms of HFMD such as fever, ulcers in the mouth or blisters on the hands or feet.

On May 5, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah was reported to have said that there was a significant increase in HFMD cases in the country with 22,463 cases reported up to ME 17/2022, an increase of 12.8 times compared to the corresponding ME in 2021 (1,752 cases).

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

PUTRAJAYA, May 8 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the presence of visitors from various backgrounds to the Prime Minister and Ministers’ Aidilfitri open house to celebrate Aidilfitri together at Seri Perdana here today, clearly demonstrated the unity of Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family).

He said the lively open house celebration this time was extra special as the event could not be held for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

“This is what is so special about the Keluarga Malaysia, all are united regardless of race.

“Aidilfitri is celebrated by all Malaysians, as well as other festivals and today, all present here are representing their respective races,” he said, adding that the open house programme was able to unite the Keluarga Malaysia.

Ismail Sabri said this in an interview with a local television station at the Prime Minister and Minister’s Aidilfitri open house here today.

Themed ‘Raya Keluarga Malaysia, Syawal Dirai, Nikmat Disyukuri’, this is the first open house hosted by Ismail Sabri after he was appointed prime minister on Aug 20, 2021 and his Cabinet line-up.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the annual open house could not be held for two years. The last time it was held was on June 5, 2019 in Seri Perdana and was hosted by then prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his Cabinet.

The Prime Minister and Ministers’ Aidilfitri open house today started at 9.30 am and is expected to end at 4 pm.

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri also called on the public to sincerely forgive each other, in conjunction with Syawal month.

“Forgiveness is not just mere words but mistakes must not be repeated, use this month to strengthen the bonds,” he said.

He also advised road users to get adequate rest before starting the journey back to their respective destinations after celebrating the Aidilfitri holiday.

“I believe the road is congested and perhaps there are those who feel sleepy. Please make sure the body is fresh before starting the journey. If you are tired or sleepy, it is better to stop first and take a short nap and do not force yourself to drive as it will only endanger yourself,” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) — The death of former managing editor of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Mohamad Nasir Yusoff today is a great loss to journalism, especially in the context of his contributions as a founding member of Ikatan Setiakawan Wartawan Malaysia dan Indonesia (ISWAMI).

ISWAMI Malaysia president Datuk Mokhtar Hussain said Nasir, 62, who was Bernama’s correspondent in Jakarta, had contributed a lot to efforts to strengthen ties among Malaysian and Indonesian journalists.

“He had close ties with many in the media fraternity in Indonesia, and this made it easier for us to interact with Indonesian journalists.

“In fact, it was the efforts of Nasir and a few others that made ISWAMI strong to this day,” he said when contacted.

The Wakaf Bharu, Kelantan-born Nasir died at 5.48 am at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2), after complaining of fatigue soon after arrival from Miri, Sarawak.

His body was then taken to the Serdang Hospital Forensic Department and is expected to be buried at the Sungai Kantan Muslim cemetery in Kajang tomorrow morning.

ISWAMI Indonesia president Asro Kamal Rokan said Nasir had played a sterling role in building relations between Malaysia and Indonesia, especially in journalism.

“I hope at the National Journalists Day (Hawana) celebration in Melaka on May 28, Nasir will be honoured for his contributions in enhancing ties between the two countries,” he said when contacted.

Asro Kamal said from 2010 until the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Nasir had frequently attended the Indonesian National Press Day celebration together with other senior Malaysian journalists, with his last attendance being in 2019 in Surabaya.

ANTARA’s correspondent in Malaysia, Agus Setiawan, said Nasir was not just an editor in Bernama but also a pioneer of ISWAMI.

“Just last Friday he sent his regards and asked to meet up before I left KL. But Allah SWT decreed differently. May his soul be granted husnul khotimah,” he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

PUTRAJAYA, May 8 (Bernama) — The large multi-racial turnout at the Aidilfitri open house hosted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Cabinet ministers at Seri Perdana today reflects the spirit of the Malaysian Family.

“The response was very good from various races, not only the Muslim people but also non-Muslims, are celebrating together, and this is the spirit of national unity that we should defend,” said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

“It reflects the spirit of the Malaysian Family. The public’s acceptance of the concept of the Malaysian Family is very good,” said Wee when met at the open house.

Themed ‘Raya Keluarga Malaysia, Syawal Dirai, Nikmat Disyukuri’, and featuring the village atmosphere concept, the event, from 9.30 am to 4 pm, is the first Aidilfitri open house hosted by Ismail Sabri after he was appointed as the prime minister on Aug 20, 2021, and his Cabinet line-up.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the large turnout of guests at the event was expected as it had not been held for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

“The weather is fine, foreign tourists are also here. The open house can serve as a foundation to strengthen unity among the people,” he said.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said there were visitors and guests who travelled from far just to attend the open house.

“When I asked (visitors), most of them (came) from outside Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley, some came as early as 5 am, they performed prayers and then went back to the line to get here (Laman Sari at Seri Perdana).

“They want to celebrate Aidilfitri after two years of not being able to do so and some also want to meet the prime minister personally,” she said.

As at noon, about 30,000 people attended the open house.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the event celebrated the sacrifices of Malaysians in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic for more than two years.

“I am confident that Malaysians will continue to be vigilant and careful because this virus (COVID-19) is still with us,” he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) — Traffic flow on major expressways in the country is under control and congestion is reported only in several areas in the north, south and east heading towards the Klang Valley as at noon today.

A spokesman for the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) said for the route heading to the Klang Valley from the east, a 21 kilometre long congestion was reported from Karak to Bukit Tinggi.

“Traffic flow from the north and south to the Klang Valley is under control and congestion is reported at the hot spots areas along the North-South Expressway (PLUS) in Ipoh Selatan to Simpang Pulai, Gua Tempurung to Tapah, Bidor to Sungkai and Sungai Buaya to Rawang, ” he said when contacted by Bernama.

According to the spokesperson, for the route from the south, congestion was reported in Simpang Ampat to Pedas Linggi and the Seremban Rest Area to Port Dickson, ” he said.

The free toll rates on the North-South Expressway and the East Coast Expressway (LPT) will end by midnight today.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency