Day: May 27, 2022

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) — The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has urged the National Audit Department to immediately conduct a special audit on government procurement and expenditure for medical equipment and medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PAC chairman Wong Kah Woh said the matter had been officially informed to the Auditor-General yesterday.

“As a Dewan Rakyat Select Committee with a mandate to examine government spending so that it complies with the law, government financial regulations in force, contract terms and payments being implemented properly, the PAC will not compromise with any party trying to make a profit for the sake of personal interests.

“This special audit should be expedited, with the findings and results presented to the PAC, so that the committee can identify the existence of elements of malpractice, waste and abuse of power in the procurement of medical services,” he said in a statement today.

He said with the special audit, the PAC would call on the Ministry of Finance, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the ministries and agencies involved, to provide briefings and explanations to the committee on the matter.

For that purpose, the PAC will use its sources of authority under Standing Order 77 (1) (d) and 77 (5) of the Dewan Rakyat, and Section III, Article 11 (b), General Circular No. 2 (1982).

Standing Order 77(1)(d) of the Dewan Rakyat stipulates that there shall be a Committee to be known as the Public Accounts Committee appointed at the beginning of every Parliament, for the examination of such other matters as the Committee may think fit, or which may be referred to the Committee by the House; while Standing Order 77(5) states that the Committee shall have the power to send for persons, papers and records, and to report from time to time.

The PAC also urged the National Audit Department to conduct a special audit following a statement by MACC chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, on Tuesday (May 24), on the MACC’s ongoing investigation into the procurement of medical equipment and medicine; abuse of power in diverting aid; as well as stimulus packages provided by the government.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 27 (Bernama) — The average food stall trader in the city, whose main menu is based on chicken, continues to operate even though supply is relatively difficult to obtain and wholesale prices have gone up slightly in recent days.

Most traders, however, breathed a sigh of relief when the government temporarily imposed a ban on chicken exports from June 1 and hoped that the shortage of birds in the market could be addressed immediately.

Muhammad Adam Zawawi, 28, owner of Pak Awi Nasi Ayam said the wholesale price of chicken currently breached RM10 per kg, but he continued to operate the restaurant despite very minimal profit.

“I would not be comfortable in raising the price of my chicken rice because it will burden customers,” said Muhammad Adam, who currently gets his supply from two wholesalers to ensure his restaurant runs smoothly.

The owner of Mek Jang Cafe, Nor Harizan Hassan, 44, said she has reduced her sale of ‘nasi ganja’ because she could only source 15 to 20 chickens a day.

“When there is not enough chicken, I cannot sell ‘nasi ganja’ in large quantities as usual and business is affected so I hope the issue related to chicken can be resolved as soon as possible,” she said.

Nor Harizan said she usually needed between 30 to 40 chickens a day, but has to fall in line with the current shortage and be satisfied with a smaller sales volume.

Meanwhile, a survey by Bernama found that chicken in supermarkets could still be purchased at normal prices while traders in regular shops charged higher prices claiming wholesale price has gone up.

On Monday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the government would stop the export of 3.6 million chickens a month, starting June 1, until domestic supply and price returns to stability.

In a statement, the prime minister said the decision was one of several short-term measures reached at the Cabinet meeting on the issue of chicken supply and prices.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

SEPANG, May 27 (Bernama) — “My husband and I have accepted the fact that our daughter is gone. We harbour no ill feelings towards the school bus driver,” said the mother of a 16-month-old girl who died after she was hit by a school bus in Salak Tinggi near here yesterday.

Zainab Mohideen Abdul Kadar, 37, also said she hoped that the police will not take any legal action against the 50-year-old bus driver.

“We have not met with the bus driver yet because he is still traumatised. He, however, called me and apologised to me.

“I cannot blame the bus driver because he is already traumatised by the incident. Furthermore, he is also not well-off and his bus has been seized,” she told reporters when met at her home here today.

Zainab who works as a canteen assistant said the death of her youngest out of seven children, has left a deep scar on the family but she was willing to forgive the bus driver.

She said on the day of the mishap, she and her husband were at work and their children were being looked after by her mother-in-law.

Meanwhile, the victim’s elder sister, Nurul Aishah, 13, said that at the time of the incident, she had just gotten off the bus after giving pocket money to her eight-year-old sister.

“After giving money to my sister, I got off the bus. I saw the bus moving and at the same time, I also saw Zahida under the bus. I quickly grabbed her before the rear tyre of the bus hit her again.

“I shouted and immediately carried Zahida into the house. My neighbours came and took Zahida, me and my grandmother to the health clinic nearby,” she said.

Nurul Aishah said after realising that Zahida had been hit, the bus driver immediately got off and apologised to her grandmother.

“My grandma just told the bus driver to send the children to school first and after he finished sending the children, he came back and asked about Zahida’s condition.

“He said he was sorry, he said he did not see Zahida,” she said adding that Zahida was a cheerful sister and would also follow her sisters and were very close to her father and grandmother.

Meanwhile, Sepang district police chief ACP Wan Kamarul Azran Wan Yusof said the bus driver had been released on police bail last night after giving his statement.

“We will complete the investigation and submit the investigation paper to the public prosecutor for further action,” he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) — Aureo Gallery is hosting a showcase of the world’s only 24-karat gold artist Kim Il Tae’s artworks entitled “50 Golden Finites” from today until May 29.

The exhibition at Boathouse, Tasik Ampang features an exclusive collection of gold paintings valued at up to US$2 million (US$1=RM4.38) and rising.

Aureo Gallery founder Serena Chiam said the unveiling of Kim’s intricate masterpieces seeks to enthral Aureo Gallery’s prestigious art collectors and prospects.

“Six of Kim’s timeless golden chef-d’œuvres are on display prominently in the Dome area, accompanied by enchanting light projections and performances. Smaller paintings such as the Golden Horse and Tree of Abundance are being showcased at the Glasshouse,” Chiam said after the unveiling ceremony here today.

She said two glamorous brands – luxury camera manufacturer Leica and Mercedes-Benz dealer Hap Seng Star – are featured alongside this exhibition, with the former holding a product presentation and photography workshop in the Dome area and Hap Seng Star displaying an S-Class and offering EQA’s test drive to their most loyal customers.

“Following these timeless brands, Aureo Gallery will join the pedestal of opulence and elevate Kim Il Tae’s exquisite oeuvres in the world of art,” she said.

Under the Aureo Empowerment Movement, a portion of sales from Kim’s gold paintings will be given to charity organisations dedicated to helping vulnerable communities, including Fugee School, Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia and A-HEART.

“Aureo Gallery strives to give back to the community that has so long been its home,” said Chiam.

For more information on Aureo Gallery and 50 Golden Finites exhibition, visit https://aureo.co/ and https://www.50goldenfinites.com/ respectively. Follow @aureogallery on Instagram and Facebook for more updates.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is scheduled to join more than 700 media practitioners at the National Journalists Day 2022 (HAWANA 2022) celebration in Melaka this Sunday (May 29).

HAWANA 2022 Publicity and Promotions committee said in a statement today, Ismail Sabri is slated to deliver his opening speech at 2.30 pm at the event which will also be attended by journalists from several ASEAN countries.

According to the statement, among the highlights of this year’s celebration is the Melaka Declaration which outlines the direction of the country’s journalism and media industry.

The committee said professional journalists, individuals and organisations who have made significant contributions not only in journalism but also in shaping the minds of the people through their works will be honoured at HAWANA 2022 awards ceremony.

It said that a media forum will be held in the morning as a platform for editors-in-chief, editors and media personalities to discuss the future of the media industry, especially in the face of technological advances and an increasingly challenging environment.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa will deliver the closing speech at the forum, read the statement.

Meanwhile, it said, the Melaka state government will host a dinner event tomorrow (May 28) to celebrate media practitioners which will be attended by Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam.

HAWANA which is celebrated annually on May 29 is the recognition and appreciation from the government for media practitioners to honour their contributions in helping to develop the country and strengthen unity.

Themed ‘People’s Voice, National Aspiration’, HAWANA 2022 is organised by the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (K-KOMM) and implemented by the Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA) in cooperation with media organisations and the Melaka state government.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

TOKYO, May 27 (Bernama) — Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob met his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida here on Friday and proposed that Malaysia-Japan ties be upgraded to comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP).

In the meeting at the Kantei, the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, Ismail Sabri, accompanied by a high-profile delegation, held bilateral talks with Kishida to strengthen the long-established Malaysia-Japan relationship.

This is the first face-to-face meeting between Ismail Sabri and Kishida on bilateral talks since they assumed their posts in 2021.

Ismail Sabri and Kishida had earlier held the Japan-Malaysia conference via telephone on April 20 this year, which saw the two leaders touching on various regional and international issues.

“We wish to propose upgrading our ties from strategic partnership to comprehensive strategic partnership,” said Ismail Sabri at the bilateral meeting.

Malaysia-Japan ties had been upgraded from enhanced partnership to strategic partnership in 2015.

The meeting was held in conjunction with Ismail Sabri’s official working visit to Japan, during which he participated in the 27th International Conference on the Future of Asia, an annual gathering of political, economic and industry leaders from the Asia-Pacific, and met with business and corporate figures in Japan to attract investments to Malaysia.

Kishida was also playing host to a Malaysian prime minister for the first time after he was appointed Japan’s Prime Minister in October last year.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Look East Policy, which has contributed greatly to strengthening bilateral ties between Malaysia and Japan.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

TOKYO, May 27 (Bernama) — Malaysia and Japan finalised three memoranda of cooperation (MoC) related to the aircraft industry, skilled workers as well youth and sports here today.

The exchange of the MOCs took place at the Kantei, or the Prime Minister’s Office of Japan, and was witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida.

Ismail Sabri and Kishida had earlier met to discuss important issues in Malaysia-Japan relations in conjunction with the Malaysian Prime Minister’s official working visit to Japan.

On the Malaysian side, the exchange of MOCs was led by the International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) for the aircraft industry, the Human Resources Ministry for skilled workers and the Youth and Sports Ministry for youth and sports matters.

Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the aircraft industry MoC was a collaboration between Malaysia and Japan to strengthen aerospace activities.

Among the activities that would be involved are maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) as well as aerospace downstream activities.

“It will provide an opportunity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to be involved in the supply chain of the industry,” he told Malaysian journalists.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri S.Saravanan said the MoC led by his ministry was related to sending Malaysian specified skilled workers to Japan.

Through the MoC, over 1,000 Malaysians will have the opportunity to gain work experience in Japan and if the programme proved to be effective, discussions will be held with the Japanese government to increase the number of Malaysian participants, he said.

“It gives Malaysians the opportunity to gain experience and expertise in Japan for a period of time and when they return they will be able to contribute to related industries in Malaysia,” Saravanan said.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, meanwhile said the MOC undertaken by the ministry is related to youth exchange and development as well as sports.

Also discussed was cooperation in areas such as volunteer training for disasters such as floods, and also volunteerism in international sporting events, with Japan leading by example after hosting the Olympic Games in challenging conditions.

Japan was the host of the 2020 Olympic Games, but the prestigious sporting event had to be rescheduled to July last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tokyo 2020 created history after being the first Olympic games to have no official spectators.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency