Day: August 19, 2022

ALOR GAJAH, Aug 19 (Bernama) — University College of Agroscience Malaysia (UCAM) students will enjoy more facilities after Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) allocated funds totalling RM800,000 for the RISDA Foundation Education Assistance Scheme.

Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the funds through Yayasan RISDA allocated for the 2022/2023 period, would empower the education of RISDA children from the lower-income (B40) group.

“Yayasan RISDA Education Assistance Scheme comprises five categories, namely student living allowances (RM450 per month), scholarships (RM6,800 to RM13,800) depending on the course, intensive scheme (RM500 one-off payment), laptops assistance and bursary assistance worth RM2,000 for outstanding students,” he said in his speech during a working visit to UCAM today.

Mahdzir said RISDA has been focusing on the field of education for the past 65 years and implemented various transformations and evolutions in line with the development of the education system and the needs of the workforce in the agricultural sector, especially rubber plantations.

“So far, UCAM has produced over 10,000 graduates who are successful in agricultural and plantation agencies, and some of them have even ventured into business and become millionaire entrepreneurs,” he added.

During his working visit, Mahdzir also witnessed the Memorandum of Understanding between UCAM and three industry partners, namely GrasiCili Plt, Uwais Cendawan Agrotech Enterprise and Bitara Emas (M) Sdn Bhd to provide jobs for UCAM students who meet the requirement of the market.

Four UCAM alumni also received UCAM Iconic awards in appreciation and support of their success in their respective careers.

They are Basyaruddin Ali (landscape), Abdul Muhaimin Hussin (fruit crops and animal farming), Muhammad Asyraf Normoley (organic chicken farming), and Azri Khairi Juaher (kampung chicken farming).

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) — Senior lawyer Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim said his law firm, Zaid Ibrahim Suflan Th Liew & Partners has done its best for Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s final appeal against his conviction and sentence for the misappropriation of RM42 million in SRC International Sdn Bhd funds.

In a Facebook post, Mohd Zaid confirmed they recognised and accepted that Najib is at a critical point in the legal timeline of his SRC case and with his personal liberty at stake and, the firm has graciously accepted his decision to discharge them.

“I confirm that this decision was made by Datuk Seri Najib with my full support and agreement.

“As I understand it, Datuk Seri Najib’s decision was prompted by his belief that his lawyers cannot serve any useful purpose as lawyers for him anymore in the ongoing hearing relating to the appeals in the Federal Court,” he said.

Mohd Zaid further said that the firm understands perfectly well that Najib must do what is best for himself and he (Mohd Zaid) stands by his earlier statement that his firm will never abandon Najib as its client or any other client.

“This is neither our culture nor tradition. Nonetheless, the exigencies of the current exceptional circumstances and situation impel us to be mindful of the needs of the client and the client’s interest is paramount,” he said.

He also wished Najib the very best and assured him, he will always be there to help him in any situation, as a lawyer and a friend.

On July 26, the Pekan MP appointed the firm to represent him in his final appeal after discharging Messrs Shafee & Co. with immediate effect.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

SHAH ALAM, Aug 19 (Bernama) — The implementation of Jelajah Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia (AKM) Selangor with the entrepreneurial theme can provide added value to the business sector and further drive efforts in the nation’s economic recovery.

Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar said that based on the findings of a survey carried out by his ministry last February, the reopening of the economy by the government has greatly assisted in the recovery of business operations.

“Business performance can reach a better level with increased sales value, demand, cash flow and manpower need that can have a positive impact on the nation’s labour demand market,” he said at the opening ceremony of the Jelajah AKM Selangor officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob here today.

The three-day Jelajah AKM Selangor kicked off today until Sunday at the Shah Alam Stadium compound carnival site from 9 am to 9 pm.

Organised by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), the eighth edition of Jelajah AKM with the theme ‘Usahawan Keluarga Malaysia Penggerak Ekonomi Negara’ involved about 100 booths for small and medium entrepreneurs.

“I am committed and confident that by organising Jelajah AKM, the wish to expand the potential of the entrepreneur sector, especially the micro, small and medium enterprises by enhancing value in the aspects of high technology and digital platform, can be achieved,” Noh said.

He said that among the initiatives that will be highlighted in the tour are digital entrepreneurial activities through the MyMall platform which includes four main thrusts, namely e-commerce, training, finance and marketing.

“On behalf of KUSKOP, I am pleased to invite the Prime Minister to witness the exchange of the memorandum of understanding between MyMall and four strategic partners, namely unifi Business, REV Media Group, EasyStore Commerce Sdn Bhd and ModulEight Technologies Sdn Bhd to offer some additional benefits to local entrepreneurs under MyMall.

“The partnership between MyMall and its strategic partners will bring the added value of more than RM100 million to the MyMall entrepreneur community,” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 19 (Bernama) — The Cabinet has basically agreed on the proposed policy paper on the management of seized and forfeited assets which was tabled on Wednesday (Aug 17) to enable the National Anti-Financial Crime Prevention Centre (NFCC) to proceed with the process of drafting the amendment bill.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the decision was following the Special Cabinet Committee Meeting on Anti-Corruption (JKKMAR) and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s media statement on May 19, in making NFCC the central agency to manage seized and forfeited assets.

Wan Junaidi in a statement today said the amendment bill would involve amendments to the National Anti-Financial Crime Prevention Centre Act 2019 (Act 822) and consequential amendments to 26 Acts regulated by eight ministries and departments.

According to him, an amendment drafting committee has been formed to detail the provisions that will empower the NFCC to manage seized and forfeited assets on behalf of the government.

Wan Junaidi said research and benchmarking on asset management would be carried out by examining its implementation in several countries that have a centralised property management system such as Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Netherlands.

“It has been found that countries that have a centralised property management system are able to manage property more effectively and efficiently, adding value and bringing success to the country.

“Most importantly, its implementation will benefit all parties in the criminal justice system,” he said.

Wan Junaidi said a one-stop centre to manage seized and forfeited assets is required in Malaysia.

“Creating a comprehensive data system on seized and forfeited assets is a holistic and strategic step, as this will ensure effectiveness and efficiency of law enforcement in dealing with financial crimes and mitigating financial leakages,” he said.

Wan Junaidi said that through such a policy, law enforcement agencies can focus more on investigation and enforcement actions, as a centralised agency would be looking into matters related to seized and forfeited property.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) — Business owners and entrepreneurs need creativity and responsibility to succeed, especially to endure difficult times, said Malaysian icon Professor Datuk Jimmy Choo, OBE.

The international shoe designer said most successful businesses or entrepreneurs never gave up on their ideas, especially when faced with challenges, and they always find innovative ways of overcoming obstacles.

He said entrepreneurs must be able to adapt to changing economic conditions and innovate as well as embrace technological advances to keep customers engaged.

“If you think your business will fold, then you must find out why. Try to change your approach, business model or plans to make it work.

“If there is something you don’t know, you should ask people. If you keep quiet, you will never learn,” he said on Bernama TV’s “The Nation” talk show today.

He stressed that business owners need to have a new story to tell customers as the best form of marketing is through word-of-mouth.

“Organise and take care of your employees and most importantly, take responsibility for their well-being,” he said, adding that taking a more employee-centric view of their workforce would help business owners show their employees they care about and appreciate them.

This, in turn, would enable the company to be looked up to in the business they are operating in, Choo explained.

The international fashion icon’s famous clients include the late Princess Diana and members of other royal families.

In September last year, Choo launched a London fashion school called JCA London Fashion Academy. The school offers fashion design courses that combine the latest teachings in contemporary design with the entrepreneurial skills required to set up and drive successful fashion brands.

He said that education is of utmost importance because one gains a lot of knowledge and from there, new skills can be developed.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

SHAH ALAM, Aug 19 (Bernama) — The Selangor Health Department will be inspecting the food trucks and stalls participating in the Keluarga Malaysia Aspirations (AKM) tour twice a day to ensure food safety and quality, said its director Datuk Dr Sha’ari Ngadiman.

He said the Health Ministry’s Food Safety and Quality Division will carry out the inspection to ensure the operators keep their trucks and stalls clean and sanitised throughout the three-day carnival.

“This inspection will be carried out twice a day, in the morning and evening. The implementation of the inspection aims at ensuring food operators that are conducting business at the carnival maintain an optimal level of cleanliness to avoid food poisoning incidents.

“All food operators should ensure that their premises and products comply with the Food Act 1983 as well as relevant regulations,” he said when contacted by Bernama, adding that the inspection involves 151 of its enforcement officers.

Meanwhile, Sha’ari said the Keluarga Malaysia Healthy booth under the department is promoting various health-related activities such as organ donation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), dental screening, food safety and quality and services under the smoking cessation clinic.

A check by Bernama found that visitors thronged the booth to obtain more healthcare information.

The Selangor AKM tour which opened its doors to visitors today is being held at the Shah Alam Stadium with about 100 booths featuring small and medium-sized enterprises.

Themed ‘Malaysian Family Entrepreneurs Driving the National Economy’, the eighth edition of the AKM tour is hosted by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) — This year’s federal development expenditure (DE) performance until Aug 15 recorded an increase to 50.35 per cent compared to 26.4 percent on April 15, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

The prime minister said this was informed in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) Highest Monitoring Committee meeting which he chaired today, which was also attended by senior ministers and heads of department and agencies.

“All ministries are urged to raise their expenditure performance. Unused allocations must be returned to the Finance Ministry (MoF) to be rechanneled to ministries in need,” he said in a statement here today.

The prime minister said the 12MP Highest Monitoring Committee and the National Development Project Implementation Facilitation Committee (JP4N) will continue to look into current issues and challenges to expedite the implementation of development projects during the 12MP period for the benefit of Keluarga Malaysia (the Malaysian Family).

In addition, Ismail Sabri said the meeting today had also agreed that the Prime Minister’s Department’s Economic Planning Unit (EPU) prepare a 12MP mid-term review to examine and revise existing policies and targets so that targeted development goals can be achieved, with the process to run for a year from September this year.

In line with the target of achieving the status of an inclusive and sustainable high-income nation in 2025, Ismail Sabri said the meeting agreed to closely and continuously monitor key performance indicators.

He said this includes ensuring the implementation of interventions that are necessary due to uncertainties in the global economy, geopolitical conflicts that affect inflation rates as well as slow changes in the country’s economic structure.

Besides this, Ismail Sabri said Malaysia had become an ageing nation in 2021 and is expected to become an aged nation in 2044.

He said an ageing nation is defined as having a minimum seven per cent of its population aged 65 and older while an aged nation has 14 percent of its total population aged 65 and above.

As such, Ismail Sabri said the meeting also agreed with the national agenda’s mainstream mechanism of an ageing nation and the preparation of a blueprint of an Ageing Nation Agenda which will be coordinated by the EPU.

He said the government is also committed to achieving the zero hardcore poverty goal by the end of 2025 through the Keluarga Malaysia hardcore poverty eradication programme (BMTKM), in which its first phase kicked off in April involving 80 localities and about 5,000 household heads.

The prime minister said BMTKM will use a new integrated approach that is more holistic and focused on income generation activities among the hardcore poor in a sustainable manner.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency