Month: August 2022

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High time for Sungai Skudai to be deepened, say flood victims

JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 21 (Bernama) — Residents of Kampung Laut Batu 10 in Skudai here have called for river-deepening works to be carried out immediately in Sungai Skudai, saying they have had enough of dealing with flash floods.

A resident, Zulkifli Mat Ahwan, 43, said the area had been hit by flash floods at least twice a year because the river easily overflowed when it rained heavily.

In the latest flash floods yesterday, his house was submerged about two metres, destroying electrical appliances and a sofa set.

Zulkifli, who was born in the village, said he managed to move his car to higher grounds before the water level rose.

“If the river is deepened, the floods may not be so bad. The last time river-deepening works were undertaken was in the 90s,” the father of two said when met at his house today.

Ahmad Wahid, 75, who has been living there since the 70s, said he seemed to have been numbed by the frequent flooding in his village.

“It has happened every year, from 2000 until now. I can only hope that the government would do something to help for the sake of the next generation,” he added.

Another villager, Mohamad Ibrahim Sujimun, 27, said the floor of his storeroom collapsed in yesterday’s floods and water entered the family’s four vehicles.

“Apart from the two cars and two motorcycles, personal documents and belongings were also destroyed in the floods,” he added.

A two-hour downpour from about 3 pm caused several areas in this district to be flooded. The flood waters fully receded at 10 pm.

The number of evacuees dropped to 76 as at noon from 86 at 8 am today.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Ismail Sabri’s govt determined to do more for Keluarga Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 21 (Bernama) — As he leads the Keluarga Malaysia government into its second year, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has strengthened his resolve to enhance the government administration and national economy for the benefit of the people.

Opening the ‘Keluarga Malaysia Symposium: Achievements and Hope’ here today, the prime minister stressed that there were many more matters on the agenda of his government that could be implemented to help Keluarga Malaysia.

“There are many groups that still need help – the poor, womenfolk, persons with disabilities and the like,” he said.

Ismail Sabri was sworn in as the ninth Prime Minister on Aug 21, 2021.

Recalling the time he took over the national administration, Ismail Sabri said the country was then beset by uncertainties and instability, prompting certain quarters to predict that the Keluarga Malaysia government could collapse anytime due to the history of party hopping.

“Thank God, the prediction did not come true and now this government is one year old,” he said.

Ismail Sabri said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the Malay Rulers were always concerned about the country’s well-being and the people’s welfare.

He said that on the advice of His Majesty, the government took the initiative to set aside differences with the opposition by signing a bipartisan cooperation agreement.

“This inclusive approach has brought us political stability,” he said, quoting the phrase ‘a unique time calls for a unique approach’.

He said various initiatives of the Keluarga Malaysia government received wide support from all quarters because consultation sessions were held before their introduction.

These included Budget 2022 which was approved with majority support, and the Constitution (Amendment) Bills on Malaysia Agreement 1963 and anti-party hopping which received unanimous support, he said.

Ismail Sabri expressed his appreciation to the King and Malay Rulers for their advice and support to the Keluarga Malaysia government the past one year.

“The loyalty of the Keluarga Malaysia government to His Majesty can never be doubted; in fact, we have always preserved good relations with the palace, in line with the first principle of Rukun Negara, that is Loyalty to King and country,” he added.

Ismail Sabri also thanked all members of the Cabinet and Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the government and opposition benches for supporting the government’s initiatives.

“All these could not have been achieved without the support of all ministers and MPs,” he said, adding that a government could only be strong and effective if it received support from all quarters.

The prime minister said he would not indulge in any chest-thumping to announce all the successes of the Keluarga Malaysia government but would rather let the facts speak for themselves.

Ismail Sabri said the Keluarga Malaysia government would strengthen the existing political institutions to make them inclusive.

“We plan to strengthen the institutions of Parliament and Judiciary and formulate a Political Funding Act to provide for healthier politics in the country,” he said.

On the symposium, Ismail Sabri said it would give ample space for participants to get accurate and clear information on the achievements and challenges of the Keluarga Malaysia government in the past one year.

He said that consistent with its core concept of Inclusiveness, Togetherness and Gratitude, the Keluarga Malaysia government would always consider the views of every group.

“As a government that is open-minded, we will consider implementing input from intellectuals where suitable,” he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Good news for civil servants this Aug 30 – PM Ismail Sabri

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 21 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today hinted that he will announce good news for civil servants this Aug 30.

He said the Malaysian Family government under his leadership always appreciated the sacrifices of civil servants, including members of the security forces, under the leadership of the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.

The prime minister said when disaster struck the country, such as the unexpected major flood, the security forces, such as the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Social Welfare Department, the Health Department, the Implementation Coordination Unit, the National Disaster Management Agency and various other government agencies continued to operate with full dedication.

“InsyaAllah, we will announce something cheerful for civil servants this Aug 30. Just wait,” he said when opening the Keluarga Malaysia Symposium at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) here today.

According to the prime minister, he would make the announcement at the “Majlis Amanat Perdana Perkhidmatan Awam”, scheduled on that day.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ismail Sabri said there were many sad stories that involved health workers who sacrificed their lives when dealing with patients affected by the virus.

He said the services and sacrifices of these unsung heroes will be etched in the country’s history.

According to him, the hard work of all parties and the success of the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK), in particular, made Malaysia one of the countries that recorded the fastest vaccination rate, subsequently enabling it to transition to the endemic phase last April 1.

“A government will only be strong and effective if it gets support from all parties. Alhamdulillah, the Malaysian Family government has never disputed or underestimated the sacrifices of civil servants.

“Likewise, the social activists who are dedicated to serving the country, especially through non-governmental organisations, the Malaysian Family Government always remembers their contributions,” he said.

In his speech, the Prime Minister also said that on behalf of the government, he thanked the health workers for working hard to save the COVID-19 victims.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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MYGrocer@Wilayah Cheap Sale programme launched in Labuan

LABUAN, Aug 20 (Bernama) — The MYGrocer@Wilayah 2022 under the Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) Cheap Sale programme (PJMKM) has been launched here to ease the people’s financial burden.

Launched by the Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim at Bataras Hypermarket, the MYGrocer@Wilayah 2022 programme will run from today until Dec 31 and is offering goods at cheap prices.

“This programme is an initiative under the Special Task Force on Jihad Against Inflation aimed at helping the people face the rising cost of living and to get supplies of daily necessities cheaper than the market price,” he said during the launch.

Eight subsidised items are listed under the programme namely fresh chicken/round chicken with a subsidy rate of RM3.00, chicken eggs with an RM0.50 subsidy, wheat flour in 1kg packet (RM0.20), 1kg pack of sugar (RM0.15), non-premium sardine in 425g can (RM0.50), non-premium 5kg bag of rice (RM1.50), condensed milk in 500g can (RM0.70) and 200ml coconut milk with a subsidy rate of RM0.20.

The implementation of PJMKM for this month for Labuan folks will be held today and tomorrow at Bataras Hypermarket, while on Aug 27 and Aug 28, they can purchase the subsidised items at Bataras Hypermarket, Savemore Supermarket and Family Mart.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Overwhelming Crowds At Selangor AKM Tour despite heavy rain

SHAH ALAM, Aug 20 (Bernama) — Heavy rain did not deter people from visiting booths at the Selangor Keluarga Malaysia Aspirations (AKM) Tour at the compound of the Shah Alam Stadium, here.

Ahmad Amer Rahimi Che Ramli, 26, when met at the Keluarga Malaysia Cheap Sales (JMKM) booth, said he did not want to miss the opportunity to purchase essential items at cheaper prices.

“For me, this kind of event should be held regularly. I just got married and this sales programme helps me to save money,” he said.

Among the items sold at the booth are frozen chicken (RM5 per bid), cooking oil in 5 kg bottle (RM30.50 each), flour (RM3.20 each) and 5kg imported rice (RM12 per packet).

Siti Hayleisha Hassim, 26, said she and her sister Siti Hayza, 28, managed to visit several booths operated by government agencies that provided various information about the programmes such as assistance for entrepreneurs.

“We also visited Koperasi Warga Hijrah Selangor Berhad (KOHIJRAH) booth to buy raw chicken,” she said.

The first day of the Selangor AKM Tour yesterday recorded the attendance of 25,487 visitors and registered secretaries.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Budget 2023: MOTAC seeking more aid for tourism players

SIMUNJAN (Sarawak), Aug 20 (Bernama) — The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) hopes that more aid and subsidies will be given to tourism players in Budget 2023, which will be tabled in October.

Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the Finance Ministry should consider this, especially given the positive impact of the tourism industry on the national economy.

Apart from this, she hoped focus would also be given to upgrading tourism infrastructure in the country.

“I ask that this matter be given attention because helping the tourism industry will indirectly boost activities in other sectors such as transport, food and sales due to mobility of tourists.

“When all these happen, the country’s economy on the whole will improve to become more vibrant,” she told reporters after attending the launch ceremony of the Simunjan Esplanade here today.

On Aug 15 this year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Budget 2023 would continue to give emphasis on the welfare of Keluarga Malaysia.

He said the budget would also take into consideration the country’s readiness to deal with a possible global economic crisis which is more challenging than that experienced before.

To a question, Nancy, who is Batang Sadong Member of Parliament, said she supported calls for the number of women elected representatives to be increased.

Women elected representatives possessed different approaches and perspectives which could be capitalised in collaboration with their male counterparts, she added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Bung Moktar wants police to investigate wrong Sabah landmark applications on Google Map

KINABATANGAN, Aug 20 (Bernama) — Sabah deputy chief minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin wants police to carry out a thorough investigation into recent reports that Sabahan landmarks on Google Maps have been placed under the Philippines sovereignty.

Bung Moktar said such an act was unhealthy and unethical because it can confuse the public throughout the world about the status of such destinations and locations.

“Such an act will raise doubts among tourists and local community who intend to travel to such places. For example, if a foreigner intends to go to Sandakan and decides to search the destination on Google Map, it will show that Sandakan is in the Philippines,” he told reporters after launching a Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB) programme with settlers, here today.

It was earlier reported that landmarks like Sandakan Airport (changed to “Sandakan Airport of the Philippines), Tawau Tanjung Market, and the Tangkulap Forest Reserve (changed to “The Philippine Republic Tangkulap Forest Reserve).

However, today the application had changed the status to reflect the correct names and sovereign ownership, thus dropping the ‘Philippines’ .

Though changes have been made, Bung Moktar urged the police to nab those who were responsible for such an irresponsible act.

Meanwhile, speaking of the programme, Bung Moktar said SLDB was an important government agency that is involved in the development of agriculture so as to ensure food safety and security in Sabah.

“The SLDB has planned and executed various initiatives and programmes for the settlers to develop their land for agriculture purposes,” he said.

Bung Moktar who is also the Kinabatangan Member of Parliament, hoped settlers under the SLDB flagship can develop their land to produce agricultural products that can benefit both the agency and the settlers.

“Though this development is in rural areas, we need to adopt the urban mentality so that we can move forward and raise the standard of living as well as eradicate poverty,” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency