Month: December 2022

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Malaysia’s Informal Employment reaches 3.5 million persons in 2021 – DoSM

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 30 (Bernama) — Malaysia’s Informal Employment has reached 3.5 million persons in 2021, contributing 23.2 per cent of the country’s total employment, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reported.

 

Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin in a statement today said the higher number of employment in the informal sector during the year was partly due to the impact of the pandemic COVID-19.

 

“Thus, there was labour mobility within sectors of the economy in order to support their lives, especially for those who were heavily impacted by the outbreak in the tourism sector and tourism-related industries,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Mohd Uzir said of the total informal employment, 57 per cent or two million persons were in the informal sector, and 42 per cent or 1.5 million persons were in the formal sector.

 

He said more than 70 per cent of the employment in the informal sector was in the own-account workers category, which saw an increase of two per cent from 2019.

 

“Meanwhile, the employees’ category contributed 19.2 per cent. rose by eight per cent from 2019.

 

 

 

 

“Employees in this sector are those who work as house builders, babysitters, food hawkers, bakers, grass cutters, labourers, construction (building work), street stall salespersons, tailors, market salespersons, food and beverages delivery riders and drivers.

 

“Internet salesperson and programmer analyst were among the jobs in the informal sector with the highest increase in 2021,” he said.

 

Mohd Uzir said the informal sector’s main criteria include having fewer than ten employees and not being registered under specific forms of national legislation, while a worker in informal employment refers to any worker who does not have access to at least one social security scheme or employment benefit.

 

He said two-thirds of the employment in the informal sector was concentrated in the services sector at  67.5 per cent, followed by the manufacturing sector (19.1 per cent) and the construction sector (13.4 per cent).

 

“Wholesale and retail trade activities, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles accounted for 24 per cent of the services sector, followed by food and beverage services activities at 23.1 per cent.

 

“The majority of employment in the informal sector operates at home (37.1 per cent), followed by markets/ street stalls (29.2 per cent), no fixed location (mobile) with 20.7 per cent, and factory/ office/ workshop (13 per cent),” he said.

 

Additionally, Mohd Uzir said from the distribution of informal employment by sex, male was the highest composition with 61.0 per cent recorded at 2.13 million persons and followed by female with 39.0 per cent to record 1.37 million persons in 2021.

 

Moreover, he said it was also observed that most of the employment in the informal sector were those with SPM certificates and equivalents, which encompassed 46.6 per cent or 607,000 persons of the total employment in this sector.

 

“This group recorded a rise of 4.5 per cent as against 555,500 persons in 2019. This was followed by UPSR certificates and equivalents (15.3%) and PT3/ PMR certificates (13.2%),” he added.

 

 

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Over 3,000 housewives contribute to SKSSR scheme – Socso

 

KOTA KINABALU, Dec 30 (Bernama) — A total of 3,529 housewives across the country have registered and contributed to the Housewives’ Social Security Scheme (SKSSR) between Dec 1 and Dec 27.

 

The Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), in a statement, said the state with the highest number of SKSSR contributors is Selangor with 1,042 individuals, followed by Johor with 435 and Perak, 319.

 

“While in Sabah, a total of 92 out of 38,284 eligible individuals have registered and contributed with SKSSR. About three million housewives in this country are eligible for SKSSR protection.

 

 

 

“The government has allocated RM20 million for SKSSR contribution assistance for housewives from the B40 group who are registered with the i-Suri Scheme (under the Employees Provident Fund),” the statement read.

 

SOCSO said it encourages housewives to register and contribute with SKSSR, which provides them with protection against accidents, illnesses and deaths related to household management

 

Meanwhile, SOCSO said it also organised a career and SKSSR programme in Manggatal near here yesterday, which was officiated by Deputy Human Resources Minister Mustapha Sakmud. Also present was SOCSO chief executive Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohamed.

 

 

 

“More than 1,500 vacancies were offered by 18 participating employers by holding open interviews for various positions in various sectors such as manufacturing, construction, real estate, accommodation and food and beverage,” the statement read further.

 

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Saint Lucia updates Citizenship by Investment regulations effective Jan 1, 2023

CASTRIES, Dec 30 (Bernama) — Saint Lucia has updated the regulations of its Citizenship by Investment Programme to remain increasingly competitive while ensuring the Caribbean country fulfils its mandate of growing demand for its investment products to benefit the people of Saint Lucia.

 

The island nation has made bold strides in offering an alternative investment option in the Caribbean’s most developed and diverse economies.

 

In a statement, Saint Lucia said the amendments to the existing regulations will take effect from Jan 1 next year.

 

 

 

The Caribbean country is emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies in the region and the nation is well-known for offering various investment and business opportunities.

 

“Lauded for its advanced and modernised infrastructure, Saint Lucia has one of the most resilient, modernised education and healthcare systems in the region,” it said.

 

Through the National Economic Fund, this programme has helped the nation to develop important public infrastructure, and the funds from the programme have been directly contributing to advancing the standard of living of Saint Lucians.

 

 

 

While the programme is the newest in the region, launched in 2016, the government has made sure to set the bar very high.

 

According to the statement, the programme has been regarded as one of the most advanced, secure as well as transparent such programmes.

 

 

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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PM’s Johor visit hoped to boost ties between federal, state governments

JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 30 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s first working visit to Johor following his appointment is hoped to boost ties between the federal and state governments.

 

Deputy Local Government Development Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said this following the warm welcome by state leaders, including Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and state secretary Tan Sri Azmi Rohani, in the presence of over 3,000 Johorians during Friday prayers at Kampung Melayu Majidee Mosque here today.

 

“He told me to arrange it for Friday prayers, and out of so many mosques, Kampung Melayu Majidee Mosque was chosen as Anwar had officiated the groundbreaking ceremony in 1995.

 

 

 

“I am also thankful to the Menteri Besar for coming to welcome the Prime Minister, with the hopes that ties between the federal government and state government can be boosted,” he said.

 

Akmal Nasrullah also said that he had the opportunity to discuss the flood situation in Johor during Anwar’s visit, adding that the prime minister said the federal government was committed to flood mitigation efforts, such as those in Segamat.

 

“The details will follow, along with the issue of flash floods in Johor Bahru city,” he added.

 

 

 

The prime minister had previously spent almost an hour enjoying lunch together with the local community and leaders at Restoran Murtabak Kampung Melayu Azo 96.

 

 

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Two varsity students drown during picnic at Sg Chiling

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 (Bernama) — Two students of a private university were found drowned during a recreational outing at Sungai Chiling in Peretak, Kuala Kubu Bharu, near here today.

 

The two victims were identified as Shaik Rahim Khan Salauddin and Muhammad Arief Haiqal Azhan, both 21.

 

They were with five other friends on a trip to the river for a swim and picnic this morning.

 

 

 

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director, Datuk Norazam Khamis, said that on receiving a call at noon today, five personnel and a fire engine from the Kuala Kubu Bharu Fire and Rescue station were dispatched to the location, and arrived 20 minutes later.

 

“Upon arrival, one of the victims was already taken ashore by members of the public and was given breathing aid by the rescue team.

 

“The second victim was located by the firefighters at 12.45 pm,” he said, adding that the bodies were sent to Kuala Kubu Bharu Hospital for post-mortem.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Hulu Selangor district police chief, Supt Suffian Abdullah, said that the investigation found that the incident occurred when one of the victims tried to save his friend, who was having difficulties under the bridge.

 

“During the incident, the victim’s friend heard him screaming for help. He then reportedly tried to save his friend, before they were both swept away by the strong currents.

 

“Both victims were confirmed dead by the assistant medical officer who was present at the scene. The death was classified as sudden death,” he said in a statement today.

 

Suffian also advised members of the public who visit picnic spots or want to do any water activities, to take extra precautions to avoid any untoward incidents.

 

 

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

 

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PM receives warm welcome at nostalgic Kampung Melayu Majidee mosque

JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 30 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim received a warm welcome from about 3,000 Johoreans during his visit to the Kampung Melayu Majidee mosque today where he was involved in officiating the building’s groundbreaking ceremony 27 years ago.

 

He officiated at the ceremony in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister in 1995.

 

Anwar, who was on a working visit to the state for the first time after his appointment as the 10th Prime Minister, performed Friday prayers at the mosque along with Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Johor Bahru Member of Parliament and Local Government Development Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.

 

 

 

Before performing prayers at the mosque, he spent about half an hour having lunch with the local folks and leaders at Restoran Murtabak Kampung Melayu Azo 96.

 

The mosque was attended by an extraordinary congregation, many of whom wanted to see the country’s top leader up close.

 

There was a bit of a commotion after the prayers when the crowd surged towards the Tambun Member of Parliament to take photos and videos and some of them also chanted the word ‘Reformasi’.

 

 

 

The mosque’s chief Imam and secretary Mohamad Izuddin Hassan said Anwar was delighted by the warm welcome.

 

“We had a chat and the prime minister was also happy to have sampled the famous ‘murtabak’,” he told reporters after the prayers.

 

Earlier, the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar at Istana Bukit Serene here granted Anwar an audience, which was the second meeting after he was sworn in as Prime Minister.

 

Also present was the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.

 

 

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

 

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Saint Lucia updates its Citizenship by Investment regulations to remain competitive in the investment migration industry

Castries, Dec. 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Saint Lucia has amended the regulations of its Citizenship by Investment Programme to remain increasingly competitive and ensure that the Caribbean country fulfils its mandate of growing demand for its investment products for the ultimate benefit of the people of Saint Lucia.

As one of the youngest Citizenship by Investment products in the market, Saint Lucia has made bold strides in offering an alternative investment option in the Caribbean’s most developed and diverse economies.

The country’s Citizenship by Investment Unit has taken a comprehensive review of its Citizenship by Investment offerings following approvals from the Citizenship by Investment Board and Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Ernest Hilaire. The below amendments to the existing regulations will take effect from 1 January 2023.

  • Developers applying for approved real estate under the Citizenship by Investment Programme or enterprise projects will now have to pay due diligence and background check fee of US$7,500.
  • The replacement fee for a lost or damaged certificate will increase from US$100 to US$500.
  • Investors who have been a citizen of Saint Lucia for 12 months or less that are looking to include a newborn dependent through the country’s National Economic Fund will now have to pay a fee of US$5000, this has increased from US$500.
  • There is also an introduction of a new Bond Offer for investors purchasing non-interest-bearing Government Bonds with the following qualifying investment sums:
Category of applicant Bond purchase sum Bond holding period
Applicant and all qualifying dependents of any number US$300,000 5-year holding bond
Administrative fee (regardless of the number of dependants) US$50,000
  • To qualify for second citizenship through the real estate option, investors will have to invest a minimum of US$200,000, a reduction from US$300,000.

Saint Lucia is emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies in the Caribbean region and the nation is well-known for offering various investment and business opportunities for people looking for options to plan their wealth and diversify their portfolios.

The country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme is a perfect choice as it offers ideal business opportunities to investors who do not want to be bound by border limitations.

The Caribbean country is recognized for providing a second home not just to investors but to their families too. The nation has been lauded for its advanced and modernized infrastructure. Saint Lucia has one of the most resilient, modernized education and healthcare systems in the region, which makes it ideal for investors and their families.

The Citizenship by Investment Programme of this Caribbean country attracts Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the nation which is used for advancing various projects such as the development of infrastructure, advancement of real estate, business expansion and job innovation.

The CBI Index 2022, published by PWM Magazine of Financial Times, reported that CBI is assuring the small island nation of Saint Lucia has become independent, developed and prosperous in the true sense. The report also recognized the programme for its “Ease of Processing” and “Due Diligence” Pillars. This year, Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme climbed a spot and gained the third position.

Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Unit makes sure that citizenship is given to credible applicants of good standing while their dependants over the age of sixteen are also subject to multi-layered due diligence checks, in order to qualify for alternative citizenship. Saint Lucia asks for detailed information from the applicants to understand the funding source of the investors who want citizenship.

On this due diligence aspect, Minister Ernest Hilaire recently addressed concerns and fears related to Saint Lucia’s CBI Programme. He gave assurance that the government of Saint Lucia and its CBI Unit perform a strict and rigid due diligence process. Hilaire explained that the due diligence process is a multi-layered procedure noting, “Due diligence is performed by our Unit on all applicants, this is then followed by another due diligence check by the banks. This is then followed by due diligence checks by international intelligence units who also do on-the-ground assessments.”

He also noted that the Government and Unit have been planning to review the country’s CBI programme, making it more attractive as well as competitive. Minister Hilaire announced that these updates would maintain the country’s rigorous but seamless vetting process.

While the programme is the newest in the region, launched in 2016, the Government has made sure to set the bar very high – the programme has been regarded as one of the most advanced, secure as well as transparent programmes.

Through the National Economic Fund, this prestigious programme has helped the nation to develop important public infrastructure. The funds from the programme have been directly contributing to advancing the standard of living of Saint Lucians.

Alternative citizenship in the Caribbean nation is emerging as a platform to alleviate and tackle the risk of uncertainty and unpredictability in future. There is no other better plan than investing in building a new home at a place which offers ample opportunities and, most importantly, peace out of the hustle and bustle of big cities.

PR Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia
+1 758 458 6050
mildred.thabane@csglobalpartners.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8721602