Earlier, the state government announced a cash assistance of RM1,0000 will be given to about 10,000 household heads who have been affected by the unexpected severe floods on Dec 18.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
Hack attempt: MAF’s communications network remains secure – Affendi
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 13 (Bernama) — The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) has confirmed that its communication network remains secure following hacking attempts.
Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Affendi Buang said the hacking activities had been detected early and preventive measures were implemented accordingly.
He said the hackers used phishing methods to conduct random attacks on the official email network used by several agencies in the Ministry of Defence and MAF.
“The security and cyber defence aspects of MAF are constantly being monitored to ensure that all threats that attempts to disrupt the defence communication network can be dealt with appropriately.
“MAF constantly monitors and improves aspects of cyber security from time to time as a measure to deal with any possible response to cyber attacks by foreign elements that may interfere with the operation of MAF’s cyber and ICT systems as well as that of the Ministry of Defence,” he said in a statement today.
Affendi said all the actions taken were to prevent further intrusions by hackers who remain a threat to the national strategic defence communications network.
Earlier, media reports stated that a new hacker group, identified as Dark Pink, used phishing emails and advanced malware to compromise defences of military branches in the Philippines and Malaysia, as well as government organisations in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
PM Anwar congratulates Sudha Devi for reappointment as Chair of Commonwealth Foundation
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 13 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim congratulated Datuk Sudha Devi KR Vasudevan for her reappointment as the Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation for the second term, effective Jan 1.
In a posting on Facebook, Anwar said the reappointment of Sudha Devi received consensus support from all 56 member countries of the Commonwealth.
“She is a Malaysian and the first Asian to hold the Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation since its establishment in 1966. Congratulations, Dato’ Sudha Devi!” he wrote.
The Foreign Ministry in a statement on Tuesday said the reappointment of Sudha Devi to the position was a reflection of Malaysia’s significant role and strong commitment to supporting the work of the Foundation, as well as the Commonwealth organisation, as a whole.
The former Malaysian High Commissioner to Australia was first elected to the position in 2020 through an election held in London.
According to Wisma Putra, as Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation, Sudha Devi presides over meetings of its Board of Governors; represents the Foundation at intergovernmental meetings and events; and serves as its ambassador in promoting the Foundation’s vision and values.
The Commonwealth Foundation was established with the aim to support and strengthen people’s participation, especially through civil society organisations (CSOs) to build democratic societies.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
CIDB issues stop-work order after aluminium formwork panel falls on vehicle
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 13 (Bernama) — The Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) issued a stop-work order after a panel of aluminium formwork fell on a public vehicle today.
CIDB said in a statement the notice was issued to the project’s main contractor to maintain public safety and carry out an investigation to identify the cause of the incident and those responsible.
“According to the initial report, the incident occurred at about 9 am while work was being conducted to open the aluminium panels on the 55th floor.
“One of the panels fell and hit a public vehicle parked by the roadside opposite the project site,” read the statement.
No injuries or fatalities were reported, it added.
Earlier, a photo showing a car damaged by falling construction material went viral on social media.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
LZS, Etiqa Takaful continue to empower poor urban children’s education
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 13 (Bernama) — The Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) continued its efforts to promote educational development among poor urban children by opening the third Selangor Al-Biruni Zakat Innovation and Learning Centre at Enggang Flats, Bandar Kinrara, near here.
LZS chief executive officer (CEO) Mohd Sabirin Mohd Sarbini said LZS, in collaboration with Etiqa Family Takaful Berhad and Etiqa General Takaful Berhad renovated two apartment units owned by LZS according to the concept and requirements, and equipped them with computers, reading rooms, study rooms, and comfortable lounge areas.
“Etiqa Family Takaful Berhad and Etiqa General Takaful Berhad contributed RM640,000, which includes the cost of renovation and purchase of equipment and utensils, including operational management costs for a period of two years,” he said at the opening ceremony of the centre here today.
Also present were Etiqa Family Takaful Berhad CEO Zafri Ab Halim, Etiqa General Takaful Berhad CEPO Shahrul Azuan Mohamed, Selangor Mufti-cum-LZS Committe Member Datuk Dr Anhar Opir, and Terengganu Mufti Associate Professor Dr Mohamad Sabri Haron, who is also the Etiqa Takaful Group syariah committee.
Mohd Sabirin said Al-Biruni Zakat Selangor was developed under the LZS Urban Poor Children Development Programme, which aims to curb the problem of social problems and improve educational facilities by creating a safe and conducive space and environment for the city’s poor children to meet and learn.
He said LZS also collaborates with ADAB Youth Garage (AYG), which is responsible for regulating operations and carrying out activities that have been planned annually.
“AYG study found that children who dropped-out due to lack of interest, falled to master reading, writing and counting (3M) skills. To address this problem, the 3M Intervention Class programme will be implemented in all Al-Biruni Zakat Selangoir, including Desa Menteri, Petaling Jaya, and Tanjong Karang,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zafri said the contribution channeled through LZS was part of Etiqa Takaful’s annual zakat given directly to eligible welfare institutions under the Etiqa Takaful Corporate Zakat Responsibility programme
“It is hoped that this innovation and learning centre can be utilised and maintained as best as possible by the children involved and this contribution will encourage them to learn more diligently for a brighter future,” he said.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
Op Selamat: Police identify 30 accident prone hot spots
ALOR GAJAH, Jan 13 (Bernama) — Police have identified 30 hot spots where accidents often occur across the country, said Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
He said his department has mobilised as many as 6,559 officers and traffic personnel to ensure smooth traffic flow and reduce accidents in conjunction with Op Selamat themed “Safe Home, Safe Arrival to Destination” which will start from Jan 18 to 27.
“In addition, a total of 5,875 officers and patrol police personnel are also assigned to crime prevention patrols,” he said at the launch of Op Selamat Chinese New Year 19 at Jejantas Ayer Keroh Restaurant (Southbound) here today.
Plus Malaysia Berhad Chairman Datuk Mohamad Nasir Ab Latif and Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) Director Datuk Mat Kasim Karim were also present.
Razarudin said the leave of officers and traffic personnel was also frozen during the festive season in an effort to reduce traffic congestion and fatal accidents.
He said police will also focus on the six main offences regularly committed by drivers, namely exceeding the speed limit, driving in the emergency lane, overtaking at double lines, queue jumping, not obeying traffic lights and using handphones while driving.
Mohamad Nasir in his speech said Plus expects as many as two million vehicles to use the North-South Expressway every day during peak hours throughout the period which is an increase of 20 per cent compared to normal days.
He said Plus will issue a Travel Time Advisory (TTA) to help disburse traffic and help users plan their journeys on highways.
He said motorcyclists accounted for 64 per cent of the number of fatal accidents on the Plus Highway in 2022, therefore collaboration with the police and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) is very important to reduce such incidents.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency