Day: March 6, 2023

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Social media app security regulation being studied to protect government secrets – Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA, March 6 (Bernama) — A regulation or guideline is being studied to ensure the security of social media applications and devices used by civil servants, especially among administrative officers, to protect government secrets, according to Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said Cyber Security Malaysia (CSM) has been asked to scrutinise several aspects relating to security issues involving the use of social media applications at all government offices and agencies.

Fahmi said this was because the use of social media applications, such as TikTok and Facebook in government offices would indirectly reveal some secrets or sensitive matters to the public.

“I have asked the CSM to really scrutinise all social media applications because we don’t want any violation of the Official Secret Act, especially when the administrative officers are handling classified documents. So, the security aspect is really important.

“Secondly, in terms of filming (social media content). We have to make sure whether the filming can be allowed at certain places. That is among the aspects to be looked into,” he told reporters after attending his ministry’s monthly assembly here today.

Noting that some countries had already advanced in the security aspects, Fahmi said his ministry will study the basis, as well as decisions made, so as to ensure that everything can be easily understood and adopted in the Malaysian context or at least provide suitable options.

As such, the minister said agencies such as the Information Department, Broadcasting Department and also the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) to intensify efforts to educate people about the dangers of scammers.

He said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had also been asked to call up social media platforms that are being used by scammers to commit crimes.

Fahmi also advised Communications and Digital Ministry (KKD) personnel to change their computer passwords regularly to avoid data theft.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Issue of TVET graduates gets attention in Dewan Rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) — Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was among the topics raised during the debate on the Supply Bill 2023 today, with one Member of Parliament suggesting that the government make it compulsory for investors to hire TVET graduates.

Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad (PN-Kepala Batas) said such a policy was needed to ensure TVET graduates were given a chance to enter the labour market in line with the Sixth Thrust of Budget 2023, which is to strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors.

“Generally, they are creative and skilful; it is only that they were not given opportunities to venture into a skills field of their choice,” she said in the Dewan Rakyat.

Sim Tze Tzin (PH-Bayan Baru) asked the Human Resources Ministry to set a reasonable starting salary for university graduates from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses as well as TVET graduates.

“When I graduated 20 years ago, the salary of an engineer was RM2,000. Now an engineering graduate is getting only RM2,500. It doesn’t make sense that a TVET graduate in STEM is getting a minimum salary of RM1,500. Who would want to pick STEM?” he said.

Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (PN-Kuala Kangsar) urged the Education Ministry (KPM) to scrutinise the implementation of TVET, claiming that some institutions were “underutilised” and that data showed students lacked interest in taking up TVET.

“Apart from a lack of promotion, (availability of) many jobs in the gig sector are also seen as a factor in deterring youths from pursuing TVET education. I hope this matter can be rectified,” he said.

Sabri Azit (PN-Jerai) suggested that KPM upgrade the Identity Management System (idME) to make it user-friendly and effective in facilitating the learning process.

“An issue frequently raised by teachers is that idME was reported to be still unstable and not yet suitable for use, including hosting final academic session examination results. This situation does not include the heavy traffic, and it should have been implemented in pioneer schools first,” he said.

The House will sit again tomorrow.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Over 200 teachers fail to report, reject placement in Sarawak – MOE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) — A total of 222 of the 3,227 one-off specially recruited teachers who were given placements in Sarawak, failed to report or rejected the offer as of Sept 30 last year, the Ministry of Education (MoE) said.

The MoE, in response to an oral question on the Parliament website today, informed that the 3,227 one-off teachers included 2,621 permanent teachers and 606 teachers who were appointed on contract basis for placement in Sarawak.

“The recruitment of teachers will be carried out continuously from time to time depending on vacancies available and the need for subject choices,” according to the ministry.

This was in reply to a question from Ahmad Johnie Zawawi (GPS-Igan) on the the number of one-off and contract teachers who did not report for work or had rejected the offer to teach in Sarawak and the steps taken by MoE to fill the vacancies.

According to MoE, Sarawak-born teachers are given priority to be placed in the state based on vacancies available and subject options requirement.

For professional development of new teachers, MoE has implemented the New Teacher Development Programme to assist and enable new teachers to adapt to the school environment, culture and community.

“New teachers also receive continuous guidance from mentor teachers in improving their professional competence, especially skills and expertise to ensure that learning and teaching (PdP) can be delivered more effectively,” the ministry said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Floodwater level in Batu Pahat rises, public urged to be vigilant

BATU PAHAT, March 6 (Bernama) — Police are urging the public, especially volunteers of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to be vigilant following a rise in floodwater level in this district.

Batu Pahat district police chief ACP Ismail Dollah said that this afternoon, police detected a rise of 0.3 to 0.5 metre in floodwater level in the district even though the weather was hot.

Ismail said this was due to the flow of water from Segamat district into the district via Sri Medan and then to Parit Sulong.

The areas still affected by floods are Parit Raja, Ayer Hitam and Taman Sri Gading here.

“I advise those who want to enter this area to be careful because there are routes that are still flooded or only one route is open. Follow the instructions of the authorities,” he told Bernama when met at the Sri Medan police station here today.

He said the three main roads that are still closed to all types of vehicles are Sri Medan-Parit Sulong, Batu Pahat to Parit Sulong via Jalan Parit Jalil and Seri Gading-Sri Medan.

He said other routes are still passable but certain stretches are only open in one direction.

“As of yesterday, we have closed eight temporary relief centres because these places were flooded, including in Sri Medan, Parit Haji Kamisan, Tongkang Pechah and Yong Peng,” he said.

A check by Bernama in Sri Medan today found that the weather was hot but floodwater was still overflowing on the roads and some houses were flooded.

As of 4 pm today, the number of flood victims in Johor was 43,270 involving nine districts, with Batu Pahat being the worst affected with 21,164 evacuees.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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30 hypermarkets join Payung Rahmah initiative

PUTRAJAYA, March 6 (Bernama) — About 30 hypermarkets in the country have taken part in the Payung Rahmah initiative since it was launched last January, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.

Through the Payung Rahmah initiative, the B40 group can save up to RM24 when buying 12 types of basic goods at hypermarkets participating in the programme.

“The encouraging response from hypermarkets will help the government address the rising cost of living among the B40 households and hardcore poor,” he told the media after launching AEON Co (M) Bhd’s Rahmah Raya programme here today.

The Payung Rahmah initiative which was implemented to reduce the cost of living among the low income group includes Menu Rahmah meals, Rahmah Sales Programme and Rahmah package.

On the Menu Rahmah initiative that was introduced last month, Salahuddin expressed his appreciation to stall and restaurant operators who have maintained the quality of food though the meals are sold at RM5 and below.

“I have never received reports of poor food quality with regards to Menu Rahmah meals. Alhamdulillah, and I wish to thank all food operators (stalls and restaurants) as they do not compromise on the quality of food sold,” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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MKI’s new chapter hoped to bring change to elevate Islam – Selangor Sultan

PUTRAJAYA, March 6 (Bernama)– The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah hopes that the 69th National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) meeting, chaired by him today, will serve as a starting point in the efforts to return the role of governing on matters related to Islam to the right party.

Sultan Sharafuddin, who presided over the council meeting for the first time since being elected as MKI chairman last year, said that it was his great hope that all parties would respect the provisions, stipulated under the Federal Constitution, which guarantee the rights and powers of the Malay Rulers.

“I am confident that with the start of this new chapter, the Conference of Rulers, as the voice of the rulers in Malaysia, can play an appropriate role to advance Islamic administration at the federal level and enable a closer relationship with the states, in line with the principles of the constitution,” said His Royal Highness at Istana Melawati, Putrajaya here.

The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also MKI deputy chairman, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.

His Royal Highness also hoped that the people’s representatives and the ministers would focus on solving the various problems which the people are facing, as well as restore the prosperity and glory of the country.

“Recently, I have read newspaper excerpts related to the policy of the government led by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, where he gave his assurance that the LGBT group (lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender), the secular state concept and communism will never be recognised by his administration.

Sultan Sharafuddin said that the assurance given by the Prime Minister was timely, to give confidence to the people that the government is serious about preserving Islamic principles based on Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah.

He also called for all parties to give solid support to the efforts to elevate Islam, empower MKI and place the administration of Islamic religious institutions at the federal level on the right track.

“Representatives in their respective states should also bring up any suggestions, which have been implemented at the state level, that are suitable to be shared for the common interest of our country and fellow Muslims.

“I hope that, with the start of this new chapter of MKI, we will all be able to walk together with a new spirit and mindset, bringing good changes in the effort to elevate Islam in Malaysia,” he said.

In the 258th Conference of Rulers last year, Sultan Sharafuddin was elected as chairman of MKI for a period of two years.

The conference also decided that one of the ruling monarchs should take over the role and responsibilities of the chairman, in rotation for two years, while the Prime Minister is appointed as deputy chairman in accordance with the recommendation of the Islamic Affairs Committee.

Before this, in practice, the chairman post was held by the Prime Minister, starting with the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra AlHaj.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Penang State Assembly approves motion to declare four seats vacant

GEORGE TOWN, March 6 (Bernama) — The Penang State Assembly today approved the motion to declare vacant the seats of four assemblymen in the state.

The assemblymen, namely Dr Afif Bahardin (Seberang Jaya), Zulkfili Ibrahim (Sungai Acheh), Khaliq Mehtab Mohd Ishaq (Bertam) and Zolkifly Md Lazim (Teluk Bahang), were also ordered to leave the State Assembly sitting at midday after the majority of the assemblymen voted in favour of the motion.

Earlier, State Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang allowed the motion to be tabled and debated in line with the State Constitution following the High Court’s decision on March 2 in dismissing the four assemblymen’s application for an injunction to prevent the Penang state assembly from tabling the motion to vacate the seats until their appeal is heard.

Law also said that the unexpected vacancy of the state seats would not be filled as the State Assembly would be dissolved in less than two years.

The motion was proposed by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman (PH-Pinang Tunggal) and seconded by the State Housing, Local Government, Rural and Town Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo (PH-Datuk Keramat).

Ahmad Zakiyuddin said Article 14A of the Penang State Constitution clearly stated that a state assemblyman must vacate his seat if he resigns, is stripped of his membership, ceases to be a politician or is chosen as a candidate by another political party.

He said that was the case for the Bertam and Teluk Bahang assemblymen who were Bersatu members contested under PKR ticket during the 14th General Election, and also for Sungai Acheh and Seberang Jaya assemblymen who were sacked from PKR.

Twelve assemblymen including Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (PH-Padang Kota): Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (PH-Pantai Jerejak); Lee Chun Kit (PH-Pulau Tikus); Muhammad Faiz Fadzil (PH-Permatang Pasir) dan M. Satees (PH-Bagan Dalam) and Mohd Yusni Mat Piah (PN-Penaga) debated the motion.

For the record, the Federal Court bench chaired by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat had, on Dec 16 last year, dismissed a leave application by the four assemblymen to challenge the competency of the state legislative assembly to pass an anti-hopping law.

The four assemblymen had also filed the suit in 2020 to challenge the constitutionality of Article 14A(1) of the Penang State Constitution, and to stop their seats from being declared vacant, pursuant to Article 14A(1).

Source: BERNAMA News Agency