Day: March 6, 2023

GEORGE TOWN, March 6 (Bernama) — The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) is ready to mobilise its emergency drone squad for relief work in flood-hit states.

Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the drone squad, managed by the Special Drone Emergency Services Task Force (PTK2Dron), was capable of doing surveillance, search and rescue operations and medical supply delivery.

“Our drone squad has been on standby mode for immediate deployment to help security forces in flooded areas, if asked by the Fire and Rescue Department and any other rescue agencies.

“During the floods in Selangor last year and the recent landslide, our squad was mobilised to help enforcement teams handle drones. In the (Selangor) floods, 20 high-capacity drones were used to deliver medicines to inaccessible areas,” he told reporters after opening the Drone Gallery at Penang Tech Dome, Komtar, here today.

PTK2Dron, strengthened through an initiative under the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS), was launched by MOSTI last year for drone companies to get technical support, regulatory assistance and test site support.

Meanwhile, Arthur said the drone industry in Malaysia was expanding rapidly and had emerged as the best among Southeast Asian countries at 21st spot in the world Drone Readiness Index (DRI) 2023, up from 30th last year.

He said this DRI achievement was due to the early results of the Malaysian Drone Technology Action Plan 2022-2030 (MDTAP30) and other initiatives involving solid cooperation with various agencies and other interested parties.

“MOSTI is also actively implementing various initiatives and programmes to continue expanding drone technology, especially to youths, because this industry has the potential to contribute RM50.71 billion to Gross Domestic Product and create job opportunities for more than 100,000 people by 2030,” he added.

He said Penang Tech Dome’s initiative in setting up the drone gallery could expose the younger generation to new technology and various applications through experience-based learning.

“This is in line with our vision and effort to offer more drone technology approaches to the younger group in a sustainable manner through the inculcation of local talent and interest,” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that the government is giving aid and assistance directly to those in need, including flood victims, not necessarily through the respective Members of Parliament.

Citing the RM50 million flood aid for Johor as an example, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the aid was meant for the flood victims, not the state.

“The RM50 million is meant for those in need.

“It may have not reached the Members of Parliament, but it will reach the grassroots,” he told reporters after attending the National Craft Day 2023 exhibition at the Craft Complex here.

Anwar said this in response to Pagoh Member of Parliament Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s call for the government to allocate at least RM300,000 to every elected representative, including from the opposition, to enable them to channel immediate aid and assistance to flood victims in their areas.

Muhyiddin also called for immediate flood aid of RM50 million to Johor to be increased to RM100 million.

However, Anwar said the government would spend the RM50 million first, which would be channelled directly to those affected by floods without having to go through the various stages.

“There’s no commission, so the aid will go directly to the (flood) victims. The flood mitigation project has also been expedited. If we include that too, we have actually allocated almost RM1 billion for Johor,” he said.

On the RM300,000 for every Member of Parliament, Anwar said he is open to discussion with Muhyiddin.

Earlier, Anwar spent about 30 minutes at the craft exhibition themed ‘Ini Kraf Malaysia’ (This Is Malaysian Craft).

The exhibition will run until March 13 with a target of RM16 million in sales and 185,000 visitors.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) — National Craft Day 2023 is one of the platforms to elevate the country’s craft industry by bringing together craft entrepreneurs and communities from all corners of the country.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the National Craft Day, which has been held for two decades since 2003, has recorded a total sales value of more than RM260.6 million.

“I am confident that it will continue to increase every year with efforts and high commitment from all parties.

“Craft, not only plays a role in stimulating economic growth, but it is also a means of fostering harmony between races in the country,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Anwar who is also the Minister of Finance said the involvement of various races in the production of craft products can create unity via the creation of works that highlight the identity of each ethnic group in Malaysia.

“Congratulations to MOTAC (Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture) for organising the National Craft Day 2023. The uniqueness of craft needs to be preserved, restored and protected as parts of our effort to pass down our arts and culture to future generations,” he said.

Themed ‘Ini Kraf Malaysia’, the National Craft Day 2023 which runs from March 1 to 13 at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex, aims for a sales value of RM16 million and the presence of 185,000 visitors.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency