Day: March 13, 2023

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Samarahan’s rapid progress result of people-gov’t cooperation – S’wak Deputy Premier

KOTA SAMARAHAN, The rapid development in the Samarahan Division is proof that the people will benefit if they continue to cooperate with the government in the implementation of projects, said Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan.

The Sarawak Deputy Premier said before the 1980s, the division was only accessible via river transport but it is now enjoying the fruits of development in the form of infrastructure amenities and a better standard of living.

“In fact, the value of land in villages, rural and town areas will soar with development,” he said at a ceremony to present compensation cheques for projects in the Samarahan division here today.

He said development projects could be implemented faster if the people continued to cooperate in matters like land compensation.

According to him, landowners need not worry because the compensation given will be commensurate with the current value.

At the event, Awang Tengah handed over cheques for more than RM20 million to 111 recipients whose land was involved in the construction of rural roads, coastal roads, and village expansion schemes.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Egg import borne by company, does not involve public funds – MAFS

PUTRAJAYA, The special approval for the temporary import of eggs does not involve public funds, said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS)

In a statement today, MAFS said any expenditure and risks to import eggs are fully borne by the importing company and no public funds are used.

“The Malaysian government does not provide subsidies to imported chicken eggs as enjoyed by local chicken egg producers,” he said.

On Dec 6, the Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced the approval to import eggs from external sources as a temporary measure to overcome the shortage of eggs.

The temporary special approval until June 30 2023 was given to J&E Advance Tech Sdn Bhd and an egg exporting company in India that has the supply capacity and is also supplying eggs to Qatar during the 2022 World Cup.

In order to ensure that the people receive imported eggs that are safe and disease-free, MAFS said the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) and the Veterinary Services Department implemented controls on the entry of imported chicken eggs at the country’s entrance.

The control is a hold, test and release (HTR) test that includes PCR tests for the detection of Salmonella bacteria, Newcastle Disease virus and Avian Influenza.

“Only eggs that pass the HTR test are allowed to enter the country. So far no imported chicken eggs have failed this test,” he said.

MAFS said based on DVS records, the Unity Government’s efforts to overcome the shortage of egg supply in the country since last January have started to show positive development.

Based on that record, Malaysia has a shortage of 118,272,070 eggs in October 2022; 157,543,291 (November 2022); 1,282,094 (December 2022) but experienced an increase of 160,649,928 in January this year.

“The government will always take proactive measures to ensure that the food supply in the country is sufficient and assured,” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Foodpanda celebrates Ramadan, organises CSR with offers for customers

KUALA LUMPUR, As Ramadan approaches, Foodpanda Malaysia welcomes the arrival of the holy month with a variety of interesting offers to bring blessings as well as help those in need.

Foodpanda Malaysia chief executive officer Sayantan Das said following the continuous support from Malaysians, the company would like to share sustenance in conjunction with this Ramadan.

“We are happy and honoured to be able to collaborate with various restaurant partners in introducing another virtual Ramadan Bazaar this year, and bring joy to every Malaysian,” he said in a statement today.

He said Foodpanda Malaysia is organising a number of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including through the Oh Kasih CSR Initiative which encourages customers to use the PANDA code throughout Ramadan, where the voucher code will be redeemed for one meal at PERTIWI Soup Kitchen.

“In addition, customers can choose a special combo offer, where they can shop for riders with meals from ‘For Riders’ category, from participating restaurants through the Rider Shopping Brother and Sister initiative,” he said.

Regarding special offers in conjunction with Ramadan, Sayantan said customers can also place orders at selected restaurants that provide a variety of special Ramadan menus and combos such as the Ramadan moreh box from Cafe Chef Wan and the Ramadan Combo from FamilyMart.

“Don’t forget to use the PINKPUASA code and enjoy a 20 per cent discount, limited to RM5 with a minimum order value of RM25 from selected restaurants,” he said.

He said customers can also maximise savings with various great promotions by using the code ALLDAY, BUKA7, DINNER, PICKUP starting March 23 to April 20.

He said, Ramadan essentials such as dates, F&N Sarsaparilla cordial, and mouthwash from pandamart, Lotus’s, Watsons, HeroMarket, and 7-Eleven, are also offered with great discounts for customers.

“Use the code SHOP10 and get RM10 off with a minimum order value of RM50 until the end of March for all stores in Foodpanda. In addition, get a RM4 discount on delivery charges when you spend at least RM50 from participating stores valid until 20 April.

“Also enjoy a RM10 discount with a minimum order value of RM60 until the end of this month when you use the code TENMART for pandamart,” he said, who also encouraged customers to order early to avoid any inconvenience when breaking fast.

More information about Foodpanda’s latest promotions can be found in the official Foodpanda website.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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There are other companies capable of developing KXP – Kedah MB

ALOR SETAR, The Kedah government has the option of choosing another company to develop the Kulim International Airport (KXP) project should Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary’s company pulls out.

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said there are other companies, which are capable of being involved in the project, that have sent KXP development proposal papers to the state government.

He said the state government would also call KXP Airport City to give a briefing on the extent of dealings with Syed Mokhtar’s company concerning the project.

“If he (Syed Mokhtar) has to reject, please do, I have no problems with him, perhaps he can be involved in other projects. If he rejects it, we will make a new assessment (of other companies).

“We will see the final decision of the Albukhary Group based on their answer later,” he told a media conference after the Kedah State Legislative Assembly sitting at Wisma Darul Aman, here, today.

Muhammad Sanusi said the state government made an offer to two companies, including Syed Mokhtar’s company, for a joint venture to develop the KXP project and the other company, which has cargo expertise, has already given feedback saying it is ready to collaborate.

Meanwhile, the Kedah Menteri Besar said that the 12 new houses built by the state government for those who lost their homes o floods and a water surge in Kampung Iboi near Baling last year are expected to be completed before April 27.

“Those wanting to stay there have taken part in the draw for the houses that they will be getting,” he said, adding that eight more houses built by the Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA) for victims of the water surge have already been completed.

The Kedah state assembly will sit again tomorrow.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Finance minister’s political secretary lodges report over Muhyiddin’s statement

PUTRAJAYA, The political secretary to the Finance Minister Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim today made a police report against Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, on his statement of a prosecution plan against him using enforcement agencies to achieve the minister’s political ends.

Speaking to the media after making the police report at Putrajaya district police headquarters (IPD) here today, Muhammad Kamil said the report was made after finding Muhyiddin’s statement was defamatory and could create a negative perception on the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said based on the statements issued by Anwar, the prime minister stated that the government today under his leadership will not interfere in any investigation or action decided by the authorities.

Muhammad Kamil said MACC has the right to investigate any individual in line with the agency’s status as an independent body.

Meanwhile, Putrajaya district police chief ACP A. Asmadi Abdul Aziz when contacted confirmed receiving the report and that police will conduct an investigation.

On March 10, Muhyiddin reportedly described the prosecution against him as a form of political intimidation that was planned using enforcement agencies as a tool to achieve political goals.

On March 10, the former prime minister was charged in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on six charges related to money in Bersatu’s account.

He pleaded not guilty to four charges that as the Prime Minister of Malaysia and president of Bersatu he used his position to receive bribes amounting to RM232.5 million and two charges that he received money from illegal activities amounting to RM195 million, as Bersatu president.

Today, Muhyiddin was charged with one charge of receiving money from illegal activities amounting to RM5 million, and he pleaded not guilty.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Anwar to review Budget 2023 details to ensure best level of delivery

KUALA LUMPUR, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that he will review the details of the MADANI Budget to help ensure the best level of delivery.

Anwar, who is also the Minister of Finance, said it was also to ensure that the problems facing the people are dealt with efficiently and fairly.

“This move is important to ensure that the benefits reach the people and the groups targeted by the government,” he said in a post on Facebook today.

According to the post, Anwar said this during a luncheon with Pakatan Harapan MPs where he spoke about the importance of MPs playing their roles effectively.

Budget 2023, tabled by Anwar on Feb 24, involves an allocation of RM388.1 billion with RM289.1 billion for operating expenditure, and RM99 billion for development expenditure including RM2 billion in contingency reserve.

On March 9, the Supply Bill 2023, the first budget under Anwar’s leadership, was passed at the policy stage in the Dewan Rakyat.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Number of flood evacuees drop in Johor, Melaka, situation in Pahang remains the same

KUALA LUMPUR, The number of flood evacuees in Johor and Melaka continue to drop while the situation remained the same in Pahang, with an overall 39,846 people being sheltered in 128 relief centres tonight.

In JOHOR, the number of evacuees dropped slightly to 39,677 people as of 8 pm compared to 40,005 people at 4 pm after three relief centres – Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultan Alaudin in Muar, Yong Peng High School and Sekolah Agama Air Puteh in Batu Pahat – were closed, leaving 125 centres in four districts still open.

Batu Pahat remained as the most badly hit district, with 38,878 evacuees from 10,847 families; followed by Muar with 524 evacuees (163 families); Segamat 212 evacuees (56 families) and Tangkak 63 evacuees (12 families).

The water levels of two rivers in Batu Pahat still exceed the danger level, Bekok Dam in Sungai Bekok at 19.39 metres (m) and Sungai Senggarang in Senggarang (3.62 m), while Sungai Muar in Bukit Kepong, Muar is at 3.37 m.

In MELAKA, the number of evacuees in Jasin dropped to 24 people from five families tonight compared to 55 people from 13 families at 2 pm. All of them are being housed at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Parit Penghulu.

In PAHANG, the flood situation remained the same, with 145 people from 51 families still being housed in Rompin district.

From that total, 90 people from 29 families are at SK Leban Chondong and 55 people from 22 families are at SK Kampung Aur.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency