Day: May 29, 2023

The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) is encouraging women to undergo breast and cervical cancer screenings, which are provided for free by the government.

Its Deputy Minister, Aiman Athirah Sabu, said the ministry, through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), always strives to reduce the number of women who do not participate in these screenings.

“The good news is that throughout May, in conjunction with the Mother’s Day celebration, these two tests (mammogram and HPV DNA tests), as well as BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose tests, are given free of charge to all eligible women.

“The free mammogram and HPV DNA tests will continue until the end of the year,” she told reporters after officiating at the Women’s Well-Being Seminar here today.

LPPKN has been running the Mammogram Subsidy Programme since 2007, which has benefited 47,166 women in Penang as of April 2023.

The Cervical Cancer Screening Programme has been implemented since 2019, and 2,867 women in Penang have benefited from this programme as of last month.

Meanwhile, LPPKN deputy director-general (policy) Hairil Fadzly Md Akir said that understanding and awareness for early cancer detection is crucial in dealing with the increase in cases today.

He also said breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Malaysia, followed by colorectal and cervical cancer.

“Data from the National Cancer Registry Report 2012-2016 shows an increase in cancer cases detected in the advanced stage, i.e. stage three and four, to 47.9 per cent compared to 43.2 per cent recorded in the National Cancer Registry Report 2007-2011.

“This trend is very worrying and if no measures are taken to encourage more women, especially those at high risk, to undergo this screening test, the death rate from breast cancer will increase,” she said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

Sarawak is prepared to be the host of the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2024 celebration, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the state government would help by extending funds to journalists’ associations in Sarawak to organise HAWANA.

“If (Communications and Digital Minister) Fahmi Fadzil agrees, we (Sarawak) can be the host for next year’s HAWANA. The organising of HAWANA here will give a positive impact to journalism in Sarawak,” he said at a tea reception held in conjunction with the Sarawak-level HAWANA 2023 here today.

On Saturday, Fahmi said his ministry was considering to stage the HAWANA celebration in various parts of the country including Sabah and Sarawak so that all media practitioners could be involved.

On efforts to develop the media industry in the state, Abang Johari said Sarawak would organise an international-level media conference in the future.

“This conference will examine ways to enhance the quality of reporting and the kind of cooperation that can be established with universities in the field of journalism,” he said.

He said the recruitment of journalists from various backgrounds like finance and banking, economics and science can boost the quality of news reports.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

Improvements to close circuit TV (CCTV) infrastructure in public facilities and sexual harassment prevention courses are among the actions plans contained in the Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocacy (AAGS) programme guidelines.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said when officiating the AAGS programme roadshow here today that the guidelines include advocacy programmes for sexual harassment prevention and also to create awareness about sexual harassment.

“It includes suggestions and proper steps that need to be taken to increase prevention, including at workplaces, public transport, educational facilities and childcare centres,” he said.

The element of awareness is covered in programmes that boost understanding in communities about acts that lead to sexual harassment and measures that can be taken to address it, he added.

The guidelines, developed by the Women, Family and Community Ministry and have been in effect since March 28, can be obtained at the following link: pautan https://www.jpw.gov.my/images/jpw/pdf/250523_GARIS_PANDUAN_PELAKSANAAN_PROGRAM_ADVOKASI_ANTIGANGGUAN_SEKSUAL.pdf .

Ahmad Zahid, who is Rural and Regional Development Minister said the creation of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840) is a manifestation by the government that sexual harassment offences were a breach of human rights.

The Act was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on July 20, 2022 and the Dewan Negara on Aug 11, 2022 and has been in effect in stages since March 28.

Meanwhile, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri expressed hope that the programme would focus on the use of the guidelines in government and private organisations to ensure a safe environment for both women and men.

Her ministry, through the Women’s Development Department, will implement the advocacy programme in public premises and workplaces at the community level throughout 2023 across the country, she said.

Ahmad Zahid also recommended that the Communications and Digital Ministry take follow up action after Telegram refused to cooperate with the government to figure out a solution regarding cybersecurity issues involving the app.

He said that even though Telegram use was not as widespread as other apps in Malaysia, negative content would impact Malaysians nonetheless.

“As our country has a system, even though we have an agreement or protocol to entertain all media channels, this is not just a legal matter but the content spread in the app should be prevented,” he said.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil was reported to have previously said that Telegram had refused to meet and cooperate with the authorities even though they have been called upon to do so by the ministry repeatedly this year.

He added that Telegram was called up as the ministry received many complaints about the misuse of the platform, including online scams.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

The construction of a new block for women and children at the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA) here at a cost of RM605 million will commence soon, said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

She said the Public Works Department (JKR) is currently in the final stages of selecting the main contractor which is expected to be finalised latest by the end of June.

“The components of this project involve an additional 376 beds and several main facilities such as the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU).

“It will also include specialists clinics, operating theatre, Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) and car parks,” she said at a press conference after a working visit to HTAA here today.

Also present were Health deputy director-general (Public Health) Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli; Pahang Public Works, Transport and Health Committee chairman Datuk Mohammad Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff and Pahang Health director Datuk Dr Nor Azimi Yunus.

The construction of the new block was approved in the Third Rolling Plan under the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMK11) in 2019 to benefit about 564,000 residents in the district when completed.

Meanwhile, on the construction of the Maran Hospital which has been delayed for quite sometime, Dr Zaliha said it is in the initial stages and the Pahang Health Department (JKNP) visited the new site on Thursday (May 25).

The JKNP will obtain a site assessment from the relevant authorities including the JKR, Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), and confirmation of land status from the District and Land Office.

Overall, Dr Zaliha said allocations amounting to RM1.12 billion were given for the purpose of health development in Pahang, which also included RM12.9 million for upgrading dilapidated health clinics which she announced yesterday.

Regarding the upgrading work, Dr Zaliha said the procurement process for 41 clinics has completed and the projects are expected to take between two and seven months to complete, while another clinic is in the procurement process.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

Malaysia and Malaysians should adapt ‘hand in glove’ strategy to defend Palm Oil specifically and agricommodities products at large against unjust regulations, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantation and Commodities’ Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said.

“We all must stand tall, fly high and be proud of our very own Malaysian agricommodities and products. Going forward, all of us have to work hand in glove strategically. ‘Hand in glove’ means to work in extremely close relationship or agreement.

“It is my sincere hope that our dear Malaysian diaspora here in Brussel and all over the world could be our ambassadors to promote and share the right information about our agricommodities products,” he said.

Fadillah said this at a luncheon with Malaysian Diaspora in Brussels, which is the de facto capital of the European Union, as it hosts a number of principal EU institutions, including its administrative-legislative, executive-political, and legislative branches.

Malaysians need to continuously share and promote the health benefits of the country’s sustainable palm oil, which is an excellent source of tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E with strong antioxidants in keeping the immune system healthy, good for brain health, and helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

“To stand out in the fight, we need more than words,” he said.

Besides Palm Oil, there are also many success stories from other commodities.

“Our local cocoa beans champions, who have won awards internationally over the years for quality and taste, and we need you to convey the authenticity of our renowned Sarawak Pepper which has been awarded with a Geographical Indication (GI) status for its specific geographical origin with detailed information of the pepper qualities.

“As such, I would encourage each and every one of you to actively promote our treasures here in the land of Brussels or across the globe”.

Fadillah’s mission to the EU is a joint mission with the Government of Indonesia under the Council of Palm Producing Countries (CPOPC).

On Feb 9, 2023, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Plantation and Commodities and Dr (HC) Ir Airlangga Hartarto, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, mutually agreed to protect the interests of the palm oil sector by strengthening efforts in dealing with the discrimination against palm oil.

This is in response to the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), announced by the EU on Dec 6, 2022, which aims to prevent deforestation due to agricultural activities.

Joining him in his first visit to Europe since taking office were Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) chairman Mohamed Helmy Othman Basha, Malaysian Palm Oil Council chairman Datuk Carl Bek-Nielsen, as well as Sarawak’s Deputy Minister of Town Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh. Also present was Malaysia’s Ambassador to Belgium Datuk Ahmad Rozian Abd Ghani.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

The government will fight against any discriminatory trade practices against Malaysia’s agricommodity sector, says Deputy Prime Minister and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

As a producing and trading country, Malaysia is deeply concerned over the law’s implementation and the implications not only for palm oil but also its other main commodities such as timber, cocoa, and rubber, said Fadillah, who is on a Malaysia-Indonesia joint trade mission to the European Union (EU) to defend the palm oil industry following the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

“Some aspects of the risk-assessment process of the regulation are counter-productive to commitments to curb global deforestation and run the risk of disincentivising producing countries,” he said at a luncheon with the Malaysian diaspora here today.

Fadillah pointed out that the implementation of the regulation, announced by the EU on Dec 6, 2022, is based on unsound reasoning and has a weak scientific basis.

The EU is currently developing due diligence reporting to ensure companies comply with the EUDR.

“It places additional burdens on Malaysian palm oil exporters to the EU market, specifically on the additional traceability requirements and data that must be provided to end-customers based in the EU,” he said.

The EU accounts for 9.4 per cent of Malaysia’s palm oil export volume or 1.47 million tonnes.

Fadillah said Malaysia values the EU as one of its important trading and investment partners.

However, Malaysia sees the EUDR as a deliberate act by Europe to block market access and protect its domestic oilseeds market, which is inefficient and cannot compete with the cost of palm oil.

Such a unilateral initiative, he said, is detrimental to free and fair trade and could adversely impact the global supply chain as well as lead to higher food prices and reduced output at a time of record global inflation.

Political agenda and lack of knowledge

Fadillah said the debates within the EU over palm oil and biofuel sustainability issues reflect a lack of knowledge and deep understanding about the topic and the rising concern that the bloc is driven by an overly political agenda.

“I want to reiterate that come what may, Malaysia will continue the battle to promote the positive image of Malaysian agricommodity products and prove what we can do best in adhering to sustainable production and consumption,” he said.

For Malaysia, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals remain the utmost priority.

“We have embarked on sustainability initiatives, including national certification schemes, such as the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification scheme, Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) and Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) practices, with a view to facilitating access into the EU single market,” he said.

Fadillah said the MSPO standard already guarantees Malaysia’s commitment to comprehensive sustainability standards.

These standards show the country’s strong commitment and efforts to provide sustainable and deforestation-free palm oil to its European and global customers.

Therefore, he said, there is no need to add further costs and burdens to the industry, particularly to the smallholders, which will negatively impact their welfare and livelihood.

Agricommodity sector vital in poverty elevation

The agricommodity sector has not only become a poverty elevation tool but also plays a significant contribution in reviving the Malaysian economy back on track post-COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

“I firmly believe that this ministry (Plantation and Commodities Ministry) is essential in spearheading the agricommodity trade and ensuring the sector is well-governed, particularly in protecting the livelihood of more than 700,000 smallholders with our initiatives and efforts, (and) at the same time, during these challenging times, providing job and business opportunities along the supply chain,” he said.

Hence, Fadillah said, the government has remained steadfast in its efforts to mitigate these challenges and fight these baseless allegations.

“It is with this mandate my ministry decided to show the world Malaysia’s strong positions, commitment and initiatives towards a sustainable agricommodity sector,” he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

The Menu Rahmah initiative has successfully contributed to the reduction of the inflation rate of the food-outside-the-home prices for the first time since August 2021, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.

He said the inflation for food outside the home had dropped from 9.6 per cent to 9.3 per cent since the initiative pioneered by voluntary food operators was introduced last January.

Salahuddin added that the initiative had also been able to increase the sales of participating companies by 25 to 30 per cent on average.

“That’s why they (the companies) have named this Menu Rahmah initiative as a crowd-puller. The gains in volume have become an attraction (for companies to participate) and it gives profit to the companies,” he told a press conference after launching Menu Rahmah at Wangsa Maju KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants here today.

Salahuddin said that KFC and Pizza Hut owned by QSR Brands became the 3,000th company to participate in the Menu Rahmah initiative.

“This proves that this initiative has actually been able to conquer or win the hearts of industry players who let part of their profits to be returned to the people,” he said.

Following the success of the Rahmah initiative in general, Salahuddin also announced that a consortium involving industry players would be set up to improve the initiative.

Meanwhile, Salahuddin said that the ministry had not received any complaint about the price increase or lack of supply of coarse and fine-granulated sugar since the government allowed two local sugar producing companies to market clear refined white sugar.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency