Bus services back to normal at BSI after salary misunderstanding resolved
The company issued a public apology, saying it appreciated the public's patience and understanding during the 45-minute interruption, which began about 7am today.
In a brief statement today, Causeway Link confirmed the matter has been fully resolved and operations have since returned to normal.
Earlier, the New Straits Times reported that thousands of Malaysian workers commuting to Singapore were left stranded when about 100 bus drivers abruptly staged a strike over alleged pay cuts.
With no bus drivers in sight, some commuters were forced to trek the 1.05km stretch from Johor Bahru to Singapore on foot. The drivers had abandoned the buses with the doors shut at the complex.
"The company has consistently upheld the practice of timely and accurate salary payments," the statement said, adding that measures are being taken to improve internal communication and avoid a repeat of such incidents.
The Sultan Iskandar Building, among the world's busiest land checkpoints, serves hundreds of thousands of daily travellers, many of whom commute between Johor and Singapore.
The company reiterated its commitment to fair, performance-based compensation and respectful engagement with its workforce.
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The Star
30 minutes ago
- The Star
HONOURING 30 YEARS OF EXTRAORDINARY MALAYSIANS
Celebration honours records from Everest to the thickest egg tart, with hopes of inspiring future generations THE Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) celebrated its 30th anniversary with a black-tie gala that recognised 91 national record holders across sports, business and media as well as arts, science and social impact. Held at One World Hotel in Petaling Jaya, the evening brought together more than 800 distinguished guests in a celebration of Malaysians who had dared to dream big and succeeded. The black-tie event was attended by achievers past and present, including Olympic medallists, pioneering entrepreneurs, Paralympians, influencers and sustainability advocates. The recipients honoured at MBR's 30th anniversary record-breaking gala showcased the breadth of Malaysian talent and ambition, with records spanning human achievements, sports, education, business, arts and entertainment, community engagement and technology. The awards recognised both individual milestones such as youngest or first achievements, as well as organisational accomplishments, including sales performance, community engagement, longest non-stop live streams and entrepreneurship. The MBR also spotlighted business and entrepreneurial organisations that have supported local brands and record-setting ventures, including the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, SME Association of Malaysia, Branding Association of Malaysia, Malaysia Retail Chain Association and Pertubuhan Usahawan Maju Malaysia (PUMM). PUMM president Datuk Teh Tai Yong credited the MBR for helping PUMM members boost their brand presence and inspiring them to aim higher and build greater trust, both at home and abroad. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, who officiated the MBR gala, commended the organisation for evolving in tandem with the nation's aspirations over the past 30 years. Legacy of 'Malaysia Boleh' MBR chairman Datuk Seri Michael Tio traced the organisation's roots and its evolution over the decades. 'Malaysia Book of Records started in 1995 during the Malaysia Boleh era, when we needed a record book to register all the Malaysia Boleh record attempts,' he said in his keynote address. That vision to document, verify and celebrate Malaysian excellence over the past 30 years, Tio said, has resulted in 'over 8,800 records and 17 published editions of record books.' 'That's our journey so far, but we've now moved on beyond human achievements to include business and community impact. 'We also want to help NGOs, politicians and communities gain wider recognition for their efforts,' he said. Inspiring a new generation In his speech, Tio recounted how the MBR TV series that first aired on RTM in 1996 ran for 250 episodes and helped foster a 'Malaysia Boleh' spirit among a generation of young Malaysians. 'Those kids who watched in the '90s and 2000s? They're now the ones breaking records.' To reignite another wave of the same momentum, MBR will soon launch a new series in collaboration with Bernama TV. Titled 'Malaysia Book of Records 2025: Malaysia Luar Biasa', the 13-episode programme is scheduled to begin airing on Bernama TV from Aug 26. 'I feel it is important for us to continue that kind of storytelling, 'That's why we're starting the new series around the time of our National Day on Astro 502.' A platform for all Malaysians Tio added that MBR would continue to expand its efforts to reach every corner of the country. More than achievements, Tio said, the idea of pushing MBR far and wide is to cultivate national unity. 'During the Merdeka and Malaysia Day season, there are plenty of national records happening all over Malaysia and they should be recorded,' he said. 'It's not just about displaying the achievement –we want it to be recognised, talked about and remembered.' 'I want to see national unity and I want to see all races working together to achieve a record.' Giving back to athletes Tio also announced a new charitable foundation to help athletes who lack funding for their record-breaking efforts. 'We feel that many athletes are working hard to break records and go international, but they suffer from insufficient funds. 'Therefore, we decided to establish Yayasan MBR to support our athletes and community projects.' He cited Soh Wai Ching, a world tower-running champion and world record holder, as an example of the type of athlete the foundation aims to support. 'He didn't get any funding from our government, despite being a world record holder. That's why we're stepping in.' Tio also announced that former Penang governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak had agreed to become the patron of the foundation. Helping businesses recover In the business world, MBR also helped SMEs to stand out in a competitive post-pandemic landscape. 'During the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot of businesses suffered. Post-pandemic, many tried to reactivate but found it difficult. 'So, we reached out to the SME community and activated the Malaysia Book of Records for SMEs to help them with branding and exposure,' said Tio. Among the earliest and most successful participants was Oriental Kopi, recognised for producing the thickest egg tart and selling the most number of egg tarts. 'It was a brilliant idea and niche selling point. From that point on, we've had a lot of applications.' From Everest to Empire State The highlight of the evening was the awards presentation to 91 individuals and organisations who had earned their place in the record books. Among them was Datuk M. Magendran, Malaysia's first man to summit Mount Everest. 'Standing on the summit of Mount Everest, with the national flag in my hands, was a moment of immense pride,' he said. 'The core motivation was always 'Malaysia Boleh' – the belief that Malaysians can achieve greatness, even in a hostile environment.' Also honoured was Soh, who is also the first Asian triple-champion of the Empire State Building Run-Up. 'My goal is not just to win, but to make a statement,' said Soh. 'Even if it's not our building, we can be proud that a Malaysian is the fastest.' Spotlight on innovation and inclusivity Other notable record recipients included: > Datuk Rosyam Nor – Actor-turned-entrepreneur who launched Malaysia's first 24-hour upscale wholesale mart – ST Rosyam Mart – during the pandemic. > Sophia Zara Mustaffa Kamal (15) – Youngest female Malaysian to earn a podium finish in a sanctioned touring car championship. > Norhasmat Abdul Aziz – Double gold medallist at the Asian Road Cycling Championships. > Minbappe (Ahmad Muhaimin) – Malaysia's first FIFAe World Cup Mobile Champion. > Goh Liu Ying – The first Malaysian female badminton player to win an Olympic medal. > Mohd Sukur Ibrahim – Known as Malaysia's shortest man, who continues to inspire through motivational talks and community work. Media organisations recognised Several media organisations were recognised for their continued support of MBR over the years such as Bernama, Star Media Group, Media Prima Group and Media Chinese International Limited Group as well as digital platforms media like MalaysiaKini, MalaysiaGazette, The Scoop Online, Good Foodie Media, TV Sarawak and more. Gala entertainment and celebration Guests were treated to a series of live performances including Martin Looi, who holds the record for the highest-altitude violin live stream. Mark Yong and Pinky Loo, who are record holders for the fastest costume changes, delivered a high-energy performance featuring 14 wardrobe switches in under one minute. Guests also had the chance to walk through displays of past record editions and themed photo booths.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Furniture's tough outlook
Industry in crisis: Workers assembling furniture at a furniture manufacturing plant. Industry players say sector faces domestic, global pressures JOHOR BARU: The furniture sector is struggling under mounting global and domestic pressures, leading to some long-standing manufacturers shutting down after decades of operations, say industry players. Muar Furniture Association (MFA) president Steve Ong said some businesses had ceased operations over the past two years, including several original equipment manufacturers, as they felt the future of the industry was not promising. 'The situation has become increasingly tough for local furniture makers who are already grappling with policies that burden businesses. 'Aside from having to deal with the expanded sales and service tax (SST), the US-imposed tariffs on Malaysian exports are also an added burden for those focused on the American market,' he said in an interview. Ong, whose association represents more than 800 members, pointed out that the higher electricity tariffs and mandatory Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions for foreign workers are also adding to the pressure. He said MFA has continued to call for a temporary suspension of the SST, electricity tariff hike and EPF contribution for foreigners. Ong also urged the government to provide financial incentives or assistance to help companies transition better. He said that while the government is encouraging automation, many industry players are hesitant to make the change. 'If local furniture makers are forced to shut down or relocate overseas, it will not only affect jobs but the entire supply chain will suffer,' he said, adding that the MFA held a dialogue session with industry players last week to listen to their concerns. Many participants, including a furniture maker who has been in the business for over four decades, lamented about the 'policies that are not business-friendly' which are hurting the economy. Malaysian Furniture Council president Desmond Tan, who is also MFA executive adviser, said the council received over 180 petitions from industry players about the untimely policies. He added that the council had submitted a petition to Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Ghani and met with his deputy Datuk Chan Foong Hin over the matter. 'We have expressed our concerns and requested their help to convey the message to the Prime Minister. 'During the meeting, the deputy minister told us that he would speak to the Finance Ministry about the SST, which we take as a positive step,' he added. Johor, particularly Muar, produces the majority of Malaysia's furniture. The United States was the top destination for Malaysia's furniture last year, followed by Singapore, Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
What's next after one-off cash aid?
Groups: Stronger economic model needed PETALING JAYA: The special targeted relief announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must be complemented by long-term strategies to support those in need, says the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca). Its vice-president Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham said while Fomca welcomes the measures, including the one-off RM100 cash assistance for eligible individuals and the adjustment of RON95 ceiling price, the impact of such initiatives remains limited due to its one-time nature and the escalating cost of basic goods and services. 'In the long term, Malaysia needs a more resilient and inclusive economic model that puts the welfare of ordinary consumers at the centre of policy-making. 'While short-term aid is necessary during times of economic uncertainty, it must be complemented by structural reforms that reduce cost burdens, protect vulnerable groups including the lower middle class segments, and ensure a fairer distribution of national wealth,' she said when contacted yesterday. Yesterday, Anwar announced several key initiatives as part of the Madani government's appreciation for the people, including a one-off RM100 Sara aid via MyKad for all Malaysian adults, postponement of toll rate hikes for 10 highways, and a lower subsidised RON95 petrol price of RM1.99 per litre. Kathleen Chem, an associate director in Fitch Ratings' Sovereigns team, said: 'Fitch estimates the total cost of these measures at RM2.3bil, or about 0.1% of GDP, which we believe can be accommodated within the Budget 2025 target of 3.8% of GDP. 'Eligible Malaysians will also benefit from a lower RON95 petrol price of RM1.99 per litre, below the current subsidised rate, when the targeted subsidy for RON95 petroleum is implemented,' added Chem. However, she said rationalisation of RON95 subsidies appeared to be further delayed as details would be announced only by the end of September. 'Further delays or insufficient progress on subsidy rationalisation could undermine consolidation efforts and jeopardise the government's goal to reduce the deficit to 3% by 2028. 'Fitch expects Malaysia's general government debt to remain high, at around 76.5% of GDP in 2025, with only a gradual decline in the medium term based on the current fiscal consolidation plan,' she added. Small Medium Enterprise Association of Malaysia president Dr Chin Chee Seong said the measures announced were more for the people and not for businesses. The RM100 cash incentive and the reduction in the electricity bill was meant to help the people cope with inflation, he said, but the cost of doing business, too, had been on the rise. The public holiday announced, too, would result in production loss, especially for the manufacturing sector. 'No concrete measures to ease the burden of SMEs (were announced), especially on the issue of increasing cost of doing business. 'We are to face additional cost when RON95 rationalisation is implemented,' he said. Welcoming the announcement, the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) said the measures would help ease the cost of living and spur household consumption expenditure. 'Pending the detailed announcement of the fuel subsidy rationalisation mechanism in terms of eligible criteria, a reduction of RM0.06 in RON95 price to RM1.99 per litre would benefit around 18 million car and motorcycle users,' it said in a statement. While the special holiday on Sept 15 – set in appreciation of the Malaysia Day celebrations on Sept 16 – would encourage more 'cuti-cuti Malaysia' over a long weekend, ACCCIM said this could also lead to additional labour costs. Saying that it is looking forward to the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) on July 31 and Budget 2026, the group added that the government's five-year blueprint and spending plan would ensure the continuity of national development, as well as prioritising sustaining economic resilience and high-quality investment. It hopes no new tax measures or policies would be introduced under Budget 2026 as this would further burden businesses that are already reeling from cost increases. 'Malaysia must continue to maintain pro-investment and business-friendly policies to attract and retain both domestic and foreign investments, fostering economic growth,' said ACCCIM in the statement. Malay Businessmen and Industrialists Association of Malaysia (Perdasama) president Mohd Azamanizam Baharon said the measures announced were seen as proactive and people-friendly steps that would have a direct positive impact on the domestic economy. 'The drop in fuel prices, for example, will help reduce business, logistics and transportation costs, allowing traders to remain competitive. 'At the same time, the additional holiday (on Sept 15) is expected to boost local tourism and the hospitality sector. 'Perdasama members involved in this industry, including hotel operators, homestay owners, restaurants, hawkers and small traders, will certainly welcome this move, which is likely to increase bookings, tourist visits and sales during the long holiday,' he said.
