Smallholders Continue To Receive Monsoon Season Assistance This Year
He said RM264.91 million has been allocated for the initiative, which is expected to benefit more than 330,000 recipients nationwide, including those under the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) and the Sabah Rubber Industry Authority (LIGS).
"This assistance aligns with the MADANI Government's commitment to safeguarding the welfare of rural communities. BMT is not just a one-off financial assistance, but a lifeline and a source of livelihood when the rainy season threatens harvest and income.
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The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Sultan Ibrahim begins historic state visit to Russia from August 5
MOSCOW: The Russian capital is prepared to welcome His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, as he begins his first state visit to Russia from August 5 to 10. The visit, at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, marks a historic milestone in Malaysia-Russia relations since diplomatic ties were established in 1967. Malaysian Ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai shared that Sultan Ibrahim looks forward to productive discussions with President Putin, particularly on mutual interests. 'His Majesty hopes this meeting will open a new chapter in bilateral relations,' Cheong told Bernama. The King has long admired Russia's historical and technological achievements, having fostered trade and investment ties during his reign as Sultan of Johor. 'His Majesty shares President Putin's passion for horse riding, among other interests,' Cheong added. Two key locations in Moscow—the Russian Automotive Technology Development Center (NAMI) and the Tochka Kipeniya Technology and Innovation Center—are set to host Sultan Ibrahim. At NAMI, the King will examine advancements in automotive research and development, reflecting his personal interest in the industry. Tochka Kipeniya's visit will allow Malaysia to explore Russian innovations in AI-driven drone and robotics technology, with applications in security, defence, and environmental projects. A briefing session at the Kremlin, where Sultan Ibrahim will meet President Putin, was attended by senior Malaysian officials, including Chief of Government Ceremonies Datuk Rozainor Ramli and Grand Chamberlain of Istana Negara Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini. Sultan Ibrahim departed from Subang Air Base at 8.55 am (Malaysian time) and is expected to arrive in Moscow on Tuesday. Following his engagements in the capital, he will proceed to Kazan from August 8 to 10. Ascending the throne as Malaysia's 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on January 31, 2024, Sultan Ibrahim's visit underscores the growing diplomatic and technological collaboration between Malaysia and Russia.


New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Moscow ready to welcome arrival of Sultan Ibrahim for state visit to Russia
MOSCOW: Moscow is ready to welcome the arrival of His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia who will begin his maiden state visit to Russia from tomorrow until Aug 10. Malaysian ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai said Sultan Ibrahim expressed hope that the meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday could open a new chapter in Malaysia-Russia bilateral relations. "His Majesty also expressed hope that the two leaders can hold productive discussions, especially on matters of mutual interest," he told Bernama here. Cheong said Sultan Ibrahim also admired the historical and technological values in Russia, and had even established many interactions with the country in the fields of trade and investment since His Majesty's reign as the Sultan of Johor. "His Majesty also shares the same interests as President Putin, such as horse riding," he said. This visit at the invitation of President Putin is considered historic and meaningful because it is the first state visit by a Malaysian Head of State to Russia since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1967. Two locations for the visit in Moscow, namely the Russian Automotive Technology Development Center (NAMI) and the Tochka Kipeniya Technology and Innovation Centre, are also ready to welcome Sultan Ibrahim's arrival. "His Majesty will visit NAMI to inspect and explore Russian automotive technology, particularly in the field of research and development. "This visit provides an opportunity for His Majesty to see first-hand the advancement of Russian technology given His Majesty's deep interest in the automotive industry," said Cheong. The visit to Tochka Kipeniya, he said, also provides an opportunity for Malaysia to explore innovative Russian solutions in the field of drone and robotics development through artificial intelligence applications for public use, security, defence, environment, space projects and biodrones. Earlier, Cheong attended a briefing session on the national celebration event at the Kremlin, the location of Sultan Ibrahim's official meeting with President Putin. Also present at the session were Foreign Minister head of protocol Datuk Yubazlan Yusof, chief of government ceremonies, Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Rozainor Ramli and the Grand Chamberlain of Istana Negara Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini. Sultan Ibrahim departed from the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang at 8.55am (Malaysian time) and is scheduled to arrive here on Tuesday. After Moscow, His Majesty is scheduled to travel to Kazan from Aug 8 to 10.


Sinar Daily
an hour ago
- Sinar Daily
DAP leaders urge forgiveness, Umno Youth demands 'stern action' over flag incident
The latest controversy, an upside-down flag flown at a Chinese primary school in Port Dickson, has once again stirred public outrage, with political voices now calling for calm. Coming just weeks before National Day, the incident has raised uncomfortable questions: Are national symbols being treated with the respect they deserve? Why do such errors keep recurring in vernacular schools? - Bernama photo for illustration purpose only SHAH ALAM – From missing stripes to misplaced colours, Malaysia's beloved Jalur Gemilang has seen its share of design mishaps. The latest controversy, an upside-down flag flown at a Chinese primary school in Port Dickson, has once again stirred public outrage, with political voices now calling for calm. The incident occurred at a Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) in Port Dickson, where a worker mistakenly hoisted the national flag in reverse. Images quickly went viral, reigniting public frustration over repeated blunders involving the country's most important national symbol. Coming just weeks before National Day, the incident has raised uncomfortable questions: Are national symbols being treated with the respect they deserve? Why do such errors keep recurring in vernacular schools? DAP Lukut state assemblyman Choo Ken Hwa confirmed that the flag was flown upside down, but quickly clarified that the mistake was made by a mentally disabled worker. "This happened because the headmaster had engaged a worker with an intellectual disability and he was the one who put up the flags around the school. "He used an old flag, and when putting it up, it was placed upside down. After being informed by the public, the flag was taken down within two hours," Choo said in the 15th Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly. Choo went further, urging the public to stop spreading the image and not to blow the issue out of proportion. "I was on the ground that day. I personally coordinated the programme with the school and PIBG. This is not a matter to go viral," he said, urging that the issue be forgiven and forgotten. Many Malaysians are not so quick to forget. The upside-down flag, universally recognised as a sign of distress or disrespect, has appeared before in similar contexts, often involving Chinese schools. DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke echoed the sentiment, warning against politicising the matter. 'Every time something like this happens, there will be people who try to make it political. I believe this was just a mistake. The Education Ministry is investigating whether it was intentional or not. There is no need for any party to take advantage of this for political gain,' Loke told reporters after launching the Merdeka Month celebrations in Seremban. Loke also reminded all Malaysians to treat the Jalur Gemilang with respect, especially during National Month. 'We always remind everyone, when we fly the Jalur Gemilang, do it correctly and respectfully. Sensitivity is important,' he said, adding that schools should set the right example in fostering patriotism. The school involved, SJKC Chung Hua, has since issued a public apology for the mistake, with both the PIBG and Board of Governors expressing regret over the incident. Despite apologies from the school and DAP leaders, the backlash has not abated. Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has called for stern action to be taken against those responsible. Port Dickson police chief Maslan Udin confirmed that a 30-year-old suspect has been identified in connection with the case. 'The flag was brought down on the same day. We hope the public will stop circulating the photograph,' he said. Authorities are investigating the incident under four separate laws: Section 504 of the Penal Code — Intentional insult likely to provoke a breach of peace or another offence (up to two years' imprisonment, a fine, or both). Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 — Indecent, abusive, or threatening behaviour likely to disturb public peace. Section 5 of the Emblems and Names Act 1963 — Prohibits unauthorised use of protected emblems or names (up to RM20,000 fine, three years' prison, or both). Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 — Criminalises transmission of offensive or false content intended to annoy, abuse, or harass (fines and potential imprisonment). This is not an isolated case. In April this year, a local Chinese-language newspaper apologised after publishing a front-page image of the Jalur Gemilang without its crescent moon, a key symbol of Malaysia's Islamic heritage. The error appeared in its April 15 edition covering the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping in Malaysia. The artwork depicted a symbolic boat carrying the Malaysian and Chinese flags to mark bilateral ties. More Like This