MCA Youth slams govt over Dr M's RM486k Japan trip
'Who is really tightening their belts? The people, or you, so-called reformist leaders?' MCA Youth central committee member Lee Kok Seng asked in a statement today.
He pointed out that the average Malaysian worker...
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New Straits Times
18 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Amendment to Fisheries Bill tabled for second reading in Dewan Rakyat
KUALA LUMPUR: The Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025, which among other things, seeks to raise the general penalty for fisheries-related offences from RM20,000 to RM100,000, was tabled for the second reading in the Dewan Rakyat, today. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu when tabling the bill today said the amendments are aligned with current needs and the development of the fisheries industry both domestically and internationally. He said the amendment is deemed highly necessary to address the issue of declining fisheries stocks through a holistic management approach. He added that the government is facing various challenges in its efforts to ensure the sustainability of the national fisheries sector, including issues such as the leakage of fishery resources, declining fish stocks, the impact of climate change, and concerns over food security and the guarantee of fish supply for the people. "Among the key challenges are anthropogenic activities such as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, overfishing, and marine pollution that threaten marine habitats," he said. The proposed amendments cover six key areas, including efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities by tightening control over both local and foreign vessels. This includes monitoring loading and unloading operations, fish transfers, vessel maintenance, and supply activities. It also involves prohibiting fishing in polluted areas to safeguard the integrity of the national food supply chain. Other amendments focus on strengthening the legal framework for marine parks and reserves to fulfil Malaysia's obligations under international instruments, and increasing general penalties to enhance enforcement and ensure that appropriate measures are taken against violations of the Act and its related regulations. The bill also seeks to clarify the application of Act 317 across all Federal Territories, including Putrajaya, and to support more targeted interventions through the collection of accurate and reliable data. The Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025 comprises a total of 47 clauses. Among the key changes are on Clause 17 which amends Section 16 to require the captain of a foreign fishing vessel to notify authorities via official electronic communication upon entering and exiting Malaysian fisheries waters. Meanwhile, Clause 19 amends paragraph 25(b) by increasing the general penalty in all matters other than those involving foreign fishing vessels or local fishing vessels operating on the high seas from RM20,000 to RM100,000. Clause 20 amends Section 26 to raise the maximum fine to RM250,000 for offences involving the use of explosives, poisons, pollutants, electric current equipment, or prohibited gear. Clause 21 amends Section 27 to prohibit any person from fishing, disturbing, harassing, capturing, killing, possessing, selling, buying, exporting, transporting, or storing any aquatic mammal or turtle or any part or derivative thereof found outside state jurisdiction. The fine for such offences will increase from RM5,000 to RM250,000. "These amendments are part of policy and legislative reforms aimed at strengthening regulation in the national fisheries sector. "The Bill provides for measures to address licensing issues and the use of unsustainable equipment. The Director-General's powers are strengthened to set technical requirements for vessels, monitor movement and enforce licence compliance with the support of data-driven monitoring systems. "Given the current status of national fish stocks, several zones have been identified as critically stressed. Therefore, the declaration of marine protected areas is essential to enable recovery actions to be effectively carried out based on scientific data. "The government is aware of the issues affecting the fisheries sector, and thus the need to enhance enforcement and build a strong legal foundation is of utmost importance," he said.
The Sun
18 minutes ago
- The Sun
Ramssol forges landmark AI, cloud computing collaboration with Tencent, Equinix
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is set to accelerate its digital transformation by tapping Chinese expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, following a landmark collaboration spearheaded by Ramssol Group Bhd with Tencent Cloud and supported by Equinix. The Malaysia-China Tech & Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference 2025, held in Sheraton Petaling Jaya today, underscored the nation's ambitions to become a regional hub for next-generation technologies while deepening bilateral ties with China. The initiative will introduce Tencent Cloud's advanced AI and cloud solutions to the Malaysian market through Ramssol's subsidiary, Rams Solutions, targeting retail and service industries seeking to automate operations, enhance customer engagement and adopt data-driven strategies for greater competitiveness across Asean markets. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, who officiated the event, said Malaysia's leadership as Asean Chair in 2025 positioned it uniquely to drive regional innovation and stability. She highlighted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's role in brokering peace between Thailand and Cambodia over a border dispute as an example of Malaysia's diplomatic and technological leadership. 'Technologies such as AI, smart communication, and cloud computing are redefining how economies grow, connect and innovate,' Teo said. 'Malaysia is proud to play a pivotal role in this journey. With our strategic position in Southeast Asia, a growing digital economy, and a future-ready talent pool, we remain committed to driving innovation that benefits all.' She stressed the need for alliances 'anchored on trust, mutual respect and shared ambitions' to build an open, secure and future-focused digital ecosystem that supports investment and long-term growth. Teo also outlined ongoing initiatives under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, including technical standards by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to ensure communications equipment and services meet safety, interoperability and reliability benchmarks. Malaysia's broader digital push includes the Online Safety Act 2025, which mandates platforms to curb harmful content such as scams, cyberbullying and child exploitation, while maintaining innovation and free expression. She cited campaigns like Kempen Internet Selamat reaching over 43,000 participants in 348 schools and cashless adoption drives at Nadi Centres benefiting 1.8 million users as examples of initiatives fostering safer and more inclusive digital participation. Broadband penetration currently stands at 130.8% for mobile and 48.4% for fixed lines. Ramssol Group chairman Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah said the collaboration reflects the group's long-term strategy to position Malaysia as a bridge for cross-border technology exchange and innovation in Asean. 'These collaborative events are more than just knowledge-sharing platforms; they are strategic gateways to future growth,' he said. 'By aligning Malaysia's digital ambitions with China's tech expertise, we are paving the way for sustained innovation, enhanced bilateral trade and scalable transformation across Asean.' The conference also showcased Tencent Cloud's real-time communication platforms, unmanned retail solutions, automated parking systems and intelligent media processing tools, technologies that have transformed consumer experiences in China and are now being introduced to Malaysian enterprises. Equinix's participation ensures scalable, secure digital infrastructure for cross-border solutions, with analysts noting robust infrastructure as vital for seamless technology integration. Teo described the initiative as a model for international cooperation where the Malaysia–China relationship continues to stand as a model where innovation drives value and collaboration leads to mutual prosperity. 'Let us move forward with confidence and a shared commitment to shaping a better, smarter future for Asia through innovation and cooperation,' she said.
The Sun
18 minutes ago
- The Sun
Malaysia holds special meeting to improve highway telecom coverage
KUALA LUMPUR: A special meeting was held to tackle telecommunications and internet coverage issues on Malaysian highways, according to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. The discussion involved Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM). The meeting was prompted by frequent complaints from highway users about dropped calls and poor connectivity. Nanta stated, 'To date, approximately 50 kilometres of highways have been identified as not receiving telecommunications coverage, including in several sections of the PLUS Expressway, West Coast Expressway (WCE) and East Coast Highway 2 (LPT2).' Key outcomes from the meeting include the formation of a Special LLM-MCMC Task Force. This team will coordinate an action plan, identify critical drop call zones, and assess the need for additional telecom infrastructure. Highway concessionaires will also be engaged to implement both short and long-term solutions. Nanta emphasized the urgency of the matter, saying, 'This issue cannot be taken lightly. In an all-digital world, access to the internet and telecommunications network is no longer a luxury, but a basic necessity, including when on the highway.' Additionally, regional LLM and state MCMC teams are conducting on-site inspections to evaluate power supply facilities for infrastructure upgrades. Nanta also proposed MCMC's direct involvement in resolving frequency disruptions and supporting the multi-lane free flow (MLFF) system. He reaffirmed the government's commitment, stating, 'Our commitment is clear, not only to build roads, but also to ensure that the people are always connected smoothly and safely.' – Bernama
