Security personnel praised for professionalism during KL rally
He confirmed no complaints were lodged, reinforcing the government's commitment to peaceful assembly under the Federal Constitution.
Speaking after the RELA anniversary event at Dataran Kulim, Saifuddin Nasution said the opposition must now decide whether to continue protests or focus on policy alternatives.
'They can rally weekly or propose better solutions for public evaluation,' he stated. – Bernama
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Borneo Post
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13MP: Pan Borneo, SSLR, Trans Borneo Highway completion top priority, says Works Minister
In a statement today, Nanta says this aligns with the federal government's push for equitable development across all regions. – Bernama photo KUCHING (Aug 2): The Works Ministry is prioritising the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway, Sarawak–Sabah Link Road (SSLR), and Trans Borneo Highway as key infrastructure projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), assures Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. In a statement today, Nanta said this aligns with the federal government's push for equitable development across all regions. 'The ministry is committed to completing the Pan Borneo Highway Project in Sabah and Sarawak within the 13MP period, in addition to continuing the construction of the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) and the Trans Borneo Highway as the main drivers of Borneo integration,' he said in response to the 13MP tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Parliament on July 31. The SSLR will provide a direct land connection between Sarawak and Sabah without passing through Brunei, while the Trans Borneo Highway will link Malaysia to Kalimantan, boosting cross-border trade and tourism. Nanta also revealed plans to expand rural road networks nationwide, targeting 2,800km of roads by 2030 – up from 2,436km in 2024. These include road upgrades in Felda and Felcra settlements, along with improvements in drainage, utilities, and other rural infrastructure. In Peninsular Malaysia, the ministry will continue upgrading the North–South Expressway (PLUS), including widening sections from Juru to Sungai Dua in Penang, and from Senai Utara to Machap in Johor, to support the Northern and Southern Corridors. Nanta added that completing the Lingkaran Tengah Utama (LTU) from Bentong to Kuala Krai remains a priority to drive development in the East Coast. To strengthen border connectivity, the ministry will upgrade the Rantau Panjang–Sungai Golok Bridge linking Kelantan and Thailand, and the Kalabakan–Simanggaris route connecting Sabah with Indonesia, he added. Nanta said the Works Ministry is embracing modern construction technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the Industrialised Building System (IBS) to boost project efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Road safety will also be enhanced through smart infrastructure solutions, he said, including traffic lights, street lighting, and speed monitoring systems. In line with Malaysia's target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Nanta said his ministry will promote the use of eco-friendly building materials and low-carbon infrastructure solutions. 'The 13MP is not just about building roads, bridges and buildings. It is actually building the people's hope and confidence in the country's future. 'This is infrastructure for all that is fair, equitable and brings long-term benefits to all Malaysians, both in urban and rural areas,' he said. alexander nanta linggi Pan Borneo SSLR trans borneo highway
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia boosts assets, global partnerships to counter rising maritime threats
KUANTAN: Acquiring new assets and strengthening international collaborations are among the measures being taken by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) to address increasingly complex maritime threats in the region. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that, in addition to bolstering its logistical capabilities, the agency must move beyond its comfort zone by engaging and learning from countries with established maritime expertise. "The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) recently reported a growing reliance on maritime routes for drug trafficking, surpassing land routes. Malaysia, with its extensive coastline, is particularly vulnerable. "Besides that, we also face threats from foreign fishermen, human trafficking and contraband smuggling. "At the international level, we conduct joint maritime operations, share intelligence, and participate in capacity-building efforts with our counterparts in other countries to strengthen MMEA's capabilities. "These knowledge-sharing initiatives are crucial for enhancing maritime security. "To further secure the country's waters, MMEA will receive several assets including the former US Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast later this year, a Turkish-made Multi-Purpose Mission Ship in 2027, four new helicopters to be delivered in stages next year, and the completion of two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs)," he told reporters at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy here today. He had earlier attended MMEA's Junior Lieutenant and Junior Able Rate passing-out parade. Also present was MMEA Director-General Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah. On the procurement of OPV 2 and 3, Saifuddin said the agency is awaiting the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to finalise and issue the tender to the company selected to revive the construction project. "Only the first OPV, KM Tun Fatimah, has been completed, following an additional RM150 million allocation from the MOF. "We mutually agreed to terminate the contract with the original company for the remaining two vessels. "An open tender has already been conducted, and we are now awaiting final approval from the MOF. Once the tender is awarded, construction is expected to resume and take about 24 months," he said. Saifuddin said that the arrival of new assets will boost the morale and motivation of enforcement personnel while ensuring more effective maritime surveillance, complementing efforts such as radar-based monitoring. A total of 68 Junior Lieutenant officers and 186 Junior Able Rate personnel graduated from MMEA's basic training programme today.
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
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Pahang Sultan vows to keep speaking out against land encroachment in state
KUANTAN: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has reaffirmed his commitment to continue voicing concerns over land encroachment in the state until the illegal activity is completely eradicated. However, His Highness said, addressing the issue requires the cooperation of all parties, including information sharing by the public and firm enforcement by the District and Land Offices, as well as the Forestry Department. "I will speak out when there is encroachment, not only in Raub and the Cameron Highlands but also in all districts in Pahang, but I cannot do it alone. I hope the people will provide information to my office and the government… if they do not provide information, it may be difficult to monitor," he said. Al-Sultan Abdullah shared his views in a special interview with Bernama at Istana Abdulaziz recently, in conjunction with his 66th birthday celebration. The Sultan acknowledged that the widespread attention the issue has received has served as a wake-up call to both stakeholders and residents of the state. "When this issue emerged, I observed greater awareness from all parties, including the public and district-level administrators. Many reports have reached my office and were forwarded to the state government for further action," he said. His Highness reiterated that Pahang, and Malaysia as a whole are not a place for anyone to commit arbitrary land encroachment. "Stop these practices immediately. More importantly, I hope that those who have the intention of encroaching, it is better they leave Pahang, go outside Malaysia. This is because the law will make things difficult for you and your families in the future," he warned. Prior to this, Al-Sultan Abdullah had expressed deep sadness upon learning that about 10,521 hectares of land in Raub had been encroached upon over an extended period. A total of 14,494.9 hectares of government land were also reportedly cleared and cultivated illegally with oil palm, rubber, durian, and various crops, while 5,997.09 hectares of Permanent Forest Reserve were also affected. Al-Sultan Abdullah's determination to combat the activities was also evident by His Highness taking a look down and driving a four-wheel drive vehicle to see the effects of encroachment in Raub on May 8. In the meantime, His Highness expressed his desire to develop small and medium industries (SMEs) in the state through the implementation of various programmes, especially involving youth. Al-Sultan Abdullah said that young people should strive to improve their quality of life by participating in SMEs to highlight the state's various products. "I also propose to meet with the relevant state executive council member to discuss so that we can have a programme that can develop SMEs in total. I hope we can prioritise these SMEs... let it be small (business), but sustainable," he said. — BERNAMA
