Latest news with #ALORSTAR
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Kedah sets course for marine economy growth with China ties
ALOR STAR: Kedah has positioned itself as a rising hub for the marine economy through a strategic partnership with China's Fujian province, marked by a high-level visit and the signing of four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) here today (June 26). The visit by Fujian Deputy Governor Lin Ruiliang underscored a shared commitment to deepen bilateral ties, particularly in the blue economy. State Industry, Investment and Higher Education Committee chairman Prof Dr Haim Hilman Abdullah said that while manufacturing remains Kedah's economic backbone, the state is shifting focus to the potential of its marine industries. "We acknowledge the potential of the marine economy. The state has allocated about 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) in Kuala Kedah for marine economy development, and we welcome potential partnerships to realise this vision," he said in his speech during the MoU signing ceremony at the Raia Hotel & Convention Centre. Also present were State Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Dzowahir Ab Ghani and Zhangzhou Deputy Mayor Zheng Limin. The ceremony saw the signing of four MoUs between Malaysian and Chinese entities: Haim said Langkawi had also been identified as a strategic location for aquaculture, adding that Kedah is eager to attract more marine-based investments, particularly from Fujian. "I hope we can work together to make Kedah one of the leading states in marine economy development," he said. He also proposed the establishment of a sister province relationship between Kedah and Fujian to institutionalise collaboration and ensure long-term cooperation. Lin welcomed the proposal, noting that Fujian's marine economy had already surpassed RM735 billion, making it one of China's strongest marine economy provinces. He said Fujian is keen to collaborate with Malaysia on marine industry and supply chain development, including port connectivity, green maritime infrastructure, environmental protection, and disaster risk reduction. "Malaysia, with its long coastline and position as a global shipping hub, complements Fujian well in fostering mutual benefits and win-win cooperation. "We aim to create new spaces for marine technological innovation and deepen collaboration in research and development between marine research institutions, universities and enterprises," he said.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
'Malaysians must resist normalising war, Parliament must condemn Israel, US'
ALOR STAR: Parti Amanah has called on Malaysians to stay vigilant, think critically and reject any attempt to normalise war for the political convenience of powerful nations. This follows a period of escalating violence between Iran and Israel, and the bombing of nuclear sites by the United States. Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar urged the government to push the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to adopt an unequivocal stance against all forms of military imperialism. "I also urge Malaysia's Parliament and other national legislatures to hold special sittings to revisit their foreign policy positions and to unequivocally condemn Israel's provocations as well as the US' role in escalating this conflict," he said in a statement today. Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian conveyed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that Tehran was prepared to cease military action against Israel if Tel Aviv stopped its attacks on Tehran and Gaza. Anwar said Masoud had asked him to relay this position to other Muslim nations to counter one-sided narratives and clarify the reasons behind Iran's retaliatory measures.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
130,000 padi farmers still waiting a year on for incentives
ALOR STAR: A padi farmers group has called on the government to step up its stakeholder engagement, as nearly 130,000 padi farmers are still waiting for incentives pledged a year ago. The RM210 per hectare ploughing and harvesting incentive was announced by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu in June 2024. However, the incentive remains unpaid, despite a recent statement that the matter would be resolved by the National Food Security Special Committee. Pesawah chairman Abdul Rashid Yob said the committee had scheduled a meeting last Monday to finalise the distribution mechanism. However, a week has passed with no updates or explanation, leaving farmers in the dark. "It has been almost a year since this promise was made. "Farmers have borne higher service charges for ploughing and harvesting, with no alternative support in place following the targeted diesel subsidy rationalisation," he told the "New Straits Times" today. Rashid said farmers have raised their concerns through letters and engagement sessions, but the ministry has not offered any meaningful response. He added that the ministry has received all necessary data from farmers' organisations and the Muda Agricultural Development Authority, yet it has failed to provide any feedback on its decisions. "It always seems like a fire-fighting approach. They act only when there is noise and pressure. Farmers shouldn't have to wait this long for what was promised. "We want to know what decisions have been finalised by the committee and when farmers will see the funds disbursed," he said. He said farming machinery service providers are charging at least 30 per cent more for plowing and harvesting, due to rising fuel and operational costs. This has further compounded farmers' financial burdens. "Given these challenges, Pesawah urges the ministry to expedite the disbursement process." On June 13, the ministry said it would finalise the distribution mechanism on last Monday, has been issued since. When contacted, the minister's press secretary, Adeysham Nor, said a statement would be released soon.
New Straits Times
22-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sultan of Kedah warns against deviant teachings, urges enforcement
ALOR STAR: The Sultan of Kedah, Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, has expressed serious concern over the spread of teachings and ideologies that deviate from true Islamic principles. His Majesty said such matters could pose a threat to national security, and urged the Kedah Islamic Religious Council (JHEAIK) and other religious institutions across the state to take a more assertive yet prudent approach in curbing deviant teachings. "The role of recognised and certified religious scholars, imams, and preachers is vital in guiding the community. "I wish to remind all that any religious discourse, lecture, or preaching must be accurate to prevent confusion or division among the people," he said in his royal address during an investiture ceremony held at Istana Anak Bukit, in conjunction with His Majesty's 83rd birthday celebration. The Sultan also expressed gratitude and pride over Kedah's recent success in being crowned overall champion at the National Al-Quran Recitation and Memorisation Assembly 2025. "This achievement is an encouraging sign of the continuous efforts to strengthen Quranic institutions in this state. "The role of Institusi Al-Quran Darul Aman must be further enhanced to produce more quality and authoritative Quran memorisers, reviving Kedah's historical standing as a distinguished centre for Quranic knowledge," he said. Meanwhile, Sultan Sallehuddin congratulated all recipients of state honours and medals, describing the conferment as a mark of appreciation for their dedicated service to His Majesty, the state government and Kedah as a whole. He called on successful Kedahans to give back to their home state through tithe, charity, endowments, investments, expertise and social initiatives. "As we celebrate our achievements, I urge that success not be enjoyed in isolation, but instead be treated as a trust and responsibility to continue giving back to this beloved state," he added.
New Straits Times
22-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Amanah pushes special Dewan Rakyat sitting on Middle-East conflict
ALOR STAR: Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to convene a special Parliament sitting to address Malaysia's official position on the escalating conflict in the Middle East. This came following large-scale military action launched by Israel and the United States of America against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar said the situation posed a grave threat to regional stability and could have far-reaching implications for global security, including Southeast Asia. "This military aggression has not only caused loss of lives and destruction of public infrastructure in Iran, but it has also opened the door to wider regional conflict that risks undermining global stability," he said in a statement today. Mahfuz said Malaysia must urgently deliberate on appropriate diplomatic measures and assess the geopolitical and economic impact, including supply chain disruptions, fluctuating oil prices, and regional security risks. "As the highest democratic institution in the country, Parliament cannot remain silent on matters involving universal justice, the sovereignty of other nations, and humanity. "The voice of the Malaysian people must be expressed through a legitimate and respectable channel which is the Dewan Rakyat," he said. Mahfuz stressed that as a neutral and principled nation, Malaysia must maintain its consistent stand of rejecting all forms of colonisation, invasion and violations of international law. "It is also our responsibility to continue Malaysia's active role in promoting global peace through our engagements within the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Asean," he said. Mahfuz added that Malaysians overwhelmingly reject violence and support peaceful solutions, and that it was the government's moral and political obligation to ensure the country's voice is heard clearly and with dignity on the world stage. "I call on the Prime Minister to immediately consider convening this special Parliament sitting in the interest of upholding justice and humanity," he said. Earlier today, the US announced its entry into the Iran-Israel War, stating that it has carried out attacks on three Iranian nuclear sites. Entering its second week, Israel began the conflict through 'preemptive' airstrikes on several strategic sites in Iran, including nuclear facilities, missile bases and military command centres, followed with retaliation by the Gulf state.
