Latest news with #AZHARMAHFOF
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
July 26 rally: Impromptu stage taken down by DBKL for safety reasons, according to police
Photo: AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: An impromptu stage that was erected by the "Turun Anwar" protesters was taken down by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). 'The stage structure did not guarantee safety, and we were not informed how many people would be on it. The preliminary agreement between police and the organiser was that two Toyota Hilux would be used as the stage,' acting Kuala Lumpur police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad said when contacted. The stage, which had been set up at Dataran Merdeka, was taken down by DBKL around 11.20am. More than 2,000 policemen have been stationed at all key gathering points, including Sogo shopping mall, Masjid Jamek, Masjid Negara and Pasar Seni, from 11am. The rally is anticipated to draw 15,000 participants and is expected to march to Dataran Merdeka at 2pm. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail previously said police would facilitate the rally following a Federal Court ruling on July 1 that struck down Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 as unconstitutional, meaning organisers are no longer legally required to notify authorities in advance.
The Star
6 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Doctor hires offer relief
Positive strides: Over 4,000 new doctors are being hired, bringing much-needed relief to public healthcare. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star But medical fraternity urges tackling allowances for lasting impact PETALING JAYA: While the announcement to hire over 4,000 new doctors is a much-needed relief for public healthcare, the medical fraternity says issues such as allowances and permanent positions must be addressed too. Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira, who welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement on the new posts, said this was a positive and much-needed step forward in strengthening the public healthcare system and on long-standing issues related to contract doctors. 'It is our hope that these will become permanent positions for contract doctors and that permanent positions be given based on years of service. 'It is also our hope that in addition to using all existing vacant permanent posts, more permanent positions will be created soon so that all remaining contract doctors in the system can be made permanent. 'Once an adequate number of permanent posts are made available, the government should move to abolish the contract employment scheme for doctors. They should reinstate the policy of offering permanent positions to all doctors entering the public healthcare system as practiced in the past,' he added. Dr Kalwinder said this would be crucial to help restore confidence and motivate doctors to join the public sector and remain in it with greater job security and a clearer pathway for career progression. Hartal Doktor Kontrak spokesperson Dr Muhammad Yassin said many contract healthcare workers in the health ministry stood to benefit from the latest development. 'We are still hoping for more good news for healthcare in the coming Budget 2026, especially on on-call allowances and other incentives to stop the brain drain in the Health Ministry,' he said, adding that many contract doctors planning to leave the service might reconsider with permanent posts now being offered. In a Facebook post, Hartal Doktor Kontrak also said several contract doctors received emails notifying them of permanent placement following the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday morning. 'Hopefully, other contract healthcare workers under the Health Ministry would also get a permanent offer in the near future,' it added. MMA Sabah branch past chairman Dr Brandon Patrick called for more doctors to be posted in Sabah and Sarawak, adding that incentives should be given to those posted to both states. He expressed his support for the Sabah government's proposal to provide an additional special allowance to doctors stationed in Sabah and Sarawak. Another doctor in a Sabah hospital said: 'For those asked to work in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, the regional allowance problem has not even been settled.' He said a recent announcement to lower the regional allowance for newcomers and the unfulfilled pledge to increase the on-call allowance to between RM55 and RM65 were a deterrence.
The Star
22-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Ensure cash aid gets to everyone who is eligible
A man checkinh his status application of 'Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah' via online. (17/7/2023). —AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star UNICEF'S 'Living on the Edge' study, conducted between October and November 2023 among low-cost households in Kuala Lumpur after the Covid-19 pandemic, is a treasure trove of evidence-based insights on the plight of poor households. The hardship and challenges they face, especially the vulnerable groups comprising heads of households with disability who earn a median monthly income of RM1,550, and female-headed households earning RM2,000 per month, are linked to their low income. Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Full access to Web and App. RM 13.90/month RM 9.73 /month Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter. RM 12.39/month RM 8.63 /month Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.
The Star
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Zafrul: We will not cross ‘red lines'
Trade negotiations: Tengku Zafrul speaking at a press conference at Menara Miti in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: As tariff negotiations with the United States go on, Malaysia has made it clear that it will not reach a deal just for the sake of it. 'If the deal does not benefit Malaysia, we should not have a deal. We have to be firm on that,' said Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. 'If we can reach a deal that on balance benefits Malaysia, benefits Malaysian companies, benefits Malaysians, then yes.' However, the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said not all issues are non-negotiable. On halal certification, Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia is open to engaging with US exporters – but only if they comply with domestic requirements. 'They want to export their agricultural products. Right now, for example, we don't allow the import of beef and poultry from the US. They are asking why. 'But it's not a red line for us – we can allow it, as long as their products meet our standards,' he said. However, issues related to legal and policy sovereignty are off the table, he said. 'We discussed our right to impose a digital tax. That is one of our red lines, and we view it as our sovereign right,' he said. Other red lines include newly passed laws on digital commerce, government procurement and standards tied to health or technical matters. Malaysia, he said, needs to be more competitive and innovative in the face of challenges brought about by the United States' decision to slap a 25% tariff on goods. To that end, the government is focused on strengthening the domestic business ecosystem, diversifying trade links and improving export capabilities. 'Malaysia has to continue to focus on improving the strength of our companies and the fundamentals of our economy. That is what's going to drive Malaysia,' he said, adding that broader trade strategies – including the National Industrial Master Plan (NIMP), National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the upcoming National Semiconductor Strategy – remain key priorities. He said Malaysia is already drawing up mitigation measures to respond to global trade shifts. 'We need to be more competitive and innovative. We need to ensure that we move up the value chain to sustain our growth,' he said. Tengku Zafrul pointed out that Malaysia's trade-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio last year stood at 150%. The United States accounts for roughly 15% of Malaysia's total trade – with about RM200bil in exports alone last year. Despite the uncertainties, he said Malaysia's official GDP growth forecast remains unchanged at between 4.5% and 5.5%. He said Malaysia is taking a measured approach in the ongoing tariff negotiations, mindful of broader economic implications and existing trade commitments. 'Looking at our country's economy and our policies, we have achieved the kind of growth that we have today because of the balance in supporting key industries. 'Whatever we give to the United States, we need to give to the rest. We have Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). So we have to be fair to all the countries, not just the one country that does 15% of our total trade. There's another 85%,' he said. Malaysia's applied tariff rate on US imports already stands at 5.6%. 'How low can we go?' he added. 'Most companies are worried. Naturally, they will speed up some exports and also increase inventory. 'We will continue (the negotiations) where we stopped. We were actually in the midst of asking for an extension. That's the truth,' he said. 'When you negotiate, the devil is in the details. So that is where sometimes time is required.'
The Star
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Swift action key to price stability'
Subject to tax: Fruits for sale at shops in Petaling Jaya. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star PUTRAJAYA: Among ways to prevent unnecessary price hikes is to strengthen existing mechanisms for price monitoring and enforcement, says a consumer rights activist. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) secretary-general Saravanan Thambirajah said this is one of the most immediate actions the government could take. 'When prices of essential items are being hiked up arbitrarily or without justification, there must be swift investigation and enforcement by the authorities. 'The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry's call for consumer associations to serve as its eyes and ears is a good initiative, but it will only be effective if reports from the ground lead to real action,' he said. Saravanan added that the government must focus on transparency to prevent the public from becoming victims of inflated prices or being wrongly taxed. 'When consumers know the market price of goods, they are in a better position to make informed choices. 'Fomca has begun receiving feedback from consumers regarding price hikes associated with the recent increase in the SST (sales and service tax) from 6% to 8%. 'Consumers are still confused about which products and services are affected. 'This confusion creates a fertile ground for abuse. Some traders may raise prices unjustifiably, citing the tax increase as the reason, even for items that are not actually taxed,' he added. Saravanan said Fomca's role was not only to inform and educate consumers on their rights but also to relay their concerns to the relevant enforcement bodies. 'For the mechanism to work well, consistent and visible enforcement is needed to ensure traders do not misuse the sales tax revision as a pretext for profiteering,' said Saravanan. Similarly, Malaysian Consumer Friendly Organisation vice-president Azlin Othman said the government should monitor logistics costs as well as establish a more balanced tax policy and make regular inspections at business premises. 'Quick and consistent action is important to protect consumers and maintain price stability,' said Azlin. Consumers' Association of Penang president Mohideen Abdul Kadeer said stronger enforcement was needed instead of waiting at the last moment for consumers to lodge complaints of getting cheated. 'The government should set up help desks or mobile units to proactively receive feedback. 'Traders who cheat consumers must be brought to court and face the maximum penalty,' added Mohideen.
