Latest news with #AhmadFarhan
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Pol-sec denounces Opposition's narrow view on PM Anwar's foreign visits
Ahmad Farhan Fauzi KUALA LUMPUR (July 7): Accusations from opposition figures labeling Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's official overseas visits as mere 'sightseeing trips' reveal a narrow-minded misunderstanding of the strategic importance behind these diplomatic missions. Political secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, said such accusations reflect a lack of comprehension of the complex geopolitical and geo-economic challenges currently impacting the world, Malaysia, and its people. He emphasised that each official visit by the Prime Minister carries significant national agendas, including attracting high-quality investments, strengthening strategic partnerships, opening new markets for Malaysian companies, and championing the voice of developing countries on global platforms such as BRICS. 'This is not a mere leisure trip. It is proactive economic and geopolitical diplomacy guided by a forward-thinking vision. 'The Prime Minister's economic diplomacy initiatives create strategic new economic opportunities, including resuming Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union (EU) and signing FTAs with EFTA countries,' he said in a Facebook post today. Ahmad Farhan highlighted that Malaysia's proactive approach has yielded tangible results, with approved investments rising by 14.9 per cent to RM378 billion, and trade performance increasing by 9.2 per cent to RM2.88 trillion in 2024. He noted the significance of this approach for Malaysia as an open economy, where the trade-to-GDP ratio stands at 130 per cent. 'In contrast, during the previous administration, the country's image was not progressive. History shows the political crises that unfolded then. 'The era of weak and uninspired leadership – likened to 'seekor belalang di tepi lautan' (a frog in a well), has passed since the MADANI government took office,' he added. Under MADANI's leadership, he said, Malaysia is once again viewed internationally as a principled, stable, and promising partner. Ahmad Farhan further said that Malaysia's effective foreign policy is evident through multi-billion ringgit investments, strategic agreements, and the Prime Minister's active participation in world-class economic and diplomatic forums. 'My advice to those narrow-minded opposition figures is to better understand the people. The public does not share your mindset, nor can they be deceived by distorted perceptions. 'The people are discerning and know who genuinely works for the country versus those who spread slander, sow division, and engage in 'politics without wisdom,'' he added. Currently, the Prime Minister is leading a Malaysian delegation on official visits to Italy, France, and Brazil since July 1, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing trade and economic cooperation with these countries. This includes attending the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro as a partner country and representing ASEAN 2025, advocating regional interests on issues such as global governance, artificial intelligence, climate, and health. – Bernama Ahmad Farhan Fauzi anwar ibrahim official visits opposition overseas
Borneo Post
28-06-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
Model for sustainable aquaculture
Ahmad Farhan gestures thumbs-up as he places a lobster hatchling into the tank to mark the project launch at UPM's Tan Sri Aishah Ghani Residential College. Among those with him is the college principal Dr Daljit Singh (left). — Bernama photo IT all started with a simple freshwater lobster farming project to allow Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) students apply the classroom theories in a real-world setting, and expose them to entrepreneurial knowledge, as well as to learn the importance of sustainable aquaculture practices. The small-scale project, operated by about 20 students, kicked off recently on the grounds of the Tan Sri Aishah Ghani Residential College at the UPM Serdang Campus Selangor. It currently has six tanks, each housing 30 to 35 lobsters, both males and females. Over a month has passed since the project kicked off, but it is already displaying signs of becoming an inspirational model that can open students' eyes to the importance of environmental sustainability, as well as a holistic learning platform to hone entrepreneurial skills. The idea for the project came about after a group of UPM students were sent to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, in January, to attend a three-day course on freshwater lobster farming. Muhammad Alif Haikal Mahadi, 22, a Human Development Science student from the Faculty of Human Ecology, UPM – who was among those having attended the course – said it became the starting point for their project, which is now thriving, proving that real learning begins outside the classroom. He said the 'broodstock' (mature crustaceans used in aquaculture for breeding purposes) at their project site would start producing eggs within three to four weeks. 'Once the eggs hatch, it takes about three to five months for the lobsters to reach maturity and be ready for harvesting.' He added that it cost about RM7,000 to buy the necessary equipment such as tanks and oxygen blower, as well as lobster stock and other essentials to get the project going. Photo shows Ahmad Farhan (left) and Yayasan Pahang chief executive officer Dato' Indera Mahmud Mohd Nawawi, taken during a recent courtesy call at UPM Serdang where they discussed potential collaborations in areas of agropreneurship and aquaculture. — Bernama photo Hands-on learning In an interview with Bernama , Muhammad Alif Haikal said the insights and technical knowledge gained from the course that they attended in Sabah gave him and his university mates the confidence and motivation to start their own freshwater lobster farm. 'The hands-on course provided a solid foundation in both theory and essential practical skills,' he said. 'We were given crucial exposure to managing pH and ammonia levels in the water, as well as how to care for lobsters.' They were also taught how to maintain water quality and identify signs of disease in lobsters so that immediate action could be taken. In aquaculture, one of the biggest challenges is sustainable water management. 'The most difficult part is balancing water quality to ensure the prawns stay healthy and disease-free while keeping water usage to a minimum,' said Muhammad Alif Haikal. Ammonia, which builds up from prawn or lobster waste and uneaten feed, is also a common issue. To address this, pH and ammonia test kits need to be used daily to monitor and record data, and an ammonia remover should be applied whenever necessary. Muhammad Alif Haikal said only if there was no drop in the ammonia level would half the water in the tank concerned be replaced. 'This approach not only maintains lobster health, but also upholds sustainability principles by reducing water wastage. 'We also practise 'biofloc' techniques to help conserve water and feed by recycling nutrients in the tank. 'Prawn waste is converted into microorganisms, which then serve as a natural food source, thus reducing reliance on antibiotics and chemicals,' said Muhammad Alif Haikal. He added that the Sabah course also taught them how to select quality broodstock, prepare optimal environments, manage feeding and disease prevention, and also record daily data. Ahmad Farhan (second right) and other guests watch a cooking demonstration using lobster as the main ingredient, during his walkabout after launching the freshwater lobster farming project at UPM Serdang Campus. — Bernama photo High-value product Muhammad Alif Haikal admitted that their perception of aquaculture shifted entirely after attending the course and implementing their own project. 'We used to think that aquaculture was only viable on a large scale, but now, we realise it can also be done on a small scale with a systematic and effective approach. 'In fact, if done properly, such projects have the potential to become a knowledge-transfer hubs for the local communities and can even evolve into national agrotourism centres in the future,' he said. Muhammad Alif Haikal also pointed out that he and his peers could see the entrepreneurial potential of their aquaculture project by turning it into a platform for knowledge-sharing with the outside community. 'We can also aspire to become a freshwater lobster producer in the long term, given the wide market potential,' he added. Pointing to its current market prices, he said wholesale prices of freshwater lobster from farms could range from RM60 to RM80 per kilogramme, depending on size and grade. He added that in the end-user markets such as seafood restaurants, cooked freshwater lobster could fetch RM15 to RM25 per 100 gram, making it a high-value product. The wholesale prices of freshwater lobster from farms can range from RM60 to RM80 per kilogramme, depending on size and grade. — Bernama photo Meanwhile, UPM deputy vice-chancellor of student affairs and alumni (HEPA), Prof Dr Arifin Abdu regarded the UPM freshwater lobster farming project as 'more than just an academic activity'. 'It is also a strategic initiative to holistically empower students with entrepreneurial skills. 'All residential colleges and units under HEPA are encouraged to carry out at least one agricultural project to support national policies on food security and sustainable agriculture, as outlined by the Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Agriculture. 'Through this (freshwater lobster) project, students are directly exposed to the process of cultivating, caring for and managing lobster farming systems, which involve various technical and operational challenges,' he said. Prof Dr Arifin Abdu Students, he added, could not only learn aquaculture techniques such as water quality management and disease prevention, but were also given opportunities to design business models, manage operational costs and develop marketing strategies. 'This makes the project a comprehensive entrepreneurial education platform, where students develop leadership, teamwork and critical thinking skills, which are key elements in the real business world,' said Arifin. Crucial learning platform Arifin also noted that Malaysia's freshwater aquaculture industry had been growing rapidly, with significant economic potential. However, amidst the promising potential, the industry faced challenges such as water quality issues, disease management and sustainable use of resources, he observed. He remarked: 'UPM's lobster project is a crucial learning platform to build students' capacity to tackle these challenges directly and innovatively. 'Our project is not only focused on lobster production, but also opens up opportunities in shrimp seed production, alternative feeds and downstream products like frozen prawns and prawn-based ready-to-eat meals. 'These opportunities are highly relevant to both domestic and export markets, especially as Malaysia works to strengthen aquaculture as a major contributor to the agricultural economy.' UPM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Ahmad Sadullah, meanwhile, said Malaysia's aquaculture industry was becoming increasingly dynamic, with rising demand in both local and export markets, particularly for freshwater prawn and fish products. 'Projects like this not only help prepare skilled workers (for the aquaculture industry), but also support the transformation of the aquaculture sector toward smart and sustainable agriculture,' he said. Malaysia's aquaculture industry is becoming increasingly dynamic, with rising demand in both local and export markets, particularly for freshwater prawn and fish products. — Bernama photo Looking ahead, UPM plans to expand the aquaculture project to more residential colleges and strengthen partnerships with both local and international aquaculture industries. 'With more student and industry involvement, we hope to develop this initiative into a training hub and a model for sustainable agricultural entrepreneurial innovation. 'Our long-term plan also includes using recycled materials and cost-effective methods to encourage creativity and innovation among students,' added Ahmad Farhan. — Bernama aquaculture lobster UPM Serdang
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
PM aids struggling single mother of six in Kuantan
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stepped in to assist Madiah Awang, a single mother of six in Kuantan, Pahang, who earns only RM900 monthly as a canteen cook. The aid was delivered by the Prime Minister's Political Secretary, Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, during a Ziarah MADANI visit to Kampung Tebing Tinggi, Balok, today. Madiah's plight came to light after she was found living in a house with a cracked kitchen and rotting front floor. Despite her hardships, she welcomed visitors with warmth and humility, even urging them to prioritise others in greater need. Ahmad Farhan shared on Facebook, *'No complaints. No bitterness. Only a determination to live with dignity and raise her children with love.'* The visit not only provided immediate relief but also highlighted Madiah's resilience. Ahmad Farhan added, *'May Allah ease the affairs of Madam Madiah and her children, and open wider doors of sustenance for them, Insya-Allah.'
Barnama
23-06-2025
- Health
- Barnama
PM Anwar Extends Aid To Struggling Hawker Family Battling Illness And Poverty
KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended financial assistance to a small-time hawker in Kuantan, Pahang, Mohd Zaki Che Ibrahim, 45, who has been struggling to repair his dilapidated home and care for his family, including a wife battling a chronic illness. The donation was presented by the Prime Minister's Political Secretary, Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, during a visit to the couple and their 18-year-old son under the Ziarah MADANI outreach programme. 'Every morning, Mohd Zaki sells breakfast at his small stall to support his family. 'Despite his wife's unstable health condition due to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), they persevere to keep the kitchen running and provide for their son,' Ahmad Farhan wrote in a Facebook post, which was also shared by the Prime Minister. According to Ahmad Farhan, the family's home is in poor condition, with a leaking roof, broken floor and cracked walls, adding to the daily challenges they face. 'As part of the Ziarah MADANI initiative, I came on behalf of the Prime Minister to deliver aid and assess what forms of assistance should be expedited to help this family live in safer and more comfortable conditions,' he said. Ahmad Farhan also expressed hope that the support offered would provide some relief to the family. 'Behind that breakfast stall lies a story of resilience unknown to many… and behind this gesture is a silent prayer that they will no longer have to endure hardship alone,' he added. -- BERNAMA
The Sun
22-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
PM aids ailing single mother living in poor conditions
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has presented a contribution to Melah Idris, a single mother living in poverty and suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. The contribution was handed over by the Prime Minister's political secretary, Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, when he visited the 63-year-old mother of eight at her home in Kampung Padang, Kuantan. Ahmad Farhan said the senior citizen relied entirely on her children to cover kitchen expenses and utility bills. 'Her house is in a poor condition, with the bedroom floor already rotting and no longer safe to live in. Yet, her face remains calm, as if she keeps all her suffering deep inside so as not to burden anyone. 'On behalf of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, I am presenting a small contribution and will look into the most appropriate form of assistance for her, not only in terms of financial aid but also in ensuring a safer place for her to live,' he said in a Facebook post shared by the Prime Minister today. In the same post, Ahmad Farhan expressed hope that no citizen would be left to suffer in silence without receiving proper assistance.
