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Malaysian Reserve
13-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
ASEAN commends Malaysia for initiating ASEAN Year of Skills 2025 programme
By FARAH SOLHI ASEAN member states commend Malaysia for initiating the ASEAN Year of Skills 2025 (AYOS2025), a programme deemed as strategic effort to equip the ASEAN workforce with future-ready skills. In a joint communiqué, the bloc acknowledged AYOS2025 for its objective to assist and prepare the people of ASEAN with skills to adapt to changing labour markets and drive sustainable growth in workforce within the region. The programme is also a platform to exchange best practices and lessons learnt on ASEAN and regional skill standards, training curriculum, skills, assessment and certification. 'This aligned with ASEAN Guiding Principles for Quality Assurance and Recognition of Competency Certification Systems,' ASEAN ministers said in the joint statement. They also welcomed the ongoing efforts to expand Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven training and upskilling programmes for green jobs. This includes through the ASEAN Green Jobs Forum that will be held on Aug 27 and 28 this year in Malaysia. 'We have looked through the adoption of the ASEAN Ministerial Statement and Action Plan for Green Jobs Promotion in the Labour Sector. 'We supported the provision of technical assistance on AI training for ASEAN member states,' they said. The AYOS2025 is organised by the Human Resources Ministry together with its agencies and departments in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to spearhead training and skills initiatives. The bloc also commended the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) efforts in strengthening data-driven platforms and evidence-based decision making through their Database for Monitoring and Evaluation (ADME) System. The system, they said, supports strategic planning and the effective implementation of ASCC initiatives. The ministers acknowledged the ASCC Research and Development (R&D) Platforms Programmes contribution in promoting evidence-based policies and strengthening cross-sectoral decision-making. 'We welcome the launch of the ASCC R&D Platform on the Care Economy which will examine the valuation of care work and the development of sustainable care policies. 'We also welcome the substantive progress made in advancing the ASEAN Creative Economy, including the establishment of the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework,' they said. This Framework, the communiqué said, provides guidance for the development of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cultural and creative industries across the region. Meanwhile, the bloc emphasised the potential of cultural heritage to promote economic growth, social cohesion, cultural preservation and sustainability, and looked forward to the adoption of the Melaka Declaration on Cultural Heritage Value Creation. Moreover, the member states acknowledge the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) efforts in their ongoing development of Guidelines for Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms for ASEAN. 'We acknowledge AMRI's efforts in developing a successor Work Plan for Information and Media (2026-2035), and the ASEAN Communication Master Plan III (ACMP III) (2026-2030) to align with the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future adopted in May 2025. 'We acknowledge their commitment to transform the media's role to strengthen ASEAN's cohesion and mutual understanding, and enhance cooperation in combating fake news and disinformation. 'In this regard, we welcome the adoption of the Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration to Reaffirm AMRI's Commitment to Strategic Progress in Media and Information.' On the issues related to migrants, the member states reaffirmed their commitment to protect and promote migrant workers' rights throughout the entire migration cycle. 'We recognise the significant impact of the migration and development nexus, on the livelihood and welfare of the present and future generations of the ASEAN Community. 'We acknowledged the need to address migration issues in order to achieve ASEAN goals,' they said.
Malaysian Reserve
03-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Gas Malaysia confirms lifting of gas curtailment
by FARAH SOLHI GAS Malaysia Bhd, a member of the MMC Group, has received official confirmation from its gas supplier regarding the lifting of gas curtailment at the Shah Alam and Batu Tiga City Gate stations, which had been imposed following the transmission pipeline fire incident at Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Selangor. With this, gas supply has resumed in accordance with the quantities stipulated in the Gas Supply Agreements with its customers. 'The group places utmost importance on safety and will continue to uphold stringent operational standards to ensure that gas infrastructure development is carried out responsibly. 'Gas Malaysia's pipeline network is a natural gas distribution system, designed to safely deliver natural gas to end users across multiple sectors,' it said in a statement. Gas Malaysia also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and refrain from any activity that may compromise the safety of its gas pipelines, including unauthorised excavation work and open burning. Visible signboards and markers, it said, have been strategically placed along Gas Malaysia's pipeline pathways to alert the general public and contractors about the gas pipeline presence. Members of the public can call 1-800-88-9119 if they have information or to report any potential abnormalities, suspicious activities or safety concerns near Gas Malaysia's pipeline infrastructure. The Putra Heights fire in April caused gas supply disruptions that led to precautionary curtailment at several stations, including Shah Alam and Port Klang, Selangor; Tronoh, Perak and Perai, Penang.
Malaysian Reserve
26-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
My50 unlimited travel pass goes digital starting July 1
By FARAH SOLHI MALAYSIANS can subscribe to Prasarana's My50 unlimited travel pass online now through Touch 'n Go e-wallet starting July 1 using their Touch 'n Go card that is equipped with an NFC chip. Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said that this feature will allow users to renew their pass at their convenience, instead of having to queue for two to three minutes at the counter. 'This digitalisation move is part of the government's ongoing efforts, together with Prasarana, to improve the convenience and public transport users' experience in the country. 'It is in line with the aspiration of digitalising the country's public transport services (in pursuit of) cashless consumption,' he said when officiating the features at a press briefing in KL Sentral today. Despite digitalisation, Loke said those who wish to remain renewing the pass using existing methods by queueing and renewing at Prasarana's ticketing counter, can still do so. He further said that this upgrade is equipped with safety features, given that the My50 passes are only limited to Malaysians. 'Those who wish to renew their pass through Touch 'n Go e-wallet still have to go through the e-KYC process when they want to activate and link their card to the application. 'In few more months, Prasarana and Touch 'n Go will also be introducing a feature where users can track their usage, allowing them to see which stations their card has been tapped in. 'This is to allow users to monitor their pass usage and travels, so that they get to grasp how much they are saving by subscribing to this monthly pass,' he said. Loke added that the travel-tracking features data would only be accessible to users individually as it will be recorded in their personal profile feature in the e-wallet. Public transport, he said, is not just about providing an adequate number of trains or busses but also supporting facilities such as ticketing systems is an important element in providing world-class public transport facilities 'All planning and development of new cities must take into account mobility facilities including an integrated public transport system, adequate and comprehensive pedestrian infrastructure and bus stops. '(Apart from this feature) Prasarana is also looking to expand the digitalisation initiative to other products such as MyCity and MyTourist passes. 'This aims to increase ease of access, reduce dependence on cash transactions and provide a convenient and fast travel experience,' he said. The My50 unlimited travel pass was introduced on December 1, 2018, as part of the then government to promote cashless society.
Malaysian Reserve
18-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
EPF launches sustainability commitment to enhance retirement security
by FARAH SOLHI THE Employes Provident Fund (EPF) has launched its Sustainability Commitment agenda, aimed to promote a just transition for Malaysians towards a more inclusive, climate-resilient and secure future. While its core mandate remains steadfast, the commitment is to assist Malaysians in achieving a comfortable retirement income. Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali said preparing for longer life expectancy requires not just policies and programmes, but also fundamental rethinking of how resilience could be built and achieved in all aspects of society. 'From reimagining retirement systems to fostering healthier, more inclusive communities, we must now act with urgency and purpose. 'Retirement security cannot be detached from rising inequality, ecological degradation or economic volatility (and) we must respond with foresight, courage and a collective will to act,' he said during the launch of the commitments at the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2025 (ISWC 2025) today. Mohd Zuki noted that EPF is aligning its strategies with a broader vision of sustainable and inclusive growth, one that protects not only capital but communities; that builds not only returns, but also resilience. He said the role of institutions like EPF must now evolve from safeguarding savings to stewarding futures. 'We believe that capital, when directed with purpose, can be a powerful lever for change.' Mohd Zuki also said sustainability is no longer optional but a strategic imperative. He outlined the three pillars of the commitments, namely environmental action, social impact, and culture and governance. Environmental action aims to drive climate resilience and low-carbon growth, while social impact focuses on promoting inclusion, equity and community wellbeing. The third pillar, culture and governance, ensures transparency, integrity and accountability in EPF's actions. 'In making sustainability a core part of our DNA, we move from aspiration to action and from intent to impact — this is how we ensure that as our members retire, they do so in a world that is still worth living in,' he added. The launch of the sustainability commitments reaffirms EPF's role as a national institution committed to the wellbeing of all Malaysians. In support of these, EPF has also undertaken a strategic refresh of its existing sustainable investment policies to reinforce its elevated ambitions and revised expectations of investee companies. The revised policies — namely the Sustainable Investment Policy, Climate Change Policy, Workers Wellbeing Policy and Priority Sectors Policy, and Sustainable Investment Stewardship Policy, also reflect EPF's efforts to deepens its stewardship practices and realign with national and global sustainability frameworks. The commitments launched today reflect EPF's broader alignment with the Madani Economy framework, particularly in supporting efforts to raise the standard of living and promote inclusive growth. They also align with Malaysia's net zero aspirations and contribute to a more climate-resilient future for the nation.
Malaysian Reserve
04-06-2025
- General
- Malaysian Reserve
Article 8 of Federal Constitution is shield, not sword for immunity, High Court rules
by FARAH SOLHI ARTICLE 8(1) of the Federal Constitution, which touches on fundamental rights to equality, is a legal shield and not a sword for immunity, the High Court ruled today. Judge Roz Mawar Rozain, in dismissing Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's bid to obtain the Federal Court's determination on constitutional questions relating to immunity from being sued, said the questions of law posed were speculative and not necessary for the disposal of the case. The questions, she added, do not concern the interpretation of validity of any constitutional provision as Anwar remains at liberty with full legal capacity. 'Articles 39, 40 and 43 (that touch on executive authority) allocate executive powers but do not confer personal immunity. No express or implied protection against civil liability exists. Constitutional silence on immunity must be interpreted in favour of equal legal accountability. 'All those articles cited are inoperative in the context of the defendant's application for constitutional reference. 'Furthermore, the defendant has affirmed readiness to proceed with trial and there is no evidence that the suit impairs his ability to perform constitutional duties. This court finds no special circumstances warranting a stay of proceedings,' she said. Roz Mawar said none of the articles raised in Anwar's application holds any real, substantial or justifiable question of constitutional law that requires determination by the Federal Court. She added that from a judicial perspective, the proposed questions do not appear to meet the threshold of genuine constitutional controversy. Therefore, the court will proceed to hear Mohammed Yusoff Rawther's suit filed against Anwar involving sexual assault allegation on June 16 at 9am, as previously scheduled. The court also dismissed oral applications by Anwar's counsel, Allan Wong, for a proceeding postponement pending their appeal that will be filed. Anwar had filed the application via his new counsels Messrs Zain, Megat and Murad on May 23, where he sought the High Court's leave (permission) to have his application heard in the Federal Court. The Tambun MP sought the Federal Court's determination on whether the suit filed against him constituted an abuse of process or a threat to public interest, and if so, argued that it should be dismissed to 'preserve constitutional governance'. He also wanted to seek the Apex Court's declaration to determine whether he, as the current PM, is entitled to constitutional protection under Article 5(1) of the Federal Constitution. Apart from Wong, Anwar is also represented by counsels Datuk Seri K Rajasegaran and Datuk Megat Abdul Munir Megat Abdullah Rafaie, while Mohammed Yusoff was represented by Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali. Watching brief counsels for Malaysia Muslim Lawyers Association (PPMM) Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla, Salim Bashir Bhaskaran and Muhammad Hisham Marzuki as well as Bar Council's representative Vivek Sukumaran also appeared in the proceedings. Muhammed Yusoff claims he was assaulted at Anwar's home in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur, on Oct 2, 2018. In his statement of claim, the 32-year-old plaintiff claimed that he was accused of plotting to taint Anwar's reputation and political career, following his police report on the incident. He claimed that the alleged sexual assault and accusations had affected his mental health. As such, Muhammed Yusoff is seeking general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as interest, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court.
