Latest news with #Kedahans
New Straits Times
13 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Kedahans praise govt's pink Bas.My for comfort, affordability
ALOR STAR: Kedahans, especially senior citizens and students, have welcomed the Transport Ministry's stage bus service, noting its affordable fares and reliable service. A check at the under-renovation Shahab Perdana Bus Terminal here found that the elderly dominate the ridership of the distinctive pink buses. Retired civil servant Aziz Abdullah, 57, lauded the service as a success in its early stages. "I took a ride from my home in Jitra and it was a pleasant experience. The bus was in good condition, comfortable, and ideal for those who want a relaxing commute," he said. He added that based on his observations, the Jitra-Alor Star route was mainly used by the elderly and students. "It's like going back to the '90s, the fares are affordable and service is reliable. Students, especially from Jitra's higher learning institutions, also seem to be making good use of it, especially on weekends," he said. Bus driver D. Tenagaran, 70, said the service had attracted tourists and international students exploring the city. "Popular stops include Aman Central, Masjid Zahir, and Pekan Rabu. Ridership is growing steadily as more people realise how affordable and convenient it is," he said. However, not everyone was enthusiastic. A taxi driver, who wanted to be identified only as Pak Mail, said the service had intensified competition in an already saturated market. "Our business has taken a hit. We're already competing with e-hailing services, and now this adds to the challenge." Even so, he said the service had increased foot traffic around the terminal. "Maybe it's still early, but at least it brings more people here. Some prefer taking a bus to town and then a taxi home," he added. The stage bus service, part of the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme, has a RM78.5 million five-year allocation for 13 Kedah routes. A RM50 for a 30-day unlimited travel pass is available for Malaysians in Kota Setar district, allowing unlimited rides across all 13 routes for a month. Meanwhile, free rides are provided through the Concession Card for senior citizens, the disabled, schoolchildren and all students from public and private higher learning institutions. On Monday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Kota Setar district service, launched on June 1, had recorded approximately 30,000 users monthly. The figure is expected to hit 40,000 by month's end.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Kedah ready for leadership change, says Ahmad Zahid
ALOR SETAR: UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed confidence that Kedah residents are prepared for a change in state leadership, emphasising the need for stable governance and leaders committed to public welfare. Speaking at the launch of the 2025 KEDA Rural Youth and Programme Implementation Planning Committee (4P) Convention, he highlighted the importance of electing capable leaders to steer the state toward progress. 'I hope change will come. It is not easy to bring about change overnight, but it is not impossible. Insya-Allah, Kedah will return to being under better leadership — one that truly cares for the people,' Ahmad Zahid said. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development stressed that Kedahans play a crucial role in shaping their future through informed decisions. He urged voters to support leaders who can ensure long-term stability and development. - Bernama
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Zahid confident Kedah ready for leadership change
ALOR STAR: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is confident that the people of Kedah are ready to bring about a change in state leadership for the sake of a more stable and prosperous future. Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said that after two challenging and uncertain years, it is time for Kedahans to place their trust in leadership that genuinely prioritises their welfare and long-term interests. "What have the people of Kedah witnessed over the past two years? I pray and hope that things will change. A drastic shift is never easy, but it is not impossible. "InsyaAllah, Kedah will return to better leadership, one that truly cares for the people. Understand? Even if you don't, it's okay," he quipped during his speech at the Kedah Regional Development Authority (Keda) 4P and Rural Youth Planning and Implementation Committee Convention at Albukhary International University (AIU) here today. Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, expressed hope that the people would remain steadfast and committed in championing comprehensive and consistent reform. He said the role of the people is vital in ensuring the change they hope for becomes a reality through wise and deliberate choices. "If we aspire for change, strive for change, and keep working towards change, then change will come to us sooner rather than later," he said.
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.
Focus Malaysia
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
'Keep it plain simple is PAS's secret to retain power in Kedah – turn up for prayers, ‘kenduri' & funerals'
WHAT agenda? What manifesto? That seems to be the jibe aimed squarely at the chin of Kedah PAS and its apparent plan to retain power in the rice bowl state. Outlining a three-point plan on X, pro-Pakatan Harapan (PH) influencer surmised that the secret recipe for the Islamist party to stay in power include: Attend funerals Attend kenduri (feast) when invited Lead solat prayer as imam once a while 'Lack of infrastructure such as roads, meaningful facilities of any sort or even a manifesto is of little consequence,' the former Kuala Selangor PKR division chief candidate who is a lawyer by profession sarcastically observed. 3 Rahsia PAS mengekalkan kemenangan di Kedah: 1. Ziarah kematian 2. Datang jemputan kenduri 3. Jadi imam solat sekali sekala ***Biarpun jalan takdak, apa facilities pun takdak. Biarpun manifesto si Badrul tu sampai skrg pun takdak. Takpa. Tu semua tak penting🙊 — Faizal Rahman (@FaizalR98528) June 15, 2025 Many seemingly PH backers – including oner Kedah electorate – concurred with the poster, attributing the matter to the village mentality of Kedah folks. One netizen pointed out that Kedahans seem to be in awe of their Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor who is seen as a courageous leader who is unhindered by his political baggage. The Tadika PASTI or PAS-run Islamic Early Childhood Education Centre which provides cheap kindergarten education to the B40 and M40 segment was key in the party's success, argued one commenter. Two years of being continuously exposed to the white circle on green backdrop (as depicted by the PAS logo) would surely endear parents of the children to indirectly support the Islamist party. 'Keep the people stupid and they will remain loyal' seems to be the sentiment of one commenter who argued that such tactics were not privy to PAS but also to UMNO. However, there were some who defended the Kedahans' choice by arguing that to kampung folk, certain things are more important than issues of infrastructure. For them, having sufficient food to eat and receiving occasional aid were enough for them. One commenter did point out that turning up at 'KBSM (kenduri, bersalin, sakit, mati)' (literally, feast, childbirth, illness, death) is an effective method of engaging with the electorate. A presumably pro-opposition commenter challenged the PH leadership to do better for Kedahans aside from spreading malicious falsehoods. 'Do you think we have no internet?' he queried. This being the arena of politics, nothing is quite ever so black-and-white. Malaysians are now well aware of the fluidity of the situation and how perceptions can change very quickly. Yes, the legal eagle here does have a point. PAS does seem lacking in clear direction. Its effectiveness as an opposition party at federal level leaves much to be desired. While Kedah's economy is stagnant, there is argument on the flipside that Kedahans are simply not swayed by PH's promises. If they choose to lead a simple and unfussy life dictated by religion, who is anyone to criticise their democratic choice? As for being ever present at kenduri and social gatherings, what's wrong with that? Isn't that what elected representatives are supposed to do – reach out to their constituents? All the better if there is good food involved! – June 19, 2025
