Latest news with #Khairul
Daily Express
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Express
RM72 million tourism boost for Sabah: 77 projects approved under 12th Malaysia Plan
Published on: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 29, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: Handover of the mock cheque for the Maintenance Project for the Year 2025 of Sabah by Khairul to Josie. RANAU: The Federal Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), has approved 77 development projects in Sabah totalling more than RM72 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan. Deputy Minister of Motac Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said one of the projects is the Tourism Facilities Improvement Project in Layang-Layang, Mount Kinabalu. Four other major projects that are currently underway covering the areas in Kinabatangan, Lok Kawi, Sipadan and Manukan. 'All of this demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring Sabah is at the forefront of sustainable tourism, thus contributing to the economic and social progress of all the people,' he said. Khairul, who is also the Member of Parliament for Batu Sapi, said this when officiating the Handover Ceremony of the Tourism Facilities Improvement Project in Layang-Layang Area, Mount Kinabalu at the Interpretation Centre, Kinabalu Park, on Friday. He commended the State Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and Sabah Parks for successfully organising the programme. He also congratulated Sabah Parks for the efforts and initiatives of being the Project Manager for this project which was approved under the Fourth Rolling Plan, Eleventh Malaysia Plan (RP4, RMKe-11) with a project cost of RM13.8 million. 'Motac also expresses its appreciation and gratitude to the contractors and consultants for their efforts and commitment in completing this project. 'Indeed, this project that has been implemented is proof of the Ministry's commitment in its efforts to drive the tourism sector, especially ecotourism products, as a catalyst for sustainable socio-economic growth. 'In addition, it is to make Sabah a sustainable area as a main destination for tourists, especially for the ecotourism segment,' he said. Khairul believes that this project can have a significant impact not only on the people of Sabah, but also on the country itself, especially ahead of Visit Malaysia Year in 2026. 'Motac hopes that with the completion of this project, it will be able to further increase the number of domestic and foreign tourists coming to Sabah. 'Indirectly, it will not only boost tourism and climbing activities on Mount Kinabalu, but will also provide economic benefits to local residents such as restaurant owners and accommodation providers, as well as providing added value to various other industries,' he said. Meanwhile, he urged Sabah Parks as the Owner Agency, to continue to work with local residents so that all parties can together make this latest tourism product a success. 'I hope Sabah Parks can ensure diligent maintenance and proactive management so that this facility will continue to be able to provide value not only for today, but for future generations, in line with the Government's desire to manage resources prudently and with vision. 'I believe Sabah Parks cares about the importance of this periodic maintenance in ensuring that this project can operate optimally for the long term and can prevent any accidents,' he said. During the ceremony, there was also a signing ceremony of the Project Handover Document between the Permanent Secretary of KePKAS Datuk Josie Lai and Motac Secretary-General Dato' Shaharuddin Abd Sohot. Meanwhile, Josie said, the Layang-Layang area is located at an altitude of 2,744 metres, at kilometre 4 (KM4) of Mount Kinabalu and climbers will usually reach this area between twelve (12.00) noon or one (1.00) pm. 'Before this project, the existing facilities were very limited, with only one open rest hut that could only accommodate around 10 people in unpredictable weather conditions. 'Meanwhile, other climbers had to take shelter in the open, facing rain and cold temperatures,' she said. Looking at this need, she added, the Ministry through Sabah Parks took the initiative to plan to build restaurant and accommodation facilities in the Layang-Layang area. Apart from being a place to rest and eat, she said, it is an alternative to extend the length of stay for climbers on the mountain. 'The implementation of the Layang-Layang Area Tourism Facilities Improvement Project, Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu Park, Ranau, Sabah began in December 2020 and was successfully completed in September 2024. 'The implementation of the project in the Mount Kinabalu area is different from other development projects because of its location at high altitude and in an environmentally sensitive area recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site. 'This challenging geographical position requires more careful logistical planning; for example, delivery of building materials must be done manually by porters, the use of low-impact construction methods, as well as strict adherence to existing biodiversity conservation guidelines and park regulations,' she said. In addition, she said, the unpredictable weather factors; rain and fog affect the contractor's working time as well as limited physical access, namely no regular road access to the project site. According to Josie, these factors greatly influence and contribute to the implementation period, delays and completion date of this project. 'Now, this new facility can accommodate more than 50 people, complete with restaurant facilities, accommodation, and treatment rooms, control centre and checkpoint areas. 'I believe these facilities can not only improve the comfort of Mount Kinabalu climbers, but also support more systematic visitor management and further enrich the tourism experience on Mount Kinabalu,' she said. Also present were the Director of Sabah Parks, Datuk Dr. Maklarin bin Lakim, heads of departments, Officers from Motac, Park managers and others. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Bank Muamalat unveils new step-up profit rate package for first-time homebuyers
KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd has launched a Step-Up Profit Rate (Super) package under the government-backed Skim Jaminan Kredit Perumahan (SJKP). The new offering, known as Smart Mortgage SJKP Super, is designed for first-time homebuyers, particularly those with informal income or limited credit history. It provides a more flexible financing solution and offers funding of up to RM500,000, inclusive of mortgage reducing term takaful or mortgage level term takaful, legal fees and valuation fees. Bank Muamalat president and chief executive officer Khairul Kamarudin said the product builds on the bank's involvement in the SJKP scheme since 2019 and follows the introduction of its smart mortgage offering in 2022. "This innovative offering is designed to ease the financial burden of homeownership, particularly in the early years of financing. "Through the Super, customers benefit from lower monthly instalments for the first five years, giving them breathing room to manage other financial obligations or build their savings," he said in a statement today. Khairul added that the bank has also introduced the SJKP Madani Step-Up variant, which provides up to 120 per cent financing to further support its customers. This extended coverage includes not just the home but also renovation, furnishings, and fittings. "In collaboration with reputable property developers across the country, Bank Muamalat is actively promoting affordable housing projects under the SJKP scheme, expanding opportunities for eligible Malaysians to secure their first homes," added Khairul. The SJKP programme, established in 2008 and managed by Syarikat Jaminan Kredit Perumahan Bhd, is under the Minister of Finance Inc. It aims to assist underserved Malaysians, particularly those without fixed or formal income in purchasing their first homes. Its principal officer Datuk Fazlur Rahman Zainuddin said the programme targets groups such as gig workers, farmers, fishermen, and night-market or petty traders. "This year, the government has allocated RM10 billion worth of guarantee for 2025, including RM5 billion specifically for the Step-Up financing initiative. "As of May 31 2025, 88,507 recipients have successfully purchased their first homes through the scheme," said Fazlur.
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First Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Bangladesh jails former chief justice Khairul Haque for murder during anti-Hasina protests
Former Chief Justice of Bangladesh ABM Khairul Haque was jailed in connection with a murder case that occurred during the July uprising that toppled the Sheikh Hasina government. Haque did not have a defence lawyer during the trial read more Former Chief Justice of Bangladesh ABM Khairul Haque jailed after being named in murder case linked to last year's uprising against Hasina. X A Dhaka court on Thursday ordered the imprisonment of former Chief Justice of Bangladesh ABM Khairul Haque in connection with a murder case that happened during the anti-government protests in July last year. The case involves a teenager named Abdul Kaiyum Ahad, who was shot dead during the July uprising, which eventually toppled the government of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. According to Bangladeshi news outlet The Dhaka Tribune, the order of imprisonment was issued by Dhaka's Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md Sanaullah following a hearing held on Thursday night. Earlier that evening at 7:45 pm (local time), Jatrabari police station Inspector Khaled Hasan, who is investigating the case, brought Khairul to court. The authorities submitted the petition for the detention of the former Bangladeshi chief justice. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Khairul was eventually presented before the court under tight police control at approximately 8:15 pm (local time). The prosecution alleged that Abdul Kaiyum, son of plaintiff Md Alauddin, was shot in the face and chest by the accused during a protest and collapsed near the Kajla police box. They noted that several other protesters were also killed in the incident. What are the accusations against the ex-Bangladeshi Chief Justice? The prosecution went on to claim that Khairul, during his tenure as Chief Justice from May 1, 2011, committed a criminal breach of trust and acts of sedition by misusing his judicial authority. The 81-year-old was also accused of delivering forged and fraudulent verdicts. The petition also mentioned that multiple cases against him remain pending in various police stations across the country. The prosecution also cited concerns that Khairul might use his past influence to disrupt the ongoing investigation and requested that he be held in custody until the trial is complete. While the court granted the plea, what was concerning was the fact that no defence lawyer was present at the hearing to represent Khairul. Meanwhile, news of his trial also triggered demonstrations outside the courtroom. Several pro-BNP lawyers and citizens gathered at the premises, chanting slogans and expressing anger toward the former top judge. The former chief justice was arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police from his Dhanmondi residence on Thursday afternoon, The Dhaka Tribune reported. As per the court document, Abdul Kaiyum Ahad was fatally shot on July 18, 2024, during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in front of the Kajla police box in Jatrabari. He was allegedly shot dead by Abul Hasan, officer-in-charge of Jatrabari police station, who fired multiple shots into both of the boy's legs, causing his death on the spot. It is pertinent to note that ABM Khairul Haque served as the 19th Chief Justice of Bangladesh, assuming the role back in 2010. He retired the following year, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 67. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Interestingly, it was Khairul who delivered the landmark verdict of abolishing the caretaker government system. While serving the High Court Division, Khairul also ruled over the assassination case of Bangabandhu Mujibur Rehman and the case concerning the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Ex-Bangladesh Chief Justice Arrested Amid Crackdown On Hasina-Era Officials
Bangladesh police on Thursday arrested the country's former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque. A team from the Detective Branch (DB) Police picked him up from his Dhanmondi residence around 8:00 am today. DB joint commissioner Nasirul Islam confirmed the arrest of former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque. "Yes, we have arrested him," Islam told ANI, over the phone. "There are three cases against him," he added, without elaborating. Khairul Haque served as the 19th Chief Justice of Bangladesh. On August 18, Supreme Court lawyer Mujahidul Islam Shaheen filed a case against Khairul at Shahbagh Police Station, accusing him of corruption and altering judicial verdicts, BDNews24 reported. This followed another case lodged earlier on August 15 at Fatulla Police Station in Narayanganj. The case was filed by Abdul Bari Bhuiyan, the General Secretary of Fatulla Thana BNP and a former president of the Narayanganj District Bar Association, according to BDNews24. Bhuiyan's complaint relates to the landmark ruling that scrapped the caretaker government system 13 years ago. He accused Khairul of changing the original verdict to annul the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and committing forgery in the process. Khairul served as Chief Justice of Bangladesh from October 1, 2010, to May 17, 2011. On May 10, 2011, an appellate bench headed by him delivered the controversial judgment that declared the 13th Amendment unconstitutional, effectively ending the caretaker system used to oversee national elections, according to BDNews24. Bangladesh's interim government has been arresting individuals at various levels, including politicians, economists, top election officials, bureaucrats, and police, who served during ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's regime. Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a student-led uprising in August last year. After her fall, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate.
New Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
With durian deluge, trader sells spiky gold for a steal
JITRA: An excess of durians has prompted a durian trader to sell the fruit at bargain prices at his stall near the Kubang Lembu petrol station in Jitra. Khairul Anuar Ahmad, better known as Harun Buah Jitra, auctions off kampung durian and hybrid durian varieties every evening at RM50 for three baskets, with a total weight of between 15kg and 20kg. He said the move was necessary to prevent the fruits from going unsold and rotten. Khairul said the auctions are held in the evening to coincide with the after-work crowd, typically around 5pm. "I sell the durians at affordable prices so that everyone can enjoy the fruit during its peak season. "Sometimes, I move up to 10 tonnes of durian a day — all sold out within two hours. Thankfully, the demand has been very encouraging. "There's currently a large supply of kampung durians from Balik Pulau in Penang and Perak, which has led to an oversupply. "That's why I've chosen to hold auctions to clear the stock. People from all walks of life come to buy here," he said. Khairul added that many of his customers also contribute to charitable causes by purchasing durians for donation to those in need. In addition, he donates durians to orphanages and non-governmental organisations to ensure that everyone, regardless of their status, can enjoy the king of fruits. He said he sources between eight and 10 tonnes of durians daily from Penang or Perak for sale at his stall. "If customers buy in bulk, we'll throw in extra fruits, especially if it's for a kenduri or donation. "Besides kampung durian, we also sell other varieties such as IOI, Musang King, Black Thorn, Red Prawn, D2, and D24 — all at reasonable and competitive prices. Most of the durians sold here are locally grown," he said.
