Latest news with #Malaysians
The Star
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Star
E-hailing platform inDrive meets country's laws
PETALING JAYA: E-hailing platform inDrive is now compliant with all regulatory requirements in Malaysia, says its country lead Govin Kumaar Panirsheeluam. He said administrative issues related to e-hailing vehicle permits (EVP) had led to the recent notice by the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) to revoke inDrive's operating permits. Govin said inDrive had since corrected the root cause of the administrative issue with assistance from Apad. He added that the company had conducted various upgrades to its administrative systems to reduce any similar issues from happening again. He said this included enhancing its driver verification processes, conducting stricter documentation checks and initiating internal audits to close any potential gaps related to EVP. 'inDrive is now in constant communication and sharing real time data with Apad to align procedures and strengthen the compliance framework going forward. 'To build a stronger and more resilient platform, we are reactivating and reverifying existing driver accounts while strengthening our driver support systems. 'We fully support the government's responsibility to ensure safety and order in public transport and are committed to operating with full transparency,' he said at a press conference here yesterday. Meanwhile, inDrive Malaysia driver operations manager Azlan Anwar said stricter standard operating procedures had been enforced within the company. 'To strengthen existing safeguards, we have introduced increased layers of validation and verification to detect any inconsistencies or forged documents. 'We have also improved our onboarding journey for drivers through our inDrive academy digital e-learning platform to better train drivers on safety protocols, emergency responses and other aspects. 'This is part of our commitment to build a responsible and professional driver community,' he said. The e-hailing platform's Asia-Pacific macroregional director Mark Tolley said the platform would continue to focus on improving and elevating its services to better serve the people. 'We understand that we didn't get it right, but we believe Malaysia is the right place for inDrive and we will continue to focus on improving and elevating our services to better serve Malaysians,' he said. In May, Apad revoked the operating permits of e-hailing platforms – InDrive and Maxim – with an order to cease all operations in Malaysia by July 24 for allegedly operating illegally. Apad then announced that the two companies would be allowed to resume their operations on July 23, subject to a review every three months.
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
‘Policy gaps must be addressed to beat cybercrime'
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo speaks at the ASEAN-GCC Economic forum 2025 at Mandarin Oriental hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, —AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star. KUALA LUMPUR: With over 6,000 cybercrime threats recorded last year and losses exceeding RM1.22bil, Malaysia must address the policy gaps related to cybersecurity, according to Gobind Singh Deo (pic). The Digital Minister revealed these figures when launching the Asean 5GOT Security Summit 2025 here yesterday. 'We read and hear about Malaysians falling victim to online scams, fake investment schemes and phishing attacks. 'CyberSecurity Malaysia reported that over 6,000 cyber incidents were recorded in 2024, with the majority involving fraud, intrusions and malicious codes,' he said. He added that to build resilience of cybersecurity across organisations, Malaysia must address gaps in policy, tools, talent and cross-border enforcement holistically. He cited Malaysia's decisive steps to strengthen its cybersecurity landscape through the enactment of the Cyber Security Act 2024, which came into force last August. 'Malaysia is also expanding its global footprint. On April 9, the Cabinet approved accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. 'The country is also preparing to sign the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi this October,' he added. The ministry, he added, is set to table the Cybercrime Bill 2025 to Parliament in October. He said that the proposed law will be able to deal with cyberthreats more effectively amidst technological advances. It was reported that the Bill would replace the outdated Computer Crimes Act 1997. Speaking to reporters later, Gobind said that a cybersecurity enforcement strategy will be presented to the Cabinet by the Digital Ministry. Prepared by CyberSecurity Malaysia, the strategy includes a proposal for a dedicated enforcement agency to implement existing laws effectively. 'We need to have an agency that will be able to enforce the measures under the existing laws because if you have measures alone but there is no one to enforce them, then that's going to be a problem. 'However, that will be something for the Cabinet to decide as we move along,' he said. Gobind added that while CyberSecurity Malaysia has the capacity, the Cabinet will be consulted on the decision to empower specific agencies by this year. He said various ministries will be engaged over the matters, including the Home Ministry, Communications Ministry, and the Law and Institutional Reform Ministry. 'It's important to get feedback from the Cabinet. We are also taking steps to engage with the industry and experts. 'I think that will be very helpful in shaping how we design our strategies, including towards enforcement, as we prepare the country for the challenge of building a trusted digital ecosystem moving forward,' he added.
The Star
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysian pineapples a hit
New Zealanders crave our premium MD2 variety WELLINGTON: While Malaysians crave imported kiwifruit and avocado from New Zealand, Malaysian pineapples are much sought-after in New Zealand. This was revealed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during his five-day working visit. 'There is high demand for our pineapples due to their quality, texture and sweetness. However, export of Malaysian pineapples is currently minimal,' he told reporters at a press conference here yesterday. Among the species much sought-after by New Zealanders is the MD2 pineapple. The MD2 is considered a premium variety known for its sweetness, low acidity and fragrant aroma. Sold locally and exported, the MD2 is also known by other trade names such as 'Golden Ripe', 'Super Sweet', 'Rompine' or 'Gold'. Malaysian MD2 pineapples are currently exported to several countries in the region, apart from the Middle East and Europe. Johor is the largest producer of MD2 pineapples in Malaysia, with Perak also involved in growing the fruit on a large scale. Penang, Kedah, Selangor and Pahang are also starting to grow the MD2. It is a key crop under Malaysia's Economic Transformation Programme and is targeted for higher production to meet domestic and export demand. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said he would bring the matter for further discussions with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu on how to increase the planting of Malaysian pineapples for export. 'I will also request the Selangor, Pahang, Johor and Melaka state governments to increase pineapple cultivation on a large scale,' he added. 'There is vast potential to increase the export of Malaysian pineapples due to high demand.' Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said leaders in the Madani administration should ignore 'cynicism' and focus on nation-building efforts, especially when they are abroad. He said cynicism usually comes from those opposing government efforts, even if the efforts were beneficial for the nation. 'If it's something good, ask your friends. But if it's something questionable, ask your enemies. 'Enemies are those who dislike. It doesn't matter how good our deeds are. They will still find fault,' he said. He added that cynicism has become a 'daily staple' for the Opposition, particularly when government leaders travel abroad to strengthen bilateral ties and improve trade with other nations. 'They will be cynical whether the official assignment abroad involves ministers, the deputy prime minister or the prime minister. 'The important thing in these official visits is the knowledge, experience and exposure gained from new sectors that may not exist in our country. 'These are opportunities that we can explore,' he said. Ahmad Zahid took a swipe at certain opposition leaders who used religion or alleged moral superiority to criticise the good efforts of the government. 'Cynicism from such attitudes is dangerous, especially when cloaked in the guise of religious credibility,' he said in response to criticism of his five-day working visit to New Zealand to strengthen bilateral and trade ties. The visit included efforts to learn how the Maori in New Zealand manage their cultural and economic affairs, including land rights. This comes following proposed amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134), which is to undergo significant improvements after 71 years. In response to this, Ahmad Zahid assured that all 377 Orang Asli village heads would be engaged for feedback on the proposed amendments, which are likely to be tabled in Parliament in March. He added that feedback would also be sought from related non-governmental organisations, Orang Asli professionals and academicians. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid described his working visit as successful in strengthening bilateral and trade ties with New Zealand. He said New Zealand had agreed to join the Asean Halal Council as an associate member when it is launched this coming October during the Asean Summit. New Zealand companies with halal certification were also invited to use Malaysia as their halal distribution hub for their products into Asean and surrounding regions, he added. He said letters of intent were also inked with seven universities to offer twinning programmes with two universities in Malaysia. Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee (Nadma), said a memorandum of understanding will be inked between the New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) and Nadma to strengthen bilateral cooperation in disaster management. Ahmad Zahid's working visit to New Zealand was from July 14 to July 18.
The Star
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
No timeline yet for charity law
Azalina: It is subject to holistic engagement with all stakeholders PETALING JAYA: The stories are infuriating, to say the least. Five office bearers from an NGO were arrested last month on suspicion of embezzling RM26mil in public donations. And in 2023, news emerged about a non-profit group allegedly misusing funds meant to help a war-torn country. This has since become a court case involving money laundering and criminal breach of trust. Amid reports of such transgressions, what is the status of the Charities Commission which the government wanted to set up to ensure no one takes advantage of donations from generous Malaysians? 'A specific timeline for the enactment of the law (to set up the commission) has yet to be set. 'It is subject to holistic engagements with all relevant stakeholders, including the Finance Ministry,' said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. 'The financial implications remain a key consideration that must be examined as part of the overall decision-making process,' she said when contacted. It has been a year since reports came out that the government is conducting a feasibility study to draw up a Charities Act and establish a Charities Commission to address problems related to the the misuse of funds donated to charitable organisations. Azalina told the Dewan Negara in July last year that similar Charities Act in countries like the United Kingdom, Singapore and New Zealand would be studied. Asked why the proposed Act had not materialised in Malaysia despite having been planned more than a year ago, Azalina said there was no timeline yet. 'Policy-wise, the proposal has been generally well received, with positive feedback from initial consultations.' She said engagement sessions, discussions and a survey conducted last year involving 1,006 respondents showed strong public support for a dedicated law and commission to regulate charitable activities. The government, she said, remained serious in addressing the issue and ensuring a well-structured, feasible and effective legislative outcome. 'Our current fragmented regulatory framework with multiple regulators and inconsistent definitions has hindered effective oversight,' she said. Azalina said the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department has established a special committee to study the feasibility of such an Act towards establishing the commission. 'This committee comprises researchers from both public and private universities, representatives from NGOs, the Malaysian Bar and the division itself.' Among others, the proposed Act is aimed at enhancing governance and streamlining and monitoring efforts. Azalina said the Legal Affairs Division would hold further engagement and studies to strengthen the policy framework. 'These efforts will culminate in the preparation of a memorandum for the Cabinet's approval,' she added. Prof Dr Zuraidah Ali and Asst Prof Dr Zati Ilham Abdul Manaf – law experts from the International Islamic University Malaysia who had proposed models for the Charities Commission last year to the Legal Affairs Division – pointed out that there is currently no regulator for the collection of charities by NGOs in Malaysia. 'We proposed three models. Now, it is up to the government,' said Zuraidah. As for the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), its minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said that it is working with the state authorities and enforcement agencies to look into the operations of organisations that collect funds for religious purposes. 'We are aware of the existence of hundreds of NGOs collecting funds in the name of religion and without oversight,' he said, adding that this included donations for the Palestinian cause. He said that his department is in charge of monitoring Muslims' contributions in the name of charity but the authority remains with the states' religious councils. 'We welcome proposals to establish a body similar to the Charity Commission to monitor the activities of charitable NGOs. 'However, this must be aligned with Malaysia's Islamic legal framework, which places religious authority under the jurisdiction of the states,' he said. To ensure that the contributions of Muslims are channelled to trustworthy parties, Mohd Na'im said that his unit, through Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia, is collaborating with the states' Islamic religious councils.
The Star
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Brief dip in ringgit predicted
PETALING JAYA: The ringgit is expected to weaken in the immediate aftermath of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, but analysts believe the depreciation will be short-lived, says economist Prof Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai. He said the ringgit could fall to around RM4.40 against the US dollar over the next three months, before stabilising as markets adjust. 'Consumer perception will play a key role during this period,' he said, stressing that how Malaysians interpret ongoing developments will directly influence domestic spending trends. Prof Barjoyai said the US dollar might strengthen in the short term due to perceived dominance but this trend is unlikely to last. 'In the mid to long term, the world will start distancing itself from the United States and the dollar,' he said, adding that anti-US sentiment, especially among Muslim-majority countries, could lead to a drop in global demand for the greenback. These concerns are compounded by escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly Iran's latest warning to close a key energy chokepoint. If implemented, the move could send Brent crude prices soaring well above US$100 (RM428.65) per barrel, according to analysts from JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank. Dr Barjoyai also said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz might trigger global supply disruptions, leading to short supply and rising costs. Even if the strait isn't fully closed, Iran may impose surcharges or fees, which will still drive up costs of imports and exports, he added. He said businesses, particularly wholesalers, retailers, SMEs and microenterprises would likely raise their prices due to higher fuel costs, as diesel and petrol are key to their operations. 'With Malaysia's economy so dependent on consumer spending, perception is critical. If people expect the worst, growth will contract and inflation will accelerate,' he said. To ease the burden, he suggested the government consider postponing the sales and service tax (SST) expansion and RON95 subsidy rationalisation, or at least communicate clearly how minimal the actual impact would be. Yesterday, Iran's parliament announced plans to possibly close the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for recent US and Israeli strikes on its nuclear and military facilities. Senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research Dr Azmi Hassan said Malaysia may face economic repercussions if tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran escalate further, particularly if Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz. He said any disruption would still impact fuel prices and the wider economy. 'The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route. If it's closed, the whole world suffers. Most Asean nations, including Malaysia, are dependent on Gulf oil,' he said. Senior lecturer at UiTM and director of the Asia West East Centre Dr Abdolreza Alami echoed a similar view, saying Malaysia's energy security faces serious risks if the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted amid the escalating military action. He said Malaysia sources nearly 30% of its oil and gas from the Persian Gulf, with the strait acting as a vital artery for global supply. Any closure or instability there could trigger a fuel price surge, he added. He believes that oil prices could possibly hit US$150 (RM642.97) or more per barrel and petrol prices soaring beyond €2.5 (RM12.24) per litre. He said that would drive up costs across key Malaysian sectors including electronics, petrochemicals and palm oil, undermining their global competitiveness. 'We are also seeing a 20-fold spike in insurance costs for ships in the Gulf, which could cause major shipping delays at Port Klang and Singapore,' he added. Abdolreza also cautioned that the conflict could derail Asean's growing economic engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, undermining regional efforts to reduce Western dependency. A united Asean response, he said, could boost the grouping's global credibility as a champion of justice and sovereignty.
