Latest news with #Pathmanathan
New Straits Times
08-07-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
'Penang water supply stable despite dry weather'
GEORGE TOWN: Despite the ongoing Southwest Monsoon, Penang's water levels remain stable and supply is expected to last until at least September. Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the current dry and hot weather has had little impact on dam levels. He said water levels at the state's three dams were healthy, staying above the 50 per cent threshold. "We continue to draw water from Sungai Muda. The situation is stable and our operations are running smoothly," he said when asked about the weather, which is expected to remain dry and hot until September. Pathmanathan gave his assurance that there was no cause for concern regarding water availability. "Our storage is sufficient to last through the dry spell, up until at least September." He, however, cautioned that some consumers might experience low water pressure during peak usage hours, adding that there were no other major issues. "We continue to monitor the situation closely." Pathmanathan advised people to use water responsibly, especially during dry days, to maintain steady pressure across the network.
New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
#HEALTH: Personalised cancer care brings hope
TRADITIONAL cancer treatment often takes a one-size-fits-all approach, with chemotherapy or radiotherapy delivered according to cancer type and stage. However, not every tumour behaves in the same way, even within the same type or stage. This is where precision medicine plays a role. It tailors cancer treatment to each individual's genetic makeup, rather than applying the same treatment across the board. By understanding the mutations that drive a patient's cancer, we can choose therapies that specifically target those mutations, resulting in better outcomes and fewer side effects, says Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) consultant pathologist Professor Dr Pathmanathan Rajadurai. This helps doctors treat cancer more precisely, giving patients real hope for a better outcome. At the heart of this approach is a technology called Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), a powerful genomic tool that can rapidly analyse tumour DNA. It enables oncologists to pinpoint genetic alterations that fuel cancer growth, helping them select treatments with surgical precision. Today, genomic profiling is helping shape everything from early detection to personalised treatment planning and follow-up care. "In the past, we relied on a series of tests that took time and may not have yielded a clear direction. Today, one genomic test can offer actionable insights, helping doctors to act quickly and more effectively," says Dr Pathmanathan. A study conducted by Dr Pathmanathan and his team, titled 'Mutation Profiling of Lung Adenocarcinoma Using Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing: A Malaysian Perspective', revealed a significantly higher prevalence of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations among Malaysian lung cancer mutations respond well to targeted therapies known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) — drugs that target specific proteins involved in cancer cell growth. They also found a rise in KRAS G12C mutations, often linked to smoking, which are now treatable with new precision drugs. Additionally, the team observed more cases of ALK and ROS1 gene rearrangements, genetic changes that can also be matched with specific targeted therapies designed to slow or stop tumour growth. These findings are consistent with international research, including a study published in the 'Journal of Thoracic Oncology', which similarly reported higher rates of EGFR and ALK mutations among Malaysian lung cancer patients compared with Western populations. Dr Pathmanathan says this highlights the importance of using local genomic data to guide treatment decisions. The published data is pivotal as it provides local insights to help clinicians identify the most effective therapies for Malaysian patients. It also supports early detection efforts.
New Straits Times
03-06-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Penang water supply stable despite heatwave, PBAPP urges prudent usage
GEORGE TOWN: Penang's water supply remains stable despite sweltering heat conditions affecting several northern states, including neighbouring Kedah and Perak, with dam levels in the state reported to be at satisfactory levels. Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan told the 'New Straits Times' that that all three major dams in Penang — Air Itam, Teluk Bahang and Mengkuang — are operating within safe and sustainable limits. "To date, the Air Itam Dam stands at 62 per cent effective capacity, which can support water supply for around 60 days, while the Teluk Bahang Dam is at 51.7 per cent, sufficient for 157 days. "As for the Mengkuang Dam — our largest reservoir — it is at a strong 91.3 per cent capacity, which can last about 131 days," he said. Despite the reassuring figures, Pathmanathan stressed the importance of continued water conservation, particularly in light of rising temperatures and dry spells in nearby regions. "We are actively implementing the Air Itam Dam Action Plan 2025, and are closely monitoring rainfall and weather conditions at all catchment areas. "However, prudent water usage by all consumers is crucial to ensure sustainability," he added. Penang has so far avoided the Level 1 heatwave alert status triggered in districts such as Bandar Baharu (Kedah), Kuala Kangsar and Perak Tengah (Perak), and Machang (Kelantan), where maximum daily temperatures have reached up to 37°C for three consecutive days. Pathmanathan said PBAPP is working with relevant authorities to manage demand and ensure uninterrupted supply throughout the state. He said consumers are urged to report any water leakages or broken pipes to the PBAPP call centre at 04-255 8255. "Everyone has a role to play. Saving water today means securing supply for tomorrow."
The Star
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Shah Alam City overcomes top opponents to snatch the prized team crown at the prestigious Selangor Open Darts Championships
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Open Darts Championships ended on high to the cheers of home fans when Shah Alam City Team A bagged the coveted team title as the championships tournament came to an end on Sunday. It was indeed a sweet ending to the tournament which featured many top darters from South-East Asia and Asia in an event held at Ballroom L2, Quayside Mall at Twentyfive 7 from Friday to Sunday. In an event, which had darters displaying superb skill throughout the three-days of competition, and had Japanese and Philippine darters scooping the main titles apart from the men's doubles title, locals had plenty to cheer when Malaysians were in fine form during the team event. And after more than 60 hours of competition, the tournament came to a satisfying end after a team from Malaysia (Shah Alam City A) entered the final displaying fine poise and style and take on Brunei's D Amazing Borneo team in the last stage. In the end, the team from Selangor, roared on by vociferous local supporters, won the final in fine style dispatching the Brunei team 3-0. The Shah Alam side led by team manager Ahmad Niezam Ahmad Noh comprised 2025 Sabah Open champion Tenooth Sivalingam, who had been on good form since day one of the competition, Mohd Faizal Mohamad, Muhammad Gerald Michael and Khamirul Noorbah. The tournament also turned out to be a satisfying end for Tenooth. In the first two days of competition, Tenooth had lost in the in the seimfinals stage of both the singles and doubles competitions. "I'm very proud pf the boys. All their hard work paid off. We started training for more than a month in preparation for the tournament and their dedication was well worth it as we won the top title," said Ahmad Niezam. "The best part of this victory is that all the team members are home-grown and also are staff of MBSA (Majlis Bandar Shah Alam). So this win is very, very sweet and also it is indeed a victory for Selangor." As for D Amazing Borneo, the quartet representing the Brunei team were Shamsuddin Zainuddin, Pg Mohamed Pg Matarsad, Abdul Qahar'ukail Shamsul Ariffin and AK Muhd Hamdi Pg Masshor. Meanwhile, a beaming Selangor Darts Association president C. Pathmanathan said the tournament came to a very satisfying end after seeing a local team and one from Selangor winning the team title. "Every match in all the competitions was an exciting tussle. It was a fantastic tournament. I believe it will continue to be just as exciting if not better next year," said Pathmanathan. "Selangor have big plans in store for darts. We are also starting our very team league where we can identify male players for the state side. Besides that, we are also identifying top women players for our state with a series of tournament specially for women darters. "I think it is also important that we have a good pool of players where we can groom them into international class performers in top tournaments." Pathmanathan also said the success of the tournament is also due to the dedication on association members and also much support from the Youth and Sports Ministry, Selangor State Government and the other main sponsors. He also gave special thanks to Quayside Mall for being the venue sponsors. "I take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors, the state government and also the sports ministry. The success here was due to their assistance. I thank all my friends and association members who sacrificed so much in order to make this success," said Pathmanathan. "Special thanks to Roger Ko (the General Manager - Quayside Mall) for his help in ensuring the success here. We also hope that the mall continue to support the tournament in future." For the record, the Selangor Open is the first WDF ranked event in Malaysia in 2025 which will be followed by Cosmo Malaysia Open 2025 (WDF silver ranked category) on 22-24th August. Besides the best bulls-eye specialists from Malaysia, top darters from Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and Japan also took part in the tournament. The teams from Sabah and Sarawak were also big in numbers and their darters did well in all the competitions held in the tournament.
The Star
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Law to manage Penang raw water in the works
Chow (second from right) with Pathmanathan (left) and Water Watch Penang president Datuk Dr Chan Ngai Weng (second from left) at the World Water Day 2025 celebration at Air Itam Dam, George Town. The pail is to represent the campaign urging Penangites to reduce a pail of water usage per person per day. (Right) Children enjoying a painting competition during the celebration. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star Penang government will table a Bill to have a state enactment on raw water resource management. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Bill would work towards the establishment of a dedicated raw water management board with enforcement powers. 'It is aimed at strengthening governance and regulatory control over raw water resources in the state. 'Under the enactment, the board will be established and granted full authority including enforcement powers, issuing licences and permits and approving applications related to water abstraction activities according to set conditions.' He said the Penang Water Regulatory Division (BKSA) currently only performed limited functions related to raw water management, and did not have enforcement or prosecutorial powers. Speaking to reporters after launching the World Water Day 2025 celebrations at the Air Itam dam in George Town, Chow said the Bill would be tabled at the Penang state assembly sitting this month. Stating that it was time for Penang to have a dedicated enactment for raw water management, he said the planned board would take over BKSA's responsibilities and be granted legal authority to act against any violations under the proposed enactment. 'The board is expected to ensure a sustainable, efficient and legally grounded raw water management system for the future of Penang,' he said. Last year, state infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari announced that the Penang state executive council had, in principle, approved the proposal to upgrade BKSA. On a separate note, Chow said Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) aimed to lower water usage to 250 litres of domestic water per capita per day (LCD) compared to the 261 LCD achieved in 2024. 'It is a realistic aim to achieve if everyone works together and takes the necessary steps to use water sparingly in their respective premises daily. 'There was a time when the average domestic water consumption in Penang was 308 LCD, which is high, but thankfully through various efforts in recent years, it has been reduced to 261 LCD. 'The water consumption figure per capita of 261 LCD is a good decrease in comparison to the 308 a few years ago and now we want to lower it by 11. 'If we follow the advice and conserve water whenever possible, I believe the target can be achieved,' he said. PBAPP executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the target was a small step forward for Penang. 'Malaysia's national average was 237 LCD in 2023, while in Singapore an average of 141 LCD was recorded in the same year. 'Small progressive steps forward can mean water supply security in the future. 'The impact will be significant if 1.8 million Penangites save 11 LCD water at home as it will add up and save 19.8 million litres per day this year,' he said. Pathmanathan said domestic (households) water consumption in 2024 constituted about 54% of the total water consumption in Penang. 'This is why it goes a long way when Penangites use lesser water at home. 'If managed well this can ensure sufficient and stable water supply in all areas in the state even during peak periods of consumption such as major festivals and holidays. 'It will help stabilise water pressure and reduce intermittent water issues in the end-of-line and high ground areas in south Seberang Perai and the southwest districts on the island,' he said. Pathmanathan said by reducing water usage it will help the state weather through prolonged dry seasons and El Nino, lowering the risk of a water crisis.
