Latest news with #PenangState
Barnama
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Community Mediator Plays Important Role In Resolving Conflicts At Local Level
GENERAL GEORGE TOWN, June 23 (Bernama) -- A community mediator plays an important role as an intermediary in resolving conflicts and misunderstandings at the community level. The Penang National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) deputy director Zulkhairi Zainal said community mediators are at the forefront, performing their duties proactively, transparently and at no cost, thereby helping to avoid court or enforcement intervention in minor cases that can be resolved harmoniously. 'These mediators comprise chairpersons of the Neighbourhood Watch Areas (KRT), who are specifically trained and certified by JPNIN as initial or preliminary assistants in case of any disputes in the community. "They act pro bono, meaning without payment and voluntarily. They are appointed to reduce issues or conflicts at the community level before they become more serious," he said to reporters after attending the Penang State Level Community Mediator Dialogue Session here today. He said there are 47 active community mediators in Penang, and the JPNIN will continue to train chairpersons or new KRT committee members from time to time to strengthen this role. Meanwhile, he said today's dialogue session involved several agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), National Education Department (JPN), National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), and the Penang Housing Board (LPNPP), aimed at introducing the role of mediators and opening up collaboration opportunities between the agencies and JPNIN. 'Sometimes domestic issues in schools or police stations such as misunderstandings, minor arguments and family conflicts can be resolved without the need to go to court. Here is where the role of community mediators is important as a bridge to reaching an amicable solution between the parties involved,' he said. At the same time, he suggested that government agencies facing community-related issues should make community mediators their initial point of reference to resolve conflicts peacefully and judiciously. According to the National Unity Ministry, community mediators are third parties who strive to gain the acceptance of those involved in a social conflict to find points of agreement that are acceptable to all parties, with the hope that their relationships do not continue to deteriorate but instead become more positive.
Malay Mail
21-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Penang to continue vape industry talks before deciding on possible ban, says state exco
BUTTERWORTH, June 21 — The Penang government will continue holding engagement sessions with stakeholders on the vape industry before considering implementing a ban on it in the state. State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the engagement sessions aim to gather views and suggestions from all parties on the matter. 'Last Thursday, I met with representatives from the Vape Entrepreneurs Group Association, and we listened to the various issues they raised concerning the industry, particularly regarding Act 852 – the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. 'They also expressed concerns about the impact of the act's implementation on the industry, and based on the feedback received, Act 852 can be considered one of the strictest regulatory frameworks in the country compared to other industries,' he told reporters after attending an Engagement Programme with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and Persatuan Mencegah Dadah Malaysia (Pemadam), here today. Gooi said the state government is also prepared to consider a ban on vape sales if the enforcement of Act 852, which takes effect on Oct 1, does not yield the desired positive outcomes. He said that a regulatory mechanism for the supply of electronic cigarettes has been introduced through the act, and the strategy to reduce its usage in Penang must be implemented in a comprehensive and planned manner. Previously, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that state governments have the legal space to implement a ban on the sale of vape products in their respective states. — Bernama
Independent Singapore
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Following his first trip to Penang, HK actor Louis Koo says he has 'fallen in love' with Malaysia
HONG KONG: According to VnExpress, the famous Hong Kong actor Louis Koo had his first taste of Penang while there promoting his latest action movie, Behind the Shadows , and get this—he totally fell in love with the Malaysian state. Photo: Instagram/Louis Koo The Star reported that Koo wrote on a Weibo post on Tuesday that although it was his first time in Penang, he had already fallen in love. According to The Star, what truly left a mark on him were the warmth of the people and the unforgettable prawn noodles in Penang. Absolutely love to come back Koo also posted three photos to accompany the social media post. Koo was deeply touched by the love and support he received from his Malaysian fans! He mentioned that he'd absolutely love to come back to the state if the chance comes up again, and he even promised to dedicate more time to fan photos on his next visit, which is great news for everyone! See also Supermodel Cara Delevingne ties the knot with Ashley Benson According to Hype, Louis Koo wasn't alone on his Penang trip! Co-stars Chrissie Chau and Phei Yong accompanied Koo for the press tour, and they visited Megamal Pinang and Gurney Plaza. Inaugural trip to Penang Although 55-year-old Koo has visited Malaysia many times, this recent trip marked his very first visit to Penang—the charming state in the northwest! However, Koo said it loud and clear: one visit was all it took for him to fall head over heels for the place absolutely. In the comments section, it was clear how much Malaysians appreciated Koo's visit to Penang. Many fans specifically thanked him, noting that most press tours typically confine themselves to Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley. Others were absolutely thrilled to meet Louis during the meet-and-greet sessions, eagerly sharing photos of their interactions with the actor. And, of course, plenty of people invited him to return to Penang, suggesting he try even more of the local delicacies on his next trip. See also The Rescue star nearly drowned during filming of underwater scenes Loyal fanbase across Asia Koo , who is now 55, really shot to fame thanks to his roles in those classic TVB dramas, such as The Condor Heroes , Detective Investigation Files IV , and A Step into the Past . His work in the late 1990s especially helped him build a vast and incredibly loyal fan base all across Asia. For those eager to see his latest work, his new film, Behind the Shadows , just hit cinemas in Hong Kong on Thursday. Since 2001, Koo has primarily focused on his film career, becoming a prominent figure in the Hong Kong film industry. He is known for his ability to portray a wide range of characters, moving beyond his initial typecasting in cool and aloof action roles to perform in comedies and romances successfully.
Free Malaysia Today
07-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Indian Muslim housing discount doesn't violate rights of others, says exco
Penang executive councillor S Sundarajoo said the initiative is aimed at increasing homeownership among groups with low participation in the open market and is not being done at the expense of others. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Penang's housing and environment committee chairman, S Sundarajoo, has defended the 5% homeownership discount for Indian Muslims under the Madani Home Ownership Campaign, saying it does not infringe on the rights of other communities. Sundarajoo said the initiative is aimed at increasing homeownership among groups with low participation in the open market and is not at the expense of others. 'This discount is offered by developers as a form of social responsibility and does not involve any financial support or subsidy from the state government,' he said in a statement today. He also clarified that the discount does not apply to units under the Bumiputera quota and does not affect any existing housing policies, including quotas or incentives for first-time buyers. 'All existing housing policies, including the Bumiputera quota, remain in place and will continue to be implemented,' he said. Sundarajoo said the move is also in response to the growing number of unsold houses in Penang, with 2,796 overhang units identified across the state as of the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the National Property Information Centre. The discount was approved by the state executive council on May 7 and by the state planning committee on Tuesday after consultations with housing industry stakeholders, he said. He said it also aims to boost the property sector, which has been affected by rising construction and labour costs. 'This aligns with the state's goal of promoting balanced, sustainable, and inclusive development,' he said. On Thursday, Sundarajoo announced that private developers will be encouraged to voluntarily offer a 5% discount to first-time Indian Muslim homebuyers for one year. The initiative has drawn criticism from human rights lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan, who called the campaign discriminatory and unconstitutional. Policy to be reviewed, says Sim In a separate statement, Penang DAP chief Steven Sim said he has discussed the matter with chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, who has agreed that it will be brought for review and discussion at the upcoming state executive council meeting. He said that as a party founded on the principles of the Federal Constitution, DAP has always championed justice and the welfare of all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion. 'It is important that the Penang government continues to uphold the principle of social justice and ensures that every Malaysian's right to homeownership is protected,' he said.
Malay Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Penang CM: New quit rent rates to be implemented from Jan 1, 2026
GEORGE TOWN, May 21 — New quit rent rates will be implemented from January 1 next year, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced today. He said the state's land and mines office, along with the land office, is currently reviewing quit rent rates for all registered land titles in Penang. 'This process involves 373,109 land titles across the state,' he said in a written reply to Lee Boon Heng (PKR–Kebun Bunga) during the state legislative assembly session. Chow added that the review process will continue until the end of the year. 'This administration has proposed several options for new quit rent rates, which are now under consideration by the state executive council,' he said. He noted that the state executive council has yet to approve the proposed rates. 'The new rates are scheduled to take effect next year, but they have not been finalised,' he said. Chow also said first-grade land titles in Penang will be included in the review. 'There are 197,412 first-grade land titles in the state, making up 52.35 per cent of the total land titles,' he said. He explained that the quit rent rates for first-grade lands are currently based on their usage, but the existing rates do not reflect the actual value, resulting in revenue losses for the state.
