Latest news with #RM1.4mil
The Star
10-07-2025
- General
- The Star
SXI Class of ‘85/‘87 gift rainwater harvesting system to alma mater
(From right) SXI Penang brother director Brother Jason Blaikie, Tan, Board of Governors treasurer Jeffrey Chew and old Xaverians posing with a mock cheque for RM68,888 beside the donated rainwater harvesting system. — KT GOH/The Star IN A gesture that embodies their 'Honouring the Past, Building for the Future' reunion theme, St Xavier's Institution (SXI) Class of '85/'87 gifted their alma mater a new rainwater harvesting system. This sustainable installation serves as a tribute to their late schoolmate, Bernard Lim Peng Aun, who passed away of a heart attack earlier this year, and reflects his lifelong dedication to innovation and social impact. The sixth official reunion of the Class of '85/'87's drew 154 former students and 17 ex-teachers to the school's Heah Joo Seang Hall. SXI Board of Governors chairman Victor Tan praised the initiative. He said the system, costing about RM10,000, would help the school save money in the long run as the collected water would be used to water plants and keep the SXI clean. 'This gift of a rainwater system is a perfect reflection of how one person's spirit can continue to make a difference. 'We are humbled and inspired by the Class of '85/'87's generosity,' said Tan. The reunion also served as a platform to raise funds for the much-needed upgrade of SXI's school field. This historic field, dating back to 1911, was purchased by Catholic De La Salle Brothers for $99,550 (Straits dollars). The field has witnessed significant historical moments, including its transformation into a makeshift 'attap school' after SXI's main building was bombed during World War II. Today, it faces challenges such as hard ground conditions, poor drainage and seasonal flooding. With 1,300 students depending on it for sports and co-curricular activities, the field needs an overhaul, Tan said. 'The RM1.4mil planned upgrade will include excavation and drainage works, and re- turfing of the football field at a cost of RM430,000,' said Tan. 'It will also see the installation of a 300m synthetic track (RM780,000) and facilities for field events (RM190,000). 'So far, RM100,000 has been pledged by the Penang government while the SXI Board of Governors has committed RM200,000. 'The reunion raised RM68,888, a testament to the commitment of Xavierians to their alma mater,' Tan said. To raise the amount needed, Tan announced that the school will hold the SXI Run 2025 on Sept 21. 'We hope to attract 1,000 people to take part in the run. 'We also welcome sponsors and community involvement. 'Various donation tiers are available. These include title sponsor (RM30,000), gold (RM10,000), silver (RM5,000) and bronze (RM1,000), with all contributions being tax-exempt,' he said, adding that sponsorships, student entries and in-kind donations are welcome. Participants will each receive a finisher's medal, certificate of participation and T-shirt. There are also lucky draw prizes and cash prizes for selected categories. For donation and sponsorship enquiries, call Tan at 019-480 6556. To register for the run, visit
The Star
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Perak to grow onions in more districts
Domestic crop: Perak cultivates Malaysia's first commercially produced onion. GOPENG: The silver state, which has begun branding its commercial onion cultivation as 'Perak onions', will expand farming to three more districts with a further RM1.4mil allocation from the Federal Government. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the pilot project started in the Batang Padang district last year. This would be expanded to the Kuala Kangsar, Muallim and Perak Tengah districts. Perak has the distinction of pioneering Malaysia's first commercially produced onion. Saarani said 'Perak onions' are found to be tasty and sweet. 'This makes them attractive to buyers,' he told reporters at the closing of the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) Fest 2025 at the Rural Transformation Centre here yesterday. Also present was Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup. Saarani said the state would identify the areas that meet the criteria for growing onions. 'The crop requires fertile soil so that it can produce good yields,' he added. Saarani said it was important to ensure the districts have suitable land because onions require the right type of soil to grow quality produce. 'Even though they can be planted anywhere, we need to find the most suitable land because that is what will yield good onions,' he added. Arthur, in his speech, said one of the most commendable achievements is the successful production of Perak onions. He said this success is the result of a collaborative effort between the Agriculture Department and the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute. 'Thus, the ministry has allocated an additional RM1.4mil to Perak to expand the cultivation area for onions this year,' he said. It was reported in April last year that Perak was the first state in Malaysia to harvest around 2.3 tonnes of the BW1 onions at a site in Kampung Ladang Bikam. Perak is reported to be one of six states that will be the main producer of BW1 onions for domestic consumption. On the Fama Fest, Saarani said he was pleased there had been an increase in participants with more products, more young agropreneurs and higher sales. 'As I mention often, my slogan for Perak is 'plant what we want to eat, eat what we plant, the surplus can be sold or donated.'' 'The goal is to encourage more people in Perak to take up farming, so that we don't have to depend on imports. 'Sometimes we have to wait for chilies from abroad. When our currency drops, prices go up. And sometimes we wait for vegetables or meat from overseas. 'This makes us Malaysians dependent on agricultural products from other countries and that is not good,' he said. Saarani also spoke about the impact of global happenings such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia war and how prices of onions soared in India when it went through severe weather conditions. As such, he said it is important for Malaysians, especially for the people of Perak, to get involved in farming.
The Star
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Perak to expand onion cultivation with allocation from federal govt
GOPENG: Onion cultivation in Perak will be expanded to three other districts in the state with an additional RM1.4mil allocation by the Federal Government, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. The Perak Mentri Besar stated that the pilot project began in the Batang Padang district and would be expanded to the Kuala Kangsar, Muallim, and Perak Tengah districts. He said the state would identify the areas that meet the criteria for growing onions. 'We have begun branding them as 'Perak onions'. They are tasty and sweet,' he told reporters at the closing of The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) Fest 2025 at the Rural Transformation Centre here on Sunday (June 1). 'Even though onions can technically be planted anywhere, we need to find the most suitable land to get the best quality onions,' he added. Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, was also present. In his speech at the event, Arthur stated that the successful production of Perak onions was a commendable achievement, and it was the first commercially produced onions in Malaysia. He said this success is the result of a collaborative effort between the Agriculture Department and the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi). 'The ministry has allocated an additional RM1.4mil to Perak to expand the cultivation area for the onions this year,' he said.
The Star
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Wednesday (May 28, 2025)
Malaysia * Govt firmly opposes normalising LGBTQ+ culture, says Na'im * Urgent PKR leadership council meeting called to discuss Rafizi, Nik Nazmi's resignations, says party insider * Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab appointed as new Health DG * PM Anwar approves leave for Rafizi, Nik Nazmi, mum on resignations * Cabinet resignations signal need for reshuffle, say analysts * Nurul Izzah praises Rafizi for speaking the truth without fear * Baby at Danau Kota taska choked to death, say cops * Speculation mounts that S'gor MB Amirudin may get Cabinet post * Johor cops seize RM2.3mil in drugs, nab eight in raids on two syndicates * Ipoh international school says will take action to foster kindness, respect after boy allegedly beaten up by schoolmates * Pharmacy fined RM50,000 for misleading price on product * Appeals Court upholds man's 30-year jail term, 24 strokes of the cane for drug charges * June 3 set for hearing of Anwar's bid to refer immunity questions to apex court * Nik Nazmi also resigns from Cabinet * Anwar declines to comment on Rafizi's resignation * Retirement age extension must balance veteran respect, youth opportunity, says Azalina * Audit institutions should be empowered to operate independently, says Anwar * Rafizi: I've submitted my resignation as Economy Minister * KK-Labuan ferry resumes operations with first trip at capacity * Malaysia must adopt AI but cannot forgo the right values, says PM * Elephant-feeding by NGO puts East-West Highway users at risk * Elderly company director loses RM1.4mil to online trading scam Singapore * Indonesian man to be charged in Singapore for buying KrisFlyer accounts illegally to use air miles on purchases * Singapore actor Ayden Sng gets publicity boost in China for upcoming shows * Kia launches first EV assembled in Singapore * Corruption reports and cases in Singapore fell to all-time low in 2024 * Only breeding pair of peregrine falcons in Singapore hatch two chicks for first time * Singapore judge rejects prosecutors' request to strike out fugitive Indonesian's allegations against Corrupt Practices bureau * Traveller who stole credit card, over US$200 in cash during Scoot flight gets ten months' jail * Singlish-savvy Singapore AI chatbot can check in on seniors, intercept scam calls Indonesia * Prabowo says ready to recognise Israel if Palestinians get state * Narcotics agency, police foil largest drug smuggling attempt in Indonesian history * Plan to install stairlifts in Borobudur to welcome Macron draws controversy * Suspected terrorist taken into custody by Indonesian counter-terror unit * France's Macron, Indonesia's Prabowo to discuss strategic partnerships * Defying all odds with nuclear power * Australian man held over smuggling cocaine to Bali Thailand * Thai PM presents US$115 billion budget to parliament to support lacklustre economy * No more excuses! Bikers without helmets in Thailand face up to THB 2,000 fine starting June 1 * Two police pilots told friend of possible helicopter crash night before tragedy * Policeman killed, another injured in shootout with insurgents in Narathiwat * Global EV stockpile sparks new price war as Thailand faces after-sales challenges * Thai-Cambodian troops clash in early morning gunfire at Chong Bok border * Thaksin declares war on drugs again, vows community scans for pushers Philippines * Father, son suspected of killing cop nabbed in Sultan Kudarat, Philippines * Philippines to US: Deport our citizens to Manila, not El Salvador * Filipino 'Anak' singer Freddie Aguilar died of multiple organ failure says ex-partner * In macabre street scene, woman in the Philippines crawls out of storm drain * Ex-Philippine rep Arnolfo Teves rearrested in Timor-Leste; son cries 'kidnap' * Kanlaon Volcano in the Philippines emits over 1,000 tonnes of sulphur dioxide Vietnam * Vietnam approves plan to develop high-tech human resources * Vietnam tuna exports to halal markets rise, but more supporting policies needed Myanmar * Fire that killed four women at bar in Mandalay caused by short circuit: fire dept * Myanmar deports 67 foreign nationals involved in telecom fraud and online crimes * Myanmar reports 82 railway mine attacks, 176 railway bridge blasts by insurgents in four years Cambodia * Cambodian soldier killed in clash with Thai army at disputed border * Cambodia reports fourth bird flu death this year Laos * Laos, China strengthen ties to boost cardiovascular treatment Brunei * Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in good health, resting, says Anwar * Bank Islam Brunei unveils development project in support of 12th National Development Plan goals * Brunei Sultan resting at IJN due to fatigue Aseanplus * Asean All-Stars upset Man United 1-0, thanks to Myanmar captain Maung Maung Lwin * Malaysia in final lap to bid for UN-Habitat General Assembly presidency, says Nga * Public outrage as China woman told to make in-person withdrawal dies outside bank * Malaysia's very own neo-psychedelic band Ramayan are going mainstream with new experimental album, 'Ini adalah ujian transmisi' * Asean Sec-Gen hails 'twin successes' of 46th Summit with Vision 2045, Timor-Leste admission * Former Chinese actor Li Yapeng works hard to repay RM23.5mil debt amid divorce rumours * Samsung India executives seek to quash $81 million penalty over tax evasion * What's in a name? Japan bans flashy baby names like Pikachu and Nike * Residents fear for safety after deadly blast at China chemical plant * Fuel prices May 29 - June 4: Diesel down 3 sen while RON95, RON97 stay unchanged * Ringgit rebounds against US dollar on improved risk appetite * Pope Leo appeals for Gaza ceasefire, laments deaths of children * One in three indebted young Koreans had suicidal thoughts: survey * Six dolphins rescued in Lucknow, India * China's Li Qiang calls for 'vibrant economic circle' with Asean, Gulf states * Arctic warming seen at three times global average in years ahead, UN weather agency says * Selangor Immigration detains 83 in Alam Megah warehouse raid * SEA presents untapped opportunities for investment, says UAE minister * Residents pick up the pieces one day after deadly China chemical blast * Sri Lankan leftist government begins privatisation * China issues flood warnings after heavy rain in southern regions * Bhutan's emigration dilemma: Will they return? * TVB star Roger Kwok, 60, addresses dating rumours with 23YO former Miss Hong Kong Hilary Chong * Japan urges universities to accept students in US * Hridayendra Shah may be king if monarchy is reinstated in Nepal, RPP-Nepal chair Kamal Thapa suggests * Sabahan lass Wani Kayrie gets into the groove with her new traditional-pop single 'Cak Cak Cekuk' in celebration of the Kaamatan festival * China's answer to World Bank to open Singapore, HK offices * Jia Jia and De De chosen as names for Hong Kong's twin panda cubs * South Korean acting President leads final Cabinet meeting before election * Brazilian prosecutors sue BYD over allegations of slave-like labour conditions * Mr Nusantara showpiece bows in - a one of a kind male beauty pageant that features the best from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia * Study says new Jurassic bird fossil is 'missing link' * Cricket-From dazzled to dazzling, Bengaluru's Jitesh makes his mark in IPL * Malaysia-China trade hits RM161.98bil from Jan-April 2025 - Matrade * Australia's opposition coalition reunites a week after split * No security incidents during 46th Asean Summit, says Bukit Aman * FBM KLCI ends slightly higher at midday on cautious sentiment * Asia boosts weapons buys, military research as security outlook darkens * Japan Expo 2025 draws five million visitors in first six weeks * Sze Fei-Izzuddin stand as world No. 1 with smooth win in Singapore * With buoy and camera, 32-year-old diver redefines life as a Jeju haenyeo * Malaysia's PPI falls 3.4% in April 2025, led by mining sector decline * Big surprise in sumo. The sport has a new champion - and he's Japanese * Hospital access restricted, schools closed as police search for gunman in Australian town * Malaysia, Indonesia to spearhead single global halal logo * A 17-year-old reaches top of tallest mountain in the world * Malaysia has done well by working with both US and China, says Saifuddin * 144 victims saved in CID crackdowns on human trafficking, says IGP * It's official: WhatsApp now available for download on iPad * Outcome of Sarawak's Asean Heritage Park nominations to be known in September * Asian shares, US$ climb on rosy data, tech optimism * Asian stocks track Wall St rally as trade fears ease, eyes on Japan debt * Muslim Australian lawmaker says she was urged to drink, 'dance on table' * South Korean presidential candidates debate various issues in televised address * Oil prices inch up as U.S. bans Chevron from exporting Venezuelan crude * US stops scheduling visa interviews for foreign students while it expands social media vetting * South-East Asia sees near 150% rise in heart disease, study shows * Bursa Malaysia makes cautious rebound on the heels of Wall Street rally * Asean voices deep concern over US tariffs, commits to regional economic unity * Ringgit edges down on improving US data * Moving away from traditional gifts * Lawsuit over false adoption * Large blast hits chemical plant in Shandong, no casualties reported * 'Everest Man' on top of the world after breaking own record * Seoul slaps travel bans on two former acting presidents * 'US plans risk war in space' * 'Elder Sister' and 'Little Brother' get official names * Opposition chief takes the lead * Tang Jie-Ee Wei make winning return in Singapore Open * Timor-Leste to join Asean in October * Malaysia views US tariff cut to 10% as favourable * PM: It's time to turn vision into reality * Tennis-Djokovic makes smooth start to bid for 25th Grand Slam title * Asean leaders head home after two-day summit
The Star
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Glostrext posts record performance for FY25
KUALA LUMPUR: Glostrext Bhd said that while it remains mindful of potential economic challenges, its strategic initiatives, innovative solutions, and diversified portfolio have positioned the group for sustained long-term growth. The geotechnical instrumentation and testing service provider remains committed to executing its long-term strategies through a balanced and proactive growth approach, while closely monitoring market dynamics. 'We remain committed to operational excellence, maintaining our focus on delivering value to our shareholders, customers, and employees. 'We remain optimistic about our future financial performance, anticipating continued demand growth for our services,' Glostrext said. In the fourth quarter ended March 31, Glostrext posted a net profit of RM1.4mil, lifting its full-year net profit to RM6.9mil. Quarterly revenue surged 61.3% to RM9.7mil, bringing the full-year total to a record high of RM34.9mil. As of March 31, Glostrext maintained healthy financials with cash and bank balances of RM13.68mil and positive operating cash flow of RM4.71mil. Its net assets per share of the company stood at 0.15 sen. Managing director Ir. Dr. Lee Sieng Kai attributed the stellar results to the company's ongoing investment in innovation and operational excellence. 'Our commitment to enhancing technologies has significantly improved both our operational efficiency and financial performance,' he said. 'Notably, our proprietary WiNA-platform-based Automated Maintained Load Test System (WiNA-aMLT) has strengthened our competitive edge in the market.' 'Our core segments—pile instrumentation and static load test services, along with structural and ground instrumentation and monitoring services – continue to perform strongly in both Malaysia and Singapore, delivering substantial revenue and profit growth,' he added.
