Latest news with #RM100mil
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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
'Tunggu Sekejap,' Anwar drops teaser video ahead of special announcement [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: As anticipation grows over a much-awaited "extraordinary tribute" announcement later today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last night teased Malaysians with a short video clip on his Facebook page. The 13-second clip featured a snippet from one of his old speeches, which had previously gone viral and was often used by his political opponents. Featured Videos Socket switch causes minor fire at Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital ward ▶︎ 0:29 News@9 , Tuesday, July 22 ▶︎ 0:52 Anwar wants laws to protect local creative works from AI threats ▶︎ 0:45 MARKET PULSE PM JULY 22 ▶︎ 0:43 67,000 evacuated as floods sweep Philippines, two missing ▶︎ 0:59 Police block march by students, activists to Parliament ▶︎ 0:29 Eastin Hotel to rebrand as Petaling Jaya Marriott Hotel after RM100mil transformation ▶︎ 1:11 — Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) July 22, 2025 In the clip, Anwar can be heard saying: "Saya ulang, hari ini dalam pilihan raya kita menang, saya umum..." (I repeat, today if we win the election, I will announce...). The video then cuts to a classic Malay tune, "Tunggu Sekejap", loosely translated as wait for a moment by the late legendary artiste Tan Sri P. Ramlee, a subtle hint to the public to be patient and wait for today's announcement. It was reported yesterday that Communications Minister and government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Anwar's highly anticipated announcement would be made at 10.30am today. In a separate Facebook post, Anwar had said that the announcement would serve as a testament to the shared commitment towards creating a more equitable and prosperous future.
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Negri has submitted application to SPAN to review domestic water rates, says MB
SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan government has submitted an application to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) to review water rates for domestic users in the state. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun ( pic ) said an increase was necessary to enable state water concessionaire Syarikat Air Negri Sembilan (SAINS) to continue operating. He said the recent increase in water tariffs would add to SAINS' operating expenditure. "We are proposing a marginal increase for households as we need to understand that SAINS' operating costs will surely go up with the increase in tariffs. "SAINS has also been giving some form of subsidy for a certain percentage of water usage and it has to increase water rates marginally to enable it to continue its operations," he said. Aminuddin said a slight increase was also justified as about RM20mil annually is used to replace old and broken pipes in the state. He said SAINS also had to spend money to repair and upgrade water tanks to ensure supply in some areas is not disrupted. He also said more funds would be needed for more water tanks in areas with water supply issues. Aminuddin said the state would apply for a RM100mil allocation from the Federal Government to improve the water supply network in the state. "This is over and above the allocation set aside by SAINS," he said, adding that he hoped consumers would understand that the proposal to increase water tariffs was not to enrich Sains but to allow it to continue operating and provide quality water supply. Last week, SPAN said it had received applications from 10 states to review their water tariff rates. SPAN is empowered by the Water Services Industry Act 2006 to regulate and monitor the economic, technical, and social aspects of the water supply and sewerage services industry in Peninsular Malaysia, Putrajaya and Labuan.
The Star
06-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Ministry's new village blueprint aiming to revive communities, economies
A FRESH 10-year New Village Development Master Blueprint for Malaysia, succeeding the previous plan, is in the process of being drafted. Instead of private consultants, Housing and Local Government Ministry is looking at local expertise in academia and universities to shape the roadmap. Malaysian Chinese New Village Secretariat chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said the blueprint would be more inclusive, academically driven, and community-focused. 'Our academics have meticulously studied these villages and we should leverage on their expertise. 'Minister Nga Kor Ming has set four key directions for the blueprint – infrastructure development, 'One Village, One Product' initiative, new village beautification, and boosting tourism within these communities,' he said in an exclusive interview with StarMetro. Khoo said improving basic infrastructure was crucial to attracting young people to remain in new villages. 'The government will prioritise upgrading roads, drainage systems, street lighting, community halls and digital connectivity to support a comfortable and connected lifestyle,' Khoo said. 'The ministry is allocating RM100mil annually for development across 613 new villages nationwide. RM120mil was disbursed last year with potentially more for this year.' Recognising new villagers' rich cultural and economic potential, the blueprint will also push for the 'One Village, One Product' initiative, encouraging villagers to promote local offerings either local food, crafts or exclusive attractions. 'From Sekinchan's seafood and padi-based products to Perak's charcoal, many villages possess unique items and the government plans to aid in their promotion. 'Such initiatives are expected to attract tourists, create job opportunities, boost local economies and entice youths to return,' he said. 'Complementing this is the focus on new village beautification, ensuring communities are clean and well-maintained, thus fostering a conducive environment for long-term residency.' Khoo said through the Chinese New Village Bureau (BKBC), a competition called New Village Good Product was held under the One Village, One Product initiative. This provided successful participants with training in marketing and product packaging. 'Some winners have seen a 30% increase in sales after the competition's exposure, building their confidence to promote their products overseas.' The second competition, the New Village Beautification Competition, Khoo said encouraged villagers to adopt green concepts. 'Judges conduct unannounced evaluations to ensure villages maintain cleanliness,' he said, adding that both competitions were divided into north and south of the peninsula. He said the blueprint was geared towards positioning new villages as tourism destinations. 'New villages are rich in history, culture and nature, such as those in Johor, which can become attractive weekend getaways for locals and Singaporeans. 'These villages offer authentic experiences of traditional rural life, fresh food and eco-tourism activities like organic farming and fishing trips,' he said. Beyond macro-level development, the ministry has also introduced micro-level support for vulnerable groups within new village communities. 'This includes home repair grants of up to RM70,000 for B40 families and single mothers,' he said. 'Furthermore, a collaboration with Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) provides access to micro personal loans at just 2.5% interest per annum. 'These loans, ranging from RM50,000 for first-time borrowers to RM100,000 for subsequent ones, are helping villagers expand small businesses and renovate homes. 'Last year, over RM10mil in loans were disbursed from a RM140mil allocation, benefitting more than 200 borrowers.' Although depopulation still exists in certain remote villages, there is a growing trend of people returning to new villages. 'Leveraging the existing ecosystem of new villages, some have ventured into eco-farming, while others manage homestays,' he said. Regarding applications for Unesco heritage recognition, Khoo said the ministry was exploring such possibility. 'The ministry's role is to prepare the environment and infrastructure for young adults to return and revitalise local businesses, and boost local tourism. 'The historical and unique origins of new villages form part of our national heritage. 'Any village meeting the criteria for Unesco heritage recognition can apply. 'Who knows, they could transform into heritage towns, just like what happened with Melaka and George Town.' – By JAROD LIM
The Star
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
CIMB commits over RM100mil to upskill workforce
CIMB Group Holdings Bhd group chief executive officer Novan Amirudin. KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Group Holdings Bhd aims to accelerate its investment in training and development for its workforce, with over RM100mil committed for this year to focus on skills in digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), data and sustainability. The financial services company said in a statement yesterday that the group continues to uphold its purpose of advancing customers and society by promoting inclusive growth and long-term value creation for its employees. 'Through a range of initiatives, including reskilling and upskilling programmes, CIMB aims to provide a workplace where employees can thrive and grow, reflecting its commitment in building a more inclusive, resilient and empowered workforce,' it said. CIMB said all its permanent employees in Malaysia are currently earning above the national living wage threshold of RM3,100 per month as outlined in the Employees Provident Fund's Belanjawanku Expenditure Guide. 'This commitment fully supports the Finance Ministry's Government-linked Enterprises Activation and Reform Programme (GEAR-uP) initiative in championing equitable, market-based compensation practices, underscoring CIMB's strong commitment to fair and inclusive compensation practices, ensuring every employee in Malaysia is able to achieve a dignified standard of living,' it said. CIMB group chief executive officer Novan Amirudin said the company has long committed to fair and market-based compensation practices as part of its total rewards framework for employees. 'We are fully supportive of the GEAR-uP initiative to 'raise the floor' of wages, and are committed to a continuous journey of proactive partnership and engagement with our stakeholders. 'Our approach to compensation goes beyond salaries which includes holistic rewards, equitable remuneration structures and allowances that reflect the contributions and value of our people,' he said. CIMB said the group is committed to equipping its workforce with the tools and capabilities needed to stay competitive and future-ready. 'Last year, about 2.66 million learning hours had been delivered with a ramp up on digital, data and AI skills in line with CIMB's commitment to strengthen its capabilities in the area,' it added. — Bernama
The Star
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sub-committee to help with strata title delivery
MPAJ has a sub-committee to identify root causes and solutions delaying strata title issuance. — Filepic SOME 215 strata developments in Ampang Jaya, Selangor, have yet to obtain individual strata titles, Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) says. The figure, based on an audit by the local authority, prompted MPAJ to set up an internal committee to identify issues and solutions. The Strata Title Monitoring and Resolution Sub-Committee (JKPPHS), set up in 2023, aims to facilitate the delivery of strata titles for selected properties. Among its pilot focus areas are Estana Court in Ukay Perdana and Flat Al-Ridhuan in Taman Al-Ridhuan. 'JKPPHS was established to assist residents at strata developments where the strata register has not yet been started because of various issues. 'For example, Estana Court was selected because its strata register had not been established. 'Through this committee, members will identify the root causes and find solutions to any issues that arise,' MPAJ said in a written reply to StarMetro. MPAJ said the Estana Court developer was in the process of subdividing the land from one lot into three parcels as part of the necessary steps towards title issuance. As for Flat Al-Ridhuan, 'residents have opted to pursue the title issuance process independently, without JKPPHS involvement,' the statement said. 'The JKPPHS committee has been able to monitor the progress of the processes involved in obtaining strata titles.' The local council noted that there were several challenges involved in resolving strata title issues, including coordination and cooperation between developers, landowners and liquidators, as well as residents' financial constraints. MPAJ added that in cases where developers were no longer operating or had been liquidated, it worked with the Department of Insolvency Malaysia to identify and coordinate with the appointed liquidators. StarMetro previously reported that at least 30% of strata properties in Ampang Jaya did not have strata titles, with most of these properties being more than 20 years old. MPAJ confirmed that it planned to expand the pilot project model to other affected developments in Ampang Jaya. This also follows Selangor government's announcement of the RM10mil Selangor Strata Fund (DSS), aimed at resolving longstanding issues in apartment complexes lacking formal ownership documentation. MPAJ stated that it would receive RM1mil from the fund, which would be channelled towards resolving title issues at Taman Saga townhouses, one of the affected areas. Previously, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari had said RM100mil would be required to resolve all strata title issues in apartment schemes in Selangor over the next 10 years. He said the DSS initiative was expected to generate returns for the state within 10 years, as residential units that obtained strata titles would be paying parcel quit rent.
