Latest news with #RM226
The Star
13-06-2025
- General
- The Star
RM66.2mil viaduct project to reduce human-animal conflict
A Perhilitan signboard warning motorists about wildlife. — Filepic Johor government has expressed its full support for a viaduct along Jalan Batu Pahat-Jemaluang to provide a crossing for wild animals. State health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the project was crucial for the safety of both wildlife and road users, particularly in areas frequented by wild animals. The proposed viaduct, he said, would be located within the second phase of the Central Forest Spine ecological corridor (CFS2) that covers southern Peninsular Malaysia. Specifically, the project would involve the Labis Timur Forest Reserve, Mersing Forest Reserve and Lenggor Forest Reserve. 'Construction of the crossing is proposed to start at KM102 along FT050 which connects Batu Pahat and Jemaluang. 'This viaduct is part of the government's ongoing efforts to address human-wildlife conflict caused by habitat fragmentation along the CFS,' he said, adding that the project has been allocated RM66.2mil. Ling said this in his winding-up session during the state assembly meeting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail, Kota Iskandar. Ling: Viaduct will contribute to long-term biodiversity conservation in Johor. In helping to ensure the safety of humans and wildlife, he said the viaduct would contribute to long-term biodiversity conservation in Johor. The viaduct design, he added, was a symbol of cooperation between the state and federal governments. Ling thanked Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry for channelling funds to the state through the Ecological Fiscal Transfer for Biodiversity Conservation (EFT) mechanism. He said part of the funding would be used for several measures including the translocation of elephants. This has been scheduled to begin in July and continue until December this year. 'An allocation of RM226,000 from the funds will support the setting up of Kumpulan Pelindung Hidupan Liar in a village in Kluang, which has had many wildlife-related issues. 'Another major step is the fitting of satellite tracking collars on elephants to enable an early warning system,' he said. Of the first five of these collars, two have been attached to elephants with operations to continue until the remaining collars are utilised, said Ling. He added that Johor Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) was procuring five more collars. 'At the same time, 21 areas have been identified for elephant food banks. 'These are locations where food is made available to elephants to deter them from entering farms and residential areas in search of food,' he said. Ling said engagement sessions with local farmers has been held to ensure the smooth running of the elephant food banks. 'We hope that through these approaches, we can reduce conflicts between humans and elephants while also preserving the survival of this increasingly threatened species.'
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Johor backs RM66m Viaduct Project to protect wildlife
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor government fully supports the implementation of the Viaduct Project in the state which provides special crossings for wildlife to cross major roads. State Environment and Health Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said this project is not only for the safety of animals but also for road users who are at risk of accidents due to these collisions. According to him, the project site that has been identified is the Central Forest Spine (CFS2) Ecological Corridor, involving Labis Timur Forest Reserve, Mersing Forest Reserve and Lenggor Forest Reserve. The location of the crossing is proposed to be built at KM102, (federal road) FT50 Batu Pahat-Jemaluang route, involving an allocation of RM66.2 million. 'The construction of this 'viaduct' or wildlife crossing is a continuation of the government's ongoing efforts to address human-wildlife conflicts due to habitat fragmentation along the Central Forest Spine Ecological Corridor network. 'The viaduct's design is not just a physical infrastructure, but it reflects the integrated approach of the state and federal government in ensuring ecological continuity, the safety of animals and road users, as well as the long-term conservation of biodiversity in the state of Johor,' Ling said in his closing remarks during the Johor Legislative Assembly sitting at the Sultan Ismail Building here today. He also expressed his appreciation to the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) for the allocation of the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) to Johor, part of which will be used for several key initiatives, including the implementation of the elephant translocation operation that will begin in July and continue until December. In addition, he said, the allocation will also be used for the establishment of the Wildlife Protection Group (KPHL), with an allocation of RM226,000, in the Kluang district. Third, the installation of satellite collars on elephants to enable the early warning system to function effectively. So far, two units of satellite collars have been successfully installed, and the installation operation will continue until all existing stocks are used up. Additionally, the Johor Wildlife Department is currently in the process of acquiring five additional units, bringing the total number of satellite collars owned to 10 units. 'A total of 21 areas have been identified for the construction of elephant 'food banks', and engagement sessions with farmers have been held to ensure the effectiveness of this initiative. 'It is hoped that with this approach, conflicts between humans and elephants can be reduced, while at the same time preserving the survival of the increasingly endangered elephant species,' he added.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Johor fully supports implementation of wildlife Viaduct Project
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor government fully supports the implementation of the Viaduct Project in the state which provides special crossings for wildlife to cross major roads. State Environment and Health Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said this project is not only for the safety of animals but also for road users who are at risk of accidents due to these collisions. According to him, the project site that has been identified is the Central Forest Spine (CFS2) Ecological Corridor, involving Labis Timur Forest Reserve, Mersing Forest Reserve and Lenggor Forest Reserve. The location of the crossing is proposed to be built at KM102, (federal road) FT50 Batu Pahat-Jemaluang route, involving an allocation of RM66.2 million. 'The construction of this 'viaduct' or wildlife crossing is a continuation of the government's ongoing efforts to address human-wildlife conflicts due to habitat fragmentation along the Central Forest Spine Ecological Corridor network. 'The viaduct's design is not just a physical infrastructure, but it reflects the integrated approach of the state and federal government in ensuring ecological continuity, the safety of animals and road users, as well as the long-term conservation of biodiversity in the state of Johor,' Ling said in his closing remarks during the Johor Legislative Assembly sitting at the Sultan Ismail Building here today. He also expressed his appreciation to the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) for the allocation of the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) to Johor, part of which will be used for several key initiatives, including the implementation of the elephant translocation operation that will begin in July and continue until December. In addition, he said, the allocation will also be used for the establishment of the Wildlife Protection Group (KPHL), with an allocation of RM226,000, in the Kluang district. Third, the installation of satellite collars on elephants to enable the early warning system to function effectively. So far, two units of satellite collars have been successfully installed, and the installation operation will continue until all existing stocks are used up. Additionally, the Johor Wildlife Department is currently in the process of acquiring five additional units, bringing the total number of satellite collars owned to 10 units. 'A total of 21 areas have been identified for the construction of elephant 'food banks', and engagement sessions with farmers have been held to ensure the effectiveness of this initiative. 'It is hoped that with this approach, conflicts between humans and elephants can be reduced, while at the same time preserving the survival of the increasingly endangered elephant species,' he added.
The Star
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Register workers for PERKESO by May 31 or face action'
Calling all bosses: Sim announcing the extension of PERKESO Amnesty Month until May 31 during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur. With him is PERKESO group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Employers who have yet to register their workers under the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) and have outstanding contributions are given until May 31 to do so, says Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. He said that with the extension of the PERKESO Amnesty Month, errant employers will be exempted from compounds, legal action and late payment interest fees (FCLB) until May 31. 'Since the announcement of amnesty month this year, there has been an increase of 40% of employers registering for PERKESO compared to the same period last year. 'A total of 8,234 employers and 61,746 workers have registered, including 46,094 locals and 15,652 foreign workers. 'Exemption has been given for 913 FCLB notices issued under the Social Security Act 1969 and Employment Insurance Act 2017 involving 433 new employer registrations amounting to RM226,980,' he told a press conference here yesterday. Sim also announced that employers who have already registered with PERKESO could also enjoy a 50% discount on FCLB this month. 'This covers 215,172 employers who still have outstanding FCLB under the above two Acts, amounting to RM100mil,' he added. He urged employers who have yet to register or make PERKESO contributions for their workers to come forward during the amnesty month to avoid legal action. 'After May 31, there will be no mercy (for the employers),' he added. It was announced earlier this year that PERKESO had given employers a grace period from April 1 to 30 to register and begin voluntary contributions for their employees without facing legal action.
The Star
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
PERKESO grace period for errant bosses extended to May 31, says Sim
KUALA LUMPUR: Employers who have yet to register their workers under the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) and have outstanding contributions are given until May 31 to do so, says Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. He said that with the extension of the PERKESO Amnesty Month, errant employers will be exempted from compounds, legal action and late payment interest fees (FCLB) until that date. 'Since the announcement of amnesty month this year, there has been an increase of 40% of employers registering for PERKESO compared to the same period last year. ALSO READ: F&B, hospitality sectors top PERKESO non-compliance list 'A total of 8,234 employers and 61,746 workers have registered, including 46,094 locals and 15,652 foreign workers. 'Exemption has been given for 913 FCLB notices issued under the Social Security Act 1969 and Employment Insurance Act 2017 involving 433 new employer registrations amounting to RM226,980,' he told a press conference here on Friday (May 9). Sim also announced that employers who have already registered with PERKESO could also enjoy a 50% discount on on FCLB this month. 'This covers 215,172 employers that still have outstanding FCLB under the above two Acts amounting to RM100mil,' he added. He urged employers who have yet to register or make PERKESO contributions for their workers to come forward during the amnesty month to avoid legal actions. 'After May 31, there will be no mercy (for the employers),' he added. It was announced earlier this year that PERKESO had given employers a grace period from April 1 to 30 to register and begin voluntary contributions for their employees without facing legal action.
