Latest news with #RM45
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Dr Sim renews call for increased healthcare spending in Sarawak
Dr Sim (fourth right) and the Sarawak delegation in a group photo with Dr Bowen. Photo from Facebook/ Dr Sim Kui Hian KUCHING (July 26): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has renewed his call for increased healthcare spending for Sarawak, citing stark disparities in allocation compared to Western Australia, despite both regions having similar population sizes. Dr Sim said the state government of Western Australia spends A$14 billion (approximately RM38 billion) or 31 per cent of its budget annually healthcare for its three million population, out of which 42 per cent is funded by the federal government. In contrast, the Malaysian federal government allocates just seven per cent of the RM45 billion Ministry of Health budget for healthcare in Sarawak, which also has a population of about three million. '(This) Is definitely not (because) Malaysia is more healthy or (due to a) very young population and does not need to increase in health care spending, but (because) we don't spend enough (on healthcare) . Hence, (it is) important to implement the White Paper of Ministry of Health approved by Parliament of Malaysia (needs a target of 5 percent of gross domestic product and a defined dateline),' he said. Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, made these remarks in a Facebook post following a courtesy call on Dr Shirley Bowen, Director General of Health for Western Australia, in Perth on Friday. The Malaysian Health White Paper (HWP), passed by Parliament in June 2023, outlines a 15-year plan to reform the nation's healthcare system. Amongst others, it proposes increasing public healthcare expenditure to 5 percent of the country's GDP and aims to reform the healthcare system for greater equity, sustainability, and resilience. On a related matter, he described the meeting with Dr Bowen as fruitful, with potential for future collaborations between the Sarawak and Western Australia. He noted several similarities between the two regions: both are the largest states by land area in their respective countries, with comparable population sizes and strong economic performance. He added both region are not only their nation's largest states by land area but also boast strong economies—Sarawak with the highest state revenue in Malaysia and Western Australia being the richest state in Australia by GDP per capita. 'Western Australia, the largest state in Australia, has a land area of 2.53 million square kilometres and a population of around 3 million, similar to Sarawak, which is the largest state in Malaysia with a land area of 124,450 square kilometres and a population of 2.9 million,' he noted. Dr Sim added that Western Australia's healthcare system is overseen by five ministers, each focusing on a specific portfolio: Health and Mental Health, Health Infrastructure, Preventive Health, Medical Research, and Aged Care and Seniors. Dr Sim Kui Hian healthcare allocation lead Western Australia
The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
Building the base for a love of learning
Lee (seated left) with SJKC Pandan pupils after launching the upgraded Pondok Kasih at the school in Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/ The Star SJKC Pandan pupils now have a vibrant new space to read, learn and grow, thanks to the successful upgrading of Pondok Kasih, a reading corner at the Johor Baru school. Designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and collaborative learning among school pupils and staff, the RM45,000 project was undertaken by Eco Spring, a subsidiary of Eco World, under the foundation's Eco World Cares initiative focusing on education. The newly revamped space was handed over by Eco World Foundation chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and Eco World (southern region) divisional general manager Phan Yan Chan to SJKC Pandan headmistress Ong Lee Peng in a ceremony. In his speech, Lee said every student deserved a safe space where he or she could feel inspired, explore creativity and enjoy learning in a meaningful way. 'Pondok Kasih was created with this vision in mind and aligns with our commitment to educational empowerment among students,' he said, thanking the Eco Spring team for bringing the initiative to life. The transformation included roof replacement, new flooring, improved lighting, ceiling fan installation, a fresh coat of paint and upgraded landscaping. The result is a cosy and pupil-friendly environment suitable for reading, extra-curricular activities and group discussions. Praising the initiative, Ong described Pondok Kasih as an area where pupils can read quietly, relax during breaks, engage in group discussions or watch sports events. She said teachers could also use the space for book sharing, extra-curricular lessons and mentoring sessions. She extended her appreciation to the school board, Parent-Teacher Association and teachers for their support in the school's development journey. The reading corner now features well-designed bookshelves, picture book displays and comfortable seating to foster interest in reading, enhance language skills and promote a positive learning environment. The upgraded Pondok Kasih is expected to benefit 2,457 students and 122 teachers at the school. SJKC Pandan is one of the many schools supported by Eco World Foundation's Student Aid Programme, which also benefits 28 underprivileged students at the school. Nationwide, the programme assists about 2,000 students annually. Last year, Eco World Foundation also contributed nearly RM60,000 to enhance facilities at SK Gelang Patah and SJKT Taman Tun Aminah.
The Star
6 days ago
- The Star
Perak MACC nabs two statutory corp officers over alleged false claims
IPOH: Two statutory corporation officers have been detained by the Perak Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for allegedly submitting false claim documents amounting to about RM45,000. According to sources, the two suspects, a female in her 40s and a male in his 30s, were detained at the state MACC headquarters when giving their statements. The female suspect was arrested on July 22 at about 6.30pm while the other suspect was arrested on Wednesday (July 23) at about 5pm. Initial investigation found that both suspects were believed to have conspired when submitting the claims for a programme purportedly held in a district in Perak, but was found to have not been held. When contacted, Perak MACC director Datuk Ahmad Sabri Mohamed confirmed the matter and said that the case would be investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act. He reminded all parties, especially heads of departments, to strengthen systems and procedures as well as governance in their respective departments in financial management to prevent irregularities.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- New Straits Times
Perak MACC nabs 2 civil servants over RM45,000 false claim
IPOH: The Perak Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained a district department head and her subordinate for allegedly submitting a false claim amounting to RM45,000 in relation to the implementation of a departmental training programme. According to sources, the woman, in her 40s, was arrested at 6.30pm on Tuesday, followed by the detention of the second suspect, a man in his 30s, at 5pm yesterday. Both individuals were reportedly detained at the Perak MACC office here after voluntarily presenting themselves to assist in the ongoing investigation. Perak MACC director Datuk Ahmad Sabri Mohamed confirmed the arrests when contacted, adding that further investigations were underway. He said the investigation into both civil servants was being conducted under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009, which pertains to false claims and carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment or a fine of five times the amount involved, upon conviction. "All parties, particularly department heads, are reminded to strengthen financial systems and procedures within their departments to prevent any form of misconduct or abuse of power," he said.
The Star
7 days ago
- The Star
Customs Dept foils bids to smuggle in 34kg of cannabis
courtesy Royal Malaysian Customs Dept via BERNAMA ALOR SETAR: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department thwarted two attempts to smuggle in 34kg of cannabis in separate operations at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex last month. Kedah Customs director Wan Marini Wan Hamzah said the first operation involved a lorry that was stopped at 10.10pm on June 26 at the ICQS vehicle inspection zone. "Two boxes containing 18.75kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of over RM57,000 were found hidden behind the driver's seat. The driver was immediately detained for further investigation. "The... drugs (were hidden in) a legitimate consignment of vegetables, brought in late at night in hopes of bypassing inspection and securing direct clearance at the border,' she said in a statement on Wednesday (July 23). In the second operation, two brothers travelling on a cross-border express bus were detained at 4.50pm on June 28 while passing through the bus lane at the ICQS checkpoint. "Scans of their luggage revealed tightly packed bundles wrapped in black plastic, suspected to be cannabis. "A total of 15 compressed packets containing cannabis flower weighing 875.3g and 14.59kg of cannabis were seized, with an estimated street value exceeding RM45,200. "All suspects have been detained for further investigation. "The Customs Department urges the public to play an active role in combating smuggling, particularly involving cigarettes, alcohol and drugs, and to refrain from any involvement in such illegal activities,' she said. She added that the people can report such activities by calling the Customs toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-8855 or contacting the nearest Customs office. – Bernama
