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The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Time to draft and table gender equality Bill, says Mah
All smiles: Dr Mah posing for photographs with Perak Wanita MCA members during the AGM in Ipoh. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star IPOH: More efforts should be put into the drafting and tabling of the long-awaited Bill for gender equality, says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon. The MCA deputy president said while there had been some positive changes regarding women's rights, the unity government was still slow in drafting the Bill. 'The government has made some strides in advancing women's rights but there is still discontent among some communities. 'For over a decade, civil society organisations, human rights advocates and various political coalitions have been pushing for this landmark legislation. 'Its primary goal is to codify and enforce the principles of gender equality and non-discrimination into Malaysian law, moving beyond piecemeal amendments to existing Acts,' he said in his speech when opening the Perak Wanita MCA annual general meeting (AGM) here yesterday. 'There is no clear timetable to table the Bill in Parliament, which I feel should be an urgent need,' he added. Dr Mah said he believes the primary obstacle to the Bill was due to opposition from conservative religious and political groups. 'Some criticisms included promotion of Western or liberal values that are incompatible with Malaysian culture. 'There is also resistance due to concerns that it could be used to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, which is a sensitive issue. 'I believe that a Bill can be drawn within the framework of the Federal Constitution, which ensures justice and fairness to the people,' he said. Dr Mah said among the problems still faced by women is inadequate representation in political parties or decision-making positions, moral policing of women's attire and domestic violence. 'The goal was to achieve a 30% quota for women in political decision-making roles but it remains elusive. 'The amount of female representation in Parliament has also decreased with only five women ministers. 'While laws exist, domestic violence remains a significant issue, with thousands of cases reported annually,' Dr Mah added. Separately, Dr Mah, who is also state MCA chairman, urged party members to continue to be committed to the party. He said it was important for members to attend important party events, especially those who represented the party as elected representatives or appointed to government positions. 'If they can't even show up for the party's annual general assembly, or if you just mark your attendance but leave, or frequently skip meetings, these (actions) say everything. 'If they can't even fulfil the basic requirement of participation, it shows they do not respect the party,' Dr Mah said. He added that while most of the state Wanita wing's division representatives were present during the AGM, there were still a few who were expected to attend, but were absent. 'If someone does not take the party seriously, the party will reassess their performance accordingly. 'We are committed to grooming new talents but action will still be taken if issues arise.'
The Star
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
82 and still stirring the pot
No rest for the best: Ah Cyen preparing a bowl of 'kai see hor fun' at his stall in Ipoh. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star IPOH: 'I don't want to sit around at home. As long as I can work, I'll keep going,' said 82-year-old Neow Ah Cyen. He still wakes up before sunrise to prepare one of Ipoh's popular dishes, known as 'kai see hor fun', a flat rice noodles dish. For over 60 years, he has been serving the dish at the same spot in a restaurant in Ipoh Old Town, continuing the legacy of his late father. Ah Cyen, a widower, recalled how their business started from humble beginnings with a tricycle. 'I started helping my father when I was 15 years old and that's how I learnt the trade. 'I enjoy cooking as it keeps me moving. Why sit at home when I can still work? My hands and legs are still strong and apart from high blood pressure, I'm healthy,' he said when met here. His second son, Thze Choong 57, helps him to manage the daily operations, while his eldest son, Thze Kain 58, handles shopping and preparing the ingredients. Another son, Chee Heng, 52, runs a stall under the same family banner – Tricycle Chicken and Prawn Koay Teow – in Puchong, Selangor. His youngest son, however, is not keen on the food business. He now lives in the United States, working as a gym instructor. After all these years, Ah Cyen's stall still draws loyal customers from across the country and beyond. There are those from Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Johor, and even as far as Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and China. 'Customers say the flavour remains authentically old-school and delicious,' Ah Cyen said, adding that the recipe he uses was passed down from his father. Each bowl features rice noodles in a rich, flavourful broth, topped with tender shredded chicken, fresh prawns, and garnished with garlic chives and other seasonings. Lim Chin Kee, 57, said he has been eating at the stall since he was a kid. 'The taste hasn't changed and it's still the best. 'It has the traditional tastes and out of 10, I would rate it a 9,' said the mechanical engineer. For Wong Phooi Leng, 52, a yoga instructor living in Singapore, the visit was more than just a meal. 'I come back to Malaysia a few times a year and always try to stop by, but traffic usually gets in the way. Today, we were lucky; it was jam-free. 'The flavours, the atmosphere, even seeing the uncle again, bring back so many memories; it's nostalgic. It truly feels like stepping back into my childhood,' she said.
The Star
03-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Ipoh tree rooted in history but fading from memory
Legacy at risk: The Ipoh Tree at the Ipoh Railway Station Square. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star IPOH: Once a powerful symbol of the city's identity, the Ipoh Tree from which the city draws its name, is no longer widely recognised especially among the younger folk. And sadly, there are only two Ipoh trees left standing in public spaces here. The tree's connection to the city name, and its cultural meaning, has faded with time, said Perak Heritage Society deputy president Prof Dr Richard Ng. He said the Ipoh Tree (Antiaris toxicaria) is not as prominent or celebrated for several reasons. Many people, especially the younger generation, do not even know the history of the tree, he said. 'Schools and tourism materials seldom emphasise its symbolic role. 'The younger generation grew up knowing about Lost World or Concubine Lane, but not the tree that gave Ipoh its name. 'As Ipoh modernised, urban planning focused more on infrastructure, less on preserving original natural landmarks. 'The city grew beyond the symbol of the tree with malls, housing and new attractions that took over public attention,' he said. In 2023, The Star reported that only two Ipoh trees remain in public spaces in the city. One can be seen at the Ipoh Railway Station Square, while the other is located at Persiaran Sultan Azlan Shah in Taman Lapangan Terbang, estimated to be around 20 years old, with a height of about 12m. The Ipoh City Council had said the one located at the square was planted in February 2018 to replace a 100-year-old Ipoh tree that fell during a storm in April 2017. On Aug 31, 2022, an Ipoh tree at the Dr Seenivasagam Park fell due to rot in its roots. That tree was estimated to be at least 30 years old. Ng said most majestic trees, including the Ipoh Tree fell victim to road expansion, construction, bad weather or neglect. He said it is a pity that such an important symbol of Ipoh is slowly forgotten. 'With only a handful of trees left in the city, efforts to integrate the Ipoh Tree's story into the city's identity through schools, public signage and cultural programmes must be made before the legacy is lost entirely. 'The tree, though dangerous, is majestic, much like how Ipoh itself emerged, from a wild, resource-rich land to a vibrant mining town. 'Its rare toxic sap became a symbol of indigenous knowledge and natural power. As the tree faded from public space, its legacy lived on in the city's name, coat of arms, and identity,' he added. Elaborating on the history of the Ipoh Tree, Ng said it played a central role in the naming of Ipoh, and was once abundant along the Kinta River. He said the tree's poisonous sap was traditionally used by the Orang Asli to tip blowpipes for hunting. Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) field officer Meor Razak Meor Abdul Rahman said there was no need to plant many such trees, but maintain the existing trees properly. He said it was sufficient to have the trees located at different locations, both at public and tourist areas. 'What is important is that they are well maintained with proper safety features to ensure that the public cannot easily approach or be exposed to the potential toxins. 'There is a need to keep the legacy of the tree, and thus a few trees must be maintained to ensure the history is well preserved for the future generations,' he added.
The Star
02-07-2025
- The Star
Drugs and sports car caught in Customs net
Wide array: Mohd Nadzri (centre) showing the seized items during a press conference in Ipoh. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star IPOH: Four smuggling attempts were thwarted by Customs officers, with various items worth up to RM10mil, including unpaid duties, seized. They included a luxury sports car worth about RM2.2mil, drugs, e-cigarettes, marble tiles and pig carcasses. Perak Customs director Mohd Nadzri Ariffin said the sports car, a Brabham Model BT62, was seized by the department's Taiping branch in a raid at Westport Container Terminal in Pulau Indah, Selangor, at about 12.15pm on May 27. 'The car, with an excise duty of about RM4.2mil, was inside a container and found to have been imported without a permit. It was declared as parts and toolboxes,' he told a press conference here yesterday. Mohd Nadzri said the case was being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act. 'Those found guilty can be fined up to 20 times the value of the item or maximum five years jail or both,' he added. In another raid on June 5, Mohd Nadzri said enforcement officers seized RM966,084 worth of drugs at a courier company in Petaling Jaya. He said the drugs, believed to be dried cannabis (ganja) flowers, were packed and hidden among two boxes containing an air mattress and inflatable pool. The drugs, which weighed about 9,858g, were found in eight separate plastic bags, he added. 'The items were believed to be meant for the United Kingdom,' he said, adding that no arrest was made. Mohd Nadzri said the case was being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment and whipping upon conviction. In two other raids, pig carcasses worth about RM1mil were seized in Pengkalan Hulu on May 29, and 55,320 units of e-cigarettes and vaping liquid worth about RM896,800 were confiscated in Port Klang on June 4. He said two refrigerated truck drivers were arrested at Pengkalan Hulu. 'They are being investigated for smuggling banned items from a neighbouring country under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act,' he said, adding that the carcasses had an excise duty of about RM518,100. He said the e-cigarettes and vaping liquid, which had an excise duty of about RM530,670, were declared as plastics. 'We also seized undeclared marble tiles worth about RM70,600 during the same operation,' he said.
The Star
14-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Perak's stray dog management to go ‘smart'
Better chance at life: Ng (second from left) looking at dogs recovering from spaying during the launch of the Perak Pawsitive Initiative for the Teja constituency, in Gopeng. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star GOPENG: Perak is finalising two key initiatives to tackle the rising number of stray animals, namely the introduction of microchips for dog licensing, as well as feeder mapping to manage the location of animal feeders. State housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng said the first initiative is a proposal to make it compulsory for dogs to be microchipped to increase traceability of pet ownership. 'This move aims to introduce a more transparent and responsible pet ownership system. With microchipping, authorities will be able to trace the owner's identity, and the animal's vaccination records and neutering history. 'This would allow dogs to be identified and reunited with owners in the event of disturbances, loss or complaints. It is also expected to reduce cases of owners abandoning their dogs, an act which burdens the community and state resources,' she said after launching the Perak Pawsitive Initiative for the Teja constituency here yesterday. Ng said the feeder mapping system aims to recognise and regulate those who voluntarily feed stray animals. She said many feeders have been operating independently for years, often without proper coordination. 'In some cases, feeding areas have led to public complaints due to disturbances, hygiene issues or increasing numbers of strays. 'Through this initiative, feeders will be encouraged to register with the cooperation of local authorities and animal welfare NGOs. 'This will help ensure that feeding areas are monitored, dogs in those zones are neutered and cleanliness is maintained,' she said, adding that a basic digital platform will be developed to map feeding hotspots, allowing complaints to be addressed more effectively, aid to be channelled accurately and intervention strategies to be planned in advance. 'This is not just a technical effort but also an acknowledgement of the community's role and effort as part of the state's goal of transforming into a smart city,' she said. Ng added that the government is studying aspects such as cost implications, record management systems and enforcement methods. 'We will finalise it by the end of the year. The priority is to develop a fair, efficient and enforceable framework for long-term use,' she said.
