Latest news with #Segamat
Malay Mail
24-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
AEON launches reforestation drive in Johor, targets 30,000 trees in Segamat after Bidor forest success
KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 — AEON has launched a new three-year reforestation initiative in Segamat, Johor, following the successful completion of its Malaysia-Japan Friendship Forest Programme in Bidor, Perak. The Segamat Reforestation Project was announced during a ceremony at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) headquarters in Kepong last Friday. It marks the next chapter in AEON's long-standing environmental sustainability efforts, in collaboration with FRIM. AEON said the project will see 30,000 rainforest trees planted across 36 hectares in three phases between 2025 and 2027, replicating the ecological impact of the Bidor initiative. The site in Bidor, once a degraded tin mining area, was transformed into a thriving ecosystem with 30,000 trees planted over 22.75 hectares between 2014 and 2023. AEON CO. (M) BHD managing director Naoya Okada and FRIM director-general Dato' Dr Ismail Parlan formalised the Segamat collaboration by exchanging a Letter of Intent (LOI), witnessed by FRIM deputy director-general (Research) Dr Norwati Muhammad and AEON deputy managing director Tsugutoshi Seko. As part of the launch, a symbolic tree-planting ceremony was held at FRIM's Padang 44, with native rainforest species including meranti temak nipis (Anthoshorea roxburghii), meranti tembaga (Rubroshorea leprosula), and sesenduk (Endospermum diadenum). Exchange of the Letter of Intent (LOI). From left: Tsugutoshi Seko, Deputy Managing Director of AEON, Naoya Okada, Managing Director of AEON, Dato' Dr. Ismail Parlan, Director General of FRIM, and Dr. Norwati Muhammad, Deputy Director General (Research) of FRIM. Okada said the new project builds on the achievements in Bidor, which now serves as a research and seed production site and forms part of the government's 100 million tree planting campaign. 'The Bidor project is a testament to what can be achieved when corporate responsibility is combined with scientific expertise. AEON is proud to carry this legacy forward in Segamat,' he said, adding that AEON has planted over 557,000 trees nationwide since beginning its green initiatives in 1991. Dr Ismail said FRIM values AEON's ongoing support in environmental conservation and welcomes further collaboration. 'The restoration efforts in Bidor have not only revitalised the land but also attracted a variety of fauna, including migratory birds. We look forward to expanding our partnership with AEON,' he said. AEON said the reforestation initiative forms part of its broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, promoting biodiversity, community engagement and sustainable development.
Free Malaysia Today
07-06-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Segamat MP urges nationwide vape ban
Segamat MP R Yuneswaran said existing control measures at the federal level are 'still weak' compared to state-level measures to stop vaping. PETALING JAYA : Segamat MP R Yuneswaran has urged the government to impose a total ban on the sale and distribution of vape products to safeguard public health and protect the youth from nicotine addiction. Citing 'alarming' data and mounting health concerns, Yuneswaran warned Putrajaya that inaction could lead to long-term health crises and an overwhelmed public healthcare system. Noting an increase in the rate of youth vaping and using e-cigarettes from 9.8% in 2017 to 14.9% in 2022, he said this not only signalled a growing nicotine addiction among the youth but would also bring severe health consequences. He said while several state governments had banned vape sales or were considering it, existing control measures at the federal level were 'still weak'. Yuneswaran also noted that the government had exempted nicotine liquids in vapes from the Poisons Act 1952, allowing the sale of nicotine-containing vape products without regulation. He said this decision had led to a rapid growth in the vape market, making it increasingly difficult to control, especially among the youth. 'Although Parliament recently passed the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023, the 'Generational End Game' (GEG) clause which would have banned the sale of nicotine products to anyone born after 2007 was removed, missing a crucial opportunity to protect young people from addiction. 'Without such key provisions and comprehensive vape regulation, efforts to curb youth nicotine addiction will become more challenging. 'The government is urged not to prioritise short-term tax gains over public well-being. Instead, the future of the next generation must come first. Implement a total vape ban to ensure a healthier Malaysia, free from the dangers of vaping.' He added that vaping was not a safe alternative to smoking, noting 17 cases of vape-related lung injuries (Evali) were reported in 2023, and the country's first local vape-related death reported last June. Yuneswaran also warned of the steep economic consequences of treating Evali, which could cost up to RM150,000. He said by 2030, the government might have to spend RM369 million annually on vape-related treatment. 'This nearly offsets the government's projected vape tax revenue of RM500 million per year, showing that the economic benefits of the vape industry are far outweighed by the health costs borne by the government,' he said. 'The public health sector risks losing hundreds of millions of ringgit to treat vape-related complications – funds that could be better used for other urgent health needs.'
Free Malaysia Today
01-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Focus on coalition unity, says MP amid Tengku Zafrul poser
Segamat MP R Yuneswaran said he feared Umno-PKR ties would be hampered if Tengku Zafrul Aziz was accepted as a PKR member. PETALING JAYA : An MP from PKR has urged his party to focus on maintaining a united coalition government, as former Umno man Tengku Zafrul Aziz seeks to join PKR. Segamat MP R Yuneswaran said he acknowledged Tengku Zafrul's contributions to the nation and government, but warned that PKR's ties with Umno could be hampered if the investment, trade and industry minister becomes a party member. 'It's essential to consider the implications of the relationship between Umno and PKR. Currently, the focus should be on a unity government and establishing a united coalition, which is of utmost importance. 'Anything that can break the trust and stability (within the unity government), must be avoided,' he said in a post on X. Tengku Zafrul resigned from Umno on Friday and said he intends to join PKR, citing 'compatibility and suitability'. However, many Umno leaders have warned PKR against accepting the senator as a member, with a Kedah leader also calling for a review of Barisan Nasional's alliance with Pakatan Harapan if Tengku Zafrul successfully defects to PKR. However, PKR Youth chief Kamil Munim supported accepting Tengku Zafrul, saying it would boost support for the party. Earlier today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said no official discussion has been held on Tengku Zafrul's application to join PKR, adding that his Cabinet would be unaffected.
Malay Mail
29-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Father and daughter killed as family vehicle plunges into ravine in Segamat
SEGAMAT, May 29 — A father and his nine-year-old daughter were killed when the vehicle they were travelling in with four other family members skidded and plunged into a ravine in Kampung Kwongsai, along Jalan Segamat-Labis, yesterday. Bandar Baru Segamat Fire and Rescue Station Operations Commander Senior Fire Officer II Zainal Abidin Che Deraman identified the deceased as Mohd Fitri Md Said, 39, and Nurin Insyirah Mohd Fitri. The four others were injured. They are Mohd Fitri's wife, Nurain Farhana Johari, 32, and their three children, Muhammad Zikri Mohd Fitri, 11, Nur Hisna Mohd Fitri, 4, and Nur Atiya Mohd Fitri, 2. Zainal Abidin said the station received an emergency call about the incident involving a four-wheel drive vehicle skidding and plunging into a ravine at 6.47 pm. 'Following the alert, a Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) with seven personnel was dispatched to the scene, which is located about nine kilometres from the station,' he said in a statement today. Upon arrival, he said the team discovered a Toyota Hilux that had plunged into the ravine, with two victims trapped beneath the vehicle. 'The team used special equipment, including a Hydraulic Ramp, to stabilise the vehicle and extricate the victims,' he said. The other four victims managed to free themselves from the wreckage and were subsequently sent to a hospital for treatment, while the bodies were handed over to the police for further action. — Bernama
Malay Mail
23-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Husband killed, wife injured in Segamat Nissan X-Trail and Scania trailer crash
KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — A man died following a collision involving a Nissan X-Trail SUV and a Scania trailer along Jalan Muar-Jementah Batu 16 in Segamat yesterday. Senior Fire Officer I Zuraimi Haron, operations commander from the Segamat Fire and Rescue Station, said a fire engine with six personnel was dispatched to the scene after receiving a distress call at 5.52pm. 'Upon arriving at 6.17pm, we found the accident involved a Scania trailer and a Nissan X-Trail SUV. 'A 37-year-old man was trapped in the driver's seat of the SUV, while a 36-year-old woman — believed to be his wife — sustained injuries. 'However, the 46-year-old Scania trailer driver was unharmed,' he told Sinar Harian. Firefighters used special rescue equipment to extricate the trapped victim, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel. The body was handed over to police for further investigation, while the injured woman was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. 'The situation was brought under control by 6.58pm, and the operation was completed at 6.55pm,' he added.
