Latest news with #SitiMaisarahAbdulGhani

Barnama
20-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Zero Sales Tax On Local Fruits Will Strengthen National Economy
By Nor Farah Aqilah Mohd Sham and Siti Maisarah Abdul Ghani KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- The government's decision to maintain a zero Sales Tax for local fruits will not only encourage Malaysians to incorporate these agricultural products into their daily diet but will also be able to contribute to the national economy, according to experts. Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Melaka branch, Jasin Campus, Associate Professor Dr Fazleen Abdul Fatah said this was because, aside from being highly nutritious, local fruits would remain reasonably priced and accessible to the public with the zero Sales Tax in place. "Local fruits such as papaya and mango are naturally very rich in various nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and fibre, which are good for addressing skin, cellular, and heart-related health issues. "The content of bioactive compounds found in local fruits is also able to act as natural antioxidants, boost the immune system, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and many more," she told Bernama. According to Fazleen, local fruits will also be more easily available because these agricultural products do not need to go through a long transit period to be in the market, compared to imported fruits 'Purchasing local fruits can also help ensure the country's agricultural industry continues to grow and stabilise the food sector,' she said. A lecturer at the Department of Food Services Management, UiTM Puncak Alam, Selangor, Associate Professor Dr Zuraini Mat Issa@Zakaria, said Malaysia could reduce its dependence on imported fruits if the community prioritised local fruits 'In addition to the high costs of importing foreign fruits, it also contributes to a larger carbon footprint and environmental impact due to long transportation distances, high energy consumption for storage and packaging, and increased greenhouse gas emissions,' she said.

Barnama
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
RTM-DBP Epic Supertele ‘Srikandi' To Air On Aug 31 In Celebration Of Independence Month
By Siti Maisarah Abdul Ghani KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), in collaboration with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), has produced the epic supertele entitled 'Srikandi' to be aired on Aug 31, in conjunction with the Independence Month celebrations. Its director-general (DG) of Broadcasting, Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman said that the special feature inspired by the classic masterpiece "Syair Siti Zubaidah Perang China," published by DBP with the support of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and Pahang State Secretary's Office, successfully produced a quality script. "After more than six months of hard work since last October, including over a month of filming at various locations around Pahang, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, this project is now in the final phase of production. This drama is the first special epic story by RTM produced on a mega scale and using a film format with the assistance of FINAS. "The film set of 'Srikandi' highlights historical locations and natural beauty, especially in Pahang, such as Jerantut, Kuala Tahan, Sungai Lembing, Kuantan and Pulau Tioman," he said during a special meet-and-greet session for the film at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here today. Also present at the event were the DBP DG Dr. Hazami Jahari, 'Srikandi' director Wan Mohd Afzam Wan Daud, and some of the film's cast. Suhaimi said this feature is not just entertainment but also an intellectual work that uses modern technology to create a cinematic impact. He said the 'Srikandi' script is targeted for competition in film festivals and to be marketed internationally. Meanwhile, Wan Mohd Afzam said the drama, which combines elements of reality and fiction from the pre-16th century era, highlights the spirit of struggle and wisdom of Malay women through the lead character Siti Zubaidah.