Latest news with #TanKokWai
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Govt study looks into raising retirement age to 65
KUALA LUMPUR: A feasibility study on raising the mandatory retirement age for public service to 65 years by 2035 is being initiated to lay a strong foundation in addressing Malaysia's ageing population. Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said this is among 11 high-impact intervention measures across ministries and agencies currently being implemented under the National Ageing Blueprint (NAB) 2025–2045. "The NAB was presented at the National Economic Action Council Meeting on Feb 12. Following the meeting, it was agreed that 11 high-impact intervention measures across ministries and agencies would be implemented immediately to establish a strong foundation in addressing population ageing. "The implementation of strategies and initiatives outlined in the NAB will help the country increase the number of skilled caregivers in the care sector and the labour force participation rate of individuals aged between 60 and 65 in the local job market by 2030," she said in the Dewan Rakyat today. She was responding to a question from Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras) regarding policy improvements and interventions being formulated to ensure that an ageing population is not a challenge but instead a catalyst for economic growth and social progress. Hanifah said another intervention is to encourage older individuals to rejoin the workforce for up to five years after reaching the minimum retirement age. She said the government would also enhance career mobility to improve the employability of the local workforce, introduce legislative controls to ensure the production of safe and high-quality food products, and improve access to domiciliary and palliative care services within communities. "(This includes) the creation of a sustainable long-term care ecosystem through the introduction of comprehensive legislation and governance, developing talent and skills in the care sector through training and recognised standardised certification, including for informal caregivers and volunteers, and reforming the social protection system to be more inclusive in meeting future challenges," she said. The NAB aims to provide strategies and initiatives to prepare Malaysia for the impacts of becoming an ageing nation by 2043. It encompasses policy planning, frameworks, and action plans in areas such as the economy, employment, education, social protection, health, and long-term care.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia explores silver economy potential for ageing population
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is exploring the potential of the silver economy as a new growth driver to help the nation manage the socio-economic impact of becoming an ageing society by 2043, said Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib. She said the Economy Ministry, in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, may consider setting up a national council on ageing population to spearhead the development of the silver economy, as outlined in the National Ageing Blueprint (NAB) 2025–2045. 'The NAB was presented at the National Economic Action Council meeting on Feb 12, 2025. 'The meeting agreed that 11 high-impact interventions involving various ministries and agencies should be implemented immediately to lay a strong foundation in facing population ageing,' she told the Dewan Rakyat during the oral question-and-answer session today. She was responding to a question from Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras), who asked about strategic policies and interventions to position the ageing population as a catalyst for economic growth. Hanifah also gave her assurance that the effort to strengthen the nation's readiness for demographic ageing will be included in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which is scheduled to be tabled this week. 'I do not have the details at this moment, but inshaaAllah, the 13MP presentation will offer more comprehensive information,' she added. - Bernama
The Star
04-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Tmn Pertama folk worry about additional sinkholes
Residents want DBKL to make repairs, speed up utility mapping CHERAS residents are urging the authorities to speed up a utility mapping study in their area, citing concerns about sinkholes. They are calling on Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to act quickly after noticing at least two new cases of ground subsidence near an initial sinkhole site at the intersection of Jalan Selar and Jalan Selangat in Taman Pertama. The incident led to the closure of parts of both roads as well as Jalan Semerah Padi for public safety. Although the affected roads reopened in May, the site remains closed for ongoing monitoring. Resident Sukhdev Singh Cheema, who lives in nearby Taman Cantik, said one case of subsidence was seen at the junction of Jalan Selar and Jalan Senohong 1, less than 100m from an earlier sinkhole. 'The interlocking bricks are visibly sinking and it's getting worse,' he said, adding that another depression had appeared at a corner of Jalan Selangat, which residents believe was covered up earlier this week. 'That spot has caved in several times over the past five years. 'It was repaired each time but keeps recurring,' he said after a site visit. Above: The sinkhole area at the intersection of Jalan Selar and Jalan Selangat remains closed for monitoring. Also at the location were DBKL officers from the Civil Engineering and Drainage Department, residents and a representative from Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai's office. Sukhdev, a member of Cheras Federal Territories Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) for sub-zone 3, said a thorough study of the underground system was necessary given the repeated incidents. He also pointed out that the area served as a key access route for residents from five neighbourhoods. 'With the constant high traffic here, we need to be sure it is safe.' Taman Cantik resident Lee Cheok Seng said the current road condition along Jalan Selar was dangerous to motorists. 'The uneven surface can damage vehicle undercarriages and it is especially hazardous for motorcyclists. 'There are also inadequate hazard lights marking the cordoned-off area,' he said. A DBKL spokesperson said it would take note of residents' concerns and carry out further investigations. StarMetro previously reported that DBKL's initial checks at the site indicated the sinkhole was not caused by pipe leaks, such as water or sewerage lines. It said further investigations were focused on the underground drainage system, particularly a box culvert located 7m beneath the road. Inspections using drone technology and aerial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), the authority said, had reportedly revealed damage to the culvert, which was identified as the cause of soil erosion and cavity formation in the surrounding area. Repair works are expected to take between three and six months, depending on the method chosen. The authority also said that permanent repair of the box culvert structure would be carried out without the need to excavate the road surface, to minimise disruption.
New Straits Times
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Malaysia seeks strategic ties with China's Anhui in digital, green tech, palm oil
HUANGSHAN: Malaysia is seeking to forge strategic partnerships with China's Anhui Province in the digital economy, green technology and palm oil sectors under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) framework to expand future-oriented regional cooperation. Malaysia's former Special Envoy to China, Tan Kok Wai, said the RCEP has created a conducive platform for deeper bilateral engagement, particularly in innovation-led industries such as e-commerce, electric vehicles (EVs), clean energy and digital infrastructure. "Malaysia is ready to collaborate with Anhui's forward-looking enterprises to shape the next chapter of high-quality development," he said at the 2025 RCEP Local Governments and Friendship Cities Cooperation (Huangshan) Forum held here today. Digital and clean energy cooperation in focus Highlighting Malaysia's efforts to grow its digital economy, Tan said Malaysia welcomes participation from Anhui's top firms, including Sungrow Power and iFlytek, in projects related to green data centres and smart city development. "Penang and Malacca are currently being developed as pilot smart cities, and Malaysia also aims to position itself as an ASEAN data hub – a move that could benefit from technological collaboration with Chinese innovators," he said. He noted that strengthening interoperability between Malaysia's Touch 'n Go and China's Alipay would also accelerate cross-border digital payment systems, improving trade and tourism flows. On the clean energy front, Tan said Malaysia is positioning itself as a regional EV hub and hopes to work closely with Anhui's automotive powerhouses such as Chery Group, JAC Motors and NIO. "Proposed areas of collaboration include the development of a nationwide EV charging network through public-private partnerships, the establishment of a right-hand-drive vehicle manufacturing base to serve the ASEAN region, as well as investment in advanced battery research and development," he said. Moreover, Tan, who is also the ASEAN Honourable Advisor of United World Chinese Association, expressed that Malaysia is keen to tap into Gotion High-Tech's expertise in battery labs to build a strong ecosystem for green mobility. Boosting palm oil innovation and agri-tech exchange As the world's second-largest producer of palm oil, Tan said Malaysia is looking forward to attracting more Chinese investments in downstream processing and high-end oil product innovation. Malaysia exported RM10.57 billion worth of palm oil and related products to China in 2024, accounting for more than half of its bulk commodity exports to the country. He encouraged companies such as COFCO Anhui to collaborate with Malaysian suppliers to upgrade refining capacity and penetrate high-value segments of the Chinese market. "Likewise, Malaysia also looks to leverage Anhui's agricultural technologies to enhance its tropical fruit processing capabilities, particularly in durians and pineapples, while boosting exports of niche products like bird's nest and coconut milk to meet rising Chinese demand," he said. RCEP as a catalyst for trade and industrial park upgrades On the RCEP, he said the framework, which came into force in Malaysia in March 2022, has significantly reshaped regional trade flows and reduced barriers. Over 67.9 per cent of goods traded between Malaysia and China currently enjoy zero-tariff treatment, not only in traditional agricultural and industrial goods but also in expanding sectors like services and digital trade. Bilateral trade between China and Malaysia hit a record US$212.04 billion in 2024, marking an 11.4 per cent year-on-year increase. Tan further noted that a study by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) projects that the RCEP could contribute up to 0.8 per cent to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. He also called for greater cultural, tourism and educational exchanges between Malaysia and Anhui, and proposed the launch of a direct flight route between Kuala Lumpur and Hefei to support tourism and ease business travel. Touching on industrial cooperation, Tan emphasised the need to upgrade the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park and China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park under the 'Twin Parks 2.0' strategy. "This next phase of development will focus on strengthening cross-border industrial chains in sectors like EVs, bird's nest processing and photovoltaic components," he said. He also highlighted the expansion of Kuantan Port to accommodate vessels of up to 180,000 tonnes, a move that will enhance its position as a strategic node in the China-ASEAN Land-Sea New Corridor. For long-term success, Tan urged companies to localise their workforce, adopt strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, invest in smart manufacturing and actively engage in cross-party dialogue and policy advocacy to manage political and regulatory risks. "As we mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China, we are tasked with forging the next Golden Fifty Years," he added.
Free Malaysia Today
20-05-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
DBKL denies ransom demand in online system disruption
Kuala Lumpur City Hall said it is not true that hackers into its online service systems asked for US$55 million. PETALING JAYA : Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has denied claims that hackers demanded a ransom of US$55 million (RM236.17 million) following disruptions to several of its online service systems. 'Yes, there was a system disruption, but no one has demanded any money or ransom,' mayor Maimunah Sharif was quoted by Harian Metro as saying. Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Isa said no reports have been received over the incident. Previously, Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai claimed that DBKL's online systems were hacked and that the perpetrators had demanded a ransom of US$55 million. According to China Press, Tan said he received the information from a 'trusted source' and is confident the incident did take place. Maimunah had said earlier the disruption affected public access to several DBKL systems, with recovery expected to take place gradually. Reports said several MPs urged DBKL to explain the prolonged disruption of its online services, which forced DBKL to switch to manual operations in some critical business areas. Malaysiakini reported that based on public notices sent out by DBKL, the problem was believed to have started about three weeks ago, when DBKL told clients to use alternative payment platforms instead of its platforms.
