Latest news with #TeresaKok
Free Malaysia Today
6 days ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
MP raises alarm over poor conditions in detention centres, prisons
Teresa Kok said Suhakam's 2023 report found that poor facilities in detention centres and prisons have led to the spread of infectious diseases among inmates, detainees, and staff. KUALA LUMPUR : Teresa Kok (PH–Seputeh) voiced concern today about human rights violations in Malaysia's detention centres and prisons, highlighting the continued use of outdated facilities and unsanitary conditions. Debating the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia's (Suhakam) 2023 annual report in the Dewan Rakyat, Kok said poor facilities in detention centres and prisons had led to the spread of infectious diseases among inmates, detainees, and staff. 'I was shocked to read that six prisons still use the bucket system,' she said. 'This outdated sanitation method puts the health of both inmates and prison officers at risk.' Adding that the Suhakam report found that police lock-ups in Miri and Papar were in poor and unsafe conditions, she urged the home ministry to take immediate action and find safer alternatives for both detainees and personnel at these facilities. She also raised issues of staff shortages and overcrowding, noting that some prison blocks house over 800 inmates, overseen by only two or three wardens. Kok said this put a severe mental strain on the officers and increased the risk of violence and abuse against inmates. She also linked overcrowding to outbreaks of scabies, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases. Kok said a large portion of the prison population consisted of remand prisoners, and that overcrowding was forcing these detainees to deal with cramped and inhumane living conditions. 'Long court proceedings only worsen the situation. Many of these detainees are just stuck in cells with no activity, no progress in their cases,' she said. She added that the frequent movement of remand prisoners to and from court had contributed to the smuggling of contraband such as phones, drugs, and tobacco. Kok said the conditions at immigration detention centres were a clear violation of basic human rights. 'Suhakam found that detainees often go without basic hygiene supplies like soap, toothpaste, or toothbrushes. These items are only available if families can afford to bring money during visits,' she said. She called on the home ministry to adopt Suhakam's recommendations and ensure consistent funding to provide basic hygiene items and prevent disease outbreaks. Kok also criticised the government's refusal to grant the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) access to immigration depots to verify refugees' status. 'This lack of cooperation with the UNHCR is deeply troubling. Refugees deserve proper screening and support,' she said. Kok likewise questioned the delay in presenting the Suhakam report to Parliament. 'Why are we debating the 2023 report in July 2025? We should already be reviewing the 2024 report. This delay makes the discussion less relevant as many issues may no longer reflect current realities.'
Free Malaysia Today
11-07-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
PAC chief chides PH duo for commenting on MAHB proceedings
Bersatu MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin chairs the PAC while DAP's Teresa Kok is her deputy, and Sim Tze Tzin is a committee member. PETALING JAYA : Public Accounts Committee chairman Mas Ermieyati Samsudin has indirectly chided two committee members from Pakatan Harapan for commenting on its proceedings involving the privatisation of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB). This comes after DAP MP Teresa Kok and PKR MP Sim Tze Tzin were quoted in news reports as saying the proceedings had gone smoothly with finance minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan cooperating well. Mas Ermieyati, the Bersatu MP for Masjid Tanah, said the remarks by Kok and Sim were in their personal capacities and did not represent the PAC. 'I want to stress that every finding, discussion and document submitted during PAC proceedings are subject to Standing Order 85 and should not be made known to the media by anyone involved in the proceedings,' she said in a statement. Standing Order 85 states that evidence taken before a parliamentary committee shall not be released by any committee member before the panel presents its report to the Dewan Rakyat. Mas Ermieyati said the PAC has yet to finalise its recommendations from its proceedings, with several more witnesses to be summoned again, including a former independent director of MAHB. She said there were some matters that needed to be clarified after going through the testimonies by witnesses who were called up so far. The committee had held 16 sessions of proceedings up till now. 'The PAC appreciates the good cooperation that every witness has given,' she said. The PAC is looking into the management of public airports involving MAHB, the finance ministry, and Khazanah Nasional Bhd. Amir, former MAHB CEO Raja Azmi Raja Nazuddin, Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd CEO Lee Jim Leng, and Retirement Fund Inc (KWAP) CEO Nik Amlizan Mohamed are among the witnesses it summoned.
Malay Mail
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Political leaders and family pay last respects to former MIC president Palanivel
KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 — A funeral prayer was held today for former MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, who died on Tuesday morning at the age of 76. Over the past two days, relatives, friends, and political figures gathered at his family's residence in Bangsar to pay their final respects. Among those present yesterday were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, MIC president Tan Sri S. Vigneswaran, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor. Around 60 people attended today's final rites. The funeral procession began around 1.40pm, led by Palanivel's four sons dressed in white dhotis. They carried the casket from inside the house to the porch, where prayers were performed. Outside the house, an Indian female Rela officer directed traffic, ensuring the procession moved smoothly. Family members and relatives took turns offering their final respects, chanting prayer mantras, including the Shiva Mantra. Palanivel, who also served as the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, passed away on Tuesday morning at Kuala Lumpur Hospital at 8am. — Pciture by Sayuti Zanudin The casket was closed at approximately 2.54pm and draped with Palanivel's wife's wedding saree, predominantly red with a broad blue panel. Palanivel's sons, along with others present, carried the casket to a brown Toyota Vellfire belonging to Malaysian Indian Casket, which transported it to the Sentul Hindu Crematorium. The vehicle departed around 3.05pm, accompanied by a convoy of four other cars with hazard lights on. The procession moved slowly toward the crematorium, where the cremation was scheduled to take place after the prayers. Palanivel, who also served as the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, passed away on Tuesday morning at Kuala Lumpur Hospital at 8am. He led MIC from 2010 to 2015, strengthening the party's role within Barisan Nasional (BN) and enhancing educational opportunities for ethnic Indians through the Maju Institute of Educational Development and AIMST University. Palanivel was first elected as Hulu Selangor MP in 1990, serving four consecutive terms before losing the seat in 2008. He returned to Parliament in 2013 as Cameron Highlands MP.
Malay Mail
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Former MIC president Palanivel mourned as a statesman and advocate for education
KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 — Political leaders today paid their final respects to former MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, who passed away yesterday morning at the age of 76. DAP leaders M. Kulasegaran and Teresa Kok expressed their condolences, calling his death a significant loss to the nation. 'In Parliament, he was honest and frank. Even though he was from the opposing side, he was always accommodating and good-natured,' said Kulasegaran at Palanivel's family home in Bangsar. Seputeh MP Teresa Kok remembered him as a gentleman during his tenure in government. 'I had a good relationship with both him and Tun Samy Vellu. Whenever I faced issues in my constituency, they stepped in to help. I'm grateful for all his advice. His passing is truly a loss to the nation. May he rest in peace,' she said. Palanivel, who also served as Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, died yesterday morning at Kuala Lumpur Hospital at 8am. The former MIC president led the party from 2010 to 2015, strengthening its influence within Barisan Nasional (BN) and expanding educational opportunities for ethnic Indians through the Maju Institute of Educational Development and the founding of AIMST University. He was first elected as the Hulu Selangor MP in 1990, serving four consecutive terms before losing the seat in 2008. He later returned to Parliament in 2013 as the Cameron Highlands MP. MORE TO COME
Rakyat Post
08-05-2025
- Health
- Rakyat Post
Seputeh MP Calls For More AEDs For Public Health & Safety
Subscribe to our FREE There is an urgent need for more life-saving AED devices in common areas of malls and condominiums for enhanced public safety in view of the high prevalence of heart disease in the country, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said today. An AED or Automated External Defibrillator is a battery-powered device used to resuscitate heart attack patients by analysing heart rhythms and delivering life-saving shocks to the patient thereby enhancing survival. She made this call when gracing the installation of an AED donated by RENN Asia Wellness and the Rotary Club of Ara Damansara (RCAD) at Vivo @ 9 Seputeh Retail Complex here. The AED installed at Vivo @ 9 Seputeh Retail Complex was donated by RENN Asia Wellness and the Rotary Club of Ara Damansara (RCAD). The AED installed near the main Vivo drop-off point would benefit about 10,000 residents, tenants, shoppers, regular visitors as well as parents and students of an international school. 'This initiative by RENN Asia and RCAD is a testament to how community partnerships can save lives and enhance public safety in Kuala Lumpur,' she said. 'I commend RENN Asia and RCAD for their proactive steps in making Seputeh safer. Let's hope there will be more such collaborative efforts to protect our loved ones — especially our parents which is also timely now as we celebrate Mothers' Day in May and Fathers' Day in June. 'Heart disease is often a silent killer and when a heart attack strikes, every second counts in such an emergency situation. This is when an AED can become a life-saver indeed,' she added. 'Access to AEDs should be as common as fire extinguishers. An AED isn't just an equipment—it represents hope for the heart attack patient. Let's normalise heart health preparedness in our daily lives,' Teresa said. Seputeh MP Teresa Kok witnessing the symbolic 'handing over' of the AED device to Yong Choo Hong (2 nd from left), Building Manager of Vivo Management Corporation, by RENN Asia Wellness founder and CEO Jonathan Chew (3 rd from right) and RCAD President Ling Hau Ching (2 nd from right). Also with them are Lew Chieh Horin (left), National Staff Officer for Training of St John Ambulance Malaysia and Inspector Aaron Anthony Doss, Officer-in-Charge of Brickfields Station. She thanked St John's Ambulance Malaysia for providing training on cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of AED devices in conjunction with today's event for Vivo residents and members of the public who are interested to learn this skill. RENN Asia Wellness founder and CEO Jonathan Chew said this collaboration with RCAD would especially benefit of residents, tenants, shoppers and frequent visitors including parents who come to pick up their children at the Campus Rangers International School here. Sudden cardiac arrest claims thousands of lives annually in Malaysia, with survival rates depending greatly on immediate CPR efforts and access to an AED. 'Every minute without defibrillation reduces survival chances by 10%,' stressed Chew, adding that deploying an AED would bridge this critical gap. 'Research indicates that administering defibrillation within the first three to five minutes of cardiac arrest can improve survival chances by up to 40%,' he said. RCAD president Mr Ling Hau Ching emphasised the need to train the ordinary layman about AED awareness and the proper use of the device. 'It's about saving lives in public places where many people often gather. Cardiac arrests are not just restricted to older persons but are also prevalent among younger people nowadays. 'This is why RCAD has this year launched our 'A Life-Saver in Every Home' or ALEH campaign. Today, we're happy to be able to train up to 20 people, thanks to our partners in St John's Ambulance Malaysia,' Ling said. 'This is about transforming awareness into action. With both the AED installed here and with trained first-aid responders around, we're creating layers of protection for the community at Vivo.' Seputeh MP Teresa Kok (3 rd from left) launching the AED device, witnessed by Lew Chieh Horin (left), National Staff Officer for Training of St John Ambulance Malaysia; Yong Choo Hong (2 nd from left), Building Manager of Vivo Management Corporation; Jonathan Chew (3 rd from right), RENN Asia Wellness founder and CEO; Ling Hau Ching (2 nd from right), RCAD President, and Inspector Aaron Anthony Doss, Officer-in-Charge of Brickfields Station. Teresa later witnessed the symbolic 'handing over' of the AED device to Mr Yong Choo Hong, Building Manager of Vivo Management Corporation, who represented Chairman Mr Loh Cheng Fatt, by Chew and Ling. Also present were Rotary International District 3300 Assistant Governor Gordan Vong and Incoming Assistant Governor Lim Yee Von. Chew told reporters RENN Asia Wellness has now expanded its heart care arsenal, including a second EECP machine for non-invasive heart treatment. 'From prevention to emergency response, we're building a full-circle health ecosystem here at Vivo,' he quipped. Note: EECP or Enhanced External Counter Pulsation therapy is a non-invasive treatment approved by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) for conditions like angina and heart failure. It involves using inflatable cuffs on the legs and buttocks that inflate and deflate in sync with the heartbeat, increasing blood flow to the heart. EECP helps reduce angina symptoms, improve exercise tolerance, and may even stimulate the growth of new blood vessels around the heart. Seputeh MP Teresa Kok (4 th from left), Jonathan Chew (5 th from left), RENN Asia Wellness founder and CEO; Dr Hazayri Bin Jamaluddin (4 th from right), representing the Director of the Federal Territory Health Department; and Lew Chieh Horin (3 rd from left) National Staff Officer for Training of St John Ambulance Malaysia, with the RENN Asia Wellness Team after the CPR Demonstration. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
