Latest news with #UniversitiKualaLumpur
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Public transport users feel safer with seat belt ruling
The wearing of seat belts is now compulsory in express and tour buses. — Filepic THE enforcement of seat belt use for passengers and drivers on express and tour buses nationwide has received positive feedback. A French tourist, who wished to be known as Farida and was travelling around the country with her husband and three daughters, gave it a thumbs up. 'In our country, it is not mandatory to wear seat belts on city buses and as such, we forgot to fasten up when we arrived in Malaysia. 'It is always good to use the seat belt as it can save lives,' she told StarMetro while waiting for a bus at the Larkin Sentral bus terminal in Johor Baru. Human resource executive Yap See Wei, who commutes between Johor Baru and her workplace in Singapore, described it as a positive step. 'Wearing a seat belt can ensure passengers are not flung out in the event of an accident. 'I always fasten my seat belt, especially for long-distance travel.' She also suggested that stricter action be taken against repeat offenders. Polytechnic student S. Theivaanaath, who was travelling back to Seremban with his sister after a term break, also welcomed the enforcement. Yap (left), pictured with her sister says she feels safer now that the seat belt ruling has been enforced. 'I think it is for everyone's safety. When we wear seat belts, we can reduce the chances of serious injuries or death during an accident. 'Even the bus driver wore a seat belt and reminded us, too. 'So, I think the enforcement is working,' he said, adding that it should be continuous. Universiti Kuala Lumpur student Siti Noorsyahirah Mohammad Yusof said authorities should focus on the conduct of bus drivers. 'I take long-distance express buses weekly to return to my hometown in JB and I have seen drivers playing games, making loud video calls at night on their phones and even hurling insults at other motorists. 'Passengers can be fined for not wearing seat belts but what about the drivers? 'Shouldn't they face stricter consequences since they are the ones who drive recklessly and cause accidents?' She also shared her frightening experience during a trip returning from her campus in Kuala Lumpur to Johor Baru. 'We were all sleeping when suddenly, there was a strong, burning smell. 'A passenger at the back started shouting to alert the driver. 'At first, he ignored it. Only after a while did he stop to check on the vehicle's condition. 'Everyone had been worried that the bus would catch fire if the driver did not stop to inspect the source of the burning smell.' It was reported that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) had enforced the installation and use of seat belts for all express and tour buses starting July 1. This is in line with Motor Vehicles (Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems) Regulations 1978 Amendment (2008). For the first offence of not wearing a seat belt, the fine is RM2,000 or a jail term of not more than six months.
The Star
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Showcasing local talents
Graceful evening wear designed by Hasfitri Yusof (left). Kedah Fashion Week (KFW) 2025 is set to showcase 18 couture designers for its 10th edition. This year's lineup will also feature well-known Thai designer Patinya, alongside 11 up-and-coming student designers from Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL). Organised by Aman Central, a mall in Alor Setar, Kedah, the event aims to showcase local talents. Designer Asyraf Ariff (left) is inspired by Malay fashion. Kedah Fashion Week 2025 will take place at Aman Central from Aug 1 to 3. This year, the theme is 'Diamond'. Aman Central marketing communications assistant general manager Ken Chin said the theme was chosen as it represented the pressure that designers go through before coming out with clear, strong and brilliant designs, just like a diamond. Chin said the event also gave the community a reason to gather, celebrate local fashion talents and take pride in the event happening in the state, which was not known for its high fashion. 'When families come to watch, they see local culture and creativity reflected in them. 'When young people attend, they see a path they can take for themselves. 'For local brands and entrepreneurs, KFW sparks new ideas and confidence to grow further,' he said at a press conference to announce the upcoming KFW 2025 at The Exchange TRX in Kuala Lumpur. Chin said sustainability was a key component of KFW 2025. He said some designers would be using upcycled materials, as well as heritage techniques, to show that fashion can honour both creativity and care for the planet. 'Some of our young designers from UniKL are working with fabric remnants to create new pieces, turning waste into value,' he said. Aman Central developer Belleview Group director Grace Ho, who was present at the event, said the vision behind building the mall was to bring a fresh vibrancy to Alor Setar. 'We want Aman Central to grow as a place where people gather, where businesses find opportunities and where culture and creativity can thrive together. 'We want KFW to serve as a platform where Kedah's creative voice can be heard far beyond its borders, while remaining deeply rooted in the stories and traditions that have shaped it. 'We hope young designers will feel that their work matters and their ideas have a home here,' she said.
The Star
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Geopolitical tensions, abrupt airspace closures keep Malaysian and global airlines on high alert
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's aviation sector is on high alert, prioritising safety to avoid a repeat of the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 more than a decade ago. The heightened caution follows a wave of airspace closures by Arab states after Iran launched a missile strike on a United States (US) base in Qatar. Qatar, one of the region's busiest aviation hubs, temporarily closed its airspace on Monday evening in response to the attack, as geopolitical tensions intensified amid the military conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel. Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology economist (aviation and aerospace), Associate Professor Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian, said the attacks and ongoing tension in the region posed a significant risk to national carriers and other local aviation operators. Endau Analytics founder and aviation analyst Shukor Yusof also warned that Southeast Asian airlines are highly vulnerable, as they rely on Middle Eastern airspace for Europe-bound flights. Mohd Harridon said Southeast Asian carriers may be forced to reroute westward flights. Understandably, the development has raised concerns among regional carriers, including Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia X , as the conflict could significantly affect flight operations and safety. AirAsia X focuses on destinations within Asia and Australia, but its seasonal flights from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah and Medina typically pass through the Southern Gulf region Dubbed the gateway to the world, Qatar Airport reportedly serves over 360,000 flights and 30 million passengers every year. "The risk could extend into other realms, such as economic downturn, a decline in financial stature, and a slowdown in trade and commerce," Mohd Harridon told Bernama in response to the Middle East conflict, especially following Iran's missile strike on a US base in Qatar. Other Arab states have followed suit in closing their airspace. Bahrain confirmed a suspension of air navigation due to escalating regional volatility, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq and Oman have implemented similar measures. Local Airlines Prioritise Passengers' Safety Malaysia Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to safety, stating that all flights are subject to ongoing risk assessments in light of regional tensions affecting parts of Middle Eastern airspace. "We remain guided by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and other global aviation authorities to ensure the safety of airspace used in operations. "All flight routes are evaluated using real-time intelligence, global security reports, notices to airmen (NOTAMs), and continuous surveillance via the airline's SATCOM-enabled flight monitoring system,' Malaysia Airlines said. The national carrier added that it remains vigilant and will implement necessary operational changes-including rerouting or suspensions-if required, as the safety of passengers and crew remains its utmost priority. Similarly, AirAsia X confirmed it is closely monitoring developments and will adhere to all necessary safety procedures. Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that several Malaysian flights to the Middle East have been cancelled following the missile strike on the US military base in Qatar yesterday. Operational Costs Expected to Rise from Rerouting Mohd Harridon said the affected region is a key corridor for flight traffic. "Any diversions would entail an increase in operational costs due to higher fuel consumption during flights.' He said the additional distance covered during flights would also be a point of contention, as this would increase flight duration and require rescheduling of timetables. "There is a possibility that the conflicted area, especially coastal regions, could become constricted in terms of movements and overflight access. This would create a domino effect, with notable ripple impacts. "The restriction of trade, particularly fuel, would increase financial pressure on the logistical supply chain and affect other areas around the Middle East that are prone to closure due to the expansion of offensive attacks. This would further erode the economic vibrancy of the aviation industry,' he said. Geopolitical Volatility Reshaping Air Travel Endau Analytics's Shukor warned that the current conflict signals a deepening of a longstanding risk corridor. "The real risks from geopolitics to airlines began over 10 years ago when MH17 was blown up. What we are seeing today is a further extension of the breakdown in international relations,' he said. Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 - en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014 - was shot down while flying over eastern Ukraine. "We live in very uncertain times. Airlines will be cautious about reinstating flights until there is stability. In my opinion, there won't be calm for the next three-and-a-half years,' he said. He said prolonged instability would severely hurt the balance sheets of airlines and could reshape how people travel globally, with a shift away from intercontinental travel towards more regional options. Mohd Harridon said the financial structures of airlines should be economically aligned in order to diminish the repercussions of these headwinds. "Bear in mind, the frequency of westbound flights is significant, and thus the economies of scale are heavily depleted and would take a considerable amount of time to recover. "Mitigation plans should be in place by these airlines to optimise flight operations, and adherence to lean operations is both an economic and financial obligation,' he added. - Bernama
The Sun
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysian airlines on high alert amid Middle East airspace closures
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's aviation sector is on high alert, prioritising safety to avoid a repeat of the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 more than a decade ago. The heightened caution follows a wave of airspace closures by Arab states after Iran launched a missile strike on a United States (US) base in Qatar. Qatar, one of the region's busiest aviation hubs, temporarily closed its airspace on Monday evening in response to the attack, as geopolitical tensions intensified amid the military conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel. Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology economist (aviation and aerospace), Associate Professor Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian, said the attacks and ongoing tension in the region posed a significant risk to national carriers and other local aviation operators. Endau Analytics founder and aviation analyst Shukor Yusof also warned that Southeast Asian airlines are highly vulnerable, as they rely on Middle Eastern airspace for Europe-bound flights. Mohd Harridon said Southeast Asian carriers may be forced to reroute westward flights. Understandably, the development has raised concerns among regional carriers, including Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia X, as the conflict could significantly affect flight operations and safety. AirAsia X focuses on destinations within Asia and Australia, but its seasonal flights from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah and Medina typically pass through the Southern Gulf region Dubbed the gateway to the world, Qatar Airport reportedly serves over 360,000 flights and 30 million passengers every year. 'The risk could extend into other realms, such as economic downturn, a decline in financial stature, and a slowdown in trade and commerce,' Mohd Harridon told Bernama in response to the Middle East conflict, especially following Iran's missile strike on a US base in Qatar. Other Arab states have followed suit in closing their airspace. Bahrain confirmed a suspension of air navigation due to escalating regional volatility, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq and Oman have implemented similar measures. Local Airlines Prioritise Passengers' Safety Malaysia Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to safety, stating that all flights are subject to ongoing risk assessments in light of regional tensions affecting parts of Middle Eastern airspace. 'We remain guided by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and other global aviation authorities to ensure the safety of airspace used in operations. 'All flight routes are evaluated using real-time intelligence, global security reports, notices to airmen (NOTAMs), and continuous surveillance via the airline's SATCOM-enabled flight monitoring system,' Malaysia Airlines said. The national carrier added that it remains vigilant and will implement necessary operational changes—including rerouting or suspensions—if required, as the safety of passengers and crew remains its utmost priority. Similarly, AirAsia X confirmed it is closely monitoring developments and will adhere to all necessary safety procedures. Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that several Malaysian flights to the Middle East have been cancelled following the missile strike on the US military base in Qatar yesterday. Operational Costs Expected to Rise from Rerouting Mohd Harridon said the affected region is a key corridor for flight traffic. 'Any diversions would entail an increase in operational costs due to higher fuel consumption during flights.' He said the additional distance covered during flights would also be a point of contention, as this would increase flight duration and require rescheduling of timetables. 'There is a possibility that the conflicted area, especially coastal regions, could become constricted in terms of movements and overflight access. This would create a domino effect, with notable ripple impacts. 'The restriction of trade, particularly fuel, would increase financial pressure on the logistical supply chain and affect other areas around the Middle East that are prone to closure due to the expansion of offensive attacks. This would further erode the economic vibrancy of the aviation industry,' he said. Geopolitical Volatility Reshaping Air Travel Endau Analytics's Shukor warned that the current conflict signals a deepening of a longstanding risk corridor. 'The real risks from geopolitics to airlines began over 10 years ago when MH17 was blown up. What we are seeing today is a further extension of the breakdown in international relations,' he said. Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 – en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014 – was shot down while flying over eastern Ukraine. 'We live in very uncertain times. Airlines will be cautious about reinstating flights until there is stability. In my opinion, there won't be calm for the next three-and-a-half years,' he said. He said prolonged instability would severely hurt the balance sheets of airlines and could reshape how people travel globally, with a shift away from intercontinental travel towards more regional options. Mohd Harridon said the financial structures of airlines should be economically aligned in order to diminish the repercussions of these headwinds. 'Bear in mind, the frequency of westbound flights is significant, and thus the economies of scale are heavily depleted and would take a considerable amount of time to recover. 'Mitigation plans should be in place by these airlines to optimise flight operations, and adherence to lean operations is both an economic and financial obligation,' he added.
Free Malaysia Today
26-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Fiscal deficit down due to ‘right moves', says economist
The government's fiscal deficit dropped to RM21.9 billion for the first quarter of 2025, representing a 17% reduction from the RM26.4 billion in the same period of last year. (Envato Elements pic) PETALING JAYA : An economist has attributed the reduced fiscal deficit recorded in the first quarter of 2025 to revised policies, disciplined government spending, and higher tax revenue. Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid of Universiti Kuala Lumpur said despite challenges such as economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, the decision to restructure finances, including rolling out targeted subsidies, had borne fruit. He praised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration for implementing targeted subsidies, a policy which had been shunned by Anwar's predecessors despite its benefits for the federal government's coffers in the long run. Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid. 'Restructuring the government's finances is complex, but the Madani administration had the political will to do it,' he told FMT. It was reported last week that the government's fiscal deficit dropped to RM21.9 billion for the first quarter of 2025, representing a 17% reduction from the RM26.4 billion in the same period of last year. According to a report by the economy ministry, revenue registered by the government increased to RM72.1 billion from the RM70 billion previously recorded, driven by an increase in sales and service tax receipts and stronger individual income tax collection. Total federal expenditure decreased to RM94.2 billion, mainly due to lower subsidy spending after the removal of diesel subsidies and a drop in global oil prices. Aimi said according to the latest data, the country is not only on the right track, but government policies have had a positive impact. He also praised government agencies for their efficiency, which played a role in reducing the fiscal deficit. 'They reduced leakages and extended aid to the needy. Such an achievement isn't easy as it requires political stability and careful planning,' he said. Idham Md Razak. Idham Md Razak of Universiti Teknologi Mara said the lower fiscal deficit would help increase investor confidence, strengthen the ringgit, and provide some fiscal space to cushion any future economic shocks. He said fiscal space provides a government flexibility in making spending choices while maintaining financial stability and long-term debt sustainability. Idham said the country's recent performance would be the base for long-term economic transformation, especially in terms of increasing competitiveness through the green economy, among others. 'There is a need to focus on the hi-tech industry such as semiconductors and the digital economy, as well as value-added agriculture to increase productivity and exports,' he said. He also said there is a need to introduce progressive taxes which could strengthen the country's fiscal standing.
