Sabah to receive 18 more early warning systems in 13MP – Arthur

KUNDASANG: The government plans to add 18 more Early Warning Systems (EWS) in Sabah under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to improve the safety of residents in geologically risky areas. Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said there are currently four EWSs operating in Sabah, namely in Kundasang, Kokol, Kepayan Ridge and Kinarut. "The Early Warning System plays a major role in helping to monitor slope conditions and ground movement in real time, while the Fault Movement Benchmark is a critical instrument to detect changes or ground movement that occur gradually over a certain period of time," he said. He said this when speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Early Warning System and Fault Movement Benchmarking Project at Sekolah Kebangsaan Mesilou here today. Arthur said the project reflected the government's commitment to protecting people's lives, increasing community preparedness levels and strengthening the resilience of geologically risky areas such as Kundasang and Ranau. He said the approach taken by the government through NRES is now more proactive and data-based. "We no longer just want to act after a disaster has occurred, but we place a very serious emphasis on preventive measures, early monitoring and the use of geological science and accurate technical data," he said. -- BERNAMA

KUNDASANG: The government plans to add 18 more Early Warning Systems (EWS) in Sabah under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to improve the safety of residents in geologically risky areas. Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said there are currently four EWSs operating in Sabah, namely in Kundasang, […]

PDRM begins early preparations to face Johor state election – Saifuddin Nasution

KUALA LUMPUR: The Johor Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has begun various early preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the 16th Johor State Election (PRN). Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this includes the assignment of personnel, security aspects, logistics and coordination between agencies. He said early preparation was very important, to enable all security-related plans to be carefully arranged, and to allow every operational requirement to be identified in advance. "What is important is that the people can carry out their responsibilities comfortably and confidently, while a healthy democratic atmosphere continues to be maintained." "God willing, with careful preparations and the cooperation of all parties, the Johor state election will be carried out smoothly, peacefully and harmoniously for the benefit of the people and the state of Johor," he said in a Facebook post today. Earlier, Saifuddin Nasution stopped by the Batu Pahat District Police Headquarters to hear a briefing regarding the preparations and level of preparedness of the security forces in facing the Johor state election. Yesterday, the Election Commission (EC) announced that a special meeting for the 16th Johor state election will be held on June 12, to discuss important dates for the Johor state election such as the date of the election writ, nomination day, polling day, the electoral roll that will be used and other preparations for the election. The Johor State Assembly was dissolved on Monday (June 1), after receiving the consent of the Regent Sultan of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: The Johor Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has begun various early preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the 16th Johor State Election (PRN). Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this includes the assignment of personnel, security aspects, logistics and coordination between agencies. He said early preparation was very important, to enable […]

Penang is now more mature in managing the George Town – Chow World Heritage Site

GEORGE TOWN: After almost two decades of being recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Penang is now in a stronger position in managing and preserving George Town as a result of various initiatives implemented since the recognition on July 7, 2008. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the 18-year journey was not an easy one as the state government faced various challenges, especially in the first five years after George Town was recognised as a World Heritage Site. However, he said continuous efforts through the implementation of legal provisions, development planning control and cooperation from various stakeholders have successfully brought the management of the heritage site to a more mature level. "Today, we are increasingly confident as managers of a world heritage site because we have the relevant legal provisions, a specific Special Area Plan and an agency that acts as the manager of this site, namely George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI)," he said. He said this at a press conference to organise the George Town Heritage Festival 2026 (GTHC 2026) in conjunction with the celebration of George Town's Recognition Day as a UNESCO World Heritage Site here today. Chow said efforts to preserve the heritage site were also driven through the collaboration of GTWHI, the State Heritage Commissioner and the Penang City Council (MBPP), in addition to receiving support from residents, occupants and organisations within the heritage site area. He said support for the conservation efforts also extends beyond the George Town area through the involvement of communities from other areas including Balik Pulau and Seberang Perai, in addition to receiving various forms of assistance from the Federal Government to strengthen the management of the heritage site. He said that among the initiatives currently being implemented is the Climate Change Adaptation Project, which is financed through World Bank funds to increase the resilience of the world heritage site area to the challenges of climate change. Commenting on the 18th anniversary of George Town's recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site this year, Chow described it as a new level of maturity in the management of the area. Meanwhile, GTWHI General Manager Dr Ang Ming Chee said the GTHC 2026 celebration, themed "Share Stories!" will take place from July 4 to 7, highlighting various myths, legends, folktales and tales that reflect the diverse cultural heritage of George Town. He said the Street Festival would be the main programme of the celebration, in addition to the Historic Building Open House and the George Town Heritage City Walk. "Throughout the four days of the event, 48 community members will share their stories and cultural traditions through various activities, including 33 cultural workshops, eight interactive dance performances and 12 visits to participating historic buildings," he said. -- BERNAMA

GEORGE TOWN: After almost two decades of being recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Penang is now in a stronger position in managing and preserving George Town as a result of various initiatives implemented since the recognition on July 7, 2008. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the 18-year journey was not an easy […]

KPKT restores 1,576 ailing housing projects, abandoned since 2023

KPKT restores 1,576 ailing housing projects, abandoned since 2023

KUALA LUMPUR: More than 1,576 ailing and abandoned private housing projects across the country have been successfully restored by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government’s (KPKT) Special Task Force since 2023 until last May. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said efforts to save the project involved 188,525 residential units with an […]

Two arrested with RM57.15 million worth of drugs in Muar

JOHOR BAHRU: Police arrested two locals and seized various types of drugs worth RM57.15 million which were believed to be being smuggled to a neighbouring country during a raid in the Parit Amat Laut area, Muar yesterday. Marine Police Force (PPM) Region Two Commander ACP Noor Azman Jamal said the man and woman, aged 63 and 43, were arrested in a raid at 12.30am by a team from the Muar PPM Region Two Marine Investigation Unit and the Muar District Police Headquarters' Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division. He said the drugs were seized as a result of intelligence from his party which detected several vehicles and a boat in suspicious conditions in the area. "Based on initial observations, several people were seen unloading a number of packages suspected of containing drugs onto the boat. The team then raided and arrested the two individuals who were the senders (of the supplies)," he said in a statement. He said further inspection found 517 plastic bags suspected of containing 549 kilograms of methamphetamine, 191,268 ecstasy pills and 4,000 cartridges believed to contain liquid drugs hidden in boats and car boot. Noor Azman said a fibre boat and two 85 horsepower Yamaha Enduro engines were also seized. He said his party was investigating whether there were other individuals involved in the activity besides the two individuals who were friends. "Both were remanded for a week starting yesterday and the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Section 15 (1) (a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952," he said. -- BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU: Police arrested two locals and seized various types of drugs worth RM57.15 million which were believed to be being smuggled to a neighbouring country during a raid in the Parit Amat Laut area, Muar yesterday. Marine Police Force (PPM) Region Two Commander ACP Noor Azman Jamal said the man and woman, aged 63 […]

MRO, hydrogen and maritime among the focus of the RM50 million TVET 2.0 fund – Ahmad Zahid

PUTRAJAYA: Funds of up to RM50 million from the High Impact Programme under the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) will be used to introduce new fields in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through the implementation of TVET 2.0. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the fields include hydrogen energy technology, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and maritime engineering, which were not previously taught at any TVET institution. "The funds are to translate the implementation into the TVET 2.0 program and are used for new fields that have not been taught at any TVET institution so far." "For example, learning about hydrogen energy for vehicles and machinery, especially for energy production...this includes the fields of MRO and Maritime Engineering," he told the media after the opening ceremony of the National TVET Day 2026 celebration here today. The ceremony was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and was also attended by Cabinet ministers and Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Ahmad Zahid said the MRO field is now among the top choices for TVET students due to its good career prospects, including the opportunity to undergo training abroad with leading world airlines such as Airbus and Boeing. "MRO is now chosen as the main choice because it is not only about salary, but students are also given training abroad at Airbus or Boeing companies," he said. He said the government also gave priority to graduates of tahfiz and pondok institutions to participate in TVET programmes to increase their chances of obtaining highly skilled jobs. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the coordination of TVET implementation at the ministry and agency levels under the leadership of KSN will begin next month with the aim of accelerating the implementation of TVET 2.0. He said the move was important to ensure that all 12 ministries involved and their respective agencies could implement the TVET agenda more effectively and in a coordinated manner. "Demand exceeds supply. Therefore, we must increase training in various fields according to job needs and sectors that receive foreign direct investment (FDI)," he said. Commenting on the sectors that most need skilled workers at present, he said the MRO and semiconductor industries are among the most urgent sectors. Earlier, Anwar in his speech said the government had agreed to allow the use of funds of up to RM50 million from the High Impact Programme under PTPK to strengthen the implementation of TVET 2.0. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the use of the funds was conditional, namely that employers and industry must work closely with the government to make the TVET 2.0 agenda a success. Under the 2026 Budget framework, the overall allocation for PTPK is set at RM650 million. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA: Funds of up to RM50 million from the High Impact Programme under the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) will be used to introduce new fields in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through the implementation of TVET 2.0. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the fields include hydrogen energy technology, […]

IPCC provides alternative channels for complaints of police misconduct – Ayob Khan

KUCHING: The Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) provides an alternative platform for the public to lodge complaints regarding police misconduct, said Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay. He said that previously, most complaints regarding police misconduct were handled by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS). "The IPCC is another channel that the public can use. If previously there was only JIPS, some parties might have felt uncomfortable because they thought the police were investigating the police, but the situation is different now. "The IPCC is under the Home Ministry and has its own officers to conduct investigations into complaints received," he told reporters after attending the launch of the book Integrity: Man of Integrity, Honour and Principle here, today. The IPCC is an independent monitoring body operating under Act 839 since 1 July 2023, aiming to improve integrity, investigate misconduct by PDRM members and recommend disciplinary action. The commission addresses complaints of misconduct such as corruption and torture and recommends improvements to increase public trust. -- NAMED

KUCHING: The Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) provides an alternative platform for the public to lodge complaints regarding police misconduct, said Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay. He said that previously, most complaints regarding police misconduct were handled by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS). “The […]