Day: July 4, 2026

RISDA to Continue Empowering Smallholders, Drive Rural Economic Transformation – Datuk Seri Dr. Zahid Hamidi

JOHOR BAHRU, July 4 – Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reaffirmed the government's commitment to empowering smallholders through various initiatives under the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority to improve incomes and strengthen the rural economy. He said this while officiating the RISDA Agromajestic Johor 2026 programme, which brought together smallholders and members of the local community in Johor. According to Zahid, the government's initiatives, including positioning RISDA as the country's rubber "anchor buyer", have begun to yield positive results, with rubber prices now reaching one of their strongest levels in the past decade. He said the initiatives have benefited more than 508,000 smallholders nationwide by ensuring they receive better returns for their hard work. Zahid also noted that RISDA's role is no longer focused solely on the rubber industry. Instead, the agency is expanding its efforts by developing underutilised land for the agro-food and agricultural sectors. He said the move aims to strengthen Malaysia's food security, reduce dependence on imported food, and create more income-generating opportunities for rural communities. The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the government will continue to ensure RISDA remains an agency dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of smallholders while strengthening the rural economy for the benefit of Johor and the nation as a whole. He added that empowering the agricultural sector and supporting smallholders will remain among the government's key priorities in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic prosperity across Malaysia. -- MINUTESMY

JOHOR BAHRU, July 4 – Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering smallholders through various initiatives under the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority to improve incomes and strengthen the rural economy. He said this while officiating the RISDA Agromajestic Johor 2026 programme, which brought together smallholders and members of the […]

Pakatan Harapan’s Guna Balakrishnan Urges Layang-Layang Voters to Back Change

RENGAM, July 4 – Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Layang-Layang state seat, Guna Balakrishnan, has called on voters to support the coalition in the upcoming Johor state election, pledging to bring meaningful transformation and improve the quality of life for residents. Speaking during his election campaign, Guna said he has spent the past week meeting residents across the constituency ahead of polling day on July 11, listening to their concerns and aspirations. He said the feedback from voters highlighted the need for better development, improved public services, and greater employment opportunities, particularly for young people. "The people of Layang-Layang want a representative who is committed to serving them. If elected, I will work tirelessly to fulfil the promises and address the issues raised by the community," he said. Guna also stressed the importance of ensuring that Johor continues to enjoy stable governance under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, while bringing more people-centric initiatives led by Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan to the constituency. He appealed to voters to give him their full support in the July 11 election, expressing confidence that Pakatan Harapan can deliver positive change and greater opportunities for the people of Layang-Layang. -- MINUTESMY -- NAMBIKAI ONLINE

RENGAM, July 4 – Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Layang-Layang state seat, Guna Balakrishnan, has called on voters to support the coalition in the upcoming Johor state election, pledging to bring meaningful transformation and improve the quality of life for residents. Speaking during his election campaign, Guna said he has spent the past week meeting […]

Government Ready to Boost PUNB Funding Up to RM2.25 Billion – PM Anwar

PUTRAJAYA, July 4 – The government is prepared to increase funding for Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad (PUNB) by up to RM2.25 billion for the 2026–2030 period, contingent on the agency's performance in advancing Bumiputera entrepreneurship. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the additional funding would be considered if PUNB continues to demonstrate strong performance in fulfilling its mandate while enhancing collaboration with other agencies involved in Bumiputera development. He noted that PUNB has emerged as one of the government's key agencies in implementing programmes aimed at strengthening Bumiputera economic participation. "If they continue to perform well, we are prepared to provide greater support. PUNB is among the agencies that have remained focused on delivering the priorities we have outlined, while working closely with other Bumiputera development institutions," he said. Anwar made the remarks when speaking to reporters after officiating the SPaRK 2026: Business Transformation programme in Putrajaya on Saturday. The Prime Minister said the government's commitment reflects its continued efforts to strengthen Bumiputera entrepreneurship through existing institutions, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary resources to deliver meaningful and sustainable economic outcomes. -- MINUTESMY

PUTRAJAYA, July 4 – The government is prepared to increase funding for Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad (PUNB) by up to RM2.25 billion for the 2026–2030 period, contingent on the agency’s performance in advancing Bumiputera entrepreneurship. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the additional funding would be considered if PUNB continues to demonstrate strong performance […]

Bumiputera Empowerment Must Be a National Agenda Across All Government Agencies – PM Anwar

PUTRAJAYA, July 4 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that the Bumiputera empowerment agenda must no longer be viewed as the responsibility of a handful of agencies, but instead become a national priority embraced by every ministry, government agency and government-linked company (GLC). Speaking while officiating the SPaRK 2026: Business Transformation programme organised by Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB) today, Anwar said all government institutions must align their policies and programmes to ensure the Bumiputera development agenda is implemented comprehensively. He said the MADANI Government has introduced the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35) as a long-term roadmap, with implementation closely monitored through regular progress reports submitted by ministries and agencies. "Every MADANI Government agency has a responsibility to implement national policies that not only drive economic growth but also ensure fair and equitable distribution of opportunities and wealth," he said. Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, emphasised that the government has no intention of establishing a new Bumiputera agency, preferring instead to strengthen existing institutions to improve policy implementation and avoid overlapping responsibilities. He noted that relying on outdated approaches while expecting different outcomes would not produce meaningful progress. "For that reason, I am not inclined to establish a new Bumiputera agency. Our focus is on empowering the institutions we already have and ensuring every ministry and agency plays its role effectively," he said. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed the government's commitment to driving Malaysia's economic transformation while ensuring that prosperity is shared fairly across all segments of society. He said the government remains committed to accelerating growth in high-value sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, the digital economy and the energy transition, while ensuring that the benefits of development reach those who need them most. According to Anwar, the MADANI Government is pursuing a balanced strategy of "raising the ceiling" to strengthen Malaysia's global economic competitiveness, while simultaneously "raising the floor" to provide greater support and opportunities for lower-income communities. He said this inclusive approach reflects the government's commitment to building a stronger economy that delivers sustainable and equitable prosperity for all Malaysians. -- MINUTESMY

PUTRAJAYA, July 4 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that the Bumiputera empowerment agenda must no longer be viewed as the responsibility of a handful of agencies, but instead become a national priority embraced by every ministry, government agency and government-linked company (GLC). Speaking while officiating the SPaRK 2026: Business Transformation programme […]

EVERY VOICE, EVERY HOPE OF SENIORS: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AT TAMAN MEGAH RIA

MASAI, July 4 -- Minister of Human Resources, R. Ramanan, continued his community outreach efforts this morning with a visit to the Maha Mariamman Temple in Taman Megah Ria, where he engaged with residents and senior citizens in the area alongside Pakatan Harapan candidate for N.43 DUN Permas, Sharon Teo. During the visit, Ramanan took time to listen to the views, concerns, and aspirations of the local community. He emphasized that such engagements are vital in ensuring that development planning remains inclusive and responsive to the real needs of the people. He noted that feedback from grassroots communities serves as an important guide in shaping policies that promote sustainable progress, equitable growth, and improved well-being for all segments of society. Ramanan also expressed appreciation for the warm reception from the temple committee and residents, highlighting the importance of unity and mutual understanding in a diverse community. He reaffirmed the commitment to continue strengthening outreach efforts to ensure that development initiatives under the federal government benefit all Malaysians, particularly senior citizens and local communities. -- MINUTESMY

MASAI, July 4 — Minister of Human Resources, R. Ramanan, continued his community outreach efforts this morning with a visit to the Maha Mariamman Temple in Taman Megah Ria, where he engaged with residents and senior citizens in the area alongside Pakatan Harapan candidate for N.43 DUN Permas, Sharon Teo. During the visit, Ramanan took […]

Zahid Hamidi Goes to Ground in Tiram, Engages with Locals at Community Gathering

TIRAM, JOHOR – A sea of blue flags reflected a strong spirit of unity among the people of Tiram during a community engagement session held despite brief rain showers last night. UMNO President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi attended the event together with Barisan Nasional candidate for the Tiram state seat, Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman, along with several party leaders including Khairy Jamaluddin and UMNO Tebrau Division Deputy Chief, Tuan Haji Azizul Bachok. The programme focused on a meet-and-greet session, where leaders engaged directly with local residents and listened to their views and concerns. Despite the unpredictable weather, turnout remained strong, reflecting continued support for ongoing efforts to engage with the grassroots community in the area. In his remarks, Zahid expressed appreciation for the warm reception, describing such unity as an important foundation in strengthening development initiatives and ensuring the well-being of the Johor community. He also emphasised that a people-centred approach will remain a priority in strengthening ties between leaders and local communities. -- MINUTESMY

TIRAM, JOHOR – A sea of blue flags reflected a strong spirit of unity among the people of Tiram during a community engagement session held despite brief rain showers last night. UMNO President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi attended the event together with Barisan Nasional candidate for the Tiram state seat, Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman, along with […]