Malaysia News

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 estimated total gross development value (GDV) of RM148.21 billion.

He said the achievement reflected the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s continued commitment to strengthening the country’s housing sector through the Task Force on Sick and Abandoned Housing Projects (TFST) which was established since 2023.

Kor Ming said evidence of the effectiveness of TFST’s commitment can be seen through the landmark development project M101 Skywheel which was previously abandoned due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and financial constraints, but has now been successfully saved.

“The revival of this project reflects broader efforts at the national level by the government led by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to address the issue of abandoned housing developments and protect the interests of home buyers,” he said when officiating the KL360 Groundbreaking Ceremony here today.

Regarding the M101 Skywheel, Kor Ming said the project, which was previously stalled, affected 337 buyers with a total value of the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) exceeding RM306 million.

He said GD Properties then emerged as the rescue developer to revive the project, which is now rebranded as KL360 @ Menara GD, after taking into account the development potential as well as the responsibility towards affected buyers.

Kor Ming said that with the support of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the cooperation of various stakeholders, a comprehensive recovery scheme was successfully formulated and received approval from the majority of buyers before being confirmed by the High Court in 2024.

“I would like to call on more developer companies to come forward and play an active role and work together in helping to restore projects that are facing challenges like this to strengthen the country’s housing agenda.”

“Our goal is clear, so that every cent paid by home buyers will only be used for the development of the promised project, and that every house purchased can be completed and handed over to the people according to schedule,” he said.

The 61-storey KL360 @ Menara GD is a mixed development project worth RM1.37 billion, located in the Kuala Lumpur central business district (CBD) and next to the Raja Uda Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Station.

The project, which was delayed after its launch in 2017, has been given a new lease of life, comprising 785 serviced apartment units, 221 office suites and 20 retail lots, as well as 40 well-arranged health, fitness and social lifestyle facilities, with full completion expected by 2030.

— BERNAMA

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BALING, June 16 – The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Kedah branch raided an animal feed processing factory in the Kuala Ketil Industrial Area yesterday over the suspected storage of wheat flour without proper authorisation. Kedah KPDN director Muhammad Nizam Jamaludin said four enforcement personnel from the Baling branch carried out the operation at about 4.30 pm. “The inspection uncovered wheat flour believed to have been used in the company's animal feed processing activities,” he said in a statement today. A total of 53,325 kilogrammes of flour, valued at an estimated RM100,251, was seized for further investigation. Muhammad Nizam said a 25-year-old local man, who identified himself as the factory manager, failed to produce a permit or approval from the Supply Controller for storing the flour. The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 122) he said, adding that firm action would be taken against any party found misusing or diverting subsidised goods. -- BERNAMA

Animal Feed Factory Raided Over Suspected Flour Storage Violation

IPOH, JUNE 16 -- The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, departed to officiate the opening of the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Neuro-Robotics and Cybernics Rehabilitation Centre in Meru Raya, here, today. Sultan Nazrin also agreed that the centre, whose design was inspired by the art of gold thread embossing, be named the Sultan Nazrin Shah SOCSO Rehabilitation Centre. Also departing were the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and the Raja of Lower Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris Shah. Also present were the Menteri Besar of Perak, Datuk Saarani Mohamad and the Minister of Human Resources, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. In his opening address, Sultan Nazrin said that the centre is not just a complex equipped with modern and sophisticated equipment, but is also staffed with experts in the fields of medicine and health, assistive technology, physiotherapy, as well as occupational and vocational therapy, social guidance and psychological support. "This centre is not just a health facility, but symbolises a migration of thought - a migration of approach, realising the country's vision and desire to modernise rehabilitation and high-tech services, strengthened with services that prioritise human values ​​and appreciate human values." "This centre should be seen as a symbol that the country values ​​every life, every worker and every family, a symbol that misfortune is not the end of life, a symbol that with the right system, a caring society and opportunities provided, a person does not have to live on the kindness of others, but can return to building a dignified future," his Majesty said. Sultan Nazrin said the centre, whose idea for its construction was sparked by Ipoh Barat Member of Parliament, M. Kulasegaran when he held the position of Human Resources Minister from 2018 to 2020, gives new hope to patients and families and builds new confidence that injury is not the end of life. His Majesty said that the centre should be able to impress upon patients and families that with the right treatment, appropriate technology and an unbroken spirit, a person is capable of rising again. "For a stroke patient, this center may be a place to help them learn to move their limbs again, for workers who have suffered nerve injuries, this center may be a place to rebuild physical and mental strength." "For someone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury, this centre may be a place to retrain memory, speech and self-confidence. For their families, this centre can be a place to shine a light of hope," said Sultan Nazrin. His Majesty also stressed that society needs to eliminate prejudice against those with physical disabilities and come forward to assist SOCSO's efforts by opening up job opportunities for those who have completed rehabilitation treatment so that they can return to living independently. "The effort pioneered by SOCSO to enter into a collaboration with 7-Eleven to provide a post-career work training program, with the potential to offer jobs, is a strategic approach. "Hopefully more private parties will come forward to offer CSR (corporate social responsibility) programs with SOCSO rehabilitation centers, offer vocational training and provide post-rehabilitation job opportunities," said Sultan Nazrin. His Majesty said that it is the fardu kifayah and responsibility of every human being to help ease the burden of those who face divine tests and are burdened by life's trials. Sultan Nazrin said that a country's progress is not only measured by its imposing rows of skyscrapers, crisscrossing flyovers, or large ports and airports, or high economic growth figures. "Real progress lies in the country's ability and determination to introduce and implement social programs to preserve human dignity, defend the weak, and provide a second chance to anyone who is unfortunate enough to be tested by illness, injury or disability," said His Majesty. -- BERNAMA

Sultan Nazrin officially opens SOCSO Rehabilitation Centre, agrees to name it after him

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 -- The rapid evolution of technology, from the era of typewriters to artificial intelligence (AI), has transformed the journalism landscape, enabling news production and dissemination to take place faster than ever before. However, despite these technological advancements, both veteran and young journalists agree that journalism’s fundamental values -- ethics, integrity, accuracy and the human touch -- must continue to be upheld to ensure reporting remains credible and trustworthy. Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) adviser Datuk Muguntan Vanar, 61, said these values are the strongest safeguard in the age of AI and social media, ensuring mainstream media continues to earn public trust. “It is important for journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness, independence, transparency and accountability so readers continue to place their trust in us. “Today, false and half-truth information spreads rapidly through social media. If we do not want the journalism profession to face further threats, we must defend the core values of journalism,” he told Bernama. Reflecting on his early career during the typewriter era, Muguntan said the experience taught him to appreciate the discipline and precision required in journalism. “Every word carried weight. We could not simply delete text at the press of a button because even a minor spelling or sentence error meant retyping an entire page. “The typewriter also brought its own character to the newsroom through its constant rhythm and sound. For our generation, it made journalism feel truly alive,” he said. He noted that technological advancement has significantly changed the way journalists gather information, with interviews that were once conducted face-to-face now commonly conducted by telephone or via messaging applications. Describing AI as both an opportunity and a challenge, Muguntan said the technology can improve efficiency but may also pose risks to journalistic and editorial ethics if not used responsibly. “I believe AI will eventually take over many aspects of journalistic work. However, the core values of journalism must always be preserved to maintain the human element in news reporting,” he said. Meanwhile, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) economics desk reporter Muhammad Fawwaz Thaqif Nor Afandi, 25, said young journalists must remain committed to journalistic principles to ensure the media continues to serve as a reliable source of authentic information. “AI can be used as a tool to gather information, verify facts and improve grammar, but not to write news entirely. Original writing style and the human touch are essential to preserving a journalist’s identity,” he said. Inspired by former Director-General of Broadcasting Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, Fawwaz said he aspires to become an ethical journalist with strong integrity and a commitment to delivering accurate reporting to the public. Malaysia Gazette journalist Nur Arina Asbar, 25, said young journalists must be more aware of their surroundings, especially amid the growing spread of misinformation on social media. “In the race to report viral issues quickly, journalists must verify every piece of information they receive so that published reports are accurate and authentic,” she said. Nur Arina cited Zainal Abdul Rashid (ZRA), the first Malaysian journalist to enter Israel and Palestine to produce a special report, as her inspiration in journalism. For Astro Awani journalist Nurul Shafiqa Azami, 25, one of the biggest challenges facing journalists today is obtaining authentic sources as AI-generated content and manipulated images become increasingly common. “As a young journalist, I use AI technology to help identify news intros and gather background information on issues when preparing reports. “However, journalists cannot rely entirely on AI for writing if we want to preserve the human touch in every news story,” she said. Nurul Shafiqa added that television personality Jasmine Abu Bakar and Astro Awani editor Assim Mohammad Hassan continue to inspire her journey in the media industry. -- BERNAMA

Journalism’s Core Values Must Endure In The Age Of AI

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed the decision by global semiconductor manufacturer AT&S to expand its operations in Kulim, Kedah, describing it as a strong endorsement of Malaysia’s growing role as a high-value technology investment destination. Anwar said the outcome followed constructive meetings and discussions held earlier in June, which have now borne fruit with AT&S expressing its commitment to scale up its presence in the country. He said the investment is expected to further strengthen Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem, while creating more high-skilled job opportunities for Malaysians, particularly in engineering, advanced manufacturing, and digital technology sectors. “The confidence shown by international investors such as AT&S demonstrates that clear policies, political stability, good governance, and the government’s commitment to economic transformation are placing Malaysia firmly on the right track as a preferred destination for advanced technology investment,” he said. Anwar added that this development reflects Malaysia’s continued progress in building a strong and competitive digital economy, driven by tangible and high-impact investments that support long-term national growth. He said the expansion also reinforces mutual trust between Malaysia and global investors, while positioning the country as a key regional hub for next-generation semiconductor development and innovation. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

AT&S EXPANSION IN KULIM SIGNALS STRONG GLOBAL CONFIDENCE IN MALAYSIA – PM ANWAR

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BALING, June 16 – The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Kedah branch raided an animal feed processing factory in the Kuala Ketil Industrial Area yesterday over the suspected storage of wheat flour without proper authorisation. Kedah KPDN director Muhammad Nizam Jamaludin said four enforcement personnel from the Baling branch carried out the operation at about 4.30 pm. “The inspection uncovered wheat flour believed to have been used in the company's animal feed processing activities,” he said in a statement today. A total of 53,325 kilogrammes of flour, valued at an estimated RM100,251, was seized for further investigation. Muhammad Nizam said a 25-year-old local man, who identified himself as the factory manager, failed to produce a permit or approval from the Supply Controller for storing the flour. The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 122) he said, adding that firm action would be taken against any party found misusing or diverting subsidised goods. -- BERNAMA

Animal Feed Factory Raided Over Suspected Flour Storage Violation

IPOH, JUNE 16 -- The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, departed to officiate the opening of the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Neuro-Robotics and Cybernics Rehabilitation Centre in Meru Raya, here, today. Sultan Nazrin also agreed that the centre, whose design was inspired by the art of gold thread embossing, be named the Sultan Nazrin Shah SOCSO Rehabilitation Centre. Also departing were the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and the Raja of Lower Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris Shah. Also present were the Menteri Besar of Perak, Datuk Saarani Mohamad and the Minister of Human Resources, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. In his opening address, Sultan Nazrin said that the centre is not just a complex equipped with modern and sophisticated equipment, but is also staffed with experts in the fields of medicine and health, assistive technology, physiotherapy, as well as occupational and vocational therapy, social guidance and psychological support. "This centre is not just a health facility, but symbolises a migration of thought - a migration of approach, realising the country's vision and desire to modernise rehabilitation and high-tech services, strengthened with services that prioritise human values ​​and appreciate human values." "This centre should be seen as a symbol that the country values ​​every life, every worker and every family, a symbol that misfortune is not the end of life, a symbol that with the right system, a caring society and opportunities provided, a person does not have to live on the kindness of others, but can return to building a dignified future," his Majesty said. Sultan Nazrin said the centre, whose idea for its construction was sparked by Ipoh Barat Member of Parliament, M. Kulasegaran when he held the position of Human Resources Minister from 2018 to 2020, gives new hope to patients and families and builds new confidence that injury is not the end of life. His Majesty said that the centre should be able to impress upon patients and families that with the right treatment, appropriate technology and an unbroken spirit, a person is capable of rising again. "For a stroke patient, this center may be a place to help them learn to move their limbs again, for workers who have suffered nerve injuries, this center may be a place to rebuild physical and mental strength." "For someone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury, this centre may be a place to retrain memory, speech and self-confidence. For their families, this centre can be a place to shine a light of hope," said Sultan Nazrin. His Majesty also stressed that society needs to eliminate prejudice against those with physical disabilities and come forward to assist SOCSO's efforts by opening up job opportunities for those who have completed rehabilitation treatment so that they can return to living independently. "The effort pioneered by SOCSO to enter into a collaboration with 7-Eleven to provide a post-career work training program, with the potential to offer jobs, is a strategic approach. "Hopefully more private parties will come forward to offer CSR (corporate social responsibility) programs with SOCSO rehabilitation centers, offer vocational training and provide post-rehabilitation job opportunities," said Sultan Nazrin. His Majesty said that it is the fardu kifayah and responsibility of every human being to help ease the burden of those who face divine tests and are burdened by life's trials. Sultan Nazrin said that a country's progress is not only measured by its imposing rows of skyscrapers, crisscrossing flyovers, or large ports and airports, or high economic growth figures. "Real progress lies in the country's ability and determination to introduce and implement social programs to preserve human dignity, defend the weak, and provide a second chance to anyone who is unfortunate enough to be tested by illness, injury or disability," said His Majesty. -- BERNAMA

Sultan Nazrin officially opens SOCSO Rehabilitation Centre, agrees to name it after him

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 -- The rapid evolution of technology, from the era of typewriters to artificial intelligence (AI), has transformed the journalism landscape, enabling news production and dissemination to take place faster than ever before. However, despite these technological advancements, both veteran and young journalists agree that journalism’s fundamental values -- ethics, integrity, accuracy and the human touch -- must continue to be upheld to ensure reporting remains credible and trustworthy. Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) adviser Datuk Muguntan Vanar, 61, said these values are the strongest safeguard in the age of AI and social media, ensuring mainstream media continues to earn public trust. “It is important for journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness, independence, transparency and accountability so readers continue to place their trust in us. “Today, false and half-truth information spreads rapidly through social media. If we do not want the journalism profession to face further threats, we must defend the core values of journalism,” he told Bernama. Reflecting on his early career during the typewriter era, Muguntan said the experience taught him to appreciate the discipline and precision required in journalism. “Every word carried weight. We could not simply delete text at the press of a button because even a minor spelling or sentence error meant retyping an entire page. “The typewriter also brought its own character to the newsroom through its constant rhythm and sound. For our generation, it made journalism feel truly alive,” he said. He noted that technological advancement has significantly changed the way journalists gather information, with interviews that were once conducted face-to-face now commonly conducted by telephone or via messaging applications. Describing AI as both an opportunity and a challenge, Muguntan said the technology can improve efficiency but may also pose risks to journalistic and editorial ethics if not used responsibly. “I believe AI will eventually take over many aspects of journalistic work. However, the core values of journalism must always be preserved to maintain the human element in news reporting,” he said. Meanwhile, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) economics desk reporter Muhammad Fawwaz Thaqif Nor Afandi, 25, said young journalists must remain committed to journalistic principles to ensure the media continues to serve as a reliable source of authentic information. “AI can be used as a tool to gather information, verify facts and improve grammar, but not to write news entirely. Original writing style and the human touch are essential to preserving a journalist’s identity,” he said. Inspired by former Director-General of Broadcasting Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, Fawwaz said he aspires to become an ethical journalist with strong integrity and a commitment to delivering accurate reporting to the public. Malaysia Gazette journalist Nur Arina Asbar, 25, said young journalists must be more aware of their surroundings, especially amid the growing spread of misinformation on social media. “In the race to report viral issues quickly, journalists must verify every piece of information they receive so that published reports are accurate and authentic,” she said. Nur Arina cited Zainal Abdul Rashid (ZRA), the first Malaysian journalist to enter Israel and Palestine to produce a special report, as her inspiration in journalism. For Astro Awani journalist Nurul Shafiqa Azami, 25, one of the biggest challenges facing journalists today is obtaining authentic sources as AI-generated content and manipulated images become increasingly common. “As a young journalist, I use AI technology to help identify news intros and gather background information on issues when preparing reports. “However, journalists cannot rely entirely on AI for writing if we want to preserve the human touch in every news story,” she said. Nurul Shafiqa added that television personality Jasmine Abu Bakar and Astro Awani editor Assim Mohammad Hassan continue to inspire her journey in the media industry. -- BERNAMA

Journalism’s Core Values Must Endure In The Age Of AI

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed the decision by global semiconductor manufacturer AT&S to expand its operations in Kulim, Kedah, describing it as a strong endorsement of Malaysia’s growing role as a high-value technology investment destination. Anwar said the outcome followed constructive meetings and discussions held earlier in June, which have now borne fruit with AT&S expressing its commitment to scale up its presence in the country. He said the investment is expected to further strengthen Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem, while creating more high-skilled job opportunities for Malaysians, particularly in engineering, advanced manufacturing, and digital technology sectors. “The confidence shown by international investors such as AT&S demonstrates that clear policies, political stability, good governance, and the government’s commitment to economic transformation are placing Malaysia firmly on the right track as a preferred destination for advanced technology investment,” he said. Anwar added that this development reflects Malaysia’s continued progress in building a strong and competitive digital economy, driven by tangible and high-impact investments that support long-term national growth. He said the expansion also reinforces mutual trust between Malaysia and global investors, while positioning the country as a key regional hub for next-generation semiconductor development and innovation. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

AT&S EXPANSION IN KULIM SIGNALS STRONG GLOBAL CONFIDENCE IN MALAYSIA – PM ANWAR

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