Gov’t Open To Proposals To Improve BUDI Diesel Programme – Amir Hamzah

KUCHING, June 24 -- The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is taking an open approach to considering any proposals to ensure that the BUDI MADANI Diesel (BUDI Diesel) programme runs smoothly. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said any decision regarding the programme, including the issue of increasing quotas, would be made based on actual usage data. “When we first started implementing the RON95 subsidy, some said the quota was insufficient. But now, after several months of implementation, we can see data from January to May this year shows that only 0.76 per cent used more than 200 litres. “So, let the system run first and see whether it is effective or not. If there are gaps in the system, the government has no problem reviewing it (decision),” he told a media conference after attending the media briefing on the Implementation of Targeted Diesel Subsidy Reforms here today. Also present was Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Amir Hamzah said previous experience with targeted subsidy programmes, including those for the e-hailing sector, showed that the government is always prepared to make adjustments based on actual usage data. “When we started implementing the targeted subsidy programme for e-hailing, we received feedback that the quote given was insufficient. So, we reviewed the usage data recorded by e-hailing companies. If someone has high fuel consumption, then their quota will be increased. “That is why e-hailing drivers now have two quota levels: 600 litres and 800 litres, and adjustments are made based on data,” he added. -- BERNAMA  

KUCHING, June 24 — The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is taking an open approach to considering any proposals to ensure that the BUDI MADANI Diesel (BUDI Diesel) programme runs smoothly. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said any decision regarding the programme, including the issue of increasing quotas, would be made based on actual […]

Unity Week 2026: ‘Moments Of Unity’ Brings Malaysians Together Through Shared Experiences

KOTA KINABALU, June 12 -- The "Moments of Unity" concept forms the cornerstone of the National Unity Week (SMP) 2026 celebration at Likas Stadium here, creating opportunities for Malaysians from diverse backgrounds to connect through shared experiences that strengthen national cohesion. The four-day programme, organised by the National Unity Ministry and running from yesterday until Sunday, is among the flagship initiatives under the Unity Expedition programme themed "Together Building a Nation," with the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate it on Saturday. Sabah National Unity and Integration Department director Rina Ab Harun said the celebration carries significant meaning in efforts to foster harmony and reinforce the Malaysian identity within the country's multicultural society. Speaking to Bernama, she said SMP is more than a symbolic event, serving as an effective platform to promote social integration at the grassroots level and enable people to better appreciate the values underpinning national unity. "This is reflected through a wide range of programmes held throughout the celebration, including arts festivals, sporting activities, forums, cultural programmes and community initiatives that encourage meaningful interaction across communities and generations,” she said. Rina said such engagements were essential in narrowing social divides, cultivating empathy and strengthening the spirit of goodwill among Malaysians. Building on its nationwide outreach efforts, SMP 2026 was held from April to May across five zones, namely the Eastern, Northern, Southern, Central and Sarawak, before culminating in the national-level celebration in Sabah. She said Sabah is the fourth host of the national-level celebration after Sarawak in 2023, followed by Johor in 2024 and Penang last year. According to her, a wide range of activities covering sports, culture, arts and exhibitions, including ethnic house exhibitions and ethnic village displays, were held throughout the four-day programme. “SMP 2026 also features the Progressive Neighbourhood Watch Economic Carnival, handicraft sales, FoodUnites sales, Rahmah Sales and Agro MADANI Sales, as well as various stage performances and competitions, including creative ethnic dance contests,” she said. Rina urged all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion, region or background, to regard unity as a shared responsibility and a heritage that must be preserved with sincerity and awareness. She said unity is not merely a slogan but a way of life that begins with mutual understanding, respect, acceptance and appreciation of one another. "In an increasingly challenging world, Malaysia's true strength lies in our ability to remain united despite our diversity, whether in times of joy or adversity. "I hope this Unity Week celebration will serve as a catalyst for a new wave of awareness, particularly among the younger generation, that love for fellow citizens, tolerance and consensus are the most valuable assets in ensuring a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive future for the nation," she said. She also invited the public, especially those in Sabah, to attend and enliven the celebration, which offers an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity and the spirit of togetherness while participating in a variety of family-friendly activities with free admission. -- BERNAMA

KOTA KINABALU, June 12 — The “Moments of Unity” concept forms the cornerstone of the National Unity Week (SMP) 2026 celebration at Likas Stadium here, creating opportunities for Malaysians from diverse backgrounds to connect through shared experiences that strengthen national cohesion. The four-day programme, organised by the National Unity Ministry and running from yesterday until […]

YB Gobind Singh Deo: Digital Trust Key to Malaysia’s AI Nation Ambitions by 2030

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said trust must become one of the core foundations of Malaysia’s digital future as the country works towards becoming an AI Nation by 2030 yesterday. He said the development of artificial intelligence (AI) goes beyond technology adoption and must include a secure, ethical, and responsible ecosystem that enables AI to be deployed safely and at scale. Gobind stressed that cybersecurity and digital trust are now essential components of the digital economy, describing them as the “currency” of today’s digital landscape. Speaking at the launch of the RHB Digital Trust Programme, he said the initiative would help businesses and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) strengthen their cyber readiness, build confidence in digital systems, and support Malaysia’s wider digital transformation agenda. He added that the introduction of RHB Cyber-Secure, a cybersecurity self-assessment tool, would provide SMEs with a practical and structured approach to assess their cyber preparedness and improve digital resilience. Gobind also highlighted the collaboration between CyberSecurity Malaysia and RHB Bank, saying strong public-private partnerships are crucial in building long-term cyber resilience across the national ecosystem. He said Malaysia’s digital progress must continue to be guided by trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility to ensure the country develops a digital economy that is innovative, secure, resilient, and trusted by all. -- MINUTESMY -- FB: GOBIND SINGH DEO

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said trust must become one of the core foundations of Malaysia’s digital future as the country works towards becoming an AI Nation by 2030 yesterday. He said the development of artificial intelligence (AI) goes beyond technology adoption and must include a secure, ethical, and responsible […]

Bank Muamalat Sets MBR Record With Financial Literacy Programme At Highest Altitude

KUALA LUMPUR, May 18– Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad (Bank Muamalat) has strengthened its commitment to empowering communities after successfully setting a national record through its ‘Jom Bijak Wang’ programme, recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR). The programme received recognition as the Highest Altitude Financial Literacy Programme in a Skyscraper following its organisation on […]

L’Oréal Invests in Future of AI-Powered Commerce and the Creator Economy with Tech Startups from South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa

SINGAPORE, May 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — L’Oréal is officially calling for the next generation of tech pioneers in Singapore to co-create the future of beauty. Applications are now open for the 2026 Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program across the SAPMENA region. Entering its third year, the biggest beauty tech open innovation competition has become […]