100,000 tonnes Sabah palm oil docks at UK port
Published on: Sun, Apr 27, 2025 Text Size: Fadillah with his wife in a group photo with Malaysian students after a dinner event with Malaysians residing in the UK in London. LONDON: A shipment of Malaysian palm oil from Sabah totalling 100,000 tonnes entered the storage depot at the Port of Liverpool, England, on April 5, said Malaysian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland Datuk Zakri Jaafar. This marked the first consignment of Malaysian palm oil under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with zero tariff, he said. 'Through the CPTPP, Malaysian and UK companies are now able to expand their markets further and can enhance bilateral trade prospects,' he said during a dinner hosted for Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, at the Malaysian High Commission in London on Friday. The 80 guests at the dinner included students, representatives from government-linked companies, as well as high commission staff. Also present were Fadillah's wife Datin Seri Ruziah Mohd Tahir, Tenaga Nasional Bhd chief new energy officer Mohd Zarihi Mohd Hashim, Sarawak Energy Bhd group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, and a delegation from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra). The UK acceded to the CPTPP on Dec 15 last year, making it the first European country to join the Asia-Pacific trade bloc. For Malaysia, the CPTPP agreement came into effect on Nov 29, 2022. On the renewable energy sector, Zakri said Malaysia's involvement in the UK will yield significant long-term benefits for the country, particularly in terms of technology transfer. 'The launch of high-capacity solar farms operated by a TNB subsidiary at Eastfield and Bunkers Hill in January this year showcases Malaysia's capability to participate in global sustainable energy solution efforts,' he said. The solar farms were launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Jan 17 during his official visit to the UK. The farms – in Bunkers Hill, Rotherwick (66.7 megawatts peak (MWp) and Eastfield, Harbury (35 MWp) – are advanced and innovative projects. The combined capacity of 102 MW highlights Malaysia's expertise in driving global sustainable energy solutions. Malaysia is the UK's fourth-largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, with total trade reaching RM15.30 billion in 2024. Meanwhile, Malaysia's total investment in the UK reached £19 billion (£1=RM5.81) in the same year. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
18 minutes ago
- Barnama
Bridging Cultures Through Translation
L iterary works play a vital role in promoting unity and harmony among Malaysia's diverse communities by deepening readers' understanding of issues related to different cultures and religions. Experts say, strengthening inter-ethnic understanding is increasingly crucial today, as social, political, and economic divides have made race relations more fragmented. Holding to the proverb reading is the bridge to knowledge, various bodies including Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), associations, and local as well as international universities are striving to translate works across languages to encourage Malaysians to broaden their knowledge of other communities. However, experts note that these efforts remain insufficient, particularly when it comes to translating works from Chinese to Malay and vice versa, as the focus has mostly been on translating works between English and Malay. For comparison, over a 10-year period up to 2022, the Institut Terjemahan Buku Malaysia (ITBM) produced 840 translations from English to Malay and 131 from Malay to English. In contrast, only 29 Malay-language titles were translated into Mandarin, and 19 Mandarin-language books into Malay during the same period. CHALLENGES IN THE TRANSLATION INDUSTRY President of the Malaysian Translation & Creative Writing Association (PERSPEKTIF), Lim Chuan Boon, said his association has been proactive in cross-cultural translation and the creation of Chinese and Malay literary works since its establishment 39 years ago. He said translated works can help promote mutual understanding and unity among Malaysia's multi-ethnic society, while also strengthening Malaysia-China cooperation in translation, literary creation, and socio-cultural exchange. However, Lim noted that the number of modern local Chinese literary works, known as mahua—which include poetry, short stories, drama, rhythmic prose, and novels—has been dwindling in recent years. 'From the 1960s until now, more than 600 standalone modern mahua works have been published and translated in this country, but such efforts are declining. 'These translations were carried out by individuals, freelance translators, and associations, including PERSPEKTIF. 'This is because the burden on writers and translators here is heavy, whether translating from Chinese to Malay or vice versa, as it has largely been carried out by bilingual Chinese individuals,' he told Bernama. According to him, translation as a field is also less attractive to the younger generation due to the relatively low income compared to the effort involved. In terms of Malay proficiency among young Chinese, Lim said today's generation is heavily influenced by English, particularly through social media, which has become ingrained in their daily lives. 'To this end, in addition to working with DBP, educational institutions, and translation associations to hold Chinese-Malay translation workshops and symposiums, several local universities — including Universiti Sains Malaysia — now offer courses designed to equip young people with strong bilingual skills and sound translation techniques. 'This will not only produce a new generation that can serve as a bridge between two cultures but also improve Malay proficiency among Chinese students, making it their second language after Chinese,' he said. THE RISE OF AI In the digital revolution era, sweeping changes and transformations can be seen in language learning and translation through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Apart from simplifying daily tasks and saving time, AI is also seen as capable of replacing human roles in certain areas, including language learning and translation work. This has raised concerns within Malaysia's translation industry, with fears that AI may take over human translators' roles, leading to fewer job opportunities and unattractive income prospects. Senior Lecturer at the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Dr Boh Phaik Ean, said in fact, AI is not new to translation—it began with early machine translation research in the mid-20th century. 'At that time, AI's capabilities were limited, but its potential had already drawn scholars' attention. 'Today, with the emergence of large language models and advances in machine learning and deep learning, AI-generated translations have become more accurate in meaning and more fluent linguistically,' she told Bernama. Boh acknowledged that AI translation quality has improved significantly compared to before. However, she stressed that this does not mean AI can replace human translators entirely. 'Translation is not just about transferring messages from one language to another; it is an interaction between two cultures, peoples, and nations. 'Machine translation cannot guarantee absolute accuracy and completeness. Excessive reliance on AI could lead to serious mistakes with major consequences, potentially causing business losses or sparking political controversies nationally or internationally, especially if the output contains errors, sensitive content, or deviations from the original meaning,' she said. Boh added that AI should be used wisely, carefully, and ethically, without over-glorifying its capabilities or depending on it entirely. 'Excessive dependence on AI tools could eventually destroy human originality. If misused, this technology risks erasing authenticity, creativity, identity, and the human voice, as all work becomes replaced by AI-generated output,' she said. BRIGHT PROSPECTS IN TRANSLATION At the same time, Boh said many people underestimate the value of the national language when works are translated into it, assuming they will not be well-received and thus lacking motivation to enter the industry. 'In reality, Malay has tremendous potential to grow and be elevated on the international stage. 'For example, in the translation industry, demand for Malay-related translations is very high, opening up many job opportunities for Malaysians and boosting income for both individuals and the nation,' she said. She noted particularly strong demand for translations from Chinese to Malay, which often pays translators well, especially from Chinese companies and agencies. 'This high demand is closely tied to the status of Malay as the official and national language of our country. 'It is clear that Malay is not only a tool of communication but also carries great economic value internationally, particularly in the translation industry,' she said. She added that translation helps bridge language gaps, reduce misunderstandings, encourage knowledge exchange, and strengthen diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia. CULTURAL EXCHANGE Meanwhile, Chairman of DBP's Board of Governors, Datuk Dr Mohd Anuar Rethwan, said translating Chinese works into Malay or vice versa not only improves bilingual proficiency among the Chinese community but also fosters cultural understanding between the two groups. However, he stressed that the human touch in interpreting cultural nuances and appreciating the beauty of language and literature cannot be replicated by AI. 'If we do not understand the target culture of the language being translated, the result may sometimes be comical—or even disastrous. 'Therefore, translators play a crucial role as bridges between two worlds. This task requires precision, cultural sensitivity, and deep linguistic mastery. AI, meanwhile, is merely a 'tool' that cannot grasp nuances, culture, metaphors, or proverbs. 'Hence, we cannot rely entirely on AI; we still need translators who truly understand both the source and target languages,' he said. He added that translators must convey not just the literal meaning but also the emotional essence and cultural spirit embedded in each expression. 'Translation is not just about finding words—it is about finding the soul that connects different worlds, bridging divides, understanding cultures, and fostering harmony,' he said.
Hype Malaysia
18 minutes ago
- Hype Malaysia
UNIQLO Mid Valley Megamall To Reopen Later This Month
If you've visited Mid Valley Megamall recently, you may have noticed that the UNIQLO store has been undergoing renovations. For those wondering when the work will be completed, there's good news, and we have the answer. The global apparel retailer has confirmed that its store at the popular shopping centre will reopen later this month, on 29th August, in conjunction with the brand's 15th anniversary and the upcoming Merdeka celebration. Here are the details you need to know. Following an extensive renovation and expansion, the revitalised store offers an expanded product range, refreshed interior concept, and enhanced in-store experience, reflecting UNIQLO's commitment to meeting the evolving everyday needs of Malaysian customers. The newly expanded UNIQLO Mid Valley Megamall store will soon welcome shoppers with a refreshed two-level layout and a more comprehensive LifeWear experience. The store is refreshed with the local community in mind, with an interior that incorporates natural textures, warm tones, and open layouts to create a space that is calming to browse for a better shopping experience. Of course, it wouldn't be right to celebrate a reopening of an outlet without some exciting in-store activities and promotions. Coinciding with National Day celebrations, the highlights and giveaways during opening week include: The first 300 customers each day will receive an exclusive UNIQLO keychain, specially designed to mark the store's grand reopening (29th August – 1st September). Spend a minimum of RM250 in a single receipt and take home a limited-edition 'Kuala Lumpur' UNIQLO City Tote Bag (29th August – 1st September). Celebrate the charm of UNIQLO's Sanrio character UT collection with a delightful floral surprise. Purchase any 2 Sanrio characters UT T-Shirts at original price and receive a mini bouquet (29th August – 1st September). From 25th to 28th August, test your LifeWear folding skills in a fun competition. Show off your speed and precision, with daily winners walking away with RM20 UNIQLO vouchers, redeemable during the opening weekend. Are you excited for the reopening? We know we are!
Malaysiakini
30 minutes ago
- Malaysiakini
Misguided: Why the HRD levy must never be wage subsidy
LETTER | I refer to the recent proposal by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim to permit employers to utilise up to RM2 billion from the Human Resources Development (HRD) levy funds to pay the salaries of newly hired university and technical and vocational education and training graduates beginning Sept 1. Frankly, I am shocked. This proposal represents a fundamental departure from the original mandate and philosophy of the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRDCorp) - a mandate clearly enshrined in the Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB) Act 2001. It deserves serious scrutiny because it risks eroding both the integrity of the levy and the long-term development of Malaysia's human capital. Under Article 3 of the PSMB Act, the HRDCorp's principal purpose is to promote the training and development of employees, apprentices, and trainees through the imposition and utilisation of a training levy. Article 22(2)(a) further underscores that the levy must be expended only for activities that 'promote, develop and upgrade' the skills of employees, and for the establishment or maintenance of training infrastructure. In other words, the levy is not - and has never been - intended as a wage subsidy. It is a training fund designed to promote structured, continuous, and meaningful upskilling of the Malaysian workforce. Allowing these funds to be diverted towards paying salaries would effectively sever the vital link between levy contributions and training outcomes - a link that forms the very backbone of levy-based training systems across the world. It is arguably an ultra vires (beyond the powers) use of funds under the PSMB Act, which recognises the levy as a ring-fenced training fund. If the intention is to support graduate employment, then this should be done through normal fiscal channels, not through the misappropriation of a specialised fund established for a very different and critical purpose. Fundamental flaws There are several fundamental flaws in Sim's proposal. First, it sets a dangerous precedent: once the training levy is converted into a wage-subsidy mechanism, reversing the policy becomes politically difficult. The HRDCorp risks morphing into a politically driven institution rather than a professional body tasked with building workforce capabilities. Second, it will discourage employers from investing in genuine, future-focused skills development. Faced with the option of using levy funds to offset payroll costs, many companies - particularly small and medium enterprises - will logically opt to minimise training expenditure. In the end, real upskilling programmes will be crowded out. Third, it sends precisely the wrong message to graduates. The core challenge facing Malaysian graduates today is not the lack of a salary, but the absence of practical skills, real-world exposure, and industry-relevant competencies. What they urgently need are structured apprenticeship programmes, experiential learning opportunities, and industry placement schemes - not wage subsidies that do little to build capability. Damaging longer-term impact In the longer term, the impact will be even more damaging. Training budgets will shrink, high-quality upskilling programmes may be postponed or cancelled, and Malaysia's overall workforce competitiveness will decline. The HRDCorp was established specifically to safeguard against this scenario by ring-fencing training funds. Once that ring-fence is breached, the sustainability of the entire human capital development model is seriously compromised. Most importantly, graduate unemployment is a structural problem linked to the quality of higher education and its weak alignment with industry needs. It cannot be solved sustainably by permitting companies to use training funds to pay salaries. That would merely shift the burden from the public budget to the levy while leaving the underlying problems untouched. In a nutshell, Sim's proposal contradicts not only the letter but also the spirit of the PSMB Act. It undermines the long-term development of Malaysia's human capital by diverting resources away from genuine skills upgrading. If the government wishes to subsidise graduate employment, it should do so transparently through the general fiscal budget - not by dismantling a training levy system that was designed to build a competitive and highly skilled national workforce. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
