logo
Dewan Rakyat News In Brief: Aug 7

Dewan Rakyat News In Brief: Aug 7

Barnama2 days ago
RANTAU PANJANG ICQS DEPLOYS AI-POWERED SCANNERS TO DETECT CONTRABAND SMUGGLING
KUALA LUMPUR -- The Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Kelantan is now equipped with two AI-powered scanning machines to enhance the detection of contraband goods.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the technology enables more efficient screening; however, cargo scanner facilities are still lacking due to infrastructure limitations, with inspections still being carried out manually.
'The Home Ministry will ensure the proposed installation of cargo scanner systems is included in the redevelopment plans for the Rantau Panjang ICQS Complex.
'For the Honourable Member's information, the redevelopment of the Rantau Panjang ICQS Complex has been proposed. The government has approved RM65.4 million for land acquisition,' he said during the question-and-answer session in Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN-Rantau Panjang), who had asked about the ministry's plans to improve the use of X-ray scanners and drug detection systems at the Rantau Panjang border to curb smuggling syndicates.
-- BERNAMA
OVER 14,000 BUMIPUTERA GRADUATES IN ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE IN 2024
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

More than money: Sabah's quest for fair revenue and fight for 35% parliamentary representation
More than money: Sabah's quest for fair revenue and fight for 35% parliamentary representation

Borneo Post

time8 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

More than money: Sabah's quest for fair revenue and fight for 35% parliamentary representation

THE debate surrounding Sabah's claim for 40% of its net revenue, enshrined in the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63), continues to evolve. Recent events highlight a strategic two-pronged approach, Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sabah's calculated withdrawal of its lawsuit against the federal and state governments, combined with the Sabah Law Society's (SLS) ongoing legal action. This article examines both strategies, illustrating their complementary roles in securing a just and equitable resolution for Sabah. This analysis incorporates information from Sabah News Today regarding PH Sabah's actions, a statement from the Sabah Law Society dated May 21, 2025, and my own observations. Pakatan Harapan's decision to withdraw its originating summons marked a strategic shift toward collaborative engagement with the newly formed federal government. Their rationale centers on the establishment of the MA63 Implementation Action Council (JKTMTPMA63) and its Technical Committee. Datuk Ewon Benedick, a key figure in PH Sabah and a former plaintiff, now holds a significant position within these committees, ensuring direct representation in discussions regarding Sabah's financial claims. This approach prioritized negotiation and a collaborative path to resolution over protracted litigation. As reported by Sabah News Today, this withdrawal was a calculated move to foster collaboration with the federal government. This collaborative approach has yielded concrete results. Amendments to the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) Act 1995 now include Sabah and Sarawak representatives on the LHDN Board, promoting transparency in revenue collection. With the inclusion of representatives from Sabah, Sabah will be able to know how much tax is actually collected from Sabah. Furthermore, the federal government initiated interim payments, demonstrating a willingness to address Sabah's financial concerns while ongoing discussions continue within the established committees. The Federal Government replaced the old 2022 review by increasing the interim payment to RM300 million in 2023, and the subsequent interim payment increased to RM600 million in 2025. This interim payment is temporary until the payment related to this 40 percent is finalized and does not affect Sabah's right to claim special grants based on the 40 percent formula for the years affected, unlike the 2022 review payment made previously by the prior government. While the exact amounts and timelines of these payments are subject to ongoing negotiations, the commitment to interim payments represents a significant step forward. Sabah News Today highlights these interim payments as a tangible outcome of the collaborative approach. In support of Pakatan Harapan's efforts, it's important to note that the Sabah Government, in addition to pursuing the 40% revenue claim, can also advocate for the reinstatement of a 35% quota of Parliament seats for Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territories. I fully endorse Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau's urgent appeal, voiced during his parliamentary address, for the swift implementation of Sabah's constitutional entitlement to 40% of net revenue, as enshrined in Article 112C. It is imperative that Sabah's representatives in the MA63 Technical Committee meetings make Tangau's proposal a top priority. The ongoing delay in honoring this constitutional provision is simply not acceptable. These committee members must champion this cause to secure Sabah's prosperity, which will, in turn, drive Malaysia's overall economic progress. The current pursuit of the 40% revenue claim and the reinstatement of the 35% parliamentary representation quota are both rooted in this desire to restore the balance of power and ensure that Sabah and Sarawak receive the treatment they were promised in 1963. Specifically, the 35% parliamentary representation quota originally included Singapore. With Singapore's departure from Malaysia in 1965, that portion of the quota should have been reallocated to Sabah and Sarawak, reflecting their increased importance within the federation. In 1963, Sabah had 16 seats, Sarawak had 24, and Singapore had 15, totaling 55 seats and representing approximately 35% of the overall 159 parliamentary seats. The last time the redelineation of parliamentary seats was conducted was in 2006, with Sabah and Sarawak having 25 and 31 seats respectively, making a total of 56 seats or about 25 percent of the 222 parliamentary seats. Today, Sabah has 25 and Sarawak has 31 out of 222 seats, totaling 56 seats and representing only about 25% of the total. This isn't just about numbers, it's about power. Reinstating the 35% quota would fundamentally shift the balance of power in Parliament, giving Sabah and Sarawak the amplified voice they need to protect their rights, promote their development, and ensure their concerns are finally heard at the national level. This pursuit aligns with the original spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), ensuring a more equitable representation in the federal legislature. This aspect is crucial for ensuring Sabah's voice is adequately represented at the federal level, and it demonstrates a comprehensive approach by the Sabah Government. Complementing this political strategy is the Sabah Law Society's (SLS) ongoing legal action. According to their statement, published on Facebook on May 21, 2025, the SLS is pursuing a landmark constitutional hearing before the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak at Kota Kinabalu. The SLS's case, now before the courts, directly challenges the federal government's actions regarding Sabah's revenue rights. Their core arguments center on the alleged breach of constitutional duty regarding the non-payment of the 40% entitlement during the years since the last review. The case continues to address the constitutional basis for Sabah's claim, citing Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution, and Part IV of the Tenth Schedule. The SLS statement emphasizes that this is not a political matter but a constitutional obligation, grounded in Article 112C and the Tenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution. Sabah's strategic duality, simultaneous pursuit of political negotiation and a robust legal challenge, positions the state for a truly transformative outcome. The inclusion of the 40% claim on the MA63 Technical Committee's agenda signals a commitment to finding a resolution, while the ongoing legal action ensures accountability. Success will not only secure significant financial redress for Sabah but also fundamentally reshape the power dynamics within the Malaysian Federation, solidifying Sabah's autonomy and setting a powerful precedent for future intergovernmental relations.

Suhakam questions arrest of Egyptian student over peaceful pro-Gaza protest in KL
Suhakam questions arrest of Egyptian student over peaceful pro-Gaza protest in KL

Malay Mail

time8 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

Suhakam questions arrest of Egyptian student over peaceful pro-Gaza protest in KL

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 — The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) today expressed concern over the arrest of an Egyptian university student who allegedly participated in a peaceful protest outside his country's embassy here. Suhakam said it does not condone vandalism, but any non-violent and conscientious expression of opinion should be addressed proportionately and in line with human rights principles. 'Nonetheless, Suhakam remains concerned that the arrest took place in the first place, given that the act in question was peaceful and falls within the scope of protected expression,' it said in a media statement. The commission said it had received confirmation from the Home Ministry and police that the student, Marwan Mohamed Magdi Osman Ahmed, has been released from custody and that no deportation has taken place. It added that this outcome was a positive development and in line with Malaysia's obligations under international human rights law, including the principle of non-refoulement. 'Malaysia must ensure that its legal processes and enforcement mechanisms are not influenced by external pressures in ways that compromise these rights,' it added. Marwan was arrested on Tuesday after police said he wrote protest slogans on the walls of the Egyptian embassy calling for the Rafah crossing into Gaza to be opened. Local news portal Free Malaysia Today previously reported the embassy filed a police report accusing Marwan of 'grand treason', prompting an investigation for mischief. Turkish NGO Justice for Human Rights had earlier urged Malaysia to stop deportation proceedings, citing Egypt's poor human rights record and repeated violations against peaceful demonstrators.

Public urged not to spread false claims over Zara Qairina case
Public urged not to spread false claims over Zara Qairina case

New Straits Times

time10 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Public urged not to spread false claims over Zara Qairina case

KUALA LUMPUR: The public has been advised not to spread unverified claims or act as a judge in the case of the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), his ministry had detected false viral content related to the case. "Recently, we saw viral content accusing various parties of colluding in the case (of Zara's death). "That content strayed far from the truth. In fact, there was even an individual who claimed the late Zara had entered a washing machine, but that person has since apologised. "I advise the public not to get carried away and refrain from sharing unverified information. We must understand that the deceased's mother has cooperated with the authorities. "When the family has placed their trust in the authorities, we (the public) should give them space to carry out their duties," he said. He said this when met after the launch of the Federal Territories 2025 Children's Protection Advocacy Programme: Kasih Kanak-Kanak at the Kerinchi People's Housing Project (PPR) here today. Also present were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri; Social Welfare Department director-general Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan; and Kuala Lumpur JKM director Che Samsuzuki Che Noh. Fahmi, who is also the Lembah Pantai MP, said bullying was now defined as a crime following amendments to the Penal Code passed in Parliament. "Now, the police can investigate bullying under the amended Penal Code, which allows for appropriate punishment against offenders. "For our part, the MCMC has instructed the public to be vigilant and to be careful with all information received. "Do not act as a judge and make your own decisions because we have a legal system that must be followed," he said. Previously, it was reported that Zara Qairina, a Form One student at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Tun Datu Mustapha Limauan in Papar, was believed to have fallen from the third floor and was found unconscious in a drain near the hostel at 4am on July 16. The 13-year-old student was later confirmed dead after receiving treatment at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store