National Audit dept adopts village, school
The department announced that the Kampung Topokon and Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Topokon were the respective village and school involved in the programes, with allocations of RM1 million and RM100,000.
Auditor-General Datuk Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi chaired the coordination meeting between various federal and state government agencies at Wisma Audit Sabah here today.
'Following its successful implementation in 2024, the government has expanded the programme to 200 villages throughout the country in 2025. The effort is in line with the whole-of-government approach that stresses on cross-agency cooperation to ensure quick and efficient service delivery to the public,' the department said in a statement today, adding that the Auditor-General presented appointment letters to departments and agencies involved during the meeting.
The scope of the adopted school programme would focus on upgrading the canteen to provide a safer and comfortable dining environment for pupils, while the adopted village programme would have four main areas including upgrading the multipurpose hall, the futsal and open basketball courts, school facilities and community programmes.
The MADANI Adopted Village programme is an initiative announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when he presented the Budget 2024 and is aimed at bridging the gap of basic facilities between rural and urban areas, as well as improve the socioeconomic wellbeing of rural communities.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Most tax from high earners
INDIVIDUALS with taxable incomes more than RM100,000 annually contributed a significant 86% of the total individual income tax collected in 2023, the Finance Ministry revealed. It said this contribution formed part of the RM37.77bil in individual income tax collected by the government for that year, which represented 22% of the total direct tax collection of RM171.34bil. 'Of this, the top 20% of taxpayers, with taxable incomes over RM1mil, played a substantial role in bolstering Malaysia's fiscal resources. 'Their contributions are crucial in maintaining economic stability and supporting national development,' said the ministry in a written parliament reply. Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading) asked about the number of individuals in Malaysia with net wealth exceeding RM100mil and their tax contributions. The ministry said such specific data is unavailable in the Inland Revenue Board's records, as net wealth does not directly correlate with income tax liabilities. 'Certain assets are not subject to income tax unless sold or disposed of, such as real estate or specific investments,' it said. The government, it added, appreciates the role of high-income taxpayers in bolstering economic stability and strengthening the country's fiscal position. 'The government remains committed to enhancing tax compliance and addressing tax leakage issues, especially among high-income individuals with assets and wealth not aligned with reported taxes. 'This includes income kept in offshore accounts, cross-border transactions, domestic transfer pricing, online activities and shadow economy cases,' it added. In addition to tackling tax leakage, the government is focused on improving tax administration efficiency through digitalisation and encouraging tax compliance via ongoing awareness efforts. 'We are continually refining the structure and treatment of income tax to ensure a fair and progressive taxation system in Malaysia,' it added.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Revved-up deals for shoppers
KUALA LUMPUR: Car lovers and bargain hunters gear up – the StarCarSifu Auto Show 2025 roars into town tomorrow! Running from Aug 13 to 17, the auto show at the ground floor concourse of Mid Valley Megamall here will feature an array of the latest car models to dazzle both motoring fans and those shopping for a new ride. Participating automotive players include Stellantis (Leapmotor and Peugeot), Proton, Toyota, Bermaz (Mazda, Kia and XPeng), Sisma Auto (BYD), Motor Image (Subaru) and Zeekr. Visitors can explore stylish models from top brands, including internal combustion engine cars, hybrids and electric vehicles. There will also be displays of the latest sedans, hatchbacks, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) and pick-up trucks. In addition, participating brands are offering special deals, promotions and test drives. From Stellantis, highlights include the new D-segment Leapmotor C10 electric SUV and the C-segment Peugeot 408 GT fastback. The C10 offers exceptional space, premium features and a driving range of 424km, priced at RM125,000 on-the-road without insurance. The 408 GT is priced at RM165,000 on-the-road without insurance, until Sept 30. At Proton's booth, buyers of the all-new X50 B-segment SUV (for the first 10,000 bookings registered by Oct 31) can enjoy a RM4,000 rebate, financing as low as 2.35% per annum for five years or 2.38% per annum for seven years, and up to RM2,000 trade-in support. Attractive promotions are also available for the Proton X70 SUV and S70 sedan, along with rewards for staff from schools, educational institutions, hospitals, clinics, banking and financial sectors, members of the uniformed services and fresh graduates. At Toyota's display, visitors can check out promotions for the Vios, Corolla Cross HEV GR Sport and the rugged Hilux pick-up truck. Test drives are available for two crowd favourites: the Corolla Cross V (petrol) and Vios. Promotions include up to RM8,000 in savings for the Vios, up to RM6,000 in savings for the Corolla Cross HEV GR Sport and up to RM8,000 in savings plus a three-year free service deal for the Hilux. Distributor Bermaz Auto is also offering various rebates and promotions. Buyers of the Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage or Xpeng G6 stand a chance to participate in a lucky dip worth up to RM180,000 and receive attractive sign-up gifts. Those who book a Mazda CX-5 (2.5G High/2.5G Turbo/2.2D High) will also get a free trip to Japan, including a guided tour of the Mazda Heritage Museum in Hiroshima, for bookings made until Aug 31. BYD will showcase the all-electric Atto 2 compact SUV, Atto 3 Ultra, Seal sports sedan line-up and Sealion 7 performance SUV. At Subaru's booth, promotions include up to RM27,000 in savings for the Forester and up to RM32,500 in savings for the XV, both with a five-year comprehensive maintenance package. Zeekr's all-electric line-up in Malaysia includes the 009 luxury MPV and the X premium B-segment SUV. Buyers also stand a chance to win a Zeekr X Premium variant in a lucky draw. Admission is free, and the show will be open daily from 10am to 10pm.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
New funding model for Penang Tamil schools
Chow (fourth left) flanked by Sundarajoo on his right and Bagan Dalam assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan, together with Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng (third right) and representatives from schools during the mock cheque presentation ceremony at Komtar. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star A NEW state-led funding model and targeted upgrades are being planned as Penang's Tamil schools work to stretch a RM2.42mil annual budget across 28 schools. State Tamil schools special committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said 10% of the funds at present was kept for contingency and training programmes, while the remaining RM2.178mil would go directly to infrastructure, smart boards, equipment and building upgrades. He said that while the Federal Government provided RM70,000 per school for toilet upgrades, with extra allocations for kindergartens, the limited funding often led to frustration. Tamil school representatives after receiving their contribution from the state government. 'I have 28 schools under my care and many request RM200,000 to RM300,000 per school, despite knowing we cannot meet such demands,' he said. To avoid delays, Sundarajoo introduced a new funding model for distribution of allocations based on student headcount. 'With 5,250 students statewide, we divide the RM2.178mil accordingly. But some schools have as few as 17 students and would receive only a few thousand ringgit. 'So I have to adjust the formula to slightly reduce the higher allocations and increase the lower ones,' he explained after the mock cheque presentation to Tamil schools by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at Komtar. Representatives from Tamil primary, preschool and Punjabi schools were present at the event. The Tamil schools received RM1,782,000, preschools RM268,100 and Punjabi schools RM120,000. Sundarajoo said he planned to make the process simpler next year. 'Each school will get a base allocation. For example, RM50,000, and they just need to tell me how they want to use it and I'll approve it within days,' he said. However, Sundarajoo said transparency and compliance were important. 'Some schools submit proposals for Project A but execute Project B, then submit a bill for it; that's unacceptable.' He noted that some schools also bypassed district education offices or local authorities and hired non-state approved contractors. 'Every ringgit wasted is a ringgit robbed from the community. We want every sen to be accounted for,' he said. In a first for Penang Tamil schools, the state is also investing in capacity building by training headmasters, assistant principals, teachers, parents and students. 'We will run grooming sessions for leadership transition among educators and hold motivational parenting workshops with prominent Tamil speakers,' Sundarajoo said. He said land scarcity and declining enrolment remained a major challenge. 'Many schools were built on estate land. When the estates were redeveloped, people moved out, leaving the schools stranded,' he said. Eight schools have already been 'rescued' in Juru, Mayfield, Alma and Simpang Empat, he said, adding that he planned to complete the rest within two years. In one case, SJKT Changkat in Seberang Perai only has 17 students and plans are underway to relocate it to Bagan Dalam, where 1.6ha of reserved land is available. 'Once relocated, it can attract up to 800 students, since nearby SJKT Mak Mandin is already at capacity,' said Sundarajoo. 'With strict oversight and strategic planning, we hope to lay a strong foundation, despite financial hurdles,' he added.
