MCA Youth urges govt to clarify LPG subsidy policy for small traders
This came amid claims of sudden enforcement actions and confusion on the ground, with Petaling Jaya MCA Youth chief Andy Teoh arguing that the same policy was not a problem before.
'This issue never arose under...
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Barnama
2 days ago
- Barnama
KPDN Allocates Over RM3.3 Mln To Lessen Burden Of Rural Community
GUA MUSANG, July 29 (Bernama) -- The government has allocated over RM3.3 million to implement the Essential Goods Distribution Programme in areas around Pos Brooke and Kuala Betis for three years starting this year. Kelantan Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) director Azman Ismail said the programme was aimed at ensuring consumers in rural communities obtain basic goods at prices that are aligned with prices in urban areas. He said the programme, spanning this year to 2027, focuses on six main goods -- white rice, white sugar, wheat flour, cooking oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and RON95 petrol. 'The programme is expected to give great benefits to over 9,000 rural residents in Pos Brooke and Kuala Betis, and at the same time reduce the gap in the price of basic goods between urban and rural areas," he told reporters after the programme at Pos Brooke here today. Azman said the government will also bear the full costs of transportation for the six types of goods that are the basic needs of the people through the programme. "Transportation services are carried out by an appointed transporter company responsible for bringing goods from the point of source to the sales centre in the rural areas. "The estimated contract cost for the implementation of this programme for the three years is over RM1,185,409 in Kuala Betis and over RM2,187,840 in Pos Brooke," he said, adding that the KPDN would continue to be committed to ensuring the people's well-being through the implementation of this programme. -- BERNAMA
The Star
6 days ago
- The Star
Stronger oversight, accountability a must for infrastructure projects
AS Malaysia continues to expand its transport network with ambitious projects like MRT3, MCA Youth firmly believes that public safety must be the cornerstone of all infrastructure development. Recent incidents, such as the Jalan Masjid India sinkhole which claimed the life of a woman from India, serve as stark reminders of the devastating consequences when safety is compromised and maintenance ignored. These tragedies are not merely accidents but systemic failures that underscore the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how we approach infrastructure planning, construction and maintenance. Safety cannot be an afterthought. It must be embedded from the earliest stages of design, with rigorous risk assessments, adherence to global standards, and robust engineering redundancies. Experts like Associate Professor Bernard Saw Lip Huat of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman's Faculty of Engineering and Science rightly warn that cutting corners in safety jeopardises lives and erodes public trust, which is far costlier to restore than investing properly from the outset. Equally critical is the need for consistent funding for maintenance, as highlighted by Associate Professor Wan Mazlina Wan Mohamed of the Malaysia Institute of Transport, who advocates allocating 2.5% of GDP annually to preventive upkeep -- a benchmark aligned with global best practices. However, our challenges extend beyond technical solutions. Fragmented oversight among agencies like APAD, LLM, and CIDB creates gaps in enforcement and coordination, particularly at project interfaces near schools or hospitals. To address this, we propose three key measures: Prioritise safety in procurement criteria and contract awards. Expand public engagement to incorporate community feedback in risk assessments. Invest in training for regulators and contractors to align with evolving global standards. The recent example of KLIA's Aerotrain -- where 2,000km of fault-free testing preceded public operation -- demonstrates that delays for safety are not setbacks but necessities. Let this be our standard. As Malaysia progresses, we must reject the false dichotomy between speed and safety. Infrastructure is the backbone of our nation's future; it must be resilient, reliable and above all, safe for every citizen who relies on it. MIKE CHONG YEW CHUAN Deputy Chairman MCA National Youth
Borneo Post
7 days ago
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Premier: Comprehensive central utility data system needed to consolidate location of Sarawak's pipelines, utility infrastructure
Abang Johari gestures during a photo call in front of a Sungai Plan house connected to piped gas supply. – Ukas photo BINTULU (July 24): Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication have been tasked with establishing a comprehensive central utility data system. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this would consolidate the locations of all pipelines and utility infrastructure throughout the state. 'It is important to have a centralised data that can be overlaid with other utility systems, allowing for quick identification and resolution of issues such as pipeline faults or overlaps during road and development projects. 'In the past, we didn't have digital records. But now, there's no reason not to. Petros must lead in establishing a command and storage centre for utility data to manage and monitor all infrastructure,' he said during the launch of piped natural gas supply by Petros to households in Sungai Plan here yesterday. He said Petros, which marks its eighth anniversary this month, plays a critical role as Sarawak's sole gas aggregator in ensuring the state reaps direct benefits from its natural gas resources. 'Sarawak must take a more proactive role in managing its own oil and gas resources instead of simply observing while others operate within the state. 'We are not taking away everything from Petronas. We just want to manage what belongs to Sarawak. Petronas will continue their business, we are only taking a portion to ensure our own resources are managed by us,' he explained. The Premier hailed the launch of the piped gas supply in Sungai Plan as a transformative step. 'Now people can just turn on the stove using piped gas. No need to carry heavy LPG gas cylinders. With piped gas, it'll be much cheaper,' he said. He also outlined the expansion plan for the gas pipeline network, starting with Jepak and Kidurong's industrial areas by 2030 before extending to Tatau and Sebauh. He said the initiative would stimulate rural industrial development, particularly in food production by providing access to reliable and affordable gas supply. Abang Johari pointed out that Petros has invested RM3,500 per household for gas pipeline installations in Miri, with Petros covering the connection fee. He reiterated that domestic needs must take priority in gas utilisation. 'Our gas should first support local industries and economic growth before we export. While we respect Petronas' agreements with foreign companies, Sarawak's rights must be protected. 'We also need to be involved in downstream sectors, especially now that technology allows us to refine sour gas into sweet gas,' he said. Looking ahead, he expressed optimism for Sarawak's future, pointing to data suggesting the presence of onshore gas deposits across the state's western and coastal regions, including areas near Adong and possibly Kuching. 'With God's blessings and our resources, I am very confident that the future of Sarawak is bright,' he said. Abang Johari also stressed that all gas pipeline installations and connections must adhere to strict safety standards. 'Do not connect gas lines carelessly. If done incorrectly, it can be dangerous. Thank you to Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department) and other safety agencies for educating the public on how to handle gas infrastructure safely,' he said. Abang Johari central utility data system lead
