Malaysia and Singapore forge public service ties
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said these were the main areas of collaboration identified during his recent three-day official working visit to Singapore.
'We want to learn from Singapore where GovTech has already been implemented, whereas we are in the process of launching our own.
'Secondly, their affordable housing through the Singapore Housing Board.
'And thirdly, we want to learn about reforms in the public service,' he said after launching MRSM Malaysia Alumni Association's sports carnival.
Shamsul Azri said Singapore welcomed the cooperation and exchange of best practices between the two countries to improve the quality of public service.
Earlier, in his speech, Shamsul Azri urged Malaysians to adopt a healthy lifestyle through sports and good nutrition.
Citing Singapore as an example, he said their average life expectancy is 83.5 years, compared to about 75 years in Malaysia.
'We must remember that prevention is better than cure. To care is better than to cure,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
15 hours ago
- The Star
Haze in your area? Here's how to check the Air Pollution Index on your phone
The app provides hourly updates on air quality measured at various monitoring stations set up across the country. — CHRISTOPHER FAM/The Star PETALING JAYA: Malaysians living across the country likely noticed a dip in air quality in the past few days, following reports of trans-boundary haze affecting the nation. Initial reports yesterday (July 20) noted unhealthy readings on the Air Pollutant Index (API) recorded by the Department of Environment (DOE) at five locations, including Nilai, Negri Sembilan; Alor Gajah, Melaka; Putrajaya; along with Banting and Johan Setia in Selangor. Those looking to keep an eye on the API can use the Department of Environment's (DOE) official mobile app, MyJAS EQMS , which provides access to the API Management System as well as river and marine water quality indexes. MyJAS EQMS has a dashboard displaying the most recent API readings from DOE monitoring stations and the dominant type of air pollutant. — Screenshots from app The app provides hourly updates on air quality measured at various monitoring stations set up across the country. It also displays a record of the hourly API readings from the last 24 hours. To check the air quality in their area, users can simply tap on the 'APIMS' button after launching the app, which will then open a dashboard showing the most recent readings, the nearest monitoring station, and the dominant type of air pollutant contributing to the reading. For instance, at the time of publication, the Petaling Jaya monitoring station recorded a moderate API reading of 78, with 'PM2.5' identified as the dominant pollutant. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or smaller in diameter, which is small enough to be easily inhaled into the lungs. The DOE categorises API readings of 101 and above as unhealthy, while readings over 200 are considered very unhealthy. A colour-coded legend explaining the API categories and values is also available in the app. MyJAS EQMS further includes a map showing the most recent API readings from DOE monitoring stations nationwide, along with the option to check air quality in other regions across the country. The app is available on both the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. The APIMS dashboard is also available on the DOE website.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Regional efforts needed to curb haze
PETALING JAYA: An environmental expert has said haze could be prevented with better regional land management, enforcement, cooperation and public awareness. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Water and Environmental Engineering Department senior lecturer Dr Norelyza Hussein said the recurring issue is due to transboundary air pollution, particularly from the open burning of peatlands and forests. 'What makes it worse are meteorological conditions such as prolonged dry spells, low wind speeds and (conditions) that trap pollutants in the air.' While the source of haze has yet to be officially confirmed, she said the pattern is consistent with land-clearing activities in parts of Southeast Asia. 'Agencies such as the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre help track hotspots and wind directions to determine the sources. 'But it is important to acknowledge that domestic activities, such as open burning and emissions from vehicles also contribute to localised haze.' Norelyza said rainfall could provide short-term relief by removing airborne particles, but the effect is often temporary if pollution sources remain unchecked. She added that while climate change does not directly cause haze, it contributes to conditions that make it worse. 'Rising global temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns lead to longer, drier seasons that are perfect conditions for fires and open burning.' She urged the public to observe air quality levels and take precautions. 'Health risks increase when the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 100, but even moderate readings could affect vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions.' Despite the possibility of haze, Norelyza is hopeful that it could be reduced through long-term, targeted efforts. 'Strengthening early warning systems, encouraging the use of air quality monitoring tools and reducing open burning are critical.' Norelyza said on the regional front, Malaysia is a signatory to the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. 'We are making progress, but stronger implementation and better data sharing are needed. Capacity-building and technical support are vital if we want long-term solutions. 'Solving the haze problem requires science, policy and public involvement. With commitment and cooperation, there is a path forward to clearer skies and healthier air for all Malaysians.' As of noon yesterday, several parts of Peninsular Malaysia recorded unhealthy API levels. Nilai in Negeri Sembilan registered the highest at 164, followed by Johan Setia and Banting in Selangor at 155 and152 respectively. Temerloh in Pahang also crossed into the unhealthy range with a reading of 101. Putrajaya recorded a moderate level of 100, while Port Dickson showed a reading of 92. A total of 58 locations posted moderate readings between 51 and 100, including Cheras, Alor Gajah, Petaling Jaya, Batu Muda, Shah Alam and Klang. Only six areas recorded good air quality with API readings below 50. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), transboundary haze from Sumatra, Indonesia, is currently affecting several west coast states. 'A total of 79 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, and smoke is being carried over by southwesterly winds,' said MetMalaysia director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip. He added that no significant rainfall or wind shifts are expected in the coming days, meaning API conditions could persist. In response, the Environmental Department has activated both the National Open Burning Action Plan and the National Haze Action Plan. Its director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaafar said enforcement patrols have been intensified, although no fires have been detected.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Malaysia and Singapore forge public service ties
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Singapore are exploring strategic cooperation in three main areas, namely government technology (GovTech), public housing and public sector reform, to strengthen public service delivery. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said these were the main areas of collaboration identified during his recent three-day official working visit to Singapore. 'We want to learn from Singapore where GovTech has already been implemented, whereas we are in the process of launching our own. 'Secondly, their affordable housing through the Singapore Housing Board. 'And thirdly, we want to learn about reforms in the public service,' he said after launching MRSM Malaysia Alumni Association's sports carnival. Shamsul Azri said Singapore welcomed the cooperation and exchange of best practices between the two countries to improve the quality of public service. Earlier, in his speech, Shamsul Azri urged Malaysians to adopt a healthy lifestyle through sports and good nutrition. Citing Singapore as an example, he said their average life expectancy is 83.5 years, compared to about 75 years in Malaysia. 'We must remember that prevention is better than cure. To care is better than to cure,' he said.
