Checks to ensure no foreign workers at Selayang stalls
Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) has carried out over 80 operations this year on hawker and roadside stalls to ensure compliance with rules on hiring foreign workers.
MPS deputy president Az'har Samsuri said foreign workers were only allowed to work in licensed restaurants, not roadside stalls or hawker setups.
He said MPS had been working with the Immigration Department on this matter.
'We now have clearer guidelines.
'If we find foreign workers in hawker zones, we will issue compounds or revoke permits,' he told StarMetro after chairing the local council's monthly full board meeting at its headquarters.
Since January, Az'har said over 200 notices had been issued by MPS for various offences linked to hawker stall operations, including the use of unlicensed foreign labour.
'This is not about targeting any group.
'It is about maintaining compliance and ensuring fair trading opportunities for Malaysians.
'If they are hired at proper restaurants with the right documentation, that is permitted.
'But anything under the hawker category is not allowed,' he reiterated.
In a separate matter, Az'har said MPS' Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PAWE) in Sungai Tua was now fully operational.
'The RM2.4mil activity centre for senior citizens opened on June 16 and has received strong response, with 68 elderly residents participating on the first day alone,' he said.
Activities at PAWE include light exercise, art workshops, religious talks, and health awareness sessions.
'We are also looking into providing estate planning modules such as will-writing, because many of our seniors are not familiar with these processes,' said Az'har.
He said MPS might consider opening more such centres in Rawang and other areas under its jurisdiction if the pilot project proved sustainable.
Regarding the local council's monthly meet-the-client session on June 13 at Menara MPS, Az'har said they received 43 walk-in complaints and enquiries.
'This platform has helped resolve many issues quickly, especially on enforcement, compounds and planning matters.'
He said MPS hoped to extend it to twice a month.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
33 minutes ago
- The Star
Turn every stop into a rewarding ride
PETRONAS Dagangan Bhd launches 'Ganjaran Lebih Bermakna' campaign at over 1,000 stations nationwide EVERY journey deserves a little extra – and PETRONAS Dagangan Bhd (PDB) is making that happen with its 2025 campaign, 'Ganjaran Lebih Bermakna.' From daily commutes to weekend drives, this nationwide initiative rewards Malaysians in meaningful ways, turning ordinary fuel stops into moments of joy. Spearheaded by PDB, the principal marketing arm of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS), the campaign reflects the group's commitment to value, convenience and innovation at over 1,000 fuel stations nationwide. Running from June 1 to Aug 31, the campaign is more than a contest – it's a celebration of loyalty and everyday resilience, giving Malaysians a chance to win big while going about their regular routines, like fuelling up. 'We aim to deliver not just fuel, but a complete experience – powered by digital innovation and customer-centric thinking. This is part of our promise to make everyday life simpler and better for our customers,' said PDB chief operating officer Azureen Azita Abdullah. 'Ganjaran Lebih Bermakna is part of our ongoing effort to create value for all road users, whether they are long-time customers or new to PETRONAS. Staying true to our cultural belief of being Customer Focused, we continue to deliver solutions through the lens of those we serve.' Whether you're navigating morning traffic or planning a weekend getaway, every stop at a PETRONAS station could now bring you closer to two years of free fuel, Mesra Rewards points worth up to RM3,000, or instant vouchers up to RM20. With over 50,000 winners expected nationwide and a seamless, cardless experience via the Setel platform powering the campaign, PETRONAS is proving that simplicity, convenience and impactful rewards can truly go hand in hand. The First Prize winner earned 300,000 Mesra Rewards points after fueling with RM45 or more at a PETRONAS station. Customer empowerment PDB has long envisioned fuel stations as integrated retail hubs – places where convenience, rewards and customer experience are seamlessly integrated. That vision is now a reality, driven by Rakan Niaga who are committed to delivering service excellence nationwide. And with innovations like Setel and Mesra Rewards, PETRONAS is staying ahead of the curve in a fast-evolving fuel retail landscape. At the heart of this customer-first approach is Setel, a next-generation mobility platform designed to streamline fuelling and on-the-go services. What began as a digital payment solution has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem. Motorists can now fuel up, pay, redeem points, access auto-assistance, pay for parking and even purchase motor insurance – all from a single app. With more than two million retail partners and features like Family Wallet and Scan & Earn, Setel is redefining convenience. Winning steps The 'Ganjaran Lebih Bermakna' campaign is open to all Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above who are members of the PETRONAS Mesra Rewards Loyalty Programme. Participation is also open to those who have not yet registered as Mesra members. They can simply join by entering their phone number at the pump or cashier. Once the phone number is entered for the first time, they will automatically be enrolled as a Mesra Rewards member – offering an alternative for those who prefer paying by cash or card at the fuel pump or cashier. To participate, customers must fuel up with PETRONAS Primax 95 with Pro-Drive or PETRONAS Primax 97 with Pro-Drive at any participating PETRONAS station. Car drivers who spend RM45 per transaction qualify for instant rewards of 1,000 Mesra Rewards points. Meanwhile, motorcyclists can join the campaign with just RM5 per transaction and will receive 300 Mesra Rewards points as instant rewards. This straightforward spending structure ensures that both four-wheeler and two-wheeler users can enjoy valuable rewards every time they refuel with PETRONAS Primax 95 or PETRONAS Primax 97. To be eligible for the Grand Prize or First Prize, customers must accumulate a minimum monthly spend of RM250 for car users or RM40 for motorcyclists within the same calendar month. By doing so, participants stand a chance to win two years of free fuel – worth RM6,000 for car users and RM1,200 for motorcyclists. Alternatively, they may be selected for the First Prize, which awards up to 300,000 Mesra Rewards points for car users (equivalent to RM3,000 in fuel redemptions), or 100,000 Mesra Rewards points (valued at RM1,000) for motorcyclists. Throughout the three-month period, PETRONAS will select 60 Grand Prize winners and 84 First Prize winners, along with over 50,000 Instant Reward winners. It's an unmatched opportunity to turn your regular refuelling routine into a rewarding experience – simply by choosing PETRONAS. And the rewards don't stop there. Customers who use a Visa card, including PETRONAS-Visa co-branded credit cards and maintain a monthly spend of RM250 for three consecutive months, qualify for the campaign's Secondary Mechanic. Here, 15 lucky winners will each receive travel vouchers worth RM20,000 – a dream getaway just from topping up your tank. Azureen (centre) is rewarding a motorcyclist, as part of the campaign – a nationwide initiative that celebrates customer loyalty with instant rewards, Mesra points and more at participating PETRONAS stations. Simplified fuelling Entries and redemptions are made smoother with the Setel app. Participants can fuel up using Setel or by keying in their registered mobile number at the pump or cashier. Physical Mesra cards, however, are not valid for contest entry – reflecting the campaign's emphasis on digital-first convenience. Setel also integrates smoothly with Mesra Rewards, enabling customers to earn and redeem points instantly. Whether you're a long-time Setel user or new to the platform, activating your Mesra Rewards account and creating a six-digit passcode lets you track your balance, manage redemptions and access all campaign rewards via the app or website. For those who prefer not to register through Setel, the process is just as simple – customers can key in their mobile number at the pump or cashier to earn points and participate in the campaign. No physical card is required and with a one-time verification via OTP, customers are automatically enrolled as Mesra members, making the journey to rewards both cardless and effortless, said the winners. An executive, Noorfarahana Zulkifle, shared that Setel has made it easier to track Mesra Rewards points, manage family fuel spending and simplify payments during journeys. 'Everything I need is now in one app – it's convenient, efficient and actually saves me time,' she said. Sustained value Rather than relying solely on promotions or discounts, PDB delivers real, lasting value – fuel that performs, technology that simplifies and a rewards system that gives back. The 'Ganjaran Lebih Bermakna' campaign is an extension of that momentum, combining business growth with meaningful public engagement. With 12 million Mesra Rewards points to be awarded and countless vouchers to be claimed, PETRONAS is set to prove that great journeys begin with great rewards. Every stop brings you closer – to free fuel, real rewards, exceptional customer service and simpler, better journeys. Winner selection All Grand Prize and First Prize winners will be selected via a computerised selection system, witnessed by an authorised internal auditor to ensure transparency and fairness. Shortlisted winners will be contacted by PETRONAS Mesralink for verification and must answer a simple question to confirm their eligibility before being declared as winners. Official notifications will also be sent via email and winners will be announced on the PETRONAS Brands social media channels and PDB's MyMesra website. Prizes will be fulfilled within 60 working days, either through virtual gift cards or Mesra Rewards point transfers. Become a Mesra Rewards member or register and use the Setel app when you fuel up at PETRONAS stations – with a minimum of RM45 for four-wheelers or RM5 for two-wheelers. For more info, visit contact Mesralink at 1-300-22-8888, or go to
Sinar Daily
11 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
PM launches ILMU, Malaysia's first home-grown multimodal AI
Fully developed, owned and operated in Malaysia, it is built by YTL AI Labs, in partnership with Universiti Malaya. 12 Aug 2025 08:43pm Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers his keynote address at the official launch of the ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, today. - Photo by Bernama KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched Malaysia's home-grown multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) model, 'ILMU', during the inaugural ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) today. ILMU is Malaysia's own multimodal large language model (LLM), trained on local language and data to understand our culture, context and daily realities. Fully developed, owned and operated in Malaysia, it is built by YTL AI Labs, in partnership with Universiti Malaya (UM). ILMU keeps data local and gives the nation strategic control over its AI future, ensuring we lead with intelligence rooted in our own values and voice. The name ILMU stands for Intelek Luhur Malaysia Untukmu, reflecting the model's core values of 'Intelek', for context-aware intelligence; 'Luhur', for ethical foundations rooted in Malaysian values; 'Malaysia', for cultural and linguistic fluency; and 'Untukmu', because it is built to serve all Malaysians. ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo were also present at the launch. Meanwhile, Gobind, in a statement, applauded the establishment of ILMU, a groundbreaking Malaysian innovation by YTL AI Labs that reflects the national vision for a future driven by technology, inclusivity, and cultural relevance. "Built by Malaysians for Malaysians, ILMU showcases our ability to create world-class AI infrastructure while preserving our linguistic and cultural identity. "This is more than just technology; it is a step towards empowering our people, our businesses, and our nation in the digital era,' he said. YTL Power International Bhd managing director Datuk Seri Yeoh Seok Hong said ILMU represents YTL's commitment to innovation, rooted in Malaysia's diverse cultural and intellectual heritage. YTL AI Labs said ILMU performed on par with state-of-the-art models like GPT-4o and Llama 3.1. It said ILMU achieved the highest score among all frontier models in Bahasa Melayu language understanding (MalayMMLU - a test of multi-domain knowledge in Malay), demonstrating stronger performance on real-world prompts. ILMUchat (the AI Chatbot) for consumers will be available for early access on Malaysia Day, Sept 16, 2025. The public is welcome to register their interest at - BERNAMA
The Sun
12 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia to ensure AI serves as tool for shared prosperity in country and Asean: Gobind
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is taking proactive steps to ensure that the promise of artificial intelligence (AI) translates into tangible, inclusive benefits for every citizen. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the ministry is leading the change in Malaysia, working to bridge the gap between advanced technology and everyday life – from urban centres to the most remote rural communities and across all sectors. He said this vision goes beyond innovation, ensuring that AI serves as a tool for progress, opportunity and shared prosperity. 'At the heart of this mission is a determination to close the 'AI Divide' – the widening gap between those who have access to AI tools, skills and infrastructure, and those who do not. 'By rolling out AI literacy programmes nationwide, the ministry is empowering Malaysians of all ages and backgrounds, from schoolchildren in rural villages to working professionals in the nation's cities. 'This holistic approach is designed to democratise access, ensuring that the benefits of AI are not concentrated in the hands of a few but experienced by all,' he told delegates at the opening of Asean AI Malaysia Summit 2025 today. Gobind said the ministry is working to ensure that AI tools are accessible to startups, SMEs, universities, and even independent researchers, providing everyone across the country with the tools they need to experiment, prototype and scale AI solutions. He said equally important is the commitment to making AI affordable for all citizens, recognising that access is not only about infrastructure and skills but also about cost. 'Malaysia will work to ensure that AI-powered tools and services are priced and distributed to enable broad adoption, allowing citizens from all income levels to participate in and benefit from the AI-driven economy. 'In many ways, this echoes our recent discussions on connectivity, where concerns about a digital divide prompted us to ensure universal access. Our goal then – as it is now – was to avoid creating a society split between those with access and those without,' Gobind said. He added that Malaysia's goal is to ensure that every citizen has both the means and the capacity to engage with AI agents that reflect national values, protect rights, and serve shared interests. Gobind said this commitment also extends across Asean, where disparities in affordability risk deepening the AI divide, enabling some communities to adopt AI rapidly while leaving others excluded from shaping its trajectory. 'Malaysia is committed to contributing to a regional approach where no member state is left behind. 'This expansion is guided by a strong commitment to sustainability, promoting the development of green data centres that leverage renewable energy, employ advanced cooling technologies, and optimise energy efficiency. 'In doing so, we can meet the growing computational demands of AI while minimising environmental impact, ensuring that digital progress aligns with Malaysia's climate and energy commitments. 'Importantly, this infrastructure is being built with interoperability in mind, enabling integration with Asean-wide initiatives to create a regional network of accessible, sustainable AI resources. These efforts are not solely about national progress but about advancing the region as a whole,' Gobind said. He also said that these initiatives form part of a shared Asean commitment, recognising that disparities in compute power, affordability, talent pipelines, and relevant data sets across Southeast Asia risk creating an uneven AI landscape. By embedding inclusivity into regional strategies, Gobind said, Asean can shape a balanced AI ecosystem where every individual has the opportunity to work, play, learn, and succeed with AI. Moving on, Gobind said Malaysia is placing trust at the core of its digital transformation through a comprehensive national ecosystem of safeguards, anchored by the government's commitment to develop the Digital Trust and Data Security Strategy 2026–2030 and to establish an independent data commission to oversee its implementation. These initiatives will strengthen data protection and governance, enhance cyber resilience, and uphold the integrity of Malaysia's digital ecosystem, ensuring that progress in AI and digital technologies remains secure, transparent, and accountable. He said the strategy will also provide a long-term roadmap to counter emerging threats, advance data integrity, and build public confidence in Malaysia's digital future. 'This national agenda is designed to complement and strengthen Asean's collective frameworks. 'By aligning safeguards, governance mechanisms, and technical standards with regional counterparts, Malaysia is helping to build a seamless trust ecosystem across Southeast Asia – one that protects data, ensures AI safety and fosters public confidence. 'Through initiatives such as the Asean Guide on AI Governance and Ethics, the Asean AI Safety Network, and the Asean Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy 2026–2030, our domestic efforts become building blocks for a region-wide trust architecture in this agentic age of AI,' Gobind said. He said by working collectively, Asean can grow the AI economy, safeguard societies, and unlock the full potential of innovation, building an AI future that is inclusive, secure, and distinctly Asean. 'This summit sends a clear message: our citizens are partners to the world, and Asean is not waiting for the AI future – we are here to shape it responsibly, together, and on our own terms, with Malaysia ready to work side by side with its neighbours,' he said. The Asean AI Malaysia Summit 2025 saw the participation of many experts, delegates from government and related agencies, corporates, and experts from Asean and other regions, sharing their ideas, AI tools, and services.
