Latest news with #12thMalaysiaPlan
The Star
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
RM7.2mil work underway to strengthen Air Itam dam
Air Itam dam upgrades expected to be completed by October 2026. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star Air Itam Dam is undergoing a RM7.2mil upgrade to ensure its structure and the surrounding areas are in good condition. Penang infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the upgrading project followed inspections by the High Risk Dam Safety Inspection Task Force under Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry. 'The ministry through the water supply division appointed consultants to carry out repair works at the Air Itam dam. 'The objective is to ensure that the dam structure and surrounding areas are in good and safe condition. 'Using computer software, modelling and on-site tests, the consultants identified the extent of dam safety issues which might not be detected by visual inspection. 'This was done before consultants proposed the current repair works to ensure the dam's structure is stable.' Zairil said the project began on April 29 and was expected to be completed by Oct 28, 2026. 'The RM7.2mil cost was approved under the Third Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan in 2023,' he said. 'The project is being carried out by the Water Supply Department under Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry.' Zairil said the scope of the work included slope and abutment stabilisation (techniques to prevent or mitigate slope failures, landslides and erosion). Contractors also installed gabions and piling works, and undertook soil nailing work, construction of a surface drain and installation of an erosion control mat, he said. 'Repairs will be carried out on the spillway and tunnel structures as well. 'Dam monitoring systems will also be upgraded and repaired.' Inspections, Zairil said, would be carried out on existing instruments such as the standpipe piezometer, seepage measuring weir and surface movement indicator and deflection point. 'New monitoring systems will be installed, including a central base station, monitoring software and inclinometer.' The dam is an important component of Penang's water supply infrastructure, with its storage capacity tapped to sustain continuous supply in the Air Itam township and nearby highland areas. Penang Water Supply Corporation chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said as of noon Monday, the dam's effective capacity stood at 55.2%. He said given the dry spell, the dam could supply water for over 50 days at the current usage of 261 litres per person per day. — By N. TRISHA
Daily Express
16 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
RM72 million tourism boost for Sabah: 77 projects approved under 12th Malaysia Plan
Published on: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 29, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: Handover of the mock cheque for the Maintenance Project for the Year 2025 of Sabah by Khairul to Josie. RANAU: The Federal Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), has approved 77 development projects in Sabah totalling more than RM72 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan. Deputy Minister of Motac Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said one of the projects is the Tourism Facilities Improvement Project in Layang-Layang, Mount Kinabalu. Four other major projects that are currently underway covering the areas in Kinabatangan, Lok Kawi, Sipadan and Manukan. 'All of this demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring Sabah is at the forefront of sustainable tourism, thus contributing to the economic and social progress of all the people,' he said. Khairul, who is also the Member of Parliament for Batu Sapi, said this when officiating the Handover Ceremony of the Tourism Facilities Improvement Project in Layang-Layang Area, Mount Kinabalu at the Interpretation Centre, Kinabalu Park, on Friday. He commended the State Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and Sabah Parks for successfully organising the programme. He also congratulated Sabah Parks for the efforts and initiatives of being the Project Manager for this project which was approved under the Fourth Rolling Plan, Eleventh Malaysia Plan (RP4, RMKe-11) with a project cost of RM13.8 million. 'Motac also expresses its appreciation and gratitude to the contractors and consultants for their efforts and commitment in completing this project. 'Indeed, this project that has been implemented is proof of the Ministry's commitment in its efforts to drive the tourism sector, especially ecotourism products, as a catalyst for sustainable socio-economic growth. 'In addition, it is to make Sabah a sustainable area as a main destination for tourists, especially for the ecotourism segment,' he said. Khairul believes that this project can have a significant impact not only on the people of Sabah, but also on the country itself, especially ahead of Visit Malaysia Year in 2026. 'Motac hopes that with the completion of this project, it will be able to further increase the number of domestic and foreign tourists coming to Sabah. 'Indirectly, it will not only boost tourism and climbing activities on Mount Kinabalu, but will also provide economic benefits to local residents such as restaurant owners and accommodation providers, as well as providing added value to various other industries,' he said. Meanwhile, he urged Sabah Parks as the Owner Agency, to continue to work with local residents so that all parties can together make this latest tourism product a success. 'I hope Sabah Parks can ensure diligent maintenance and proactive management so that this facility will continue to be able to provide value not only for today, but for future generations, in line with the Government's desire to manage resources prudently and with vision. 'I believe Sabah Parks cares about the importance of this periodic maintenance in ensuring that this project can operate optimally for the long term and can prevent any accidents,' he said. During the ceremony, there was also a signing ceremony of the Project Handover Document between the Permanent Secretary of KePKAS Datuk Josie Lai and Motac Secretary-General Dato' Shaharuddin Abd Sohot. Meanwhile, Josie said, the Layang-Layang area is located at an altitude of 2,744 metres, at kilometre 4 (KM4) of Mount Kinabalu and climbers will usually reach this area between twelve (12.00) noon or one (1.00) pm. 'Before this project, the existing facilities were very limited, with only one open rest hut that could only accommodate around 10 people in unpredictable weather conditions. 'Meanwhile, other climbers had to take shelter in the open, facing rain and cold temperatures,' she said. Looking at this need, she added, the Ministry through Sabah Parks took the initiative to plan to build restaurant and accommodation facilities in the Layang-Layang area. Apart from being a place to rest and eat, she said, it is an alternative to extend the length of stay for climbers on the mountain. 'The implementation of the Layang-Layang Area Tourism Facilities Improvement Project, Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu Park, Ranau, Sabah began in December 2020 and was successfully completed in September 2024. 'The implementation of the project in the Mount Kinabalu area is different from other development projects because of its location at high altitude and in an environmentally sensitive area recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site. 'This challenging geographical position requires more careful logistical planning; for example, delivery of building materials must be done manually by porters, the use of low-impact construction methods, as well as strict adherence to existing biodiversity conservation guidelines and park regulations,' she said. In addition, she said, the unpredictable weather factors; rain and fog affect the contractor's working time as well as limited physical access, namely no regular road access to the project site. According to Josie, these factors greatly influence and contribute to the implementation period, delays and completion date of this project. 'Now, this new facility can accommodate more than 50 people, complete with restaurant facilities, accommodation, and treatment rooms, control centre and checkpoint areas. 'I believe these facilities can not only improve the comfort of Mount Kinabalu climbers, but also support more systematic visitor management and further enrich the tourism experience on Mount Kinabalu,' she said. Also present were the Director of Sabah Parks, Datuk Dr. Maklarin bin Lakim, heads of departments, Officers from Motac, Park managers and others. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia makes solid progress under RMK12 despite global headwinds
KUALA LUMPUR: The 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12) has yielded moderate success in steering Malaysia's post-pandemic recovery and advancing development priorities, said economists. While the national development blueprint delivered meaningful gains in infrastructure, digitalisation and social protection, it fell short of several key economic targets due to a combination of global disruptions and persistent structural challenges. UiTM's Business Management Faculty senior lecturer Mohamad Idham Md Razak said the five-year plan made notable gains in infrastructure with projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and Pan Borneo Highway. This, in turn, enhanced regional connectivity and economic integration. Meanwhile, digital transformation is supported by MyDigital initiative, while 5G network coverage reaching 80 per cent of populated areas and boosting small and medium entreprises digital adoption. In the energy transition, Idham said Malaysia raised its renewable energy share to 25 per cent, supported by solar and hydropower projects - a move aligned with the nation's carbon neutrality goals. He added that Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR) cash aid and MySalam health insurance provided critical support to low-income households, reducing immediate hardship. These initiatives, he said, demonstrate RMK12's focus on modernisation and inclusivity, although long-term structural reforms remain pending. "The RMK12 (2021-2025) has achieved moderate success in advancing Malaysia's economic and development goals, though external disruptions and structural challenges have hindered full attainment," he told Business Times. Doris Liew, an economist specialising in Southeast Asian development, said RMK12 has registered some success in steering post-pandemic economic recovery. She noted that economic growth remained robust between 2022 and 2024, while unemployment stabilised around 3.0 per cent, near the natural rate, indicating that the economy is approaching full employment. "Key drivers include continued industrialisation, particularly in the manufacturing sector, increased foreign direct investment inflows and the development of strategic initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. "Strong job creation in 2024 points to encouraging signs of a growing and relatively resilient economy," she added. CHALLENGES: PRODUCTIVITY LAG AND INEQUALITY PERSIST Originally designed to steer Malaysia toward a high-income, inclusive and sustainable economy, RMK12 targeted an annual GDP growth rate of 4.5-5.5 per cent. Idham, however, said the actual growth hovered around 4.0 per cent in recent years, weighed down by external shocks such as global inflation, post-pandemic supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties. Meanwhile, productivity growth, at 1.8 per cent, fell short of the 3.7 per cent target, while income inequality and fiscal constraints persisted due to sluggish wage growth and a high national debt level over 60 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). "Social welfare programs like BPR cash aid and MySalam health insurance helped mitigate poverty, but urban-rural disparities remain unresolved," he said. Idham said RMK12's primary shortfalls were in productivity growth, fiscal sustainability and equitable development. Despite targeting 3.7 per cent annual productivity growth, he said the country achieved only 1.8 per cent, due to slow automation, skills mismatches and reliance on low-wage labour. "Fiscal constraints, including high debt levels that is over 60 per cent of GDP and inefficient subsidies, limited public investment in critical areas. "While urban centers thrived, rural and East Malaysian regions saw slower progress in infrastructure and job creation, exacerbating inequality," he said. Liew said deeper structural challenges persist, noting that Malaysia remains below the high-income threshold and has made only gradual progress in advancing up the manufacturing value chain. She said human capital constraints, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) continue to weigh on the country's competitiveness. The National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), which aims to train 60,000 engineers, appears to be falling behind schedule, a sign that the economy's structural composition has seen little meaningful transformation over the past five years. "Moreover, the transition towards electric vehicles and broader sustainability goals has been relatively sluggish," she said.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Road projects in Tuaran must be prioritised for people's benefit
During the oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on 22 July 2025, Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau raised an important concern regarding the status of several road upgrading projects in the Kiulu and Tamparuli areas. The matter was directed to the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) during the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Fifteenth Parliament. Among the key projects highlighted by the Member of Parliament for Tuaran were: 1. Topokon to Wangkod to Tinuhan Road 2. Guakon Baru Road, Tamparuli Madius expressed his deep disappointment when informed that these two road projects, despite their clear importance, were not approved by the Ministry of Economy under the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12 RP3) 2023. In addition, they were not listed among the priorities of the Sabah State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN). He stressed that these projects are vital to enhancing rural connectivity and improving the socio-economic well-being of local communities. In this regard, he called on the relevant ministries and agencies to resolve the technical issues promptly and to advocate for the reconsideration and approval of these proposals. As a native of Tuaran and someone who knows these areas well, I fully support Madius's position. The roads he mentioned are more than just infrastructure; they are essential links that support local development, daily movement, and access to basic services. These roads urgently need to be upgraded, and in certain stretches, a realignment or detour of the existing road alignment is necessary to ensure proper construction that meets safety and accessibility standards. It is regrettable that such critical projects have been excluded from UPEN Sabah's list of priorities. These are not optional enhancements but real necessities that must be addressed urgently. The people affected by these road conditions have waited long enough. In conclusion, I commend Madius for his steadfast efforts to raise this matter in Parliament. I sincerely hope that the relevant authorities will give these projects the urgent attention they deserve for the benefit of the people of Tuaran and the surrounding areas.
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Melaka receives RM940k for youth and sports facility upgrades
MELAKA: The federal government has approved RM940,000 for 18 minor projects under the Youth and Sports Ministry to upgrade sports facilities in Melaka this year. State Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman V.P. Shanmugam said the projects were part of 133 applications submitted by the state government. 'The allocation will be distributed to District and Land Offices as well as local authorities, which own the approved sports facility sites,' he said during the Melaka State Legislative Assembly sitting at Seri Negeri. Shanmugam urged cooperation between authorities and the Melaka Youth and Sports Department to ensure timely fund disbursement for repairs and upgrades. He was responding to a question from Datuk Zahari Abd Kalil (BN–Durian Tunggal) on maintenance timelines for public sports facilities like futsal courts and fields. Additionally, Shanmugam highlighted major projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan, including synthetic pitch upgrades at the Melaka Youth and Sports Complex, improvements to the Krubong Community Sports Complex, and hockey field upgrades at Bukit Serindit Hockey Stadium. Other approved projects include the Melaka Sports Council Badminton Hall upgrade, facility improvements at the Sailing Training Centre in Kuala Sungai Baru, and a Mini Sports Complex construction in Bemban, Jasin. - Bernama
