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New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Azalina: Govt should consider raising retirement age to 65
PUTRAJAYA: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has suggested that the government consider raising the retirement age to 65, saying that it was her personal opinion. "During my speech just now, I said that perhaps the government should look into increasing the retirement age to 65. That is merely my personal view," she told reporters after officiating the 2024 Excellent Service Award (APC) Ceremony and 2025 Retirement Farewell for the Law and Institutional Reform Cluster (UURI) today. Azalina said her suggestion stemmed from the concept of "active ageing", adding that many older Malaysians remained active and energetic. "Many older individuals are still very 'young' at heart. You would have to check with the relevant registry, but I believe the proportion of people aged over 60 is on the rise," she said. When asked whether she would raise the matter in cabinet, Azalina replied, "No, I was merely speaking informally with those retiring." She added that several countries, including some of Malaysia's Asean neighbours, had already implemented higher retirement age thresholds. In Malaysia, the retirement age for civil servants has been revised three times in the past two decades through amendments to the Pensions Act 1980. It was raised from 55 to 56 in 2001, increased to 58 in 2008, and extended to 60 in 2012. For the private sector, the Minimum Retirement Age Act 2012 sets 60 as the minimum retirement age. In November 2024, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that the government had no current plans to raise the retirement age for civil servants. However, she said that the government remained open to conducting a detailed study should the need arise.
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Azalina: Govt should consider raising retirement age to 65
PUTRAJAYA: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has suggested that the government consider raising the retirement age to 65, saying that it was her personal view. "Just now, while giving my speech, I commented that maybe the government should look into increasing the retirement age to 65. "That's my personal view," she told reporters after officiating the 2024 Excellent Service Award (APC) Ceremony and 2025 Retirement Farewell for the Law and Institutional Reform Cluster (UURI) today. Azalina said many older Malaysians remain active and energetic. "A lot of older people are still very 'young' at heart. You'll have to check with the registry, but I believe the percentage of people over 60 is increasing," she said. When asked if she would raise the matter in cabinet, Azalina said, "No, I was just speaking with those retiring."
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Over 7,000 police mobilised for high-level Asean Summit
PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry has entered the final phase of security preparations ahead of the Asean Summit later this month, which is expected to draw heads of state and other high-level foreign dignitaries. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said a total of 7,227 police personnel will be mobilised for the summit, alongside more than 2,000 trained immigration officers stationed at key entry points across the country. "The Home Ministry had been tasked by the Asean secretariat, in coordination with the Foreign Ministry and the Prime Minister's Office, to oversee two key components: immigration facilitation at entry points and overall security operations. "Entry points identified for receiving state guests include Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the Bunga Raya VIP Complex, and Subang Airport, which will accommodate several special flights. "The Immigration Department, he said, is currently in its final phase of preparations in terms of personnel readiness and operational focus," he told reporters during a press conference at the Immigration Department's 2024 Excellent Service Award ceremony. On police operations, Saifuddin said extensive traffic control measures will be in place to manage the high volume of motorcades and VIP movements, especially with the anticipated arrival of Asean leaders, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) representatives, and the Premier of China. "A series of drills and simulation exercises will be conducted. Police will take positions in advance," he said. Saifuddin also said during the recent Cabinet meeting, the Communications Ministry was instructed to begin public announcements on protocol routes to help Malaysians avoid potential traffic congestion. The Cabinet also discussed temporary work-from-home arrangements for civil servants in Kuala Lumpur and KLIA, along with remote learning for students during the summit week. "The private sector has also been urged to cooperate, particularly those with offices near summit venues. "I believe the Communications Minister will make a formal announcement soon, but from the police and immigration side, we are ready," he said. Saifuddin also said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had conducted a walkabout last week at several key venues and received comprehensive briefings on summit preparations, including security arrangements.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Immigration Dept to resume migrant repatriation programme on May 19
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will continue its effort to manage undocumented migrants in the country with the resumption of the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 (PRM 2.0). Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the programme will be carried out by the Immigration Department from May 19 this year until April 30, 2026, covering Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan. "The PRM 2.0 is a voluntary amnesty initiative for undocumented migrants to return to their home countries without facing prosecution. "Instead, they will be subject to compound fines based on the following offences: RM500 for entering or staying in Malaysia without a valid pass, RM500 for overstaying, and RM300 for breaching pass conditions," he said at a press conference at the Immigration Department's 2024 Excellent Service Award ceremony. Saifuddin said applicants will also be required to pay RM20 for the issuance of a Special Pass. "Foreign children under 18 years of age who had overstayed or entered Malaysia without a valid pass will be exempted from compounds but are still subject to the Special Pass fee," he said. However, Saifuddin said the programme will not apply to individuals who had previously registered under repatriation initiatives but failed to leave the country, as well as those blacklisted by the department, or currently subject to arrest warrants or wanted by the authorities. "For individuals with special legal status, such as spouses of Malaysian citizens who have overstayed, they must report to the Immigration Department's Visa, Pass, and Permit Division for pass coordination," he said. Saifuddin also urged foreign missions, employers, and foreign communities to help spread awareness of the programme and encourage early participation to avoid last-minute congestion before the closing date. He added that the Immigration Department will also double its enforcement efforts against undocumented migrants at hotspots nationwide, calling it the "year of enforcement". "These operations will be conducted jointly with other enforcement agencies such as the police, People's Volunteer Corps (Rela), the National Registration Department and local authorities," he said. Saifuddin also warned employers of stern action if they continue to hire or shelter undocumented migrants, stressing that the government will not compromise in its efforts to eliminate the illegal presence of undocumented migrants. "Employers may be fined up to RM50,000 for each undocumented worker, jailed for up to five years, and face six strokes of the cane if convicted," he said.
Daily Express
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
BN open for discussions with other parties in facing Sabah polls: Ahmad Zahid
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: PUTRAJAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) is open to holding discussions with other political parties in Sabah besides the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in facing the State Election (PRN) which will be held any time soon. BN Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that although the party has not finalised to form a 'Mega Alliance', it is actively exploring several possibilities including cooperation 'BN-Pakatan Harapan (PH) Plus Plus' and is not limited to just one or two alliances. Advertisement "We feel that any political party or coalition of political parties from the central region must cooperate with any political party or coalition of political parties in Sabah. "This is necessary because we know that the combination between central political organisations and state political organisations must be addressed and must be translated into reality," he told reporters after the 2024 Excellent Service Award (APC) and Appreciation ceremony of the Ministry of Rural Development and Regional (KKDW), here today. Asked whether discussions with GRS representatives would take place during his visit to Sabah this weekend, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of KKDW, said he has had many discussions with GRS representatives. "God willing, not just with GRS, but we are also open to discussing and negotiating with other political parties in Sabah," he said. Ahmad Zahid mentioned that he has a packed schedule, especially with programs arranged by KKDW, but does not forget political matters, especially with the Sabah state elections approaching. When asked about the expectations for the political negotiations to be finalised, Ahmad Zahid said he could not give a specific timeframe, but he prioritises political stability between the state and federal governments for the benefit of the people in Sabah. "So, if this is considered something good by the leaders of any political organisation, it should be translated into action," he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
