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The Star
2 days ago
- General
- The Star
Matriculation admissions: MCA Youth submits appeal to Education Ministry
Photo: AZLINA ABDULLAH /The Star KUALA LUMPUR: MCA Youth has submitted an official appeal to the Education Ministry over this year's matriculation admission process, where over 400 SPM high-achievers had sought the party's help after failing to secure matriculation spots. Four of these students had also scored A+ and A in 10 or more SPM subjects. MCA Youth central committee member Ong Chee Siang ( pic ) said 413 complaints from SPM leavers were handed to the Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh's assistant in Putrajaya on Wednesday (June 4) morning, including academic transcripts, performance breakdowns, and analytical reports. He said a total of 255 of the 413 students had met the previous admission qualifications, scoring all As in their SPM, but failed to secure a spot based on the current unclear and inconsistent guidelines. The Education Ministry, on April 30, had released a circular stating that only students with 10As comprising A+ and A in all subjects would be given an automatic offer to enrol in the matriculation programme for the 2025/2026 session. Previously, SPM students with 10As and above were guaranteed a place in the matriculation programme, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in June last year. Ong said the sudden change to the entry requirements, inconsistency in policy and unclear guidelines have left many in limbo. He said according to the party's data, the number of appeals into matriculation has surged by 2.4 times, from only 173 in June 2024 to 413 in the same period this year. 'Among the 413 applicants, four students obtained straight A or A+ in 10 or more subjects. 'One student achieved 9 A+ in all subjects, 14 students scored 9 As or A+, and 17 received a mix of As and A- across 9 subjects,' he said. He cited an example of twin sisters who both scored 9 As and 1 A- and had nearly identical co-curricular points, but one received a matriculation offer and the other did not. 'If two students have similar SPM results but only one secures a spot in matriculation, something isn't right. 'We are puzzled why an A- is now considered insufficient when previous ministry documents — such as a 2009 circular — clearly state that A- is classified under A2 and should be considered as an 'A',' he said. He said the ministry failed to provide a clear and timely admission guideline on the automatic admission for straight A students, which was promised to be released by July 3 last year. Ong also questioned the short deadline for the 2025 intake and appeal, which has caused concern among parents and students. 'Matriculation intake appeals close on June 21, but orientation starts just two days later, on June 23. 'Classes begin on June 27, leaving very little time to process appeals or admit students who were initially rejected. 'We're not sure how the ministry can manage all this so quickly. Last year, some students only got in weeks before the first semester ended,' he said. MCA Youth legal expert Teoh Tuck Wah said when things are suddenly changed without warning, the ministry can be opened to be legally challenged. He said MCA Youth is urging the Education Ministry to publish clear rules for matriculation admission, including whether A- grades are still accepted and to give advance notice before changing policies. 'We ask the ministry to act quickly and fairly. Education should never be handled with uncertainty,' he said.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Deleum completes 70% equity purchase of PT OSA Industries
Deleum group CEO Rao Abdullah — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Following the completion of its acquisition of a 70% stake in PT OSA Industries Indonesia (PT OSA), Deleum Bhd said it will shift its focus towards integrating PT OSA's operations and aligning business practices to unlock cross-border synergies. The oil and gas (O&G) services provider said the US$7mil (about RM31.3mil) purchase strengthens its presence in the Southeast Asian O&G sector, boosting its technical capabilities in valve maintenance and extending its operational footprint in Indonesia. The acquisition also complements the group's existing valve business under its subsidiary, Penaga Dresser Sdn Bhd, based in Malaysia. PT OSA, which specialises in the supply, servicing, and maintenance of valves for the O&G sector, is the exclusive channel partner for Baker Hughes valves in Indonesia, serving major clients in the energy and industrial sectors through its facility in Cikarang with a team of over 70 technical personnel. The acquisition, made via Deleum's wholly-owned subsidiary, Deleum Services Sdn Bhd, includes a profit guarantee of US$2.7 mil (about RM12.1mil) for the financial years ended/ending Dec 31, 2024, and 2025. The group said it plans to enhance valve lifecycle management services, streamline delivery processes, and share technical expertise between the Malaysian and Indonesian teams. These integration efforts will enable Deleum to deliver more comprehensive, regional scale solutions to customers across Southeast Asia 'The completion of the acquisition marks a strategic turning point for Deleum as we move beyond domestic borders to establish a stronger regional platform. We are committed to strengthen the business under our stewardship, driving long term-value. With our technical capabilities, market insights, and fresh perspective, we believe we can further enhance PT OSA's capabilities and performance. Our goal is to expand PT OSA's market reach within Indonesia, delivering more comprehensive solutions to our customers and ultimately increasing shareholder's value through sustainable growth," said group CEO Rao Abdullah in a statement.
The Star
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Car-free day travels to Seri Kembangan tomorrow
Muhammad Azli (centre) posing with sponsors of the MBSJ Car-Free Day with the lucky draw grand prize of a 110cc motorcycle. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star SUBANG Jaya City Council's (MBSJ) Car-Free Day programme is coming to Seri Kembangan this Sunday. The event, which will feature a 4.2km fun run and 15km fun ride, will take place outside South City Plaza. MBSJ Corporate and Strategic Management Department director Muhammad Azli Miswan said the car-free day was aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles, environmental awareness, and community engagement through vehicle-free roads. Car-free day takes place four times a year, with the next two slated for August and October. 'We first began in 2022, with all activities held in Subang Jaya but we are now expanding to other state constituencies. 'In February we held it in Seri Serdang, and this is our first time hosting the event in Seri Kembangan. 'We are grateful for the support from the police, Public Works Department and other relevant agencies to ensure safety throughout the programmes,' he said during a press conference at MBSJ headquarters in Subang Jaya. The fun run is open to participants aged 12 and above, while the fun ride is for those aged 15 and above. Registration can be done online, with participation fees starting from RM10. 'We have introduced a small fee this time to improve the overall experience, including offering a lucky draw with the grand prize of a 110cc motorcycle, as well as insurance coverage,' Muhammad Azli added. Other activities include an aerobics session as well as an 'explorace' aimed at raising awareness of dengue prevention. Various exhibitions will also be held by the police, Fire and Rescue Department and companies, many of which will offer special promotions. ― By ALISA IDRIS
The Star
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Youth must step up'
Inspiring future leaders: Anwar delivering his keynote address at the event. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star YOUTH empowerment through holistic education will be central to Malaysia's progress, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister emphasised the vital role of private universities in preparing youths to meet national challenges, especially in fields like digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and the energy transition. 'Why do we place such importance on the younger generation? Because the type of training, the expertise, the capacity to effect change, and the willingness to adopt new disciplines – we have to depend on you,' he told students. 'You can't expect people in my generation to be as fast, to assimilate and acquire knowledge and expertise at the same level, particularly in new sciences and disciplines. 'That's why Management and Science University (MSU) and many other premier institutions are considered by the government as part of our team – to provide opportunities and instil discipline and scholarship among students,' he said during his 'Temu Anwar IPTS' session with higher education students at MSU on May 5. Anwar also said education should not be limited to personal gain – it must be grounded in ethics and a sense of national responsibility. Malaysia's future, he reiterated, depends on a generation that combines technical skills with strong moral values and civic consciousness. 'The assimilation and acquisition of knowledge are critical for your future, your family, your society and your country. 'To acquire knowledge to be comfortable in life is not the end (goal). We want to acquire and assimilate knowledge to disseminate what is just and true,' he said. Speaking to some 4,000 students, the event included an open Q&A session, where students posed questions to the Prime Minister on issues such as economic inequality, student involvement and government accountability. One student proposed establishing forums to include youth input and participation in programmes tied to Malaysia's Asean chairmanship this year, as well as reinstating e-wallet aid to help offset rising living costs. Anwar welcomed both suggestions, directing the Higher Education Ministry to enhance student engagement and expressing openness to expanding financial relief mechanisms. 'We'll consider the e-wallet idea. If we can add a little, maybe we can add more – for books, e-wallets, and so on,' he said. Meanwhile, he also said the government would look into ensuring the prices for land transport are reasonable, and passengers are not charged exorbitant fares during festive periods – especially students studying and living within Peninsular Malaysia. He was responding to a student who suggested that the government extend FLYSiswa – which offers subsidised flights – to cover land transport for students in Peninsular Malaysia. Anwar said the FLYSiswa initiative – currently focused on Sabah and Sarawak due to high airfares, especially during festive seasons – could be expanded after discussions with Transport Minister Anthony Loke. 'Why do we give some preference to Sabah and Sarawak? It's expensive, particularly during festive periods. So we chose to support them – at least to ease part of their burden,' he said. The FLYSiswa initiative was announced under Budget 2024, to assist underprivileged students flying domestically between Sabah, Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan in returning to their hometowns and get back to their varsities for a new semester.
The Star
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Vivekananda Ashram land zoned as ‘main commercial' under KL local plan
The public can check the draft KLLP 2040 at Menara DBKL 1 until May 9. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star THE Brickfields area where the Vivekananda Ashram is located is still zoned as 'main commercial' under the revised draft of the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan (KLLP) 2040. The Save Vivekananda Ashram Brickfields (SVAB) action group expressed its disappointment that its request for the ashram area to be zoned as a public community facility was not taken into account when the revised plan was drafted. Lawyer Deva Kunjari Sambanthan, who is among those advocating for the iconic landmark's preservation, said the group was worried that the land where the ashram is sited could be designated for development in the future. 'The area is zoned as 'main commercial', the second highest in terms of allowed density. 'Although Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) officers responded to our queries saying that the site will be protected since the Vivekananda Ashram is classified as a 'Category 1 Heritage Building' under the National Heritage Act (Act 645), we are not convinced. 'It should be maintained as a public community facility zone so that no development will take place in that area,' she said. Lucky Garden resident P. Tamilwanan said they were concerned about the possibility of heritage buildings being degazetted. 'We do not feel comfortable about this. We do not want to allow any room for development to take place,' he said. DBKL is holding open-day sessions until May 9 from 9.30am to 4.30pm on the KLLP 2040 draft. Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif said, 'We have gone through the necessary steps, including going through public participation and holding hearings. 'The Prime Minister has also been briefed about the plan. 'We plan to launch and gazette the KLLP 2040 this month,' she told StarMetro. 'This open day is to inform the public about the draft plan and its changes. 'The public can see if their feedback was taken into consideration in the draft plan as well as the reasons why certain changes were not incorporated. 'We want to increase DBKL's transparency and accountability,' Maimunah added. Residential groups, architects and town planners as well as other stakeholders had come on the first day to see the finalised plan. Some accepted the changes of the finalised plan while others expressed disappointment. Lembah Pantai Federal Territories Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) sub-zone 3 secretary Michelles Foo said the draft plan took part of their feedback into consideration. 'I understand that the authorities cannot take into account all feedback from residents but I can see that some of our suggestions have been incorporated into the draft plan,' she said. 'For example, one of the areas in Kampung Kerinchi was earmarked for development in the previous draft but DBKL changed the land use to public community facility,' she added. Former Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan, who was also present at the open day, said more efforts should be made to develop city parks. 'We should have more parks, like Hyde Park in London, to make Kuala Lumpur a liveable city. 'A task force must be established to manage development in the city,' he said. Nor Hisham also suggested Bandar Malaysia be constructed between the Selangor and Perak borders.
