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Borneo Post
26-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Incentives, rebates and more: Different leadership, but same approach
Photo shows a shopkeeper and his wife watching the live broadcast of the special announcement by Anwar via tablet. — Bernama photo KUCHING (July 27): The announcement of 'interesting offerings' for Malaysians by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is regarded as 'a welcoming break from being paraded with many less-desirable national narratives'. In pointing this out, socio-political activist Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Jawan highlighted Anwar's statement about the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) having recorded a growth of about 4.4 per cent in the first quarter of this year. 'That is a remarkable performance in view of the fact that the world economy is competitive, and that the new US tariff is yet to have it full impact upon Malaysia,' said the fellow of Academy of Sciences Malaysia and adjunct professor of Institute of Borneo Studies at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), in a statement. The academician also said the health of the economy affected everyone, 'from the super-rich to the downright poor'. However, he said help and assistance were usually targeted. Moreover, those who were aware of them would have access, but those who did not know about them, more often would be left out, he added. 'How many Dayak communities in the interior and far-flung corners of Sarawak are aware of how the RM100,000 Sejati Madani grant would benefit them? 'Without knowledge of what, where and how to apply for this, they would be left out. 'In this respect, the role of their elected representatives becomes important,' he said. 'How many Dayak longhouses have been adopted under the 'Kampung Angkat Madani'?' 'How many rural schools in Sarawak and in the interior have been adopted as 'Sekolah Angkat Madani'?' 'The rural and interior inhabitants might not benefit from the Rahmah Basic Contribution (Sara) aid of RM100 because to travel to shops in town that dispense these goods, might cost them more than the amount itself,' he said. Jayum also noted that the toll fares were maintained. 'Sabah and Sarawak do not have tolls, so this toll-fee freeze does not benefit the people of these two regions. 'The mentality of the government and their leaders remain through different periods and during different leaderships,' he said. 'Cash incentives, rebates, and price freezes on certain concessions are popular approaches to gain support, but these actions are not sustainable in the long run,' he pointed out. 'How much, and for how long, can the government provide these handouts?' Jayum said that the more sustainable actions and those that would endear PM Anwar and his ruling party to the people would be for them to keep their election promises. 'There is a high expectation that the Madani Government under Anwar would be more inclusive because he rose to the position of Prime Minister through non-partisan support,' he added. anwar ibrahim jayum jawan lead Sara aid
New Straits Times
28-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Establish a National Maritime Blueprint for geopolitical resilience and Blue Economy growth
The recent India-Pakistan hostilities are another international occurrence that may trigger supply chain setbacks while countries are concurrently struggling with the US reciprocal tariffs. With the ongoing South China Sea issues ranging from big powers' rivalry and assertive behaviour that may disrupt maritime trade, Malaysia must carefully navigate geopolitical repercussions and dampen the geo-economic shock. This strategic pressure is amplified by Malaysia's deep maritime dependence. Located between the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca, its economic heartbeat heavily depends on the ocean. The Academy of Sciences Malaysia estimated that in 2020, Malaysia's blue economy contributed 21.3 per cent of Malaysia's GDP. By 2030, it is forecasted to increase significantly, potentially reaching 31.5 per cent of GDP and totalling around RM1.4 trillion. Malaysia's maritime interests are substantial, built upon Petronas' offshore oil and gas operations which contribute around 20 per cent of national GDP, alongside a RM16 billion fishing industry, and maritime trade comprising 98 per cent of its international commerce. These sectors also sustain the livelihoods of countless Malaysian citizens across all states. Any disruption, whether internal or external, threatens both national prosperity and individual well-being. The risks and threats in the maritime domain remain contentious and, more often than not, loom large, potentially impeding Malaysia's maritime economy. Concurrently, Malaysia faces challenges on multiple fronts in defending its national interest: internal leakages and corruption, domestic differences including growing calls for greater autonomy in Sabah and Sarawak, evolving transnational threats, persistent maritime disputes, and the intensifying geopolitical rivalry. In recent decades, the South China Sea has evolved into a critical security flashpoint where Malaysia maintains legitimate claims under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). An alarming increase in dangerous incidents throughout the region demands our attention. Though Malaysia has experienced fewer confrontations than our regional neighbours, concerning episodes, including the 2020 West Capella standoff, PLA's aircraft incursions into Malaysian airspace, and persistent harassment of vessels operating within our Exclusive Economic Zone, serve as key reminders that enhanced maritime governance and security are not optional but essential. Malaysia stepped up efforts in safeguarding its national interests in 2020 by launching the inaugural Defence White Paper (DWP) to strengthen its national defence and lay the foundation for the nation's security strategy. Crucially, the DWP projected Malaysia as a 'maritime nation,' signalling a strategic vision that places the maritime domain at the core of its national interests. As the DWP undergoes its mid-term review approaching 2025, it's clear that while it provides overarching guidance on protecting sovereignty and sovereign rights, the focus is not on the granularities of maritime governance itself. Therefore, complementing the DWP with specific, actionable policies is imperative. Malaysia needs dedicated measures to realise the potential of its 2030 blue economy goals, shielded from the contentious maritime environment. Therefore, a coherent national maritime blueprint is the necessary instrument to achieve this. Encouragingly, under the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the discourse on maritime governance and security has gained notable traction. Discussions in parliament and public statements have increasingly touched upon protecting territorial integrity, harnessing the blue economy, and modernising maritime assets. Furthermore, the National Security Council's (NSC) ongoing development of a new national security policy is eminently important and timely. Yet, discourse and broad policy must translate into coordinated actions. Now is the opportune moment for Malaysia, in its quest as a maritime nation and racing against escalating geopolitical tensions, to formulate a dedicated national maritime blueprint. The increasing uncertainty in global politics, which directly impacts Malaysia's vast interests in the maritime sphere, especially the South China Sea, makes such preparedness paramount. A foundation that prescribes more effective coordination between key agencies with maritime interests at the federal and state levels will allow Malaysia to project a united front, and in turn, eliminate any loopholes that render a siloed culture. This is necessary to allow the country to better navigate global uncertainty that seeks to jeopardise national progress regardless of whether its origin is internal, bilateral, or multilateral. A national maritime blueprint can provide a guideline for seamless coordination of actions between federal and state agencies in protecting national borders This blueprint must be a living strategic document that assesses Malaysia's maritime capabilities across defense, economic, and developmental dimensions, crafting a cohesive strategy to navigate geopolitical uncertainties. It must encompass a clear vision and objectives, placing Malaysia's long-term ambition as a maritime nation at the forefront. Success depends on embracing a "Whole of Government, Whole of Society" (WoGoS) approach that aligns national priorities above all, not driven by any single entity or state, but rather shaped through an engagement of all stakeholders. The WoGoS approach must form the cornerstone of both planning and implementing Malaysia's maritime blueprint. This framework ensures that all relevant perspectives, from security agencies to economic interests to environmental concerns, formulate a coherent national strategy. The blueprint can establish foundational governance structures and coordination mechanisms that could eventually evolve into a governing formality. Such a framework would also drive asset modernisation through transparent processes where non-military stakeholders provide essential oversight, ensuring that procurement decisions serve national interests. The maritime blueprint must be conceived as a long-term strategic instrument for safeguarding Malaysia's maritime interests against evolving threats. Its success hinges on meaningful engagement with key constituencies: nurturing maritime awareness among the youth that will inherit far more complex challenges; securing support from MPs who shape policy frameworks; and addressing the specific concerns of coastal communities whose livelihoods depend directly on our waters. A comprehensive national maritime blueprint represents a historic opportunity for the current administration to establish a long-lasting legacy to contend with contemporary challenges. By articulating a clear vision for Malaysia as a maritime nation and embedding this identity in key guiding policy documents, the government can ensure that Malaysia's maritime interests remain protected for generations to come, regardless of shifting geopolitical headwinds.
The Star
08-06-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Be prepared to face hotter days
PETALING JAYA: As global warming ratchets up, Malaysians should prepare to face hotter and muggier days during the dry spell brought about by the annual Southwest Monsoon, say weather experts. Along with this, it is also time to pay attention to not just dry-bulb readings provided by the typical thermometer but also wet-bulb temperatures (WBT), which scientists say are important to those who are vulnerable to heatstrokes or related ailments. WBT is an indication of how much the air can be cooled by the evaporation of water into it and is usually measured using a thermometer with the bulb covered by a wet membrane, with higher WBT signalling an increased risk for the vulnerable. WBT and high humidity are often missed during reporting on heatwaves, even though they play a huge role in how a person experiences heat. Academy of Sciences Malaysia's fellow Dr Fredolin Tangang said while the Southwest Monsoon season is usually marked by hot and dry weather, global warming could be contributing to even hotter conditions. 'According to the latest observation, the first quarter of 2025 was the second warmest year compared to the corresponding period in 2024, which was the warmest year on record. 'This despite La Nina being active during the first quarter of this year,' he said when contacted. The APEC Climate Center in (South) Korea, he said, indicated that the surface air temperature over the Indo-Pacific region is 80% above normal during the current monsoon period this year. 'Also, the sea surface temperature (SST) was forecasted to be above normal. 'High SST could drive higher relative humidity, and this increases the WBT and also the heat index, creating favourable conditions for heatstrokes,' he said. Fredolin suggested that the relevant authorities should provide an early warning system to the public to be alert for excessive heat and humidity. 'More public announcements of the danger of heatstroke and how to avoid getting one should be regularly broadcast, while the public should not take lightly the extreme conditions that heighten the risk for heatstrokes,' he said. A 2023 paper published by researchers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia raised concerns about the future emergence of urban areas as hotspots for heat stress, particularly in peninsular Malaysia. Their study showed a notable increase in the mean temperature over the peninsula, surpassing the global average, which could lead to a substantial increase in WBT, especially in dense urban regions. According to National Antarctica Research Centre climatologist Prof Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah, there is a high chance the Asean region will see above-normal temperatures between June and August, based on several predictive models. 'The inter-monsoon period typically transitions into the Southwest Monsoon over the Asean region in June and will continue throughout the outlook period,' he said, while advising the people to minimise their exposure to the blistering sun as much as possible. Meteorological Department's (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the main cause for current hot and humid weather is the Southwest Monsoon that began on May 10, with the phenomenon expected to continue until September. 'This monsoon typically brings dry weather to most parts of the country. 'However, thunderstorms and heavy rain may still occur from time to time,' he said. Mohd Hisham added that the extended absence of rain over several days could result in searing conditions similar to what happened earlier this month. On June 2, MetMalaysia issued a Level 1 heat advisory in six areas in the peninsula which experienced maximum daily temperatures of between 35°C and 37°C for three consecutive days.
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Gas deal signals new era of Putrajaya-Sarawak cooperation, says political scientist
Jayum says the move reflects an effort to address and reform long-standing federal-regional issues, particularly those enshrined in MA63. KUCHING (May 22): The agreement on Sarawak's gas distribution, reached between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, is a step in the right direction to reform relations between Putrajaya and Sarawak, said political scientist Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Jawan. The Academy of Sciences Malaysia fellow said the move reflects an effort to address and reform long-standing federal-regional issues, particularly those enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'The loss of many of Sarawak's rights to its wealth was not the making of Abang Johari, and neither did it happen during Anwar Ibrahim's watch as Prime Minister. 'However, that Abang Johari and Anwar Ibrahim can sit down and come to terms to resolve some of the federal-regional issues shows high wisdom on the part of both the Premier and the Prime Minister,' he told The Borneo Post . Jayum was commenting on the joint declaration signed on Wednesday by Anwar and Abang Johari, which stated that all relevant federal and state laws governing gas distribution in Sarawak will coexist and be upheld by all parties involved. Jayum, who is also an adjunct professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia Institute of Borneo Studies, said this cooperative approach should be emulated by leaders at all levels of government to build a united Malaysia beyond the scope of MA63. The declaration also involved Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), with both entities affirming their roles under the agreement. 'Petronas will continue its functions, activities, responsibilities and obligations entrusted to it under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 1974) and its regulations. 'All parties shall endeavor to continue working together to develop a framework that benefits the nation while taking into consideration Sarawak's aspirations,' it said. The agreement also confirmed the appointment of Petros as the gas aggregator for Sarawak.
Barnama
21-05-2025
- Science
- Barnama
Dr Ravigadevi Becomes First Malaysian Elected To Royal Society
A Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Dr Ravigadevi Sambanthamurthi - Credit: Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- A Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Dr Ravigadevi Sambanthamurthi, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, making her the first Malaysian scientist at the world's oldest and most prestigious scientific academy. It also marks a historic milestone for the country. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), in a statement today, said Ravigadevi will be officially inducted into the Society in London on July 11, 2025, where she will sign the Royal Society's historic Charter Book, a record that bears the signatures of scientific luminaries spanning more than three centuries. A pioneering biotechnologist, Ravigadevi was appointed a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) in 2010 and is currently the Chair of the Biological, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Discipline. She is also a Fellow of the World Academy of Sciences and a former Director of the Advanced Biotechnology and Breeding Centre at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), where she led transformative research in oil palm biochemistry and genomics. 'Her innovations have had a global impact, particularly in improving yield, resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. 'One of her most significant achievements was leading the team that decoded the oil palm genome, a major scientific breakthrough published in the prestigious journal Nature. This led to the discovery of the SHELL gene, which plays a key role in determining oil yield,' the statement read. The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chang Lih Kang, lauded the achievement, saying that Ravigadevi's election as the first Malaysian Fellow of the Royal Society marks a proud moment for the nation. 'This recognition is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of what Malaysia stands for under the Malaysia MADANI framework, a nation that uplifts prosperity through knowledge and champions sustainability through innovation.
