Latest news with #Anuar


New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Ranhill SAJ seeks tariff review to safeguard Johor's water security
Slug: izranhill HL: Ranhill SAJ seeks tariff review to safeguard Johor's water security Jassmine Shadiqe JOHOR BARU: Johor's water operator Ranhill SAJ is seeking public and regulatory backing for a water tariff adjustment, warning that without it, long-term water security for the state could be compromised. Its chief executive officer, Anuar Abdul Ghani, said the company's commitment to ensuring a safe, sustainable and high-quality water supply required urgent and sizeable investments, particularly in replacing ageing infrastructure and expanding treatment facilities. "We fully support a review of existing tariffs. Without it, efforts to build a stable and resilient water supply system will be severely hindered," he said in a statement today. Ranhill SAJ, and nine other water operators in Peninsular Malaysia, have submitted a formal application for a tariff adjustment to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN). The proposal follows a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process and consumer satisfaction survey. Anuar said that over the next few years, Ranhill SAJ plans to invest RM3 billion in upgrading treatment plants, replacing old pipes to reduce water loss, expanding supply infrastructure, and adopting smart systems to improve service efficiency. "This is vital to meet future challenges, including population growth, rapid development and climate-related uncertainties. We appreciate the trust of our consumers, and every sen from this adjustment will be reinvested to improve service delivery," he said. He said that the proposed adjustment was crafted carefully to avoid burdening the majority of consumers and would include targeted rebates for vulnerable groups. The company assured that the funds would be channelled into improving non-revenue water management, modernising treatment facilities, and strengthening water infrastructure across the state. "As Johor undergoes rapid development, a modern and reliable water supply system is critical to support economic growth and public well-being. We remain committed to fulfilling this responsibility," said Anuar.


The Sun
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MDEC launches two grants totalling RM2.9m to accelerate digital transformation in AI and manufacturing sectors
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is introducing two grants totalling RM2.9 million aimed at accelerating digital transformation in two of Malaysia's most strategic sectors – artificial intelligence (AI) and manufacturing. Eligibility for these grants is exclusively extended to companies possessing Malaysia Digital (MD) or MSC Malaysia status, or to those with a pending MD status application at the time of applying for the grant. The two new grants – the Malaysia Digital Acceleration Grant – Artificial Intelligence (MDAG-AI) and the SmartMFG+ Incentive Programme – are designed to support high-potential local companies by promoting innovation, developing export-ready digital solutions and creating high-skilled employment opportunities. MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil described the grants as both timely and strategic, giving a significant boost to Malaysia's digital transformation agenda. 'MDAG-AI establishes a foundational framework for Malaysia to emerge as a preeminent hub for AI innovation, while SmartMFG+ lays the groundwork for widespread digitalisation across the manufacturing industry. Collectively, these initiatives serve as a dual engine to advance our digital ambitions,' said Anuar. The MDAG-AI grant is specifically designed to support Malaysian digital companies in the commercialisation of AI solutions. It targets high-impact projects that correspond with the national AI investment strategy, focusing on companies with capabilities across the foundational, enabling, and application layers of AI. This initiative builds upon the momentum generated by prior programmes, concentrating on AI product commercialisation, cross-sector AI application, talent development and knowledge transfer. It is strategically aligned with the National AI Roadmap, reinforcing Eligible companies may apply for funding of up to 70% of total project costs, capped at RM2 million, for projects spanning a duration of up to one year. Application is now open till July 18 and successful applicants will be announced at the Malaysia Digital Expo (MDX) in September.


New Straits Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
MDEC rolls out RM2.9mil in new grants to drive AI
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has introduced two new grants totalling RM2.9 million to fast-track digital transformation in two key sectors: artificial intelligence (AI) and manufacturing. Open exclusively to companies with Malaysia Digital (MD) or MSC Malaysia status, or those with a pending MD application, the Malaysia Digital Acceleration Grant – Artificial Intelligence (MDAG-AI) and the SmartMFG+ Incentive Programme are designed to boost local innovation, support the development of export-ready digital solutions, and generate more high-skilled employment opportunities. MDEC chief executive officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil said the grants come at a critical time to advance Malaysia's digitalisation goals. "MDAG-AI establishes a foundational framework for Malaysia to emerge as a preeminent hub for AI innovation, while SmartMFG+ lays the groundwork for widespread digitalisation across the manufacturing industry. Collectively, these initiatives serve as a dual engine to advance our digital ambitions," said Anuar in a statement. The MDAG-AI grant is specifically designed to support Malaysian digital companies in the commercialisation of AI solutions. It targets high-impact projects that correspond with the national AI investment strategy, focusing on companies with capabilities across the foundational, enabling, and application layers of AI. Eligible companies may apply for funding of up to 70 per cent of total project costs, capped at RM2 million, for projects spanning a duration of up to one year. The SmartMFG+Incentive Programme is a vital initiative within the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP2030). Its objective is to expedite digital adoption within the manufacturing sector by providing support to local technology solution providers in scaling digital solutions across various domains such as operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, real-time production intelligence, supply chain analytics, and quality assurance. Selected MD-status companies will receive funding of up to 70 per cent of their solution development costs, with the maximum amount capped at RM75,000 per company.
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![[UPDATED] MACC seeks to forfeit more than RM169 million linked to Ismail Sabri](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75)
New Straits Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] MACC seeks to forfeit more than RM169 million linked to Ismail Sabri
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today yesterday filed a notice of application at the Sessions Court to forfeit more than RM169 million linked to former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. The MACC, in its notice of application, named Ismail Sabri's former political secretary Datuk Mohammad Anuar Mohd Yunus as the first respondent. Ismail Sabri was named as the second respondent. The application was made under Section 41(1) of the MACC Act after the commission was satisfied that the funds were owned by Ismail Sabri but kept by Anuar. The funds, the commission said, was linked to an offence under Section 36(2) of the act. The funds MACC is seeking to forfeit, earlier seized from Anuar, are RM14,772,150; S$6,132,350; US$1,461,400; three million in Swiss Francs; €12,164,150; ¥363 million; £50,250; NZ$44,600; 34.75 million dirhams; and, A$352,850. The MACC is also asking for the declaration of other orders deemed fit by the court. On July 3, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki had said the assets, which have already been seized, would be forfeited to the government if the court rules in its favour. Azam had said if Ismail Sabri, the Bera member of parliament, chooses to contest the forfeiture, the case would proceed to trial. On June 25, it was reported that the MACC was planning to forfeit RM177 million in cash and assets linked to a probe into alleged corruption and money laundering involving Ismail Sabri. In March, the MACC seized about RM170 million in cash, held in various foreign currencies, along with 16kg of gold bullion worth around RM7 million, following investigations into alleged corruption and money laundering linked to Ismail Sabri. MACC confirmed that the operation involved raids at multiple locations, including residences and three other premises believed to be used as 'safehouses' following the arrest of four senior officers who served under Ismail during his tenure as the ninth prime minister.


The Star
07-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Water cut in parts of JB and Tebrau on July 15 and 16
JOHOR BARU: Over 30,000 user accounts in parts of the city and Tebrau will face a 26-hour scheduled water supply disruption on July 15 and 16 because of maintenance works at the Sultan Iskandar Water Treatment Plant in Pasir Gudang. Water utility firm Ranhill SAJ's chief executive officer Anuar Abdul Ghani said the planned maintenance involves critical instruments at the treatment plant. The works are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability and stability of Johor's water supply, he added. 'This temporary shutdown is essential for Ranhill SAJ to carry out comprehensive maintenance of the plant's water supply system. 'We are confident that this maintenance will help ensure the treated water produced at the plant continues to meet the standards set by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN),' he said in a statement on Monday (July 7). Anuar added that the scheduled disruption was part of a proactive effort to keep the water distribution system in optimal and safe condition for users. 'We appeal to all affected consumers to store sufficient water ahead of time and to use water wisely throughout the disruption period,' he said. He added that during the disruption, water tankers will be deployed to meet emergency demand, particularly from critical facilities such as hospitals, dialysis centres and institutions that require an uninterrupted supply. Consumers can stay updated on the latest developments and get further information by visiting calling the Ranhill SAJ hotline at 1800-88-7474, or checking updates on the official Ranhill SAJ Facebook page at Ranhill SAJ – Setitis yang Bermakna.