Latest news with #Azizul
The Star
23-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Orang Asli kids skip school to earn money
Missing out on education: Orang Asli children fishing in a stream near their house instead of being in school. — THOMAS YONG/The Star JOHOR BARU: A growing number of Orang Asli children in Kampung Sungai Temun are skipping school to work at nearby eateries. It is a trend that has sparked concern among community leaders and educators, who fear these youths are being robbed of their future. Salim Palon, the village head, is troubled by the sight of teenagers working at coffee shops during school hours, often with the blessing or insistence of their own parents, who urge them to earn money for the family. Salim says parents are to be blamed. — THOMAS YONG/The Star 'This issue has been ongoing for decades. The parents used to give excuses such as a lack of aid and incentives to help their children go to school. 'Over the years, the government and elected representatives have provided assistance, including free transportation, uniforms, and a local tuition centre within our village, but students are still falling far behind academically,' he said. Salim expressed frustration that many parents in the village, home to the Seletar ethnic group, do not recognise the significance of their children's education. 'I've urged parents repeatedly, education is the way to break the cycle of poverty. But some still allow their children to skip school or drop out as if it's normal,' he said. To lead by example, Salim has reserved the village hall as a tuition space for children instead of renting it out for RM2,000. Salim, who has 10 children, all of whom have completed their formal education, added that the issue lies with the parents. 'Many don't even turn up for parent-teacher meetings, nor do they review their children's studies to encourage them. I've seen children waiting until late afternoon, hoping their parents would show up, only to be disappointed. It's heartbreaking,' he said. The problem is well-known to educators, with SK Sungai Danga assistant headmaster Azizul Aziz saying that many parents are indifferent to their children's schooling. 'They simply tell us, 'My child doesn't want to go,' and leave it at that, like education is optional,' he said. To address this, Azizul and the school's headmaster met with the village head to speak directly with parents, reminding them that failing to enrol their children in primary school without valid reasons is a punishable offence, with fines of up to RM5,000. 'We even offered parents the opportunity to accompany their children in class, just so they feel supported,' Azizul added. Those efforts are starting to bear fruit, as reports indicate that fewer students are skipping class. 'It's slow progress, but it's a start,' said Azizul. Still, a major hurdle remains, as many Orang Asli pupils complete primary school but never move on to Form One. When contacted, Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin acknowledged the issue and said the state government is treating it seriously. 'We are examining the factors that drive students to leave school, including pressure to help their families economically. 'We are planning initiatives such as strengthening early intervention, giving them a RM4 daily attendance incentive, and expanding aid like the Supplementary Food Programme and Early School Assistance,' he said.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
'Our souls are still in Gaza': Malaysians share painful mission memories
KUALA LUMPUR: Two Malaysian volunteers who recently returned from a month-long humanitarian mission in Gaza say the pain, resilience, and humanity they witnessed will stay with them forever. Mohd Azizul Hakim Danial, 35, a medical assistant with Mercy Malaysia's Specialised Care Team 5 (SCT 5), and his colleague Nurfirdaus Ibrahim, 32, spoke about their emotional journey in Gaza during an interview on Harian Metro's Apa-Apa Saja podcast. "The patient fed me a piece of pastry with their own hand — despite clearly not having had enough to eat themselves," said Azizul, recounting a moment that touched him deeply while working in a dialysis unit at a hospital that had previously been bombed. Both men spent 30 days in Gaza from March 27 to April 26, offering critical medical support amid what they described as a total collapse of the healthcare system. "We saw with our own eyes how the healthcare system has been destroyed. Many machines are damaged, water supply remains irregular, electricity supply frequently gets interrupted — but patients still seek medical assistance," Azizul said. In one small act of comfort, they pooled money to buy a birthday cake worth 100 shekels (around RM125) for a local member of staff. "To us, that may seem ordinary. But to them, it was overwhelming. Some cried — they never imagined someone would remember their birthday," he said. Azizul recalled speaking to a hospital worker who had been absent for two days. "She had been arranging the funeral for her entire family," he said. Despite their suffering, Azizul said the people of Gaza were grateful for Malaysia's support. "Children would shout, 'I love Malaysia!' when they saw us. That alone made everything feel worthwhile," he said. The team also compiled data and prepared reports for the World Health Organization (WHO), but both men were disheartened by how little they could do. "We collected so much, but it all feels like we left them halfway," said Azizul. Nurfirdaus, who also worked in the dialysis unit, recalled patients walking up to 45km just to receive treatment — with smiles on their faces despite being weak from hunger. "Some came on donkey carts, others walked for hours. One day, we had to use the same chemical drum for several machines. Staff had to carry water in buckets, adding that everything was done manually," he said. Nurfirdaus shared the story of a teenage dialysis patient who stood out for his spirit. "He's been on dialysis for five years and can operate the machine on his own. After his session, he even helps others. He still dreams of a kidney transplant — even though it's nearly impossible in Gaza." Nurfirdaus said a one-month stint was too short to make any lasting impact on a crumbling health system. "We made it back, but our souls are still in Gaza," he said. He also urged Malaysian youth to play their part in humanitarian efforts.
The Star
15-05-2025
- The Star
MBPJ dogcatcher: We followed SOP
PETALING JAYA: A Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) officer testifies that he strictly followed standard operating procedure (SOP) during a dog-catching operation that led to a scuffle with an elderly citizen. Public health assistant Azizul Azzim Norehan, who is the complainant and witness in the case, affirmed that the team adhered to the Housing and Local Government Ministry's SOP, which allows the use of the loop method in capturing stray dogs. He was testifying against 71-year-old Patrick Khoo Kian Wui, who is accused of obstructing him from carrying out his duties during the operation in March 2023. Deputy public prosecutor Lim Leong Hui referred Azizul to his witness statement, and asked him to explain what he meant when he said the accused attempted to block the operation. 'He held onto the rod I was using so I could not proceed with the operation,' said Azizul, referring to the device known as a loop pole. Asked whether the operation had been conducted according to established guidelines, he said it was, adding: 'I used the SOP for dog-catching operations, which is the loop method.' He further testified that Khoo claimed to be the owner of some the dogs and that he fed them regularly although they were found wandering outside his premises. During the hearing, the prosecution played three CCTV recordings in court showing the altercation. Azizul confirmed that the two men seen in the video were him and Khoo. The incident took place at about 9pm at No. 7, Jalan 18/17, Taman Kanagapuram, Petaling Jaya. According to MBPJ, the operation was prompted by complaints from residents. Azizul said none of the dogs there that night had collars or licence tags. He also confirmed that all MBPJ enforcement personnel involved wore official green vests marked with the MBPJ logo and the Health Services Department insignia. Khoo's altercation with the officers went viral after a Facebook user uploaded videos and photos alleging he was roughed up by the dogcatchers. Khoo later claimed that he sustained injuries to his jaw, cheeks and wrist during the incident. He lodged a police report on March 24, 2023, accusing MBPJ of assault and expressing concern for the welfare of two adult dogs and a puppy allegedly seized that night. In response, MBPJ filed a police report and pledged there would be no cover-up, stating that an internal investigation had been launched. Khoo was charged on March 31, 2023, with obstructing a public servant under Section 186 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of two years' jail, a fine of up to RM10,000 or both, upon conviction. He pleaded not guilty. Two months after the incident, Khoo was said to have suffered a stroke. He appeared in court yesterday in a wheelchair and was not able to speak clearly. Counsel Tay Chee Fu informed the court that the defence was prepared to present its case and expected to call four witnesses. Magistrate Shahril Anuar Ahmad Mustapa set the next trial date for between June 13 and 20.
The Star
14-05-2025
- The Star
MBPJ dogcatcher tells court he followed SOP, denies assault in trial over stray dog tussle
Photo: Yap Chee Hong/The Star PETALING JAYA: A Petaling Jaya City Council officer told the Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (May 14) that he strictly followed the standard operating procedures during a stray dog-catching operation that led to a scuffle with a senior citizen in 2023. Public health assistant Azizul Azzim Norehan, the complainant and witness in the case, testified against 71-year-old Patrick Khoo Kian Wui ( pic ), accused of obstructing him during the March 2023 operation. Deputy Public Prosecutor Lim Leong Hui referred Azizul to his witness statement, asking him to explain what he meant by the accused attempting to block the operation. "He (Khoo) held onto the rod I was using to catch the dog, so I could not proceed with the operation," said Azizul, referring to the dog-catching iron rod known as a "loop pole." When asked whether the operation had been conducted according to established guidelines, Azizul affirmed that the team adhered to the SOP, which mandates the use of the loop method for capturing stray dogs. "Yes, I used the SOP for dog-catching operations, which is the loop method," he said. Azizul also testified that Khoo claimed ownership of some of the dogs, saying they were his and that he fed them regularly, although they were found wandering outside his premises. During the proceeding, the prosecution played three CCTV recordings showing the altercation between the two. Azizul confirmed that the two men in the video recordings were him and Khoo. The incident occurred around 9pm at No. 7, Jalan 18/17, Taman Kanagapuram in Petaling Jaya. According to MBPJ, the operation was prompted by complaints from residents about stray dogs in the area. Azizul said none of the dogs had collars or licence tags. He also confirmed that all MBPJ enforcement personnel involved wore official green vests marked with the MBPJ logo and the Health Services Department insignia. Khoo's altercation with the officers went viral after a Facebook user uploaded videos and photos alleging he was roughed up by the dogcatchers. Khoo later claimed he sustained injuries to his jaw, cheeks, and wrist during the incident. He lodged a police report on March 24, 2023, accusing MBPJ of assault and expressing concern for the welfare of two adult dogs and a puppy allegedly seized that night. In response, MBPJ also filed a police report and pledged there would be no cover-up, stating that an internal investigation had been launched. Khoo was charged on March 31, 2023, with obstructing a public servant under Section 186 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both. He has pleaded not guilty and claimed trial. Two months after the incident, Khoo suffered a minor stroke and now resides in a nursing home. He appeared in court on Wednesday (May 14) in a wheelchair and was not able to speak clearly. His counsel, Tay Chee Fu, informed the court that the defence was prepared to present its case and expected to call four witnesses. Magistrate Shahril Anuar Ahmad Mustapa set the next trial dates for June 13 and 20, with proceedings scheduled from 10am to 4.30pm.
Daily Express
09-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Over 100,000 expected to attend PMR Sabah
Published on: Friday, May 09, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 09, 2025 Text Size: The programme will also showcase the products by local entrepreneurs under the One District One Industry (SDSI) Borneo Region segment, featuring 178 Sabah-based businesses across various sectors. TAWAU: Over 100,000 people are expected to flock to the 2025 Madani Rakyat Programme (PMR) Sabah, a three-day government outreach event set to take place at the Tawau Municipal Council Square (MPT) here from today (Friday) to Sunday. According to the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Kuskop) Cooperative, Hawkers and Small Traders Development Division Secretary, Azizul Alias, the turnout is expected to match or exceed the overwhelming response recorded at the 2024 PMR 'Sayangi Sabah' edition held in Kota Kinabalu last October. 'With a wide variety of engaging and beneficial activities planned, we're confident residents of Tawau and surrounding areas will show up in force for this edition of PMR,' he said. Among the programme's highlights are on-site government services, interactive sessions and business showcases, including the popular Jualan Madani initiative, which offers essential goods at discounted prices. A total of 36 booths from federal and state ministries and agencies will be present, alongside 204 public service touchpoints. Azizul added that the 2025 PMR Sabah will also feature local TikTok Shop entrepreneurs, particularly those operating from Tawau and nearby districts, through the special 'Yellow Bag' sales initiative. 'The event will also feature appearances by influencers and Sabah-born singer Bella Astillah, as well as the Tawau Mega Concert on Saturday night, involving top Malaysian artists, including Datuk Awie, Stacy, Akim, and Felix Agus,' he said. The programme will also showcase the products by local entrepreneurs under the One District One Industry (SDSI) Borneo Region segment, featuring 178 Sabah-based businesses across various sectors. 'These include food and beverages, handicrafts, homestay services, and health products,' Azizul said. With the theme 'Ending Poverty Through Entrepreneurship', the 2025 PMR Sabah is part of a nationwide government initiative spearheaded by the Performance Acceleration and Coordination Unit (Pacu) in collaboration with Kuskop as the lead ministry, and the Sabah Government as host, to bring essential government services directly to the people. * 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
