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The Sun
14 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
RM7 million allocated for drought mitigation in Malaysia's rice granaries
BAGAN SERAI: The government has allocated RM7 million for infrastructure upgrades to minimise drought impact on key rice production areas of Malaysia. Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the focus will be on irrigation systems, the primary water source for crops. 'It is mainly to ensure that the water channels are functioning and can deliver water to the paddy plots, even if the water volume is slightly lower than usual. 'This is also one of our ways to minimise the potential negative effects on farmers' income, especially during drought seasons,' he said after officiating the 2025 Perak State-Level Agricultural Machinery and Equipment handover ceremony at Dewan Dato' Zainal Abidin Zin, here, today. Yesterday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a statement, indicating that six areas in Peninsular Malaysia are now at Level 1 (alert) for three consecutive days, due to ongoing hot weather. The affected areas include Larut and Matang, Kuala Kangsar, and Perak Tengah in Perak, Machang and Kuala Krai in Kelantan, and Bandar Baharu in Kedah. In a separate matter, Arthur said that his ministry will strengthen collaboration with relevant enforcement agencies to combat cattle smuggling activities from Thailand, which are believed to threaten the country's food security. He said enforcement actions against individuals involved in unethical activities are under the jurisdiction of the respective state governments. 'Therefore, a comprehensive engagement session between state and federal governments is essential, to harmonise laws and prevent conflicts which could undermine the nation's food biosecurity,' he said. He added that one of the main factors contributing to smuggling activities, particularly during festive seasons, is the high demand for beef, coupled with the sector's self-sufficiency level (SSL) still falling short of the targeted benchmark.
The Sun
14 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
RM7m allocated for drought mitigation in Malaysia's rice granaries
BAGAN SERAI: The government has allocated RM7 million for infrastructure upgrades to minimise drought impact on key rice production areas of Malaysia. Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the focus will be on irrigation systems, the primary water source for crops. 'It is mainly to ensure that the water channels are functioning and can deliver water to the paddy plots, even if the water volume is slightly lower than usual. 'This is also one of our ways to minimise the potential negative effects on farmers' income, especially during drought seasons,' he said after officiating the 2025 Perak State-Level Agricultural Machinery and Equipment handover ceremony at Dewan Dato' Zainal Abidin Zin, here, today. Yesterday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a statement, indicating that six areas in Peninsular Malaysia are now at Level 1 (alert) for three consecutive days, due to ongoing hot weather. The affected areas include Larut and Matang, Kuala Kangsar, and Perak Tengah in Perak, Machang and Kuala Krai in Kelantan, and Bandar Baharu in Kedah. In a separate matter, Arthur said that his ministry will strengthen collaboration with relevant enforcement agencies to combat cattle smuggling activities from Thailand, which are believed to threaten the country's food security. He said enforcement actions against individuals involved in unethical activities are under the jurisdiction of the respective state governments. 'Therefore, a comprehensive engagement session between state and federal governments is essential, to harmonise laws and prevent conflicts which could undermine the nation's food biosecurity,' he said. He added that one of the main factors contributing to smuggling activities, particularly during festive seasons, is the high demand for beef, coupled with the sector's self-sufficiency level (SSL) still falling short of the targeted benchmark.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
MACVA pushes for war memoirs to enter school curriculum
KUALA LUMPUR: Many Malaysians remain unaware that the country has endured three wars — and that the sacrifices of its army veterans during these conflicts have been largely omitted from history books and overlooked in the national narrative. "Very little has been documented about these turbulent chapters of our history, especially the undeclared wars that plagued the country in its early years. Most of the books and articles that exist were written from foreign perspectives," said Captain (Rtd) Dato' Lee Kwang Lock of the Royal Malaysian Navy. "Our historians and academics — even those from our own universities — are often unaware of the stories and details of these wars," he lamented. "So we took it upon ourselves to collect stories from our veterans, to create awareness." Despite their pivotal role in safeguarding the nation during the Malayan Emergency, the Indonesian Confrontation and the Communist Insurgency, many of these veterans have faded from public memory. Their sacrifices helped lay the foundation for the peace and stability Malaysia enjoys today — yet their contributions are rarely acknowledged, and remain largely absent from school curricula. As a result, younger generations grow up with little understanding of the price paid for the freedom they now take for granted. In an effort to preserve these forgotten stories, the Malaysian Armed Forces Chinese Veterans Association (MACVA) has published Memoirs: Malaya and Borneo at War, launched yesterday. The paperback compiles first-hand accounts from Malaysian veterans, offering a rare glimpse into the personal struggles, courage and camaraderie that defined their wartime experiences. Lee emphasised that the book is more than just a historical record. "It stands as a tribute to the thousands of soldiers and police officers who defended the sovereignty of our nation," he said. MACVA hopes the book will reach a wider audience — particularly secondary school and university students, who they believe must be taught the realities of Malaysia's wartime history and the sacrifices that shaped the nation. "We had planned to approach the Ministry of Education to give away copies of our book because the younger generation must be aware," said MACVA president Lt Col (Rtd) Wong Ah Jit. "But there have been hurdles in getting it approved and accepted into the school system." MACVA's latest publication follows its first book, Memoirs of the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans, launched in March 2020. With each release, the association hopes to fill the historical gaps left in mainstream narratives — and to spark greater public awareness of Malaysia's military past. There is a growing urgency to ensure that the sacrifices of these veterans are formally recognised. Wong stressed that their stories should not be confined to memoirs alone, but woven into the national education system — so that future generations truly understand the price of peace.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Major RM10 mln water project to end supply woes in Sg Maaw, Paradom
Wong (third left) and others during a site inspection on the project site at Sungai Maaw. SIBU (May 31): Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh yesterday conducted an inspection on a major infrastructure project involving the laying of a new water pipe to replace the existing pipeline in the Sungai Maaw and Paradom areas. The project is valued at over RM10 million. Wong was accompanied by local leaders from the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), including PDP Paradom Community Service Committee chairman Ting Hung Hua, and community leader Kapitan Hii Ching Yii. 'Once the project has reached completion, residents in these areas will no longer face water supply issues,' said Wong when met during the visit. In addition, he also inspected a newly-completed road project near Chung Cheng Secondary School, which was meant to help ease traffic congestion, particularly during the peak hours.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
HWPL's programme in Kuching highlights unity through ‘steps of peace' movement
The participants make their way to the bridge from the starting point at the Kuching Waterfront Amphitheatre. KUCHING (May 30): Over 200 participants gathered at the Waterfront Amphitheatre here recently for the 'Steps of Peace: Peace for Unity Walk', organised by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) in collaboration with the i-CATS University College (I-CATS). The event was held in conjunction with the 12th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace. It brought together youth leaders, students, local politicians, educators, and members of civil societies. In his speech for the opening ceremony, Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang highlighted the importance of civic unity and thus, he lauded any initiative aimed at fostering a culture of peace. 'Peace is not just about preventing conflicts; peace is about promoting connection. 'It is about choosing empathy over ego. It's about building bridges instead of walls,' he called upon those participating. Moreover, Lo also emphasised that peace must begin at the individual level. 'It doesn't begin on the international stage; rather, it's right here with each of us in the way that we treat our neighbours, how we speak to one another, and how we listen with care.' Following a simple flag-off, the participants made their way along the waterfront, heading to the iconic Darul Hana Bridge, which the HWPL hailed as an apt symbol of unity among Sarawak's diverse communities. The atmosphere was both celebratory and reflective, with cultural performances and interactive peace-building activities included that encouraged meaningful participation and connection among those joining the peace walk. Lo (second right) leads the contingent for the walk along the Darul Hana Bridge. When met by The Borneo Post after the walk, Loretta Cheremai Kong, a teacher from SK Pudu, shared her reflections. 'Malaysia is a peaceful country – we don't encounter war or guns. 'So I think this world peace movement is a really good step to spread peace to other parts of the world. 'One thing that we can improve is to not focus on our differences; rather, we should look at what unites us to promote peace. 'Even though we come from different cultures and beliefs, this shows that we can move forward together toward a better future.' As the co-host of the event, ICATS brought in its students who actively took part in the accompanying activities. The deputy vice chancellor (industry and community engagement) Prof Leo Sing Lim hailed the peace walk as 'a very meaningful platform', especially in view of Kuching being known as a 'city of unity'. 'We walk for unity, and we show the community that unity is very important. 'Events like this raise awareness and remind us that peace and harmony must be continuously nurtured through education and collaboration.' The Kuching event was part of a worldwide initiative led by the HWPL to commemorate the Declaration of World Peace. For this year, the movement has reached 94 locations across 61 countries, drawing participation from over 1,600 public figures and 10,000 global citizens. Some participants carry the batik banner, spanning six feet (over 180cm) in length, which was especially made for the peace walk. Originally proclaimed in Seoul, South Korea, on May 25, 2013, by HWPL chairman Man Hee Lee, the Declaration of World Peace calls for global cooperation to end war and promote peace. Since then, annual peace walks have been taking place across continents to raise awareness and inspire action. At the previous 10th anniversary of the Declaration, Lee stated that after 'declaring peace on Earth to achieve it together', he travelled around the world for the advocacy of peace. 'I called for peace to be taught at home and in school, and for everyone to become a messenger of peace. 'We need to be united under the title of peace and work together to create a better world and leave it as a legacy for future generations. 'This is our mission in the times we live in.' The participants gather for a group photo, with the State Legislative Assembly Complex in the background. This year's global commemorations include peace education programmes, interfaith dialogues, and grassroots community initiatives – all aimed at cultivating in those involved – and hopefully, everyone – civic responsibility and mutual understanding. 'The movement continues to advocate for sustainable peace through youth and women's empowerment, international cooperation, and legal instruments such as the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW),' said HWPL in an issued statement. Declaration of World Peace Kuching lead Peace for Unity Walk
