Latest news with #Developmentand
The Star
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
13MP uplifts Indian community in line with Madani economic agenda, says Ramanan
KUALA LUMPUR: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) provides specific emphasis on raising the socioeconomic standards of the Indian community, in line with the Madani spirit that stresses a unified and comprehensive approach, Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R Ramanan said. The 13MP strategy was drafted to improve the quality of life and social mobility of the Indian community, especially from the low income group, through various initiatives outlined in the Malaysian Indian Blueprint and Indian Community Action Plan, while existing programmes that will be continued include the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development scheme. "13MP focuses on capacity and talent development, including in STEM, TVET fields and career opportunities, in addition to improving basic infrastructure, home repairs and housing access,' he said in a statement on Thursday (July 31). Efforts are also driven by economy and social empowerment, strengthening community governance and expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation to increase programme targeting and effectiveness, he said. Programmes like the Indian Community Socioeconomic Development Programme are designed holistically to empower education, entrepreneurship and social wellbeing, he said, adding that implementation of physical development projects in Indian community villages is also being planned. Ramanan also shared that the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry would introduce a self supervisory system for the franchise industry to reduce bureaucracy and boost competitiveness as part of the 13MP's second focus targeting high value industries and strategic sectors. "The 13MP document was drafted in detail without neglecting the needs of target groups, including the Indian community. It contributes to the Madani Economy aspirations to strengthen governance towards sustainable economic growth,' he added. The 13MP, themed "Melakar Semula Pembangunan' (Redesigning Development) was tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Dewan Rakyat today. - Bernama
Barnama
24-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Do Not Politicise, Belittle RM100 SARA Assistance, Great Value For The Poor
BUTTERWORTH, July 24 (Bernama) -- The provision of additional cash assistance of RM100 to Malaysian citizens, aged 18 and above, through the Basic Rahmah Contribution (SARA) programme should not be politicised, but rather seen as a form of concern for the poor. Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri said downplaying the value of the RM100 assistance was like belittling the poor in this country because it had a great impact on the daily lives of the less fortunate. "If he is a rich man, T20, he would indeed look down on RM100, but does he know how many people in this country are in the B40 group…how much RM100 is to them and for rich people, he doesn't understand whether RM100 is a big deal or not. "Do they know how many kilogrammes of rice RM100 can buy, how many chickens it can buy? So, if the (government) initiative is good, we have to say it is good, if it is not good, we have to say it is not good, not to belittle it,' he told reporters after attending the PENN 2.0 Special Fund Financing Briefing and Presentation Ceremony here tonight. Explaining further, Ramanan said all parties should show empathy and understand the reality of the lives of low-income groups, especially in challenging economic conditions. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, yesterday announced several major initiatives as a sign of appreciation from the MADANI Government to the people, including the one-off RM100 grant under the SARA programme, the delay in toll hikes for 10 highways, and the lower RON95 petrol price subsidy at RM1.99 per litre. Meanwhile, Ramanan also said the MADANI Government no longer relies on a single agency such as the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA) in addressing the issues of the Indian community, but has instead introduced various high-impact programmes including financing and entrepreneurship development. According to him, the government is now implementing a more comprehensive approach involving various agencies such as the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (TEKUN), Bank Rakyat, SME Bank and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) specifically to empower Indians. '(It is) increasing the Prosperity Empowerment and A New Normal for Indian Women (PENN) fund from RM50 million to RM100 million, in addition to an additional RM50 million fund for the BRIEF-i programme, the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme (SPUMI) and introducing Vanigham Financing for Indian Entrepreneurs with financing of RM50 million,' he said.
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Job Seekers Move Into Work
Minister for Social Development and Employment More than 80,700 people moved off a main benefit and into work in the last financial year, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. 'Despite challenging economic conditions, the Government has been relentlessly focused on getting New Zealanders into work. It's encouraging that 80,000 Kiwis were able to kick start new roles over the past 12 months and there will be more to come.' Overall, MSD stats released today show that as expected in the current economic climate, the overall number of people receiving a benefit has increased, ahead of a forecast decrease from December. The number of people receiving a main benefit in June 2025 (406,128) increased by 7,965 (2.0 percent) compared to March 2025 (398,163). The number of people receiving Jobseeker Support in June 2025 (216,009) increased by 6,171 (2.9 percent) compared to March 2025 (209,838). 'Over the last three years, MSD have traditionally seen a trend of more people coming onto benefit in the March to June period,' Louise Upston says. 'It's likely this is partially because there's less seasonal work around during the winter months.' 'MSD is continuing to provide great support to job seekers on the frontline. Our Government has increased the number of people in case management at any one time from 60,000 to 70,000 people. 10,000 of those are getting help through a new phone-based case management service. That's more people getting more support. 'We've got 2,100 more places for young people to get community job coaching, more regular work seminars, employment plans to help people get ready for work, and a traffic light system to help them stay on track with their obligations. 'People now also have to reapply for their benefit every six months, instead of just once a year. This gives MSD an extra opportunity to support them into a job. 'We know some Kiwis are still doing it tough while the economy recovers, but we're working as hard as possible to get New Zealanders off welfare and into work,' Louise Upston says. Notes:
News18
04-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
‘No Scope To Absorb Pain': Military Official Stresses Readiness For 5 Generations Of Warfare
Last Updated: He broke down the evolving nature of warfare into five distinct generations, each representing a critical shift in how conflicts are fought. In a firm message aimed at underlining India's strategic posture, Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance), declared that punitive action would be taken whenever required, adding: 'There is no scope of absorbing pain, the way we did a few years ago. That is one important message that stands out loud and clear." The comments, made during an event christened 'New Age Military Technologies' organised by FICCI in Delhi, come amid growing concerns about India's multidimensional threat environment. Lt Gen Singh stressed the urgent need for India's military to be fully prepared to operate across all five generations of warfare — from trench combat to cyber and cognitive operations. He broke down the evolving nature of warfare into five distinct generations, each representing a critical shift in how conflicts are fought. The first generation involves traditional trench-based combat, reminiscent of the large-scale battles seen during World War I and II. The second generation moves into artillery duels and heavy firepower strategies, which continue to play a role in many present-day conflict zones. Third-generation warfare emphasises manoeuvrability, speed, and tactical surprise — tactics designed to outpace and outflank the enemy. The fourth generation is defined by the increasing role of non-state actors, including insurgent groups and asymmetric threats that challenge conventional military responses. Finally, fifth-generation warfare introduces a far more complex battleground, encompassing cyberattacks, information warfare, psychological manipulation, artificial intelligence, and threats extending into space, redefining the scope and nature of modern conflict. Lt Gen Singh pointed out that India is simultaneously facing elements of all five types of warfare, a unique and complex challenge that demands not only robust defence systems but also cutting-edge innovation and real-time adaptability. 'The Indian Armed Forces have to be ready now," he concluded, pointing at an urgent need to bolster readiness, technological integration, and a posture that no longer tolerates strategic passivity. First Published: July 04, 2025, 13:06 IST
The Star
30-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Mining bribery case: Sabah reps vow to continue serving constituents while clearing their names
KOTA KINABALU: Two elected Sabah representatives facing corruption charges want their day in court to clear their names through the legal process after what they termed "intense humiliation" in the public eye. Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob and his Tanjung Batu colleague Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy said they would continue serving in their constituencies while proving their innocence and restoring their reputations through the legal system. "As the saying goes, a man is innocent until proven guilty," Dr Yusof told the media after his court appearance on Monday (June 30). "Therefore, we do not want this to disrupt (our work), and we remain focused on our duties as elected representatives to serve our constituencies and fulfil our responsibilities." ALSO READ: Two Sabah assemblymen, businessman claim trial over RM350,000 mining bribe case He added that although they had been humiliated in the media, they believed in the justice system and would rely on the courts to vindicate them. 'We are confident that the process will be transparent and fair,' he said. Andi Muhammad Suryady, standing beside Dr Yusof, added: 'We will clear our names, and God willing, all will go well." They both stressed that serving the people remained their priority during the case. Asked about his position as state Assistant Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister, Andi Muhammad Suryady declined to comment. 'Let's just wait for the instruction,' he said, without specifying from whom the instruction would come. Dr Yusof, 69, and Andi Muhammad Suryady, 44, pleaded not guilty when charged separately under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 for accepting bribes at the Special Corruption Court here. If convicted, they face up to 20 years' jail and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the bribe. They had allegedly received a total of RM350,000 from businessman Datuk Albert Tei in 2023 in relation to mineral prospecting licences. Tei was also charged separately under Section 16(b)(A) of the same Act for offering bribes. Pre-trial case management for all three was fixed for Aug 5.
