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Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
RM100 aid welcome, but inaccessible for many in rural Sarawak, say reps
Gerawat says the initiative, credited directly to recipients' MyKad and usable only at authorised supermarkets or mini markets, does not take into account the unique challenges faced by rural communities. MIRI (July 25): While the federal government's latest RM100 cash aid under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) initiative has been lauded as a timely relief for many Malaysians, elected representatives from rural Sarawak have raised concerns that the current rollout mechanism risks leaving out communities in the interior. Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala said the initiative, credited directly to recipients' MyKad and usable only at authorised supermarkets or mini markets, does not take into account the unique challenges faced by rural communities. 'Assistance that helps reduce the people's burden is always appreciated. However, for those in the interior without access to approved outlets, this RM100 becomes inaccessible, unless they travel to town, often spending more than RM100 just to get there. 'This defeats the very purpose of the aid,' he told The Borneo Post when contacted for comments on the aid distribution. To address the issue, Gerawat suggested expanding the Jualan Rahmah programme to remote communities and allowing the RM100 credit to be used there. He also proposed extending the validity of the aid to one year, to give rural recipients sufficient time to utilise it. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced several Madani appreciation measures, including the RM100 Sara assistance, a freeze on toll rate hikes for 10 highways, and a reduced RON95 fuel price of RM1.99 per litre. However, Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau noted that many of the measures appear to be more applicable to urban populations, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia. 'The only direct benefit for our rural folks is the RM100. But how can they use it if they have no access to the outlets, or if they don't have a MyKad?' he questioned. Dennis pointed out that some villagers in longhouses still do not possess identity cards, due to a combination of remoteness and logistical hurdles. 'It's not that they don't want to apply. Some were born and raised deep in the interior, and getting to the nearest JPN (National Registration Department) office, even during mobile outreach visits, is a journey full of challenges.' He added that fuel price reduction, toll freezes, and even EPF-related announcements hold little relevance in the rural belts of Sarawak, where roads remain limited and fuel prices are already higher due to transport costs. 'The delivery system needs to reflect the realities in Sarawak's interior,' Dennis stressed. Both leaders agreed that while the Unity Government's intentions are noble, a 'one-size-fits-all' approach risks further marginalising those living far from urban centres, unless a more inclusive distribution mechanism is adopted, one that reflects the unique needs of rural Sarawak. Their concerns are grounded in personal experience: Gerawat hails from Pa' Lungan, a remote village in the Bario highlands near the Malaysian-Indonesian border, while Dennis is from Long Bedian, deep in central Baram region. Dennis Ngau gerawat gala rural Sara aid
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Tennis-Raducanu beats Osaka in straight sets to reach Washington quarters
Jul 24, 2025; Washington, D.C., USA; Emma Raducanu (GBR) hits a backhand against Naomi Osaka (JPN)(not pictured) in a women's singles match on day four of the Mubadala Citi DC Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images (Reuters) -Emma Raducanu beat four-times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 6-4 6-2 in their first career meeting to reach the quarter-finals of the Washington Open on Thursday. Raducanu, U.S. Open champion in 2021, next faces former world number three Maria Sakkari after the Greek stunned American second seed Emma Navarro in straight sets. "I thought it was going to be a really difficult match. Naomi's won four slams, she's been world number one, won Masters," Raducanu told Sky Sports. "She's so dangerous and on the hard courts, I think she's particularly comfortable. "I knew I was going to have to play well and manage my own service games, which I'm really proud of how I did. I was making some inroads in her service game after I got used to it a little bit. "I'm really pleased with how I handled the ball speed and conditions here in DC." Raducanu, who will reclaim the British number one ranking from Katie Boulter when the WTA rankings are released on Monday, is also into the women's doubles semi-finals alongside Wimbledon 2022 champion Elena Rybakina. Venus Williams' comeback tournament after 16 months away from the game ended with a 6-2 6-2 loss to Polish fifth seed Magdalena Frech. The 45-year-old seven-times singles Grand Slam champion became the oldest player to win a WTA singles match since 2004 when she beat Peyton Stearns in her Washington opener on Tuesday. (Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Goa; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
Rakyat Post
5 days ago
- Rakyat Post
Fake Passport Factory 'Impresses' With 10-Minute Service, Busted By Authorities
Subscribe to our FREE In what might be the most bizarrely efficient criminal operation Malaysia has seen this year, two Bangladeshi men have been busted running a fake passport factory. During a recent Immigration Department raid dubbed 'Ops Serkap' in Kepong, authorities stumbled upon what can only be described as the Amazon Prime of document forgery. Hidden in an ordinary house, the two men in their twenties had set up a sophisticated operation complete with printers, laptops, and enough fake passports to stock a small embassy. However, here's where it gets interesting: when officers asked the suspects to demonstrate their process, they created a counterfeit passport in just 10 minutes flat. Ten. Minutes. The Business Model That Works The operation was running like a well-oiled machine. The duo claimed they could produce 20 to 30 fake passports daily, selling each for RM400. Their monthly salary? A modest RM2,500. The fake documents weren't amateur hour either. Authorities discovered hundreds of counterfeit passports from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Myanmar. When Criminals Become Customer Service Goals The moral of the story? Sometimes the most effective operations are the ones that shouldn't exist at all. And sometimes, Malaysian social media commentary is more entertaining than the actual crime. Some joked that Malaysia's National Registration Department (JPN) is less efficient than the Bangladeshi fake passport makers. They joked that obtaining official documents requires half a day of queueing and waiting, while criminals can produce a fake passport in just 10 minutes. Parts of this story have been sourced from . Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
The Star
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
SEED 2025 brings wellness, services under one roof
The Star employees donating blood at the National Blood Bank booth. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAh/The Star THE Star Employee Enrichment Day (SEED) 2025 transformed a regular workday into a vibrant hub of wellness, fun and convenience. The annual two-day event organised by Star Media Group (SMG) Bhd's Group People Department is part of an ongoing initiative to provide meaningful experiences that prioritise employee wellbeing and boost morale. With more than 50 booths set up at Menara Star in Petaling Jaya, employees could consult government agencies, undergo wellness screenings and shop from various vendors. One of the standout features this year was the expanded wellness centre, which offered a wide range of services focused on both physical and mental health. Hazlin Aminudin, from the Content Department, said the wellness aspect kept improving with more health screenings introduced annually. 'I noticed that every year there are more of these health tests and screenings, and I think it's really helpful,' she said. 'These are the things most of us wouldn't usually go our way to check otherwise. (From left) SMG Internal Audit general manager Chai Ming Jye, Group People project lead Joshua Joel, Print, Circulation & Subscription senior general manager Goh Kok Soo, The Star managing editor Brian Martin, Chan, Terence, Digital senior general manager Wan Syahirah Mohammad Zubir, Technology senior general manager Kevin Seng, senior general counsel Soh Sze Jean, Group People project lead Lee Jun Yen and senior group company secretary Kimberly Hoh at the SEED 2025 launch. 'It also helps normalise seeking support for mental health. It's really good for awareness,' she added. An exciting new addition this year was the neuro-AI emotional wellness screening provided by Alpro. The cutting edge tool uses artificial intelligence to help people better understand and manage their stress levels. Beyond wellness, SEED also served as a practical one-stop centre for personal errands, with the participation of multiple government agencies, which were also open to the public. Participants supported the community by donating blood at the National Blood Bank booth. SMG employee Sia Hong Kiau shared her thoughts on the importance of donating blood. 'I believe donating blood is beneficial, not only for yourself but for saving the lives of others. Everyone should do it if they are eligible,' she said. Among the most visited agencies was the National Registration Department (JPN) which offered services such as MyKad renewals, MyKad applications for 12-year-olds as well as registration for birth or death certificates. JPN assistant registrar Zurina Soleh said the JPN mobile van received a strong response. 'Almost every minute, there would be someone at our booth,' she said. Zurina added that there was a balanced turnout for both identity card matters and birth and death certificate registrations. Another initiative was the HR information counter, which gave employees a dedicated space to consult on topics regarding recruitment, performance and rewards, learning and development and employee engagement. Employees making enquiries at the JPN mobile service during SEED 2025. The event was officially launched by SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt who highlighted the convenience SEED offered employees. 'From the healthcare setup to the government agencies that we have here, it really is a convenience for staff who do not have the time to do what is necessary for them,' he said. SMG Group People senior general manager Terence Raj said SEED was also about bringing the workplace community together. 'Sometimes we are separated by various floors, and this kind of events bring everybody together. 'It's about encouraging interaction and collaboration between different departments,' Terence added. During the launch on the first day of SEED 2025, participants were treated to a nostalgic cup of Milo from the popular Milo truck. Meanwhile, the second day kicked off with a morning physiotherapy session by Alpro and a Nestum giveaway. SEED 2025 featured vibrant performances by Suria FM and staff along with interactive games like 'Guess the Voice'. Free goodie bags were also given out to employees at the two-day event.
Free Malaysia Today
15-07-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Protect family from falling victim to sham marriages, says immigration DG
Immigration director-general Zakaria Shaaban said syndicates target vulnerable elderly women to consent to marriage with foreign partners in exchange for thousands of ringgit that is paid monthly as an allowance. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The immigration department has told the public to be more vigilant amid growing concerns over sham marriages involving foreign nationals and older local women. Immigration director-general Zakaria Shaaban said syndicates are targeting vulnerable elderly women to consent to marriage with foreign partners in exchange for thousands of ringgit paid monthly as an allowance, Berita Harian reported. 'We need to raise awareness about this in the community. 'If you have ageing family members, such as a mother or older sister who lives alone, ensure they are not taken advantage of by syndicates offering financial incentives,' he was quoted as saying. Immigration authorities recently smashed a syndicate believed to be offering immigration services, including applications under the 'foreign spouse of a Malaysian citizen' category, and marriage registration services through the national registration department (JPN). The syndicate reportedly targeted vulnerable elderly women, often those who were financially dependent or lacked family support. According to the Malay daily, in most cases, the elderly women were only required to consent to the marriage. In exchange, they received thousands of ringgit every month as an allowance, while the foreign partner used the marriage to obtain legal status in Malaysia. Zakaria said that while marriages conducted legally and in accordance with Malaysian law are not considered offences, authorities are concerned about the rise in the so-called 'marriages of convenience' that are used to gain residency status. He also warned that the department will not approve long-term social visit passes if investigations suggest that the marriages were carried out purely for immigration benefits. 'There have been cases of foreign men in their 20s marrying local women in their 60s or 70s. The age gap alone raises suspicion of ulterior motives,' he said. 'If a 25-year-old foreign man marries an elderly woman just to get legal status in Malaysia, that's not a genuine relationship. Immigration will conduct thorough checks to verify the authenticity of such marriages.' He said these cases, though not new, present an ongoing social concern, especially when elderly individuals are exploited.
