Latest news with #Junaidi
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Indonesia in rent-to-own scheme proposal
Tthe scheme could address the persistent issue of informal workers who were often underserved by banks. — AFP JAKARTA: Property developers have proposed a rent-to-own scheme as a way to ease homeownership access for workers in the informal sector. Junaidi Abdillah, chairman of the All-Indonesia Association of Housing and Settlement Developers said the scheme could address the persistent issue of informal workers who were often underserved by banks. Thus, they stood little chance to access mortgages, due to fluctuation in their income. 'It's complicated for banks to assess non-fixed income earners, like bakso (meatball) sellers, vegetable sellers or street hawkers,' Junaidi told a meeting on Tuesday with the House of Representatives Commission V, which oversees infrastructure, transportation and the development of disadvantaged regions. 'It's very difficult for them to access financing. 'Only a small percentage manage to get it, mostly through Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN),' he added, referring to state-owned mortgage lender BTN. Junaidi suggested the provision of a rent-to-own scheme as an option for informal workers who might not fit the conventional creditworthiness criteria, especially the Financial Information Service System of the Financial Services Authority that banks commonly used. 'If (rent payments) go well for several years, you can own the house. So we don't assess (eligibility based on salary), making this rent-to-own scheme compatible for people who are underserved by banks,' he said. At the same meeting, chairman Muhamad Syawali of the National Housing Developers and Marketers Association said banks' credit scoring system had hampered access to home financing, even for formal workers who earned a fixed monthly income. According to Syawali, many formal workers, especially those who earned less than six million rupiah per month, were unable to obtain financing for subsidised housing. For example, he continued, the minimum wage in East Java was 2.4 million rupiah per month but under the standard bank scoring model, only 30% of this amount could be put toward mortgage payments. Furthermore, this meant that people who earned around two million rupiah would only qualify for a monthly mortgage of between 800,000 rupiah and 900,000 rupiah. 'However, even the minimum mortgage payment for subsidised housing is 1.05 million rupiah. The numbers don't add up,' said Syawali. He also pointed to problems in several regions where regulations, such as exemptions from the land and property transfer duty (BPHTB) for low-income homebuyers, were not enforced. Last November, Home Minister Tito Karnavian, Public Housing and Settlements Minister Maruarar 'Ara' Sirait and Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo signed a joint ministerial decree aimed at helping low-income individuals own homes and included waivers for the BPHTB and the building approval fee, both of which are normally paid to regional administrations when purchasing a house. In April this year, the government issued another regulation, which increased the previous maximum income cap of eight million rupiah per month regardless of marital status, in a bid to boost homeownership by expanding the subsidised housing program to people in higher income brackets, including the middle class. — The Jakarta Post/ANN
Borneo Post
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah Navy to take part in LIMA'25
KOTA KINABALU (May 7): Several assets of the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) in Sabah will also participate in the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA'25) starting this May 20. According to Eastern Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Datuk Khir Junaidi Idris, the assets include four ships, two helicopters, and one submarine for the five-day exhibition at the prestigious annual event. 'TLDM will send four ships and two helicopters to Langkawi, namely KD Kelantan, KD Selangor, KD Rencong and KD Sundang for display. Additionally, two helicopters and one submarine will also be exhibited there,' he explained. When met by the media after paying a courtesy visit to Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman at Istana Seri Kinabaluon Wednesday, Junaidi said the visit was to brief and invite Tun Musa to LIMA'25. 'In conjunction with TLDM's 91st anniversary, celebrated last April 27, we would like to inform and invite His Excellency Tun to attend the LIMA'25 exhibition in Langkawi, which will take place from May 20 to 24,' he said. Junaidi, who took over as Eastern Fleet Commander last November, was accompanied by Maritime Region 2 Commander Rear Admiral Yusne Mokhtar. He also reaffirmed TLDM's commitment to the Sabah government regarding the safety of the people and the state's waters. 'We wish to express our cooperation between TLDM and the Sabah government, as well as to Tun Musa, and thank Tun for all the assistance and collaboration extended to TLDM. 'We also assure Tun that TLDM will always be in Sabah to safeguard the security and well-being of the people, especially Sabah's waters,' he said. In related developments, Junaidi also urged Sabahans to continue cooperating to ensure Sabah's waters remain safe and secure. 'We held the Eastern Fleet Open Day last week at TLDM Sepanggar Base, and next week, we will hold another Eastern Fleet Open Day in Sandakan on May 10 and 11. 'So, all Sabahans are invited to attend in large numbers in Sandakan, as well as the biggest event yet in Langkawi, where international exhibitions will be held from May 20 to 24,' he added.
Borneo Post
04-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Liansin unveils premium Taiwan Kuma Japonica rice brand
Junaidi (standing, sixth right), and Chung on his right in a photo call with Liansin and Ta Kiong personnel during the launch of the Taiwan Kuma Japonica brand. – Photo by Churchill Edward KUCHING (May 4): Rice wholesaler Liansin Trading Sdn Bhd yesterday unveiled its latest addition to the premium rice market—the Taiwan Kuma Japonica brand. The unveiling ceremony took place at Ta Kiong Supermarket at tHe Spring Shopping Mall here during a promotional roadshow that ends this May 12. During the roadshow, Ta Kiong members can get a 5kg pack of Taiwan Kuma Japonica for RM43.99, while for non-members, it is RM44.90 per 5kg pack. Liansin managing director Junaidi Ali said the Taiwan Kuma Japonica rice is extensively cultivated in Taiwan using cutting-edge storage facilities, and is perfect for everyday cooking needs. 'Renowned for its slightly sticky, chewy texture, Taiwan Kuma Japonica rice is ideal for a variety of dishes—from porridge and daily meals to sushi and rice balls. 'Cooked to resemble white pearls, it delivers a perfect balance of stickiness and chewiness,' he said in a press statement. He added that the rice is packaged in vacuum-sealed bags by Liansin to retain peak freshness and purity. Assuring safety and quality for consumers, Junaidi said the rice meets both halal and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) standards. 'For better storage, it is recommended to refrigerate the Taiwan Kuma Japonica rice once the seal is opened. Also, keep it away from high temperature, moisture, and direct sunlight, on top of keeping it away from strong odours,' he said. Speaking to reporters after the launch, Junaidi explained that Taiwan prioritises its domestic market first before exporting the rice overseas, particularly to Japan. Meanwhile, the roadshow also saw Liansin promote its Haryana rice brand, priced at RM45.99 per 5kg pack for Ta Kiong members, and RM46.90 for non-members. Among those present were Liansin sales and marketing advisor Lim Boo Khiong, marketing development executive Andrew Bong, sales executives Kam Sze Han and Chong Shi Siang, and Ta Kiong assistant operations manager Chung Shak Nar. lead Liansin Trading Sdn Bhd Taiwan Kuma Japonica brand
Borneo Post
26-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Applications for RM1,200 annual BKK for Sarawakian students to open May 1
Dr Annuar (centre) together with Junaidi (left) and Zamahari showing posters announcing the opening date for the BKK registration after the press conference. – Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (April 26): Sarawakian students pursuing higher education at public and private institutions across Malaysia can apply for the state's Special Financial Assistance (BKK) starting this May 1. State Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, encouraged all eligible students to seize this opportunity, which offers RM1,200 annually — disbursed in two instalments of RM600 each semester via SPay Global. 'This assistance is open to all students regardless of economic background. No other state has implemented such an initiative. The application period is open from May 1 to June 1, 2025. 'For those who miss the first application round, another opportunity will be opened in September, specifically for students enrolling later this year,' he told a press conference at Wisma Adenan at Yayasan Sarawak here today. He was accompanied by Yayasan Sarawak director Datu Mohamad Junaidi Mohidin and chief assistant director of the Scholarships, Programmes, and Assistance Division, Zamahari Saidi. Dr Annuar said that the initiative is expected to benefit around 60,000 Sarawakian students. It will be officially launched by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on June 28, and approved applicants will receive their first disbursement immediately after the launch. To qualify, applicants must be Sarawakians — meaning at least one parent or guardian is a Sarawakian — and must be enrolled full-time in a diploma or bachelor's degree programme at a public or private institution recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. Endorsement from their institutions is also required. Applications must be submitted online through the Yayasan Sarawak portal at with the necessary supporting documents. Students are reminded to ensure they have a valid Sarawak ID and an SPay Global account before applying. Introduced as part of Abang Johari's winding-up speech during the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting in November last year, the assistance was initially targeted at students from households with a per capita income of RM1,500 or below. However, the eligibility has since been broadened to include all full-time diploma and bachelor's degree students with Sarawakian status, regardless of socioeconomic background.
