Latest news with #Khairuddin
The Star
20-05-2025
- The Star
Families in Kudat face eviction from long-established community
KOTA KINABALU: Over ten families in Kg. Landong Ayang, Kudat, must vacate their homes within 14 days following an eviction notice from the Sabah Lands and Surveys Department, sparking public outcry. The notice, dated May 19 and seen by The Star, was issued under Sections 166 and 173(1)(h) of the Sabah Land Ordinance. It stated that the families had built homes on state reserve land without approval, making them trespassers. Residents must demolish their houses or face forced eviction, a fine of up to RM100,000, or imprisonment of up to five years, or both. The department also stated it would not be responsible for any damage or loss during enforcement. Wira Warisan (Youth) P167 Kudat head Khairuddin Daud condemned the move as inhumane and unjust. He said Kg. Landong Ayang is not a squatter area but a longstanding community established since the 1970s. "There are basic public facilities here—a school, mosque, Tadika KEMAS, and futsal court—which proves this is not a temporary settlement, but a functioning community," he said on Tuesday (May 20). Khairuddin said that the affected residents are low-income Sabahans who have lived in the area for decades. "What's puzzling is that the houses marked for eviction are right in the middle of an established kampung. They've been there for many years—so why is the eviction happening only now?" he questioned. He added that the eviction notice was issued without any relocation plan, compensation, or alternative housing. "This is traumatising, especially for the elderly and children. It's not the action of a government that claims to champion the people," he said. He also criticised the inconsistency in land management, noting that while families are being evicted from land they've occupied for decades, large parcels allocated to federal agencies remain idle. Khairuddin said residents had sought help from the village chief and Tanjong Kapor assemblyman Datuk Ben Chong Chen Bin but have yet to receive any response or solution. He urged the state government to immediately withdraw the eviction notice and hold an open dialogue with residents, relevant agencies, and grassroots leaders to find a fair and humane resolution. "We will not remain silent. Kg. Landong Ayang is not just land—it is home, dignity, and the future of our people," he said. Sr Caley Jousie Amin, assistant land revenue collector in Kudat, signed the eviction notice.
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
US Tariffs: Malaysia's proactive strategies come at critical time
Charts that show the reciprocal tariffs the US seeks to charge other countries are displayed at the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on April 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. — AFP photo KUCHING (May 19): The Malaysian government's six-pronged strategy to ensure economic stability in the face of retaliatory tariffs from the United States has been lauded as proactive and timely. Announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a Special Session of the Dewan Rakyat on May 5, the government's plan addresses both short- and medium-term economic stability and national interests. Key components include close monitoring of economic indicators, continued negotiations, support for affected exporters (particularly SMEs), and the cultivation of stronger regional ties and the pursuit of new markets. The strategy also involves accelerating development project implementation and approvals, alongside ongoing economic reforms under the Madani agenda. Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid emphasised that these measures are a considered response, not a knee-jerk reaction. 'If these six strategies are implemented swiftly and effectively, I believe the economic impact of the US tariffs will be minimal,' he stated. Khairuddin noted the significance of electrical and electronic equipment and components in US-Malaysia trade. However, he expressed confidence that this sector could weather the tariffs, provided global demand remains robust. 'As long as global demand for these goods remains high, demand from other countries will persist, and these industries will not be severely affected,' he explained. To shield SMEs from the brunt of the tariffs, Khairuddin stressed the importance of exploring new market opportunities for Malaysian products. He advocated leveraging Malaysia's 2025 Asean chairmanship to expand market access within the Asean bloc. 'We cannot rely solely on traditional markets; the exploration of new markets is essential,' he added. Dr Yii Kwang Jing Meanwhile, Dr Yii Kwang Jing, associate dean of Accreditation and Curriculum Enhancement and Senior Lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, offered a similarly optimistic outlook, suggesting that the tariffs need not spell disaster for Malaysian exporters. Yii highlighted Malaysia's strategic position as 2025 Asean chair, with access to a 660-million-consumer market, poised to absorb trade as US markets potentially contract. He pointed to the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (Atiga) and its zero-tariff schedule as a crucial safety net. 'From vehicle spare parts in Penang to cocoa products in Sabah, shipments can now move across regional borders with minimal paperwork and near-zero duties,' he stated. He further emphasised the role of the Madani Government's digital trade portal in facilitating SME access to these regional trade routes, reducing transaction times from months to days. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) (Asean+3) also provides a platform to expand trade, with simplified rules enabling tariff-free entry for Malaysian semiconductors into China, Japan, and South Korea. 'Halal food producers, green technology suppliers, and chip manufacturers suddenly find three large and readily accessible customer bases,' Yii noted. The upcoming Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (Defa) is expected to be a 'game-changer,' streamlining compliance for e-commerce-focused fintech startups through harmonised regulations on data, e-payments, and cybersecurity. 'Consultant estimates suggest the digital economy could contribute US$1 trillion to Asean's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, presenting significant opportunities for Malaysian digital firms,' Yii explained. He also underscored the political advantage conferred by Malaysia's 2025 Asean chairmanship, emphasising the collective bargaining power it provides. 'This Chairmanship enables us to align standards that benefit Malaysian businesses while amplifying our voice in global trade discussions,' he stated. 'In essence, diversification is not merely an option but a strategic imperative. By capitalising on Asean tariff reductions, the broader reach of RCEP, and the forthcoming digital agreement, Malaysia can pivot from a US-centric trade environment to a regionally focused one,' he argued. Addressing concerns about Malaysia's leverage in negotiations with the US, Yii acknowledged the US' historically firm stance on trade. However, he pointed out Malaysia's past successes in securing concessions by highlighting areas of mutual economic benefit. He cited the 2020-2023 palm oil dispute, where the US initially considered anti-dumping duties. Malaysia countered by presenting audited data from the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) Certification scheme, detailing US companies' reliance on palm oil, and signaling its willingness to pursue legal action at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). 'Ultimately, the US abandoned the proposed tariffs in the face of widespread opposition from various stakeholders, including US importers,' Yii said. He also highlighted Malaysia's recent success in mitigating the impact of US export controls on its semiconductor industry, initially targeted at China. By emphasising Malaysia's 13 per cent share of global chip packaging and testing and Intel's substantial investments in Penang, the government successfully argued that broad restrictions would harm US competitiveness. 'These instances demonstrate that 'smaller' economies can influence outcomes when they occupy strategic positions within global value chains, such as in advanced packaging, nitrile gloves, or sustainable palm oil,' Yii concluded. 'Malaysia must continue to leverage robust data, build coalitions with diverse stakeholders, and be prepared to pursue WTO litigation when necessary.' Khairuddin Abdul Hamid lead US Tariffs Yii Kwang Jing
The Star
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
No surprises expected at BAM election as Khairuddin steps aside
PETALING JAYA: The upcoming Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) presidential election on Saturday is expected to be a calm affair with no contest, following Datuk Seri Khairuddin Samad's confirmation that he will not be vying for the top post. Khairuddin, who is also the president of the Putrajaya Badminton Association, had previously expressed interest in running for the presidency but has since decided against it. Instead, he is expected to retain his current position as one of BAM's vice-presidents. 'There were no candidates earlier, so when I was asked in January whether I was interested in contesting for the BAM presidency, I put my name forward. 'It's because I genuinely love badminton and care deeply about our players. 'But once the BAM council members unanimously agreed to nominate Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz as the new presidential candidate, I respected the decision and chose not to contest,' said Khairuddin, who previously served as team manager of the Malaysian squad at the 2021 Sudirman Cup in Vantaa, Finland. At that time, the young Malaysian side made history by ending a 12-year medal drought to bring home the bronze from the prestigious team event. According to the BAM constitution, nominations for the presidency and other posts remain open until election day, and anyone can still be nominated. Despite this, no other challenges are expected, and the current executive line-up is set to remain unchanged. With Khairuddin stepping aside, Tengku Zafrul is set to win unopposed and be confirmed as BAM's new president for the 2025–2029 term. Acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam will continue as deputy president alongside Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohd Yunoos. Tengku Zafrul had previously been proposed as a candidate to succeed Tan Sri Norza Zakaria as BAM president, after Norza initially expressed his intention to step down. However, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh urged Norza to reconsider and continue leading the association until the 2024 Paris Olympics. Following the conclusion of the Games, BAM appointed Subramaniam as acting president until the annual general meeting in May.
Borneo Post
29-04-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
UTS hosts ‘Jom Berambeh' to celebrate multicultural spirit
Khairuddin (third left) tries his hands at the blowpipe, as a gimmick to launch the event. SIBU (April 29): The University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) Staff Recreational Club hosted a 'Jom Berambeh' programme at its campus today to mark the celebration of three major cultural festivities in Sarawak ― Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and Gawai Dayak. UTS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid, when officiating at the event, said the gathering served as a reflection of the unity and harmony among Sarawak's multi-ethnic society, particularly for the benefit of foreign staff at the university. 'This gathering is important as we spend a great deal of time together on campus as colleagues,' he said. Khairuddin also expressed hope that the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect would continue to flourish among the staff. 'Let us carry out our duties with intergrity and refrain from workplace gossip,' he added. About 200 UTS staff members attended the event, which was themed 'Uniting Cultures: Chinese New Year, Eid Mubarak and Gawai Dayak'. Also present during the celebration was Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili. education Khairuddin Ab Hamid multi-ethnic University of Technology Sarawak
