Latest news with #LOWBOONTAT
The Star
07-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
PLUS to test barrier-free toll system
Improving traffic flow: Nanta (second from left) witnessing the demonstration of PLUS Malaysia's new ANPR system at Persada PLUS, Petaling Jaya. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star PETALING JAYA: The open toll payment system using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, supported by an integrated digital platform, will be implemented in stages on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) beginning this October, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. The Works Minister said the Hutan Kampung-Sungai Dua stretch in Penang will serve as the pilot project. He said the ANPR was the first step towards implementing the Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) system within the next two years, aimed at easing congestion at toll plazas. 'This system enables users to pass through any existing lane without stopping, offering smoother and more flexible journeys. 'I personally tried the system at a toll plaza and it proved to be significantly faster. 'No charges are imposed for registration, and users are free to choose any toll lane,' he said after witnessing the demonstration of the barrier-free ANPR system at Persada PLUS here yesterday, Bernama reported. Nanta said the system's development involved local experts in the highway sector and was fully carried out by the industry without any financial implications for the government. He said, as a start, the system would be tested at 13 toll plazas involving 35 lanes before being expanded in stages across the entire PLUS network. The ANPR system identifies vehicle registration numbers through cameras and allows toll payments to be made digitally and cashless. It also provides e-invoice displays, transaction checks and various other mobility services through a single integrated digital platform. Users only need to register online using their personal identification details, vehicle information and payment method. 'Once the registration number is read, the toll fare will be automatically deducted from the registered account. If the balance is insufficient, the payment will be claimed later from the vehicle owner,' said Nanta. Payments can also be made via the new JustGo application, which supports various methods, including e-wallets, bank cards and Touch 'n Go. Nanta stressed that there were no costs or charges imposed on the public to register or use the system, and they could still choose to use any existing toll lanes.
The Star
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Banquet raises funds for new PJ Buddhist temple
Temple representatives with corporate partners at the banquet.—LOW BOON TAT/The Star A charity banquet drew over 1,000 people to raise funds for new temple premises in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The dinner by Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Malaysia PJSS3 was held to fund the new premises in SS5 Kelana Jaya, to cater to FGS' growing membership. The banquet was organised with various chapters of Buddha's Light International Association Malaysia (BLIA). Organising committee chairman Kong Choi Mee, in her speech at the event in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, reflected on FGS' history. 'Since 1993, our SS3 centre has been a place for learning, service and spiritual growth. 'As we have grown, so has the need for a bigger space and we are happy to have secured a new building in SS5,' she said. FGS deputy abbess Ruxing Shih said the new premises reflected the dedication of the devotees. Entertainment at the dinner included a touch of nostalgia and a performance by Lay (below). 'It is an extension of their faith, built on the spirit of selfless giving, through which their compassion will pass on to future generations,' she said. Guest-of-honour Selangor Speaker Lau Weng San expressed thanks for FGS' work. 'FGS has long played a role in promoting cultural education and charitable service. 'This charity banquet is a powerful symbol of collective commitment,' he said. Guests at the charity banquet were treated to eight vegetarian courses as well as shows by local artistes. These featured four segments inspired by Shanghai vintage glamour and Buddhist melodies, among others. A performance by Christopher Lay accompanied by dancers was the evening's highlight. There was also a bidding session for artworks, with proceeds going towards the building costs of the new temple premises.
The Star
11-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Home teams blaze the ice
Skaters performing during the opening ceremony at Sunway Pyramid. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star MALAYSIAN ice rinks clinched the top two spots in the Skate Malaysia 2025 championship. Sunway Pyramid Ice defended its first place, marking the fourth consecutive year it won the title. Blue Ice Skating Rink @ KL East Mall secured second place. Third place went to Sub Zero Sukhumvit from Thailand, while Oasis Centre Arena and BX Rink, both from Indonesia, finished fourth and fifth respectively. Skate Malaysia 2025 athletes performing in the opening ceremony and (left) athletes in a group photo during the championship at Sunway Pyramid Ice. Four of the five athletes named as the top five best performers were also Malaysians, according to a statement by Sunway Pyramid Ice, which hosted the competition. They were Cassius Leong and Jenelle Sia Ee Xuenn from Sunway Pyramid Ice, and Chanice Low Xin Yu and Elizabeth Kim Niang Huai from Blue Ice Skating Rink @ KL East Mall. The fifth athlete was Thailand's Maneejan Wilairat of Sub-Zero Ice Skate Club Mega Bangna. Jenelle, 14, performed alongside students from Sunway Pyramid Ice Academy to welcome guests and visiting countries during the competition's opening ceremony. Present at the opening ceremony were Subang Jaya assemblyman Michelle Ng, Skate Malaysia competition director and Ice Skating Institute Asia president Harry Janto Leo and Ice Skating Association of Malaysia president Billy Johan. Over 600 athletes from seven countries participated in the competition, which marks its 17th edition this year. A total of 20 ice rinks from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China, the Philippines, Singapore and United States competed in 1,700 programmes throughout the five-day event. Athletes were evaluated on their knowledge and execution of manoeuvres, dance choreography, musical interpretation and more, depending on the criteria. The annual ice skating competition was also supported by the Youth and Sports Ministry. Sunway Malls Selangor senior general manager Jason Chin said that ice skating has grown exponentially and gained international recognition in recent years. 'Throughout the 28 years of Sunway Pyramid Ice, we have seen a steady growth of interest and participation in ice skating. 'We are optimistic that ice skating will gain more awareness and interest, as we are committed to making winter sports more accessible,' he said. Albert Cheok, assistant general manager of Sunway Pyramid Ice, Sunway Square Mall and Sunway Giza Mall, said Perak's first ice skating rink in Sunway Ipoh Mall is slated to be completed in the next two to three years. 'Ultimately, we endeavour to make ice skating more enjoyable as a leisure activity and competitive winter sport,' he said.
The Star
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Speed Selangor policy to kick off in October
Amirudin (second from left) checking out the Sepang Municipal Council Draft Local Plan 2035 (Amendment) display in Cyberjaya. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star BUSINESSES in Selangor can look forward to shorter approval times for planning permits when the Speed Selangor policy is implemented in October. Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the policy was expected to accelerate business and investment related approval time for planning permits in designated industrial areas to just one month or less. At present, such approvals can take up to three-and-a-half months. He said the policy was a combination of similar initiatives carried out at the local authority level. 'Now we are combining everything, placing it under one framework and we will adopt it across the board,' he said during a press conference after launching the Publicity and Public Participation Programme for Sepang Municipal Council Draft Local Plan 2035 (Amendment) at Semarak Hall in Cyberjaya. Amirudin said the state government had started internal training and trial sessions in preparation for the kick-off. 'Everything is ready. We could have implemented it on July 1 or even Aug 1, but I just wanted to test it out first. 'Our officers are undergoing training for its implementation.' He also said that the policy would have a platform for public complaints, as part of efforts to enhance the state's service delivery. Separately, Amirudin said the state would form a special task force to combat illegal dumping, a widespread problem in Selangor, with Dengkil, Kajang and Hulu Selangor among the badly affected areas. He said the problem of illegal dumping was connected to land and enforcement matters. As such, Amirudin said joint action was needed to address the issue. He said present enforcement efforts followed the National Land Code 1965, which limited the state's ability to act swiftly against offenders. 'We need to respond quickly to public complaints. 'Action needs to be taken not only against the illegal dumping ground operators; landowners should also be held accountable for illegal activities on their property,' he said, adding that the state had spent millions of ringgit to clean up sites after land was confiscated due to illegal dumping. However, procedural hurdles remained a challenge, Amirudin said. 'There was a case where the court overturned our action in confiscating the land, saying the notice period was insufficient. 'This shows we must restructure our legal framework to ensure stricter penalties, including higher fines and the ability to confiscate land more effectively,' he said.
The Star
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sg Klang rehabilitation project showing results
The cutter suction dredger cleaning the riverbed in Sungai Klang. More than 900,000 cubic metres of materials have been cleared away so far. —LOW BOON TAT/ The Star SINCE November 2022, approximately 918,937 cubic metres of materials have been dredged from the Sungai Klang riverbed as part of Selangor's flood mitigation project. These efforts have significantly improved water quality and increased the river's capacity, said the company spearheading the Selangor Maritime Gateway (SMG) project. Landasan Lumayan Sdn Bhd managing director Syaiful Azmen Nordin said the dredged materials comprised general waste, sedimentation and rocks. Landasan Lumayan is a subsidiary of Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated. The Maritime Gateway project, spanning 56km, aims to revitalise Sungai Klang and its surroundings. It is a state government initiative to overcome floods in Selangor. Speaking at a press conference at the project site in Kota Kemuning, Syaiful said SMG involved deepening and widening the river, alongside reinforcing the embankment and riverbank. These actions are expected to enhance water flow, preserve the river's ecosystem and improve water quality. Syaiful says Sungai Klang water quality is now at Class 3. 'The main objective is to increase the river's capacity to manage more water during heavy rain,' he said. He noted that clearing efforts had increased the river's capacity by 18%. The target is 40%. According to Landasan Lumayan, the project is divided into four blocks, with current focus on Block 3 – a 21km stretch in high-risk areas of Shah Alam, including Alam Impian (Zone 6), Section 24 (Zone 7) and Kota Kemuning (Zone 8). Work on Block 1, covering a 10km stretch in Klang (Zones 1 and 2), had been completed. Work on blocks 2 and 4 have yet to commence. Syaiful said the river would be widened from 50m or 60m to 80m or 100m, depending on location needs for smooth water flow. Dredging has been extended to depths of up to three metres, compared to previous depths of one to two metres. 'With increased capacity and reinforced riverbanks, rainwater can flow efficiently, reducing the risk of overflow or flash floods in Shah Alam and surrounding areas,' he added. Syaiful said the project was showing results as Sungai Klang's water quality had improved. 'At the beginning of the project, the water was classified as Class 5 (indicates heavily polluted water). 'Now, based on our sensors along the river, we are recording Class 3 water quality at about 69% of the time, which is a great improvement. 'There are 25 industrial areas, 13 tributaries and 10 million people having direct access to the river. 'We have to be realistic in our expectations, so our target is to make sure that the water quality is at least Class 3, which is suitable for general use,' he said. Syaiful said some of the challenges faced at the site included high amounts of waste besides deep mud, which complicated dredging works. However, he said the work was on schedule and was expected to be completed by 2026.
