Latest news with #LingTianSoon
The Star
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Dr Wee: Don't ignore students with A- denied entry to matriculation
Seeking fairness: Dr Wee (left) and MCA Youth chief Ling Tian Soon holding up the SPM results of straight A students who were denied entry into matriculation, during a press conference in Yong Peng, Johor. YONG PENG: Heartbroken A- students who were denied entry into the matriculation programme deserve to have their plight addressed urgently, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. The MCA president said as of Saturday, the party had received complaints from 394 students who failed to secure places in the programme, most of whom had achieved straight As in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. 'Out of the cases we received, 214 students scored straight As in SPM but were still denied entry into matriculation. 'This includes 211 students who had only one or two A- grades. They would typically qualify, but the Education Ministry has now changed the criteria, and A- is no longer recognised as 'cemerlang' (excellent). 'There were also three cases involving students who met the new requirement by scoring A+ and A, yet were still not offered places,' he said after opening the Ayer Hitam MCA division's annual general meeting here yesterday. Dr Wee noted that the reported cases represent only those who have reached out to MCA and the actual number of affected students was likely much higher. 'These students should not be left hanging,' he stressed. He added that the situation was made worse by the fact that the change in requirements was only made after the SPM results had been released. 'Many had already celebrated their excellent performance, only to be disappointed later. It's truly heartbreaking,' he said, adding that he had received calls from affected students thanking him for raising the issue. Dr Wee also said among those who contacted the party were students who scored 9A+. 'Last year, we raised concerns when the Prime Minister said only those with 10As would be offered a spot. 'But what about students who only took nine subjects? How are they supposed to get 10As?' he asked, noting that the government has yet to provide a response. On Friday, Dr Wee posted a video on Facebook criticising the Education Ministry's official circular issued on April 30, which no longer recognises A- as equivalent to an A. Under the new policy, confirmed by Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, only students with 10 straight A+ and A grades would be automatically offered matriculation places for the 2025/2026 session. Dr Wee said the change marks a major shift from last year's policy, which guaranteed spots to students with 10As and above, regardless of background, following a commitment made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Star
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Star
Be alert for hot weather, wildfire risks in southwest monsoon, Johoreans told
Johor government is urging people to take precautions as the current southwest monsoon brings hot, dry weather, and wildfires risks. State health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the monsoon, ongoing until September, would affect mainly west coast districts. Ling, who is also Yong Peng assemblyman, said dry weather was more likely in Tangkak, Muar, Batu Pahat and Pontian districts. He said this could mean more forest fires if people carried out open burnings. 'We are urging all Johoreans to avoid open burning and quickly report any signs of fire,' he said. 'Prevention is key, as once a fire starts, it can spread quickly due to dry, windy conditions.' Ling said the Malaysia Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had also warned of squall lines bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and possible hail or tornadoes. 'Residents are advised to have their rooftops, nearby trees and electrical wiring checked to reduce the risk of accidents during storms,' he said. He also echoed reminders from the state government for the public to conserve water, and urged people to stay hydrated and healthy. 'Drink enough clean water daily and avoid prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day. 'Heat exhaustion and dehydration can become serious if left unchecked,' he added. To avoid misinformation and panic, Ling advised the public to seek information from verified government sources such as MetMalaysia. 'Accurate information will help us all prepare better,' he stressed. — By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- New Straits Times
Litterbugs beware: AI eyes are watching in Johor
JOHOR BARU: Illegal dumping in Johor Jaya will soon come with consequences, as artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cameras are being deployed to identify offenders. In a bold new move to clean up the streets, the Johor government has installed AI cameras to monitor and catch those who dispose of rubbish illegally, particularly in commercial zones notorious for repeat offences. State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the pilot project kicked off in Taman Johor Jaya following a flood of complaints from the public about mounting rubbish and repeated dumping. "Despite regular clean-up efforts by the Johor Baru City Council, the problem persists. "Some areas see rubbish piling up faster than it can be cleared," Ling said after inspecting the site today. The system, called Enter AI, is a smart camera equipped with facial recognition technology that records illegal dumping and helps identify the culprits. "Once offenders are identified, we can take appropriate legal action. "This initiative is in line with the decree by the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who wants a serious push towards improving cleanliness in the state," Ling said. A special task force has been set up to pursue longer-term solutions, including tightening enforcement, reviewing existing waste laws, and stepping up public awareness campaigns.
Malay Mail
7 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Johor exco: HIV cases among undergraduates rose to 12 last year
ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 26 — HIV cases among undergraduates in Johor increased to 12 last year, compared to 10 recorded the year before, according to Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon. Ling said the infections were linked to unsafe sexual practices, raising concerns about the rise in cases among young people, particularly university students. 'The Johor government, through the state health department (JKNJ), has strengthened the implementation of the Prostar 2.0 programme since 2023. 'The programme collaborates with higher learning institutions to increase awareness and prevention of HIV among adolescents and youth,' he said in response to a question from Selamat Takim (BN-Sungai Balang) during the Johor state legislative assembly session at Kota Iskandar today. Ling, who is also the Yong Peng assemblyman, noted that 1,673 university and secondary school students have participated in various activities under the Prostar 2.0 initiative so far. He said additional efforts include health talks, community forums, and public awareness campaigns, along with digital outreach through social media to effectively engage the target demographic. 'The government also provides free and confidential counselling and HIV screening services at all health clinics in the state to promote early detection and behavioural intervention. 'The state government remains committed to intensifying HIV prevention efforts to nurture a healthy, informed, and high-quality generation,' he added. Prostar 2.0 is a national health intervention programme by the Health Ministry designed to educate youth about HIV/AIDS and encourage healthy lifestyles.
The Star
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Smooth ambulance transfers, new facilities in Segamat
Ambulance responses in Johor are coordinated through the MECC that ensures clinic and hospital-based support. — Filepic SEGAMAT Hospital is equipped to handle medical emergencies within the district, a Johor exco says. These include calls that involve road transfers of patients between medical facilities. Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the hospital's six ambulances met the district's emergency and inter-facility transfer needs. 'The hospital maintains a daily bed occupancy rate of 78%. 'This is within manageable limits,' he said during the state assembly meeting held at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar. He was replying to N. Saraswati (BN-Kemelah), Ng Kor Sim (PH-Jementah) and Fauziah Misri (BN-Penawar) who raised concerns about ambulances and health services within their respective constituencies. Ling said Segamat Hospital had begun operations at a RM75mil facility that was handed over for use on Feb 25, 2023, and officially opened on April 1 that year. He said a new RM26mil health clinic would open in Segamat on July 31. 'Ambulances attend to about 78% to 89% of calls in the Segamat district within 15 minutes. 'The remaining 11% to 22% of calls receive ambulance assistance within the 16- to 34-minute range,' he added. Ling further said that nearby health clinics were also equipped with ambulances and assist in covering emergencies closer to their areas. 'These efforts are coordinated through the Medical Emergency Coordination Centre (MECC), a system used nationwide. 'It ensures that ambulance response is not solely hospital-based but includes clinic support as well,' he added. Ling said Johor would soon receive 45 new ambulances under a federal initiative. The state government, he said, was also funding four additional ambulances for the Tangkak, Batu Pahat, Mersing and Kota Tinggi districts. 'To improve emergency services, RM1.2mil has been allocated to upgrade emergency wards in 12 public hospitals across the state,' he said. Ling said the funds, announced by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, would be used for medical equipment purchases and renovation works. 'This reflects our commitment to enhancing the public healthcare system and providing a more comfortable, efficient environment for patients,' he added. ― By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH and RHEMA SENG
