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Business Recorder
20 minutes ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
LHC halts auction of long-leased shops in Jaranwala
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday barred authorities from going ahead with the planned auction of dozens of commercial shops in Jaranwala after tenants filed a writ petition challenging the legality of the move. Justice Malik Javaid Iqbal Wains issued a stay order, suspending the auction scheduled for July 25, 2025, and sought replies from the concerned government departments. The petition was filed by 40 shopkeepers through Advocate Chaudhry Shoaib Saleem. The petitioners, many of whom have been operating businesses at the premises since before or shortly after the creation of Pakistan, argued that the auction violated their tenancy rights and existing agreements with the municipal authorities. According to the petition, some of the shops were constructed in 2005 by the tenants themselves under a public-private partnership, while others were built by the local administration and allotted to tenants through oral and subsequently written agreements. Ch Shoaib Saleem argued that they the petitioners entered into formal tenancy agreements with the municipal corporation in December 2023, in accordance with Punjab Local Government policies and a notification issued by the Secretary of Colonies on September 30, 2019. They added that all tenants were up to date with rent payments, which included a 10% annual increase as per the agreements. Despite this, the Deputy Commissioner Faisalabad issued a public auction notice covering these shops, prompting the tenants to approach the court. The petition contended that the auction notice contravened Section 94(7) of the Punjab Local Government Act, 2022, and infringed upon the petitioners' fundamental rights under Articles 4, 10-A, 14, and 18 of the Constitution. The petitioners also pointed out that substantial security deposits, around Rs 500,000 per shop, made in 2005 were still held by the government. The court stayed the auction proceedings and adjourned the case for further hearing. The petitioners have requested the court to declare the auction notice illegal and to restrain the government from taking any coercive action against them. Respondents in the petition include the Punjab Chief Secretary, Secretary Local Government, Secretary Colonies Department, Deputy Commissioner Faisalabad, and Assistant Commissioner Jaranwala. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Sun
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Litterbugs face community service under amended Malaysia law
KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat has passed the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management (Amendment) Bill 2025, introducing community service as punishment for littering offences. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the new provision allows courts to issue community service orders alongside fines. Nga emphasised the need for firm enforcement, urging public support for the ministry's actions. 'When courts impose sentences, let us uphold social justice without politicising the issue,' he said during the parliamentary debate. The Bill was approved by a majority voice vote after discussions involving 14 MPs. Under the amendment, courts must assess an offender's physical and mental condition before ordering community service. Nga clarified that the government leaves the duration of service to judicial discretion, citing cases involving individuals with special needs as an example. To strengthen enforcement, local authorities will receive additional manpower, training, and modern technology. Nga explained that fines alone have proven ineffective, making community service a more suitable deterrent. The amendment also requires offenders to wear special vests during service, aiming to foster remorse and environmental awareness. The Bill seeks to reduce repeat offences, pollution, and disease risks while promoting legal compliance. Nga highlighted the growing litter problem, stressing that stricter measures are necessary for long-term behavioural change. - Bernama
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Tanjung Bidara coastal upgrade project on track, says Melaka Exco
ALOR GAJAH: The Tanjung Bidara coastal upgrading project is progressing smoothly without delays, according to Melaka Senior Executive Councillor Datuk Rais Yasin. As of June 25, the project has achieved 40 per cent physical completion, five per cent ahead of schedule. Datuk Rais Yasin, who oversees Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change, and Disaster Management, stated that the project remains on track for completion by September 14, 2026. He dismissed claims of suspension, clarifying that any temporary pauses were due to necessary design revisions rather than delays. 'Although there was a temporary pause in physical works at the site due to necessary changes in the original design following structural impacts caused by wave action, the project was never suspended,' he said. The RM2.29 million project, which began on August 15 last year, aims to protect the Tanjung Bidara coastline from erosion and high tide effects. The Coastal Zone Management Division (BPZP) of the Melaka Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) reassessed the original design to ensure long-term coastal protection. - Bernama
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Best foot forward: Nga struts out in Malaysian-made firemen's shoes
PETALING JAYA: While the "Made in Malaysia" product on labels can evoke a sense of pride in locals, a federal minister says the spotlight should be shifted to products that are "made by Malaysia". Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the Madani administration has made it a policy to buy products that are not only locally made but also designed by Malaysians. He also highlighted how he has been wearing shoes designed for the Fire and Rescue Department since he took over the ministry. According to Nga, the shoes were designed by a Universiti Teknologi Mara engineering graduate. "They are also regarded as medical shoes and also sold at the National Heart Institute," Nga said. He added that he has been wearing these shoes to promote local products and show solidarity with the Fire and Rescue Department. 'The quality of the shoes is amazingly good and the price is affordable,' he said.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Anwar vows to stay as PM, focuses on national development
BAYAN LEPAS (Penang): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today affirmed that he will not resign as demanded by certain quarters, as long as he has not committed any wrongdoing or abused his power. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said he is firm on this and would continue to focus on fulfilling his mandate to develop the people and the nation. 'Insya-Allah, I will not step down. If I had stolen public funds and people demand my resignation, then fine. But I did not steal anyone's money. I've been Prime Minister for nearly three years now, and I ask — where have we awarded projects through direct negotiation? All must go through the tender process. 'Use Parliament. Criticise if you must. If the opposition has the numbers, they can table a motion — that's the proper way. Persuade any MP to support you. If I lose, I will step down gracefully. That's the peaceful way,' he said. He was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Teluk Kumbar Kompleks MADANI near here today, which was also attended by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran. The Prime Minister, who is on a one-day working visit to Penang , said the MADANI government under his leadership is working tirelessly to develop the nation, including addressing the rising cost of living. He noted that various initiatives are being implemented, including raising the minimum wage, providing assistance to poor padi farmers, expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, increasing affordable housing for the B40 group, and raising civil servants' salaries. Acknowledging that not all issues can be resolved within just three years of leading the government, Anwar said the administration is doing its utmost to support the people while pushing forward Malaysia's development. At the event, Anwar also announced an additional allocation of RM5 million for the development of Penang's Barat Daya district this year. - Bernama
