Latest news with #MSA
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MACC's crackdown on illegal steel scrap bolsters fair trade practices: Industry body
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Steel Association (MSA) says Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's Ops Metal initiative is strengthening fair trade practices, while supporting economic integrity and the development of sustainable supply chains. It said the illegal outflow of steel scrap results in domestic supply shortages, driving up costs and affecting the production output of local manufacturers. Ops Metal saw enforcement actions carried out at 19 locations, with illicit activities causing Malaysia to reportedly lose more than RM950 million in tax revenue over the past six years, averaging RM160 million each year. MSA said such substantial losses undermine the country's fiscal stability and erode market confidence. "Illicit exports directly undermine Malaysia's industrial decarbonisation efforts. Steel scrap is essential for low-carbon steel production, leading to substantially lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional methods. "A secure and transparent domestic scrap supply is therefore paramount for achieving Malaysia's Net Zero by 2050 commitment, aligning with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 which identifies basic metals as a key enabler of the green economy," it added. MSA said illicit steel scrap activities directly endanger the industry's sustainability, emphasising that this essential raw material is crucial for maintaining robust industrial operations, supporting job creation and driving sustainable national development. It added that coordinated, multi-agency efforts involving key government enforcement and financial bodies are essential to effectively combat illicit activities. "To ensure vital material supply for essential projects and long-term sustainability, MSA urges implementation of strategic frameworks that will enhance transparent domestic scrap circulation, facilitate circular economy integration, and ensure the continuity of low-emission steel production," it said. The association added that such measures are crucial to support Malaysia's infrastructure growth and climate goals, as they help strengthen industrial stability, uphold environmental responsibilities and boost global competitiveness.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Ops Metal key to restoring supply chain integrity and investment confidence
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Steel Association (MSA) has emphasised the importance of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) 'Ops Metal' in safeguarding supply chain integrity and reinforcing investor trust. The operation targets illegal scrap metal exports, which have cost Malaysia RM950 million in lost tax revenue over six years. The MSA stressed that unchecked scrap outflows threaten industrial resilience, climate targets, and job creation. It urged stronger frameworks for transparent domestic scrap circulation to support low-emission steel production and circular economy goals. 'Multi-agency collaboration is vital to curb smuggling and align with Malaysia's infrastructure and climate commitments,' the MSA stated. The recent raids, including at NationGate Solution (M) Sdn Bhd, uncovered systemic tax evasion averaging RM160 million annually. The steel sector, contributing 2.5% to GDP and supporting 112,000 jobs, faces supply shortages and inflated costs due to illegal exports. The MSA warned these activities jeopardise Malaysia's Net Zero 2050 target and NIMP 2030's green economy vision. MITI's actions against tariff circumvention were commended, with the MSA reiterating the need for market discipline to sustain economic stability and supply chain security. - Bernama
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Clarity sought on Helen Botes' position at Johannesburg Property Company
The DA is demanding answers on whether Helen Botes has returned as chief executive of the Johannesburg Property Company. Image: File The status of controversial Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) chief executive Helen Botes in the entity has again been questioned after allegations emerged on Wednesday that she was back in her position. Botes' return was disputed by the JPC, with its spokesperson, Lucky Sindane, stating that Musah Makhunga was the company's acting chief executive. The JPC board has not responded at the time of publication. Botes had been the City of Johannesburg's acting chief operations officer (COO) until several temporary appointments could not be extended last month, including that of acting city manager Tshepo Makola, who returned to his permanent position of COO. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading This was after Gauteng Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Richard Mamabolo seconded Kiba Kekana as acting city manager. According to DA shadow City of Johannesburg economic development MMC Bongani Nkomo, Botes' contract as JPC boss expired in September last year. He stated that the JPC board has reinstated her months after her contract expired, and without any legal or procedural basis to do so. 'This alleged reinstatement, if true, constitutes a blatant violation of the Municipal Systems Act (MSA) and will be an insult to the principles of transparent, lawful governance,' Nkomo said. He also said this could signal yet another example of ANC-led cadre deployment and backroom dealing, which has long undermined service delivery and accountability in the city. 'Botes' contract as CEO of JPC expired in September 2024. Since then, she has inexplicably continued to occupy a space in the city's administration under the ambiguous title of COO, despite no clarity on her legal appointment status,' added Nkomo. He said with Kekana's recent secondment as acting city manager and Makola's return to his role as COO, questions were now mounting over Botes' official position, if any. Nkomo expressed concerns that the JPC board may have acted unilaterally to reinstate Botes to the position of JPC chief executive without following due legal processes, as no council resolution has been tabled or adopted to approve her reinstatement. Additionally, there is no confirmation that a fixed-term contract or performance agreement has been submitted as required under Section 57 of the MSA, and no formal extension of acting capacity has been granted beyond the legally permitted six months, contrary to what is prescribed under Section 54A. The DA is demanding confirmation of any formal council or board resolution passed on Botes' return to the JPC, proof of Mamabolo's concurrence for any acting extension beyond the statutory limit, and a clear and legal explanation of what position she currently holds within the municipality or JPC, and on what authority. 'If this alleged reinstatement occurred outside of the prescribed legal framework, it is null and void,' Nkomo warned. It has also threatened to escalate the matter to the Section 79 oversight committee and refer it to Mamabolo for urgent investigation.
Int'l Business Times
27-06-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
A Fair Way Mediation Center Celebrates 30-Year Milestone of Seamless Divorce Mediation
A Fair Way Mediation Center celebrates 30 years of resolving conflicts through effective mediation, helping marital couples and partnerships get separated with ease. Founded by Richard Gordon, the company has provided its mediation services since the late 70s with a single goal: to facilitate the arduous and often painful process of separation through a compassionate approach. As it enters its 30th year, the company's motto, "We help people break up nicely," has echoed throughout its business operations, enabling couples to have a peaceful resolution. "Divorces are often messy, but when legal proceedings are involved, it can get much uglier," Gordon says. "We're showing people that there are other ways of resolving the problem." At its heart, A Fair Way provides mediation services to divorcing couples without confusing legal complications, exorbitant fees, and conflicting solutions. "Many divorces involve a lot of money, time, and resources, which really adds to the suffering of the people who are going through the divorce," Gordon explains. "My business is built on the belief that there has to be a better way, for everyone." A Fair Way's values are rooted in compassion, sensitivity, and transparency, and they bring these values to every client interaction. The firm recognizes that people undergoing a divorce aren't looking for complex procedures that break their bank accounts, but require a compassionate approach that prioritizes their emotions. "At our firm, we get to know you to the best of our ability and equip you with all the options to help you make a decision," Gordon states. With a personalized and empathetic approach, the company reaffirms that married couples can work through the process of mediation and arrive at a peaceful resolution, without losing control to divorce lawyers and judges. Gordon's passion for his work comes from an epiphany he had in the late 80s when he realized that he wanted to be involved in mediation rather than litigation. "I realized I wanted to help people more than hurt them," says Gordon. At A Fair Way, the company takes great measures to ensure that its divorce settlement procedures are straightforward, uncomplicated, and, at its core, compassionate. They have a 30-minute free consultation to gauge the couple's dynamics and if there's a possibility of reconciliation between the two parties. Once the parties have come to a mutual decision, the firm begins the paperwork process. They provide the Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) with financial disclosure statements to facilitate a fair, reasonable, and equitable division of assets. Both parties receive a thorough explanation of the terms of the contract to ensure clarity and avoid any future disagreements before the divorce is processed. "This is mediation 101," Gordon adds. While amicable divorces do occur, there have been many instances where divorce has led to one party losing their assets, and a major reason behind this is due to the lack of legal knowledge that pervades the general public. "Each party owns 50% of everything in a community property state, such as California. Most people aren't aware of this, which brings forth a lot of confusion and anger after the division of assets," Gordon explains. "People need to make efforts to get educated about their rights and responsibilities to have better control when facing such circumstances." Aside from divorce agreement mediation, the company provides dispute resolution and mediation for homeowners associations, partnership agreements, and even between parents and schools. "Almost anything can be mediated," Gordon says. "Mediation creates a forum for calm discussions, compassion, and most importantly, compromise, which is pivotal for any conflict resolution." Separation, at its core, is a bitter and complicated experience for every party involved, but Richard Gordon proves that it doesn't have to be through his proficient mediation services. By leading with compassion, honesty, consideration, and structure for the last 30 years, A Fair Way Mediation Center has redefined messy breakups, embodying the role of the silver lining after every dark cloud.
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Understanding the limitations of traditional gap cover in South Africa
Explore how the rising costs of healthcare in South Africa are impacting families and discover how innovative gap cover products can provide essential outpatient support. As we reach the year's halfway point, many South Africans are beginning to feel the financial pinch, not just from rising living costs, but also from depleted Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs). It's in these moments that the limitations of traditional gap cover become painfully clear. While most gap cover products are designed to bridge shortfalls during hospital admissions, they rarely support outpatient and day-to-day medical costs. The growing cost of outpatient care According to the Council for Medical Schemes 2022/2023 Annual Report, South Africans paid close to R40 billion out-of-pocket for healthcare, with nearly half of that going toward outpatient services, not hospital stays. These costs include essential visits to specialists, radiologists, and dentists, which are often not fully covered once MSAs are exhausted. Rethinking the role of Gap Cover Recognising this shortfall, some newer-generation gap cover products have introduced day-to-day benefits designed to step in once MSA or scheme sub-limits are depleted.
