Latest news with #MadaniRakyat
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Govt expenditure on civil servants' salaries expected to reach RM18bil next year
KOTA BARU: The government's expenditure on civil servants' salaries is expected to increase to RM18 billion next year, up from RM10 billion this year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Madani Rakyat programme here today, Anwar said the increase reflected the government's commitment to the welfare and well-being of public sector employees. Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the rise would take into account the increasing cost of living, including expenses related to education and healthcare, while ensuring fairness to civil servants. "Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the economic ceiling and floor for the people must rise accordingly. "Thus, the Madani government urges private companies to set a minimum wage of RM1,700, while government-linked companies are to set it at RM3,100. "All government companies have been asked to ensure the implementation of the salary increase. They have also been reminded not only to take pride in profits but also to appreciate their employees, especially in the public sector. "The same applies to other groups such as farmers, fishermen, and padi farmers, who also receive various government benefits and incentive increases," he said. Also present was Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud. Anwar said while the government welcomed constructive criticism, he urged critics to also acknowledge the many changes the Madani government has brought about to the country. "We also recognise the importance of the government being close to the people to highlight important issues, such as through today's programme. "The people's income also depends on the country's economy, which can only be driven by a stable government and requires good cooperation between the federal and state governments," he said. It was previously reported that more than 1.6 million civil servants benefited from income increases ranging between 16.8 percent and 42.7 percent, along with changes to pension and retirement frameworks, with financial implications exceeding RM10 billion annually for the government. The salary adjustment is part of public service reforms under the Public Service Remuneration Scheme (SSPA), especially for civil servants in the executive group Grade 26 and below, who have low basic salaries.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
PM: Govt halts certain fruit imports to curb smuggling
KOTA BARU: The federal government has decided to halt the import of certain fruits as part of efforts to curb smuggling and stabilise the national economy, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the removal of subsidies for eggs was also aimed at achieving the same objective. "I hope the people understand that this is my way of encouraging Malaysians to buy more local fruits. "Otherwise, we will keep consuming smuggled goods. "Smuggling is not only happening in Kelantan but also in other border states. "This is an issue that requires our attention," he said when closing the Madani Rakyat programme here today. Anwar said the RM1.2 billion saved from the removal of egg subsidies could instead be used to offset chicken prices, which are now lower compared to 2021. On the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), he said the government had engaged with states over the past two years to discuss projects under the plan. "First, this ensures more effective implementation, and second, it allows us to discuss new matters. "If a project is urgent, such as those involving water and energy supply, we will prioritise it. "If the Kelantan menteri besar extends such cooperation, the government would not have the heart to delay it," he said. Anwar said projects in Kelantan such as the Sungai Golok bridge, Bukit Merbau sports complex, and an indoor arena were part of the Government's development plans. On the Madani Rakyat initiative, Anwar said it was a platform to directly engage with the people, allowing them to evaluate the government's performance, provide feedback and raise concerns. "This helps us design future programmes. "The people give their views, we try to improve. "The programme brings us closer to the people's problems and highlights important initiatives that need attention. "As I said this morning, we do not claim to represent perfect leadership, but we are giving our best. "I don't think we will step down easily. "Our main focus is to ensure national stability.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Police to seek court order today to exhume Zara Qairina's grave
Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah KOTA BARU: Police will today obtain a court order to exhume the grave of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the court order was crucial for the post-mortem process, which is needed to complete the police investigation and gather all necessary details. "I must stress here that the priority for the police is to find evidence so that truth and justice can be upheld. I urge all citizens and members of the public to give the police the space to carry out their duties in accordance with the law," he said when met at the 'Madani Rakyat' programme today. Saifuddin also reminded the public to rely only on verified sources of information and not to circulate unverified claims that could worsen the situation. "The investigation will be conducted transparently and with full responsibility to assist the justice process," he said. The Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) had on Wednesday ordered the exhumation of Zara Qairina's grave to enable a post-mortem examination. The A-GC, in a statement, said further investigation by the police was needed to ensure that all aspects of the investigation could be thoroughly carried out.
Borneo Post
30-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tamu Desa to be expanded in Sarawak, says minister
Ewon speaks during the press conference at Pasar Sungai Apong in Kuching today. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (July 30): The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives is looking to expand its Tamu Desa initiative in Sarawak this year, with discussions to be held with the state government to determine priority areas and implementation mechanisms. Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the expansion follows positive feedback and the successful rollout of 39 projects across Sarawak in 2024, involving a total allocation of RM7.8 million. 'This year, we will hold discussions with the Sarawak government, specifically with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, to identify new locations and coordinate project implementation,' he told a press conference during a visit to the upgraded Pasar Sungai Apong here today. 'We've already received applications from four Sarawak Members of Parliament requesting that Tamu Desa projects be implemented in their respective constituencies, especially in rural and remote areas,' he added. The Tamu Desa initiative, introduced in 2024, is designed to upgrade, refurbish, or construct new community markets, particularly in underserved areas of Sabah and Sarawak. For 2025, the federal government has allocated a total of RM20 million under the national budget and an additional announcement made by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Madani Rakyat programme in Tawau last May. 'This year's funding is the same as last year – RM10 million through the 2025 Budget, and RM10 million more announced by the Prime Minister. We aim to ensure continued implementation of these projects in both Sarawak and Sabah,' Ewon said. While the initiative originally focused on rural areas, Ewon said Sarawak's approach last year included markets in urban centres and areas under local authorities such as municipal councils. 'In Sarawak, some of the projects involved existing markets like Pasar Sungai Apong. Based on our discussions last year, the state government felt there was also a need to upgrade existing market infrastructure, and I agree that this should continue,' he said. He added that before finalising new projects, the ministry would consult with the Deputy Premier to ensure alignment with state development plans and secure a list of proposed sites. When asked whether most of the proposed markets would be in rural or urban areas, Ewon said proposals have been received for both types of locations. 'The four MPs who submitted requests included locations in the interior. I believe these areas also deserve to be prioritised, but the final decision will come after discussion with the state government,' he said. Separately, Ewon said the ministry also held a consultation session today with Sarawak government representatives on the proposed amendments to the Cooperatives Act. The session included participation from senior Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives officials, the Malaysian Cooperative Commission, Sarawak Deputy Ministers, state assembly members, and civil servants. 'We presented the proposed provisions of the new Act, and Sarawak has submitted its views and suggestions. This is part of our nationwide engagement process. 'We aim to table the new Cooperatives Act for first reading in Parliament at the end of this year, followed by second and third readings in the March session next year,' he said. Ewon said the new Act will focus on strengthening cooperative operations and enhancing the role of the Malaysia Cooperative Societies Commission as the main regulatory agency. Also present during the visit were Sarawak Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh; Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives secretary-general Dato Sri Khairul Dzaimee Daud; and Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. Ewon Benedick expand Tamu Desa
The Star
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘GST will hurt low-income M'sians'
LUMUT: The government is not ready to implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that will unfairly burden low-income Malaysians, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. On the surface, he said, GST looks like a good system as it is simple, easier to manage with just a flat 6% that everyone will have to pay. However, he said the implementation of GST will mean that the poor, the fishermen, smallholders, low-wage workers and street vendors are taxed on everyday essentials. 'GST is a broad-based tax. Everyone pays even for sugar, flour and basic food items. 'Yes, it is systematic and easy to implement, but is it fair? The poor or the unemployed will need to pay taxes just to have food,' he said in his speech at the closing of a Madani Rakyat programme yesterday. Anwar said this in response to assertions by opposition politicians that GST will be a better system compared to the existing Sales and Services Tax (SST). Anwar's comments come on the back of calls by some experts to revive the GST as opposed to the government's plans to expand the coverage of the SST in July. He explained that it will be feasible to implement GST if the country's economy grows stronger and if minimum wage is RM4,000 and above. Anwar said SST targeted imported and luxury goods rather than daily necessities. 'When imported bananas were taxed, people made noise, but these are not the local bananas like pisang emas or pisang rastali which are not taxed,' he said. Citing examples, he said that imported bananas, avocados and codfish are taxed because these are mostly consumed by those who are well-off. Anwar said that taxes collected under SST helped fund critical public services and national defence. 'If we do not collect taxes, how do we repair hospitals, fix roads, build schools or buy new aircraft for our armed forces?' he asked. He dismissed claims that the government is burdening the rakyat with power tariff hikes, pointing out that 85% of consumers do not have to face higher electricity charges. 'So those shouting about defending the Malays and Islam, who are you really defending? The rich? 'Because the village people did not see their bills go up, but the rich did,' he added. He said that no taxation system is perfect. 'I am not saying SST is flawless. If there are hiccups affecting businesses, we can sit down, discuss and improve on it. 'But people must understand why taxes are required,' he added.
