Latest news with #MalaysiaPlan
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Three major health projects underway at Penang Hospital
GEORGE TOWN: Three health projects are ongoing at Penang Hospital here, backed by a federal allocation of RM758 million under the Malaysia Plan. State Youth, Sport and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said these projects represented a critical upgrade to the state's healthcare infrastructure. The three projects are the RM307 million women and children's block, the RM23 million stem cell services block and the RM428 million specialist clinic and ward block. Gooi said the women and children's block involved demolishing the existing block and constructing an eight-storey hospital building with 329 beds and a 12-storey car park with 449 parking bays. "It includes major services such as outpatient and inpatient care, diagnostic and treatment units, medical support services, administrative offices, and public amenities including a cafeteria, surau and playground. "This block will consolidate all women and children's services, reducing congestion and eliminating the need for patients to access the main hospital block. "The project is currently 34.35 per cent completed as of May 22, and is targeted for completion by January 2026," he said during a visit to the women and children's block construction site here today. Gooi said the stem cell services block was aimed at upgrading stem cell transplant services, including allogeneic bone marrow transplant facilities, apheresis units and stem cell labs. He said additional infrastructure included 25 parking lots, a covered connecting bridge, support buildings (including a waste house and M&E room), and utility upgrades. "This project is 10.19 per cent completed as of May 29, with completion scheduled for March 2027. "As for the specialist clinic and ward block, this 14-storey building will house specialist clinics (levels 1–11) and wards (levels 12–14) with 216 beds, along with parking on levels 2–7 and mechanical facilities in the basement. "The project currently stands at 3.33 per cent progress as of May 20, with completion targeted for May 2029," he added. Gooi said that despite earlier delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and handover constraints, construction had picked up pace, particularly following the piling phase. He said the implementation of the Industrialised Building System was expected to accelerate progress. "These upgrades will enhance public healthcare access, reduce overcrowding and resolve long-standing parking issues at the hospital. "These developments reflect the government's commitment to a more equitable, high-quality healthcare system," he said. Gooi said they would continue to strengthen public health infrastructure to ensure no one is left behind.
Free Malaysia Today
23-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Next Dewan meeting delayed for review of GDP forecast
The Dewan Rakyat will convene from July 21 to Aug 28 instead of June 23 to July 31. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The next Dewan Rakyat meeting has been delayed to allow the government to finalise its economic growth forecast in view of the US tariffs, before it is used to prepare the 13th Malaysia Plan. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul's office said the lower house of Parliament will now convene from July 21 to Aug 28 instead of June 23 to July 31. It also noted that 2025 was shaping up to be a busy year for MPs, with various events lined up outside of parliamentary proceedings. This includes meetings by the Public Accounts Committee and other parliamentary select committees, as well as international events. It also said the Dewan Rakyat would convene for a total of 78 days this year, an increase from the 69 days last year. 'The Malaysian Parliament remains independent from any political leanings and always upholds the interests of the people and nation as its main priority,' it said in a statement. Earlier today, PAS's Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari questioned the decision to delay Dewan Rakyat proceedings, saying it meant that the lower house would only convene 137 days after its last sitting on March 6. He said this would be the third-longest period of Parliament not sitting, after the May 13 riots in 1969 (648 days) and the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns in 2021 (195 days).
Business Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Malaysia's Rafizi to face off Anwar's daughter in party polls
[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia's Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli is set to compete with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's daughter for their party's deputy presidency, a development that's set to heighten tensions in the country's ruling bloc. Nurul Izzah Anwar – who's currently the vice president of People's Justice Party – confirmed her candidacy for the second most senior position in a Facebook post on Friday (May 9). Rafizi's nomination was also affirmed by his spokesperson. Voting will take place on May 23. Nurul defended her decision to contest for the role amid 'accusations, scrutiny and personal attacks,' saying 'I am confident that those who read this statement rationally can distinguish between nepotism, which is being appointed by a family member for a position versus a competition voted for by the grassroots.' A number of leaders in the party, including Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Selangor Chief Minister Amirudin Shari, have pledged their support for her. The People's Justice Party is holding its first internal polls since Anwar, who helms the party, became prime minister in November 2022. Earlier this week, Rafizi, who is the incumbent deputy president, said he welcomed news of potential candidacy for Nurul and Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution. He also signalled that he would resign from the Cabinet to focus on campaigning at the grassroots level should he lose the contest. Any decision by Rafizi to step down as minister may have ramifications on Malaysia's economic plans. He is one of the key officials pushing for the country to phase out petrol subsidies, with the government approaching a mid-year deadline to end blanket assistance for its most popular gasoline. He is also supervising the five-year economic blueprint known as the Malaysia Plan, the 13th edition of which is set to be launched this year. BLOOMBERG
Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Malaysia Economy Minister Rafizi says ready to quit Cabinet
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia's Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said he is prepared to step down from the Cabinet to focus on campaigning for the next general election that is due in early 2028. Mr Rafizi also said he welcomes challengers to the deputy presidency position that he currently holds in the People's Justice Party's polls scheduled for May 23. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail urged him to stay in the Cabinet and contest for the party's number two post, he said. 'I said that I will take into account all views in making a final decision,' Mr Rafizi said in a statement Wednesday. The People's Justice Party is holding its first internal polls since Mr Anwar, who helms the party, became prime minister in November 2022. Mr Rafizi's announcement comes at a delicate time for Malaysia. He is one of the key officials pushing for the country to phase out petrol subsidies, and the government is approaching a mid-year deadline to end blanket subsidies for its most popular gasoline. Mr Rafizi is also supervising the five-year economic blueprint known as the Malaysia Plan, the 13th edition of which is set to be launched in 2025. Mr Rafizi said that as minister, he has been confined to the administration's consensus views and has been unable to speak more freely. 'My concerns revolve around the current situation in which the government's campaign is seen as too defensive and not offensive the way the party was when it was in the opposition,' he said. Meanwhile, Malaysia is planning to downgrade its growth forecasts for this year on account of US-imposed tariffs. As economy minister, Mr Rafizi oversaw Malaysia's growth jump 5.1 per cent year-on-year in 2024, from 3.6 per cent in 2023. BLOOMBERG Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Business Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Malaysia Economy Minister Rafizi says ready to quit Cabinet
[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia's Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said he is prepared to step down from the Cabinet to focus on campaigning for the next general election that's due in early 2028. Rafizi also said he welcomes challengers to the deputy presidency position that he currently holds in the People's Justice Party's polls scheduled for May 23. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail urged him to stay in the Cabinet and contest for the party's number two post, he said. 'I said that I will take into account all views in making a final decision,' Rafizi said in a statement on Wednesday (May 7). The People's Justice Party is holding its first internal polls since Anwar, who helms the party, became prime minister in November 2022. Rafizi's announcement comes at a delicate time for Malaysia. He is one of the key officials pushing for the country to phase out petrol subsidies, and the government is approaching a mid-year deadline to end blanket subsidies for its most popular petrol RON95. Rafizi is also supervising the five-year economic blueprint known as the Malaysia Plan, the 13th edition of which is set to be launched this year. Rafizi said that as minister, he has been confined to the administration's consensus views and has been unable to speak more freely. 'My concerns revolve around the current situation in which the government's campaign is seen as too defensive and not offensive the way the party was when it was in the opposition,' he said. Meanwhile, Malaysia is planning to downgrade its growth forecasts for this year on account of US-imposed tariffs. As economy minister, Rafizi oversaw Malaysia's growth jump 5.1 per cent year on year in 2024, from 3.6 per cent in 2023. BLOOMBERG
