Latest news with #Malaysian-based
Malaysian Reserve
3 days ago
- General
- Malaysian Reserve
NGO calls for deeper probe into trafficking networks behind KLIA detainee case
By GLORIA HARRY BEATTY HUMAN rights non-profit organisation Tenaganita is urging authorities to go beyond border enforcement and investigate trafficking networks behind the arrival of 279 foreign nationals who were denied entry by the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) division of the Border Control Agency (AKPS) on June 2. According to a recent statement by AKPS, this is the highest single-day record of Not-To-Land (NTL) cases since the KLIA Monitoring Team was established in 2023. The removal is part of AKPS's ongoing efforts to tighten border security. All individuals involved were ordered to return to their countries of origin immediately following documentation and further screening by its officers. Tenaganita ED Glorene Amala Das welcomed immigration authorities' use of intelligence tools to scrutinise travellers at the point of entry but warned that enforcement alone is not enough. 'It is encouraging to note that immigration authorities are using intelligence and available systems to assess incoming individuals against proper entry requirements, rather than allowing entry without sufficient scrutiny. 'However, while enforcement at the point of entry is important, it is equally critical to investigate and identify the networks facilitating these movements. We must ask: Who arranged for them to come? What agencies or individuals were involved on both ends, particularly in Malaysia?' she told the Malaysian Reserve. Glorene pointed out that these arrivals do not happen in isolation and are often Malaysian-based recruiters, agents, or companies complicit in enabling their travel and planned employment here. The group's years of work with migrant workers and trafficking victims reveal a pattern of deception by recruitment agents and companies operating in Malaysia and abroad. 'At Tenaganita, we have worked with many migrant workers and victims of trafficking who were deceived by false recruitment promises. Some sold their family lands or took on huge debts with the hope of decent work in Malaysia, only to find themselves exploited, undocumented, and abandoned. 'We hope that thorough investigations are underway to expose and hold accountable those who facilitated this attempt to enter Malaysia under dubious pretenses. Many of the individuals may have been victims of deception and coercion,' she cautioned. Glorene also urged that those detained be allowed to return home safely and share their experiences to raise awareness in their communities to prevent further exploitation. As the group continues its efforts to protect the rights of migrant workers and victims of trafficking, it believes accountability and systemic reform must go hand in hand with enforcement.
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GMA Network
5 days ago
- GMA Network
DOTr eyes raps, shutdown of site charging up to P40k for one-way air fare
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is seeking the filing of charges and closure of an online booking site that charges almost P40,000 for one-way plane tickets. 'I've asked the [Philippine National Police] to take it down, PNP Cybercrime to take down this website today,' Dizon said in a press briefing. 'I have also asked, apart from the cease and desist order issued by the [Civil Aeronautics Board] last May 26, the CAB and the DOTr Aviation Group… to immediately file… a criminal economic sabotage case,' he added. According to Dizon, Leyte Representative Richard Gomez informed the DOTr that he and his wife bought two one-way tickets from Tacloban to Manila for P77,704 through AirAsia Move, an alleged Malaysian-based travel platform. In another incident, two one-way tickets were bought for P50,000. Dizon said that a one-way ticket bought from the site of another airline only cost around P12,000. 'So, clearly, this is just absurd, no? And really bordering— well, not bordering, this is actually criminal. Criminal na itong ginagawa ng AirAsia Move na ito (this action of AirAsia Move is really criminal),' he said. The DOTr chief said that AirAsia Move asserted its independence in response to the cease and desist order previously issued by CAB. 'Sumagot po si AirAsia Move. Ang sinabi nila, okay, we will try our best… to comply pero hindi naman kami under sa inyo, eh. 'Yun ang last paragraph nila,' Dizon said. (AirAsia Move responded and said, 'Okay, we will try our best… to comply, but we're not under your jurisdiction.' That was their last paragraph.) 'We respectfully submit [that] the CAB's jurisdiction under RA 776 applies to air carriers, not foreign-based [online travel agencies],' he added, citing the response of AirAsia Move. Dizon said this was 'unacceptable,' calling on the public to avoid buying tickets from the online platform. Meanwhile, he said that airline AirAsia does not have anything to do with the platform. 'They're affiliated but I don't think AirAsia, in fairness to AirAsia Philippines, no, the airline… I don't think they have anything to do with this,' Dizon. He said he has also instructed CAB to investigate other online platforms that may be doing the same thing. San Juanico rehab In a statement Monday, the Office of Civil Defense said it has asked CAB and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, through a letter to Transportation Secretary Dizon, to probe the reported increases in passenger and cargo air fares in Eastern Visayas amid the restrictions on San Juanico Bridge. "We respectfully appeal to the CAB and the CAAP to immediately look into this matter and implement appropriate legal measures to thwart or regulate these purported air fare and cargo fare increases," OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said. Among the trips with reported higher air fares are those heading to Tacloban and Ormoc City in Leyte as well as to Catarman in Northern Samar. The OCD suggested increasing the number of flights in Ormoc, Calbayog, Catarman, and Tacloban while the San Juanico Bridge is being rehabilitated. To complement the proposed increase in flights, the OCD also suggested issuing provisional permits and certificates of public convenience for public transport and movement of goods. The OCD hopes that these measures can be quickly facilitated by the Philippine Ports Authority, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and Maritime Industry Authority. A three-ton load limit has been imposed on San Juanico Bridge since May 15 after an assessment showed that there are significant structural compromises to the bridge. Only the middle portion of the bridge is open for motorists. Completed in 1972, San Juanico Bridge is the only permanent land link between the islands of Samar and Leyte. It is a vital artery of the Maharlika Highway that connects Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the restriction halted the passage of heavy cargo vehicles. This severely disrupted the transport of food, medicine, agricultural products, construction materials, and other essential commodities across the region. According to the NDRRMC, the restrictions on San Juanico Bridge could result in up to P600 million monthly economic losses as 14,000 vehicles cross the infrastructure daily. Around P7 billion is needed for the repair and rehabilitation of San Juanico Bridge amid concerns on its structural integrity, the NDRRMC said. The NDRRMC has recommended to President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. to declare a state of calamity in the entire region of Eastern Visayas. Currently, Tacloban City and Samar Province are under a state of emergency. —AOL, GMA Integrated News
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Restoring soil with innovation
KUALA LUMPUR: IN a world grappling with environmental challenges and dwindling soil fertility, Eco Foodsoft Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian-based pioneer in organic compost production, is transforming the way farmers approach agriculture. Founded in 2017 by Jason Teo Giin Liang, Eco Foodsoft began by collecting food waste from restaurants, which was composted into organic fertilisers. However, the Covid-19 pandemic forced the company to adapt, shifting to processing organic waste from factories and focusing on supporting farmers across Malaysia. Teo said Malaysian farmlands have suffered from overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, leading to deteriorating soil quality. This degradation not only reduces crop yields, but also harms farmers' heath and the environment. "Farmlands today are over-reliant on chemical fertilisers. The soil has become so depleted of living matter that crops can barely grow," he said. "If a hectare of padi field once produced eight tonnes of rice, after 10 to 15 years it now only yields four tonnes. This is a direct result of poor soil health." Eco Foodsoft's answer lies in its high-quality organic compost, enhanced with vermicast — a nutrient-rich byproduct of earthworms that significantly boosts soil fertility. Teo said the company had conducted a research with Malaysia's Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi), which showed that using Eco Foodsoft's compost can increase yields by 30 per cent. SUSTAINABILITY AT THE CORE Eco Foodsoft follows a circular economy model, where organic waste, such as coffee grounds, soy dust and cow dung, is collected and composted using a proprietary Japanese formula, which accelerates the process from six to nine months to just three months. This method not only reduces land usage for composting, but also lowers production costs, making the compost affordable for farmers. Eco Foodsoft also repurposes durian husks, tackling the challenge of managing thousands of tonnes of durian shell waste generated in Malaysia annually. This innovative approach not only enhances farmers' productivity, but also mitigates the environmental pollution caused by organic waste in landfills, creating a synergy between agricultural efficiency and environmental sustainability. In essence, the company's process restores soil health while reducing the detrimental effects of accumulated organic waste at landfills. Teo described the process: "We turn waste into gold, helping farmers improve their soil, grow healthier crops, and close the sustainability loop. Consumers benefit from higher-quality produce, and the waste they generate goes back into the cycle." UNIQUE FEATURES OF ECO FOODSOFT COMPOST Eco Foodsoft stands out as Malaysia's largest vermicast producer, using advanced techniques to create compost that functions as both fertilisers and soil conditioner. Teo said the company's package also includes customised "Soil Solutions", where farmers will receive soil analysis and tailored composting methods based on their farm types, whether they are vegetable farming or palm oil plantations. Teo added that different types of farms will have different "cures". For example, a vegetable farm will need plowing with the compost, while palm oil plantations have dense soil, making it impossible to be plowed. Moreover, Eco Foodsoft also offers consumer-friendly packs, which are smaller compost packages for households, encouraging home gardening and organic practices. Teo said it is crucial to use organic composts for at-home farming as chemical fertilisers can be harmful to the family and especially for children, elders and pets. which can get very close to the farm. Eco Softfood also strives to raise educational outreach by regularly conducting workshops in schools to raise awareness about sustainable farming and organic agriculture. CHALLENGES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK One of the biggest hurdles in Malaysia's agriculture industry is the reluctance of farmers to adopt organic compost due to cost concerns as many still view chemical fertilisers as more affordable and more effective in the short term. However, Teo warns that this mindset ignores the long-term damage to soil health and crop quality and while only focuses on only the return on investment. "When farmers switch to organic compost, they see significant improvements," he said, citing a case in Cameron Highlands where a client saw better produce quality and longer shelf life with Eco Foodsoft compost. "But when they reverted to using cow dung to save cost, the quality dropped, and they came back to us." Teo also advocates for greater collaboration among Malaysian farmers, drawing inspiration from countries like Japan and Thailand, where knowledge-sharing has strengthened their agricultural sectors. Teo also warned against the overuse of chemical fertilisers that poses significant health and environmental risks, including chemical poisoning. According to the World Health Organisation, pesticide poisoning leads to approximately three million hospitalisations and 220,000 deaths annually as prolonged exposure to these chemicals can also cause severe health issues, such as cancer, among farmers and agricultural workers. By adopting organic compost, such as Eco Foodsoft's vermicast-enriched fertilisers, farmers can reduce their reliance on chemical inputs as organic compost naturally replenishes soil nutrients and improves soil health, providing a sustainable alternative that protects both farmers' wellbeing and the environment. A CALL TO ACTION Teo passionately urges both farmers and consumers to consider the bigger picture. "Farmers must prioritise the health of their land because land is finite. In 20 to 30 years, we could face a land shortage if we don't act now. "Farmers must also take caution of the impact of chemical fertilisers on their health, which can cause serious damage due to high exposure to chemicals." He stresses the importance of consumers supporting organic products. "Yes, they're more expensive, but they're a small price to pay for protecting our soil and environment." LEADING THE WAY FOR CHANGE As one of Malaysia's pioneers in organic compost production, Eco Foodsoft is paving the way for a more sustainable agricultural future. With increasing awareness and demand, Teo envisions a time when organic compost becomes an integral part of farming in Malaysia. "Will it cost more to use our products? Maybe in the short term. But the alternative — exhausting the soil and buying new land — is far more costly."
Malaysiakini
08-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Asia Mobiliti latest to embrace CommercePay's cutting-edge payment solutions
Asia Mobility Technologies Sdn Bhd ('Asia Mobiliti') has become the latest company to adopt CommercePay's advanced payment gateway, a move expected to significantly streamline digital transactions and enhance operational efficiency across its suite of urban mobility services. The partnership was formalised recently between Asia Mobiliti CEO Ramachandran Muniandy and Group of Companies Group CEO Kuna Kathigesan. Describing the decision to implement CommercePay, Ramachandran said the platform offered a 'rapid, efficient and secure payment process, eliminating the burdens of setup and annual maintenance fees that many competitors impose.' He added that CommercePay's high flexibility in customising payment flows to match Asia Mobiliti's user experience and app design was a key factor. 'The support for payment tokenisation for bank cards and the TNG eWallet ensures that our mobility services remain at the forefront of technological innovation and customer convenience.' 'Its developer-friendly APIs and dedicated technical support have enabled us to integrate the solution swiftly, while its customisable design makes it ideal for agile, tech-driven companies like ours that require partners who can move and adapt at our pace,' he said. Kuna, meanwhile, said that CommercePay has 'taken the market' by storm due to its versatility and ease of integration. 'CommercePay is designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses across e-commerce, live commerce, social commerce and mobile commerce,' he said. 'We have a highly experienced team with decades of experience and are committed to make our platform as user-friendly and conducive as possible.' 'We are now focused on launching innovative solutions to encourage online payment adoption in rural areas where uptake is still low. Our goal is to break down barriers and bring meaningful progress to these communities.' Asia Mobiliti, an award winning Malaysian-based Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform and digital city solutions provider, is recognised for its efforts in modernising urban transport in emerging markets. Its core offerings include connected vehicle systems, Demand-Responsive Transit, multimodal journey planning engine and advanced IoT systems for predictive analytics. 'These initiatives are about solving the real-world challenges of urban mobility,' said Asia Mobiliti Chief Commercial Officer Vicks Kanagasingam. 'Integrating CommercePay reinforces our commitment to improving the overall user experience. Its fast and stable payment processing allows our users to book rides seamlessly with minimal delay, which is essential for a smooth transit experience. 'This reliability and scalability also enable us to support growing user volumes without friction, helping us expand our operations efficiently,' Vicks added, further explaining that the platform's flexibility and proven performance make it well-suited for Asia Mobiliti's broader urban tech rollout, where a dependable and adaptable payment solution is critical.' Since its launch, CommercePay has rapidly gained traction among digital businesses, with hundreds of merchants now using the platform. Among them are BizApp, Malaysia's largest rural-focused social commerce platform supporting agent-based businesses and Bumiputera entrepreneurs, and Xamble Creators, which connects content creators with brands for impactful collaborations. 'As we welcome Asia Mobiliti into the CommercePay ecosystem, we are all excited about the opportunity to demonstrate how mobility and fintech can work together to create more inclusive, seamless digital experiences,' Kuna said. 'This partnership goes beyond payment innovation to support our broader mission of driving digital adoption, both in urban areas and across underserved communities across. Whether it is a startup, SME or emerging tech company, CommercePay empowers businesses to scale by providing flexible, reliable and efficient payment solutions that grow with them.' Source: Asia Mobiliti and The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini. Interested in having your press releases, exclusive interviews, or branded content articles on Malaysiakini? For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected]
The Sun
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Optimax sets sights on expanding operations in Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam
KUALA LUMPUR: Optimax Holdings Bhd aims to double its foreign patient revenue contribution to 20% by end-2025 as it scales up outreach in Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam. CEO Sandy Tan Sing Yee shared that the group's Cambodian operations, launched in May 2024, are already self-sustaining. 'Our doctors only fly in twice a month, but the numbers are quite good. Now our foreign revenue stands at about 10% overall,' she told SunBiz in an interview. Tan said there is a trust gap in Cambodian healthcare, which Optimax is addressing with high standards and modern facilities. 'To be honest, many Cambodians lack confidence in their local healthcare system. That is why air ambulance services are effective there. For instance, patients experiencing a heart attack frequently opt for direct flights to Bangkok or Singapore for their medical treatment,' she stated. She added that Optimax's entry into the Cambodian market has received strong response due to its modern facilities and adherence to international standards. 'When we first started as an eye centre, we built an operating theatre that meets Joint Commission International standards. This practice ensures that patients feel confident and reassured when coming in for surgery,' she said. According to Tan, Optimax currently holds an estimated 50% share of Cambodia's private eye care sector and is the sole Malaysian eye care provider there. 'Our patients are not just from Phnom Penh, but also from the outskirts, who come to see us,' she said. Tan said the group is exploring expansion beyond Phnom Penh, potentially into Siem Reap or other parts of Cambodia. 'Once our operating theatre reaches full utilisation and operates seven days a week, then we will proceed,' she said. At the same time, Optimax is ramping up roadshows and digital outreach in Indonesia and Vietnam to attract more international clients. 'We are going all out. In fact, we recently held a roadshow in Jakarta and managed to secure 100 patients for eye surgeries in Malaysia,' Tan said. At the same time, Optimax plans to maintain a consistent presence in Indonesia and Vietnam, with annual roadshows and marketing activities. 'Some of our team members are currently in Jakarta. We are building up more agents and strengthening our marketing team. We're actively running roadshows, events, radio campaigns, and digital marketing – not just to promote our services in Malaysia but also to raise awareness overseas,' Tan said. 'At the end of the day, we are in the service line. If we continue investing in international marketing, our foreign patient base will grow significantly,' she added. On the domestic front, Tan noted that Optimax is already well-established in Malaysia. 'Before the MCO, we were a 100% Malaysian-based company. I would say 99% of our patients were locals, with maybe just 1–2% being foreign patients, mainly from Medan due to our Penang presence. 'But today, that has changed. We now see many more foreign patients – not just Indonesians and Cambodians, but also those from China and Brunei. Medical tourism in Malaysia is definitely booming,' she said. On Malaysia's appeal as a medical tourism hub, Tan said the country offers high-quality care and facilities that rival the region's best. 'Our operating theatres are built to extremely high standards. The Ministry of Health has done a fantastic job setting those requirements.' Tan is optimistic about Optimax's new revenue streams, particularly its foray into aesthetic services. 'Our aesthetic clinic at Atrium Mall, which began operations in May last year, has shown promising numbers. Although still new, we have seen strong walk-in traffic and expect the centre to contribute solid revenue going forward,' she said. Meanwhile, Optimax is strengthening its position in the myopic control sector to address rising short-sightedness rates among children in Southeast Asia. 'We are converting most centres without operating theaters into myopic control centres,' said Tan. Alongside refractive surgery and cataract treatment, myopic control is now a standard offering across all 24 Optimax centres. Tan said the prevalence of myopia in Southeast Asia is alarmingly high, largely due to lifestyle and academic pressures. 'Whether in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam or Indonesia, we see the same trend, and that has contributed to Southeast Asia having the highest rates of myopia globally.' Tan said the rate of myopia in Asia is significantly higher than in Western countries, with recent studies indicating that up to 70% of the next generation in the region may be affected. 'It's a big difference compared to America. Our myopia rates are much higher. If you look at the latest data, it's very alarming.' She added that the region's growing reliance on digital tools is compounding the issue. The group is collaborating with MOH and the Ministry of Education to conduct school-based eye screenings. 'We've already developed the Optimax app so parents can monitor their child's condition annually. We're doing this across our network,' Tan said. The programme is rapidly expanding. 'We started with just 10 to 20 kids, but now we have 20,000 children coming in for annual check-ups. This shows the growing awareness and demand,' said Tan.
