Latest news with #Malaysians
The Star
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Jobs galore for career seekers
Ideal platform: Job seekers looking at getting a headstart in life at Manulife Insurance's booth during myStarJob Fair 2025 that ends today. — LOW BOON TAT/ The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians seeking employment or a career change have found the best opportunity to do so at myStarJob Fair 2025. The two-day fair, which began yesterday, saw droves of fresh graduates and job seekers making their way to the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre here. Among them was Yusruzainy Said, 42, from Sepang, who was elated at being shortlisted as a candidate after only his first interview. 'I was looking for a job which matched my current experience in the oil and gas industry, and was happy after being shortlisted for a sustainability management post at the very first booth I stopped at.' Yusruzainy said he had been to several other job fairs and decided to explore the opportunities at the myStarJob Fair after learning about it from LinkedIn. He said the job interview was carried out by Lotuss Stores (M) Sdn Bhd, which set up a booth at the event. 'My application was processed and I was informed that I was shortlisted for the position. I hope to get good news from the company,' he added. Another job seeker was J. Aksshara, 26, who is currently employed in the automotive industry in Kuala Lumpur. She was accompanied by her father, Jesudas Ragavan, 55, who was visiting from Muar, Johor. 'I'm very active on social media and came across this job fair online, so I decided to come,' she said. Aksshara said she was interested in switching to a career in the food and beverage sector. 'I was surprised to see that The Chicken Rice Shop has a booth here. 'My advice to those seeking employment is to visit job fairs as it is a good opportunity to meet people while also exploring job opportunities,' she added. For fresh graduate Mason Ng, 22, the job fair proved helpful for those seeking to start their career. 'I just returned home to Kuala Lumpur after graduating from a university in Sydney, Australia. 'I came to know of the job fair through word of mouth and decided to come to see if I could find a suitable job in sales or as a financial analyst,' he said. Meanwhile, Manulife Insurance Bhd head of recruitment Levi Choong described the job fair as an ideal platform to create better brand awareness among Malaysians while also hiring the right talents for the company. 'We have had enquiries from fresh graduates and some who have been in the workforce for a few years, and are now at a crossroads and looking for other options in life,' he said. Choong was glad at the response the Manulife booth received and expects more enquiries over the weekend. 'We had quite a few who were really interested. We took their particulars and contact details, and will follow-up with these candidates. 'We want the community to know that we are here to serve them and are seeking more insurance advisors for this purpose,' he added. Lotuss Stores head of talent acquisition Caroline Tay said the job fair provided an opportunity to create better brand awareness while hiring the right candidates for the company. 'We want Malaysians to know what the company is all about while looking for the right personnel,' she said. Tay said the company was looking at hiring those with the relevant skills and experience. Organised by Star Media Group, the job fair saw a total of 24 companies and agencies setting up 28 booths representing several industries and sectors. Present at the event was its senior manager (Event & Exhibition) Elaine Wong who presented certificates to event sponsors. Admission to the job fair is free and it is open from 11am to 7pm.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Govt to study ‘retirement at 65' proposal
Literary award: Anwar launching Hadiah Bahasa Public Bank – Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka 2025. With him are Public Bank managing director and chief executive officer Tan Sri Tay Ah Lek (right), Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim (left) and Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: The government will study the proposal to raise the retirement age to 65 before presenting it to the Cabinet, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. However, the Prime Minister said the matter has not been raised or discussed in Cabinet meetings. 'Let the ministry study the implications first,' he said, adding that the proposal involves various factors such as financial cost and the creation of new job opportunities. 'The idea deserves attention and consideration but let the relevant agencies discuss it first,' he said after launching Hadiah Bahasa Public Bank – Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) 2025 yesterday. Recently, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said called on the government to consider raising the retirement age to 65, noting that many individuals at 60 remain healthy and productive. She pointed out that judges retire at 65, with some Asean countries setting the limit at 70. In Malaysia, the mandatory retirement age for civil servants is currently 60, which is also the minimum retirement age for private sector employees under the Minimum Retirement Age Act 2012. When asked about the possible extension of the tenures of three senior judges, including Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Anwar replied briefly: 'We're looking at it.' On Tuesday, Tengku Maimun said she, along with Court of Appeal president Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim and Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, were still awaiting a decision on whether their tenures would be extended. Meanwhile, Anwar said Malaysians must not forget the importance of the national language, even as the country advances in development and technology. He said a developed nation should not only focus on its economy but also value its national language, arts and culture. 'It would be a grave mistake if the Madani government pursued development without giving due importance to the national language. 'While we work hard to strengthen the country's finances, we must not overlook a crucial element of nation-building, and having a strong command of our language and appreciating great works of knowledge,' he said. Anwar also reminded the Education Ministry and the Higher Education Ministry of the importance of the national language, even as some advocate placing greater emphasis on foreign languages in education. The well-known Hadiah Bahasa award has returned after 27 years, following a request from the Prime Minister last year. Now organised by DBP and Public Bank, the award aims to encourage students and professionals to produce quality work in Bahasa Melayu. First introduced in 1984 and last held in 1998, the award was established with support from Anwar, who was then patron of the Linguistic Society of Malaysia.
The Star
20-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Three receive WHO award
Malaysia proud: (From left) Dr Noraryana, Dzulkefly and Dr Murallitiharan with Ghebreyesus (second from right) at the opening session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. KUALA LUMPUR: Three Malaysians have been honoured with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) World No Tobacco Day Award, making it a first for the country. The award was handed out during the opening session of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday. The recipients were Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, the Health Ministry's Disease Control Division deputy director Dr Noraryana Hassan and Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) president Assoc Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy. In a statement, MCTC secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said the award was presented by WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day which is observed annually on May 31, reported Bernama. 'This annual global award recognises the contributions of individuals, organisations and government agencies worldwide in advancing tobacco control efforts. It is the first time the award has been presented to recipients from Malaysia. 'This award acknowledges their roles in the development and implementation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, an initiative pursued since Malaysia ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2005,' he said. Dzulkefly, in the same statement, described the award as a victory for all Malaysians and a testament to the nation's commitment to protecting current and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco and vaping products. 'Bringing this law through Parliament required us to overcome numerous legal, economic, and social challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic and several changes of government. 'Although the law has been passed, our tobacco control efforts remain ongoing and are being further strengthened, especially in light of emerging issues such as the recent concerns surrounding vaping,' he said. Meanwhile, Dr Noraryana said the award reflects the collective efforts and spirit of teamwork among the Health Ministry, government agencies and the public, especially civil society organisations. 'We have successfully got this law passed, which is a significant achievement. However, our work is far from over. The real challenge lies in implementing and enforcing it to ensure it makes a meaningful impact on public health,' she said. Dr Murallitharan, meanwhile, emphasised the vital role of civil society in shaping health policy and described the award as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders. 'MCTC, for example, unites health professional organisations like the Malaysian Medical Association, community groups and academic institutions to advance the nation's health. This recognition belongs to all contributors – past, present and future.' Held in Geneva from May 19 to 27, the 78th World Health Assembly, themed 'One World for Health', is WHO's highest decision-making body. It brings together representatives from 193 member states. Malaysia, along with several WHO members, is expected to present the Integrated Lung Health Resolution to address lung health in a comprehensive manner, encompassing both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
The Star
12-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Hospital sets record with mass ECG screening at KL mall
A MEDICAL facility has been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for having the most participants in an electrocardiogram (ECG) screening in the country, with 827 individuals screened in 24 hours over three days in Kuala Lumpur. The feat was achieved by Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), which also spearheaded a national first by bringing ECG screenings into a public space, transforming Sunway Velocity Mall's Main Atrium into a heart health hub. The award reinforced the facility's position as a tertiary care hospital in cardiac care, with heart health being one of its core specialities and key areas of focus in delivering comprehensive medical services to the community, SMCV said in a media statement. The event was attended not just by Malaysians but also expatriates and international patients seeking care or visiting Kuala Lumpur. SMCV said the recognition reflected its ongoing commitment to reshaping public health access through impactful community-driven initiatives centred on early detection and prevention. The initiative was also part of SMCV's broader response to Malaysia's rising cardiovascular health crisis, with ischaemic heart disease being the leading cause of death among Malaysians aged 41 to 59. The screening was designed to empower individuals aged 18 years and above to take charge of their heart health. With participants receiving complimentary ECG assessments supported by SMCV's consultant cardiologists and internal medicine physicians, the event brought the first line of assessment for heart care directly to the community in an open, accessible way, SMCV said. Cheow: SMCV committed to making preventive care both accessible and meaningful. 'We are honoured to be recognised by Malaysia Book of Records for this milestone, but what truly inspires us is to see how the community has embraced the opportunity to take a proactive role in managing their heart health,' said SMCV chief executive officer Susan Cheow. 'Our mission goes beyond hospital walls – we want to meet people where they are and make preventive care both accessible and meaningful. 'Seeing many participate in this record-setting screening is a powerful testament that the public is ready to take charge of their heart health,' she said. The public's enthusiastic participation also highlighted the importance of bringing medical interventions into everyday community spaces, reflecting the public's growing awareness of cardiovascular risks and the need for more accessible screening options, SMCV continued in the statement. SMCV consultant cardiologist and internal medicine physician Datuk Dr Foo Yoke Loong said, 'The public ECG screening was about providing our fellow Malaysians an opportunity to gain life-saving insights into their cardiovascular health. Dr Foo: ECG screening provides Malaysians an opportunity to gain insights into their health. 'For many, it was their first step towards recognising early signs and understanding any potential risks. 'We were also able to provide medical guidance and advice on appropriate follow-up actions. 'We hope efforts like these will continue to raise awareness around the importance of earlier interventions and ultimately, better outcomes in the fight against cardiovascular disease,' he added. The event introduced another first-in-Malaysia initiative – the Immersive Visual Journey featuring an engaging captivating installation that turns real-time heartbeats into an artistic light display. It brought together art and awareness on heart rate as visitors witnessed the lights shift based on low, normal and high heart rates. The Heart Health Educational Gallery and Giant Heart Exhibit also allowed visitors to learn about the human heart anatomy and functions in an engaging and visually impactful way using a large, walk-through heart structure.
The Star
07-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Pharmacists: Price display a win for public well-being
KUALA LUMPUR: The government's implementation of the law for displaying medicine prices has been hailed as a crucial step towards increasing transparency and strengthening consumer rights. Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) president Prof Amrahi Buang said the move will enable Malaysians to make more informed decisions about medications based on their financial means. He said it reflects the government's commitment to public well-being by promoting greater transparency within the national healthcare system. 'MPS views it as part of the government's initiative to educate and empower consumers, particularly regarding their right to know medicine prices and to choose where to obtain their medications, whether from clinics or pharmacies. 'This is a very positive step as it empowers consumers to make smarter and more affordable choices, which will ultimately benefit society as a whole. 'It will also help raise public awareness and improve health literacy related to medication pricing,' he told Bernama. Amrahi said the operations of community pharmacies are already outlined under the Community Pharmacy Benchmarking Guidelines and that the practice of price display has long been in place for many products listed under the new Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drugs) order. He said while pharmacy chains may not face significant challenges, smaller independent community pharmacies may encounter some initial difficulties. 'However, with clear briefings through engagement sessions and a comprehensive FAQ document, the implementation of this order can proceed smoothly,' he added. Amrahi also said the MPS held a town hall session on April 27 to allow private pharmacies to seek further clarification from the Health Ministry. In discussing the importance of pharmacies in the successful implementation of this policy, he emphasised that community pharmacies must remain vigilant and attentive to patients' rights. 'As service providers, community pharmacies must understand and meet the needs and rights of patients. This is in line with the 2018 Code of Ethics for Pharmacists, which prioritises patient and consumer welfare.' He also welcomed the government's decision to allow a three-month grace period for the implementation of the order, saying it gives small-scale pharmacies sufficient time to enhance their operations in line with the new order. 'MPS will also run a countdown via our communication channels to remind members of the order's enforcement timeline,' he said.
