Latest news with #MohamadNizarNajib
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Pahang dreams of orbit; aims to harness the sun with spaceport, solar farm
KUANTAN: The fate of the proposed Pahang International Spaceport in Nenasi, Pekan now lies in the hands of the Federal Government. State Investment, Industries, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee Chairman Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib said the Pahang government has submitted its proposal to develop the facility, which would be the first international rocket launch site in Southeast Asia. "The Pahang government fully supports the proposal, but the matter is still under review, and the final decision will be made by the Federal Government. "The project requires approval from Mosti(Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation), the National Physical Planning Council, and the National Security Council. Establishing the facility involves environmental, security, and geopolitical considerations, so it must be thoroughly screened by the Federal government before it can proceed," he told reporters at the Pahang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) here today. Earlier, Nizar launched and closed the AI for Productivity Transformation and Speed Grid-Connected Photovoltaic (GCPV) programmes respectively at PSDC in Semambu. He was commenting on the status of the Pahang International Spaceport project, which he had announced during the Pahang State Assembly sitting in April this year. If approved, the facility is expected to be completed within the next three to five years. Meanwhile, Nizar said the Chereh dam in Sungai Lembing is among the sites identified for floating solar farms as part of Pahang's renewable energy initiatives. "We are identifying suitable locations such as dams, lakes, and former mining ponds. The Chereh dam shows potential, and we hope to begin the floating solar farm project within the next two years. "Floating solar farms are crucial for land conservation, as they do not require the use of land that could otherwise be used for agriculture or industry," he said. Nizar said that the Pahang government has introduced various initiatives as part of its commitment to sustainability and achieving the Net Zero 2030 target. "Pahang is working closely with a United Arab Emirates-based company to develop the country's first wind farm, with sites identified in Pekan, Rompin, Kuantan, and Lipis. The total cost is projected at RM800 million. "The Pahang State Development Corporation is currently overseeing five solar energy projects, each involving an investment of RM200 million," he said. On the GCPV programme at PSDC, Nizar said the initiative, sponsored by Yayasan Peneraju, is a valuable effort to enhance specialised skills and increase employability in the green technology sector.
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Pahang to set up AI tech zone, says state exco
KUANTAN: The Pahang government will establish a dedicated high technology zone to attract major players in the artificial intelligence industry. State Investment, Industries, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib said the zone, to be located in the state capital here, will offer special incentives through the Invest Pahang platform to encourage high-tech companies to establish operations in the state. "The Pahang high technology zone is specifically aimed for companies in AI, automation and big data. Its exact location in Kuantan will be announced in due course. "This dedicated zone is expected to draw AI companies to this part of the country, apart from the Klang Valley. These companies will become part of the AI ecosystem and contribute to the development of start-ups across Pahang," he said at the Pahang Skills Development Centre here today. Earlier, Nizar launched and closed the AI for Productivity Transformation and Speed Grid-Connected Photovoltaic programme at the centre in Semambu. Present were Yayasan Peneraju chief executive officer Ibrahim Sani and Pahang Skills chairman Datuk Mas'ut Awang Samah. He said the Pahang high technology zone was part of a long-term strategy to drive digital transformation, strengthen the economy and improve public services and quality of life in the state. "AI is no longer optional. It is essential. Today's business environment demands automation, intelligent analytics and the ability to make faster and more accurate decisions. "At the federal level, we already have the National AI Office in place. "Among other initiatives in Pahang, we are also establishing the AI data centre, which will serve as a new digital platform for marketing local agricultural products both domestically and internationally. "The centre is scheduled to begin operations in January next year. "Under the Smart Pahang initiative, Kuantan, Temerloh, Pekan and Bentong have been selected as pilot locations for the Smart City project. This includes the use of smart cameras for traffic and security monitoring, AI-powered solid waste management systems and flood and air quality monitoring using AI technology." Nizar said the state government was committed to expanding AI use in public administration, education, agriculture and tourism.
Malay Mail
02-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Leadership demands concrete plans, not rhetoric, says Nizar Najib in swipe at PAS
KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 — Umno's Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib has warned against political rhetoric that lacks substance, stressing that governance should be based on concrete policies, not just religious posturing. 'Sometimes perception outweighs performance. We've increased state revenue and channelled it into programmes such as Bantuan Prihatin Pahang, benefiting fishermen, farmers, the B40 group and students,' the son of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said in a podcast hosted by Sinar Daily, the English-language sister news site of Sinar Harian, aired today. Taking direct aim at political rivals, especially Islamist PAS, Nizar criticised those who campaign on religious credentials but fail to present workable plans. 'Some portray themselves as more Islamic and claim they deserve to govern. But leadership requires real plans, not just rhetoric,' he said. Nizar also defended Umno's commitment to Islamic values, pointing to initiatives under the state government such as the construction of 37 mosques and legal measures to curb deviant teachings in Pahang. 'There's no justification for a change in government. But we must manage the narrative and public perception – not to hold on to power, but to continue serving the people,' he added. Despite his criticism of rivals, Nizar acknowledged that political dominance is not guaranteed. 'We must always be prepared. If the people want change, we need to be ready to defend our position,' he said. He maintained that the current Pahang government, led by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, is performing well and remains committed to development. 'It would be different if we weren't doing our job. But we are working hard to develop the state,' he said. Nizar, who is also the state executive councillor for investment, industries, science, technology and innovation, noted Pahang's longstanding political consistency, having remained under Umno rule since Malaya's independence in 1957. 'Today, only Pahang and Sarawak have maintained the same ruling party since independence, and Pahang is the only Umno-led state that has never changed hands,' he said. Nizar also highlighted Pahang's political legacy, pointing out that the state has produced three prime ministers: his grandfather Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, his father Najib, and former Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
