Latest news with #MohdHairi
The Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Johor EXCO pays tribute to late special officer who died in Makkah
JOHOR BAHRU: Johor Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman, Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, has paid tribute to his special officer, Misnan Ahmad, who died in Makkah yesterday, describing him as a dedicated and selfless individual. He said Misnan, 60, who was part of the Johor Government Delegation (RKJ) for the Hajj pilgrimage, was more than just a colleague—he was a trusted friend who always placed the people's interests above his own. 'His passing is a great loss, not only to me personally but also to our entire team and the many communities he touched with his kindness and service. 'I truly value his dedication and sacrifices throughout his time in service. His sincerity and commitment will continue to inspire us all,' said Mohd Hairi in a Facebook post. Misnan, a pilgrim from flight KT46 and a guest at Maktab Diary Al Saad in Makkah, was confirmed to have died on May 31 at 7.50 am (local time) at King Abdul Aziz Hospital due to a heart attack. He is the fifth Malaysian pilgrim to die in Makkah this year. Mohd Hairi, who is also the Larkin state assemblyman, extended his condolences to Misnan's family and prayed that they be given strength and patience during this difficult time. Johor state secretary Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani also offered his condolences in a Facebook post, praying for the soul of the deceased to be blessed and placed among the righteous.
The Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Johor EXCO pays tribute to late special officer
JOHOR BAHRU: Johor Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman, Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, has paid tribute to his special officer, Misnan Ahmad, who died in Makkah yesterday, describing him as a dedicated and selfless individual. He said Misnan, 60, who was part of the Johor Government Delegation (RKJ) for the Hajj pilgrimage, was more than just a colleague—he was a trusted friend who always placed the people's interests above his own. 'His passing is a great loss, not only to me personally but also to our entire team and the many communities he touched with his kindness and service. 'I truly value his dedication and sacrifices throughout his time in service. His sincerity and commitment will continue to inspire us all,' said Mohd Hairi in a Facebook post. Misnan, a pilgrim from flight KT46 and a guest at Maktab Diary Al Saad in Makkah, was confirmed to have died on May 31 at 7.50 am (local time) at King Abdul Aziz Hospital due to a heart attack. He is the fifth Malaysian pilgrim to die in Makkah this year. Mohd Hairi, who is also the Larkin state assemblyman, extended his condolences to Misnan's family and prayed that they be given strength and patience during this difficult time. Johor state secretary Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani also offered his condolences in a Facebook post, praying for the soul of the deceased to be blessed and placed among the righteous.
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Drilling leadership into Johor youth
Mohd Hairi: JYP to involve youngsters from public and private higher education institutions, youth associations and young professionals from various industries. JOHOR government together with the Johor Military Force (JMF) will hold a leadership training programme for 200 youths this year. State youth, sports, entrepreneur development and cooperative committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said the programme called 'Johor Youth Patriot' (JYP) was similar to that of Johor Volunteer Force (JVF). Mohd Hairi said that as the volunteer force's constitution stated that it was only for Johor civil servants, there were no plans to open the organisation to the public. 'However, one of the six main pillars of the 'Maju Johor 2030' agenda is a special focus on youth,' he said. 'The aim is to develop the young generation through 49 strategic initiatives encompassing education, leadership, entrepreneurship, sports and patriotism. 'Among key initiatives is JYP, inspired by the volunteer force and run by Dato' Onn Institute.' Mohd Hairi said the youth patriot programme would train Johor's youngsters in leadership. 'Using a military-based approach, JYP aims to instil discipline, resilience and patriotism. 'The training will be delivered by experienced JMF instructors,' he said. He added that each session would be structured to ensure participants could apply the skills they learn in a practical setting. JYP's target groups, Mohd Hairi said, were youths from public and private higher education institutions, youth associations and young professionals from various industries. The programme will be held over 11 days at Savanna Hill Resort in Ulu Tiram from end August until mid-September, during local college and university semester breaks. 'Those who complete the programme will receive a special certificate,' he said. Earlier, Mohd Hairi explained, 'JVF was founded in 1905 by Almarhum Sultan Sir Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar to train Malay Johor civil servants through military training. 'This was aimed at ensuring civil servants were highly disciplined and efficient in their duties.' JVF is registered with Registrar of Societies Malaysia under Section 7 of Societies Act 1966. Mohd Hairi said this in his reply to Nazri Abdul Rahman (PH-Simpang Jeram) on whether the government had plans to extend JVF to youths. The query was raised during the state assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail, Kota Iskandar. In his reply, Mohd Hairi said on March 24, 2021, Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar had decreed the revival of the volunteer force to improve fitness and discipline among government officers. JVF then began to train Johor administrative officers in discipline, survival skills, physical fitness, and basic military knowledge. The training was held together with JMF and later extended to state civil servants. 'The state government began the JVF programme with a course that ran from July 17 to 31, 2022,' he said, adding that the course involved 29 state administrative officers from the 2019 and 2022 hiring intakes. 'The course was designed to produce quality officers with leadership capabilities.' Mohd Hairi announced that this year's JVF programme held with the Civil Defence Force would include emergency and disaster management. 'Training for soft skills would be held from June 9 to 13 at the Southern Region Civil Defence Training Centre in Kluang.' Trainers, he added, would have completed the JMF self-identity and physical fitness enhancement course.
Independent Singapore
09-05-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Johor businesses urged to tap JS-SEZ for growth and investment opportunities
MALAYSIA: Businesses in Johor have been strongly encouraged to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The project is expected to become a key driver of regional economic growth. Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, chairman of the state youth, sports, entrepreneur development and cooperatives committee, underscored the immense potential of the JS-SEZ to elevate local enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to new heights. 'This zone is designed as a platform that offers major opportunities to expand networks, increase investments, and leverage attractive incentives that will be provided by the government,' Mr Mohd Hairi said during the opening of Paragon Globe Bhd's (PGB) sales gallery in Johor Bahru, as quoted by The Star. JS-SEZ benefiting Johor's SMEs Mr Mohd Hairi noted that JS-SEZ will offer new opportunities for companies to grow their market and be more competitive. It is expected to offer government-backed incentives, improved infrastructure, and enhanced cross-border market access, making the JS-SEZ an attractive for businesses seeking expansion. For SMEs, the JS-SEZ offers chances to form new partnerships, get funding, and receive support—all of which play important roles to help grow their businesses. By joining the JS-SEZ's vision, local companies can reach regional and global markets while strengthening their place in Johor's economy. A milestone for Johor's business ecosystem The opening of PGB's new sales gallery, where Mr Mohd Hairi made his remarks, was described as a significant milestone for both the company and the state. Located along Jalan Seladang in Taman Century, the two-storey gallery was completed in just six months, representing a RM10 million investment. PGB executive chairman Edwin Tan and Johor Bahru mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad also attended the opening event. Public sentiments shown in social media The announcement of the JS-SEZ has garnered positive reactions from the public. Many express optimism about the potential for business expansion and increased investments. 'Big opportunity! Businesses expanding, investments flowing,' one user stated. 'Let's be clear, Singapore's economic strength comes from our SMEs, who are our biggest tax revenue contributors. Good news for them,' shared one user on social media. This emphasises the vital role SMEs play to ensure the success of this project. However, some users were concerned about how this will be an advantage for ordinary citizens and small local businesses. One comment questioned, 'How will this benefit a regular citizen and small businesses? Between Malaysia and Singapore, who will really gain anything?'. Such questions show the importance of communication from authorities to ensure the benefits of the JS-SEZ are shared equitably. Ensuring JS-SEZ's success for the future Johor's community is urged to explore the incentives and infrastructure improvements offered as JS-SEZ begins to take shape. The zone is set to improve trade, manufacturing, and services, reinforcing Johor's position as a leading economic hub in the region. By taking advantage of the JS-SEZ's potential, Johor's businesses have the opportunity to grow, increase investment inflows, and play a big role in driving the state's long-term success. Read also: Singapore SMEs eye JS-SEZ for growth amid rising costs and global trade tensions
The Star
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Nuts about pistachio: What makes this nut so popular in Malaysia?
Once consumed solely as a snack, pistachios – part of the Anacardiaceae family – have surged in popularity, emerging as the new star of the local culinary scene. No longer limited to cake and ice cream toppings, they have become a key flavour in beverages like smoothies and coffee, sparking a trend that has won over taste buds nationwide. 'Unlike peanuts or almonds, pistachios – often dubbed 'smart nuts' – offer a more complex flavour profile that is slightly sweet, subtly creamy, and delicately nutty,' said Dr Mohd Hairi Jalis, senior lecturer in culinary arts at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM). Pistachio ice cream, anyone? This blend of flavour and texture places this Middle Eastern nut in the premium category, and can be made into many forms, from paste to dessert creams. 'Pistachios naturally offer a complex yet balanced taste, making them technically versatile in culinary applications. They can be transformed into a paste, roughly chopped for added texture, or blended into a smooth cream,' said Mohd Hairi. He added that pistachios also serve a technical role in some recipes. Their natural fat content gives them a smooth and creamy texture, making them ideal for desserts like mousse, ganache, or gelato. Additionally, they can unify different flavours in a single dessert composition. According to him, pistachios' popularity is also driven by visual appeal and global culinary storytelling – particularly in today's social media era, where food aesthetics matter. The nut's soft green hue provides a striking contrast that feels exclusive and elevated. Furthermore, pistachios are often linked with certain gastronomic cultures like the Middle East and Europe, enhancing their perception as a premium ingredient and adding a sophisticated appeal. From a sociocultural standpoint, he said pistachios are considered exotic or rare in the South-East Asian context, which adds to their luxurious and special feel – even in a simple form like a coffee. The use of pistachios in local pastries, especially in urban bakeries and fusion restaurants, is likely to endure as it aligns with modern consumer tastes for healthy, natural, and exclusive ingredients. However, their continued popularity will depend on how well they can be adapted in local recipes to suit local tastes. (Left) Pistachios are not only good for brain health but are also a rich source of healthy fats. — Pixabay Mohd Hairi suggested creatively incorporating pistachios into traditional recipes – such as seri muka with pistachio cream, kuih bangkit made with pistachio powder, or dodol and wajik mixed with ground pistachios, coconut milk, and palm sugar – while maintaining the original taste. 'The high price of pistachios has also led to counterfeit versions – from green colouring to mixed pastes that contain little to no real pistachio,' he said, adding that this compromises culinary integrity and diminishes the true gastronomic experience. Meanwhile, Faten Abdunroha Kama, a dietetics officer from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, said pistachios are not only good for brain health but are also a rich source of healthy fats, protein, fibre, and antioxidants. These qualities make them a suitable healthy snack choice that supports heart health and promotes longer satiety when consumed in moderation. However, she cautioned consumers to be wary of pistachio-flavoured products like syrups, pastes, and artificial flavourings, which tend to have higher sugar, fat, and artificial colouring content than real pistachios. Furthermore, pistachio processing methods – such as roasting and grinding to extend shelf life, or modifing flavour through the addition of salt, milk, flour, or coffee – significantly reduce the nut's nutritional value. 'Modern desserts on the market such as cakes and gelato often fall into the category of ultra-processed foods. They are made with various additives like sweeteners, colourants, preservatives, and artificial flavourings. 'Although they contain pistachios, frequent consumption is not recommended. Ultra-processed foods are low in nutritional quality and high in refined sugars and trans fats, increasing the risk of weight gain or obesity, and subsequently chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, and high cholesterol,' she said. – Bernama
