Latest news with #MohdShukriRamli
The Star
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Perlis to look into controversial cafe in Kangar limestone cave
The interior of Gua Cenderawasih has been painted. — Photos: Bernama A special meeting involving key agencies will be convened to deliberate on the proposed development inside the Cenderawasih Cave in Perlis Geopark, following public concern over environmental sustainability. Yesterday, Perlis Mentri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said the meeting involving several key agencies would be held about the proposed cafe within the cave in Bukit Lagi, Kangar. Earlier, Bernama reported that no official application had been received for technical review of the proposed cafe. Gua Cenderawasih lies within Perlis Geopark and features unique limestone formations. Under current planning procedures, any development involving geological sites must be referred to Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG) by the local authority as part of the One-Stop Centre (OSC) process. JMG in a media statement, noted that development around limestone hills must comply with its published 'Guidelines for Determining Hazard Zones Around Limestone Hills' to ensure public safety. As the national agency overseeing geopark development, JMG said it remained committed to conserving geological resources and providing technical guidance on managing high-value geosites. The Perlis government had also earlier announced that the cafe project was suspended while it reviewed the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) guidelines on geosite conservation. The cafe proposal has drawn opposition from several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who warn that it can damage geological features that are hundreds of millions of years old. JMG advised that any geopark-related development should follow the National Geopark Development Plan (PPGN) 2021-2030 and the National Geopark Implementation Plan (PLGN). It also raised concerns about the potential risks posed by commercial facilities to the site's conservation value. Gua Cenderawasih features unique limestone formations, fossil-rich rock and rare geological structures dating back over 480 million years. JMG warned that actions like painting cave walls, building permanent structures or covering natural formations could degrade the site's scientific and aesthetic significance.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Special meeting on proposed development inside Cenderawasih Cave to be held soon
KANGAR: A special meeting involving several key agencies will be convened soon to deliberate on the proposed development inside the Cenderawasih Cave in Bukit Lagi, a protected geosite within the Perlis Geopark, following public concern over environmental sustainability. Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said the meeting will involve the Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG), the State Economic Planning Unit (BPEN), and the Kangar Municipal Council (MPK) and the discussion will focus on the potential impact of development, including a proposed cafe, within the geologically sensitive cave area. 'BPEN will coordinate with JMG... this meeting will be final. We'll consider every angle, what's permissible and what's not. If it risks compromising our geopark, we'll withdraw. No problem,' he told reporters after attending the state Cabinet's monthly assembly at the State Government Complex today. On May 18, the media reported that JMG had yet to receive any formal application from operators or local authorities requesting technical evaluation for development, including a cafe project, inside the cave. The agency emphasised that the Cenderawasih Cave lies within the Bukit Lagi geosite, part of the broader Perlis Geopark, and that its preservation aligns with the Malaysia MADANI vision, which promotes balance between development and natural conservation for future generations' well-being. JMG further noted that the Bukit Lagi geosite is composed of Setul Formation limestone dating back over 480 million years and is rich in fossils such as nautiloids, gastropods, and brachiopods. The site also features unique geological elements, including ancient sea notches, small caves, and mushroom-shaped rock formations. In light of the sensitivities, Mohd Shukri confirmed that work related to the cafe operations has been ordered to halt immediately, pending the outcome of the forthcoming meeting. Earlier during the assembly, the Menteri Besar also launched the Electronic Complaint Perlis System (ECOMPS), a digital public complaints platform developed by the state's Public Works Department (JKR) as part of the state's broader Perlis Digital Agenda aimed at enhancing public service delivery through technology.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Perlis halts cave cafe plan pending final geopark review
KANGAR: A special meeting involving several key agencies will be convened soon to deliberate on the proposed development inside the Cenderawasih Cave in Bukit Lagi, a protected geosite within the Perlis Geopark, following public concern over environmental sustainability. Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said the meeting will involve the Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG), the State Economic Planning Unit (BPEN), and the Kangar Municipal Council (MPK) and the discussion will focus on the potential impact of development, including a proposed cafe, within the geologically sensitive cave area. 'BPEN will coordinate with JMG... this meeting will be final. We'll consider every angle, what's permissible and what's not. If it risks compromising our geopark, we'll withdraw. No problem,' he told reporters after attending the state Cabinet's monthly assembly at the State Government Complex today. On May 18, the media reported that JMG had yet to receive any formal application from operators or local authorities requesting technical evaluation for development, including a cafe project, inside the cave. The agency emphasised that the Cenderawasih Cave lies within the Bukit Lagi geosite, part of the broader Perlis Geopark, and that its preservation aligns with the Malaysia MADANI vision, which promotes balance between development and natural conservation for future generations' well-being. JMG further noted that the Bukit Lagi geosite is composed of Setul Formation limestone dating back over 480 million years and is rich in fossils such as nautiloids, gastropods, and brachiopods. The site also features unique geological elements, including ancient sea notches, small caves, and mushroom-shaped rock formations. In light of the sensitivities, Mohd Shukri confirmed that work related to the cafe operations has been ordered to halt immediately, pending the outcome of the forthcoming meeting. Earlier during the assembly, the Menteri Besar also launched the Electronic Complaint Perlis System (ECOMPS), a digital public complaints platform developed by the state's Public Works Department (JKR) as part of the state's broader Perlis Digital Agenda aimed at enhancing public service delivery through technology.
Malay Mail
15-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Vape sales to end in Kedah as state cracks down on drug-linked misuse, says Sanusi
ALOR SETAR, May 15 — Kedah will not renew licenses for electronic cigarettes or vapes in the state, citing concerns about their potential misuse for drug abuse. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said during the state-level Drug Eradication Action Council meeting yesterday that discussions also centred on the use of vape devices for synthetic drug abuse. 'Some individuals are exploiting the situation by selling synthetic drugs in liquid form that can be inhaled using vape devices. Preventing vape sales is one way to curb drug abuse,' he said after chairing the State Executive Council meeting at Wisma Darul Aman here today. It was reported that Perlis will ban the sale of electronic cigarettes or vapes starting August 1. Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said the decision was based on the Perlis State Fatwa Committee ruling, which declared vape use as haram (prohibited) in 2022. Meanwhile, Muhammad Sanusi said a complete ban on vape sales in the state cannot be implemented hastily to avoid potential legal issues. 'Existing licenses must expire first because there have been prior court cases on other matters. We were warned about possible legal loopholes that might be overlooked, leading to lawsuits,' he said. He added that the state government aims to enforce a complete ban on vape sales, including in convenience stores, by next year, once all licenses are no longer renewed. He added that Kedah will continue intensifying anti-drug efforts at the district level with the cooperation of District Officers, District Police Chiefs, and National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) officers. Muhammad Sanusi said that drug abuse has become a 'wound' and cancer in society, and it must be treated urgently to prevent more severe consequences in the future. — Bernama
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Perlis bans vape sales effective Aug 1
KANGAR: The sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vape will be banned in Perlis effective Aug 2, said Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli. Mohd Shukri said this decision was made based on the ban on the use of vape, which was deemed haram through the decision of the Perlis State Fatwa Committee regarding e-cigarettes in 2022. 'In this regard, vape traders (in Perlis) must be ready to find new businesses, as their licences and business operations will be halted (starting Aug 1),' he said at a press conference after chairing the exco meeting at the State Legislative Assembly Complex here today. Mohd Shukri said that although it is not possible to completely curb the use of vape, he is optimistic that banning the sale of e-cigarettes will save young people from getting caught up in using vape. He said the local authorities (PBT) will conduct monitoring and enforcement operations on business premises selling vape after Aug 1. Meanwhile, Mohd Shukri said Visit Perlis Year 2024-2025 will continue until next year to align with the federal government's organisation of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). 'We hope that tourist arrivals in Perlis will increase with Visit Malaysia Year going on concurrently, and that it will bring many benefits to the people of Perlis. 'I urge the people of Perlis to welcome tourists to boost the economy and to treat all tourists who come to Perlis perfectly,' he said, adding that the number of tourists entering the state last year had met the target of around 3.5 million people. He added that the state government might add new suitable tourism programmes in addition to the existing Visit Perlis Year 2024-2025 programmes to attract more tourists to the state next year.
