Latest news with #MonthlyAssembly
The Star
17-07-2025
- The Star
Kelantan drug transit point, say state police
KOTA BHARU: Kelantan has become a transit point for methamphetamine, cannabis, and heroin smuggled from neighbouring countries, say police in the state. However, Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said methamphetamine pills remain the most popular drug choice among local addicts. "These meth pills seem to have become a 'tradition' not only in Kelantan but also in Terengganu and Pahang," he said. "Perhaps it's because they are cheap, provide a quick high, and are easily accessible," he added during a press conference on Thursday (July 17). Earlier, he officiated the Monthly Assembly at the Kelantan Police Contingent Headquarters. He mentioned that methamphetamine, cannabis, and heroin are less popular among addicts in Kelantan, with more being sent to the West Coast. He added that the state's location next to Thailand, separated only by the Golok River, makes it a major transit point for drug entry. Mohd Yusoff stated they continuously maintain close cooperation with enforcement agencies in neighbouring countries, sharing and providing intelligence related to drug smuggling activities at the border. "This is to curb the spread and tighten border control," he said.
The Star
17-07-2025
- The Star
Kelantan police raid 'gay party' in Kemumin
KOTA BARU: Kelantan police raided a 'gay party' involving over 100 men aged between 20 and 30 at a bungalow in Kemumin in mid-June. Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the raid was conducted at 1 am following public information and surveillance by a special team. "When we arrived at the bungalow, there were only about 20 men left. "Initial investigations revealed they had not yet engaged in any sexual activities, but preparations were underway," he said at a press conference after officiating the Monthly Assembly at the Kelantan Police Contingent Headquarters on Thursday (July 17). He stated that further inspection of the bungalow uncovered hundreds of condoms and HIV-related drugs. He added that questioning revealed they admitted to being part of the gay community and organising the event for free, promoted via social media. "Three individuals were found in possession of homosexual pornographic material and are being investigated under Section 292 of the Penal Code. "Meanwhile, statements were taken from the others. Some admitted to offering same-sex services and being HIV0positive. Among them were also civil servants," he said. He emphasised that Kelantan police take this matter seriously and will continue to monitor the group's activities.
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Comprehensive rural youth development plan needed to produce rural generation capable of navigating modern world challenges
PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) to formulate a comprehensive Rural Youth Development Plan aimed at producing a digitally literate, knowledgeable and skilled young rural generation capable of navigating challenges of the modern world. He said the plan would not only create job opportunities through the establishment of Rural Gig Hubs, but also nurture young leadership by appointing Rural Youth Ambassadors to serve as the voice and representative of the new rural generation. 'Through this plan, we can also introduce the ASEAN Rural Youth Exchange Programme, offering our young people the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience on an international platform,' he said when speaking at the Rural and Regional Development Ministry's Monthly Assembly here today. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, expressed confidence that the ministry could develop the plan with the active involvement of all agencies under the ministry, coordinated through a dedicated platform or committee. 'Our goal is clear, I want Malaysian Rural Youth to penetrate borders, explore the world and compete on the global stage. They are not just the heirs of the nation, but the country's strategic assets and drivers of Malaysia's future,' he said. Commenting on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's message delivered during a meeting with the KKDW leadership last March, Ahmad Zahid said the prime minister had stressed the importance of ensuring that every basic rural development project is implemented effectively, with tangible benefits that can be felt and appreciated by the people. 'The Prime Minister also reminded us that monitoring must be carried out diligently and comprehensively, with accurate reports submitted to Cabinet Ministers and that all arising issues should be addressed without delay,' he said. As a follow-up measure, Ahmad Zahid suggested that KKDW develop a comprehensive and transparent monthly performance schedule to serve as a reference in tracking the progress of projects and the delivery of aid to the community. He also highlighted the importance of having complete, fact-based data to ensure that no target group is left behind in the Rural Transformation Agenda. 'We must move based on data, lead with information and act with confidence. The guidance and direction are already in place, now it's time for us to focus on delivering real, impactful actions on the ground, not just plans that look good on paper,' he said. Meanwhile, he called on the Community Development Department (KEMAS) to strengthen engagement sessions with parents and educators to evaluate the impact of the implementation of the KEMAS Pre-Tahfiz Programme, which has been running for a year. 'These engagements are crucial for gathering feedback and suggestions for improvements, including the proposal to establish a Special Needs Nursery,' he said. He said initiatives like these play a significant role in driving social mobility within rural communities, and KKDW needs to ensure that every programme genuinely impacts people's lives and delivers meaningful change.
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Comprehensive rural youth development plan needed
PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) to formulate a comprehensive Rural Youth Development Plan aimed at producing a digitally literate, knowledgeable and skilled young rural generation capable of navigating challenges of the modern world. He said the plan would not only create job opportunities through the establishment of Rural Gig Hubs, but also nurture young leadership by appointing Rural Youth Ambassadors to serve as the voice and representative of the new rural generation. 'Through this plan, we can also introduce the ASEAN Rural Youth Exchange Programme, offering our young people the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience on an international platform,' he said when speaking at the Rural and Regional Development Ministry's Monthly Assembly here today. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, expressed confidence that the ministry could develop the plan with the active involvement of all agencies under the ministry, coordinated through a dedicated platform or committee. 'Our goal is clear, I want Malaysian Rural Youth to penetrate borders, explore the world and compete on the global stage. They are not just the heirs of the nation, but the country's strategic assets and drivers of Malaysia's future,' he said. Commenting on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's message delivered during a meeting with the KKDW leadership last March, Ahmad Zahid said the prime minister had stressed the importance of ensuring that every basic rural development project is implemented effectively, with tangible benefits that can be felt and appreciated by the people. 'The Prime Minister also reminded us that monitoring must be carried out diligently and comprehensively, with accurate reports submitted to Cabinet Ministers and that all arising issues should be addressed without delay,' he said. As a follow-up measure, Ahmad Zahid suggested that KKDW develop a comprehensive and transparent monthly performance schedule to serve as a reference in tracking the progress of projects and the delivery of aid to the community. He also highlighted the importance of having complete, fact-based data to ensure that no target group is left behind in the Rural Transformation Agenda. 'We must move based on data, lead with information and act with confidence. The guidance and direction are already in place, now it's time for us to focus on delivering real, impactful actions on the ground, not just plans that look good on paper,' he said. Meanwhile, he called on the Community Development Department (KEMAS) to strengthen engagement sessions with parents and educators to evaluate the impact of the implementation of the KEMAS Pre-Tahfiz Programme, which has been running for a year. 'These engagements are crucial for gathering feedback and suggestions for improvements, including the proposal to establish a Special Needs Nursery,' he said. He said initiatives like these play a significant role in driving social mobility within rural communities, and KKDW needs to ensure that every programme genuinely impacts people's lives and delivers meaningful change.
New Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Loke: Xi Jinping souvenir was personal, not govt gift
PUTRAJAYA: The issue surrounding the presentation of a souvenir to Chinese President Xi Jinping should not be exaggerated or overly scrutinised. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that the souvenir was made in Malaysia, with the engraving crafted by Royal Selangor. "The souvenir was a personal gift, and I did not say that it was a gift from the government," he said after the Transport Ministry's Monthly Assembly and Raikan Kasih Madani 2025 event at his ministry today. He was responding to a question from the media regarding the souvenir, which sparked debate on social media following claims that it had been presented "through the back door" without official protocol. A short video clip of the incident went viral and drew widespread attention after being uploaded by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching on her Facebook page. In her post, she wrote: "Anthony Loke, on behalf of DAP, presents a commemorative plaque to the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)." The Royal Selangor plaque, featuring an engraved dragon motif, was presented to Xi on April 17 prior to his departure for Cambodia, following a three-day visit to Malaysia as part of his Southeast Asia tour. Recently, Loke, who is also Seremban member of parliament, issued a clarification via Facebook, saying that the souvenir was presented near the back entrance for security reasons. Commenting on the dragon motif, he said that the plaque was "100 per cent made in Malaysia" and that the dragon symbolises strength, wisdom, and friendship in Chinese culture.
