Latest news with #MuhammadSanusiMdNor
Malay Mail
22-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Vape traders in Kedah told to cease operations by December, no extension planned
KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Vape shop operators in Kedah have until December to cease operations, following a state-wide ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes. Speaking to Berita Harian, State Housing, Local Government and Health Committee chairman Mansor Zakaria said the state government will not extend the grace period, stressing that the measure is aimed at protecting public health and curbing synthetic drug abuse. He said the seven-month window, from May to December, is sufficient for traders to pivot to other businesses. 'We've given them space to adapt. Seven months is a reasonable period,' Mansor reportedly said. 'This decision was finalised in a meeting with all local councils (PBT) in Kedah this week.' The sale of vape products currently falls under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). On April 24, the Terengganu government announced a similar ban taking effect on August 1, with Perlis following suit. Earlier, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the state would not renew business licences for vape outlets expiring this year. The move is part of a broader crackdown on synthetic drug use, including among school students. Sanusi warned that vape products were being misused, with illegal substances mixed into vape liquids and sold openly. Mansor said full enforcement will begin early next year, with shops that continue selling vape products facing seizures. 'Most licences will expire this December, with a few ending in January or February,' he added to the national daily. 'If anyone refuses to comply, we'll issue fines and confiscate goods.' For convenience stores and other outlets selling vape, enforcement will come under the Ministry of Health (MOH). Mansor also called on federal authorities to revoke manufacturing and sales licences for vape products. 'The state controls point-of-sale operations, but sales licences come from the federal government,' he said. If the federal government stops issuing them, this problem can be fully resolved. 'The MOH has repeatedly warned about the dangers of vaping — it's time for decisive action.'
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Kedah reiterates commitment to responsible REE mining, urges completion of SOP
ALOR STAR: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has reiterated the state government's commitment to complying with strict procedures and guidelines to ensure the responsible mining of non-radioactive rare earth elements (REE). However, he said that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) must first finalise the standard operating procedure (SOP) for REE mining in forest reserve areas. "As long as the ministry's policy continues to prohibit REE mining in forest reserves, there's no point in having SOPs, because most REE reserves are found within forest reserves," he told the New Straits Times. Sanusi was responding to NRES Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad's recent statement dismissing the Menteri Besar's claims that the federal government was delaying the release of the SOP for REE mining. Nik Nazmi said the SOP had been completed and distributed to all state governments via a letter dated Dec 20, 2023. He also reiterated that REE mining is strictly prohibited in permanent forest reserves, environmentally sensitive areas, and designated protection zones. Commenting further, Sanusi said the state government had tabled proposals twice during National Land Council (MTN) meetings to designate Bukit Enggang in the Sik district as a pilot study site to assess the environmental and forest impact of REE extraction. However, he said no response has been received from the ministry to date, raising questions about the federal government's commitment to exploring alternative resources that could boost the state's revenue. "In both National Land Council meetings, Kedah offered Bukit Enggang as a site for a case study on the effects of REE extraction on forest stands and ecological balance, but until now, silence. "So, what's the point of creating more SOPs if that's their attitude, rigid and unwilling to understand," he added. Last week, Sanusi claimed the federal government was intentionally withholding the SOP to stifle the development of Perikatan Nasional-led states under the SG4 alliance. He said the SG4 states, particularly Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu, possess significant REE resources with high potential for generating substantial income if explored legally. Previously, Sanusi had repeatedly urged NRES to review Policy 12, which prohibits mining within forest reserves, noting that most REE sources have been identified in such areas.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
LIMA'25 kicks off with spectacular aerial display by RMAF
LANGKAWI: An aerial display by three F/A-18D Hornet aircraft and three Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter jets, belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), kick-started the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA'25) today. The opening of the exhibition and the RMAF Opening Gambit was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was accompanied by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The spectacular opening act was then further enlivened with a formation and aerobatic air show involving all 25 aerial assets, including six Pilatus PC-7 MK II training aircraft, two A400M transport aircraft, three C130H aircraft and eight helicopters of various types, including the EC-725, AW-139 and EC120B. The thrilling performance was held at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) airspace here and was witnessed by thousands of visitors, including local and foreign delegates as well as people in the surrounding area. Also present at the opening ceremony were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil as well as Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) chief Gen Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar. This year's LIMA, which is the 17th edition, brings together 860 exhibitors from 24 countries, of which 426 are international companies and 434 are local companies. The five-day exhibition, which ends on May 24, is seen as a platform to further strengthen Malaysia's position as a regional hub for defence and aerospace. LIMA'25 is co-organised by the Ministry of Defence and Global Exhibitions and Conferences Sdn Bhd (GEC), focusing on innovation and enhancing competitiveness among industry players in line with technological advancements. Themed 'Today's Innovation, Tomorrow's Achievements', this year's exhibition remains one of the largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions in Southeast Asia since its inception in 1991.
The Star
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Lima '25 kicks off with spectacular aerial display by RMAF
LANGKAWI: An aerial display by three F/A-18D Hornet aircraft and three Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter jets, belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), kick-started the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA'25) on Tuesday (May 20). The opening of the exhibition and the RMAF Opening Gambit was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was accompanied by Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The spectacular opening act was then further enlivened with a formation and aerobatic air show involving all 25 aerial assets, including six Pilatus PC-7 MK II training aircraft, two A400M transport aircraft, three C130H aircraft and eight helicopters of various types, including the EC-725, AW-139 and EC120B. The thrilling performance was held at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) airspace here and was witnessed by thousands of visitors, including local and foreign delegates as well as people in the surrounding area. Also present at the opening ceremony were deputy prime ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil as well as Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) chief Gen Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar. This year's LIMA, which is the 17th edition, brings together 860 exhibitors from 24 countries, of which 426 are international companies and 434 are local companies. The five-day exhibition, which ends on May 24, is seen as a platform to further strengthen Malaysia's position as a regional hub for defence and aerospace. Lima '25 is co-organised by the Defence Ministry and Global Exhibitions and Conferences Sdn Bhd (GEC), focusing on innovation and enhancing competitiveness among industry players in line with technological advancements. Themed "Today's Innovation, Tomorrow's Achievements', this year's exhibition remains one of the largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions in Southeast Asia since its inception in 1991.- Bernama
The Star
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Federal Government denies delaying rare earth mining procedures
IPOH: The claim made by Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor that the Federal Government is deliberately delaying rare earth mining procedures is incorrect, says Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad ( pic ). The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister said the Federal Government prepared the standard operating procedure (SOP) for mining rare earth elements (REE) in December 2023. "The accusation is baseless. We've already clarified it in a press statement in October last year. "The SOP for REE mining in Malaysia has been completed and circulated to all states in a letter dated December 20, 2023," he said on Monday (May 19). "The SOP contains comprehensive guidelines, covering technical aspects, environmental compliance, mine site rehabilitation, and export regulations," he said, adding that the SOP is a reference document based on existing laws. "It was drawn up to allow state governments to adjust its implementation according to each state's laws," he added. Muhammad Sanusi reportedly said in a Malay daily on May 16 that the government was stalling the SOP issuance, hindering the development of SG4 (Perikatan Nasional State Governments) states. Nik Nazmi said any delays or constraints at the state level should not be blamed entirely on the Federal Government. "It should be emphasised that exploration activities are under the jurisdiction of the state government. "For example, in Kedah, it has been enshrined in the Kedah Mineral Enactment through the prospecting and exploration licences," he said. "The Ministry stresses that any REE mining activities are prohibited in permanent forest reserves, environmentally sensitive areas, and protected reserves. "Activities in other areas can continue, subject to compliance with established policies, acts, and guidelines," he added. Nik Nazmi said the Federal Government is committed to ensuring that the development of the mineral sector is carried out responsibly and sustainably. "This is not only for economic progress, but also for the well-being of future generations regardless of the state. "It is crucial for all parties, including state leaders, to stick to the facts and not use natural resource policy as a political tool," he said. The people need closer cooperation between the federal and state governments to achieve real progress," he added.
