Latest news with #MuhammadSanusiMdNor
New Straits Times
24-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Kedah backs new Museum Bill to boost heritage governance
ALOR STAR: The Kedah state government has expressed its full support for the National Unity Ministry's initiative to strengthen the country's museum institutions through the proposed Malaysia Museum Bill (RUUMM). Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor described the bill as a crucial step towards the professional and ethical governance of museums nationwide, in line with international standards. "We fully support the National Unity Ministry's efforts through the Malaysia Museum Bill. It is a step forward in elevating museum management and strengthening institutional capacity," he said at the launch of the National-level International Museum Day Festival 2025, held at the Padi Museum today. The event was officiated by the Sultan of Kedah, Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, and attended by the Raja Muda of Kedah, Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin. The bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament by November, aims to establish a clear legal framework to ensure the effective and sustainable management of museums nationwide. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said that while the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645) governed matters related to heritage sites, monuments, and tangible and intangible heritage, it did not adequately cover museum policy and governance. Commenting on the festival, Sanusi said he was honoured that the Padi Museum — a landmark symbolising Kedah's identity as the nation's rice bowl — was chosen as the venue for the event, which drew over 1,000 museum professionals from across Malaysia, as well as from Singapore and Indonesia. He reaffirmed the state's commitment to preserving Malaysia's historical legacy in partnership with the federal government, highlighting the 889-year-old Kedah Sultanate as one of the oldest surviving royal institutions in the world. Sanusi also pledged continued support for the Kedah State Museum as a centre for historical and archaeological research, youth education, and cultural identity.
New Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sanusi yet to decide on Pas vice-presidency nomination despite party backing
ALOR STAR: Perikatan Nasional election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has yet to decide whether he will accept the nomination for a vice-president's post in Pas, despite open backing from senior party leaders. Sanusi said he had not made a final decision and would only consider the matter if nominated by party divisions in the upcoming election. "I haven't made a decision. If there is a nomination, I will consider it. But I've already withdrawn twice in the past. I believe party positions should be determined by members, not me. "I've never offered myself to contest. Even now, I'm not putting myself forward. I will have to consider whether I should even be there. If there are more qualified candidates, give it to them. I'm still young, only 51," he said after launching the logo for the 7th Kedah Darul Aman (SUKDA) Games 2025 at Wisma Darul Aman today. Sanusi, who is also Kedah menteri besar, said he had no issues serving the party in a low-level post if there were other capable and credible individuals.. "Let those with the capability, qualifications and who aren't 'mulut capoi' (brash) hold the position… but we do need them too," he quipped. Recently, Pas spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin openly endorsed Sanusi for the party's vice-presidency, citing his strong performance as menteri besar and influence within the party. However, Sanusi said he had yet to receive any official notification regarding a nomination, which typically only comes after the process closes. "This year, I will consider whether it is necessary. If there is someone better and more qualified, I will even campaign for them. Pas is not like other parties. We don't scramble for positions to the point of quitting cabinet posts," he said. Commenting on current vice-presidents Datuk Idris Ahmad, Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah and Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Sanusi said all three possessed unique strengths that party members should weigh carefully.
New Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sanusi: Kedah water tariff hike to stay below 5 sen
ALOR STAR: The proposed water tariff revision submitted to the federal government will not burden consumers, with the increase expected to remain below five sen per cubic metre, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor. Sanusi said the application was formally submitted by Syarikat Air Darul Aman (Sada) in line with the mechanism set by the National Water Services Commission. "I'm not sure of the exact figure, but I believe it will be no more than five sen. Even the minimum rate may see only a slight increase," he said at a press conference after launching the logo for the 7th Kedah Darul Aman Sports Games at Wisma Darul Aman here today. "The last tariff hike was over a decade ago, around 2011 or 2012. Let's wait for the approval." Sanusi said over 60 per cent of Sada's operating costs are tied to electricity bills, which amount to RM128 million a year. He added that the situation was not unique to Kedah, as most water operators nationwide were struggling with rising treatment and maintenance costs. "The largest share of Sada's operational cost is electricity, followed by staff salaries, treatment chemicals and infrastructure maintenance. "If electricity tariffs increase while water tariffs remain stagnant, operators will be under financial pressure. Sada alone pays RM128 million a year just for electricity. That's 60 per cent of its operating cost. So when electricity rates rise every year, but water tariffs stay the same, operators are squeezed." He also touched on the regulatory framework under the Water Services Industry Act 2006, which transferred state water supply assets to Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB) as part of efforts to restructure water-related debt. "Kedah previously had RM2.3 billion in water-related debt. Under the Water Services Industry Act, all assets were transferred to PAAB, and the state government now pays lease charges, which count as debt repayments. The state must also fully own its water operator." Sanusi dismissed claims that the state government planned to relinquish control of Sada, saying such a move would be legally impossible under the act.
The Sun
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
DXN Holdings landmark agreement paves way for investments, job creation in Kedah
CYBERJAYA: DXN Holdings Bhd, a global manufacturer of health-focused nutraceutical products, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Invest Kedah Bhd, the state's principal investment promotion agency, to explore strategic initiatives in agroforestry, aquaculture, and eco-tourism. The five-year MoU also supports socio-economic and talent development aligned with Kedah's long-term plans. The MoU was formalised during an official ceremony attended by the Kedah chief minister Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who emphasised the importance of partnerships between the state and forward-looking companies. 'We welcome collaborations that align with our vision for a smart, competitive, and sustainable Kedah. 'DXN, a homegrown company which began in Kedah and now has a global reach, sets a benchmark for excellence in both governance and growth for companies in Kedah and Malaysia. 'Their continued investment not only strengthens confidence in our state's economic direction but also contributes to the momentum of our planned economic corridors. 'This is the kind of business leadership that creates real impact for the people of Kedah and can form anchor partners for the Greater Kedah 2050 Vision,' he said in a statement. DXN has deep roots in Kedah. It commenced business in Jitra in 1995 and continues to play a key role in the Company's global operations, with approximately 90% of its production exported across 54 countries. The site is supported by a workforce of around 1,825 employees, reflecting the company's continued investment in local talent while complementing its broader international manufacturing footprint. DXN's collaboration with Invest Kedah builds on that legacy to unlock socio-economic potential through entrepreneurship and innovation, while ensuring that local communities benefit from development across sectors. These initiatives are expected to generate significant employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity in Kedah, with a strong emphasis on engaging local talent, contractors, and entrepreneurs. DXN will also support technology and knowledge transfer to enhance local capabilities. Under the MoU, DXN and Invest Kedah will explore high-impact opportunities through job creation and economic growth in agroforestry, focusing on the cultivation of high-value crops such as coffee and mushrooms in designated forest reserve areas. It will also focus on aquaculture and island ventures, whereby the development of sustainable aquaculture systems for species such as oysters, red snapper, grouper, and coral trout, including those in hatcheries on the island and in coastal zones. The MoU will also focus on eco-tourism in Langkawi, with wellness-driven tourism offerings aligned with DXN's global brand and sustainability ethos. The first project already underway is a fish hatchery on Pulau Tuba, Langkawi, which began operations in March 2024. Spanning 1.02 hectares, the hatchery houses 40 tanks with the capacity to breed up to 480,000 fish, and focuses on red snapper, grouper, milkfish, and coral trout. The facility is designed to serve both commercial production and marine conservation education. DXN founder and executive chairman Datuk Lim Siow Jin said Kedah holds tremendous untapped potential for agro-based and tourism development. 'Through this MoU, we can deepen our footprint in the state while delivering inclusive economic benefits. This reflects our philosophy of building a vertically integrated, sustainable business that grows alongside the communities it serves. 'We sincerely thank the Kedah state government for their partnership. The policies of the state as well as federal governments had enabled a company like ours to take root and grow internationally,' he said. Invest Kedah chief operation officer Noor Ikhsan Abdul Aziz said this public-private initiative is part of the state's broader effort to modernise Kedah's economy. 'By empowering companies like DXN, we are enabling the creation of self-sustaining entrepreneurs and strengthening local supply chains. 'This collaboration demonstrates how strategic investment can support social and economic development across the state,' he said. In Q1 of FY25, Kedah secured RM4.2 billion in investments, with RM3.9 billion in manufacturing. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Kedah is driven by Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP), Kulim Industrial Corridor (KIC), Bukit Kayu Hitam Special Border Economic Zone (BKH SBEZ), as well as Kedah Rubber City, Kedah Science & Technology Park (KSTP). Kedah is also seeing rapid growth in healthcare, driven by increased public funding and private expansion. Langkawi is positioning itself as a premium wellness destination, integrating rainforest spas, eco-retreats, and holistic healing. Mainland Kedah is directing investment toward eco and cultural wellness tourism in places like Gunung Jerai, Lembah Bujang and Tasik Pedu. The partnership also enables DXN to further strengthen its sustainable value chain. Access to local land for cultivating key ingredients such as cocoa and coffee will reduce reliance on external suppliers, improve cost efficiency, and support quality assurance. This complements DXN's current practice of cultivating spirulina and ganoderma for its own use. As DXN enters its next phase of growth, the company remains focused on strengthening its global presence while delivering long-term value through a sustainable, integrated value chain and ongoing innovation in health and wellness. Equally, DXN is committed to uplifting communities by creating inclusive economic opportunities and building local capabilities—reflecting its belief that business success and community well-being are inextricably linked. With a population of over 2.1 million, Kedah is on track for rapid economic transformation driven by strong industrial FDI, advanced logistics, and high-tech manufacturing. With annual FDI inflows projected at RM40–50 billion and real GDP growth forecast at 5–7% annually, Kedah is poised to become a top-tier investment destination and economic hub in northern Malaysia through major plans like Greater Kedah 2050 and Pelan Kedah 2035.
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Sungai Korok tragedy: Bamboo barriers among safety measures proposed
SUNGAI PETANI: The Kedah government has proposed several safety measures, including planting buluh madu (honey bamboo) and building earth embankments, to reduce the risk of fatal accidents along the Sungai Korok route in Jitra, following a recent tragedy that claimed six lives from one family. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said that, in addition to installing guardrails and streetlights, honey bamboo could serve as a natural, cost-effective buffer, especially in areas where there is sufficient riverbank reserve space. "There were some discussions recently, and many suggested installing guardrails, but I also proposed planting bamboo as a buffer and landscape feature. "I'll be putting forward this proposal to the Public Works Department (PWD)," he told reporters after officiating the key handover ceremony for Mutiara Bandar Puteri Jaya Phase 7 today. Sanusi said honey bamboo differs from the bamboo commonly used for cooking, as it is more suited for roadside planting and significantly cheaper than installing steel barriers. "The cost of installing guardrails can reach RM400,000 per kilometre. "If you want to cover 15km, that's RM6 million. "Bamboo takes time to mature, but if we wait on funding for guardrails, that might take even longer, or may not happen at all," he said. He said the proposal will be forwarded to the PWD for technical evaluation based on site suitability, as not all stretches of the road are appropriate for guardrails. "Some areas have enough space to plant bamboo, but for narrow and high-risk spots, guardrails might be necessary. "It depends on needs and financial capability," he said. He said other suggestions include constructing soil embankments as physical barriers. "At 50km per hour, a vehicle would hit the embankment and not plunge into the river. "That's another idea we're considering. "We're offering these proposals based on what we can afford, but there's no doubt something must be done for public safety," he said. Previously, the federal government said it would study the proposal to install guardrails and streetlights along the Sungai Korok stretch, following the tragedy. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the suggestion would be brought to the PWD's attention to ensure safety improvements are prioritised in the area. It was reported that a family of six, reported missing since Saturday, was found inside a Proton Iswara that had plunged into Sungai Korok.
