Latest news with #PETALINGJAYA
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Cheap imports, aimless programmes hurting farmers
The right help: With proper policies, incentives and technological help, local farmers will be able to produce bountiful crops to match major food producers like China, Japan and India, say agriculture and food security experts. PETALING JAYA: Vegetable farmers and livestock breeders say that cheap imports and unfocused programmes are why their industries are 'in a crisis' despite all the attention given to agriculture for the past two decades. Local growers are unable to compete with cheap vegetables brought in from China, Vietnam and Thailand, which is why some farms are leaving their crops to rot instead of harvesting them. Cattle breeders say that government programmes encouraging farmers to breed cows for meat have failed to produce more beef for local consumption because the initiatives did not go to the right people. 'I do not know if our vegetable farmers can survive for the next two years because cheap imports are driving the prices down and we cannot compete,' said Cameron Highlands Malay Farmers Association chairman Datuk Syed Abd Rahman Syed Abd Rashid. For instance, with the cost of producing cabbages being 80sen, farmers have to sell their produce at more than RM1 per kilo in order to make a profit, he said. 'But cabbages from China are sold in supermarkets at 60sen per kilo. So, how can we compete with these prices? 'Wholesalers and importers are bringing in tonnes of these vegetables every day, so how is our local produce going to compete?' he asked. The vegetable glut in the market is currently nearly all year-round, added Syed Abd Rahman, making it hard for farmers to earn an income. 'In the last two years, I have not made a profit at all from growing vegetables. This is something I am sure farmers all over the country have experienced. Our industry is in a crisis,' he noted. The Statistics Department's (DOSM) Agriculture Census 2024 showed that Malaysia continued to depend on imports to meet local demand for beef, mutton and milk. In 2024, 84%, 89.% and 56.6% of these items, respectively, were from other countries. Cattle breeder Jamal Abdul Karim said that according to DOSM's past data, the country had higher levels of self-sufficiency for beef in the years before the Covid-19 pandemic, but this has declined and the nation has increased its imports. 'In my own experience, when we were sourcing cattle for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidiladha, we could not find enough animals in Peninsular Malaysia. We had to source from Thailand', said Jamal, who is the chief executive officer of Colla Niaga Sdn Bhd. Despite seeing years of government programmes to encourage the growth of local breeders, Jamal said the results have been lacklustre because the initiatives lack focus. 'The problem is that we don't choose the right people who want to be breeders. For instance, we give out cows to oil palm planters so they can breed them in their plantations. 'But the problem is these people are focused on oil palm and not cattle-breeding. To make the industry viable, we need the government to work with the right breeders,' Jamal added.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Peka: Where's the monkey?
Animal cruelty: Rajesh (right) and Dr Kartini say no update has been given about the monkey's health nor its whereabouts. PETALING JAYA: Following public outrage over a viral video showing a monkey being spray-painted, the Association for the Protection of the Natural Heritage of Malaysia (Peka) is demanding transparency regarding the animal's condition and current custody. Peka president Rajesh Nagarajan expressed concern over the silence surrounding the case, questioning which authority is in charge of the monkey and its current wellbeing. 'Where is the monkey? What is its condition? Why hasn't anyone come forward to clarify its whereabouts?' Rajesh said at a press conference yesterday. 'Is it under the care of Perhilitan? The Animal Welfare Board? Or another agency? Whoever is responsible must come forward and provide an update.' He said the video, which triggered widespread emotional reactions nationwide, has become a matter of public concern. 'Malaysians are deeply invested in this case, and they deserve answers. 'We also want to know why the person seen abusing the animal hasn't been charged. What is the justification?' he added. Peka vice-president Dr Kartini Rahim also questioned the lack of action against the individual shown in the video. A video grab showing the monkey being spray painted. 'The video clearly shows a monkey being sprayed with paint while confined in a cage. We still don't know why the monkey was captured, whether it did anything to warrant such treatment, or what condition it is in now,' she said. Dr Kartini warned that the use of paint on animals can cause serious harm. 'The chemicals in paint are toxic. They can damage the skin, cause burns, and trigger respiratory issues. The act also induces severe stress, potentially altering the monkey's behaviour and making it more aggressive,' she added. The incident was captured in a video showing a man spraying blue paint directly onto the monkey inside a cage. Animal welfare activists and the public have since called for firm action. Last week, Sungai Buloh OCPD Supt Mohd Hafiz Muhammad Nor confirmed that a police report was lodged at 2.10am on Saturday by a veterinary officer from the Petaling district in response to the viral clip. The Star has reached out to the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) for comment and is awaiting a response.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
I've planned my next steps but will reveal them later, says Rafizi
PETALING JAYA: After resigning as Economy Minister, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli says he will announce his plans once the dust settles from recent events. Rafizi said he began his leave on Wednesday (May 28) and is currently busy replying to messages and having discussions on X. ALSO READ: Anwar: No Cabinet reshuffle for now 'I have planned what to focus on after this. But let everyone calm down… 'I will update here in future,' he said on X on Friday (May 30). The former PKR deputy president also pointed out that the strength of the country lies in its people. 'The biggest potential lies in regular people. We have to go back to harnessing this potential,' he wrote. ALSO READ: Nurul Izzah: Fearless Rafizi will remain relevant A day after the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits concluded, Rafizi and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad tendered their resignations from the Economy and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability portfolios respectively. At the PKR central leadership elections on May 23, Rafizi lost his party post to president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's daughter Nurul Izzah. Nik Nazmi was unsuccessful in his bid for one of the four vice presidents' posts. ALSO READ: Not the end of the line for the two party stalwarts, say analysts Rafizi had said his resignation would take effect from June 17, and that he will be on annual leave from Thursday (May 29) to June 16. Nik Nazmi said his resignation takes effect from July 4 and that his leave would start on Thursday. Also on Thursday, Prime Minister Anwar said he was not considering a Cabinet reshuffle yet despite the resignations. 'They are still on leave. We cannot replace ministers who are currently on leave," he told the media after the Prime Minister's Department monthly assembly in Putrajaya.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
‘Resignations signal shift in PKR, not threat to govt'
PETALING JAYA: The unexpected resignations of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli as Economy minister and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability minister – both prominent PKR reformists – have sparked speculation about a possible Cabinet reshuffle and the internal direction of the party. Political analysts maintain that while the move signals a shift in the leadership dynamics of PKR, it is unlikely to threaten the stability of the Madani government. Universiti Malaya political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub believes there is no immediate need for a reshuffle, suggesting instead that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could use the situation to consolidate and streamline ministries. 'The prime minister could merge the Economy Ministry into the Finance and International Trade and Industry Ministry portfolios, and the Natural Resources Ministry into the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry. 'This move would not only address the current vacancies in these two ministries but also help reduce administrative costs and enhance government efficiency through consolidation,' he said. Speculation has also swirled over whether Anwar's daughter Nurul Izzah might step into a formal role following the resignations, but Mohammad Tawfik believes this is unlikely. 'Her previous role as PKR vice-president already qualified her for a significant position, but she wasn't appointed. 'That shows caution on the part of both her and the party. If she were appointed now, it would send a negative signal and invite further accusations of nepotism,' he said. On the potential impact among young voters, who once viewed Rafizi and Nik Nazmi as key reform voices, Mohammad Tawfik acknowledged there may be some disappointment, although not a dramatic shift. 'Their actions were bold but also irresponsible, especially when the country had just hosted the Asean Summit and was working to strengthen economic and political stability. 'Still, youths today are more pragmatic and do not follow leaders blindly.' Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali also downplayed the risk of instability, pointing to the unity government's strong two-thirds majority in Parliament. He noted that Rafizi had already indicated he would resign if he lost the PKR deputy presidency, while Nik Nazmi's decision appeared tied to his support for Rafizi and his own recent loss at the branch level. 'I believe the prime minister already has a plan to fix the situation, likely through a reshuffle before the Sabah state election.' He added that further resignations are unlikely to destabilise the party, describing the resignations as a result of democratic elections in which the grassroots had chosen their leaders. Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian viewed Rafizi's resignation as a principled move in line with his campaign promise. 'Rafizi's decision is consistent with what he said during the campaign. He's sticking to his word to avoid questions about his political integrity.' However, Sivamurugan added that others aligned with Rafizi might follow if the decision is part of a broader collective stand. He also said the moment could serve as a political reset. 'I strongly believe there will be a reshuffle and this may be the right time for the prime minister to retain, drop or bring in new appointments to shape the Cabinet for the next general election. 'This is democracy at work, a reflection of political rights and integrity. It could be a collective decision to show that the party matters more than personalities.' Rafizi and Nik Nazmi announced their resignations on Wednesday via social media following their defeats in the recent PKR internal elections. Rafizi's resignation will take effect on June 17, while Nik Nazmi's will be effective July 4. On Thursday, Anwar said a Cabinet reshuffle is not currently under consideration, adding that ministers cannot be replaced while they are on leave.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Rafizi, Nik Nazmi resign, sparking cabinet reshuffle talk
PETALING JAYA: The unexpected resignations of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli as Economy minister and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability minister – both prominent PKR reformists – have sparked speculation about a possible Cabinet reshuffle and the internal direction of the party. Political analysts maintain that while the move signals a shift in the leadership dynamics of PKR, it is unlikely to threaten the stability of the Madani government. Universiti Malaya political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub believes there is no immediate need for a reshuffle, suggesting instead that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could use the situation to consolidate and streamline ministries. 'The prime minister could merge the Economy Ministry into the Finance and International Trade and Industry Ministry portfolios, and the Natural Resources Ministry into the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry. 'This move would not only address the current vacancies in these two ministries but also help reduce administrative costs and enhance government efficiency through consolidation,' he said. Speculation has also swirled over whether Anwar's daughter Nurul Izzah might step into a formal role following the resignations, but Mohammad Tawfik believes this is unlikely. 'Her previous role as PKR vice-president already qualified her for a significant position, but she wasn't appointed. 'That shows caution on the part of both her and the party. If she were appointed now, it would send a negative signal and invite further accusations of nepotism,' he said. On the potential impact among young voters, who once viewed Rafizi and Nik Nazmi as key reform voices, Mohammad Tawfik acknowledged there may be some disappointment, although not a dramatic shift. 'Their actions were bold but also irresponsible, especially when the country had just hosted the Asean Summit and was working to strengthen economic and political stability. 'Still, youths today are more pragmatic and do not follow leaders blindly.' Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali also downplayed the risk of instability, pointing to the unity government's strong two-thirds majority in Parliament. He noted that Rafizi had already indicated he would resign if he lost the PKR deputy presidency, while Nik Nazmi's decision appeared tied to his support for Rafizi and his own recent loss at the branch level. 'I believe the prime minister already has a plan to fix the situation, likely through a reshuffle before the Sabah state election.' He added that further resignations are unlikely to destabilise the party, describing the resignations as a result of democratic elections in which the grassroots had chosen their leaders. Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian viewed Rafizi's resignation as a principled move in line with his campaign promise. 'Rafizi's decision is consistent with what he said during the campaign. He's sticking to his word to avoid questions about his political integrity.' However, Sivamurugan added that others aligned with Rafizi might follow if the decision is part of a broader collective stand. He also said the moment could serve as a political reset. 'I strongly believe there will be a reshuffle and this may be the right time for the prime minister to retain, drop or bring in new appointments to shape the Cabinet for the next general election. 'This is democracy at work, a reflection of political rights and integrity. It could be a collective decision to show that the party matters more than personalities.' Rafizi and Nik Nazmi announced their resignations on Wednesday via social media following their defeats in the recent PKR internal elections. Rafizi's resignation will take effect on June 17, while Nik Nazmi's will be effective July 4. On Thursday, Anwar said a Cabinet reshuffle is not currently under consideration, adding that ministers cannot be replaced while they are on leave.
