Latest news with #PH-BalikPulau
The Star
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Revamped MM2H programme generates RM839.9mil in revenue, says Tiong
KUALA LUMPUR: The revamped Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme has generated a total of RM839.9mil in revenue since the introduction of new criteria last year, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (pic). The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said the amount comprises RM597.5mil in fixed deposit investments, RM237.2mil in property investments and RM5.2mil in participation fees. 'These figures not only reflect Malaysia's attractiveness as a preferred destination, but also demonstrate applicants' confidence in the country's economic stability and long-term prospects,' Tiong said in a written parliamentary reply to Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (PH-Balik Pulau). He added that the programme's economic spillover also benefits sectors such as education, healthcare and insurance services. To enhance competitiveness and appeal, he said the government has introduced a three-tiered structure for MM2H - Platinum, Gold and Silver - in addition to a special category for applicants under Special Economic or Financial Zones. According to him, each tier is differentiated by criteria such as age, financial capability, duration of stay, eligibility to bring dependents and length of the MM2H pass. 'All applications must be submitted through licensed MM2H agents under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 to strengthen overall programme governance and integrity,' Tiong said. As of June 30, a total of 3,019 applications had been received since the new policy came into effect in October 2024, he said. This includes 48 applications under Platinum, 137 under Gold, 2,434 under Silver and 400 under the Special Economic or Financial Zone category. Out of these, Tiong said 1,294 applicants have received endorsement passes, consisting of 19 in Platinum, 61 in Gold, 1,020 in Silver and 194 in the special zone category.
New Straits Times
30-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Higher Education Ministry strengthens student safety after Cyberjaya murder
KUALA LUMPUR: The Higher Education Ministry has implemented several follow-up actions following the tragic murder of a female student at a private university hostel in Cyberjaya. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry remains committed to ensuring that all institutions of higher education, including private institutions, provide a safe, conducive, and secure learning environment, especially within accommodation premises. In response to a question by Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (PH-Balik Pulau) in the Dewan Rakyat, Zambry said the ministry has taken immediate and comprehensive steps to strengthen student safety and security. These include expanding the use of the Guidelines for Off-Campus Student Management to all private institutions and ensuring compliance with existing guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The ministry is also proposing the establishment of Off-Campus Student Management Units (UPLK) in a structured manner or through the appointment of a dedicated portfolio, particularly for smaller institutions of higher learning. "Additionally, private institutions of higher learning are encouraged to hold regular engagement sessions with Rukun Tetangga (Neighbourhood Committees), Community Crime Watch, Joint Management Bodies (JMB) of apartments and condominiums, and the police. "The ministry is also recommending off-campus student accommodations be rented en bloc to improve security, rather than mixed-unit rental with public tenants. "This also includes safety features at off-campus student housing, such as installing additional CCTV cameras, increasing the number of security guards, improving lighting in high-risk areas (hotspots), and identifying high-risk residential zones," he said. Zambry added that the ministry takes the matter seriously and is committed to upholding student safety in line with the provisions under the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996. He said the Act also places responsibility on the chief executives of private institutions of higher learning to ensure that matters related to teaching, administration, student welfare, and discipline are carried out in an orderly and safe manner, as outlined in subsection 33(a). Zambry also noted that the ministry has introduced two key safety frameworks, which are the Guidelines for Off-Campus Student Management at Institutions of Higher Education (2021) and the Guidelines and Standards for Private Higher Educational Institution Premises (2023). He said these documents serve as references for private higher educational institutions in providing secure and conducive accommodation for their students. "To strengthen ongoing compliance, the Higher Education Ministry has set targets for regular inspections and monitoring of private higher educational institutions. Various inspections, compliance audits, and verifications have been carried out by the ministry, including those arising from complaints, directives, or closures. "Student safety and well-being is a shared responsibility. It involves not just the ministry, but also enforcement agencies, institutions of higher education management, and the wider campus community. "The Higher Education Ministry does not compromise on safety, and we will continue to address any weaknesses systematically and firmly," he said.
