Latest news with #Petra
Jordan Times
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Jordan Times
‘Local vehicle prices witness significant' decrease after reducing taxes'
AMMAN — Vehicle prices in the local market have seen a "notable" decline following the government's recent decision to reduce the total taxes imposed on vehicles in an effort to ease financial burdens on citizens. According to the Jordan Automotive Dealers Association (JADA), the price drop on new vehicles, across various types and models, ranges between JD1,600 and JD10,000, depending on engine capacity, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. In June, the Cabinet approved an amended regulation to the 2025 Special Tax Law, which included reductions in the general and special taxes on vehicles. The move is part of a broader set of government measures aimed at stimulating the economy and alleviating financial pressures on the public. Petra on Wednesday monitored several promotional advertisements from car dealerships and agencies offering discounts of up to JD5,000, particularly on newer models. JADA Secretary Zaid Abdallat said that automobile showrooms have experienced increased activity thanks to the government's reform package, which has "positively" impacted car prices across all categories and driven consumer interest in purchasing new vehicles. Abdallat added that the tax cuts have 'restored balance' among different vehicle categories, giving consumers more freedom to choose from a wider range of options at "unprecedented" prices. He noted that new vehicles with manufacturer warranties have now become a "viable" alternative to used or imported cars, which often lack warranty coverage and after-sales support granted from authorised dealers.
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan records 0.8% increase in fuel sales during H1 2025
AMMAN — Sales of petroleum derivatives in Jordan reached 1,761.7 million litres during the first half of 2025, up from 1,747.5 million litres during the same period in 2024, marking a 0.8 per cent increase, according to figures from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. The data also showed mixed trends across fuel categories. Sales of 90-octane gasoline declined by 2.8 per cent, dropping from 769.9 million litres to 748.4 million litres. In contrast, sales of 95-octane gasoline rose by 6.7 per cent, from 70.8 million litres to 75.6 million litres, the Jordan News Agency, Petra reported. Diesel sales also recorded a notable increase, rising from 846.0 million litres to 888.1 million litres, a 5.0 per cent increase. Kerosene sales, however, registered a sharp decline of 18.3 per cent, falling from 60.7 million litres to 49.6 million litres. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Zawya
Jordan: ‘Local vehicle prices witness significant' decrease after reducing taxes'
AMMAN — Vehicle prices in the local market have seen a "notable" decline following the government's recent decision to reduce the total taxes imposed on vehicles in an effort to ease financial burdens on citizens. According to the Jordan Automotive Dealers Association (JADA), the price drop on new vehicles, across various types and models, ranges between JD1,600 and JD10,000, depending on engine capacity, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. In June, the Cabinet approved an amended regulation to the 2025 Special Tax Law, which included reductions in the general and special taxes on vehicles. The move is part of a broader set of government measures aimed at stimulating the economy and alleviating financial pressures on the public. Petra on Wednesday monitored several promotional advertisements from car dealerships and agencies offering discounts of up to JD5,000, particularly on newer models. JADA Secretary Zaid Abdallat said that automobile showrooms have experienced increased activity thanks to the government's reform package, which has "positively" impacted car prices across all categories and driven consumer interest in purchasing new vehicles. Abdallat added that the tax cuts have 'restored balance' among different vehicle categories, giving consumers more freedom to choose from a wider range of options at "unprecedented" prices. He noted that new vehicles with manufacturer warranties have now become a "viable" alternative to used or imported cars, which often lack warranty coverage and after-sales support granted from authorised dealers. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
DPM Fadillah: 'Appreciation for the People' package shows Madani govt's commitment to rakyat
Fadillah says the initiative demonstrates the Prime Minister's recognition of the rakyat as the backbone of national stability, while reaffirming that the government remains steadfast in its policies and direction. – Bernama photo KUCHING (July 23): The 'Appreciation for the People' financial package announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reflects the Madani government's strong commitment to the welfare and trust of the rakyat, said Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof. Describing the package as a message of unity and gratitude, Fadillah said it acknowledges the contributions of Malaysians from all backgrounds, including those in rural areas, urban centres, civil service, and agriculture. 'This is clear proof that 'Malaysia Madani' is not just a slogan but a national movement that we indulge in successfully together,' said Fadillah in a statement. He said the initiative demonstrates the Prime Minister's recognition of the rakyat as the backbone of national stability, while reaffirming that the government remains steadfast in its policies and direction. 'The Prime Minister has succeeded in instilling confidence that fiscal reforms are on the right track – with the people's support as the main thrust,' he said. Fadillah pointed to the country's strengthening economic momentum, noting that Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, with a 4.5 per cent projection for the second quarter. He also highlighted Malaysia's jump of 11 spots to 23rd in the World Competitiveness Index 2025, and the ringgit's five per cent appreciation – currently trading at RM4.23 to the US dollar – placing it among Asia's top five performing currencies. 'The success is not just a figure on paper – they reflect increased investment, job creation, and stronger social policies for the people,' he said. Fadillah said the measures further demonstrate the effectiveness of the Madani government's approach in safeguarding public interest. 'As a Sarawakian, I have seen for myself the true meaning of a comprehensive policy. 'The increase in paddy floor prices, rubber incentives, and grassroots programmes such as Sejati Madani are tangible responses to the needs of the rural communities,' he said. He cited the expansion of the Madani Village Adoption Programme to 200 villages, with a target of 1,000 Madani-adopted schools by the end of 2025, as well as the Madani Rahmah Sales, now extended to all 600 state constituencies nationwide. As Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra), Fadillah also welcomed the government's efforts in restructuring energy subsidies and electricity tariffs. Beginning this month, 85 per cent of domestic consumers are expected to see up to 14 per cent reductions in electricity bills. Meanwhile, targeted RON95 subsidies will lower fuel prices to RM1.99 per litre, with savings redirected to benefit Malaysians instead of foreign users. Fadillah said these reforms do not burden the rakyat — they bring fairness and relief to the majority. Fadillah, who is also responsible for Sabah and Sarawak Affairs, expressed appreciation for the additional public holiday announced for Sept 15, in conjunction with Malaysia Day. 'Let us all unite, join forces, and continue to support the Madani agenda that gives meaning to the people's lives. 'From villages to cities, from the Peninsula to Borneo – all Malaysians deserve to enjoy fair and equitable progress,' he said.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
A-G: Go back to open tender system
PETALING JAYA: The Auditor-General has flagged the government's selective pre-qualification procurement method (Pre-Q) after companies that did not fit the bill and failed to comply with the process still qualified to the next round of the tender process. The Auditor-General has also recommended the Pre-Qualified Selective Procurement method be discontinued and for the government to revert to the open tender system. The audit findings involved projects from three ministries: Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra), Works, and the Rural and Regional Development. According to the Auditor-General Report Series 2/2025, the Pre-Q Procurement mechanism was introduced by the Finance Ministry for project tenders for 2023 and 2024. As for the process, companies that pass the first-stage screening process will be invited to proceed with the open tender process at the second stage. This method is intended to ensure that selected companies are competitive and capable. The audit found potential for manipulation and a lack of transparency in the selection process. Some companies that didn't meet the first-stage evaluation criteria, or weren't even invited, were still selected and evaluated in the second stage. Additionally, the procurement process often exceeded its stipulated duration. For Petra, 154 companies were invited to bid for 25 projects. Six companies even passed the first stage without submitting required documents, with three of them later awarded Letters of Acceptance (LOA) for flood mitigation projects in Penang, Pahang and Selangor totalling over RM811mil. For the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, no list of projects was provided during the first stage of invitation. 'A total of 721 companies participated in the invitation, and 485 companies (67.3%) were approved and certified by the ministry's Procurement Board between Aug 7 and Oct 20, 2023, for the first stage invitation,' the A-G report said. The audit found that seven companies that did not have the financial capacity were invited to participate in the second round, up to four times. One of these companies was awarded the LOA for a RM40.1mil road upgrade works in Tumpat, Kelantan. The Works Ministry, however, showed full compliance in its first-stage evaluation. Both the ministry and the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) adhered to the Finance Ministry's directives, with 113 companies meeting criteria and passing the first stage. The audit noted that the Petra and the Rural and Regional Development ministries did not comply with the evaluation criteria stipulated by the Finance Ministry. 'Furthermore, this also indicates a lack of transparency and errors in the evaluation of companies at the first stage, which subsequently led to ineligible companies being awarded LOA,' it said. In its response, Petra said the list of companies for participation in the Pre-Qualification stage was obtained through the Construction Industry Development Board's (CIDB) Construction Industry Management System (CIMS), based on pre-determined criteria and records of companies that had participated in similar Open Pre-Qualification Tenders. The Works Ministry, meanwhile, said the Sabah JKR did not have an up-to-date database for the procurement for the 15 work packages under the Pan Borneo Highway Sabah Phase 1B Project. 'The existing database pertained to the Pre-Qualification Tender for the Pan Borneo Highway Sabah Phase 1A Project, which was compiled in 2021. 'However, the data was no longer relevant as the current Pre-Qualification Tender was open to companies from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia,' said the Works Ministry. As a proactive measure for future implementation of fast-tracked mega projects, the Works Ministry plans to use the CIDB database as a reference and for checks and balances to ensure the accuracy and currency of company information and to uphold data integrity, the ministry added. The Rural and Regional Ministry admitted the absence of a complete register of contractors whose previous bids were approved by the Finance Ministry, which would be used as a basis for invitation. The ministry couldn't determine the validity of the information in the registry. The Finance Ministry, on the other hand, stated its commitment to improving the tender process by coming up with a tender guideline for ministries, ensuring that the Electronic Government Procurement Application is used to increase efficiency and a clearer framework for decision-making in the award of projects. The A-G recommended strategic preliminary screening, proper specification of project types (specific and not complex), clear and transparent Pre-Qualification criteria with maximum timeframes, and the formation of an integrated company database.
