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The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Negri's policy on strays needs a rethink
THE decision by Negri Sembilan state assembly, endorsed by all 36 assemblymen, sanctioning the culling of street dogs has sparked concern among animal rights advocates and concerned citizens. The voices of protest are louder than those in favour of the decision, and the state authorities ought to take heed of this. Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said his administration was left with no other option to address issues of disturbance and safety caused by the free-roaming canines. The decision, he said, had to be taken as the issue had been repeatedly raised and that gave an impression that his team was not doing anything to address it. Aminuddin promised that the stray dogs would only be euthanised if unclaimed from the pound after their capture. Animal welfare groups, however, want the authorities to consider other options to better manage the stray population. While acknowledging cases where aggressive animals pose risks to public safety, they said culling should not be an option. With no proper SOP in place, activists fear the state government's decision would give enforcement agencies free rein to cull all strays. They also claimed inconsistencies in Aminuddin's announcement as he had initially said only aggressive strays with a history of attacking the public would be put to sleep. Animal rights groups said the Negri Sembilan government should shelve the move while waiting for the outcome of proposals submitted to Housing and Local Government Ministry on managing the stray dog population. It should be noted that there are countries which have resorted to culling strays, particularly the animals that were known to have diseases such as rabies. On the other hand, there are also countries that completely prohibit the killing of street dogs and have adopted more humane measures such as spaying and neutering, sheltering them in pounds and promoting adoption. India, for example, has taken the fertility control route rather than culling, and its stray population has reduced. In North America, fertility control has had similar effectiveness over a 20-year period. These statistics, animal rights groups say, show that it is better to control than to kill. Animal welfare groups are asking that they be allowed to manage the issue via the trap-neuter-release (TNR) programme which they claim is the most effective method. They say it takes a minimum of five years for the programme to yield results and that non- governmental organisations should be given time to prove this. It is learned that the TNR programme in Seremban was only launched in 2023. The groups say they are also financially strained and depend heavily on public donations to cover expenses. For example Furrykids Safehaven, which houses some 2,000 strays in Rantau, claims it needs an average RM130,000 a month to run the shelter. More than half the expenses goes to buying 1,200 bags of kibbles − which cost some RM72,000 − for the dogs, followed by salaries for its 11 workers and veterinary bills, which come up to another RM50,000. Volunteers help catch strays for the TNR programme and feed them after they are released, at no cost to the state. To the people who have cared and continue to care for these voiceless animals, the decision by the authorities seems inhumane. We should perhaps take a page from other nations. The Netherlands, now virtually free of stray dogs, adopted a nationwide sterilisation programme in 1996. Homes were found for more than a million dogs without a single one being put to sleep. Another effective policy by the Dutch government was to impose heavy taxes on purchasing pets from stores, which eventually led people to adopt fur babies from shelters instead. Remember Kopi, the playful stray dog shot dead in Besut, Terengganu, during a culling operation? There are tens of thousands like Kopi all over Malaysia. A society is judged not by how it treats its strongest, but by how it cares for those who cannot fight back. The state government must return to the drawing board and come up with a policy that balances public health and safety with humane considerations. Surely, man's best friend deserves better.
The Star
28-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Watsons Malaysia introduces the all-new 45+ members club
(From left) Hoh, Loh and Watsons Malaysia trading director Foo Hwei Jiek posing during the official launch of the Watsons 45 Members Club. KUALA LUMPUR: Watsons Malaysia continues to champion holistic well-being with the official launch of the Watsons 45+ Members Club, a specially curated programme offering exclusive health and lifestyle benefits for individuals aged 45 and above. This initiative supports the national agenda of promoting active ageing and improving the quality of life for mature adults as Malaysia enters the demographic phase of an ageing population. 'Turning 45 and beyond is not about slowing down, it's about stepping into a new, empowered chapter of life,' said Watsons Malaysia managing director and AS Watson Group Health and Beauty Asia chief operating officer Caryn Loh. 'At this stage, health and self-care become even more important and Watsons is proud to be a supportive partner through the Watsons 45+ Members Club. 'Staying physically active, engaging in mental challenges, fostering social connections, and maintaining emotional well-being are all keys to a fulfilling life. This club is our way of saying, 'You deserve to stay fit, fabulous and thriving every day.' The Watsons 45+ Members Club offers a host of tailored benefits designed to support members in their wellness journey. Watsons members reaching the age of 45 will automatically be upgraded to the Watsons 45+ Member Club on their birthday month. 'As a member, you will receive an attractive welcome pack that includes discount vouchers worth RM130,' said Watsons Malaysia chief operating officer Danny Hoh. 'Members will also enjoy a five per cent discount on a wide range of vitamins and supplements, along with two complimentary health checks each year to help monitor their well-being.' In addition, the club offers monthly health promotions via Watsons Community on WhatsApp, an exclusive e-stamp programme to redeem premium gifts and access to special partner deals tailored to the needs of the 45+ community. Members will also be invited to exclusive workshops and wellness events. To celebrate the launch, Watsons Malaysia hosted a pickleball session, giving members a fun way to stay active and connected. Guests also gained valuable health tips on navigating life's changes with confidence and enjoyed free health checks, including cholesterol and glucose. To sign up or learn more, visit your nearest Watsons store or log on to
Barnama
26-05-2025
- General
- Barnama
PETRA,TNB To Install Solar PV Systems In Mosques, Promoting Energy Transition
PASIR PUTEH, May 26 (Bernama) -- The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA), through Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) corporate social responsibility initiative, will install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at two mosques with an allocation of RM130,698. PETRA secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli said the mosques, Masjid Al-Hijrah at the Fishermen Resettlement Area (PSN) in Tok Bali, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, and Masjid Al Huda in Kampung Rantau Abang, Dungun, Terengganu, received allocations of RM41,999 and RM88,699 respectively. He said the installations would reduce monthly electricity bills, promote environmental sustainability, raise community awareness, and help lower carbon emissions by replacing conventional energy sources with solar power. "These CSR projects are crucial in our efforts to bring the energy transition closer to the people, and solar power is one of the key initiatives under PETRA. "We call on other companies to follow TNB's example and take part in this energy transition efforts," he said when met at Masjid Al-Hijrah recently. He said the solar PV systems will be installed under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) GoMen scheme, whereby solar energy generated during the day will be used for electricity, and any excess energy will be exported to the TNB grid. "The exported excess will be recorded and reimported for use at night," he said. Meanwhile, the imam of Masjid Al-Hijrah PSN Tok Bali, Amirul Mukminin Mohd Roslan, said the solar project would benefit more than 1,200 residents. "InsyaAllah, there will be more programmes and activities at the mosque, especially at night, once the solar system is installed. It will also help reduce the monthly electricity bill," he said.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Watsons Malaysia launches exclusive club to promote healthy ageing
IN a move to support Malaysia's ageing population and encourage active ageing, Watsons Malaysia has launched the Watsons 45+ Members Club, a specialised programme offering exclusive health and lifestyle benefits for individuals aged 45 and above. With Malaysia officially classified as an ageing nation, the number of citizens aged 60 and above is expected to reach 15.3% by 2030. Data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) projects that the percentage of Malaysians aged 65 and above will increase from 8.1% in 2024 to 14.5% by 2040. Recognising this demographic shift, Watsons Malaysia aims to provide accessible wellness resources and preventive healthcare solutions tailored to the needs of mature adults. 'Turning 45 and beyond is not about slowing down, it's about embracing a new, empowered chapter of life,' said Caryn Loh, Managing Director of Watsons Malaysia and COO of Health & Beauty Asia, AS Watson Group. 'At this stage, health and self-care become even more important, and Watsons is proud to support our customers through the Watsons 45+ Members Club. 'Staying physically active, engaging in mental challenges, fostering social connections, and maintaining emotional well-being are all key to a fulfilling life. 'This club is our way of saying, 'You deserve to stay fit, fabulous & thriving every day,' she added. The Watsons 45+ Members Club offers a range of benefits designed to support members on their wellness journey. Customers will automatically be upgraded to the Watsons 45+ Member Club upon reaching their 45th birthday. Members will receive a welcome pack containing discount vouchers worth RM130, a 5% discount on select vitamins and supplements, and two complementary health checks each year to monitor their well-being. Danny Hoh, Chief Operating Officer of Watsons Malaysia, highlighted additional perks available to members, including monthly health promotions via the Watsons Community on WhatsApp, an exclusive e-stamp programme offering premium gift redemptions, and special partner deals tailored to the needs of the 45+ community. Members will also be invited to wellness workshops and events throughout the year. To commemorate the launch, Watsons Malaysia hosted a Pickleball session—an increasingly popular sport among active adults—allowing members to stay physically engaged and connect with fellow participants. Guests were also treated to free health screenings, including cholesterol and glucose checks, as well as expert advice on navigating life's transitions with confidence. This latest initiative aligns with Watsons Malaysia's long-standing mission to serve as a trusted health and beauty destination for all Malaysians. By offering holistic support across skincare, nutrition, mental wellness, and physical activity, the Watsons 45+ Members Club provides a comprehensive platform encouraging members to embrace ageing vibrantly and confidently. Malaysians aged 45 and above can join the club at any Watsons store or online at
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Watsons Malaysia launches Exclusive 45+ Members Club to promote healthy ageing
IN a move to support Malaysia's ageing population and encourage active ageing, Watsons Malaysia has launched the Watsons 45+ Members Club, a specialised programme offering exclusive health and lifestyle benefits for individuals aged 45 and above. With Malaysia officially classified as an ageing nation, the number of citizens aged 60 and above is expected to reach 15.3% by 2030. Data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) projects that the percentage of Malaysians aged 65 and above will increase from 8.1% in 2024 to 14.5% by 2040. Recognising this demographic shift, Watsons Malaysia aims to provide accessible wellness resources and preventive healthcare solutions tailored to the needs of mature adults. 'Turning 45 and beyond is not about slowing down, it's about embracing a new, empowered chapter of life,' said Caryn Loh, Managing Director of Watsons Malaysia and COO of Health & Beauty Asia, AS Watson Group. 'At this stage, health and self-care become even more important, and Watsons is proud to support our customers through the Watsons 45+ Members Club. 'Staying physically active, engaging in mental challenges, fostering social connections, and maintaining emotional well-being are all key to a fulfilling life. 'This club is our way of saying, 'You deserve to stay fit, fabulous & thriving every day,' she added. The Watsons 45+ Members Club offers a range of benefits designed to support members on their wellness journey. Customers will automatically be upgraded to the Watsons 45+ Member Club upon reaching their 45th birthday. Members will receive a welcome pack containing discount vouchers worth RM130, a 5% discount on select vitamins and supplements, and two complementary health checks each year to monitor their well-being. Danny Hoh, Chief Operating Officer of Watsons Malaysia, highlighted additional perks available to members, including monthly health promotions via the Watsons Community on WhatsApp, an exclusive e-stamp programme offering premium gift redemptions, and special partner deals tailored to the needs of the 45+ community. Members will also be invited to wellness workshops and events throughout the year. To commemorate the launch, Watsons Malaysia hosted a Pickleball session—an increasingly popular sport among active adults—allowing members to stay physically engaged and connect with fellow participants. Guests were also treated to free health screenings, including cholesterol and glucose checks, as well as expert advice on navigating life's transitions with confidence. This latest initiative aligns with Watsons Malaysia's long-standing mission to serve as a trusted health and beauty destination for all Malaysians. By offering holistic support across skincare, nutrition, mental wellness, and physical activity, the Watsons 45+ Members Club provides a comprehensive platform encouraging members to embrace ageing vibrantly and confidently. Malaysians aged 45 and above can join the club at any Watsons store or online at
