Latest news with #RM15mil
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Ipoh landmark to become community hub with RM15mil facelift
An artist's impression for the winning design presented by Penang-based architectural firm BEu Tan Architect for a revitalised Ipoh Central Market. THE Ipoh Central Market at Jalan Dato Onn Jaafar, Ipoh, is set to be revitalised with a 'market in a park' concept. The concept was selected as the winning entry at a design competition held following the Housing and Local Government Ministry's plan to upgrade markets in the country. The winner Tan Bee Eu is the founder of Penang-based architectural firm BEu Tan Architect (Beta). She said the market would have more public spaces and be surrounded by greenery. 'We conducted multiple site visits to understand the problems and scenario at the existing market premises. 'Our goal was not only to address the problems faced by the ageing market but to also reimagine it as a vibrant new landmark for the city,' she told reporters at an executive talk event organised by Ipoh City Council at the Ipoh Convention Centre in Greentown. Beta was announced the winner of the competition at the event held in conjunction with the city's 37th anniversary celebration. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming had earlier this year said the Ipoh market would be given a major upgrade. About RM15mil was allocated to transform it into a landmark resembling the iconic Kuala Lumpur Central Market. The project was the ministry's initiative to revitalise heritage markets of over 50 years old. Tan said the Ipoh Central Market was strategically located but 'looked tired'. 'This revitalisation is timely and offers an opportunity to transform it into something iconic,' she said. 'Our project will transform the marketplace into a space for everyone, similar to a 'market in a park' concept. 'We've included plenty of public areas, such as playground for children and meeting spots for the elderly, to make it more community-focused.' Tan said the market's existing courtyard would be turned into a public square with an amphitheatre, spaces for bazaars and long-running community activities. 'It's similar to how atriums in shopping malls function as gathering points. 'The courtyard will also be surrounded by greenery and lots of trees,' she added. Ipoh mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah said upgrading works for the market would start by this year. The new mayor thanked his predecessor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin for laying a strong foundation and positioning Ipoh as a symbol of success. 'As the new mayor, I intend to return to basics by reevaluating the core responsibilities and role of a local authority,' he added. Zamakhshari said the five areas of focus are cleanliness, waste management, roads, street lighting and drainage, as the main issues often raised by the residents. 'We have been receiving various complaints regarding these services. 'As a local authority, we are entrusted with collecting assessment taxes and returning that value to the people through quality services. 'The people of Ipoh are our stakeholders and it is our duty to serve them. 'That is my vision throughout my term as the mayor of Ipoh.'
The Star
16-05-2025
- The Star
Time's ticking for fraudulent watch reseller
KUALA LUMPUR: Multiple police reports have been filed, as at least 20 people have alleged that they lost over RM15mil in luxury timepieces to a watch reseller. MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong stated that clients had entrusted their luxury watches to a shop run by a woman, who was to receive a commission upon each sale. However, Chong said that issues began to arise in December of the previous year when the woman allegedly informed clients that their watches had been sold but did not return the proceeds. 'She gave numerous excuses, ranging from delayed customer deposit payments to claiming she was suffering from mental health issues. Seeking justice: MCA Wilayah Persekutuan legal bureau chief Victor Teoh (front, left), MCA Public Services and Complaints Department deputy chief Ivan Tan (front, second from left) and Chong posing for a group photo with the victims of the luxury watch scam shop. 'This prompted numerous frustrated victims to go to her shop, only to discover that it had been closed since March of this year,' he informed reporters during a press conference at Wisma MCA yesterday. The victims reported individual losses ranging from RM30,000 to several million ringgit, with many of the missing timepieces said to be from prestigious brands. One victim, who declined to be named, said he suffered losses of more than RM500,000, as he had neither received his luxury watches nor any proceeds from their sale. 'I've been dealing with her for over 20 years without any problems. I never imagined this would happen,' he said.
The Star
15-05-2025
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Thursday (May 15, 2025)
Malaysia * FRU crash: One discharged on May 15, seven still hospitalised * FRU crash: Lorry owner being probed, says Zahid * Man charged with stabbing brother with stingray tail * Open tender process was 'staged', says prosecution witness * Apex court reserves judgement in Morais murder case * 15-year-old faces 10 years' jail over reckless driving that killed five * Address concerns about Pamela's case, lawyer tells MACC * Technician killed in van-lorry collision near Dungun * Teacher claims trial to attempted murder of son, 11 * Lorry loses control in Banting, causing multiple collisions * Husband of Pamela Ling Yueh detained * Leaked draft judgment in Rosmah's solar hybrid case suggests bias, appeals court told * Federal Court dismisses habeas corpus appeal by GISB Holdings CEO, wife * Police reports filed as customers claim RM15mil loss to watch reseller * Maqis intercepts massive load of smuggled animal waste at Johor checkpoint * Three charged in Johor driving test scheme involving bribes for passes * Clerk loses RM465,200 to non-existent investment scheme * MCMC launches probe into incomplete Jalur Gemilang illustration * Body of man with mental disabilities found in locked house * Kedah police seize over RM1.6mil in cannabis, two arrested * Pact between federal and state parties crucial for Sabah polls, says Ahmad Zahid * It is permissible for Muslims to attend celebrations without any religious rituals, says MKI * Woman killed, two sons hurt in Gua Musang crash Singapore * Changi's Terminal 5 cleared for construction * BYD is top-selling car in Singapore in first four months of 2025 with 20% of total sales * Singaporean civil servant charged in Johor with motorcyclist's death * Three weeks' jail for man who molested stewardess on SIA flight * Two taken to hospital after PMD-linked fire sets Toa Payoh HDB flat ablaze * Man charged over alleged assault of his father in Singapore, causing fractures to the elderly man's hand * Apac NGOs form coalition to promote drug-free societies * Fatal Orchard Towers fight: Man who stabbed victim's neck fails in appeal against murder conviction Indonesia * Indonesian filmmakers aim to impress at Cannes * West Java to also send 'unruly' adults to military barracks * Australian PM touts defence ties during Indonesia visit * Indonesian military says 18 separatists killed in operation in Papua region Thailand * Thai hotels see 30% drop in Chinese tourists in Q2, occupancy rate falls to 52% in May * Thai ministry to propose extending soft loan programme for Deep South to 2027 * Thai officials seize over 200 tonnes of electronic waste illegally imported from the US * Thai man arrested for smuggling baby orangutans * Thai tycoon Sarath meets Trump, eyes stronger US ties * Thai court issues warrants over deadly quake tower collapse Philippines * Germany, Philippines sign defence agreement * De Lima, Diokno to join House team prosecuting VP Sara Duterte * Court of Appeals in Philippines overturns former senator Leila de Lima's acquittal in a drug case Vietnam * Think ahead of those in trade fraud, officials told * Vietnam urges preventive measures amid Covid-19 spike * Thailand's Paetongtarn begins official visit to Vietnam * Vietnam removes 10 wildlife trafficking groups from social media Myanmar * UK charges exiled former envoy with trespass * 'Why do they attack the children?' * EU demands accountability for Myanmar school strike that killed 22 * 400 flee to Thailand as Myanmar rebels strike junta base Cambodia * Cambodia Customs targets illegal durian imports * Cambodian wrestlers bring home gold, valuable experience from Singapore champs * Cambodia's royal ploughing ceremony marks start of rice-growing season * Two Cambodian peacekeepers killed during mission in South Sudan: minister Laos * Poisonous mushrooms cause six deaths in northern Laos * Laos takes steps to strengthen e-commerce safety amid growth Brunei * Brunei police seek public assistance in fatal jogger accident * Brunei attends UN peacekeeping ministerial meeting in Berlin Aseanplus * Anwar raises MH17 issue with Putin during Moscow visit * Putin and Anwar share light moment at the Kremlin * Anwar presents Malaysia's perspective in Russia, receives honorary doctorate * Starbucks in a froth over names of presidential candidates * Two men jailed for storming court after Yoon's arrest * Families file criminal complaint * Petro and Xi mark new era in ties * Ringgit eases against US dollar amid potential trade deal between US and China * TVB actor Niklas Lam earns RM220 in over an hour through tea stall business in China * FBM KLCI steadies above 1,580 as market awaits 1Q GDP release * M'sia gets UN award for women's participation in peacekeeping missions * Reebok shoes worn by S. Korean presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung reselling for 10x the price * China to US ocean cargo bookings surge after tariff pause, Vizion says * Australia PM Albanese to meet Indonesia counterpart in first international visit since re-election * Starbucks is said to kick off process to sell stake in sprawling China business * Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik advance in Thailand Open * Apec trade ministers meet in amid US-China trade tensions * South Korea-Malaysia FTA negotiations in final phase, to be finalised in October * Australia will not replace repeatedly vandalised James Cook statue * Japan to seek third round of trade talks next week: Sources * Indian troops kill 31 Maoist rebels in weeks-long battle * Sweet revenge for Pearly-Thinaah as they power into quarters * PM meets Russia's Grand Mufti to strengthen nations' Islamic ties * KLIA border agents stop 64 foreigners entering without valid documents * 'Unscientific' Japan megaquake rumours spook Hong Kong tourists * Malaysia, Japan ink RM1.34bil green bioeconomy deals at Expo 2025 Osaka * Hong Kong's top developer sells out homes in hours as rates fall * Chinese online literature is winning hearts in Japan * Oil slides 3% on expectations for US-Iran nuclear deal * Kelantan tightens security to curb cattle smuggling after anthrax outbreak in Thailand * Trump: India has offered US a trade deal with no tariffs * Proton launches RM4.8mil Xchange Programme to replace old vehicles with new models * Asean seeks to expand membership in RCEP, CPTPP to boost regional economic integration * Trump wants Apple to stop moving iPhone production to India * India says Pakistan nuclear arsenal should be under UN surveillance * Explainer-Is Qatar's gift of a plane to President Trump allowed under US law? * Toxic algae killing marine life off Australian coast * Ringgit ends marginally higher against US dollar on mild demand * HK actor Ai Wai pleads for liver donation for his wife: 'She's in critical condition' * Fan Bingbing fans Chinese tourist enthusiasm for Melaka on WeChat * Man in serious condition after shark attack in South Australia * Former TVB star Wong He says he was drugged and sexually assaulted twice in 2024 at his friends' homes * Loan shark in South Korea who allegedly drove single mum to suicide to face jail term * First Everest death of climbing season recorded * M'sia committed to protecting Bangladeshi workers from exploitation, says Saifuddin * Chinese robotaxi operator says one of its cars caught fire, no injuries
The Star
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Police reports filed as customers claim RM15mil loss to watch reseller
KUALA LUMPUR: Multiple police reports have been lodged after at least 20 individuals claimed to have lost over RM15mil in luxury timepieces to a watch reseller. MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong said clients had entrusted their watches to a shop operated by a woman, who would earn a commission once a sale was made. However, Chong said problems began to surface in December last year, when the woman allegedly informed clients that their watches had been sold but failed to return the proceeds. "She gave numerous excuses, ranging from delayed customer deposit payments to claiming she was suffering from mental health issues. "This led many frustrated victims to visit her shop, only to find its doors shuttered since March this year," he told reporters during a press conference at Wisma MCA on Thursday (May 15). Chong noted that several police reports have been lodged after the woman failed to respond to attempts to contact her. The alleged victims reported individual losses ranging from RM30,000 to several million ringgit, with many of the missing timepieces said to be from prestigious brands such as Rolex. One victim, who declined to be named, said he suffered losses of over RM500,000, as he never received his luxury watches or the money from their sale. "I had been dealing with her in luxury watches for over 20 years without any problems, but I never imagined she would resort to this so suddenly," he said. Another victim said she began to suspect foul play after meeting with others and discovering that the same watch had been "sold" to multiple people. "In this way, we all paid her to buy and resell the watches, while it cost her nothing to run the business," she said.
The Star
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Hydrogen refuel station to drive clean energy R & D
Fuel of the future: Chang (second from right) and Rezal Khairi (fourth from right) attending the launch of the MHRS in Putrajaya. — ART CHEN/The Star PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has taken significant steps towards a clean energy future by introducing the Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Station (MHRS) development project to drive innovation in the hydrogen-based mobility sector, it was revealed. The RM15mil pilot project, located at Precinct 2 here, is capable of supplying 50kg of hydrogen daily through the small-scale station. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the MHRS not only boosted R&D in hydrogen and fuel cell technology, it also supported the national target of achieving zero carbon emission by 2050. 'There are no hydrogen-powered vehicles in Malaysia, but we have hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) suppliers. 'Basic infrastructure for FCEV refuelling should be created to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as a fuel in the transportation and mobility sector,' he told a press conference after launching the MHRS here yesterday, Bernama reported. The project is supported by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) through the National Nanotechnology Centre (NNC) and NanoMalaysia Bhd (NMB), in collaboration with PETRONAS Technology Ventures Sdn Bhd (PTVSB), Sime UMW, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) and the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corp (MGTC). NMB, as the asset administrator representing Mosti, will operate the MHRS station and test site for new technologies to explore long-term commercial opportunities. PTVSB supplies hydrogen and oversees the station's engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) while Sime UMW and UMWT will provide three Toyota Mirai hydrogen-powered vehicles and offer essential operational and maintenance services. Chang said the MHRS will play the role of educating the public on the current status of hydrogen technology and demonstrating that hydrogen can now be used as a fuel for vehicles. 'But we need to create the ecosystem first, as we are starting from scratch. We don't have the users and the supply but we are targeting that by 2030, there will be FCEVs on Malaysian roads,' he said. NMB chief executive officer Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad said the MHRS would be a catalyst for clean energy infrastructure and pave the way for investments and innovation as well as strengthen Malaysia's position as a regional hub for hydrogen technology. 'Under the leadership of Mosti, NMB will continue to leverage the full potential of the MHRS in close collaboration with local authorities, stakeholders and industry players to make Putrajaya the starting point for the country's hydrogen-powered mobility transformation,' he said.
