Latest news with #RM16mil
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Transport Ministry launches 13 new bus routes in Kedah
ALOR SETAR: Thirteen stage bus routes have begun phased operations in Kedah from June 1,as part of the Transport Ministry's stage bus services transformation programme. The ministry said the programme is a federal government initiative under Budget 2024, with an allocation of RM80mil for a five-year service period, or RM16mil per year. "This initiative is part of efforts to improve the quality of stage bus services in Alor Setar and other towns, including Sungai Petani, Jitra, Kuala Kedah, Kuala Nerang, and Pendang. " Kota Setar services will operate at a frequency of every 30 minutes on urban routes and between 60 and 90 minutes on inter-district routes. The routes have been designed to connect major destinations around Alor Setar, such as Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Pekan Rabu, Darul Aman Stadium, Sultan Abdul Halim Airport, and the Kuala Kedah Jetty," it said in a statement on Thursday (June 5). The routes are K10 Shahab Perdana-Kuala Kedah; K20 Shahab Perdana-Jitra; K30 Shahab Perdana-Kuala Nerang; K40 Shahab Perdana-Pendang via Simpang Empat; K41 Shahab Perdana-Pendang via Kota Sarang Semut; K50 Shahab Perdana-Sungai Petani; K51 Sungai Petani-Tanjung Dawai; K52 Sungai Petani-Pantai Merdeka; K60 Sungai Petani-Bandar Baharu; K61 Sungai Petani-Taman Kelisa; K62 Sungai Petani-Taman Ria Jaya / Taman Batik; K63 Sungai Petani-Bandar Perdana and K100 Alor Setar Feeder. The ministry added that the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), as the implementing agency of the programme in Kedah, appointed Gopi Travel Tours Sdn Bhd as the network operator for the bus services through an open tender process. "Gopi Travel Tours Sdn Bhd has experience in operating stage bus services under the programme in Seremban. "A total of 48 new buses of 'midi' and low-floor mini types will be used. These new low-floor buses make boarding and alighting easier and are disabled-friendly. They are also equipped with cashless payment systems and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to enhance passenger safety," it said. The government has also introduced a free fare initiative for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and students via the Concession Card. "Registered users can enjoy unlimited rides on Kota Setar services for 30 days at a cost of RM50. "Through this programme, services are expected to ease mobility for approximately 28,000 users per month, encourage the use of public land transport among the local community, and help reduce daily travel costs," it said. – Bernama
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
MKHOP sees strong FY25 outlook supported by steady CPO demand
MKH Oil Palm (East Kalimantan) Bhd chairman Tan Sri Alex Chen Kooi Chiew @ Cheng Ngi Chong. KUALA LUMPUR: MKH Oil Palm (East Kalimantan) Bhd's (MKHOP) outlook for the financial year ending Sept 30, 2025 (FY25) remains strong. Chairman Tan Sri Alex Chen Kooi Chiew @ Cheng Ngi Chon said this was supported by steady market demand for crude palm oil (CPO), which has been trading at around RM3,600 to RM3,800 per tonne (net of export levy and duty) in Indonesia. 'The group continues to undertake proactive measures on its operations; including enhancing our water management system and maximising crop collection and quality via on-going mechanisation efforts. 'Given the above, the board of directors expected the group to achieve satisfactory results for FY25,' Chen said in a statement. In the second quarter ended March 31, MKHOP's net profit rose 20% to RM19.2mil, or earnings per share of 1.89 sen compared with RM16mil, or 2.36 sen posted in the year-ago quarter. Revenue for the quarter climbed 11.8% to RM96.2mil against RM86mil last year. MHKOP said the good results were due to higher average selling price for CPO and palm kernel (PK), coupled with the commencement of crude palm kernel oil sales in February 2025. The company also declared a first interim single-tier dividend of 2 sen per share for the quarter to be paid on June 25 to shareholders whose names appear on the company's record of depositors on June 12. MKHOP has a policy of declaring 50% of its net earnings as dividends, taking into account the group's working capital requirements. Meanwhile, on a six-month basis, MKHOP's net profit was up 88.7% to RM51.2mil compared to the first half of FY24. Revenue was up 18.1% to RM198.8mil for the same period. Financially, MKHOP remains strong with negligible borrowings. Its cash pile increased to a record RM243.6mil for the period, from RM236.2mil in the previous quarter.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Health Ministry cracks down on fake meds
PETALING JAYA: Over 6,000 units of unregistered supplements worth RM16mil have been confiscated in the past five years, but fake medicines are still freely available in the market. The Health Ministry is now intensifying efforts to crack down on such counterfeit medicines, telling consumers to exercise caution when purchasing medicines or supplements online. 'These fake health products are often sold by irresponsible individuals who are more interested in profit than public safety,' its Pharmacy Enforcement Division told The Star. The Star had reported on Saturday that supplements were being sold online with fake holograms and questionable content. Counterfeit supplements often do not contain the correct active ingredients while some may contain too much, too little or none at all – and could be ineffective in treating a condition or make it worse. 'Many also contain dangerous or toxic substances. Additionally, these products are often manufactured in unsanitary environments, raising the risk of contamination,' it said. To safeguard public health, the division is intensifying efforts to monitor websites, social media platforms and online marketplaces to detect and investigate the sale of counterfeit products. 'Any identified links or listings will be subject to legal action,' it said. The division is also working closely with major e-commerce and social media platforms to ensure fake listings are swiftly removed and repeat offenders are dealt with accordingly so items are taken off the market quickly. In Malaysia, all pharmaceutical products and health supplements must be registered with the ministry's Drug Control Authority and need a valid registration number, which begins with MAL followed by a number. These packages will also have a security hologram on the packaging. CLICK TO ENLARGE 'Since 2005, the use of security holograms has played an important role in safeguarding consumers from counterfeit products. 'In 2019, the ministry introduced the FarmaTag hologram to enhance and modernise the existing system. FarmaTag allows consumers and enforcement authorities to verify the authenticity of registered products,' it said. Although counterfeiters have attempted to imitate the hologram, genuine products can still be identified by examining the unique security elements embedded in the FarmaTag label. The ministry also encouraged consumers to scan the hologram using the FarmaChecker mobile application upon receiving the product, and is also organising public education initiatives to raise awareness. 'One key initiative is the Tolak Ubat Tidak Sah (TOBaTS) campaign, a nationwide effort to educate the public about the dangers of using unregistered and counterfeit medicines,' the division said. It also advised consumers to buy their medicines and supplements from reputable sources such as licensed pharmacies or verified platforms, and to be wary of heavily discounted products online as these are often counterfeits. 'Fake supplements can cause serious health complications, especially when consumed without proper medical supervision,' it said. Genuine products should always come in sealed original manufacturer packaging, it said. 'If possible, compare the product with previous purchases. Any noticeable changes in pill size, shape, colour, taste or markings should raise suspicion,' it noted. 'Be cautious of tablets or capsules that appear cracked, powdery or unusually coated with excess powder or crystals.' Buyers can report sellers of counterfeits, especially those operating through online channels, to the division. 'Consumers should also be on guard against unsolicited offers, particularly through spam emails or flashy advertisements on social media platforms. These are common tactics used by counterfeit product sellers to lure unsuspecting buyers with 'too-good-to-be true' deals,' the division said. Consumers can also visit the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency's website at to verify the registration status of any health products. Counterfeit products can also be reported through the Public Agency Complaints Management System (SisPAA).
