Latest news with #RM227
Malaysiakini
06-08-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Ensuring equity and accountability in 13th M'sia plan
LETTER | The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) welcomes parts of the 13th Malaysia Plan, including those addressing key issues such as stagnant wages, affordable housing, transportation, healthcare and food sustainability. While the initiative is commendable for aiming to improve the living standards of those in the B40 and M40 income groups, the government must ensure close monitoring of expenditures to prevent leakages. A total of RM227 billion, or 53 percent of total development expenditure, has been allocated to support infrastructure, digital infrastructure, public transport, flood mitigation, affordable housing and capacity-building projects. An additional RM133 billion has been earmarked for the social sector, including education and healthcare. We urge that all expenditures be carried out transparently and through open tender to ensure that the intended target groups benefit fully. Public transport in Malaysia has seen a long period of decline, with a significant shift towards private vehicle ownership. This trend has led to worsening traffic congestion, limited parking availability and growing demand for highway expansion. To address these issues, the government has had to commit substantial funds. However, increased spending alone does not solve the fundamental problem. What the country urgently needs is an efficient public transport system that incorporates first and last-mile connectivity through demand-responsive transit (DRT). This would reduce or even eliminate the need for constructing multi-storey car parks and allow commuters to avoid crossing busy highways. For those in the lower-income group, public transport offers significant relief. It removes the financial burden of car loans, high maintenance costs and other related expenses, enabling them to allocate their monthly income to more essential needs. However, to be truly effective, public transport must be designed with people's needs in mind. It must be affordable, especially for the B40 group, and convenient, with DRT systems providing flexible access. It must also be reliable and punctual to build public trust and encourage widespread use. Public transport services should be operated by the government, at least in the foreseeable future, as profitability should not be the primary concern. We believe the government should establish a national Housing and Development Board rather than continue to rely so heavily on private housing developers. We had previously called for the creation of such a board to take charge of affordable housing development on land owned by the government and public authorities. The proposal to adopt the Industrialised Building System and Building Integrated Management is timely, as these methods offer more consistent quality, faster construction times, and lower costs. We also support the expansion of initiatives such as the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Rent-to-Own programme, which will help more low- and middle-income Malaysians become homeowners. Those in the B40 group should not be excluded from home ownership or left in uncertain rental situations where they may be forced to move or face unexpected rent increases. To ensure the success of the 13th Malaysia Plan, the government must also promote transparency and inclusive public participation throughout its implementation. Regular audits, public disclosures, and accessible feedback mechanisms will help strengthen trust and encourage civic involvement. Development efforts should also be guided by long-term sustainability principles that balance economic progress with environmental care and social fairness, ensuring that no community is left behind. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
Daily Express
02-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
13MP places Sabah's priorities in national plan: Bung
Published on: Saturday, August 02, 2025 Published on: Sat, Aug 02, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: Bung also underscored several major projects listed in the 13MP, including the development of the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, upgrading of biodiesel depots in Sandakan and Lahad Datu, and the continuation of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Umno Chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin described the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as a clear recognition of Sabah's role as a driver of rural transformation and sustainable economic growth. The Kinabatangan MP said 13MP is not just a development roadmap but a strategic shift that places Sabah's priorities at the core of national planning, especially through investments in agriculture, fisheries and agro-based industries. '13MP not only reflects the intent to develop regional infrastructure and the economy, but also strengthens the principles of social justice and long-term rural economic resilience,' he said. He pointed to the RM227 billion allocation for the economic sector, including the creation of an integrated fisheries hub and blue economy in Sabah, as a decisive step towards building a stronger local food supply chain. He added that the plan's focus on modernising agriculture through automation and smart technologies would bring a significant impact to rural communities across the State. Bung also underscored several major projects listed in the 13MP, including the development of the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, upgrading of biodiesel depots in Sandakan and Lahad Datu, and the continuation of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah. 'The emphasis on developing the rural workforce through TVET and targeted financing under the TVET Madani programme will shape a new generation of young agropreneurs and local technocrats, in line with 13MP's aspiration to create 1.2 million job opportunities by 2030, including in the digital economy and smart agriculture,' he said. He stressed that Sabah should not be viewed merely as a recipient of federal development, but as a catalyst for national progress. 'I urge the Sabah Government to proactively align the State's strategy with RMK13 in a substantive manner so that the opportunities presented can be fully maximised by the people of Sabah,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
Ringgit closes lower against US dollar amid US tariffs, 13MP
KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit closed lower against the US dollar on Friday as the dollar strengthened following new tariffs imposed by the United States on its trading partners, alongside developments related to the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). At 6 pm, the local note fell to 4.2750/2815 versus the US dollar from yesterday's close of 4.2650/2730. The US announced today that it is imposing a reduced 19 per cent tariff on Malaysian imports. The tariffs take effect seven days after 12:01 am on August 1, with goods already in transit granted a seven-day grace period to ease the immediate impact on supply chains. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid noted that despite this positive development, traders remained cautious, and the weakness of the ringgit was somewhat mitigated by the news of the tariff reduction. He said that the reciprocal tariff of 19 per cent on Malaysia means that the impact would be minimised from the previous tariff rates of 25 per cent. "There could also be an opportunity for Malaysia to continue to discuss and negotiate with the US, and along the way, the country could get an improved deal. This could be ringgit-positive in the medium term,' Mohd Afzanizam told Bernama. He emphasised that the 13MP is anticipated to have a positive impact on the ringgit in the mid to long term. Under the 13MP, development expenditure has been increased to RM430 billion, which is expected to boost domestic demand and encourage investment activities, ultimately supporting Malaysia's gross domestic product growth. The 13MP was tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament on July 31. It aims to drive sustainable growth based on value creation across all sectors. Of the RM430 billion allocation, Anwar said more than half, or RM227 billion, will be channelled to the economic sector as the main pillar of the country's growth. Meanwhile, at the close, the ringgit ended higher against major currencies. It rose against the Japanese yen to 2.8407/8452 from 2.8443/8498 at the close on Thursday, appreciated versus the British pound to 5.6208/6293 from 5.6426/6532, and gained against the euro to 4.8752/8826 from 4.8766/8857 previously. The ringgit was mixed against regional peers. It improved against the Indonesian rupiah to 258.8/259.4 from yesterday's 259.1/259.7 and edged higher versus the Thai baht to 13.0058/0319 from 13.0448/0753. The local note fell against the Philippine peso to 7.35/7.36 from 7.31/7.33 and weakened against the Singapore dollar to 3.2907/2960 from 3.2889/2953. - Bernama
Barnama
24-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Ukraine Appeals To Malaysia To Strengthen Humanitarian Assistance
Charge d'Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Ukraine in Malaysia, Denys Mykhailiuk featuring on Bernama TV's programme, The Nation. By Nur Atiq Maisarah Suhaimi & & Nur Elysa Amirah Suhaimi KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- Ukraine has appealed to Malaysia to strengthen its humanitarian assistance, citing urgent needs for medical supplies, rescue equipment and post-conflict recovery support. The Charge d'Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Ukraine in Malaysia, Denys Mykhailiuk, said the most vital needs at this time also include rescue operations, post-conflict demining, and forensic investigations into alleged war crimes, as well as engineering and energy equipment. bootstrap slideshow "We need everything, but what is needed for immediate needs is something for the emergency response, field hospitals, bloodstopping equipment, surgical equipment and engineering and energy equipment. 'Malaysian manufacturing is very much in need. To rebuild the infrastructure and bridges and remove the rubble, we need excavators, bulldozers, trucks, and other heavy machinery. "We also need significant international assistance. If Malaysia can participate, it would be nice," he said. Mykhailiuk was met after appearing on Bernama TV's programme 'The Nation, Bridging Continents: Malaysia & Ukraine Relations In Focus', hosted by Nadiah Abdul Latif, here on Tuesday. On February 2023, the Malaysian government – through the Health Ministry (MoH) – contributed medical aid worth RM227,984 to the Ukraine government, consisting of medicine such as Levothyroxine Sodium 100 mcg tablets, Fentanyl Citrate 50mcg/millilitre (ml) in 2ml injections, Amikacin 250mg/ml in 2ml injections and Propofol 10mg/ml injection. Mykhailiuk added that Ukraine envisioned Malaysia playing a pivotal role as an early partner in its fast recovery plan to rebuild national infrastructure once the conflict ends.
The Star
21-06-2025
- The Star
Kepong drug bust nets 70kg ganja, two in custody
KUALA LUMPUR: Two men were arrested while some 73.25kg of ganja were seized following a raid in Kepong here. Based on intelligence gathered, Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) personnel intercepted the suspects' vehicle in Jalan Baiduri and detained the two locals, aged 38 and 33, at about 1.25am on Tuesday. Bukit Aman NCID acting director Deputy Comm Mat Zani @Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali said the raiding team uncovered 70 compressed packages containing ganja, weighing 73.25kg, after a thorough search of the vehicle. 'We believe the street value of the seized drugs is RM227,063. It has the potential to feed the habit of 146,492 drug users if distributed,' he said in a statement yesterday. Initial investigations revealed that the ganja was smuggled from a neighbouring country through the Perlis border and was intended for distribution in the Klang Valley, he said. The suspects are believed to have acted as 'transporters' for the syndicate and have been active since early this year. 'Both suspects tested negative for drugs. However, background checks revealed extensive criminal records,' he added. DCP Mat Zani said the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment, along with at least 12 strokes of the cane, upon conviction. 'We have also taken action under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988, seizing two pairs of gold earrings valued at RM1,950. 'This brings the total value of the seizure and confiscated items to RM229,013,' he said, adding that both suspects had been remanded for seven days. 'This successful operation highlights the commitment of the NCID in combating the country's number one enemy – drug abuse. 'We urge the public to relay any information regarding drug-related activities via the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222,' he added. Separately, four drug traffickers were arrested following raids in the Sepang district. Sepang OCPD Asst Comm Norhizam Bahaman said the suspects, three men and a woman, aged between 27 and 39, were detained on Wednesday. 'We seized various drugs worth RM36,500. 'All suspects were from the same village and they have been friends since they were little,' he told a press conference yesterday. 'We believe the suspects were transporters for the syndicate, which has been active since 2016. They were paid RM1,600 for each successful transport of drugs,' he said. ACP Norhizam said the group managed to evade the police previously as they used rented cars to deliver the contraband and stayed in different budget hotels while en route to their destinations. 'The male suspects tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine while the female suspect tested negative for drugs. 'Two of the suspects have criminal records,' he said.
