Latest news with #RM250
Barnama
4 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Sabah Zone KPDN Carnival Targets 60,000 Visitors, RM250,000 Sales In Ranau
RANAU, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is targeting 60,000 visitors to flock to the 2025 KPDN Carnival & Sabah Zone KBBM held over three days starting today (July 25-27) at the Ranau Sports Complex (free admission). KPDN Business Development Division director Adiratno Che Ani said the target is also to chalk RM250,000 in sales value through the Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign (KBBM). "A total of 60 entrepreneurs from Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia are present to market various products including handicrafts, food and beauty products. All products are of good quality and comparable to foreign goods. "Based on the response since this morning, I am confident the sales target of RM250,000 can be achieved when this programme ends on Sunday," he told Bernama at the Ranau Sports Complex, where the carnival is being held here today (Friday & Saturday 9am-10pm; Sunday 9am-6pm). He said the KBBM, themed 'Jom Beli Lokal' (Buy Malaysian Goods), is also a platform for local entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium enterprises (PMKS) to expand their marketing network to boost the domestic economy. "Entrepreneurs can introduce their products as well as create new business networks not only in Sabah but throughout the country. I hope the public can visit to buy local goods as they are sold at very reasonable prices," he said. Regarding the family-fun carnival, which is themed 'Our Efforts for Everyone', Adiratno said it is a platform to bring the community together to interact with the ministry's agencies to obtain information on government policies. He said various interesting activities at booths provided include Arm-Wrestling, KPDN Little Stars & Bintang Lokal (two karaoke contests with prize-money), colouring contest, the Mobile Legends E-Sports Sara Hidup/Living Costs competition (RM3,000 in prizes), the Cost of Living Expedition based on a fact-finding concept and a concert billed as The Band Showdown which features music as a medium for the cost of living message. The big attraction is a Lucky Draw offering grand prizes of a Perodua Alza 1.5L (H), Proton S70 1.5T Premium and a Modenas Karisma EX 125 motorcycle.
Borneo Post
17 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Drainage woes at Lrg Stampin Barat 4 to be resolved with new RM250,000 RTP project
Yap (fourth left) delivers the LoA to the appointed contractor during the site visit. KUCHING (July 25): Drainage upgrading works worth RM250,000 at Lorong Stampin Barat 4 here officially commenced following the presentation of letter of appointment (LoA) to Bard Supply and Services Company. Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, who visited the site yesterday, said the project is fully funded under his Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) 2025 and awarded through casting of lot method. Scheduled for completion by November 2025, the project aims to resolve long-standing drainage problems faced by residents, particularly those near SK Laksamana. 'This RTP project is not just about infrastructure – it fulfils a promise to improve quality of life, reduce water ponding and erosion, and protect homes from further damage,' he said in a statement. Yap added that the works involve upgrading deteriorated earth drains to permanent concrete drains, implemented through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID). 'This will significantly improve stormwater flow, reduce flash flood risks, and enhance cleanliness and safety for residents and schoolchildren,' he said. Yap emphasised the need for timely execution and quality workmanship to minimise disruption to the community. He assured that he will closely monitor the progress of the project in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure its successful and satisfactory completion. Also present during the site visit were DID officers and representatives from the appointed contractor. drainage lead Lorong Stampin Barat 4 RTP Wilfred Yap
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Rising poor health, invalidity issues preventing Malaysians from working until retirement
Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed KUALA LUMPUR (July 24): As discussions reignite over Malaysia's proposal to raise the retirement age to 65, the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) has warned that the reality on the ground tells a different story, with many Malaysians unable to work until retirement due to poor health and rising invalidity cases. Perkeso group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed said while the proposal to extend the retirement age may appear logical in the context of Malaysians' longer lifespans, the data shows many workers are being forced to exit the workforce far earlier due to non-communicable diseases and other health conditions. 'Retirement is no longer a guarantee in Malaysia. For many, it has become a privilege they may never reach,' Dr Azman said in a statement. Perkeso data shows invalidity claims have surged by over 160 per cent in the last decade. In 2023 alone, more than 52 out of every 10,000 active workers filed for invalidity, with the average applicant being just 45 years old — far younger than the current retirement age. 'What is more alarming is that 85 per cent of invalidity cases paid in December 2024 were due to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and strokes,' Dr Azman said, noting these conditions reflect years of strain, lack of preventive care, and insufficient early intervention. He opined the idea of simply raising the retirement age without addressing systemic health and income security issues is inadequate, describing it as 'building a bridge for the lucky few while leaving everyone else to swim across'. The CEO also pointed out the limitations of Malaysia's current retirement system, which remains heavily reliant on a defined contribution model through the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). The system leaves many at risk, particularly those who are unable to continue working due to health conditions. 'Nearly 75 per cent of EPF members aged 54 have less than RM250,000 in their accounts, translating into a retirement income of less than RM1,050 per month, which is below the national poverty line,' he said. Health-related EPF withdrawals have also increased by 41 per cent since 2015, with over RM93 million withdrawn due to incapacitation in 2023 alone, indicating systemic strain in Malaysia's retirement security model. In response to these challenges, Perkeso has implemented measures such as the Health Screening Programme for workers aged 40 and above, aimed at detecting health issues before they become irreversible, and the Return-to-Work Programme, which assists injured or ill workers in rejoining the workforce through rehabilitation and support. However, Dr Azman stressed that Perkeso's efforts alone are insufficient without broader systemic reform, calling for a new vision for retirement that reflects the diversity of working lives in Malaysia. This includes the introduction of flexible retirement pathways, partial disability options, and minimum income guarantees for those forced to exit the workforce early due to health reasons. 'We must stop treating retirement as a single number, whether 60 or 65, and instead start recognising that the ability to work is not evenly distributed,' Dr Azman said. His remarks come ahead of the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) set to take place in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 29, positioning Malaysia at a pivotal moment to address these challenges with input from global best practices. 'This global gathering is not merely a stage for policy exchange. It is a test of sincerity,' Dr Azman said, adding that Malaysia's hosting of the WSSF is an opportunity to learn from other countries facing similar demographic pressures while ensuring those who contributed to the nation's workforce are not left behind. He emphasised the need to design a future that protects all workers, including those who could not work until retirement due to health limitations, ensuring that every worker is seen, valued, and supported. 'Let us not build a future that works only for the fit and fortunate. Let us build one that holds up the weary,' he said. 'Because in the end, what is the point of being the last person standing while others did not make it?' The call for a more compassionate and realistic approach to Malaysia's retirement and social protection framework comes as the nation grapples with an ageing population, rising healthcare costs, and a workforce increasingly impacted by non-communicable diseases. This demands urgent cross-ministerial and multi-stakeholder attention to address dignified ageing and income security for all Malaysians. Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed Perkeso retirement
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Five compounds issued to businesses in Klang
Tables and chairs obstructing a pedestrian walkway in front of a restaurant at Jalan Bendahara in Klang. Five compounds were issued by Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) to businesses at Jalan Bendahara off Jalan Sungai Jati yesterday. MBDK Corporate Communications Department director Norfiza Mahfiz said three were for cleanliness (RM1,000 each) and two (RM250 each) for using back lanes as a kitchen as well as placing tables and chairs on the five-foot way. She said MBDK was acting on complaints from several residents associations and Rukun Tetangga on placement of furniture on walkways hindering pedestrians. 'Complaints were also received from neighbouring businesses,' she said. 'Most of the complaints are about restaurants 'reserving' council parking bays in front and near their premises. 'These business operators also obstruct the five-foot way,' she added. An optical shop owner, who did not want to be named, said that apart from tables and chairs, restaurant operators also placed gas tanks on the road and used the back lanes for cooking and washing. MBDK enforcement personnel checking the back lane where a restaurant has extended its kitchen. Norfiza said 95 operations had been carried out from January to July 22 where 161 eateries were inspected and 155 compounds issued for obstruction of pedestrian walkways and using the back lanes as a kitchen. Among the areas MBDK had carried out operations were Bandar Bukit Tinggi, Pusat Bandar Klang and Bandar Bukit Raja, she said. She added that enforcement was carried out under the Food Establishment Licensing By-Laws (MPK) 2007 which covered aspects such as cleanliness, physical structure of the premises, waste disposal and fire safety. 'MBDK also took action under Section 46(1)(d) of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, which prohibits obstruction in streets or public spaces,' said Norfiza.
The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
When dignified ageing becomes a distant dream
Dr Mohammed Azman: Malaysia's retirement model is under strain. PERKESO responds not just with payouts, but with prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration – supporting healthier, longer working lives. We often speak of retirement as a reward – a well-earned rest after years of contribution. But in Malaysia today, retirement is no longer a guarantee. For many, it is a privilege they may never reach. As the debate reopens about raising Malaysia's retirement age to 65, the assumption seems logical. Malaysians are living longer and therefore can work longer. But assumptions are not evidence. And at PERKESO, the evidence tells a sobering story. Over the last decade, invalidity claims have surged by more than 160%. In 2023, more than 52 in every 10,000 active workers filed for invalidity. These are not seniors at the edge of retirement. The average applicant is just 45 years old. This is not about a few exceptional cases. This is a pattern. And it is growing. What is more alarming is that 85% of invalidity cases paid in December 2024 were due to noncommunicable diseases – diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, strokes. These are not injuries. They are conditions caused by years of strain, lack of preventive care and insufficient early intervention. These are workers who tried to hold on – who ignored the early warning signs, who pushed through pain to keep earning until their bodies gave out well before the system expected them to. It is easy to argue that Malaysians should work longer. But we must first ask – can they? Raising the retirement age to 65 without supporting those who exit early is like building a bridge for the lucky few while leaving everyone else to swim across. And even for those who do make it to retirement age, the road ahead is far from secure. Malaysia is among only 13 countries in the world that still depends heavily on a pure defined contribution retirement model. That means if you do not contribute, you do not accumulate. If you stop working early, you stop building a safety net. The EPF savings reality is stark. Nearly 75% of members aged 54 have less than RM250,000 in their accounts. That translates into a retirement income of less than RM1,050 per month – below the national poverty line – hoping to last for the next 20 years. This is not enough to live. It is barely enough to survive. And that pressure is now showing in the data. EPF health-based withdrawals have risen by 41% since 2015. In 2023 alone, over RM93mil was withdrawn due to incapacitation. This tells us one thing clearly – Malaysia's retirement model is straining at both ends, under the weight of longer lifespans and the rising rate of early exits due to poor health. At PERKESO, we have responded not just with payouts but with solutions. Our Health Screening Programme targets workers aged 40 and above, catching issues before they become irreversible. Our Return-to-Work Programme helps those injured or ill to rejoin the workforce through rehabilitation, career redesign and support. We are not just a compensation agency. We are a partner in prevention, recovery and resilience. But we cannot outpace the problem if the broader system does not change with us. We need a national shift. A new vision for retirement that reflects the diversity of real working lives. That includes flexible retirement pathways, partial disability options and minimum income guarantees for those forced to exit early. We must stop treating retirement as a single number, whether 60 or 65, and instead start recognising that the ability to work is not evenly distributed. Because not every worker gets to choose when they stop. For many, the body makes that decision long before the law does. Let us not design systems that reward only the strongest. Let us protect the ones who gave all they could and then quietly faded out of the workforce – unseen, unsupported and too often, unheard. As the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) draws its curtain on Sept 29 this year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia stands at a pivotal crossroads. This global gathering is not merely a stage for policy exchange. It is a test of sincerity. As host, PERKESO welcomes the world not just with hospitality, but with humility. This is a rare opportunity for Malaysia to learn from countries with similar economies, shared demographic pressures and comparable cultural values, yet have found innovative solutions without reinventing the wheel. WSSF allows us to benchmark our systems, challenge our policies and draw collective strength from global wisdom. But more importantly, it is a platform for us to reflect honestly on where we stand and where we must go. It is a moment to decide whether we are content to manage the present or bold enough to reform for the future. But to do so, we must deliver justice to the lives that fell into the crack of our system. The ones who never made it to retirement. The ones who endured until they could no longer stand. The ones who should never have been left behind in the first place. Let us not build a future that works only for the fit and fortunate. Let us build one that holds up the weary. That sees every worker and says, even if you did not make it to the end, you were never meant to be forgotten. Because in the end, the world needs companion. What is the point of being the last person standing at the end of the line while others did not? Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed Group Chief Executive Officer PERKESO
