Latest news with #RM30mil
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Mindef signs agreements worth RM11bil
LANGKAWI: The Defence Ministry (Mindef) has signed 40 contracts or letters of acceptance (LOA), letters of intent (LOI) and memorandum of understanding (MOU) worth RM11bil with selected strategic partners during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima'25). Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic) said these contracts involved 40 LOA, two LOI worth over RM30mil to companies that have been awarded procurement contracts by Mindef and six MOUs between Mindef and selected strategic partners. 'However, the total value of the contracts also includes 45 other procurement contracts worth between RM10mil and RM30mil signed previously,' he said after the signing and handover ceremony of the contracts, LOA, LOI and MOU at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre here yesterday, Bernama reported. Mohamed Khaled said the procurement amount increased by about RM1bil compared to around RM10.1bil with 43 documents, signed at Lima'23. All those acquisitions, he said, involved five main areas, namely the acquisition of strategic assets for land, maritime, air defence, cybersecurity and the facilities and welfare of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). He said that this was done to enhance the readiness of the country's defence assets to the highest level and to strengthen territorial sovereignty, citing as an example, a LOI to Mildef International Technologies Sdn Bhd for the procurement of 136 units of Type A Armoured Vehicles and Infrastructure worth RM1.88bil. He said this was important in efforts to strengthen the readiness of the MAF assets to the maximum level and to support the development of defence capacity and the strengthening of local industry capabilities. The minister also said the empowerment of MAF's capabilities is also being carried out by ensuring that assets are always in good condition through the enhancement of existing asset capabilities. 'Under this aspect, among the contracts that have been sealed include the Maintenance and Repair Contract for the Prime Minister's Class Submarine worth RM1.02bil and the obsolescence management service procurement contract for KD Perdana worth RM48mil,' he said.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Defence Ministry inks strategic arrangements worth RM11bil at Lima '25
LANGKAWI: The Defence Ministry signed 40 contracts or Letters of Acceptance (LOA), Letters of Intent (LOI), and Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), worth RM11bil, with selected strategic partners during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA'25). Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said these contracts involved 40 LOA, two LOI worth over RM30mil, to companies that have been awarded procurement contracts by MINDEF from the end of 2023 to date, and six MoUs between the ministry and selected strategic partners. "However, the total value of the contracts also includes 45 other procurement contracts worth between RM10mil and RM30mil signed previously," he said after the signing and handover ceremony of the contracts, LOA, LOI, and MoU at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) here on Thursday (May 22). Mohamed Khaled said the procurement amount increased by about RM1 billion compared to around RM10.1bil, with 43 documents, signed at LIMA '23. All those acquisitions, he said, involve five main areas, namely the acquisition of strategic assets for land, maritime, air defence, cybersecurity, and the facilities and welfare of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). He said that this was done to enhance the readiness of the country's defence assets to the highest level and to strengthen territorial sovereignty, for example, through a LOI to Mildef International Technologies Sdn Bhd for the procurement of 136 units of Type A Armoured Vehicles (KJA) and Infrastructure worth RM1.88bil. He said this is important in efforts to strengthen the readiness of the MAF assets to the maximum level and to support the development of defence capacity and the strengthening of local industry capabilities. He said that the empowerment of MAF's capabilities is also being carried out by ensuring that assets are always in good condition through the enhancement of existing asset capabilities. "Under this aspect, among the contracts that have been sealed include the Maintenance and Repair Contract for the Prime Minister's Class Submarine, worth RM1.02bil, and the obsolescence management service procurement contract for KD Perdana, worth RM48mil," he also said. Empowering the capabilities of the MAF is also important to address non-traditional threats through strengthening national cybersecurity and telecommunications technology such as X-Band Satellites and leasing "Secure Satellite Communication Channels". He added that procurement also involves development and research, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies while emphasising aspects of well-being. - Bernama
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Duopharma aiming for big govt insulin tender
Duopharma group managing director Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar. KLANG: Duopharma Biotech Bhd is hoping to secure a sizeable contract to supply insulin to the Health Ministry (MoH) in the near term, which will help propel its growth. 'The significant jump (in contract value) has already occurred based on the announcements we made. I think we've announced all the significant jumps that we can foresee (for now). 'The next significant one will be the results of the insulin tender. That will be sizeable enough for us to make an announcement,' said group managing director Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar. 'Our extension goes on till the end of October. While the tender (process) started (in May), I must caution that MoH traditionally for insulin always gives the contract to two parties. 'If only one party bids, MoH will wait until there's capability for a second party to bid,' he told reporters after the company's AGM yesterday. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Duopharma Marketing Sdn Bhd, and India Biocon Ltd's local unit, Biocon Sdn Bhd, recently secured a six-month contract extension from MoH for the supply of insulin to public hospitals. Duopharma said the latest extended agreement is effective from April 29 until Oct 28, 2025. While the contract value was not disclosed in the filing, Leonard Ariff estimated the value of the six-month extension to be worth between RM30mil and RM35mil, about half of the annualised value of RM60mil to RM70mil. Duopharma, in which Yayasan Pelaburan Bumiputra holds a 44.11% stake, was awarded contracts totalling RM684.15mil to supply a combined total of 100 pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products to healthcare facilities operated by the government, until Dec 31, 2026. The contracts are for products listed under the MoH's Approved Products Purchase List. Meanwhile, Leonard Ariff aims to increase the company's export business, which accounted for around 8% of its revenue in 2024, focusing on Asean countries mainly due to familiarity with regulatory environments and sizable markets. The company operates in about 30 markets, but its primary focus remains on Asean, as countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei, and Thailand represent a significant portion of the global market, he explained. He added that Duopharma has made inroads into Timor-Leste, having won a government tender to supply halal pharmaceuticals. However, he expects higher demand for halal pharmaceuticals from Indonesia compared to Qatar and other Middle Eastern markets, which are still in the early stages. He said Indonesia is moving towards implementing a law, originally slated for 2022 or 2023, that mandates halal certification for over-the-counter pharmaceutical products. 'They have delayed its implementation to 2026 or 2027. That would be a more viable opening for Duopharma products, rather than the Middle East,' Leonard Ariff explained. The main focus for Duopharma this year will be on removing the bottleneck at its facilities in Klang and Bangi, Selangor, to cater to the needs of both the public and private sectors, ensuring its production capacity aligns with demand. 'We have more than enough capacity for the public sector. It is all about balancing (demand from the public and private sectors). We do not want to put all our eggs in one basket,' he said.
The Star
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (May 10, 2025)
Malaysia: * Malaysians in India, Pakistan advised to contact high commissions for security * PKR election nominations end, Anwar unchallenged for president post * DPM Fadillah on official visit to France for GWS 2025, energy cooperation * PKR leadership race heats up: 251 candidates vie for national posts, says Dr Zaliha * MACC to summon more individuals in expedited citizenship case * Tun Musa factor in Sabah polls * KJ supports Nurul Izzah for PKR deputy presidency * Sharp rise in drug use among local youth, says AADK chief * Bangsa Johor Pilot Schools undergo RM30mil transformation * Women need to be wary of digital scams in AI era, says Nancy * Ten suspects arrested in connection with assault case in Seremban * MACC gathering documents in probe of Pahang durian land encroachment * Ringgit likely to stay weaker next week amid US-China trade deal optimism * Southwest monsoon alert: Avoid open burning, use water prudently, says Zahid * GRS can still be accommodated in PH-BN electoral pact, says Sabah PKR chief * Pamela Ling abduction: Cops record statements from 25 individuals so far * Manchester United legend visits Malaysia ahead of Asean All-Stars match Supporters wave flags during a campaign rally held by Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Philippines' president (not pictured) in Manila, the Philippines. The Philippines' May 12 midterm election is putting investors on alert for any changes to government policies, as the global trade war exposes weaknesses in one of Asia's fastest-growing economies. -- Photographer: Veejay Villafranca/Bloomberg Singapore: * Driver of Singapore car under probe for causing fatal accident on Second Link in Johor * Two fires break out within an hour at Singapore's Tampines, at flat and factory * S'porean makes illegal U-turn on Second Link, leads to accident causing death of local motorcyclist * Flower Moon on May 13: The final micro full moon of 2025 to glow over Singapore * Singapore's 'popiah king' Sam Goi says dinners with Fujian gang member, ministers complied with Covid-19 safe-distancing rules * Staying on message and away from 'knuckleduster politics' pays off at polls for the PAP: Analysis * Oil settles up on US-China trade talk optimism/ Oil prices post weekly gains on US-China trade talk optimism Indonesia: * Indonesia plans to cut fuel imports from Singapore in favour of US as part of tariff negotiations * Indonesia could expand programme sending troublesome students to military barracks, says minister * Indonesian govt urges police probe alleged exploitation, assault of circus performers * Moderate earthquake strikes Banda Sea, no tsunami threat to Malaysia * Indonesian Catholics welcome Pope Leo XIV with joy JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY: Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand plays a shot on the thirteenth hole during the second round of the Mizuho Americas Open 2025 at Liberty National Golf Club on May 09, 2025 in Jersey City, New Jersey. -- Photo by Mike Stobe / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP Thailand: * Thailand's Senate panel invites PM Paetongtarn to clarify casino policy * Malaysian tourist dies after falling from Phuket hotel * Covid-19 surge: Thai virologist advises vaccination strategy * Bank of Thailand governor warns against 'grey' casino image, backs wellness drive * Royal rice-planting ritual predicts a good year ahead for Thailand Philippines: * China takes centre stage in Philippines' feisty midterm election * The Philippines supports Malaysia's call for Asean unity in US tariff talks * Cavite province to sizzle at 46°C; 'dangerous' heat index in 30 areas * Filipino American composer Susie Ibarra wins 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Music * Harsh reality finally catches up with Filipinos with borrowed names Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam arrive to attend a signing ceremony following their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. -- AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov) Vietnam: * Vietnam FV Hospital in HCM City invests in AI-powered system for cancer treatment * Vietnam and Austria to boost cooperation in high-tech development, innovation * Vietnamese PM orders stockpiling plans for key agricultural products amid global trade volatility * Electricity prices in Vietnam increase by 4.8 per cent amid soaring generation costs * Two men charged in US$3.9mil durian chemical case in Vietnam Myanmar: * Myanmar's military govt chief wants better bilateral relationship with China in first meeting Xi Jinping since taking power in 2021 * Myanmar junta chief meets China's Xi for first time: state media * Nine mild quakes recorded in Myanmar, northern Thailand * China's Xi pledges to help Myanmar rebuild post-earthquake: Xinhua In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin greets Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing prior to the Victory Day military parade in Moscow.. Russia celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two (WWII). -- Photo by Mikhail METZEL / POOL / AFP Cambodia: * Cambodian companies export cashew nuts and dried mangoes to Malaysia; first batch of goods arrived on Thursday (May 8) * Cambodian Senate president Hun Sen urges global action against online fraud * 'Visit Angkor' app launched as just one-third of international tourists visit temples * Cambodian boxers hoping for gold at youth champs in Sri Lanka Laos: * Laos sets sights on becoming Asia's gold trading powerhouse * Laos launches digital ID cards for all its citizens * Laos aims to improve stroke treatment Brunei: * Asean Summit seen as strategic platform amid shifting trade landscape, say academics * Brunei urges regional economic unity A Kashmiri family react with joy after the ceasefire announcement between India and Pakistan, in Srinagar on Saturday, May 10, 2025. -- Photo: REUTERS/Sharafat Ali AseanPlus: * South-East Asia extravaganza: Man United fans in Malaysia to see best players take on Asean All-Stars on May 28 * Zafrul appointed as BAM president * Sabah tourism sees strong start in 2025, says Liew * Kuskop launches one-district, one industry showcase in Borneo * 33 undocumented migrants nabbed during immigration raid in Seri Kembangan * Top Asian darter Ryusei Azemoto makes history by becoming the first Japanese to bag the prestigious Selangor Open men's singles title * Soviet probe spacecraft crash into Indian Ocean; 53 years after its failed bid to reach planet Venus * US and Chinese officials start Geneva talks on easing trade war * US top diplomat Rubio speaks with Pakistan army chief, urges de-escalation * India says highly revered Nankana Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan's Punjab safe * Residents stockpile food, rush to bunkers as conflict rattles India and Pakistan * 'Peace is the answer', find ways to deescalate. US tells India and Pakistan * South Korea's conservatives move to switch presidential candidates * Pakistan says Indian missiles strike air bases as conflict spirals * Border strife triggers food hoarding, cancelled trips in India * India and Pakistan signal intent to ease tensions after strikes * India says it is committed to non-escalation if Pakistan reciprocates * China and the US to talk trade war ceasefire, not peace: Analysis * Pakistan summons its top nuclear body after launching offensive on India * 'None of our business': Is the US washing its hands of the India-Pakistan conflict? * Will AI end need for language learning? ChatGPT makers don't think so * China expresses concern, offers help to resolve India-Pakistan conflict * Japan's top Boyband Arashi to split after final tour * K-pop girl group (G)I-dle renames itself to 'I-dle' * Can Expo rekindle Japan's spark?/ Tariffs tear across world trade * How French technology could reduce China's reliance on imported aluminium ore * Countering Trump's tariffs: Hong Kong headwear maker moves again and again * Trump urged to take slow and steady approach to North Korea to end nuclear stalemate * Pope Leo tells cardinals they must continue 'precious legacy' of Pope Francis * Athletics - Chopra postpones javelin meet amid India-Pakistan conflict * Motorcycling-Harley-Davidson to launch racing series with MotoGP in 2026 * Motorcycling-Quartararo breaks lap record on home soil to take French GP pole
The Star
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Bangsa Johor Pilot Schools undergo RM30mil transformation
JOHOR BARU: The Bangsa Johor Pilot Schools (SRBJ) initiative will undergo a rapid transformation worth RM30mil, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. He said the initiative is part of the state's plan to develop world-class education and position Johor as a leading state by 2030. 'The Johor government has allocated RM6mil, and RM24mil has been pledged by corporate partners investing in Johor, bringing the total support for SRBJ to RM30mil. "Student success is not the responsibility of schools alone. It must be a whole-of-community effort. If SRBJ succeeds, we can expand this model to many more schools across Johor," he added. He said this during a speech at the SRBJ Parents and Teachers Sharing Session at SMK Tasek Utara on Saturday (May 10). He added that the SRBJ initiative was inspired by the vision of the Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, who was concerned about the challenges faced by children in a digital and borderless world. "The Johor Regent does not want our children to be left behind. His vision is to produce the best children in the country, who can compete on equal footing with their peers globally," he said. The four selected schools are SMK Tasek Utara, SK Tasek Utara, SMK Kota Puteri, and SK Kota Puteri 4. They were chosen from over 1,190 schools in the state to pilot the initiative. 'These schools are equipped with smart classrooms, AI-integrated computer labs, upgraded canteens, teachers' lounges, amphitheatres, outdoor learning hubs, and performance studios. We want every teacher to be comfortable and every student to thrive,' he said. In addition to infrastructure upgrades, Onn Hafiz emphasised the importance of academic excellence, noting that SRBJ students will sit for the PSLE and IGCSE examinations alongside the SPM within the next two years. 'If they fail the PSLE or IGCSE, we will have failed the SRBJ mission,' he warned, urging full collaboration between teachers, parents, and the government. He added that all SRBJ students from Year 4 onwards, as well as their teachers, will receive tablets to enhance digital learning. These are not for games, said Onn Hafiz, but to expose students to cutting-edge technology. The devices and training are sponsored by the Raja Zarith Sofiah Foundation as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative. Onn Hafiz also highlighted Johor's recent economic achievements, stating that foreign direct investments (FDI) hit RM27bil in the first quarter of 2025 alone — surpassing the RM20bil recorded for the whole of January to September in 2024. 'With high-paying job opportunities coming into Johor, we want our children to study, succeed, and serve right here in Johor,' he said.
