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Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Dr Sim renews call for increased healthcare spending in Sarawak
Dr Sim (fourth right) and the Sarawak delegation in a group photo with Dr Bowen. Photo from Facebook/ Dr Sim Kui Hian KUCHING (July 26): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has renewed his call for increased healthcare spending for Sarawak, citing stark disparities in allocation compared to Western Australia, despite both regions having similar population sizes. Dr Sim said the state government of Western Australia spends A$14 billion (approximately RM38 billion) or 31 per cent of its budget annually healthcare for its three million population, out of which 42 per cent is funded by the federal government. In contrast, the Malaysian federal government allocates just seven per cent of the RM45 billion Ministry of Health budget for healthcare in Sarawak, which also has a population of about three million. '(This) Is definitely not (because) Malaysia is more healthy or (due to a) very young population and does not need to increase in health care spending, but (because) we don't spend enough (on healthcare) . Hence, (it is) important to implement the White Paper of Ministry of Health approved by Parliament of Malaysia (needs a target of 5 percent of gross domestic product and a defined dateline),' he said. Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, made these remarks in a Facebook post following a courtesy call on Dr Shirley Bowen, Director General of Health for Western Australia, in Perth on Friday. The Malaysian Health White Paper (HWP), passed by Parliament in June 2023, outlines a 15-year plan to reform the nation's healthcare system. Amongst others, it proposes increasing public healthcare expenditure to 5 percent of the country's GDP and aims to reform the healthcare system for greater equity, sustainability, and resilience. On a related matter, he described the meeting with Dr Bowen as fruitful, with potential for future collaborations between the Sarawak and Western Australia. He noted several similarities between the two regions: both are the largest states by land area in their respective countries, with comparable population sizes and strong economic performance. He added both region are not only their nation's largest states by land area but also boast strong economies—Sarawak with the highest state revenue in Malaysia and Western Australia being the richest state in Australia by GDP per capita. 'Western Australia, the largest state in Australia, has a land area of 2.53 million square kilometres and a population of around 3 million, similar to Sarawak, which is the largest state in Malaysia with a land area of 124,450 square kilometres and a population of 2.9 million,' he noted. Dr Sim added that Western Australia's healthcare system is overseen by five ministers, each focusing on a specific portfolio: Health and Mental Health, Health Infrastructure, Preventive Health, Medical Research, and Aged Care and Seniors. Dr Sim Kui Hian healthcare allocation lead Western Australia
New Straits Times
24-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Mara denies involvement in fatal student motorcycle convoy
KUALA LUMPUR: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) has denied organising the motorcycle convoy that led to a fatal crash along the North-South Expressway involving 16 students from its affiliated institutions. In a statement today, Mara said the ride was not an official event under any of its institutions, but rather a casual initiative planned by the students themselves. "Based on preliminary investigations, the convoy was an informal activity casually organised by the students through discussions in a WhatsApp group, without any official involvement from the institutions or Mara," it said. The crash occurred at about 2.30am at KM262.5 northbound, when the group of motorcyclists was en route to Kuala Lumpur from Senawang. Three students from Kolej Poly-Tech Mara (KPTM) Bangi died in the incident, while nine others sustained injuries and received treatment at Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital in Seremban. Three students escaped unharmed. Mara also confirmed that one student from the German-Malaysian Institute (GMI) sustained minor injuries and is currently being treated at the same hospital. The three deceased students were identified as Haris Azib Sulaiman, Afkar Fitri Affendi, and Aliff Syahmi Abdul Hakim. Their remains have been sent to their respective hometowns. Mara said it has channelled RM1,500 in condolence aid to each bereaved family and is processing insurance claims of up to RM38,000 per victim, subject to policy terms. The agency expressed its sorrow over the tragedy and pledged continued support, including emotional and psychosocial assistance for affected families and students. "Mara urges all parties to allow the authorities to carry out a thorough and professional investigation. "At the same time, Mara will continue to work closely with the educational institutions involved and the relevant agencies to ensure that follow-up actions are taken in a responsible, transparent and compassionate manner," it said. Earlier, Seremban police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Hatta Che Din said early investigations revealed the group had been travelling in the middle and right lanes of the highway when three motorcycles at the front collided. The impact caused the riders to fall onto the road, triggering a domino effect as 12 motorcycles behind crashed into them.
The Star
24-07-2025
- The Star
Mara: Fatal convoy organised among students, not by us
PETALING JAYA: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) says it did not organise any convoy involving its students that led to a fatal accident on Wednesday (July 23). 'Based on initial investigations, the convoy was an informal initiative casually organised by the students through a WhatsApp group discussion without any official involvement from the institution or Mara,' it said. "As an immediate measure, Mara has provided a death benefit of RM1,500 to the family of each deceased student. Additionally, accident and death insurance claims amounting to up to RM38,000 for each student are being processed, subject to the conditions set by the insurance provider,' it said. 'At the same time, Mara will continue to work closely with the involved educational institutions and relevant agencies to ensure follow-up actions are taken responsibly, transparently, and humanely,' it said. It issued the statement on Thursday (July 24) following the accident involving 15 students from Kolej Poly-Tech Mara (KPTM) Bangi and one student from the German-Malaysian Institute (GMI) Kajang. In the accident at KM262 of the North-South Expressway (PLUS), three KPTM students were killed while nine other students were reported injured and three students were unharmed. A student from GMI sustained minor injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital, Seremban, Negri Sembilan. On the three students who were killed, Mara said that they are Haris Azib Sulaiman, Afkar Fitri Affendi and Aliff Syahmi Abdul Hakim, 'Haris's body was taken to Masjid Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, Sepang for burial. The body of the late Afkar Fitri was sent to Masjid Melaka Pindah, Melaka while the body of the late Aliff was returned to the family home in Gombak, Selangor,' it added. It said that the accident took place on Wednesday after the students gathered at petrol station in Bangi at around 11.30pm and travelled as a convoy to Uncle Red Restaurant, Seremban. 'It is understood that other students travelled from different locations such as Bangi Gateway and Seremban, to the same meeting destination. The meeting reportedly took place at the restaurant until 2.00 a.m. before the students began their return journey towards Bangi and Kuala Lumpur,' said Mara. It added that the accident is believed to have occurred during the return journey and added that there are two scenarios based on the testimony obtained. 'The first involves a group of students who reportedly collided with each other after one of the motorcycles allegedly lost control, resulting in a fatal accident,' said Mara. It then said that the police have obtained closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage related to this incident, but it cannot be disclosed to the public as investigations were still ongoing. 'The second occurred shortly after, involving a lorry and a car that stopped on the same lane following the first accident. The student involved in the second accident was believed to have attempted to overtake the heavy vehicle but failed to notice a car stopped in front of the lorry, resulting in a collision,' it added. 'Mara expresses deep sorrow over this tragedy and extends condolences to the families of the victims. We are fully committed to ensuring the welfare and needs of all involved students are given due attention, including emotional and psychosocial support for the families and fellow students,' it then said.
The Sun
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Congress approves US$9b Trump cuts to foreign aid, media
WASHINGTON: US Republicans yesterday approved President Donald Trump's plan to cancel US$9 billion (RM38 billion) in funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting, vowing it was just the start of broader efforts by Congress to slash the federal budget. The cuts achieve only a tiny fraction of the US$1 trillion in annual savings that tech billionaire and estranged Trump donor Elon Musk vowed to find before his acrimonious exit in May from a role spearheading federal cost-cutting. But Republicans – who recently passed a domestic policy bill expected to add more than US$3 trillion to US debt – said the vote honoured Trump's election campaign pledge to rein in runaway spending. 'President Trump and House Republicans promised fiscal responsibility and government efficiency,' House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement just after the vote. 'Today, we're once again delivering on that promise.' Both chambers of Congress are Republican-controlled, meaning a mostly party-line House of Representatives vote of 216 to 213, moments after midnight, was sufficient to approve the Senate-passed measure. The bill now heads to the White House to be signed by Trump, who praised his backers in the House. 'REPUBLICANS HAVE TRIED DOING THIS FOR 40 YEARS, AND FAILED... BUT NO MORE. THIS IS BIG!!!' he wrote on Truth Social. Most of the cuts target programs for countries hit by disease, war and natural disasters. But the move also scraps US$1.1 billion that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting was due to receive over the next two years. Conservatives say the funding – which goes mostly to more than 1,500 local public radio and TV stations, as well as to public broadcasters NPR and PBS – is unnecessary and has funded biased coverage. The bill originally included US$400 million in cuts to a global AIDS program that is credited with saving 26 million lives, but that funding was saved by a rebellion by moderate Republicans. The vote was a win for Trump and fiscal hawks seeking to support the mission of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), launched by Musk as Trump was swept to power, for radical savings. Congress had already approved the cash that was clawed back, and Democrats framed the bill as a betrayal of the bipartisan government funding process. They fear Trump's victory clears the way for more 'rescissions packages' canceling agreed spending. 'Instead of protecting the health, safety and well-being of the American people, House Republicans have once again rubber stamped Donald Trump's extreme, reckless rescissions legislation,' House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a joint statement with fellow top Democrats. Republicans need some Democratic votes to keep the government funded past September, and the minority party had threatened to abandon any plans for cooperation if the DOGE cuts went ahead. Jeffries and fellow Democrats seemed to suggest as much yesterday. 'Tonight's vote... makes it clear that House Republicans are determined to march this country towards a painful government shutdown later this year,' they said in the statement. Although they are in the minority, Democrats have leverage in funding fights because a budget deal would need at least 60 votes in the 100-member Senate and Republicans only have 53 seats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it 'a dark day for any American who relies on public broadcasting during floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other disasters.' White House budget chief Russell Vought told an event hosted Thursday by the Christian Science Monitor that the administration was likely to send another rescissions package to Congress. – AFP
Rakyat Post
11-07-2025
- Rakyat Post
Elderly Stroke Survivor Loses RM45,500 In 44 Minutes Through Credit Card Scam
Subscribe to our FREE A 73-year-old stroke survivor with speech difficulties fell victim to an elaborate credit card scam that drained RM45,500 from his accounts in just 44 minutes, highlighting serious concerns about banking security measures for vulnerable customers. According to the elderly man's daughter, on 13 December 2024, he went to pay his phone bill at a telco outlet in Aeon Bukit Tinggi when he was approached by a man claiming to be the telco representative. The suspect followed him to his car, sat beside him, and convinced him to drive to a KFC outlet in Klang town. There, under what the family suspects involved psychological manipulation techniques locally known as 'pukau,' the fraudster obtained the victim's credit cards, personal information, and mobile phone. Lightning-Fast Digital Robbery What happened next exposed potential gaps in banking security systems. Between 2:44 PM and 3:28 PM, 27 cash advance transactions totalling RM45,500 were executed across two different ATM locations: 17 transactions at Maybank Menara Klang (RM1,500 each) 10 transactions at UOB Branch Klang (RM2,000 each) The transactions occurred approximately one minute apart, with the fraudster somehow managing to travel 2.5 kilometres between ATM locations in just five minutes to continue the withdrawals. The victim's daughter, posting on social media under the handle @hellotammylim, raised several troubling questions about the incident: Can a 73-year-old elderly man teleport to another ATM machine 2.5km away in less than 5 minutes to perform multiple cash advance withdrawals? She also questioned why 27 large cash withdrawals were allowed without triggering security alerts, fraud blocks, or red flags, particularly given the rapid succession and geographic impossibility of the transactions. Vulnerable Victim Profile The victim's condition made him particularly susceptible to such scams. As a stroke survivor with speech difficulties, he would have faced challenges in clearly communicating or seeking help during the incident. He remained dazed in his car for two hours after the scam before managing to report the incident and block his cards and phone around 4 PM. The family revealed this wasn't an isolated incident. They know of another victim who reported the same modus operandi at the same KFC location, involving cash advance withdrawals from the same bank of RM38,000 just months earlier. In that case, the victim's other credit card was blocked after the fourth withdrawal, suggesting that some security measures can be effective when properly triggered. (Pix: Instagram: @hellotammylim) Banking Response and Appeal The family is appealing to the bank and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) under the latter's The cash advance feature allows customers to withdraw cash from their credit limit for emergencies with no documents required, providing instant access to funds. However, this convenience may have been exploited in this case. The case has generated significant social media attention, with many users expressing support and sharing the story to raise awareness about protecting elderly Malaysians from such syndicates. 'This happened in Klang, but it could happen anywhere,' the victim's daughter wrote, urging others to share their story to protect more elderly people from similar scams. The family continues to seek fair treatment under banking regulations while highlighting the need for enhanced security measures to protect vulnerable customers from sophisticated fraud schemes. What You Can Do If you encounter suspicious individuals claiming to represent service providers or banks: Never follow strangers to secondary locations Verify their identity by calling the company directly using official contact numbers Keep your cards and personal information secure at all times Report suspicious activities to the authorities immediately If you suspect credit card fraud, call your bank's hotline immediately. You can also contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997. Keep records of all correspondence, reports, and notifications regarding the fraud. This documentation can be essential for both your bank and law enforcement. Have you ever been scammed, or know someone who has been a victim? Don't keep it to yourself! Reach out to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at hotline 997. So, how can we better protect our elderly loved ones from scams? Find out in this episode of The Insights, brought — AKPK Official (@AKPKofficial) READ MORE : READ MORE : READ MORE : Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
