Latest news with #RM45mil
The Star
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Supply of chicken eggs remains stable despite end to subsidies, says Mat Sabu
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians can still purchase a tray of Grade D chicken eggs for under RM10, with supplies remaining stable and prices competitive despite the full removal of subsidies on Aug 1, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said the continued availability of more affordable eggs in the market has helped mitigate the impact of the subsidy withdrawal, particularly for lower-income households. 'Grade C and D eggs remain widely available, and in some areas, a tray of 30 can still be bought for less than RM10. This ensures that B40 families are not burdened by rising prices,' he told the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (July 22). 'Of course, grades A and B are slightly more expensive, but C and D remain in the market, and that's what consumers are buying. This is the trend we're seeing,' he added. The government had earlier announced that the price control mechanism for chicken eggs would be lifted and the subsidy reduced from 10 sen to five sen per egg effective May 1, 2025. The subsidy will be removed entirely starting Aug 1. Mohamad said that from May 31 to July, the reduction in subsidies had already saved the government RM135mil, about RM45mil per month which can be reallocated to other programmes that directly benefit the people. He gave his assurance that the decision to end subsidies would not disrupt egg supply, citing that monthly production is at around 1.75 billion eggs, while domestic demand stands at 1.06 billion. The surplus of approximately 690 million eggs will partly support exports. 'Egg supply is stable and prices are reasonable. The removal of subsidies will not affect stability because the industry has responded well. We're also seeing a drop in chicken feed costs, which helps,' he said. To ensure prices remain stable, the Ministry, together with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, will continue to monitor the market and take enforcement action against profiteering or supply disruptions. He noted that annual inflation for chicken eggs had dropped to -5.3% as of May 2025, although the price dip has not occurred across all grades — likely due to market adjustment and targeted subsidy implementation. 'We're working with all parties, such as breeders, wholesalers, and others and so far, it's been smooth. The situation is stable and well-managed,' he said. Mohamad was responding to Datuk Seri Sh Mohamed Puzi Sh Ali (BN-Pekan), who had asked how the government would ensure that the removal of subsidies would not burden vulnerable groups, especially the B40.
The Star
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Binastra venturing beyond property projects
PETALING JAYA: Binastra Corp Bhd 's appetite to venture beyond its bread and butter residential property projects may pave way for other types of projects moving forward, says RHB Research. This is evident from the group's data centre (DC) projects as well as recent awards related to sewage treatment plants. Citing Binastra's fourth DC job in Cyberjaya, RHB Research stated: 'Timeline-wise, the DC job for MYT DC3 Sdn Bhd is expected to be completed in sections between June and December 2025.' The Cyberjaya project, which is worth RM250mil with a capacity of about 10.5MW, was awarded in February 2025. 'Based on our observation, the progress is currently 25% to 30% and is considered quite commendable as Binastra has managed to build around three floors (the DC is designed to have six floors) in a span of about four months,' it pointed out. Binastra is deploying bubbledecks in the structure of the Cyberjaya DC, which reduces the usage of concrete in addition to quicker installation with less formwork required. Binastra's plan to acquire a 40.8% interest in LF Lansen Sdn Bhd with a call option to increase the stake to 51% for a maximum price of RM45mil, would enable it to have better expertise, particularly in relation to thermal energy storage and distribution DC cooling equipment, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. 'Based on our estimates, Binastra to date has secured about RM1.2bil worth of DC jobs which represent 18% of the company's RM4.6bil outstanding order book,' RHB Research said The research house remained cognisant of external factors such as the potential artificial intelligence chip curbs imposed on Malaysia by the United States. 'Nevertheless, we take comfort that potential offtakers for the DCs in Bukit Jalil awarded to Binastra are likely corporations based in Asia,' it added. Exsim Development has secured an offtaker (set to be the anchor tenant) – a Japanese Fortune 500 company for extension of the phase one of Exsim's Bukit Jalil DC, while it continues to receive strong interest from a large East Asian enterprise and a major local corporate.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Penang MATTA Fair 2025 highlights local and international travel
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair 2025 kicked off on Saturday (May 24) at Setia SPICE Arena. Featuring 258 booths from 90 organizations, the two-day event includes various offers and packages from industries in the tourism sector. Among the participants are 60 tour and travel agencies, the Uganda Tourism Board, 11 hotels and resorts, a theme park, and one airline company. Tourism offices from Selangor, Melaka, Pahang, and Sabah also participated. This year's Penang edition is unique as it focuses on local destinations in support of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. Besides local destinations, international travel packages are also available. MATTA Penang chapter chairman Carolyn Leong said the first day of the event was positive, with visitors lining up at the entrance from as early as 10am. "We expect some 45,000 visitors to attend the two-day event," she said. Leong mentioned that visitors can look forward to various packages for domestic tourist destinations, such as Sabah and Sarawak, with direct flights from Penang through Malaysia Airlines (MAS). Regarding international travel packages, China is expected to be a major market, driven by the recent implementation of visa-free policies. Industry observers anticipate a surge in outbound travel to China. "Australia is also projected to attract a significant number of travelers, while European destinations, particularly Paris, are gaining momentum following the launch of direct flights. Additionally, Hong Kong remains a strong destination, supported by the availability of direct air connections," she said. Leong said MATTA expects to see sales of RM45mil during the two-day event, open from 10am to 9pm. State tourism committee chairman Wong Hon Wai officiated the event.
The Star
22-04-2025
- General
- The Star
Fire Dept to get 16 new canine members
SEREMBAN: The Fire and Rescue Department's K9 Dog Detection Unit will receive 16 new canines from the United Kingdom this year, costing RM2.4mil, says Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad. The department director-general said this would complement the existing 20 live assets across the country, further strengthening K9 operations. 'Half of the current dogs are over 12 years, compared to the recommended age range of eight to 10 years. The initial selection process for 20 dogs has already been completed in the UK. 'We will send three of our officers to work alongside trainers there in June. 'They will train them first. From the 20, they will reduce it to 16. If any of the selected puppies are not suitable, they will look for others,' he told reporters after attending the Hari Raya celebration at the state headquarters. Nor Hisham said the sniffer dogs include breeds such as the English Springer Spaniel and Labrador Retriever, which are more suited to Malaysia's tropical climate and have more effective specialised functions. There are four specialised disciplines for K9 dogs: wilderness search and rescue, fire forensics, water cadaver detection and urban search and rescue. 'If there are no obstacles, some of the 16 dogs will be trained in the country. We will conduct internal training with Genting World Bhd for other classes,' he said. Nor Hisham added that 30 new fire engine units, worth RM45mil, will be received in the next six months.
The Star
22-04-2025
- General
- The Star
Bomba to get 16 new trained dogs from UK for RM2.4mil
SEREMBAN: The Fire and Rescue Department's K9 Dog Detection Unit will receive 16 new canines from the United Kingdom this year, costing RM2.4mil. Its director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said the additional dogs will complement the existing 20 across the country. "Half of the current trained dogs are over 12 years old, compared to the recommended eight to 10 years. "The initial selection process for 20 dogs has already been completed in the United Kingdom. So in June, we will send three of our officers to work alongside trainers there. "From the 20, they will reduce it to the number we want, which is 16. If any of the selected puppies are not suitable at that time, they will look for others, so the process will take place in three months," he told reporters after attending the Negri Sembilan Fire and Rescue Department Aidilfitri celebration on Monday (April 21) night. Nor Hisham said the dogs include breeds such as the English Springer Spaniel and Labrador Retriever, which are more suited to Malaysia's tropical climate and have more effective specialised functions. He stated that there are four specialised disciplines for K9 dogs: Wilderness Search and Rescue, Fire Forensics, Water Cadaver Detection and Urban Search and Rescue. "If there are no obstacles, some of the 16 dogs will be trained in Malaysia and we will conduct internal training with Genting World Berhad for other classes," he said. Meanwhile, Nor Hisham said 30 new fire engine units worth RM45mil, will be received in the next six months to replace old engines through a disposal and replacement process. – Bernama
