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Malay Mail
7 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
No more denial: Home minister urges Kedah to act as state ranks among top four in Malaysia for drug abuse
JITRA, July 25 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has urged the Kedah government to step up efforts to remove the state from the top four nationwide for drug addiction rates. He said that, based on addiction rates per 100,000 population, the most affected districts include Pendang (Kedah), Kuala Krai (Kelantan) and Bachok (Kelantan), while Terengganu recorded the highest rate among states, followed by Perlis, Kelantan and Kedah. 'Data from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Narcotics Crime Investigation Department, Health Ministry and rehabilitation centres, analysed using United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime methods, show Kedah remains among the states with the highest drug abuse rates,' he said. 'We are no longer in an era of finger-pointing or complacency. Every leader, at the level of government, mosques, community organisations, or schools, must play an active role in addressing this drug crisis,' he said at the launch of the 2025 National Anti-Drugs Day Commemoration ceremony at Dataran Darulaman here today. Also present at the event, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stressed that the drug problem is no longer a political issue but a shared responsibility, and tackling it effectively requires three key elements. 'First, we must abandon the denial syndrome and acknowledge the severity of the problem. Second, we must recognise that no single entity can solve it alone. Third, we must show the commitment to adapt and enhance existing approaches for a more integrated and holistic response,' he said. However, Saifuddin acknowledged that logistical challenges remain, particularly in securing maritime routes. 'Eighty percent of drugs enter Malaysia by sea, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency is now tasked with monitoring a vast area of 680,000 square kilometres,' he said, adding the Home Ministry has submitted a request to the Prime Minister for additional enforcement equipment. 'The government is also strengthening international cooperation through intelligence sharing and joint regional operations with ASEAN and the United Nations. This year alone, RM480 million has been allocated to AADK operations and the management of rehabilitation centres. We are now seeking an additional RM500 million to further reinforce these efforts,' he said Saifuddin also noted that from an enforcement standpoint, Malaysia already has strong legal instruments in place, such as the Dangerous Drugs Act and the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act, which were both amended last year to impose stiffer penalties on traffickers and syndicates. — Bernama
The Sun
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Kedah urged to intensify drug abuse fight as rates remain high
JITRA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has called on the Kedah government to intensify efforts to combat drug abuse, as the state remains among the top four nationwide for addiction rates. Speaking at the launch of the 2025 National Anti-Drugs Day Commemoration ceremony at Dataran Darulaman, he stressed the need for collective action. 'Data from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Narcotics Crime Investigation Department, Health Ministry, and rehabilitation centres, analysed using United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime methods, show Kedah remains among the states with the highest drug abuse rates,' he said. Saifuddin urged leaders at all levels, including government, religious institutions, and schools, to take an active role in addressing the crisis. 'We are no longer in an era of finger-pointing or complacency,' he added. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor also present. Saifuddin outlined three key elements for tackling the issue: acknowledging the problem, recognising the need for collaboration, and adapting strategies for a more integrated response. He also highlighted logistical challenges, particularly in maritime enforcement. 'Eighty percent of drugs enter Malaysia by sea, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency is now tasked with monitoring a vast area of 680,000 square kilometres,' he said. The Home Ministry has requested additional enforcement equipment from the Prime Minister. International cooperation is also being strengthened through intelligence sharing and joint operations with ASEAN and the UN. This year, RM480 million has been allocated to AADK operations and rehabilitation centres, with an additional RM500 million sought to boost efforts. Malaysia's legal framework, including the amended Dangerous Drugs Act and Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act, imposes stricter penalties on traffickers and syndicates. - Bernama
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
REITs poised for earnings boost from acquisitions and renovations
KUALA LUMPUR: Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are poised to post stronger earnings on the back of ongoing acquisitions and asset enhancements, according to RHB Investment Bank Bhd (RHB Research). The firm said AME REIT is on track to complete RM148 million worth of acquisitions, while Axis REIT is expected to deliver healthy year-on-year earnings growth following RM644 million in acquisitions completed in the second half of 2024. IGB REIT's RM2.7 billion acquisition of Mid Valley Southkey was highlighted as a key move to tap into growth opportunities in the Iskandar Malaysia market. Meanwhile, Pavilion REIT is anticipated to finalise the acquisition of Pavilion Hotel KL and Banyan Tree KL for RM480 million. RHB Research said this would provide positive operating synergies with its flagship mall. Sentral REIT is also expected to complete its RM70 million acquisition of Arcoris Plaza, part of its strategy to diversify its asset base. The firm said a potential disposal of the vacant Wisma Sentral Inai could help reduce borrowing costs. Sunway REIT recently completed Phase 2 of its refurbishment of Sunway Carnival Mall, which is expected to support a strong rebound in average rental rates. Despite downside risks from the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) and new electricity tariffs, the research house said REITs are well positioned to weather the impact due to growth initiatives and tenant relationship strategies. "While there is no clear guidance yet on the impact from the new cost pressures, we think REITs may delay the imposition of higher rental reversions for certain tenants to maintain positive relationships while they adjust to the new cost base, which would be more beneficial in the long run. "Likewise, REITs in the past have delayed raising the service charge to tenants due to a higher electricity tariff," it said in a research note. RHB Research's top pick is Pavilion REIT, citing attractive dividend yields compared to its closest peers, backed by high occupancy rates that should support solid earnings growth in the long term. Overall, the firm has maintained an "Overweight" call, adding that REITs remain a reliable shelter for investors seeking defensive assets, supported by robust domestic spending, easing bond yields, and inorganic growth strategies across multiple REITs. "We think the pros outweigh the cons, most notably from the expansion of SST, which could potentially provide a downside risk to rental reversions, of which the REITs with strong asset quality should be relatively shielded from," it added.
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Reit sector set for strong second half
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's real estate investment trust (Reit) sector is set for a resilient second half of 2025 (2H25), driven by asset recycling, enhancement works and a recovery in hospitality. Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB) said key catalysts include Sunway Reit's RM613 million divestment of a tertiary property and Axis Reit's RM24 million sale of The Annex — a warehouse with office space. It also pointed to Pavilion Reit's RM480 million hospitality acquisition and Axis Reit's purchase of six new properties. The firm said asset enhancement by Sunway Reit and IGB Reit will support income growth, while KLCCP and Sunway Reit are expected to benefit from a post-Ramadan boost in hospitality. "We also see strategic catalysts among them Reits, including CapitaLand Malaysia Trust (CLMT)'s industrial diversification into logistics to make up 7.9 per cent of assets under management by financial year 2026 (FY26) and Sentral Reit's ongoing pivot away from pureplay office exposure. "Al-Salam is progressing on its "DISRUPT27" repositioning strategy, with asset recycling and Komtar JBCC's on-going reconfiguration expected to support medium-term yield and valuation recovery. "Pavilion Reit and CLMT's planned placements and new assets also offer medium-term upside to earnings and distribution per unit growth," the firm said. With Bank Negara Malaysia expected to consider an Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) cut in 2H25, Maybank IB said the trusts with higher floating-rate debt, currently around 47 per cent of sector average, stand to benefit from reduced financing costs. The firm said this supports valuation upside and lowers financing costs for growth-oriented Reits. "Nonetheless, most Reits continue to guide for stable dividends, and with gearing levels largely within comfortable thresholds. There remains room for selective growth via yield-accretive acquisitions," it added. Maybank IB said the Reits' management maintained a cautiously optimistic outlook, flagging several macro uncertainties. These include potential implementation of an 8.0 per cent service tax on rental, which would add costs for tenants while limiting Reits' ability to raise rents, as well as potential increase to electricity tariffs and broader economic uncertainties, such as fuel subsidies and tariff wars. The firm maintained its "positive" stance on the the sector, underpinned by resilient fundamentals, attractive yields and visible catalysts for income growth in 2H25. It noted that as the Reits appear to head towards further asset diversification, quality of assets in its portfolio would be crucial. Sunway Reit remains Maybank IB's top pick with a target price of RM2.13. Other "Buy" calls include Pavilion Reit and Axis Reit, with target prices of RM1.83 and RM2.01, respectively, backed by income resilience and asset defensiveness High-yield plays include YTL Hospitality Reit at RM1.18, Sentral Reit at 88 sen and Capitaland Malaysia Trust at 76 sen.
Daily Express
05-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Man jailed for concealing over RM480,000 in Facebook investment scam proceeds
Man jailed for concealing over RM480,000 in Facebook investment scam proceeds KUALA LUMPUR: A man was sentenced to one year imprisonment by the Sessions Court today after pleading guilty to transferring and concealing RM487,790 belonging to two women in connection with a fraudulent investment scheme advertised on Facebook last year. Judge Azrul Darus sentenced Marchell Jeff Lee Sin Ket, 39, to one year in prison for assisting in concealing RM314,790 belonging to Ong Boon Ian, 59, an investment company owner, in his bank account at a condominium unit in Bandar Menjalara, Sentul, between Nov 18 and Dec 12 last year. Advertisement Separately, before Judge Hamidah Mohamed Deril, he was sentenced to eight months imprisonment for concealing RM173,000 belonging to Chin Lit Teng, 49, a health products company account executive, in his bank account at a condominium unit off Jalan Kuching, Taman Sri Kuching, Sentul, between Nov 7 and Dec 9 last year. He was charged under Section 424 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction. Both sentences are to run concurrently from today. SPONSORED CONTENT According to the statement of facts, the victim had come across a stock investment advertisement while browsing Facebook and proceeded to register for the purported investment scheme. Subsequently, the victim transferred funds in stages into a bank account under the name Marchell Jeff Interior Design Haus Sdn Bhd. The scheme was later discovered to be fraudulent when the promised returns failed to materialise. Advertisement Deputy public prosecutors M Saravanan and Raihanah Abd Razak appeared for the prosecution, while Lee was unrepresented.
