Latest news with #RM600
Daily Express
18 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Joining GRS was a clear choice: Joniston
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 Text Size: Joniston emphasised that some critics bring up PBS's past to score political points but forget that many ideas PBS supported before are now accepted by others. - FMT pic Kota Kinabalu: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) cum Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said PBS has always fought for Sabah's autonomy. He said Umno Information Chief cum Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir's statement 'does not need a long reply', and stressed that PBS believes Sabah should be led by parties based in the State, making decisions that fit Sabah's needs. 'PBS has always stood for Sabah to be governed by its own people, with leaders who protect our rights and respect our identity,' he said. He admitted PBS's history is not perfect but said the party has always fought for fair treatment in Malaysia and a strong voice for the State. Joniston emphasised that some critics bring up PBS's past to score political points but forget that many ideas PBS supported before are now accepted by others. 'We were once criticised for asking for stronger local leadership and Sabah's rights. Now, those ideas are supported by former opponents,' he said. He said PBS left Barisan Nasional (BN) after careful thought, asking if it was best for Sabah. Joining GRS was a clear choice to work with local parties focused on Sabah's growth. Answering Suhaimi's insult calling him 'immature,' Joniston said PBS's strength comes from how it serves Sabah, defends its rights and builds a better future, not from old alliances. Looking ahead, Joniston is hopeful about Sabah's progress with GRS leading the State and working with the Federal Government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He highlighted key wins like the federal special annual grant rising from RM50 million to RM600 million, and efforts to get back 40 per cent of Sabah's revenue from the Federal Government. Another important step is the deal between Sabah and Petronas, which lets local companies take part in the State's oil and gas industry, helping Sabah's revenue reach RM6.9 billion last year. 'With GRS leading and good teamwork with the Federal Government, Sabah is moving forward towards a brighter future,' Joniston said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
PBS stands firm on Sabah autonomy, defends track record
Joniston KOTA KINABALU (June 4): Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) remain committed to the principle that Sabah should be governed by parties rooted in the state and guided by local priorities, free from external influence, said PBS and GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. 'PBS has always remained consistent in this belief. Our political journey has been anchored on the conviction that Sabah should be led by its own — leadership grounded in local identity, accountability and a commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of our people,' he said. Responding to criticism from Libaran member of parliament and Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir, Joniston acknowledged PBS's imperfect history but emphasised the party has never strayed from its founding mission. 'From the beginning, we have consistently championed state autonomy, fair treatment within the Federation, and the safeguarding of Sabah's voice and future,' he said. He also accused some of revisiting PBS's past for political convenience, ignoring the intentions behind the party's decisions. 'Many of the positions we took — once criticised as out of step — are now being echoed and championed by those who previously opposed them,' he added. Joniston stressed that PBS's history of political alliances and realignments reflects a consistent pursuit of Sabah's best interests. 'Our decision to leave Barisan Nasional (BN) came after deep reflection on whether that alliance still aligned with Sabah's aspirations. Every political decision we make is anchored on one question: Is this good for Sabah?' he said. He explained that PBS joined GRS with a clear sense of purpose, aligning with local parties that understand and prioritise Sabah's needs. 'GRS embodies the same values PBS has long upheld. Together, we are confident of achieving meaningful development for the state,' he said. Addressing Suhaimi's criticism labelling him as 'kebudak-budakan' (childish), Joniston replied, 'PBS's relevance is not defined by past affiliations but by how we serve, how we consistently defend Sabah's rights, and our commitment to a stronger future.' He pointed to tangible progress under the GRS-led State Government in collaboration with the federal administration, including a major increase in the federal special annual grant from just over RM50 million to RM600 million. He also highlighted the signing of a Commercial Collaborative Agreement (CCA) between the State Government and Petronas, allowing local companies to play a significant role in Sabah's oil and gas sector. This move helped boost state revenue to RM6.9 billion last year. 'With GRS at the helm, we can already see the light at the end of the tunnel,' Joniston concluded.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Family of seven lives in makeshift hut
KUALA BERANG: Struggling to make ends meet, Mat Nasir Ismail from Kampung Paya Besar dreams of offering a better life to his wife and family. Due to financial hardship and the inability to pay rent, the 48-year-old father and his wife, Mazilah Mansor, 47, have been living with their five children, including one with disabilities, in a makeshift hut in a forested area of the village since March. The family resides in a roughly three-metre-long by 1.52-metre-wide hut without walls, with only a thin layer of cement as flooring. Mat Nasir also built another small hut out of discarded materials to serve as a kitchen and sleeping area for his child and daughter-in-law, Nur Syazwanie Natasha Mohd Zafri, 19. Earning about RM600 a month doing odd jobs such as spraying pesticides and clearing orchards, Mat Nasir said he had moved house 20 times after failing to afford monthly rent of RM400. "Although the hut we live in lacks basic amenities like electricity and water, and there's a constant threat from wild animals, including snakes, we accept our fate because we simply can't afford to rent a house," he said. He admitted that he constantly worries about dangers from creatures such as snakes, centipedes, and scorpions, especially at night. "We were almost attacked by a python while trying to set up a small tent to sleep, but fortunately my son, Muhammad Hafiszuddin, 22, noticed it just in time," he said. The family relies on river water located about 150 metres from the hut for washing, cooking, and bathing. "Although a kind individual donated a water pump to channel river water into a storage tank, we often have to carry water in containers, especially when the pump breaks down," said Mat Nasir, who supplements his income with RM700 a month in aid he recieves from the Social Welfare Department and RM1,800 annually in subsistence assistance from the Terengganu Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council. He said the money is used to purchase building materials like cement and bricks to gradually construct a proper home. The financial aid also helps cover schooling costs for his two children, Muhammad Ramadan, 13, who attends Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sri Berang, and Muhammad Asyraf Muharam, 11, who studies at Sekolah Kebangsaan Tengku Ampuan Intan. "We have also applied for housing assistance, but our application was not approved," he added. Meanwhile, Kuala Berang state legislative assembly coordinating secretary Mohd Sapawi Shamsuddin said Mat Nasir and his family had been offered temporary accommodation free of charge at the Orang Kuala Berang (OKB) building, while efforts are made to secure proper housing assistance. "We have contacted the Kuala Berang constituency chief secretariat, Jalaludin Ismail, and he has agreed to provide free lodging at the OKB building for Mat Nasir," he said.
The Star
26-05-2025
- The Star
QuickCheck: Is a WhatsApp message about Malaysia Madani financial aid legitimate?
In the digital age, misinformation spreads faster than a click Scammers often exploit the promise of financial aid to deceive unsuspecting individuals. Recently, a message began circulating on WhatsApp claiming that the government would be giving RM600 in Malaysia Madani financial aid Is this true? VERDICT: FALSE The Finance Ministry has said that the message about the Malaysia Madani E-Wallet Subsidy Assistance currently being circulated is false. It added that the public is urged to exercise caution and not be easily deceived by such misleading messages on social media. The ministry then said that its official social media channels should be followed to ensure the legitimacy and accuracy of any links. It added that individuals are advised not to click on suspicious links to avoid becoming victims of fraud.
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Police hunt elderly woman behind investment scam
SUNGAI PETANI: Police are searching for a 60-year-old woman to assist in investigations into an alleged investment scam that has resulted in losses exceeding RM600,000 since 2017. Kuala Muda district police chief Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan said police had received seven reports from individuals claiming they were duped into investing through the woman. "The victims were promised returns of between five and seven per cent on their capital. "Losses linked to the scheme have reached RM604,000 so far, based on reports from victims who believed they were participating in a legitimate investment," he said during a press conference today. Initial investigations revealed that the so-called investment scheme never existed. "Unsatisfied with the lack of returns, the victims lodged police reports. "We are now working to trace the woman, who is believed to be connected to the case. "We urge anyone with information on her whereabouts to come forward and assist in the investigation," he said. It is understood that the victims had repeatedly attempted to recover their money from the woman but were met with constant delays. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years, whipping, and a fine upon conviction. In a separate development, Hanyan announced the formation of a special unit under the Kuala Muda district police headquarters known as the 'All Black Militant Jihad Against Drugs' team. He said the 25-member squad, comprising officers and personnel from various units, would operate in public areas and shopping complexes to gather intelligence on drug-related activities. "The public may channel any information to this team, and swift action will be taken," he said. Hanyan said the special squad aims to tackle drug activities at their root across the Kuala Muda district.
