Latest news with #RM750
New Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Police: RM750mil lost to bogus investment schemes in first half of 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: RM750 million has been lost to bogus investment schemes in the first half of this year. Police noted the sharp increase, which is more than double the RM350 million lost during the same period last year. A total of 4,368 cases were reported this year, involving losses of RM750,519,581, said Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa. "This is a big increase compared to the 2,715 cases reported during the same period in 2024, which saw losses exceeding RM350 million," he added.
New Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Klang Valley motorists spend over 580 hours a year stuck in traffic
KUALA LUMPUR: Klang Valley motorists are spending more than 580 hours a year stuck in traffic, costing them an estimated RM9,000 annually in vehicle maintenance and fuel expenses. According to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM) senior lecturer in transport engineering, Dr Ahmad Nazrul Hakimi Ibrahim, traffic congestion has become a pressing issue with wide-ranging consequences. "Based on recent findings, the average motorist spends about 135 minutes daily in traffic. This not only translates to fuel wastage — an estimated 2.6 litres per hour, costing RM11.99 a day — but also a significant loss in productivity," he was quoted as saying by Harian Metro. For a worker earning RM3,000 a month, this equates to roughly RM750 in lost productivity each month. Malaysia currently has the second-highest vehicle ownership rate in Asia, with 535 vehicles per 1,000 people, further compounding the congestion issue in urban centres like Klang Valley. Spending 580 hours a year in traffic is equivalent to motorists losing around 24 full days annually to congestion. Ahmad Nazrul said traffic congestion should no longer be viewed as merely a transportation problem. "It impacts public health, contributes to air pollution, induces emotional stress, and disrupts work-life balance. A more integrated and sustainable solution is urgently needed," he said. He recommended several long-term measures, including: Enhancing public transport systems and increasing accessibility, expanding flexible working hours and remote work options, and offering incentives for electric vehicles and carbon-based taxation. A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that remote work could reduce commuting time by up to 69 minutes a day, while improving worker productivity. Ahmad Nazrul also criticised proposals to phase out cars older than 15 years, saying such a policy could negatively affect lower-and middle-income groups (B40 and M40). "Many people still rely on older vehicles for their daily mobility. Instead of banning them, the government should consider periodic technical inspections and targeted subsidies to encourage greener practices," he said. He added that addressing traffic woes requires cross-sector collaboration, involving urban planners, policymakers, and the public. "It's not just about building more roads. It's about planning better cities, designing smarter transport systems, and shifting societal habits," he said.
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Hundreds flock to ACS hall to support KAA fundraising food fair
Morliah visits one of the booths at the event. — Photo by Galileo Peting KUCHING (July 13): The Association of Churches hall at Jalan Stampin here was filled with hundreds of visitors who showed their support for the Autism Food Fair 2025 organised by the Kuching Autistic Association (KAA). The annual fundraising programme featured over 85 stalls this year, selling a variety of products and food, as well as stage performances by autistic children and enthusiastic volunteers. KAA in a statement said this was its biggest fundraising event of the year. Morliah (third left) cuts the ribbon to officiate the Autism Food Fair 2025. — Photo by Galileo Petingi 'Each year, KAA targets around RM750,000 to cover the centre's operational costs and due to limited space of our current centre, we have a long waiting list of students seeking enrolment. 'Our new building is set to be completed in Q1 of next year, allowing KAA to accommodate more students. Autism is a lifelong condition—at our centre, we strive every day to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism by providing therapy, daily living skills training and nurturing their unique talents,' it said. The event was officiated by KAA patron Dato Dayang Morliah Awang Daud, and also present were KAA president Dr Catherine Chen and organising and fundraising committee chairperson Connie Yeo.
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
MyLesen B2 gives 663 Miri students safer ride to school
Lee (eleventh left) poses for a photo with JPJ officers, driving academy representatives and students. MIRI (July 13): A total of 663 secondary school students from 18 schools across Miri have successfully participated in the MyLesen B2 Programme, organised by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Miri at Dewan Dato Permaisuri in Permyjaya here. The special programme enabled eligible students to undergo the required tests and obtain a B2 motorcycle licence at a subsidised fee of only RM250 – a significant reduction from the original cost of RM750, with RM500 covered by the government. Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, who officiated the event, said the programme was initiated out of concern for the students' safety- especially those who ride motorcycles to school without a valid licence or proper safety gear. 'I am deeply worried when I see students going to school on motorcycles without a licence or safety equipment. This endangers both themselves and other road users,' said Lee, who is also the Senadin assemblyman. 'That's why I brought this issue to JPJ at both the state and federal levels to find a solution,' he added. Lee also reminded students of the serious risks involved in traffic accidents and urged them to prioritise road safety. 'Everyone wants to be safe – who doesn't? When you follow traffic rules and ride carefully, you are not only protecting yourself but others as well,' he said, emphasising the importance of both theory and practical training in the licensing process. Students were given a traffic regulation briefing and required to sit for a theory test, and those who passed would proceed to practical motorcycle training and a final test conducted by JPJ. Lee noted that the programme is also open to B40 community members and others without a motorcycle licence. He added that the Ministry is evaluating the possibility of expanding the initiative to other areas if demand continues to grow. 'A driving licence is more than just a document; it symbolises awareness and responsibility. I truly appreciate the cooperation of JPJ, schools, and parents in making this programme a success,' he said. The MyLesen B2 Programme is part of a wider national effort to enhance road safety and reduce the number of unlicensed and underage motorcyclists on Malaysian roads. Also present at the event was JPJ Miri chief enforcement assistant Abdillah Mohamad, who represented Miri JPJ chief Fifi Suhesty Asmuni. lead miri motorcycle MyLesen B2 Programme students
The Star
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Mah: Support retirees hardest hit by OPR cut
PETALING JAYA: Targeted support measures for retirees should be introduced following the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) reduction, says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon (pic). The MCA deputy president said retirees, who rely on fixed deposits as their retirement safety net, would be affected by the routine economic adjustment. Dr Mah said they are neither investors chasing profits in the stock market nor business owners seeking capital for the next big venture. 'These are our retirees, the very generation who built this nation with hard work, sacrifice and frugality. 'They lived through lean times, raised families and saved diligently for the future. 'They may not speak the language of fintech or global markets but they understood something fundamental: saving is security,' Dr Mah said in a statement yesterday. He said the OPR reduction would cause their interest income to shrink, while their living expenses continue to increase. This is especially so for healthcare and basic necessities, which would also be impacted by inflation and the expanded Sales and Service Tax. 'For them, it is a painful blow, one that threatens their already limited means of daily survival.' he said. Dr Mah gave an example that a senior citizen with RM300,000 in fixed deposits would have received RM750 in monthly interest at the previous 3% OPR rate. 'With the rate now at 2.75%, their monthly income drops to RM687.50, a loss of RM62.50 every month, or RM750 a year. 'For someone living on a tight budget, this isn't just a financial adjustment – it's a lost bottle of supplements, or a critical box of blood pressure medication. 'While the OPR cut has its advantages such as boosting spending and businesses, lower loan repayments and cheaper financing for entrepreneurs, not everyone will reap its benefits. 'For our elderly, who are no longer working and who cannot simply increase their income, this is a cut they cannot afford,' he added. Dr Mah said he does not oppose the proactive economic policies but strongly believe they must be accompanied by compassion and foresight. He urged the government and financial institutions to introduce targeted support measures for retirees who are adversely affected, which could include a 'Senior Citizens' Special Interest Rate', a 'Capital Protection Scheme for Retirees', or an 'Interest Subsidy Support Grant'. 'The government and financial institutions need to ensure that our seniors are protected, respected and never forgotten,' he said.
