Latest news with #RM77
The Star
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Johor sees rise in divorce applications among Muslims
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor has recorded an increase in divorce applications filed by Muslim couples in the Syariah Court statewide over six years from 2019 to the end of 2024. State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid ( pic ) said the total number of divorce applications rose from 6,844 cases in 2019 to 7,306 cases last year. He said the causes of divorce include incompatibility, financial problems, irresponsible partners and interference from third parties, such as in-laws. 'The most significant increase was in divorce applications, which rose from 3,273 cases in 2019 to 4,264 cases in 2024. 'As for applications to verify divorce pronouncements (lafaz cerai), although there was a slight drop in 2021 (1,856 cases), the number increased again to 2,462 cases in 2024,' he added. Mohd Fared said this in reply to Marina Ibrahim (Pakatan–Skudai) during the state assembly meeting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar on Monday (May 19). Earlier, Marina requested data from the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) on alimony claims following divorce among married Muslim couples. Mohd Fared said applications for the verification of taklik divorces remained low throughout the period, between 25 and 38 cases annually. Applications for khulu' or redemption divorces also stayed low, dropping slightly from 10 cases in 2019 to eight cases in 2024. 'Meanwhile, fasakh divorce applications recorded a notable decrease from 988 cases in 2019 to 545 cases in 2024,' he said, adding that the highest number of divorce applications came from individuals aged 26 to 35, involving 16,159 people. Mohd Fared also said this was followed by applicants aged 36 to 45 (10,517), 18 to 25 (4,877), 46 to 55 (4,631), 56 to 65 (1,715), and those aged 66 and above (588). 'In total, 371 alimony claims have been filed from May last year to April this year. Through the Family Support Division, eligible individuals received assistance after an investigation and approval by the committee. 'From 2012 to August 2023, the Family Support Division has channelled RM77,400 in advance payments to eligible ex-wives using funds contributed by the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAIJ),' he added.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Pakistani truck art elevates heavy transport into mobile masterpieces
Driver Farrukh Sana peers from a newly refurbished truck at a workshop yard in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Photo: AP Trucks thunder along Pakistan's dusty highways and through bustling city streets, like rolling canvases ablaze with color and poetry, transforming heavy transport into mobile masterpieces and offering a window into the country's folk culture. The roots of Pakistani truck art go back to British colonial rule, when owners began adorning their vehicles with intricate floral patterns, calligraphy, and cultural motifs. What started as modest embellishments has evolved into artistry. Painters, welders, electricians, and metalworkers collaborate to elevate commercial trucks into personalised symbols of pride and regional identity. Trucks decorated with artwork drive along a highway on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan. Photo: AP There are camel bone inlays in Balochistan, intricate wood carvings in Peshawar, and disco-inspired detail in Rawalpindi. Muhammad Ashfaq, a 55-year-old from Rawalpindi, has been painting trucks for over four decades. "Each client comes with their own vision and budget,' said Ashfaq. "We ask which style they prefer: Peshawar, Hazara, Swat, Pindi, Mandi Bahauddin, or Karachi.' Pindi style is considered the most flamboyant, characterised by vivid colours, elaborate stickers, mirror work, and dense layering of design elements. An artisan paints birds on a truck at a yard for workshops in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Photo: AP "Pindi style is like a bride getting ready for her wedding,' says Farrukh Sana, a truck driver who recently upgraded his vehicle with the vibrant design. "We feel happy when people admire our truck. It's a symbol of hard work and beauty.' Styles vary according to cost and components, as well as colour and complexity. A full refurbishment of a truck can cost between US$7,000 (RM30,212) and US$17,790 (RM77,000), depending on the materials used and if major elements like the tires and the chassis are replaced. A vendor displays metal pieces painted in the style of traditional art used to decorate trucks at a shop in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Photo: AP But, beyond mere decoration, the trucks also bear poetry, religious messages, and personal slogans, reflecting the aspirations, humour, and emotions of their drivers. Truck art has transcended cargo vehicles, finding its way onto rickshaws, buses, and even household decor. It first caught global attention in the 1970s, when foreign tourists started photographing the unusually bright vehicles. Since then, truck art has inspired international exhibitions and influenced contemporary fashion and product design. The distinctly South Asian tradition endures despite Pakistan's economic hardships. Artisans like Ashfaq remain devoted to the craft, while drivers like Sana view their trucks as more than a livelihood. They are seen as roving cultural ambassadors. "Every driver dreams of making his truck look unique,' Sana says with pride. "When we drive it out and people turn their heads, we know we've created something special.' - AP
Daily Express
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
‘Get it done or get out!' order
Published on: Monday, May 05, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 05, 2025 By: Amir Anuar Text Size: Khaled at the construction site of the RKAT. TAWAU: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin warned contractors involved in projects at army camps to 'Get it done or get out!' He said the Ministry would not hesitate to terminate those unable to complete their projects. 'If they fail, we'll terminate the project (contractor services). Just yesterday (Saturday at the Joint Task Force Headquarters 2 – MKATB 2, Kukusan Camp), we terminated a contractor,' he said. Khaled was referring to delays in the construction of a 144-unit Armed Forces Family Housing (RKAT) project at Kukusan Camp, which received RM77 million in funding and was originally scheduled for completion in July 2024 after starting in September 2021. Khaled was on a working visit to the 7th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) at Kubota Camp, Sunday. Present was Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan. Khaled said such issues present challenges, particularly in terms of project delays and increased costs, but insisted the project must proceed for the benefit of military personnel. 'When we open for a new tender, we face further delays and rising costs, and we're forced to use funds that were meant for other priorities. 'That's why we're not pleased when a project fails or stalls, because it brings about numerous problems – especially longer completion times and higher construction costs,' he said. On another project, he said the RM99 million RKAT-Multi-Purpose Extension project at Kubota Camp is scheduled for completion in September 2026. Khaled said the Ministry would closely monitor the project, as it is considered highly important, and hoped that it would be completed on schedule with support from the Public Works Department (JKR) and contractor assurances. 'This working visit is important to assess all developments approved by the government, particularly those related to the welfare of our armed forces, and ensure they are completed as planned. This (RKAT) project is vital to ensure our military personnel have decent and appropriate housing to grow and raise their families successfully. 'If it's not completed, our personnel will be forced to rent housing outside the camp, which exposes us to all sorts of challenges and issues.' On the maintenance of army camp housing, Khaled said it is allocated RM400 million annually since 2023 and significantly higher compared to previous administrations, which provided no more than RM100m. 'This year, Kubota Camp has been allocated RM1 million for maintenance work on existing houses to ensure the comfort of military families,' he said. Regarding the welfare and economic development of military personnel, Khaled said the Ministry is preparing to implement the Madani Outreach Camp Program (PKSM), sponsored by the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT), with a budget of RM500,000 across five selected military camps nationwide. As part of this programme, the hall at Kubota Camp would be upgraded. He said the camp has also been selected for a stingless bee (kelulut) honey farming project involving military spouses alongside their husbands. Khaled also revealed intention to replace the Pangkalan Laut Tun Sharifah Rodziah, which will be 10 years old next year. Among the ministry's proposals he said is to acquire a new, more mobile Forward Operating Base capable of accommodating helicopters with loads exceeding six tons. Additionally, he said the Ministry of Defence has reportedly just received four new Coastal Surveillance System (CSS) radar units to be installed along the East Coast of Sabah. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
Malay Mail
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
‘We recognise the threats': Govt eyes Sabah naval base revamp for stronger east coast defence
SEMPORNA, May 4 — The government is considering replacing the Tun Sharifah Rodziah static offshore forward operating base, managed by the Royal Malaysian Navy, with a new, more dynamic operational model. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the proposed concept involves a mobile forward operating base, which would sustain security operational capabilities in Sabah, particularly along the east coast. 'The government is committed to maintaining the strategic advantage of a forward operating base. We will soon deliberate on and determine the most suitable replacement model for the naval base,' he said. 'I want to assure the public that Sabah's security and sovereignty remain a top priority. We fully acknowledge the vital role this base plays in safeguarding the region,' he told reporters during a visit to the Tun Sharifah Rodziah naval base yesterday. Mohamed Khaled highlighted that the base has been instrumental in maintaining security along Sabah's east coast, contributing to the current low levels of abductions and intrusions. 'We must take these steps because we recognise that the challenges and threats in eastern Sabah are ongoing. These include both conventional threats and those posed by non-state actors such as terrorist groups. 'Cross-border crimes, such as abductions, illegal fishing and human trafficking, also remain persistent concerns. 'This is why the Defence Ministry and the government continue to prioritise Sabah's security,' he emphasised, adding that coastal surveillance will be further enhanced through the expansion of the coastal radar network. He noted that the federal government has invested over RM500 million in the construction of military camps in Sabah, specifically Kem Felda Sahabat in Lahad Datu and Kem Paradise in Kota Belud. 'As for Kem Felda Sahabat, we will ensure the current contractor works on improving progress at the site,' he said. Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled has called for the termination of the contractor responsible for the military staff housing project at the Joint Task Force 2 (ATB2) headquarters in Kem Kukusan. 'The project, approved in 2021 with an allocation of approximately RM77 million, was scheduled for completion this year. However, it is now clearly behind schedule and has been classified as a failed project. 'I have instructed that the contractor be terminated and appropriate steps taken to appoint a new contractor to resume the work,' he said. He added that ATB2 personnel are currently forced to rent accommodation outside the base, an arrangement he described as unacceptable. 'Personnel welfare is a key element in maintaining operational readiness. This project has faced excessive delays, and we are treating the matter with urgency to ensure its completion. The Public Works Department or the Ministry will oversee the project moving forward,' he said. — Bernama
Daily Express
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Govt mulls replacing Semporna offshore base, says Khaled
Published on: Sunday, May 04, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 04, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Tun Sharifah Rodziah offshore base SEMPORNA: The Government is considering replacing the Tun Sharifah Rodziah static offshore forward operating base, managed by the Royal Malaysian Navy, with a new, more dynamic operational model. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the proposed concept involves a mobile forward operating base, which would sustain security operational capabilities in Sabah, particularly along the east coast. 'The Government is committed to maintaining the strategic advantage of a forward operating base. We will soon deliberate on and determine the most suitable replacement model for the naval base,' he said. 'I want to assure the public that Sabah's security and sovereignty remain a top priority. We fully acknowledge the vital role this base plays in safeguarding the region,' he told reporters during a visit to the Tun Sharifah Rodziah naval base, Saturday. Mohamed Khaled highlighted that the base has been instrumental in maintaining security along Sabah's east coast, contributing to the current low levels of abductions and intrusions. 'We must take these steps because we recognise that the challenges and threats in eastern Sabah are ongoing. These include both conventional threats and those posed by non-state actors such as terrorist groups. 'Cross-border crimes, such as abductions, illegal fishing and human trafficking, also remain persistent concerns. 'This is why the Defence Ministry and the Government continue to prioritise Sabah's security,' he emphasised, adding that coastal surveillance will be further enhanced through the expansion of the coastal radar network. He noted that the Federal Government has invested over RM500 million in the construction of military camps in Sabah, specifically Kem Felda Sahabat in Lahad Datu and Kem Paradise in Kota Belud. 'As for Kem Felda Sahabat, we will ensure the current contractor works on improving progress at the site,' he said. Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled called for the termination of the contractor responsible for the military staff housing project at the Joint Task Force 2 (ATB2) headquarters in Kem Kukusan. 'The project, approved in 2021 with an allocation of approximately RM77 million, was scheduled for completion this year. However, it is now clearly behind schedule and has been classified as a failed project. 'I have instructed that the contractor be terminated and appropriate steps taken to appoint a new contractor to resume the work,' he said. He added that ATB2 personnel are currently forced to rent accommodation outside the base, an arrangement he described as unacceptable. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
