Latest news with #RM95
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Miri parents appeal for RM95,000 to help 22-month-old daughter hear
Yvonne in the arms of her father Keh Chuan (fifth left), mother (sixth left) as well as Ting (seventh left) and Rhea at the press conference to raise funds for Yvonne's operation. MIRI (July 29): The parents of 22-month-old Yvonne Paw are urgently appealing to the public to help raise RM95,000 for an auditory brainstem implant (ABI) operation scheduled for Aug 16, 2025 — a life-changing surgery that could allow her to hear for the first time. CT scans at Miri Hospital revealed that Yvonne was born without cochleae in both ears, rendering her profoundly deaf since birth. The operation will be conducted at Borneo Medical Centre (BMC) Kuching, and her family is racing against time to secure the funds needed. She was diagnosed with hearing problems shortly after birth, and her mother Wong Siew Chin and father Paw Keh Chuong are now desperate, placing their hopes in the public's generosity to give their daughter the gift of sound. Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said the ABI procedure differs from the more common cochlear implant, as it is meant for patients with absent or damaged cochleae. The estimated cost for Yvonne's operation is RM145,000, of which RM50,000 has already been raised. 'The family has managed to raise RM50,000, but it is still short of RM95,000 with 18 days left to this operation,' he said during a press conference at the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Piasau office on Tuesday. Ting, who is also the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, as well as SUPP Piasau branch chairman and party secretary-general, urged the public to donate through the Miri City Cochlear Implant Society (MCCIS). 'There are only 18 days left as the operation is scheduled to be carried out on Aug 16 this year,' he said. As MCCIS chairman, Ting expressed appreciation to Miri residents for their past generosity, citing the case of Rhea Moh Ning Xuan, a girl who partially regained her hearing after undergoing a successful cochlear implant procedure last year. Ting said Rhea, now one and a half-years-old, underwent surgery on Dec 22, 2024, when she was about one-year-old. Rhea, a previous recipient of a cochlear implant procedure, lies on the shoulder of Ting, who helped kick off the fundraising campaign for her successful operation last year. Her operation was made possible thanks to overwhelming public response to her parents' appeal. Rhea's parents, Moh Nien Chong and Janet Teng, attended Tuesday's press conference in support of the fundraising drive for Yvonne. According to Dr Doris Jong, Rhea is responding well to sounds, especially the 'Happy Birthday' song, and her hearing has improved from profound to moderate loss. She is also beginning to make sounds of her own. Ting made a heartfelt appeal to the public to help Yvonne receive her implant before she turns two, which is a critical milestone for speech and auditory development. 'To those rooting for Yvonne to also hear and eventually learn, please donate to the operation for best results before she reaches the age of two,' he said. All donations will go to a dedicated account for Yvonne's operation. Those interested can contact the SAHATI Service & Information Centre, or donate directly to the Alliance Bank account of the Miri City Cochlear Implant Society: 110270010015028. hearing implants public donations Sebastian Ting surgery
New Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
FTs must not be viewed as homogenous entity
LABUAN: The Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan must not be viewed as a homogenous entity, as each faces distinct economic and social challenges that demand tailored solutions, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. "For too long, the Federal Territories have been treated as one homogenous unit. "However, when we consider the realities of economic well-being and public welfare, it is clear that Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan each face very different sets of challenges," she said in a Facebook post today. Speaking after a post-Cabinet engagement session following the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) discussions with Ministry of Economy officials, Dr Zaliha said the meeting allowed her and the leadership of the Department of Federal Territories to convey the true aspirations of the people in all three territories. In Kuala Lumpur, she highlighted a growing income gap among urban residents, noting that this widening disparity necessitates a recalibration of the city's growth ecosystem to ensure inclusivity and that no group is left behind. For Putrajaya, she said its continuing role as the country's administrative centre, adding that it should lead policy innovation and uphold transparency in public governance. Dr Zaliha said Labuan requires a more strategic approach, noting that the island accounts for Malaysia's second-highest GDP per capita but that the returns to its people do not reflect this contribution. "Labuan's tax collection stands at around RM47 million, while expenditure reaches RM95 million. "This fiscal imbalance must be addressed. "Additionally, the local economy's dependence on the oil and gas sector has waned compared to a decade ago," she said. She urged a shift toward alternative growth drivers, such as tourism and the blue economy, to reinvigorate Labuan's development. "The 13MP's approach to the Federal Territories must not be one-size-fits-all. "We must acknowledge the uniqueness of each territory's challenges and strengths, and craft solutions that are locally tailored and focused on delivering real impact for the people," she added. – Bernama
Borneo Post
19-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Bina Puri eyes first profit since 2019, pins hopes on Sarawak jobs
Bina Puri says it has since focused its efforts on completing these loss-making jobs to ease the burden on future profits. KUCHING (June 19): Bina Puri Holdings Berhad (Bina Puri) is banking on a string of infrastructure jobs in Sarawak to stage its first financial turnaround since 2019. According to TA Securities Bhd (TA Securities) in a note, the pandemic and movement control orders had severely impacted the company's operations especially legacy low-margin infrastructure and building contracts, of which many were forced to halt. Management said it has since focused its efforts on completing these loss-making jobs to ease the burden on future profits. To note, the company posted core losses of RM95 million and RM11 million in FY23 and FY24 respectively. For the first nine months of FY25, its core loss narrowed to just RM38,000. According to management, the company did not secure any new local contracts between 2019 and late 2022. That changed after Chai Chan Tong joined the company in December 2022, acquiring a 20.4 per cent stake and injecting RM14.8 million in fresh capital. He later raised his stake to 23.7 per cent by subscribing to rights shares in April 2023 and took full control of the board following his redesignation as managing director in October 2023. Under Chai, turnaround momentum picked up, with the company securing two road projects in Sarawak in 2023, in Dalat and Samarahan with a combined value of RM176.5 million. In November 2024, it won another Sarawak contract worth RM113.3 million involving water pipeline construction, civil, and structural works. 'From these job wins, it is suffice to say that the company is a strong contender in Sarawak, especially on those small public infrastructure jobs like road, bridge and waterpipe project valued at less than RM200 million,' said TA Securities. The house added that the company is optimistic about securing RM500 million worth of new contracts each year on the back of Chai's strong network and experience in the state. Management guided that competition for sub-contract works in Sarawak remains mild that allows the company to maintain its operating margin at a reasonable five per cent. 'Currently, the company is actively negotiating and tendering for new jobs worth RM3.8 billion in Sarawak,' added the house. As of the first quarter of FY25, Bina Puri's outstanding order book stood at RM551 million with nearly RM230 million of that secured under the current management. These newer jobs are expected to carry higher margins compared to the RM325 million backlog from before Chai's leadership. Importantly, the completion of several unprofitable projects such as the Malaysian Embassy in Moscow, a dual-lane road in Southern Iraq, and the near-completion of the Nepal Supreme Court building, is expected to ease pressure on the company's earnings. The Bangkok high-speed rail project, though far from completion, has already been sub-contracted on a fixed-sum basis to China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC) thus reducing financial exposure. Looking ahead, TA Securities projects a turnaround in FY25 with a core profit of RM7.8 million. This is expected to grow by 69.2 per cent to RM13.2 million in FY26 and by 11.4 per cent to RM14.7 million in FY27. All told, FY25 is seen as a critical year for Bina Puri's new management to prove its ability to complete legacy projects while securing new, higher-margin jobs especially in Sarawak to support long-term prospect. It also advises risk-averse investors to adopt a wait-and-see approach as the company transitions under its new leadership. Bina Puri construction corporate news
Borneo Post
08-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Abang Johari: Sustainable farming model key to lowering Sarawak's beef prices
Abang Johari (second right) seen participating in meat cutting during the Ibadah Korban Ceremony at the Al-Kawthar Mosque in Gedong today. – Photo by Roystein Emmor GEDONG (June 8): The state government is actively developing a new approach to reduce dependency on imported cattle and feed by introducing a sustainable circular agriculture model, said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. This initiative aims to address the high cost of beef in the state, which has been reported as among the most expensive in the country, reaching up to RM95 per kilogramme (kg) Abang Johari attributed the current high prices primarily to Sarawak's heavy dependence on imported cattle and feed, particularly from Australia. 'We currently import cattle, including those we rear in Australia under SEDC (Sarawak Economic Development Corporation). 'However, the export tax imposed by Australia is quite high and payments are made in Australian dollars, which drives up the cost,' he told reporters after attending the Ibadah Korban Ceremony at the Al-Kawthar Mosque here today. Abang Johari said the new strategy involves implementing feedlot farming systems instead of traditional open grazing, allowing cattle to be reared using locally-produced feed derived from agricultural waste mixed with napier grass. This, he noted, would enhance cattle health and quality, leading to better yields. 'I have been to Lubok Antu and seen the potential of using plantation waste to produce biomass. This biomass can be converted into animal feed, which means we no longer need to import feed. 'Healthy, well-fed cattle are heavier, which means more value, whereas if the cattle are thin, no one will want to buy them,' he said. He also said that trials under this model are already being conducted through various government agencies. He said by producing animal feed locally and intensifying livestock farming under controlled conditions, the government hopes to eventually increase local beef supply and bring prices down to a more affordable level. 'We have 38 palm oil mills across the state that produce palm kernel waste. This can be used as livestock feed and even to generate bio-gas and bio-feed, contributing to a full circular economy,' he added. Abang Johari emphasised that the initiative is still in its early phase, having started two years ago. He noted that upon becoming Chief Minister six years ago, this was one of the priorities he looked into, but groundwork only began about two years ago. He expressed hope that these efforts would not only make beef more affordable but also improve incomes for local farmers, especially as Sarawak remains highly dependent on Australian beef imports. 'The long-term goal is to make our agriculture sector self-sufficient, ensuring stable supply so that demand can be met and prices controlled,' he said. A national daily had earlier reported that the average price of beef in Sarawak stands at RM64 per kg, significantly higher than in other states where prices range between RM27 and RM48 per kg. In some cases, premium cuts such as fillet can fetch prices as high as RM95 per kg, making Sarawak's beef among the most expensive in the country. abang johari cattle circular agriculture model lead
New Straits Times
28-05-2025
- New Straits Times
RM95 bribe to policeman costs Myanmar restaurant worker RM5k fine
BUTTERWORTH: A Myanmar restaurant worker was fined RM5,000 by the Sessions Court here today after pleading guilty to offering a bribe of RM95 to a policeman in a bid to avoid legal action for riding a motorcycle without a valid licence. The accused, Han Tun, was also ordered to serve two months in jail in default of payment. According to the charge, which was read out in English by a court interpreter before Judge Zulhazmi Abdullah, Han had offered RM95 in cash to Constable Uzairuddin Azizi Che Omar. The money was offered as an inducement for the officer not to take action under Section 26(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which makes it an offence to ride a motorcycle without a valid driving licence. The offence took place at about 6.30pm last Thursday along Jalan Burma here. For the offence, Han was charged under Section 214 of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment, a fine, or both. Deputy public prosecutor Nurnajihatul Idayu Mohd Azuyar appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was unrepresented. In pressing for a deterrent sentence, Nurnajihatul Idayu urged the court to consider the seriousness of the offence and the need to send a clear message to the public. Han, in pleading for leniency, expressed remorse and appealed for a chance to rebuild his life. Before handing down the sentence, Judge Zulhazmi said corruption was among the most serious crimes, both in Malaysia and globally, and must be addressed firmly. The court then imposed a RM5,000 fine, with a two-month jail term in default.
