Latest news with #Sanusi
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Kedah reiterates commitment to responsible REE mining, urges completion of SOP
ALOR STAR: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has reiterated the state government's commitment to complying with strict procedures and guidelines to ensure the responsible mining of non-radioactive rare earth elements (REE). However, he said that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) must first finalise the standard operating procedure (SOP) for REE mining in forest reserve areas. "As long as the ministry's policy continues to prohibit REE mining in forest reserves, there's no point in having SOPs, because most REE reserves are found within forest reserves," he told the New Straits Times. Sanusi was responding to NRES Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad's recent statement dismissing the Menteri Besar's claims that the federal government was delaying the release of the SOP for REE mining. Nik Nazmi said the SOP had been completed and distributed to all state governments via a letter dated Dec 20, 2023. He also reiterated that REE mining is strictly prohibited in permanent forest reserves, environmentally sensitive areas, and designated protection zones. Commenting further, Sanusi said the state government had tabled proposals twice during National Land Council (MTN) meetings to designate Bukit Enggang in the Sik district as a pilot study site to assess the environmental and forest impact of REE extraction. However, he said no response has been received from the ministry to date, raising questions about the federal government's commitment to exploring alternative resources that could boost the state's revenue. "In both National Land Council meetings, Kedah offered Bukit Enggang as a site for a case study on the effects of REE extraction on forest stands and ecological balance, but until now, silence. "So, what's the point of creating more SOPs if that's their attitude, rigid and unwilling to understand," he added. Last week, Sanusi claimed the federal government was intentionally withholding the SOP to stifle the development of Perikatan Nasional-led states under the SG4 alliance. He said the SG4 states, particularly Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu, possess significant REE resources with high potential for generating substantial income if explored legally. Previously, Sanusi had repeatedly urged NRES to review Policy 12, which prohibits mining within forest reserves, noting that most REE sources have been identified in such areas.
New Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
No more vape licence renewals in Kedah's war on synthetic drugs
ALOR STAR: The Kedah state government will not renew any business licences for vape or electronic cigarette retailers due to expire this year, as part of a stricter policy aimed at curbing the growing threat of synthetic drug abuse. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the misuse of synthetic drugs through vape products had become a serious concern, with illicit substances easily mixed into vape liquids and widely distributed — including among school students. "Vape has become a new medium for drug distribution. A single drop of narcotics can be added to vape liquid, costing only RM10 and shared among up to 10 individuals. It's far more dangerous than traditional methods such as rolling cannabis into cigarettes or injecting drugs. "What is even more alarming is that these liquid drugs can be purchased online and are difficult to detect. That's why we've decided not to renew any vape licences that expire at the end of this year, and no new licences will be issued," he said at a press conference following the state executive council meeting at Wisma Darul Aman today. Earlier today, neighbouring state Perlis announced a complete ban on the sale of vapes and electronic cigarettes, effective Aug 1, citing escalating health concerns related to vaping. Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli urged traders currently engaged in the vape business to begin transitioning to industries that do not involve substances or devices deemed harmful to health. Commenting further, Sanusi said the matter was among the key issues raised during the state-level Anti-Drug Action Council meeting, which he chaired yesterday. Describing drug abuse as a "disease and a societal cancer", he said that the problem would become increasingly difficult to manage if decisive action was not taken immediately. To that end, he said the Kedah state government aimed at banning the sale of vape products and related items, including at convenience stores and retail outlets, by next year. "We want to turn over a new leaf next year. There's little point in celebrating economic growth if society is deteriorating. It's better to forgo minor profits if the damage outweighs the benefits," he stressed. Sanusi said that drug abuse not only destroys individuals, but also undermines families and communities, with many addicts resorting to theft to fund their addiction. He said that Kedah currently ranked among the states with the highest rates of drug abuse in Malaysia, with more than 12,000 individuals identified as addicts within a population of 2.21 million. "Pendang is among the worst-affected districts, although part of the data reflects the number of private rehabilitation centres located there. Regardless, it's a serious indicator of how urgent and comprehensive our response must be," he said. Sanusi also called on teachers and school administrators to report any signs of drug abuse among students, urging them not to conceal such issues. "Don't hide the problem. If we avoid conducting urine tests for fear of damaging the school's image, how are we supposed to intervene? It's better to detect the issue early and provide treatment than to wait until it becomes unmanageable," he said. Sanusi commended the commitment of all stakeholders — including government agencies, local councils, police, the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), and the wider community — in tackling the drug problem holistically. He said that the state government would strengthen anti-drug efforts at the district level through coordinated action by committees led by district officers, supported by district police chiefs and AADK personnel.
New Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sada preparing for 30 per cent water demand hike during Lima '25
ALOR STAR: State-owned Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd (Sada) has activated a contingency plan to accommodate a 30 per cent hike in treated water supply demand during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25). Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the state government is expecting over 300,000 people, comprising participants and visitors, to be in Langkawi during the May 20 to 24 exhibition period. "Based on the experience in handling water supply issues in Langkawi during the previous Lima edition, Sada has come up with a special contingency plan to meet the drastic surge of demand," he said during a press conference after chairing the state executive council meeting at Wisma Darul Aman here today. In a statement shared by Sanusi, Sada said the water supply in Langkawi is stable, with only 32 accounts requiring water supply delivery, out of 33,623 active accounts in the holiday island. Sada said it has identified four hotspots for the contingency plan, namely Kedawang/Padang Mat Sirat; Datai; Tanjung Rhu/Ayer Hangat; and Kuah. The contingency plan comprises the placement of static tanks, two units of jumbo tankers, nine units of Sada water tankers and increasing the number of smaller lorries to five to transport water. The company has also improved the Sungai Baru Water Treatment Plant's water extraction capacity to maximise the treated water supply to the island. On the submarine pipeline repair works, Sada said it is ramping up Padang Saga Water Treatment Plant's production capacity to meet the target of delivering 45 million litres per day (MLD) to Langkawi. "The repair work to plug 32 leak spots along the 27-year-old submarine pipeline through the clamping method has improved the supply from 37 MLD to 43 MLD, or 93 per cent from the 45 MLD target," it said. Sada said it has also installed pressure relief valves (PRVs) in six locations to prevent pipe bursts during the Lima exhibition.
New Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sanusi to write congratulatory letter if Nurul wins, despite advice not to meddle
ALOR STAR: Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said he would write a congratulatory letter to former Permatang Pauh MP, Nurul Izzah Anwar, if she wins the PKR deputy president post in the upcoming party election. "I hope Nurul Izzah wins, because she doesn't criticise me (during the campaign). If she wins, I'll write a 'letter to dinda (an affectionate term in Malay)'," he said jokingly, during a press conference after chairing the state executive council meeting at Wisma Darul Aman here today. Nurul Izzah, the eldest daughter of Prime Minister and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is in a straight fight against incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli for the party's number two position in the election, set to take place on 23 May. Sanusi said that he was generally reluctant to comment on the PKR polls, in deference to the advice of Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who had urged party members not to interfere in the internal affairs of other political parties. However, the Perikatan Nasional election director said it was difficult to avoid being drawn into political debates by rivals. "What can I do? I'm popular—I can't run away from that. If you want to gain popularity, you attack Sanusi. "I've become a punching bag for those chasing instant fame, whether it's netizens or individuals hiding behind fake social media accounts. But they must be ready to face my response," he said. During a recent campaign rally in Kedah, candidates for the PKR central leadership said that Sanusi would prefer Nurul Izzah to win the deputy presidency, suggesting it would make it easier for him to attack the party. In response, Sanusi said: "I hope the PKR election proceeds smoothly. Whoever wins should be the one who is better for the country. If that's Nurul Izzah, then it should be her; if Rafizi is the better leader, then it will be him. I really can't comment on another party's internal affairs."
Free Malaysia Today
30-04-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Closure of Continental plant not Kedah govt's fault, says Sanusi
Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor said another company had already expressed interest in taking over the Continental factory's site. (Continental pic) PETALING JAYA : German auto supplier Continental's decision to shutter operations of its plant in Alor Setar, Kedah, is not the fault of the state government, says menteri besar Sanusi Nor. Sanusi said Continental's move was a business decision, adding that he had met the company's representatives several times prior to this, Harian Metro reported. 'The closure is a business matter. It's not because they hate me or the state government,' he was quoted as saying. The Kedah menteri besar also said Continental was relocating the factory to Thailand, and that he believed this was due to lower costs and the international firm's operational needs. Sanusi was responding to postings circulating on social media claiming that Continental was leaving Kedah because the state government's policies were allegedly unfriendly to foreign investors. On Monday, Continental announced it would shut down its tyre manufacturing plant in Alor Setar at the end of the year after 46 years of operating there. It currently has 950 workers. The company said this followed an extensive business review on the company's competitiveness and overall performance in Asia-Pacific. Sanusi maintained that the state government was only responsible for providing infrastructure like land and facilities, while manufacturing industry policies were set by Putrajaya. He also said another company had already expressed interest in taking over the Continental factory's site. 'They asked for this matter to be kept a secret first because of tough competition with others,' he added. Separately, state industry and investment executive councillor Haim Hilman Abdullah said the Kedah government would help the 950 Continental employees who are set to lose their jobs at the end of the year. Haim said the Kedah Talent Development Centre would help match them with job opportunities in other firms, adding that there is another tyre firm similar to Continental that would be investing in Padang Terap.
