Latest news with #StateYouth
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Three major health projects underway at Penang Hospital
GEORGE TOWN: Three health projects are ongoing at Penang Hospital here, backed by a federal allocation of RM758 million under the Malaysia Plan. State Youth, Sport and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said these projects represented a critical upgrade to the state's healthcare infrastructure. The three projects are the RM307 million women and children's block, the RM23 million stem cell services block and the RM428 million specialist clinic and ward block. Gooi said the women and children's block involved demolishing the existing block and constructing an eight-storey hospital building with 329 beds and a 12-storey car park with 449 parking bays. "It includes major services such as outpatient and inpatient care, diagnostic and treatment units, medical support services, administrative offices, and public amenities including a cafeteria, surau and playground. "This block will consolidate all women and children's services, reducing congestion and eliminating the need for patients to access the main hospital block. "The project is currently 34.35 per cent completed as of May 22, and is targeted for completion by January 2026," he said during a visit to the women and children's block construction site here today. Gooi said the stem cell services block was aimed at upgrading stem cell transplant services, including allogeneic bone marrow transplant facilities, apheresis units and stem cell labs. He said additional infrastructure included 25 parking lots, a covered connecting bridge, support buildings (including a waste house and M&E room), and utility upgrades. "This project is 10.19 per cent completed as of May 29, with completion scheduled for March 2027. "As for the specialist clinic and ward block, this 14-storey building will house specialist clinics (levels 1–11) and wards (levels 12–14) with 216 beds, along with parking on levels 2–7 and mechanical facilities in the basement. "The project currently stands at 3.33 per cent progress as of May 20, with completion targeted for May 2029," he added. Gooi said that despite earlier delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and handover constraints, construction had picked up pace, particularly following the piling phase. He said the implementation of the Industrialised Building System was expected to accelerate progress. "These upgrades will enhance public healthcare access, reduce overcrowding and resolve long-standing parking issues at the hospital. "These developments reflect the government's commitment to a more equitable, high-quality healthcare system," he said. Gooi said they would continue to strengthen public health infrastructure to ensure no one is left behind.
Barnama
21-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Penang To Consider Banning Sale Of Electronic Cigarettes If Act 852 Fails To Produce Positive Outcome
GEORGE TOWN, May 21 (Bernama) -- The Penang government is prepared to consider banning the sale of electronic cigarettes and vapes if the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) fails to produce positive outcomes. State Youth, Sports and Health Committee Chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said a mechanism to regulate the supply of electronic cigarettes has been introduced under Act 852, which is currently in the product registration phase and scheduled for enforcement on October 1. He said the state government will closely review the enforcement mechanism and formulate a comprehensive strategy to curb vape use in Penang, emphasising that the matter must be handled strategically to prevent the emergence of illegal markets and smuggling activities as unintended consequences. 'The issue is very complicated. If we implement a comprehensive sales ban, we will face several challenges, among them is our state border, which is close to Kedah and Perak, because users can gettheir supply in Kulim or Parit Buntar, and this will be difficult in terms of enforcement. 'Secondly, banning the sale of vapes does not necessarily stop users from vaping, but will push them to the illegal market, which may encourage smuggling. This is one of the aspects we have to consider,' he said He said this when winding up the debate on the opening speech by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib at the State Assembly sitting here today. However, Gooi emphasised that the state government remains firm in its stance on the issue, consistently supporting the ban on the use of electronic cigarettes, particularly among minors, and discouraging the sale of all smoking products, including vapes, in line with efforts to safeguard public health. He also said that the enforcement of Act 852 since October last year has shown encouraging results, with a decline in the number of students involved in vaping-related offences in the state. Citing records from the Penang Education Department, he said that revealed that while 981 students were recorded for vape-related misdemeanours in 2024, the number dropped to 12 students between January and February this year.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Penang to consider banning sale of electronic cigarettes if act 852 fails to produce positive outcome
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is prepared to consider banning the sale of electronic cigarettes and vapes if the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) fails to produce positive outcomes. State Youth, Sports and Health Committee Chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said a mechanism to regulate the supply of electronic cigarettes has been introduced under Act 852, which is currently in the product registration phase and scheduled for enforcement on October 1. He said the state government will closely review the enforcement mechanism and formulate a comprehensive strategy to curb vape use in Penang, emphasising that the matter must be handled strategically to prevent the emergence of illegal markets and smuggling activities as unintended consequences. 'The issue is very complicated. If we implement a comprehensive sales ban, we will face several challenges, among them is our state border, which is close to Kedah and Perak, because users can gettheir supply in Kulim or Parit Buntar, and this will be difficult in terms of enforcement. 'Secondly, banning the sale of vapes does not necessarily stop users from vaping, but will push them to the illegal market, which may encourage smuggling. This is one of the aspects we have to consider,' he said He said this when winding up the debate on the opening speech by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib at the State Assembly sitting here today. However, Gooi emphasised that the state government remains firm in its stance on the issue, consistently supporting the ban on the use of electronic cigarettes, particularly among minors, and discouraging the sale of all smoking products, including vapes, in line with efforts to safeguard public health. He also said that the enforcement of Act 852 since October last year has shown encouraging results, with a decline in the number of students involved in vaping-related offences in the state. Citing records from the Penang Education Department, he said that revealed that while 981 students were recorded for vape-related misdemeanours in 2024, the number dropped to 12 students between January and February this year. Yesterday, there were calls by several members of the State Assembly for the Penang government to impose a ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes and vapes at all business premises in the state.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Penang may ban e-cigarette sales if Act 852 fails
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is prepared to consider banning the sale of electronic cigarettes and vapes if the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) fails to produce positive outcomes. State Youth, Sports and Health Committee Chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said a mechanism to regulate the supply of electronic cigarettes has been introduced under Act 852, which is currently in the product registration phase and scheduled for enforcement on October 1. He said the state government will closely review the enforcement mechanism and formulate a comprehensive strategy to curb vape use in Penang, emphasising that the matter must be handled strategically to prevent the emergence of illegal markets and smuggling activities as unintended consequences. 'The issue is very complicated. If we implement a comprehensive sales ban, we will face several challenges, among them is our state border, which is close to Kedah and Perak, because users can gettheir supply in Kulim or Parit Buntar, and this will be difficult in terms of enforcement. 'Secondly, banning the sale of vapes does not necessarily stop users from vaping, but will push them to the illegal market, which may encourage smuggling. This is one of the aspects we have to consider,' he said He said this when winding up the debate on the opening speech by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib at the State Assembly sitting here today. However, Gooi emphasised that the state government remains firm in its stance on the issue, consistently supporting the ban on the use of electronic cigarettes, particularly among minors, and discouraging the sale of all smoking products, including vapes, in line with efforts to safeguard public health. He also said that the enforcement of Act 852 since October last year has shown encouraging results, with a decline in the number of students involved in vaping-related offences in the state. Citing records from the Penang Education Department, he said that revealed that while 981 students were recorded for vape-related misdemeanours in 2024, the number dropped to 12 students between January and February this year. Yesterday, there were calls by several members of the State Assembly for the Penang government to impose a ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes and vapes at all business premises in the state.
The Sun
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Kelantan builds 7 sports venues for SUKMA 2028 preparation
KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan government is focusing on the construction of seven major sports facilities in preparation to host the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in 2028. State Youth, Sports, NGOs and Community Unity chairman Zamakhshari Muhamad said that out of the seven projects, three venues are currently under construction while the remaining four are in tender phase. 'The three facilities currently being built are the Bukit Merbau Main Stadium and Shooting Range in Pasir Puteh district, as well as the Jeli Sports Complex in Jeli district. 'The four other major projects in the tender process are the Hockey Stadium, Indoor Arena and the Squash Centre & Covered Lawn Bowls Court, all in Pasir Puteh, as well as the Aquatic Centre in Kota Bharu,' he told Bernama recently. According to Zamakhshari, progress on the Bukit Merbau Stadium has reached 16.77 per cent since construction began in 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2027. Meanwhile, the construction of the Shooting Range, which began in December last year, which is only at four per cent progress is expected to be completed by the end of December 2026. The Jeli Sports Complex has reached 39.75 per cent progress and is expected to be completed by June 2025. 'SUKMA in Kelantan is expected to take place around June or July 2028. We are confident that all these facilities can be completed on schedule with continuous monitoring by the Public Works Department (JKR) and the commitment of the appointed contractors,' he said. Commenting on the state contingent's preparations, he stated that the Kelantan Sports Council (MSN) has already begun early planning ahead of SUKMA 2026 (in Selangor). 'Based on the experience from SUKMA Sarawak 2024, we have carried out restructuring and appointed new coaches to bring the performance of state athletes to new heights. 'I also frequently go down to the ground to ensure that all preparations are running smoothly according to MSN's planning before we even set our medal targets,' he said.
