Latest news with #UniversitiKebangsaanMalaysia
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Now to ensure a lasting peace
Heading home: Cambodian migrant workers carrying their belongings as they returned from Thailand through the Doung International Gate in Battambang province. Experts say the Malaysian government should use the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire to establish clear conditions to prevent future conflict. — AFP PETALING JAYA: The Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire is a step forward for peace but more must be done to ensure it lasts, geopolitical experts say. Describing the Malaysian government's offer to be a mediator as 'very much needed' due to the brewing political tensions between the two nations, political analyst Azmi Hassan said it is unlikely that either Thailand or Cambodia would unilaterally call for a ceasefire. It also bodes well for the country that both nations chose Malaysia as a location for the peace talks, he said. He recommended that Malaysia consolidate its role as mediator by ensuring that the United States, China and other Asean partners, be involved in the upcoming peace negotiations. Having more parties involved could help ensure a longer-lasting peace agreement and reduce the likelihood of conflict reigniting, Azmi added. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia international law expert Prof Dr Salawati Mat Basir said the quick ceasefire agreement had showcased Malaysia's key role as an Asean chair to ensure peace. She, however, warned that the Malaysian government must continue to play a central role in peace negotiations to prevent a possible over-complication of terms due to influence from global superpowers. 'By acting as the primary mediator, we can help prevent superpowers from intervening and influencing peace talks in a regional conflict,' she said, adding that Malaysia must stand ready to prevent any influence from complicating peace talks between the nations. Universiti Malaya International and Strategic Studies Department lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Khoo Ying Hooi said the Malaysian government should use this ceasefire to establish clear conditions to prevent future conflict. 'The root cause of this conflict has not been resolved and will likely take a long time (to address), so the focus for now must be on setting up effective mechanisms to prevent the tensions from flaring up again. 'Then, we can work towards finding out what triggered the clash, demilitarise the hot zones and set up a joint border committee between Thailand and Cambodia with a third party like Malaysia to oversee it,' she said. Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin called for the establishment of an Asean independent and neutral monitoring team to ensure smooth implementation of the ceasefire. 'Delivery of Asean humanitarian aid must also begin urgently to all affected, particularly to displaced communities and those who have suffered casualties due to the conflict. 'We also urge the people of Thailand and Cambodia to refrain from spreading provocation or unfounded accusations online, which may hinder the pursuit of lasting peace,' he said.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Indispensable mangroves are nature's resilient coastal guardians
LETTERS Mangroves are an important natural asset for the planet. Countries within the tropics, in particular, heavily depend on mangroves to ensure the safety and security of their lands, people, and properties. Mangroves are not just a group of trees shielding the coastlines and estuaries from the impacts of tropical storms and other oceanic extremes. They provide a home to a wide variety of living things. These range from as small as microbial organisms to large mammals on land, marine and the coastal transition realms. The diversity of plants and animals provides colours and symphonies to an otherwise gloomy and soggy habitat. The muddy and sandy mangrove soil, largely lacking in oxygen, catalyses the domination of select plants to call this setting home. Mangrove trees exhibit unique root structures to demonstrate what living in the mud should look like. Not only to stabilise themselves on the soft sediment, but the roots are also their breathing apparatus to absorb oxygen from the air for respiration and to sip in water and nutrients crucial for their growth. All of these are used to filter excessive salt from entering their bodies. Think of any other more hardworking tree than the mangroves — you can't hardly find any. The scented and colourful flowers of mangroves also attract birds and pollinators of all sorts. Bats, bees, plus migratory birds, too. They love a stopover in the mangroves for their survival and livelihood. Imagine the melodies, symphonies and harmonies of nature, with the chirping of birds, the buzzing insects, and the sea breeze — nothing beats the serenity of a rich and luxurious tropical mangrove forest. That's not all. During the day, mangrove plants spend a major portion of their energy absorbing light and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. And as they respire quickly due to constant exchange of tides, they pump carbon dioxide in faster than other plants on land. This makes mangroves one of the most productive ecosystems and the most prolific carbon sequesters in the world. Acknowledging these facts, scientists and policymakers around the world have foreseen mangroves' potential as an ally, an effective nature-based solution against climate change and biodiversity loss. With the upcoming tabling of the country's Climate Change Bill, it is timely for Malaysia to enshrine strict protection and rehabilitation of mangroves and other forested wetlands. As we celebrate the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystems on July 26, impactful action such as this by Malaysia, as one of the largest mangrove-holding nations in the world, is highly anticipated. And, it is one of the best sustainability initiatives for humanity, our country and our planet, for now and in the future. DR A. ALDRIE AMIR Associate Professor, Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
RM6.2 million collected from firms with highest outstanding summonses
BANGI: Twenty-eight companies identified by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) as having the highest number of unpaid summonses have settled 34,371 fines totalling RM6.2 million. JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli confirmed the payments, noting that 11 commercial goods firms and 17 bus operators responded after Transport Minister Anthony Loke granted a two-week grace period starting June 25. 'We assist by providing updated records and facilitating immediate settlements. All companies involved showed willingness to resolve their outstanding fines,' he said during a press conference at the 2025 JPJ Family Day event held at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's sports centre. While acknowledging the cooperation of these firms, Aedy Fadly highlighted that some companies have yet to settle their summonses. JPJ has extended a one-month grace period from July 9 for remaining offenders. 'Failure to comply will result in vehicle blacklisting. Some have already been blacklisted due to non-response,' he added. Commercial goods and bus operators also qualify for the RM150 compound rate under the Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS). 'This offer, extended until December 31, covers AWAS summonses from October 2018 onwards, as well as Notice 114 and Notice 115 issued since 2023,' he explained. – Bernama
The Star
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Over RM6mil collected from transport companies with outstanding summonses, says JPJ
BANGI: Twenty-eight companies listed by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) with the highest number of outstanding summonses have settled 34,371 summonses at a cost of RM6.2mil, says JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli. He said the companies, comprising 11 commercial goods companies and 17 bus operators, had reached out to JPJ after Transport Minister Anthony Loke gave them a two-week grace period beginning June 25 to settle their outstanding summonses. "JPJ assisted by issuing the latest records and how to settle them immediately. All companies wished to settle their outstanding issues," he said at the media conference of the 2025 JPJ Family Day at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) sports centre here on Sunday (July 27). He thanked the companies that cooperated but noted that there are others who have yet to settle their summonses but said that the JPJ would give them a grace period of a month starting from July 9 for them to do so. "If it remains unsettled, the JPJ will blacklist the vehicles under the companies. There are those that we have already blacklisted as they did not respond to us," he added. He also said that commercial goods companies and bus operators are eligible for the RM150 compound rate that applies to all vehicles issued with Automated Awareness Safety System (Awas) summonses. "Companies with such summonses qualify for the same offer and we have announced on July 1 that the offer is extended to Dec 31 for three categories, the Awas from October 2018 till now, Notice 114 (interview notice) and Notice 115 (request for driver details) starting from 2023," he added. – Bernama
The Star
3 days ago
- Science
- The Star
UKM doctoral student bags award
Emerging talent: Nurin Erdiani (centre) with her award, flanked by Common Ground Research Networks director Prof Bill Cope (left) and Prof Mary Kalantzis – both professors at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. ACADEMIC writing, a key component of higher education, can be challenging for students. With changing times, educators teaching these skills to tertiary students also need to evolve their methods. According to Nurin Erdiani Mhd Fadzil, a PhD student in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), educators can incorporate six key complementary constructs into their teaching: artificial intelligence (AI), digital technology, typography and layout design, aesthetic value, contextual signals, and writing coherence. These constructs form part of the multimodal learning framework she developed for teaching academic writing in English as a Second Language (ESL) specifically for university students – the focus of her PhD research. Nurin Erdiani recently presented her research at the Twenty-First International Conference on Technology, Knowledge and Society 2025 in Taiwan, where she was among five outstanding early-career scholars and graduate students to receive the Emerging Scholar Award. The award, presented by Common Ground Research Networks based in Illinois, United States, recognises young scholars who demonstrate academic excellence, research dedication and significant potential to shape the future of knowledge and technology. Other recipients this year include representatives from institutions such as the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, the Ontario College of Art and Design University, Canada, the National University of Singapore, and the University of the Pacific, San Francisco, US. Nurin Erdiani explained that the main objective of the framework is to offer a more holistic, interactive and relevant pedagogical approach that meets the needs of 21st-century learners. 'This approach is designed to make the teaching of academic writing more contextual, engaging, and aligned with today's learning realities. 'By combining elements of AI, digital technology, and multimodal communication – such as visuals, typography and contextual cues – students can develop a deeper understanding not only of the content but also of how it is delivered. 'For educators, the framework serves as a practical and flexible guide for designing writing assignments that are more creative, responsive, and focused on fostering coherence and aesthetic value in students' writing,' she said in a press release dated July 8. Nurin Erdiani added that her study opens new avenues for the ethical integration of AI in the classroom, such as using AI-powered idea generators or self-assessment tools to increase student engagement and expedite feedback processes. 'This award has given me a huge motivation boost to continue contributing to research and educational innovation. 'It encourages me to stay active in academia, especially in exploring the potential of technologies like AI in language pedagogy. 'It also expands my global research network and opens up opportunities for cross-institutional academic collaboration. 'Overall, it strengthens my direction as a young researcher aiming to impact future educational policies and practices,' she said.
