Latest news with #UniversitiKualaLumpur
The Star
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Geopolitical tensions, abrupt airspace closures keep Malaysian and global airlines on high alert
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's aviation sector is on high alert, prioritising safety to avoid a repeat of the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 more than a decade ago. The heightened caution follows a wave of airspace closures by Arab states after Iran launched a missile strike on a United States (US) base in Qatar. Qatar, one of the region's busiest aviation hubs, temporarily closed its airspace on Monday evening in response to the attack, as geopolitical tensions intensified amid the military conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel. Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology economist (aviation and aerospace), Associate Professor Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian, said the attacks and ongoing tension in the region posed a significant risk to national carriers and other local aviation operators. Endau Analytics founder and aviation analyst Shukor Yusof also warned that Southeast Asian airlines are highly vulnerable, as they rely on Middle Eastern airspace for Europe-bound flights. Mohd Harridon said Southeast Asian carriers may be forced to reroute westward flights. Understandably, the development has raised concerns among regional carriers, including Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia X , as the conflict could significantly affect flight operations and safety. AirAsia X focuses on destinations within Asia and Australia, but its seasonal flights from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah and Medina typically pass through the Southern Gulf region Dubbed the gateway to the world, Qatar Airport reportedly serves over 360,000 flights and 30 million passengers every year. "The risk could extend into other realms, such as economic downturn, a decline in financial stature, and a slowdown in trade and commerce," Mohd Harridon told Bernama in response to the Middle East conflict, especially following Iran's missile strike on a US base in Qatar. Other Arab states have followed suit in closing their airspace. Bahrain confirmed a suspension of air navigation due to escalating regional volatility, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq and Oman have implemented similar measures. Local Airlines Prioritise Passengers' Safety Malaysia Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to safety, stating that all flights are subject to ongoing risk assessments in light of regional tensions affecting parts of Middle Eastern airspace. "We remain guided by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and other global aviation authorities to ensure the safety of airspace used in operations. "All flight routes are evaluated using real-time intelligence, global security reports, notices to airmen (NOTAMs), and continuous surveillance via the airline's SATCOM-enabled flight monitoring system,' Malaysia Airlines said. The national carrier added that it remains vigilant and will implement necessary operational changes-including rerouting or suspensions-if required, as the safety of passengers and crew remains its utmost priority. Similarly, AirAsia X confirmed it is closely monitoring developments and will adhere to all necessary safety procedures. Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that several Malaysian flights to the Middle East have been cancelled following the missile strike on the US military base in Qatar yesterday. Operational Costs Expected to Rise from Rerouting Mohd Harridon said the affected region is a key corridor for flight traffic. "Any diversions would entail an increase in operational costs due to higher fuel consumption during flights.' He said the additional distance covered during flights would also be a point of contention, as this would increase flight duration and require rescheduling of timetables. "There is a possibility that the conflicted area, especially coastal regions, could become constricted in terms of movements and overflight access. This would create a domino effect, with notable ripple impacts. "The restriction of trade, particularly fuel, would increase financial pressure on the logistical supply chain and affect other areas around the Middle East that are prone to closure due to the expansion of offensive attacks. This would further erode the economic vibrancy of the aviation industry,' he said. Geopolitical Volatility Reshaping Air Travel Endau Analytics's Shukor warned that the current conflict signals a deepening of a longstanding risk corridor. "The real risks from geopolitics to airlines began over 10 years ago when MH17 was blown up. What we are seeing today is a further extension of the breakdown in international relations,' he said. Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 - en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014 - was shot down while flying over eastern Ukraine. "We live in very uncertain times. Airlines will be cautious about reinstating flights until there is stability. In my opinion, there won't be calm for the next three-and-a-half years,' he said. He said prolonged instability would severely hurt the balance sheets of airlines and could reshape how people travel globally, with a shift away from intercontinental travel towards more regional options. Mohd Harridon said the financial structures of airlines should be economically aligned in order to diminish the repercussions of these headwinds. "Bear in mind, the frequency of westbound flights is significant, and thus the economies of scale are heavily depleted and would take a considerable amount of time to recover. "Mitigation plans should be in place by these airlines to optimise flight operations, and adherence to lean operations is both an economic and financial obligation,' he added. - Bernama
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysian airlines on high alert amid Middle East airspace closures
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's aviation sector is on high alert, prioritising safety to avoid a repeat of the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 more than a decade ago. The heightened caution follows a wave of airspace closures by Arab states after Iran launched a missile strike on a United States (US) base in Qatar. Qatar, one of the region's busiest aviation hubs, temporarily closed its airspace on Monday evening in response to the attack, as geopolitical tensions intensified amid the military conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel. Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology economist (aviation and aerospace), Associate Professor Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian, said the attacks and ongoing tension in the region posed a significant risk to national carriers and other local aviation operators. Endau Analytics founder and aviation analyst Shukor Yusof also warned that Southeast Asian airlines are highly vulnerable, as they rely on Middle Eastern airspace for Europe-bound flights. Mohd Harridon said Southeast Asian carriers may be forced to reroute westward flights. Understandably, the development has raised concerns among regional carriers, including Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia X, as the conflict could significantly affect flight operations and safety. AirAsia X focuses on destinations within Asia and Australia, but its seasonal flights from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah and Medina typically pass through the Southern Gulf region Dubbed the gateway to the world, Qatar Airport reportedly serves over 360,000 flights and 30 million passengers every year. 'The risk could extend into other realms, such as economic downturn, a decline in financial stature, and a slowdown in trade and commerce,' Mohd Harridon told Bernama in response to the Middle East conflict, especially following Iran's missile strike on a US base in Qatar. Other Arab states have followed suit in closing their airspace. Bahrain confirmed a suspension of air navigation due to escalating regional volatility, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq and Oman have implemented similar measures. Local Airlines Prioritise Passengers' Safety Malaysia Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to safety, stating that all flights are subject to ongoing risk assessments in light of regional tensions affecting parts of Middle Eastern airspace. 'We remain guided by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and other global aviation authorities to ensure the safety of airspace used in operations. 'All flight routes are evaluated using real-time intelligence, global security reports, notices to airmen (NOTAMs), and continuous surveillance via the airline's SATCOM-enabled flight monitoring system,' Malaysia Airlines said. The national carrier added that it remains vigilant and will implement necessary operational changes—including rerouting or suspensions—if required, as the safety of passengers and crew remains its utmost priority. Similarly, AirAsia X confirmed it is closely monitoring developments and will adhere to all necessary safety procedures. Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that several Malaysian flights to the Middle East have been cancelled following the missile strike on the US military base in Qatar yesterday. Operational Costs Expected to Rise from Rerouting Mohd Harridon said the affected region is a key corridor for flight traffic. 'Any diversions would entail an increase in operational costs due to higher fuel consumption during flights.' He said the additional distance covered during flights would also be a point of contention, as this would increase flight duration and require rescheduling of timetables. 'There is a possibility that the conflicted area, especially coastal regions, could become constricted in terms of movements and overflight access. This would create a domino effect, with notable ripple impacts. 'The restriction of trade, particularly fuel, would increase financial pressure on the logistical supply chain and affect other areas around the Middle East that are prone to closure due to the expansion of offensive attacks. This would further erode the economic vibrancy of the aviation industry,' he said. Geopolitical Volatility Reshaping Air Travel Endau Analytics's Shukor warned that the current conflict signals a deepening of a longstanding risk corridor. 'The real risks from geopolitics to airlines began over 10 years ago when MH17 was blown up. What we are seeing today is a further extension of the breakdown in international relations,' he said. Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 – en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014 – was shot down while flying over eastern Ukraine. 'We live in very uncertain times. Airlines will be cautious about reinstating flights until there is stability. In my opinion, there won't be calm for the next three-and-a-half years,' he said. He said prolonged instability would severely hurt the balance sheets of airlines and could reshape how people travel globally, with a shift away from intercontinental travel towards more regional options. Mohd Harridon said the financial structures of airlines should be economically aligned in order to diminish the repercussions of these headwinds. 'Bear in mind, the frequency of westbound flights is significant, and thus the economies of scale are heavily depleted and would take a considerable amount of time to recover. 'Mitigation plans should be in place by these airlines to optimise flight operations, and adherence to lean operations is both an economic and financial obligation,' he added.
Free Malaysia Today
26-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Fiscal deficit down due to ‘right moves', says economist
The government's fiscal deficit dropped to RM21.9 billion for the first quarter of 2025, representing a 17% reduction from the RM26.4 billion in the same period of last year. (Envato Elements pic) PETALING JAYA : An economist has attributed the reduced fiscal deficit recorded in the first quarter of 2025 to revised policies, disciplined government spending, and higher tax revenue. Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid of Universiti Kuala Lumpur said despite challenges such as economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, the decision to restructure finances, including rolling out targeted subsidies, had borne fruit. He praised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration for implementing targeted subsidies, a policy which had been shunned by Anwar's predecessors despite its benefits for the federal government's coffers in the long run. Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid. 'Restructuring the government's finances is complex, but the Madani administration had the political will to do it,' he told FMT. It was reported last week that the government's fiscal deficit dropped to RM21.9 billion for the first quarter of 2025, representing a 17% reduction from the RM26.4 billion in the same period of last year. According to a report by the economy ministry, revenue registered by the government increased to RM72.1 billion from the RM70 billion previously recorded, driven by an increase in sales and service tax receipts and stronger individual income tax collection. Total federal expenditure decreased to RM94.2 billion, mainly due to lower subsidy spending after the removal of diesel subsidies and a drop in global oil prices. Aimi said according to the latest data, the country is not only on the right track, but government policies have had a positive impact. He also praised government agencies for their efficiency, which played a role in reducing the fiscal deficit. 'They reduced leakages and extended aid to the needy. Such an achievement isn't easy as it requires political stability and careful planning,' he said. Idham Md Razak. Idham Md Razak of Universiti Teknologi Mara said the lower fiscal deficit would help increase investor confidence, strengthen the ringgit, and provide some fiscal space to cushion any future economic shocks. He said fiscal space provides a government flexibility in making spending choices while maintaining financial stability and long-term debt sustainability. Idham said the country's recent performance would be the base for long-term economic transformation, especially in terms of increasing competitiveness through the green economy, among others. 'There is a need to focus on the hi-tech industry such as semiconductors and the digital economy, as well as value-added agriculture to increase productivity and exports,' he said. He also said there is a need to introduce progressive taxes which could strengthen the country's fiscal standing.
Malaysiakini
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
'Outstanding tahfiz students to receive full scholarships at UniKL, UPTM'
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has assured that outstanding tahfiz students who excel in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination will be awarded full scholarships should they pursue higher education at Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and Universiti Poly-Tech Mara (UPTM). Zahid said he would soon hold discussions with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairperson Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki to realise this initiative. 'This 100 percent scholarship...
The Star
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Early birds flock to Star Education Fair 2025
PUTRAJAYA: The Star Education Fair 2025 is a family affair as students arrive at the IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre with their parents. Azhri Ceysa Putri, 18, and her family were among the early birds, arriving when the doors opened on Saturday (May 17). She said she wanted to explore various tertiary study options offered by local and foreign institutions. "I'm interested in enrolling in an engineering course at Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), or maybe a course in business at Universiti Malaya (UM). "I also think it's important to do proper research before enrolling in a university because when we choose a course, it shapes our future," she said. She added that if students are interested in more than one field, they should explore them carefully and decide which one they are truly passionate about. "Choosing something we're really interested in will make us happier and more motivated to study and succeed," said Azhri, attending the fair for the first time. Organised by Star Media Group for the second time this year, the two-day fair at IOI Grand Putrajaya offers a range of tertiary study and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) options, as well as financial aid, including study loans and scholarships. The fair ends on Sunday (May 18) and features 70 exhibitors occupying 105 booths. Among the main exhibitors are Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), Multimedia University (MMU), Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), LimKokWing University, Universiti Malaya (UM), and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT). Visitors can also see exhibitors from institutions such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Institut Jantung Negara College, Manipal University College Malaysia, Xi'an Jiaotong University China, Liverpool University, Meatech International College, German-Malaysian Institute (GMI), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), CAE Kuala Lumpur, and KO Beauty Academy. Several new exhibitors are participating, including Miroku Academy, Gadjah Nada University (GNU), Osky Academy, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Ebright Sdn Bhd, Gemological Institute Malaysia, Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMED), Combat Coating (M) Sdn Bhd, RM Solutions Sdn Bhd, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Malaysia Airlines Berhad Engineering Services (MABES) Sdn Bhd, GSC Global Solutions (M) Sdn Bhd, Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd, Oxford Brookes University, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Maaedicare Charitable Foundation, Al-Madinah International University, Asian School of Business (ASB), Travex International College, and Ambitious Academy Sdn Bhd. The fair's highlights include exciting prizes such as an Apple iPad Air, a Nintendo Switch, a Redmi Watch 4, or a pair of Redmi Buds 6 during the Register & Win sessions. Don't miss the exciting lineup of talks today, with insights into building a future in aircraft maintenance, exploring opportunities in the oil, gas and energy sector, and charting a successful career in the beauty and wellness industry. The fair is open from 11am to 6pm. Admission is free. Door gifts await early birds. Now in its 38th year, the Star Education Fair is one of the country's pioneer education exhibitions. It has consistently provided visitors with educational programmes ranging from pre-university, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate to professional and vocational courses from various local and international institutions. For details on the Star Education Fair, visit @stareducationfair on Instagram or email edufair@
