Latest news with #ZahariSarip
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Parties don't have final say over Johor village heads, says exco
State exco Zahari Sarip said Rengit assemblyman Puad Zarkashi's claim that community leaders were appointed based on the preferences of party division heads was inaccurate. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The selection of village heads in Johor undergoes a rigorous multi-level screening process and is not based solely on recommendations from political leaders or division chiefs, said a state executive councillor. Zahari Sarip, who handles rural development matters, described as inaccurate a claim by Rengit assemblyman Puad Zarkashi that community leaders were appointed based on the preferences of party division heads. The selection of village heads is overseen by the district office and involves screening by various agencies, including the police, with input from the local community, said Zahari. 'The selection committee is chaired by the district officer, with related departments conducting interviews with the candidates,' Zahari told FMT. 'Candidates who score highly are referred to the state, but we still vet them further, including checking their community involvement. The notion that political parties make the final decision is simply not accurate.' He was responding to Puad's call for the Johor government to overhaul the village head appointment system. Puad's call followed the Johor state assembly speaker's suggestion that appointments be made based on performance, not political connections. The speaker also proposed forming a special committee to ensure only those who are truly committed are appointed to represent local communities. Zahari, who is Segamat assemblyman, said that not all appointees are from Barisan Nasional. 'I can't disclose specific areas, but it's not true that we only appoint from BN. There are village heads from other parties as well,' he said. 'That said, we take all complaints seriously and are considering expanding the selection committee to better reflect voices from various levels of society.' Committed despite low allowances Asked about the low allowances received by village heads, Zahari acknowledged that the compensation does not reflect the weight of their responsibilities. 'That's why we've consistently raised this with the federal government, urging them to increase the monthly allowance from RM1,200 to at least RM1,500,' he said. 'I've also reminded village heads not to use the low allowance as an excuse not to carry out their duties. If they're unwilling, they can resign – but thankfully, most continue to perform well.' He added that starting this year, the state government has also begun making Socso contributions for all 677 village heads to ensure they are protected while serving their communities.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Johor approves 220 temporary slaughter centres for Aidiladha
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor government, through the Department of Veterinary Services, has approved 220 temporary slaughter centres across the state this year to facilitate the Aidiladha sacrificial ritual. State Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the number showed an increase compared to 204 temporary centres approved last year. 'The sacrificial slaughter of 9,304 livestock was conducted last year. With the increase in slaughter centres this year, I expect the number of animals for the ritual slaughter will also rise,' he said after visiting the Datin Halimah Permanent Farmers' Market here today. According to Zahari, Johor currently has 21 registered slaughterhouses, and the state government is working to increase this number over time in line with industry needs and livestock sector development. He also advised all parties granted permission or temporary permits to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the Department of Veterinary Services. 'I would also like to take this opportunity to urge breeders to register with the Department of Veterinary Services to facilitate health monitoring and disease management,' he said.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Johor Approves 220 Slaughter Centres for Aidiladha 2025
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor government, through the Department of Veterinary Services, has approved 220 temporary slaughter centres across the state this year to facilitate the Aidiladha sacrificial ritual. State Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the number showed an increase compared to 204 temporary centres approved last year. 'The sacrificial slaughter of 9,304 livestock was conducted last year. With the increase in slaughter centres this year, I expect the number of animals for the ritual slaughter will also rise,' he said after visiting the Datin Halimah Permanent Farmers' Market here today. According to Zahari, Johor currently has 21 registered slaughterhouses, and the state government is working to increase this number over time in line with industry needs and livestock sector development. He also advised all parties granted permission or temporary permits to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the Department of Veterinary Services. 'I would also like to take this opportunity to urge breeders to register with the Department of Veterinary Services to facilitate health monitoring and disease management,' he said.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
RM23.4m from KPKM to fuel 20 high-impact projects in Johor
JOHOR BAHRU: A total of 20 high-impact programmes and projects supporting Johor's Food Security Agenda will be carried out this year with an allocation of RM23.4 million. State Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the funds were channelled by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) under the two-phase Land Optimisation Programme. He said RM9.25 million for phase one was disbursed in February, while RM14.15 million for phase two will be released this month. According to him, the high-impact initiatives, implemented in cooperation with the ministry, include strengthening modern agricultural practices as well as energising the agro-based and aquaculture industries. 'Milk output under the Jemaluang Dairy Valley (JDV) project will be increased. Upgrades will also be made to Permanent Food Production Parks (TKPM), the pineapple and padi industries, permanent farmers' market facilities, agro-tourism initiatives, and youth empowerment in agriculture,' he said in a statement today. Zahari added that the measures are expected to bring widespread benefits to all Johoreans, and he expressed appreciation to the ministry for the allocation. 'The Johor government is fully committed to ensuring every programme and project is successfully delivered, further elevating the agri-food sector in Johor and Malaysia,' he said.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
RM23.4 million from KPKM to fuel 20 high-impact projects in Johor
JOHOR BAHRU: A total of 20 high-impact programmes and projects supporting Johor's Food Security Agenda will be carried out this year with an allocation of RM23.4 million. State Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the funds were channelled by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) under the two-phase Land Optimisation Programme. He said RM9.25 million for phase one was disbursed in February, while RM14.15 million for phase two will be released this month. According to him, the high-impact initiatives, implemented in cooperation with the ministry, include strengthening modern agricultural practices as well as energising the agro-based and aquaculture industries. 'Milk output under the Jemaluang Dairy Valley (JDV) project will be increased. Upgrades will also be made to Permanent Food Production Parks (TKPM), the pineapple and padi industries, permanent farmers' market facilities, agro-tourism initiatives, and youth empowerment in agriculture,' he said in a statement today. Zahari added that the measures are expected to bring widespread benefits to all Johoreans, and he expressed appreciation to the ministry for the allocation. 'The Johor government is fully committed to ensuring every programme and project is successfully delivered, further elevating the agri-food sector in Johor and Malaysia,' he said.
