Latest news with #Zaliha
Barnama
3 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Doulos Hope Draws 25,000 Visitors, Boosts Labuan's Economy
LABUAN, July 25 (Bernama) -- The arrival of Doulos Hope, the floating bookstore ship, has not only captivated the imagination of the Labuan community but also brought significant cultural and economic benefits, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Speaking during her visit to the vessel, Dr Zaliha said the presence of Doulos Hope has created an alternative avenue of engagement for the local community, allowing them not only to experience the floating book fair but also to step onboard and witness the unique life and mission of a ship crewed by more than 100 volunteers from over 30 countries. 'This is not just a bookstore on water, it is a bridge between cultures…the people of Labuan are enjoying the rare opportunity to meet and interact with individuals from around the world, enriching their perspectives,' she said. The Minister noted that the ship has attracted a continuous stream of visitors ranging from children and students to senior citizens and tour groups. 'I witnessed for myself the non-stop flow of people boarding the ship, all excited to explore what Doulos Hope offers…it is heartening to see the sense of curiosity and unity this vessel has brought to our shores,' she said. Dr Zaliha also highlighted the economic spillover sparked by the visit, as the ship's international crew and volunteers regularly patronise local eateries, cafes, and convenience stores, bringing supplies back to the ship and contributing to small business income. Doulos Hope director Nidhin Sebastian said the response from the public has been overwhelming, with nearly 25,000 visitors recorded since the ship's arrival in Labuan. 'It has been a joy to welcome so many aboard…we are grateful for the warmth and hospitality shown by the people of Labuan,' he said. The ship will remain docked in Labuan until July 28, continuing its mission to bring knowledge, help, and hope through books and intercultural engagement.
Barnama
7 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Borneo Flora Festival 2025 To Generate Over RM20 Mln In Economic Boost For Labuan
GENERAL By Jailani Hasan LABUAN, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025, which officially begins tomorrow, is already generating significant economic spillover across Labuan, with thousands of visitors arriving for the five-day floral and cultural celebration. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, said the scale of the event has sparked a "massive local mobilisation effort" that is benefiting businesses and communities throughout the island. 'We are witnessing a strong influx of visitors into Labuan, and this has begun to directly benefit local hoteliers, restaurants, homestay operators, and even house owners who are now opening up their homes as temporary lodging due to overwhelming demand,' she told Bernama after inspecting final preparations at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex here today. Dr Zaliha said preliminary estimates indicate more than RM20 million in revenue is expected to be generated by traders and business operators, driven by high demand for goods, services, and accommodations throughout the event. 'It is projected that over 50,000 come-and-go visitors will attend the festival over the five days, and based on our calculations, each visitor is estimated to spend an average of RM400 during their stay,' she added. The Borneo Flora Festival, hosted in the heart of Labuan town, features spectacular floral exhibitions, cultural performances, traditional crafts showcases, and participation from local and regional government bodies, including representatives from Indonesia's Kalimantan and dignitaries from Sabah and Sarawak. Adding to the prestige of the event, Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong will officially grace the opening ceremony, joined by the Prime Minister's spouse and the wives of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah and Sarawak. 'This is not just a tourism event. It is a major economic driver, creating income opportunities across sectors, from logistics, hospitality and food supply, to transport and cultural enterprises,' Dr Zaliha said.
The Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
DBKL resolves 992 abandoned vehicle complaints in Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,009 public complaints regarding damaged or abandoned vehicles were lodged with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) between January and May this year, with 992 cases successfully resolved. The remaining 17 complaints are still under investigation. Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa revealed that the highest number of reports came from Segambut (163 complaints), followed by Seputeh (143), Setiawangsa (113), and Bukit Bintang (81). DBKL's Enforcement Department manages these vehicles by relocating them to three designated depots—Taman Connaught, Pantai Sentral, and Jalan Emas—specifically for storage and disposal. 'Among the improvement measures being taken by DBKL is to speed up the disposal process for unclaimed vehicles through gazetting. However, the gazetting process takes time because DBKL needs to ensure that the owner or next of kin will not reclaim the vehicle before it is disposed of to safeguard the interest of ownership,' she said in Parliament. Dr Zaliha was responding to Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun's query on abandoned vehicle complaints and resolution rates. She stressed that vehicle owners must take responsibility for disposing of their own vehicles. DBKL has observed an increasing trend of unclaimed vehicles, particularly in cases where owners have passed away without next of kin or when vehicles are kept for sentimental reasons. To streamline deregistration, the Road Transport Department introduced the e-Dereg system, allowing owners to cancel vehicle registration online via JPJ's digital platform. The system directs vehicles to authorised disposal facilities, with transportation and disposal costs covered by the facility. 'Owners will also be paid some consolations based on the condition of the vehicle. The consolation received can be used to pay outstanding summonses if any,' Dr Zaliha added. - Bernama
Barnama
a day ago
- Automotive
- Barnama
DBKL Receives 1,009 Abandoned Vehicle Complaints As At May
KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- A total of 1,009 public complaints on damaged or abandoned vehicles were received by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) from early January to May this year, with 992 complaints successfully resolved and the remaining 17 cases still under investigation. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said all the complaints were received from 11 parliamentary constituencies in Kuala Lumpur with the highest number recorded in Segambut (163 complaints), followed by Seputeh (143), Setiawangsa (113) and Bukit Bintang (81). She said DBKL Enforcement Department manages all the vehicles by transporting them to three special depots, namely Taman Connaught Depot, Pantai Sentral Depot and Jalan Emas Depot, which were created specifically for storage and disposal purposes. 'Among the improvement measures being taken by DBKL is to speed up the disposal process for unclaimed vehicles through gazetting. 'However, the gazetting process takes time because DBKL needs to ensure that the owner or next of kin will not reclaim the vehicle before it is disposed of to safeguard the interest of ownership,' she said during the question and answer session at Dewan Rakyat today. Dr Zaliha was responding to a question from Fong Kui Lun (PH-Bukit Bintang) who wanted to know the number of abandoned or damaged vehicles identified and reported to DBKL since the beginning of 2025 until now, including the total number of complaints received regarding the issue as well as the number of complaints that have and have not been resolved. According to Dr Zaliha, the real solution is for all owners of damaged or abandoned vehicles to play their respective roles in disposing of their own vehicles. 'DBKL's observations have found that this matter is becoming increasingly urgent as more and more vehicles are left unclaimed, especially in cases involving the death of the owner without the next of kin to act on the vehicle" which are not claimed from the workshop or are kept by certain individuals for sentimental reasons," she said. In that regard, she said the Road Transport Department introduced the e-Dereg system which allows owners to cancel vehicle registration online through JPJ digital platform, which sends the vehicle to the Authorised Automotive Treatment Facility (AATF) registered with the Department of Environment.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
New Labuan Corporation chairman appointment in final stages
KUALA LUMPUR: The appointment of the new Labuan Corporation chairman is in its final stages and will be announced once a decision has been finalised, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. She said that the appointment was not deliberately delayed but was being carried out with careful consideration to ensure that the selected individual truly understands Labuan's needs and is capable of driving its economic growth. 'I don't think we need to rush the decision. More importantly, we are considering the merits of the candidate and how the chairman can contribute meaningfully to Labuan's development. 'The origin of the chairman should not be an issue. Whether the individual is from Labuan, Sabah, or elsewhere, what truly matters is our shared commitment to serving Labuan,' she said during the Ministers' Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. Dr Zaliha was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Siti Aminah Aching (BN-Beaufort), who asked about the delay in appointing the Labuan Corporation chairman and whether a candidate from Sabah would have an advantage in securing the position. Meanwhile, in another development, Dr Zaliha said the Federal Territories Department (JWP) was exploring several new sectors, including agriculture and the blue economy, as part of efforts to diversify Labuan's economy. The initiative aims to reduce Labuan's reliance on the oil and gas industry and offshore financial services by formulating a clear, focused, and structured policy for development. 'If you look at the agro-island concept, it represents a progressive policy that could position Labuan as an island with a high level of food security. The only challenge we currently face under the structural plan is that only 0.22 per cent, or 154.45 hectares, of land in Labuan is zoned for agricultural use. 'However, we can explore ways to expand monitoring and meet current needs by applying modern technology to this limited agricultural zone. This includes attracting investments in smart agriculture or focusing on high-potential crops, such as vegetables,' she said. Dr Zaliha was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman (PN-Labuan), who asked about the government's plans to strengthen the local economy and reduce its dependence on the financial services and oil and gas sectors. She said that under the blue economy initiative, modern aquaculture methods would be explored, alongside the establishment of several marine research zones aimed at attracting both local and international research teams to Labuan. Their long-term presence, she added, would contribute to boosting the island's economy. In response to Suhaili's original question regarding the Borneo Flora Festival 2025 (BFF2025), scheduled to take place from July 26 to 30 at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex (KSLA), Dr Zaliha said the festival marks the first step towards positioning Labuan as a regional hub for exhibitions and flower shows. 'In addition, the festival is expected to stimulate the local landscaping and horticulture industry, generate community-based economic activity through increased tourist arrivals, and encourage a shift in mindset among tourists from Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan, Indonesia to consider Labuan as a preferred weekend and holiday destination. On the return on investment (ROI) of BFF2025, Dr Zaliha said that its impact should not be measured solely by on-site transactions but also through the broader indirect benefits to the local community. 'For example, the programme is expected to attract around 50,000 visitors, with an estimated direct expenditure of RM20 million, based on a projected RM400 per visitor, covering accommodation, food, transport, and souvenirs. 'In addition, the economic multiplier effect is projected to generate RM35 million in gross value added (GVA) and create approximately 400 temporary job opportunities. The advertising value equivalency (AVE) from media exposure is also expected to reach RM8 million,' she added. - Bernama
