Latest news with #Zamri
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
NiGEN 2025 to enhance Malaysia's groundwater management for water security
KUALA LUMPUR: The 2025 National Integrated Groundwater Network (NiGEN) programme is an integrated strategic initiative to strengthen the management and development of the country's groundwater resources sustainably based on scientific data. Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia (JMG) director-general, Datuk Zamri Ramli, said the effort was in line with the aspirations of a MADANI Malaysia in ensuring the security of the country's water supply and environmental sustainability for the well-being of future generations. He said NiGEN 2025, led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) through JMG, is a strategic engagement platform that brings together stakeholders from the groundwater-related industry to foster smart collaboration. 'NiGEN 2025 is also a space for knowledge transfer, sharing of advanced monitoring technology and reporting on the progress of the pilot project for pioneering groundwater mapping and development projects in Kedah (PABT Kedah),' he said in a statement today. According to Zamri, the implementation of NiGEN 2025 supports the principles of inclusiveness, good governance and sustainability which are the core of MADANI Malaysia, in line with current government policies such as the Water Sector Transformation Roadmap 2040 (AIR 2040) under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA). In addition, he said the programme is in line with the National Water Resources Policy (DSAN) and the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach which emphasises the use of scientific data and digital technology in addition to supporting the Public Service Digitalisation Agenda through the use of MyGovCloud in the groundwater monitoring system. 'This programme also provides a platform to obtain industry and stakeholder feedback, which will form the basis for improving policies, project implementation and governance of the country's water sector in the future. 'With the participation of international hydrogeological experts, NiGEN 2025 also opens up opportunities to share best practices in groundwater resource management at the global and local levels,' he said. At the same time, Zamri said that among the key impacts targeted through NiGEN 2025 is to expand the national monitoring network of groundwater resources and provide high-quality data to support the country's water security policy. He said it is also to improve preparedness against climate change and weather uncertainty; guarantee access to clean and sufficient water in rural areas; and strengthen the technical capacity and innovation in the country's hydrogeological field. 'NRES and JMG are committed to expanding the groundwater mapping project to other states such as Melaka and Sabah to create a more comprehensive, transparent and responsive national water resource management system. 'NiGEN 2025 reflects the government's commitment to laying a solid foundation to ensure the sustainability of the country's water resources, in line with the spirit of a Malaysia MADANI for future generations,' he said. - Bernama
Barnama
a day ago
- Business
- Barnama
NiGEN 2025 To Bolster national Groundwater Management For Nation's Water Security
KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- The 2025 National Integrated Groundwater Network (NiGEN) programme is an integrated strategic initiative to strengthen the management and development of the country's groundwater resources sustainably based on scientific data. Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia (JMG) director-general, Datuk Zamri Ramli, said the effort was in line with the aspirations of a MADANI Malaysia in ensuring the security of the country's water supply and environmental sustainability for the well-being of future generations. He said NiGEN 2025, led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) through JMG, is a strategic engagement platform that brings together stakeholders from the groundwater-related industry to foster smart collaboration. "NiGEN 2025 is also a space for knowledge transfer, sharing of advanced monitoring technology and reporting on the progress of the pilot project for pioneering groundwater mapping and development projects in Kedah (PABT Kedah)," he said in a statement today. According to Zamri, the implementation of NiGEN 2025 supports the principles of inclusiveness, good governance and sustainability which are the core of MADANI Malaysia, in line with current government policies such as the Water Sector Transformation Roadmap 2040 (AIR 2040) under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA). In addition, he said the programme is in line with the National Water Resources Policy (DSAN) and the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach which emphasises the use of scientific data and digital technology in addition to supporting the Public Service Digitalisation Agenda through the use of MyGovCloud in the groundwater monitoring system. 'This programme also provides a platform to obtain industry and stakeholder feedback, which will form the basis for improving policies, project implementation and governance of the country's water sector in the future. 'With the participation of international hydrogeological experts, NiGEN 2025 also opens up opportunities to share best practices in groundwater resource management at the global and local levels,' he said. At the same time, Zamri said that among the key impacts targeted through NiGEN 2025 is to expand the national monitoring network of groundwater resources and provide high-quality data to support the country's water security policy.
Sinar Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Sinar Harian continues to transform to stay competitive
The transformation encompasses the newspaper, social media, mobile application and website. Zamri (right) accompanies Firdaus in raising the Sinar Harian flag as a symbolic gesture for the Sinar Harian 19th Anniversary Celebration at Dataran Karangkraf on Saturday. SHAH ALAM – As it prepares to celebrate its 19th anniversary on July 31, mainstream newspaper Sinar Harian remains committed to transformation across all its platforms to stay competitive and keep pace with technological advancements. Sinar Karangkraf Group Editor-in-Chief Zamri Rambli said the transformation efforts span across its newspaper, social media, mobile application and website. 'Alhamdulillah, as of 2025, we've become one of the leading examples in the media industry, particularly with many of our programmes being at the forefront. We've always placed strong emphasis on transformation. 'In the past, our journalists only wrote for print, but now with technological developments, they receive various training, including conducting live broadcasts or video coverage on-site to adapt to the digital shift,' he said during the Sinar Harian 19th anniversary celebration at Dataran Karangkraf on Saturday. The lively celebration coincided with the 2025 Karangkraf Karnival Siang Malam, a three-day event that began on Friday. Commenting further, Zamri said the newspaper was launched 19 years ago at a time when print was still the public's primary reading choice, before facing the digital transition, yet Sinar Harian has managed to endure until today. He attributed this success to the company's early preparations in transitioning towards the digital era. At the same time, Zamri reaffirmed that Sinar Harian, known for its slogan 'Telus & Tulus', strives to remain an independent voice. 'We hope Malaysians will continue to support Sinar Harian as loyal readers. Being a newspaper free from political affiliation is not easy, but we're always committed to meeting that challenge,' he added. Earlier, Zamri accompanied Karangkraf Chairman Firdaus Hussamuddin in cutting 19 cakes as a symbolic gesture to mark the newspaper's anniversary. Firdaus (centre) leads the cake-cutting ceremony involving 19 cakes in conjunction with Sinar Harian's 19th Anniversary Celebration at Dataran Karangkraf on Saturday. Also present were Group CEO of Sinar Karangkraf, Farah Hussamuddin and Sinar Harian Executive Editor Azmi Tarmizi.
Focus Malaysia
6 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Human rights NGO joins MIC to slam authorities' reluctance to act against Zamri Vinoth, Firdaus Wong
FACT: There were 900 or more police reports lodged against controversial Muslim convert preachers Zamri Vinoth and Firdaus Wong over provocative and inflammatory remarks. Fact: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has declared that there is insufficient evidence to prosecute these individuals. The fall-out? A widespread perception that there is selective prosecution pertaining to 3R (race, religion and royalty) matters. That is the contention by Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF) and the MIC. In a recent statement to the Dewan Rakyat arliament, Azalina revealed that the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) would not file charges due to 'insufficient evidence' – a decision that has reignited widespread public disquiet over how Malaysia handles religiously sensitive cases, especially when minority communities are the target. Just how did the learned minister come to this conclusion when both individuals have made remarks that were widely seen and shared on social media, not least Zamri's offensive statement equating kavadi bearers to drunkards? Such statements caused great outrage not just among the Hindu community but also among other minority Malaysians. That such remarks go unpunished reinforces the view that certain individuals have carte blanche to do as they wish. Glaring double standards The laws of the land, racial harmony and 3R sensitivities be damned. 'When justice appears selective, it ceases to be justice,' argued GHRF president S. Shashi Kumar. 'A judiciary that applies the law unevenly undermines its own legitimacy. The law must protect every Malaysian equally without fear or favour, regardless of race or religion.' Echoing MIC, the GHRF claimed that this issue went beyond the two individuals. 'The broader issue is not just about two individuals but the perception that the law is being selectively enforced,' fumed the human rights activist. 'In cases involving perceived insults to Islam or the monarchy, authorities are often swift to investigate, detain and prosecute, sometimes within hours. Yet when minorities are targeted, investigations are prolonged, explanations vague and charges rare.' Such blatant selective prosecution will only embolden the right-wing faction that seek to sow the seeds of discord. It means that individuals such as Zamri and Firdaus are free to continue thumbing their noses at minority groups knowing that they are protected under the flimsy guise of 'insufficient evidence'. For minority Malaysians, the message this sends out is disheartening and quite simply offensive in itself. The laws of the land can be treated with impunity and the sentiments of minority groups are of little or no consequence. Such inaction underlines that a Malaysian Malaysia remain just a pipedream. Earlier, MIC president Tan Sri V.A. Vigneswaran shared a similar sentiment when he argued that the 3R principle is not a legal tool to defend the sanctity of only one religion. On the contrary, it exists 'to preserve religious harmony, public order and social cohesion across all communities in our diverse, multi-religious nation.' It was also pointed out that this was NOT the case in neighbouring Indonesia despite the country being the world's most populous Muslim nation which has barred global celebrity Indian preacher Zakir Naik from public-speaking. Contrast this with Malaysia where not only is this agent provocateur is allowed to give his sermons but is widely celebrated with politicians and senior religious figures attending his ceramah. – July 24, 2025
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Sapura Energy's final push
KUALA LUMPUR: Sapura Energy Bhd –soon to be renamed Vantris Energy Bhd – is calling on shareholders to support its high-stakes regularisation plan at its EGM on July 30, marking one of its final milestone in its multi-year effort to exit Practice Note 17 (PN17) status. Its chief executive officer (CEO) Muhammad Zamri Jusoh told StarBiz that the group has done 'the heavy lifting' with its lenders and even secured a white knight investor, leaving shareholder approval as the last piece of the puzzle. 'We've gone so far into this journey. The lenders now believe this company is worth restructuring. Having that much interest and confidence in us speaks volumes about the company,' said Zamri, who was appointed CEO in January this year. 'If shareholders support the plan, they'll be able to hold on to value. If they don't, the alternative is liquidation.' Zamri, previously helmed the now-divested SapuraOMV Upstream Sdn Bhd, said shareholders will vote on four resolutions at the EGM. This includes a special resolution to cancel RM11.85bil in share capital – a 99.99% reduction – followed by a 20-to-1 share consolidation. This move is to clear out accumulated losses, clean up the capital base and prepare for fresh equity issuance. The other resolution is on debt restructuring, which aims to slash Sapura's borrowings from RM10.8bil to RM5.6bill, saving an estimated RM521.2mil in annual interest – equivalent to more than 60% of total interest costs. According to chief financial officer Ganesh Gunaratnam, the group's annual interest cost is about RM800mil now, down from close to RM200mil in the first quarter alone. 'Even though the business is generating earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda), that interest load is not sustainable. 'Post-restructuring, once interest costs come down, the path to profitability becomes clearer,' Ganesh said. The debt restructuring plan involves multiple components with about RM784mil owed to unsecured creditors will be written off. Meanwhile, around RM2.25bil will be settled through the proceeds from the divestment of SapuraOMV. To settle the remaining dues, creditors will receive RM1.77bil worth of redeemable convertible unsecured Islamic debt securities (RCUIDS), and RM1.37bil in new shares, effectively swapping debt for equity. Another RM5.23bil will be retained as 'sustainable debt', with repayments stretched over time and tied to future project cash flows. On top of that, Malaysia Development Holding Sdn Bhd (MDH) – a vehicle under the Minister of Finance (Inc) – will inject up to RM1.1bil via redeemable convertible loan stocks (RCLS), with a coupon rate of between 2% and 4%. These funds are earmarked specifically for paying debts to Malaysian oil and gas service vendors. MDH will become a strategic investor with over 33% shareholding upon full conversion of the RCLS and will seek exemption from making a general offer, subject to shareholder approval. While Ganesh addressed the dilution of shareholding, he explained that 'it's about owning a smaller slice of a much larger, deleveraged cake. If the company performs well, the overall value to shareholders improves.' On the company's proposed name change to Vantris Energy Bhd, Zamri said this reflects the culmination of a broader transformation rather than a pivot. 'If you look at our journey, the reset really began in 2022. That's when the major shift happened and since then, we've been gradually implementing changes in how we operate and how we see the business evolving,' he said. 'The name change isn't the start – it's a reflection of everything we've done to get here.' ''Van' comes from 'vanguard', meaning to lead from the front. 'Tris' stands for the power of three – our three business segments, three guiding principles, and three core values. Together, these define the way we operate.' Sapura Energy, which has long operated in engineering and construction (E&C), operations and maintenance (O&M), and drilling, is recalibrating how it runs each division. For E&C, the focus has shifted to transportation and installation jobs, which are mostly reimbursable or day-rate contracts. 'These jobs are less risky and capital-intensive compared to engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning (EPCIC) contracts, which require large upfront commitments,' Zamri said. Drilling remains a strong contributor, with nine of 11 rigs in operation. 'Drilling has always been a high-yield, cash-intensive business — it's all about utilisation. The recent contracts we've signed came with much-improved day rates.' The O&M segment, meanwhile, has also seen a turnaround, with Ebitda surging to RM144mil in FY25 from RM23mil in the previous year. 'It's a steady business. Last year, it turned the corner — Ebitda grew more than six times. Today, they're actually growing.' Sapura Energy's target is to grow the O&M segment into a billion-ringgit revenue contributor, with gradual expansion across South-East Asia. Over the years, Zamri said the company has shifted its strategic focus towards the Eastern Hemisphere in a bid to de-risk its operations and build on regional familiarity. 'Our concentration now — both in the bid book and order book — is very heavily skewed towards the Eastern Hemisphere. This was a conscious decision we made in the past couple of years. We're essentially hunkering down and focusing on geographies we know well, and where we've been actively operating,' he said. As at April 30, Sapura Energy's order book stood at RM7.9bil, with 78% or RM6.2bil from the Eastern Hemisphere. Of the total orderbook, 49% is from the drilling segment, followed by E&C at 28%, and O&M at 23%. These figures exclude RM4.8bil in orderbook under its joint ventures (JVs) and associates, particularly the Seabras Sapura JV in Brazil with Paratus Energy Services Ltd, where Sapura Energy holds a 50% stake. Zamri said the order book would be progressively recognised with 40% slated for FY26, 22% in FY27, and the remainder in FY28 and beyond. 'That JV has always been healthy and continues to be a very significant contributor to the group. While we only recognise our share of profit, they remain an important part of our overall portfolio,' he added. On tenderbook, Zamri said the group's active bids currently total RM29.9bil, with 81% or RM24.1bil also concentrated in the Eastern Hemisphere. 'Despite the challenges we face — limited working capital, fundraising constraints — our order book has consistently stayed above RM6bil (excluding JVs) over the past five years. This remains a viable and sustainable business,' he said. For the first quarter ended April 30, 2025 (1Q26), Sapura Energy's topline dropped to RM801.37mil from RM1.18bil in 1Q25. Bottomline slipped into the red, recording a net loss of RM477.96mil from a net profit of RM82.13mil in the previous corresponding quarter. Zamri said Sapura Energy's first quarter was marked by a typically slow period, impacted by seasonal and structural factors. 'One of the challenges is that clients are only just starting their business plans for the year, so contract awards have been slow. We're also coming out of the monsoon season, which limits mobilisation and offshore activity,' he said. He added that a project in Angola had also weighed on performance due to a mismatch between cost and revenue. 'We're making progress. By progress, I mean we are spending money. Some variation orders have yet to be formalised, and we're in active discussions with the client to reflect those changes.' Sapura Energy has no plans to re-enter the exploration and production (E&P) space in the near term, despite Zamri's own E&P background. Instead, the company is eyeing two adjacencies – asset decommissioning — through its Kita Solutions JV — and renewable energy, particularly engineering services for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS). Addressing the oil price cycle, Zamri noted that Sapura is less sensitive to short-term swings. 'Our clients make decisions based on long-term oil price scenarios. Investment will continue because energy demand continues to grow.' Operationally, Zamri said the company now focuses on discipline and margin preservation over chasing revenue growth. 'We're no longer aiming to be a giant like before,' Zamri said. 'We're taking baby steps. It's now a margin game, not just top line.' 'Can we grow back to the giant we were before? The real question is: do we want to?' he added. Chief restructuring officer Andy Chew Seng Heng acknowledged the role of the corporate debt restructuring committee (CDRC) in securing a balanced deal. 'Through CDRC mediation, we had a bigger voice to sell our story. In the end, figures speak for themselves — in liquidation, lenders would've gotten less than 30%. With this plan, they're getting well over 60%, plus equity, 'Chew said. Ganesh added if that scenario [liquidation] happens, the shareholder basically gets nothing. Concluding the interview, Zamri underscored the importance of shareholder backing, noting that it would reinforce the company's ability to move forward with greater confidence. 'Please, stand up at the EGM and vote in favour of the plan. The stronger the support, the stronger we move forward.'
