Latest news with #ZarithSofiah
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Queen launches RM5.95mil social drive to uplift JB community
JOHOR BARU: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, launched the Bangsa Johor Bahagia (BJB) 2.0 programme at Taman Plentong Utama flats yesterday. The RM5.95 million, three-year BJB initiative is aimed at transforming the lives of residents through social, physical and digital upliftment. The flagship project, inspired by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Raja Zarith Sofiah, is spearheaded by the Sultan Ibrahim Foundation and the Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor (YRZSNJ), with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) as the lead implementing partner. It follows the success of a 2019 pilot in Kangkar Pulai and now aims to deliver large-scale improvements to 480 housing units in Plentong. BJB 2.0 focuses on four pillars: sustainable facilities management, safer and greener neighbourhood spaces, digital literacy and AI training, and human capital development including youth leadership, women's empowerment and healthy living. During the visit, Raja Zarith Sofiah officiated the 'Kelab Suka Belajar' learning club, toured its facilities and engaged with children and residents. She was also briefed on BJB 2.0 activities, and toured the newly redeveloped community garden. Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and his wife, State Secretary Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman and his wife, and community representatives. In a symbolic boost to the project, the Johor government presented a RM1 million mock cheque to the YRZSNJ to further fund BJB 2.0 initiatives. Two schools under the Johor Stars Go Global programme also received RM10,000 each from the foundation.
The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
King and Queen congratulate Singapore on 60th National Day
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah have congratulated Singapore on its 60th National Day. The royal couple conveyed their greetings through an official statement released by Istana Negara. Their Majesties expressed hope for continued strengthening of Malaysia-Singapore relations. 'Malaysia and Singapore have enjoyed strong ties for a long time, and I believe this relationship will continue to grow,' Sultan Ibrahim stated. The message was also shared on His Majesty's official Facebook page. The statement highlighted the mutual benefits of close bilateral cooperation. Singapore celebrates its National Day today, marking six decades of independence. - Bernama
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
King, Queen extend 60th National Day greetings to Singapore
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah have extended their congratulations to the government and people of Singapore on the occasion of the republic's 60th National Day. According to a statement from Istana Negara on Saturday (Aug 9), Their Majesties also expressed hope that the close and strong bilateral relations between Malaysia and Singapore would continue to be strengthened for the mutual benefit of the peoples of both countries. "Malaysia and Singapore have enjoyed strong ties for a long time, and I believe this relationship will continue to grow," His Majesty said in the statement, which was also posted on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's Facebook page. – Bernama
The Sun
a day ago
- General
- The Sun
Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah visits Bangsa Johor Bahagia project 2.0
JOHOR BAHRU: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, attended the Bangsa Johor Bahagia (BJB) project 2.0 at Flat Hijau in Taman Plentong Utama. She was welcomed by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and state officials upon arrival. The event also saw the presence of Johor State Secretary Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman and UTM vice-chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim. Raja Zarith Sofiah inaugurated Kelab Suka Belajar, a study group, and engaged with children at the club. She was briefed on BJB 2.0 activities by representatives from UTM, PKPJ, and MBJB. Resident Izwani Md Noor, 38, expressed gratitude for the project's positive impact on the community. 'The Bangsa Johor Bahagia programme opened our eyes and hearts, bringing new opportunities and support,' he said. The Johor state government presented a mock cheque of RM1 million to Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor (YRZSNJ). Two schools also received RM10,000 under the foundation's Johor Starts Go Global initiative. The BJB project was initiated by Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah in 2019 at Rumah Pangsa Kangkar Pulai. - Bernama
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Labuan records over 100,000 visitors this year through BFF
The Queen, Raja Zarith Sofiah, visits the BFF site. LABUAN (Aug 8): The Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) has successfully drawn more than 100,000 visitors to the island this year, surpassing its initial target of 50,000. The achievement not only boosts Labuan's image as an international tourism destination but also brings significant economic spillover to the local community through various sectors, including food and beverages (F&B), frozen seafood, Labuan Heritage Handicrafts (LAWA), textiles, and locally produced chocolates. The rise in visitor numbers was supported by various tourism promotion initiatives, including social media campaigns, participation in international tourism exhibitions, and strategic collaborations with airlines and ferry operators. The Labuan International Ferry Terminal (TFAL) also played a vital role as the main gateway, with efficient ferry services connecting the island to Bandar Seri Begawan and other destinations. After the BFF programme, the plants were put on sale. For local traders, BFF proved to be a lucrative event. Noornizar Ibrahim, 38, said sales during the festival could reach up to RM6,000 per day, far exceeding what they would earn during regular events. 'The government organised the event well. Unlike regular events that mostly benefit organisers, BFF ensures that all hawkers gain. People from outside Labuan are willing to come for it,' he said. Zulkeflee (left) and his family members at their BFF stall. For 39-year-old trader Zulkeflee Mat Akhir, BFF is the most vibrant event ever held in the Federal Territory of Labuan. 'This kind of programme should be further enhanced with participation from more agencies and statutory bodies from across the country to create an even greater impact in the future,' he said. From the transportation perspective, speedboat and express boat operators also reaped benefits. Noor Halim Zaini, 61, said that during the five days of BFF, TFAL recorded an additional 3,000 passengers. 'This means extra income not only for boat operators but also for F&B operators, hotels, homestays, transport providers, retail shops and the entertainment industry,' he said. Azhar Othman BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BSBC) Labuan chairman Azhar Othman congratulated the organisers for the success of BFF. 'This programme requires significant expenditure and complex logistics. I hope the government will involve the private sector more extensively in the future to produce high-impact programmes. Logistical issues and the shortage of accommodation must also be addressed promptly,' he said. The next tourism event in Labuan will be the annual Borneo Arts Festival (BAF), scheduled for the end of September. The festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage and arts of Borneo, featuring a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary performances, including music, dance, visual arts and crafts from Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei Darussalam. Among the highlights will be the Borneo Creative Dance Competition, Tingkah Geruh (battle performance), Creative National Costume Fashion competition, and many more cultural showcases. The next programme in Labuan for domestic and foreign tourists is the Borneo Arts Festival next month. Borneo Arts Festival Borneo Flora Festival lead
