Latest news with #13MP
New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Fadhlina: Mandatory preschool plan set for 13MP
PUTRAJAYA: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek says the government plans to make preschool education compulsory to curb early student dropout, as part of the country's wider education reform agenda. She said the policy to make preschool education mandatory can no longer be delayed, despite challenges with infrastructure and teacher shortages, as it is key to improving the quality of the nation's education system. "We already have the compulsory primary education policy, which we consider a success in achieving universal enrolment. Then, we have the upcoming secondary school education policy, which I am confident will bring significant benefits by ensuring children have access to secondary education. "However, we want to start even earlier by making preschool education compulsory," she said in an interview with Utusan Malaysia. Fadhlina said the policy to make preschool education compulsory will be implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), once infrastructure and curriculum are in place. The 13MP covers the period from 2026 to 2030. Fadhlina also said the education ministry was targeting the implementation of single-session schooling across more than 10,000 schools nationwide by 2030. "This, in turn, will create more space to conduct preschool classes," she said. Fadhlina said one of the special projects at the ministry involves screening children with special needs, which will also be expanded to the preschool level. "Pupils will be screened before entering the mainstream stream so that schools can identify whether they have conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other special needs — making it easier to customise classes accordingly," she said. Fadhlina said classes for children with special needs will be extended to the preschool level to meet rising demand. While the compulsory secondary education policy is being tabled in Parliament, the preschool policy is being finalised, she said. Malaysia's education policy aims to provide inclusive, high-quality education that develops well-rounded individuals and prepares students for global challenges.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
13MP will give more leeway to surging cooperative movement
PUTRAJAYA: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which will be finalised next week, is expected to provide more space and opportunities for the cooperative movement to grow and continue to contribute significantly to the country's economic development. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said his ministry had submitted several proposed agendas and specific initiatives for the cooperative sector for the five-year plan, which covers the years 2026 to 2030. 'I am confident that this will be part of the country's 13MP agenda which will be finalised by the Cabinet next week,' he said after officiating the 2025 National Cooperative Month (BKK 2025) here today. Also present were Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP) secretary-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud, Malaysian Cooperatives Commission (SKM) chairman Lt Gen (Rtd) Datuk Ahmad Norihan Jalal and Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (Angkasa) president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah. Commenting on the main agenda of 13MP In developing the cooperative sector further, Ewon said the ministry was given a target to generate RM100 billion in revenue from the cooperative movement. 'At the initial briefing of the Cabinet, we were informed about a big agenda in the 13MP to strengthen cooperatives further. Hopefully, the cooperative movement will not only be able to meet this revenue we are targeting, but will also be able to increase its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP),' he said. Yesterday, government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the Minister of Communications, announced that 13MP under the MADANI Government is to be tabled in Parliament on July 28. Commenting on the performance of the cooperative sector so far, Ewon announced that the value of cooperatives' turnover in 2024 would reach RM68.18 billion, exceeding the target set in the Malaysian Cooperative Policy (DAKOM) 2030. 'Our target by 2030 is RM100 billion. However, I challenge that the cooperative movement not to be judged solely by revenue (the amount of turnover), but rather by its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP),' he said. In the past two years, he said that more than 1,000 new cooperatives have been registered each year, indicating a positive response among Malaysians toward the movement. He attributed this growth to the efforts of various parties including the Malaysian Cooperative Institute (IKMa) as well as the collaboration of Angkasa in promoting cooperatives as a lifestyle for Malaysians. Ewon also announced that the closing ceremony for National Cooperative Day celebration will be held on July 27, 2025 at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh, Melaka.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia construction sector set for boost before 13MP
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's construction sector is expected to see an uptick in job awards ahead of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which is scheduled for tabling next month, CIMB Securities said. The firm added that the order book environment for local contractors is gradually improving as news flow on major public infrastructure projects picks up heading into the second half of this year. It noted that the focus now is on the RM17 billion Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT), the largest infrastructure project under the current administration. The system and rolling stock component, worth RM3.5 billion, received bids from several local and international companies, including Gamuda Bhd, YTL Corp Bhd, Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd and WCT Holdings Bhd. CIMB Securities said that the civil works for the Penang LRT might be reduced by between 4.0 per cent and 6.0 per cent, from RM8 billion to RM7.8 billion, after a value engineering exercise. "However, we foresee minimal downside for Gamuda as it is poised to clinch additional works worth RM3 billion under the Penang LRT, which would more than compensate for any marginal cuts to its original share of civil works worth RM5 billion," the firm said. CIMB Securities maintained its "overweight" call on the sector and projected earnings growth of 10 per cent year-on-year for 2025. On a quarterly basis, the firm expects sector earnings growth to remain on an upward trajectory in the second quarter of 2025, supported by higher construction site activities after the festive breaks in the first quarter. "Likewise, order book visibility is improving alongside the gradual rollout of big-ticket public projects and the potential award of up to six large-scale data centre facilities worth about RM2 billion each over the next two to three quarters," it added. CIMB Securities pointed out that while the new Sales and Service Tax (SST) regime is expected to have only a marginal impact on the construction industry, it could still affect low-value non-residential projects secured on thin margins. The firm estimated that about 40 per cent to 50 per cent of total project cost could be subject to SST levies. It said this could add cost pressure to low-value non-residential projects won on thin margins, especially if contractors cannot pass on the extra SST charges to financially weaker clients. It added that most basic construction materials like cement, steel, and aggregates will remain tax-exempt, as the revised SST affects only eight out of 400 building material categories. "However, we highlight that the additional SST-related levies to be imposed on steel producers may have an indirect, cascading impact on the construction supply chain, about 63 per cent of total domestic consumption, although new contract bids would be recalibrated for any subsequent hikes in steel prices," CIMB Securities said.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
13MP to be tabled in Parliament on July 28
PUTRAJAYA: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is expected to be tabled in Parliament on July 28, says government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said at the Cabinet meeting yesterday, Economy Ministry secretary-general Datuk Nor Azmie Diron presented a briefing summary on the Plan's implementation. Fahmi said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had requested all ministries to review the draft presented and provide feedback to the ministry before it is finalised for tabling in Parliament. 'This will be the first Malaysia Plan to be tabled by the Prime Minister,' he said at his weekly press conference yesterday. On Tuesday, Anwar had said that the Plan would mark a turning point in the government's efforts to address national economic challenges, including development and income gaps, limited fiscal space, and the slow pace of structural economic transition. The 13MP, which covers 2026-2030 is one of the government's key policy documents for implementing its economic agenda. On another matter, Fahmi said enforcement measures to curb the online sale of prohibited items, including drug-laced vape products, will soon be laid out. He said a meeting will be held with Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad to discuss enforcement measures on banned products. This includes the sale of liquids believed to contain banned drugs through apps, social media platforms and online in general. Fahmi said the move reflects the government's commitment to tackling the widespread availability of such products online. 'The outcome of the meeting will be presented to the Cabinet, followed by enforcement action against individual sellers or platforms that enable such sales.' Fahmi also said the Online Safety Act 2024 is expected to be enforced soon after several key processes related to the legislation are finalised, adding he is currently awaiting the draft of the Act. 'Once it is ready and I sign the gazette to enforce the Act, it will come into effect,' he said. Fahmi said a committee will also be set up by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, to oversee the implementation of the Act. 'This committee will have regulatory powers over the enforcement of the Act, such as defining what constitutes online harms,' he explained.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
13MP expected to be tabled in Parliament on July 28
PUTRAJAYA: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is expected to be tabled in Parliament on July 28, MADANI Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said today. Fahmi, who is also the Minister of Communications, said that during today's Cabinet meeting, Economy Ministry secretary-general Datuk Nor Azmie Diron presented a briefing and a brief summary on the implementation of the 13MP. He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had requested all ministries to review the draft presented and provide feedback to the Economy Ministry soon before it is finalised for tabling in Parliament. 'I believe the tabling of the 13MP is expected to take place on July 28, 2025. 'This, Insya-Allah, will be the first Malaysia Plan to be tabled by the Prime Minister (Anwar),' he said at his weekly press conference here. Yesterday, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that the 13MP would mark a turning point in the government's efforts to address national economic challenges, including development and income gaps, limited fiscal space, and the slow pace of structural economic transition. The 13MP, which covers the 2026-2030 period, is one of the government's key policy documents for implementing the MADANI Economy agenda. On another matter, Fahmi said the Prime Minister also reminded Cabinet members to continue efforts to upgrade and improve 30 schools located in military camps across the country. He added that the Prime Minister was also satisfied with the progress of work on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project by Lumut Naval Shipyard (Lunas), describing it as a commendable achievement. 'Projects like the LCS, which have been successfully undertaken and are able to be completed, including by local engineers, are a proud achievement,' he said.
