Latest news with #EconomicPlanningUnit
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
No need to dissolve Economy Ministry
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that there is no necessity to dissolve the Economy Ministry and any new ministerial appointment will only be made at an appropriate time. Anwar explained that the Economy Ministry, which was formerly the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) under the Prime Minister's Department, was elevated to a full ministry during Pakatan Harapan's first administration. 'There is no issue of a change (in ministerial structure). The structure is determined by the Cabinet and me, so for now, I don't see any need for a reshuffle,' he told reporters after officiating at Energy Asia 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. On the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), scheduled to be tabled in Parliament this July, Anwar said it is a collective responsibility of the Cabinet, with the Economy Ministry serving as the main secretariat. He added that various adjustments and reforms are underway in light of the changing economic landscape, including tariff revisions that are impacting key national projections. 'Last week, we also held a meeting to hear input from ministries on policy adjustments being introduced,' he said. On May 28, Economy Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Rafizi Ramli tendered his resignation and went on leave, which ends today. On the resignation of Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Anwar said the matter has not been finalised as he wishes to allow time and space before making a decision. 'I usually wait, give them a chance. Reflect, consider, and I will give my view. If possible, I'd like him to continue his service; there's still time before his resignation takes effect,' he said. Nik Nazmi also tendered his resignation on May 28 and has gone on leave until July 3. When asked about the proposed adjustments involving RON95 petrol prices, Anwar reiterated that it will not affect 85 to 90 per cent of the population. He said the opposition's claims that people are suffering due to the subsidy rationalisation policy are nothing more than desperate political gimmicks aimed at creating a negative image of the government. Anwar said the government's move towards subsidy rationalisation is a critical step to ensure sufficient national resources are channelled effectively to benefit the lower-income group. 'We want to have enough resources to help the poor, to enhance the quality of education and to provide better public services, including in healthcare,' he said. The Prime Minister added that the government is committed to implementing the policy despite criticisms, as it forms part of broader economic reforms aimed at long-term fiscal sustainability.
New Straits Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Digistar appoints Zohari Akob as chairman following Zaini Omar's resignation
KUALA LUMPUR: Digistar Corp Bhd has overhauled its boardroom leadership following the resignation of its chairman, Tan Sri Zaini Omar, due to health reasons, according to multiple bourse filings. Zaini, 76, who served as an independent non-executive chairman, stepped down on May 30. The group cited health issues as the reason for his resignation and said there were no disagreements with the board. Following his exit, the company appointed Datuk Seri Zohari Akob, 67, as the new independent non-executive chairman. Zohari also assumes leadership of three key board committees including audit, nomination and remuneration. Zohari brings a wealth of experience from the public and corporate sectors. He began his career at the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister's Department and later served as director of its privatisation section. Between 2014 and 2018, he was secretary-general of the Works Ministry. In the corporate sphere, he has held advisory and directorial roles at firms including Naza Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd, Central Cable Bhd and CIDB Holdings Sdn Bhd. He is currently an advisor at Rafulin Sdn Bhd and president of two industry bodies, the Malaysian Service Providers Confederation and the Malaysian Association of Facility Management Meanwhile, other boardroom changes include the appointment of Datuk Ishak Mohamed as a non-independent non-executive director. Ishak, a former secretary-general of the Defence Ministry, has also joined the audit, nomination and remuneration committees. Following the appointments, the audit and nomination committees now comprise Zohari, Ishak and Thee Kok Chuan. The remuneration committee additionally includes Digistar's group managing director Datuk Wira Lee Wah Chong. Digistar, listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia, is involved in multiple sectors including technology, construction, property development, and hospitality. Its services span information and communication technology systems integration, digital content broadcasting and the development of affordable housing, among others. At the time of writing, shares of Digistar rose one sen or 25 per cent to five sen, with 4.43 million units traded. This brought the penny stock's market capitalisation to RM31.5 million.
Borneo Post
28-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Dr Sim leads delegation to Manchester in UK to study housing, urban renewal models
Dr Sim (third right) and the delegation being briefed at one of the sites they visited. – Photo via Facebook/Dr Sim Kui Hian KUCHING (April 28): A Sarawak delegation led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian is currently in Manchester, United Kingdom, on a working visit focused on housing and urban regeneration. Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, shared in a Facebook post that Sarawak needs to plan ahead to meet growing demands for public housing and public transportation as part of its broader nation-building efforts. He explained that the government is making progress towards achieving economic prosperity, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability goals under Sarawak's Post Covis-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. 'For the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030), the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Sarawak is proposing to raise the target for affordable housing from the previous 3,000 units to 20,000 units. Such targets will require teamwork from different government agencies as well as private and public partnership,' he stated in the Facebook post. Apart from deputy ministers and officials from Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) Sarawak, members of the delegation also comprised representatives from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Sarawak, Sarawak Planning Authority (SPA), Land & Survey Department Sarawak, Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) Sarawak dan Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers' Association (SHEDA). They visited the Urban Regeneration of New Islington in Ancoats, Manchester, where a former industrial site was transformed into affordable council housing, green spaces and enhanced connectivity (canal, public transport) with a vibrant, sustainable community. They were also briefed on the Hulme Crescents Redevelopment Project, which Dr Sim described as another prime example of urban renewal that integrates public affordable housing within a planned, sustainable community framework. Additionally, the delegation visited Heaton Park in Manchester, one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, spanning approximately 600 acres. Dr Sim Kui Hian housing urban regeneration working visit
Borneo Post
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Federal-state delegation surveys Baram's poor rural roads, eyes urgent action
Anyi points at the damaged bridge at Sungai Medan, as (from right) Dennis, Muhammad Abdullah and Muhammad Najib look on. LONG LAPOK (April 24): Sarawak Deputy State Secretary Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel earlier today led a delegation, comprising senior officials from the federal Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and several other government agencies, to inspect the condition of logging roads and former logging routes in the interior of Baram. The visit, prompted by concerns raised by Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau, aims to assess the accessibility and infrastructure challenges faced by rural communities in the region. Muhammad Abdullah said the inspection formed part of a concerted effort to better understand the realities on the ground, particularly those affecting rural communities. 'This visit is our responsibility as civil servants. We brought along officials from Putrajaya, the Ministry of Economy, as well as other federal and state agencies so that they can witness the conditions for themselves. 'Tomorrow (April 25), we will be holding a lab session to further discuss possible solutions to this issue,' he told The Borneo Post during the site visit. He pointed out that road accessibility is crucial not only for the convenience of rural communities, but also for civil servants such as teachers and medical personnel who are stationed in remote areas. On the road conditions, he said the difference between unmaintained and maintained logging roads is obvious. 'However, even the maintained ones remain far from comfortable. 'Proper road access is essential for mobility, connectivity, and the overall well-being of these communities,' he added. Photo shows a collapsed logging bridge at Sungai Medan, which forced the delegation to divert to Uma Bawang instead of Long Suling. Moreover, Muhammad Abdullah expressed appreciation for the commitment shown by the federal officials who made the trip despite their tight schedules. 'We're grateful for their willingness to come down to the ground. Although infrastructure falls under federal jurisdiction, close cooperation is needed. 'We hope this visit leads to stronger support and funding from Putrajaya,' he said. The delegation included Ministry of Economy deputy director I (Spatial and Rural Development) Wan Muhammad Najib Wan Abdul; KKDW Putrajaya Principal assistant secretary Mohd Naim Norman; KKDW Sarawak senior civil engineer Sabariah Nawawi; Miri Resident Galong Luang; and Telang Usan District officer Ezra Uda. Meanwhile, Dennis, who also joined the visit, said he has repeatedly urged the relevant authorities to come down to the ground to see and experience for themselves the poor condition of the roads faced by the rural communities. Today's visit, he added, was the result of his request to the Deputy State Secretary during a briefing at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Northern Zone Triennial Delegates' Conference last December, where he had raised the issue of damaged roads and collapsed bridges, especially in his constituency. 'I requested for the government to hold a lab session with all stakeholders, including representatives from our constituencies, where we can discuss and find the best possible solution to this long standing issue affecting our rural communities.' Baram MP Datuk Anyi Ngau, who was also present, stated that it is high time for both the state and federal governments to resolve the worsening infrastructure issues in Baram, which have become increasingly critical in recent years. He stressed that both the state and federal governments must work together to find the best way forward for this problem that has persisted for far too long. 'In fact, I have often raised this matter in Parliament,' he said. He thus urged the government to immediately allocate special funds for the repair and maintenance of all former logging roads and damaged bridges throughout his constituency. The delegation today was scheduled to visit several damaged roads and bridges up to Long Suling, Baram, but diverted to Uma Bawang due to a damaged logging bridge at Sungai Medan. They are also expected to have a closed-door lab session tomorrow (April 25) aimed at formulating strategies for improving rural infrastructure in the Baram parliamentary constituency. Baram Dennis Ngau logging roads Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel rural roads
