Latest news with #Fadhil
Iraq Business
a day ago
- Business
- Iraq Business
UK-Iraq Solar Energy Partnership Advances with 3,000MW Project
By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Electricity, Ziyad Ali Fadhil, met with UK Ambassador Irfan Siddiq and a high-level delegation to discuss British companies' role in implementing solar energy projects and reaffirm Iraq's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement. The delegation included Lara Hampshire, UK Director of Trade in Iraq, and Yasmin Khan, Director of Operations and Energy Trade Adviser. Talks focused on the memorandum of understanding signed last month with the UGT Renewables, a UK-US company, to develop an integrated 3,000MW solar energy project in Iraq. The project includes battery storage systems with a capacity of up to 500MW and the construction of 1,000km of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines to enhance grid efficiency and stability. Minister Fadhil emphasised the importance of this initiative for Iraq's national power system and praised the strong collaboration with the UK and reputable international firms. The executing company will also implement a two-year training programme and provide maintenance services using advanced D-EPC methods. Fadhil reaffirmed the government's goal of reducing carbon emissions from the energy sector, targeting 12,000MW of solar capacity by 2030 as part of its broader renewable energy strategy. The British delegation expressed their commitment to deepening the energy partnership with Iraq and contributing technical expertise to support sustainable development in the electricity sector. (Source: Ministry of Electricity)
The Star
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Irked by lack of parking at Ipoh Railway Station
Commuters want more bays, multistorey carpark built nearby It is often a struggle to find parking near Ipoh Railway Station, in the heart of the Perak capital city. There are limited parking bays provided by Ipoh City Council (MBI), Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) and KTM Bhd (KTMB)around the building on Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab. Those looking for parking say they often have to go round several times before finding a spot. To make matters worse, those going to the nearby lower and high courts also park their vehicles in the area. Engineer Kamal Hussain, 40, from Menglembu, said finding a parking spot near the railway station was a challenge, especially during rush hour. Kamal, who often travels between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur, said he found it stressful to catch an early train with the lack of parking. 'By the time I circle the area two or three times, I have already lost 10 to 20 minutes,' he said. Commuters suggest this piece of land once occupied by a food court beside Ipoh Railway Station, be turned into a carpark. Researcher Fadhil Rahman, 35, who also travels frequently to Kuala Lumpur, hopes the authorities increase the number of parking bays in the area. 'Maybe build a multistorey carpark near the railway station. 'As commuters, we don't want to risk missing our train. 'By increasing the number of parking bays, it will make it easier for us,' he said. Fadhil said the proposed multistorey carpark at Lintasan Market in the Old Town area would not resolve the parking problem near the railway station. 'I have no doubt that the carpark project will be a welcome addition to the city. 'However, it is quite far from the railway station and not convenient for commuters,' he highlighted. Dhivannan says public transport to the train station may not be a practical solution. In April, it was reported that a RM15mil multistorey parking and commercial complex would be built about 650m from the railway station. The complex, a joint project by MBI and a private firm via a Private Financing Initiative, is expected to be able to accommodate 353 vehicles. It was announced that work was scheduled to start in May, but a recent check by StarMetro found that it has yet to begin. A couple of months earlier, the Perak Bar Committee rented a plot of land from RAC next to the station, opposite Ipoh High Court, to be used as a carpark for its members. The area accommodates about 30 vehicles. The move sparked public concern that it reduced the number of bays available near the station. Fadhil suggests building a multistorey carpark near the railway station. StarMetro also highlighted the lack of parking in Ipoh Old Town and called for the disused multistorey carpark at Jalan Dato Maharajalela to be refurbished and reopened in an April 11 article titled 'Multistorey mess'. This carpark is located about 250m from the railway station. Former Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin had said that there were talks between Ipoh City Council and a private company to refurbish the disused carpark into a commercial centre with parking bays. However, some who take public transport to the railway station say it poses a problem too. Student N. Dhivannan, 19, who had a hard time looking for a parking space near the station, said public transport as an option might not be a practical solution. 'Public transport is not always reliable or convenient. 'It also depends on where you are coming from,' he said. The space beside the train station is rented by Perak Bar Committee as a carpark for members. Student Nur Syahirah Syahril, 17, who travels frequently to Alor Setar in Kedah, said e-hailing rides, while convenient, were not always feasible. 'It can be hard to find a ride during peak hours, especially if you are in a rush. 'It can be unnerving too if we get caught in a traffic jam,' she said. However, tourist Quentin Plotton, 29, said he found it convenient to use e-hailing rides to get to the railway station. Plotton, from France, said e-hailing rides in the city were generally hassle-free. 'It is very convenient and easy. 'As a tourist, I don't have to worry about driving or finding parking,' he said. Artist's impression of the RM15mil parking complex planned for Lintasan Market, some 650m from Ipoh Railway Station, which was scheduled to start construction last month. A 63-year-old retiree, who did not want to be named, said there was a plot of land near the railway station that could be converted into a carpark. 'The place used to house a food court but it has been left unused for a long time. 'It should be turned into a carpark to make life easier for commuters. 'There are a number of parking bays near the banks and Ipoh Padang but these are mostly occupied, so there is really a need for more parking space,' she added. In a statement to StarMetro, RAC said the vacant space had been rented to a food outlet. 'However, the tenancy has since ended and RAC is now inviting interested parties to rent the site,' it said. It also welcomed the suggestion to use the space for parking. 'As the site is now available for rent, applications to utilise it as a carpark will also be considered. 'Given the limited parking in front of and around the railway station, RAC strongly encourages the public to opt for public transport. 'It is important to note that most parking areas around the station fall under the jurisdiction of MBI,' said RAC. The statement also said RAC had allocated areas for taxi as well as e-hailing pick-up and drop-off, to support commuter needs and ease congestion. 'These facilities are aimed at enhancing user convenience and improving traffic flow, especially during peak periods. 'This initiative is also in line with the National Transport Policy (NTP) 2019-2030, which promotes a sustainable, integrated and efficient transport sector while encouraging public transport as the primary mode of mobility,' the statement said. 'Among NTP's key objectives include improving inclusivity and accessibility of the transport system and minimising environmental impact. 'RAC remains committed to supporting this policy by enhancing facilities, improving access to railway stations and collaborating with local authorities and relevant agencies to upgrade existing infrastructure for the benefit of all users,' it added.
Daily Express
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Water: Student group wants UMS to take legal action
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: 'I believe the VC is playing his role as the head of the university, and it's important that his stance remains consistent. This is the first time he has made such a statement, and we welcome it,' Fadhil said. Kota Kinabalu: Suara Mahasiswa UMS has urged Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to take legal action against the State Water Department (JANS), demanding at least RM100 million in damages over the prolonged campus water crisis. In a statement, the student group accused JANS of misleading the public in its May 29 statement, which downplayed the severity of the water supply issue from the State-owned R13 tank — the main water source for UMS. The group cited internal documentation and reports from UMS's student council and maintenance unit showing that water levels in the R13 tank had dropped to zero on several days, halting supply to the campus. They also claimed this data had been officially shared with JANS and supported with photographic evidence. The group said the financial burden of the water crisis had been unfairly shifted onto students, many of whom faced repeated disruptions and had to bear additional costs, including tuition fees, off-campus rent, transportation, utility bills and other living expenses. 'UMS must sue JANS and the damages should be returned to the students — this is not just about water anymore. It's about accountability and justice,' the statement said. Earlier, Daily Express reported that UMS Vice-Chancellor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansur said the university had long been transparent about the water issue, and clarified that the R13 tank, owned and operated by JANS, had repeatedly failed to supply enough water to meet UMS's daily needs. Kasim said if water levels had been sufficient, students would not have resorted to holding demonstrations. Suara Mahasiswa President Fadhil Kasim welcomed the VC's remarks and said it marked an important shift in the university's stance. 'I believe the VC is playing his role as the head of the university, and it's important that his stance remains consistent. This is the first time he has made such a statement, and we welcome it,' he said. 'We will be meeting the VC tomorrow at 2pm to exchange views, possibly touching on the water issue.' The student group is organising Perhimpunan Aman Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0, a peaceful rally scheduled for June 21-22 in Kota Kinabalu to demand systemic accountability and a solution to longstanding infrastructure problems. They also alleged that students involved in past activism had been called in by police and faced threats — but maintained that they would not be intimidated in their push for justice. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
02-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
UMS student group urges legal action over water issues
KOTA KINABALU: The water issue at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) persists, with a student movement group urging the university to sue the state Water Department for losses incurred during years of disruption. Suara Mahasiswa UMS president Fadhil Kasim said a recent statement by the Sabah Water Department claiming sufficient water supply to the university was false. "The department's statement on May 29 claiming that the supply in the R13 tank at UMS was always enough is irresponsible and a lie," he said. He said constant water disruptions forced students and the UMS community to incur extra living costs, including renting, utilities, and education fees. "We urge UMS to take legal action against the Sabah Water Department and sue them for at least RM100mil to cover these costs," said Fadhil. To support this demand, he claimed a fact check by the student representative council and UMS maintenance and development department found days when water levels in the main UMS tank and the water department tank were at zero metres. "This means the water supply from the Water Department did not reach UMS," he alleged. Fadhil urged authorities, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), to investigate potential corruption and abuse in handling this water crisis and the delayed Pan Borneo Project. "The Pan Borneo project, which passes by UMS, is also seen as a factor in the UMS water crisis," he said. He added that suspicions of a mega industrial company in Sepanggar using much of the supply meant for UMS should also be investigated. He said the call for the Sabah Water Department to be sued will be among their main agendas at their scheduled peaceful rally on June 21 and June 22. The water crisis in UMS started worsening about two years ago.
Shafaq News
25-05-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Electricity Minister in Turkmenistan to finalize 20 MCM daily gas swap
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fadhil arrived in Turkmenistan on Sunday to revive a stalled gas import agreement seen as 'critical' to the country's energy stability. The deal, signed in October 2024, aimed to supply Iraq with up to 20 million cubic meters of Turkmen gas daily via a swap mechanism using Iran's pipeline network. Despite its strategic importance, the agreement has yet to take effect due to lingering technical hurdles, according to previous disclosures from the Ministry of Electricity. Fadhil's visit comes as Iraq is on the brink of an energy crisis, with the expiration of a crucial US waiver threatening to cut off its access to Iranian gas, which fuels nearly 30% of the country's electricity.
