Latest news with #NST
New Straits Times
35 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
NSTP shines with 13 wins at MPI-Petronas Journalism Awards
KUALA LUMPUR: The New Straits Times Press (NSTP) group took home 13 accolades across various categories at the MPI-Petronas Malaysian Journalism Awards 2024 tonight. The wins were split among NSTP's titles, with four awards going to the New Straits Times (NST), six to Harian Metro (HM), and three to Berita Harian (BH). Harian Metro was the night's highlight, clinching the country's most coveted journalism honour, the Kajai Award. NST's Leslie Andres secured silver in the Best Column Writing category for pieces including 'UN veto power is main obstacle to world peace', 'Mindset shift must accompany any rule change', and 'Western singers skipping Malaysia due to those kicking up a fuss'. In the Best Investigative Journalism category, Aliza Shah from NST won the silver award for her impactful report titled 'Children forced into local pornographic content'. In video journalism, NST received bronze in both the Best Video Documentary and Best Video Talk Show categories. The documentary was produced by Aliza Shah, Iylia Marsya Iskandar, Khairus Ramli, and Amalina Kamal, while the talk show was helmed by Siti Nur Amalina Kamal, Hazween Syarina Md Hassan, Farrah Ain Jasmine Jasman, and Shahrul Redzuan Zulkifli. The ceremony saw over a thousand guests from across the media industry, including editors, reporters and corporate representatives, gather to celebrate excellence in Malaysian journalism. This year's awards attracted 549 entries from 58 media organisations, with honours handed out across 23 categories. The night also marked the launch of MPI's first-ever journalism e-journal by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
BTH: Tehran vs Tel Aviv, war in the Gulf, SST hikes & gun shooting [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: As the Middle East teeters on the brink of broader conflict following direct confrontations between Iran and Israel, Beyond the Headlines unpacks the far-reaching consequences of this escalation. Hosts Amalina Kamal and Hazween Hassan delve into how this geopolitical flashpoint could affect global oil prices, shipping routes, and Malaysia's economic and national security vulnerabilities. Joining the conversation are NST Op-ed and Foreign News Editor Azman Abdul Hamid and Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia analyst Maryam Ismail. The discussion explores whether Malaysia's foreign policy can maintain neutrality, how prepared we are for ripple effects across the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, and whether ASEAN can offer meaningful diplomatic intervention. Maryam, whose research spans Jewish-Muslim relations and the influence of Islamist movements, offers a nuanced perspective on Malaysia's strategic calculus in engaging with both Iran and Israel. Can Malaysia absorb another global supply shock? Is our national preparedness adequate in the face of a widening regional war? Also in this episode: • Growing concerns over gun violence in Kuala Lumpur, featuring Universiti Malaya criminologist Dr Haezreena Begum. • A sharp look at the looming 8% SST expansion and its potential blow to SMEs, with reaction from SAMENTA chairman Datuk William Ng. More in the latest episode of Beyond the Headlines. Watch on NST Online's YouTube. *This episode was recorded on June 19.
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
BTH: Tehran vs Tel Aviv, war in the Gulf, SST hikes & gun shooting
KUALA LUMPUR: As the Middle East teeters on the brink of broader conflict following direct confrontations between Iran and Israel, Beyond the Headlines unpacks the far-reaching consequences of this escalation. Hosts Amalina Kamal and Hazween Hassan delve into how this geopolitical flashpoint could affect global oil prices, shipping routes, and Malaysia's economic and national security vulnerabilities. Joining the conversation are NST Op-ed and Foreign News Editor Azman Abdul Hamid and Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia analyst Maryam Ismail. The discussion explores whether Malaysia's foreign policy can maintain neutrality, how prepared we are for ripple effects across the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, and whether ASEAN can offer meaningful diplomatic intervention. Maryam, whose research spans Jewish-Muslim relations and the influence of Islamist movements, offers a nuanced perspective on Malaysia's strategic calculus in engaging with both Iran and Israel. Can Malaysia absorb another global supply shock? Is our national preparedness adequate in the face of a widening regional war? Also in this episode: • Growing concerns over gun violence in Kuala Lumpur, featuring Universiti Malaya criminologist Dr Haezreena Begum. • A sharp look at the looming 8% SST expansion and its potential blow to SMEs, with reaction from SAMENTA chairman Datuk William Ng. More in the latest episode of Beyond the Headlines. Watch on NST Online's YouTube. *This episode was recorded on June 19.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Concerns mount over tampering of speed limiters in heavy vehicles
SAFETY concerns surrounding heavy vehicles have resurfaced as industry insiders warn that speed limiters, though mandated in new commercial buses and lorries, can be bypassed by trained technicians. This vulnerability has prompted calls for a more comprehensive approach to vehicle safety. According to NST, a technician from a local bus manufacturing firm stated that modern speed limiters are embedded within the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of heavy vehicles and rely on sensor inputs to regulate speed. However, the technician revealed that former service centre mechanics may still possess the software required to alter or deactivate the system and could offer such services discreetly through private workshops. Given this loophole, the technician stressed the critical role of global positioning systems (GPS). As a standard feature in newly registered vehicles under the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), GPS units are typically integrated with the speed limiter system. Unlike limiters, GPS-linked systems can accurately log and monitor a vehicle's speed and alert operators of any infractions, making tampering more detectable. Industry figures have also drawn attention to the broader technological framework within heavy vehicles. Thayalan Subramaniam, General Manager of MAN Truck and Bus Malaysia, noted that their vehicles' speed limiters are also embedded in the ECU and set in accordance with regulatory guidelines — 89km/h for lorries and 100km/h for buses. He assured that MAN uses advanced diagnostic tools with updated security patches to prevent unauthorised system modifications. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that tampering can only be detected during a formal vehicle inspection at authorised workshops. The issue gained urgency following a recent tragic bus crash in Gerik, which resulted in the deaths of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students. In response, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that a new policy mandating the use of speed limiters for heavy vehicles is currently being drafted. The policy is under review to ensure its robustness against exploitation or manipulation. Industry insiders have further emphasised the need to prioritise other safety systems, such as tyre pressure monitoring and retarder brakes, especially in older vehicle models that remain operational without these features. The technician added that many drivers lack familiarity with modern safety technologies and must be properly trained. Although Apad requires each operator to send one representative for safety training under its Industry Code of Practice, there are concerns that this knowledge may not be disseminated throughout the company workforce. Commenting on the Gerik accident, the technician observed that the vehicle involved was an outdated mid-range sightseeing bus not designed for regular long-distance travel. It likely lacked essential modern safety mechanisms. He pointed to stricter standards in high-risk areas such as Genting Highlands, where buses without retarder brakes are no longer allowed to operate due to the dangers of downhill travel. Thayalan echoed these safety concerns, recommending that all new heavy vehicles be equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), an electronic stability programme (ESP), and a retarder braking system. He highlighted that ESP, in particular, plays a crucial role in preventing vehicle rollovers. He further advocated for mandatory rollover testing for vehicle bodies during the approval process to ensure compliance with United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) safety standards. At MAN, advanced driver assistance systems are now a standard feature across its commercial vehicles, providing enhanced safety at a relatively low cost when installed in new models. However, Thayalan cautioned that retrofitting such systems in older buses remains a complex and often unreliable process due to challenges associated with aftermarket components, including installation and calibration issues. The growing focus on technological integrity and operator accountability underscores the urgent need for holistic reforms in the heavy vehicle sector to enhance road safety and prevent further tragedies.
New Straits Times
12-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Rescued foreigners were promised jobs
GEORGE TOWN: The three foreign men rescued from wrongful confinement during a police raid on an apartment here on Tuesday had been promised employment — but were never given jobs. Northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Abdul Rozak Muhammad told the New Straits Times that the victims had been held for periods ranging from four months to a year. "Yes, their legs were chained, but not around the clock. There were times when the caretaker removed the chains upon request. "They also remained silent throughout their confinement, which is why neighbours were completely unaware of the situation," he said. Rozak added that one of the men had secretly hidden a mobile phone and managed to contact a relative in Indonesia for help — a move that led to their rescue. He said investigations were ongoing. The victims — aged between 28 and 52 — were found in good health and rescued following a report lodged by a 47-year-old foreigner, who claimed his friends were being held against their will. The raid, conducted on Tuesday, led to the arrest of three Malaysian men aged between 40 and 56, along with a 40-year-old foreign woman believed to have been guarding the victims. Rozak said that two of the suspects were expected to be charged in court tomorrow. Meanwhile, residents at the apartment complex said they were shocked to learn about the incident. Some, who spoke to the NST on condition of anonymity, said they had no idea anyone was being held captive. A resident living a few floors above the unit said there was nothing unusual to indicate something was wrong. "We didn't hear anything suspicious — no shouting or signs of distress. "We only found out what happened when we saw it on social media," he said. Another resident, who lives just a few doors away, said they only realised something was amiss when police officers arrived on Tuesday afternoon.
