Latest news with #NationalTrainingWeek2025
The Star
19 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Perak MB: No tremors detected during boom
IPOH: There was no indication of an earthquake or tremor when a loud boom was heard here a few days ago, says Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. He added that no seismic activity was detected in the state. Saarani called for the matter to be studied by relevant technical departments or geological experts, as current monitoring systems have not confirmed any earthquakes or ground tremors in Malaysia. 'We have yet to know what exactly is happening, but I hope the public does not panic. 'So far, there has been no detection of any earthquake or tremor,' he said. He acknowledged that strange vibrations were felt in Ipoh and surrounding areas, drawing comparisons to a similar unexplained incident in 2024. 'Last year, people in Taiping, Kuala Kangsar and even Ipoh experienced what they described as an explosion-like tremor. 'The phenomenon, which has yet to be scientifically explained, was also reportedly felt in Selangor earlier this year,' he said after closing the National Training Week 2025 yesterday. The loud bang, which occurred at around 10.30am on June 18, sparked concern among residents in Chemor, Chepor and Tanah Hitam. On a separate matter, Saarani said the state government is proposing a major upgrade of the East-West Highway under the 13th Malaysia Plan. He said he forwarded this proposal to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during an event in Lumut last Sunday. 'I took the opportunity to raise this matter and conveyed our concerns about the highway. 'We understand the Prime Minister mentioned that the cost for the upgrade would be very high. But at least the state government has registered our views,' he said. Saarani added that discussions with the Public Works Department (JKR) on work to upgrade the highway is underway. 'Simply patching the road is no longer sufficient for the 40-year-old highway. 'The Federal Government, through JKR, should reassess the highway's alignment and consider a full reconstruction, not just resurfacing. 'This is because the highway structure is outdated. Also, the underground layer was exposed in some of the damaged areas of the highway. 'Mere road patching jobs will no longer suffice,' he said.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Perak MB calls for overhaul of Gerik–Jeli Highway in 13th Malaysia Plan
IPOH: The state government is urging the federal administration to prioritise the complete reconstruction and upgrading of the ageing Gerik–Jeli Highway under the upcoming Malaysia Plan. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the highway was unfit for use with mere patchwork repairs, emphasising the need for a complete overhaul. "Instead of patching it up, the federal government, through the Public Works Department, should consider fully reconstructing and upgrading the highway. "The structure is old, and in some areas, damage has reached the base layer. Simple repairs won't be sufficient anymore," he said. Saarani was speaking to reporters after closing the National Training Week 2025 event at the Ipoh Convention Centre here today. He added that the matter was raised with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to Manjung on June 15. "I had the opportunity to highlight the urgent need to upgrade the Gerik–Jeli Highway to the prime minister. "The prime minister acknowledged our concern but noted the high cost involved. Still, the state has formally registered our position," he said. When asked whether the proposal could be included in the 13th Malaysia Plan, Saarani confirmed that efforts were underway. "We are working to ensure this is included in the upcoming Malaysia Plan because it is a pressing need," he said. On June 11, Saarani said that proposals to either construct a new highway or establish an alternative route would be submitted to the federal government, citing the increasing number of accidents along the Gerik–Jeli Highway. Following this, state Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin was tasked with overseeing the matter. Nizar has been instructed to prepare a detailed proposal, including route alignment, road widening, construction materials and related infrastructure, such as street lighting. This will then be submitted to the federal government. On another matter, Saarani said the state was requesting the Health Ministry to upgrade Gerik Hospital and its facilities in light of the frequent and serious traffic accidents along the highway. "We've asked Sivanesan (referring to state Health committee chairman A. Sivanesan) to prepare a formal application. Gerik Hospital needs better equipment, facilities and specialist staff. "Many critical patients need to be transferred to Taiping or Ipoh, and that can take up to two hours, and that delay can be fatal," he said. On June 9, a tragic crash along the East-West Highway at Km53 involving a bus carrying 42 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students underscored the need for urgent improvements. The bus, travelling from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university's main campus in Tanjung Malim, collided with a Perodua Alza.
The Star
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysians urged to remain vigilant against foreign proxies
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians must remain vigilant against individuals acting as proxies for foreign powers, warns Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Delivering a strongly worded speech at the National Training Week 2025 summit here yesterday, Anwar emphasised Malaysia's unwavering commitment to sovereignty and justice, urging the public to reject subversive elements. 'Let there be no instigators. Do not allow provocateurs or foreign agents to undermine what we have built. 'There are those who, out of envy or on behalf of foreign powers, aim to destabilise our country and erode our values,' he said. Anwar referred to a 2022 incident in which a Malaysian couple allegedly assisted operatives from the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad in entering the country via Thailand. 'I commend our police force for successfully arresting and charging those involved,' he said. Anwar also stressed that a true 'Negara Madani' must uphold both national sovereignty and moral clarity, particularly on global issues such as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 'Just yesterday (Friday), Israel launched another brutal assault. We strongly condemn such attacks. 'How is it that one country is permitted to commit such acts of violence repeatedly and with impunity? 'What's more troubling is when people in Malaysia, an independent nation, are afraid to speak out,' he said. He urged Malaysian youth to be discerning and not easily swayed by what they see online. 'Do not be naive. Do not be deceived by what you see on social media,' he said. Anwar's remarks came amid Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which he condemned as part of a long-standing pattern of aggression. Reaffirming Malaysia's position, he said the country's principled stance on Gaza would not be compromised, regardless of external pressure. 'This is what it means to be a Negara Madani. We do not care whether certain countries approve or not,' he said.
The Star
15-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
PM: No levy for private schools
Futuristic machine: Visitors watching a robot demonstration during an exhibition held in conjunction with the National Training Week 2025 summit in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Beginning January next year, all private schools, colleges and training centres will be exempted from paying their education levies, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said the exemption will apply across the board and include preschools, primary, secondary and vocational schools, higher education providers and training centres. 'This is the first time in history that the government is exempting the education levy for a full year. 'We have received numerous appeals from education and training institutions asking for relief from this payment,' he said in his keynote speech at the National Training Week 2025 summit here yesterday. Also present at the event was Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. The initiative, which will run from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2026, will benefit 1,668 institutions and see the government forgo RM46mil in levies. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the move is aimed at allowing these institutions to fully focus on improving the quality of their training and education. 'Our children must be given the best training possible. The government will find the necessary mechanisms and funding to support this effort,' he said. He also instructed the secretaries-general of both the Education Ministry and the Human Resources Ministry to closely monitor these institutions to ensure they are delivering top-tier training. 'On top of that, I urge them to also monitor high-profit private companies. They must be prepared to give back, even a little, to their workers,' Anwar said. The exemption applies only to private institutions following the government's move to expand the 6% service tax to private education services beginning July 2025.
Daily Express
01-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Over 450 Pulau Gaya residents benefit from HRD Corp outreach
Published on: Sunday, June 01, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 01, 2025 Text Size: Sim and others at the event. KOTA KINABALU: The Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) and Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) have extended skills training and aid to over 450 residents of Pulau Gaya through the 'Sentuhan Kesuma bersama HRD Corp di Bawah Bayu' community outreach programme. Held in conjunction with National Training Week 2025, the event featured hands-on workshops in digital marketing, drop shipping, and floral entrepreneurship for women, youth, and students from Kampung Gaya, Lok Urai, Torong Logong and Kesuapan. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the ministry aims to reach 60,000 Sabahans with skills training this year, adding that national progress depends on equipping the people with better skills. HRD Corp also launched a strategic partnership with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) under the SHINE initiative to establish Malaysia's first lifelong learning hub focused on workforce development and research. The event also saw the launch of an Industrial and Community Training Centre and included RM36,000 in equipment support for local tourism training, alongside RM20,000 in PTA donations, food baskets, and 700 life jackets for islanders. * 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
