Latest news with #PerakDigitalEconomyActionPlan2030
The Star
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Perak vape ban decision pending further talks, says MB
IPOH: A decision on whether to ban vape products in Perak has yet to be made pending further discussions, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. While the state executive council meeting briefly raised the matter, the Perak Mentri Besar said a more in-depth review is still required. 'A study needs to be conducted before any firm decision can be made. 'I have spoken to the state health committee chairman A. Sivanesan about it, but there are several matters that must be carefully considered. 'Among the factors being weighed are public health concerns and the potential impact on local vape traders,' he said after launching two strategic plans for the state here yesterday. On May 23, Saarani said that Perak is ready to consider the proposal to ban the sale of vape products and that he would try to bring the matter to the exco meeting the following week. Saarani added in the press conference that he had also received a request from the operators' (vape) association to discuss the matter. 'These are issues that need to be thoroughly examined. 'So any move to regulate or ban vape sales must take into account both health implications and economic effects on traders.' Saarani said with Sivanesan tasked with reviewing the matter from both a health and business impact perspective, a final decision will be made once all considerations are fully explored. 'I hope the matter will be tabled at the exco meeting as soon as possible,' he said. Earlier on at the event, Saarani said the state marked a new milestone with the launch of two strategic plans aimed at transforming Perak into an inclusive, sustainable and competitive smart state driven by the digital economy. The Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and the Perak State Smart City Blueprint 2040, Saarani said, are designed to strengthen digital infrastructure, empower human capital, and stimulate innovation and technology investment. He said the simultaneous launch of both plans marks a key step towards building a more efficient, resilient and high-quality urban environment, with a positive impact on Perak's socio-economic development. 'We are now in an era of rapid digital transformation, and if we act too slowly, we will be left behind. That is why the digital economy agenda has been identified as one of the nine main agendas under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan. 'Our goal is clear: to build an inclusive, resilient and sustainable economy.'
The Sun
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Vape ban: Perak to make decision after thorough study
IPOH: The Perak government is currently conducting a comprehensive review on the need to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes) in the state. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the matter was recently raised in the State Executive Council (MMK) meeting, but there are issues that need to be examined in greater depth. According to him, the matter has also been entrusted to State Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan for further scrutiny. 'I have spoken to him (Sivanesan) about the issue, as it requires an in-depth study from a health perspective, but there are also several other aspects that must be considered. 'In addition, we have also received a request from the vape traders' association for a meeting, so there are matters we need to review before making any decision,' he said at a press conference after launching the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and Perak Smart Cities Blueprint 2040 here today. Also present were State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching and State Communication, Multimedia and NGOs Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi Helmi. Saarani said the study is expected to be presented at the upcoming MMK meeting and will cover all aspects, including health and the impact on vape traders and other stakeholders. Previously, Saarani had stated that any decision on banning vape sales was expected to be made at the MMK meeting on May 28.
New Straits Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Vape ban Perak to make decision after thorough study
IPOH: The Perak government is currently conducting a comprehensive review on the need to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes) in the state. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the matter was recently raised in the State Executive Council (MMK) meeting, but there are issues that need to be examined in greater depth. He said the matter has also been entrusted to State Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan for further scrutiny. "I have spoken to him (Sivanesan) about the issue, as it requires an in-depth study from a health perspective, but there are also several other aspects that must be considered. "In addition, we have also received a request from the vape traders' association for a meeting, so there are matters we need to review before making any decision," he said at a press conference after launching the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and Perak Smart Cities Blueprint 2040 here today. Also present were State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching and State Communication, Multimedia and NGOs Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi Helmi. Saarani said the study is expected to be presented at the upcoming MMK meeting and will cover all aspects, including health and the impact on vape traders and other stakeholders. He had previously said that any decision on banning vape sales was expected to be made at the MMK meeting on May 28. – Bernama
New Straits Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Perak charts course to smart state with two strategic plans
KUALA LUMPUR: The Perak state government has launched the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and the Perak State Smart City Blueprint 2040, as part of its long-term vision to modernise the state. The twin initiatives aim to transform the northern state, with a population of around 2.8 million, into an inclusive, sustainable and competitive smart state driven by the digital economy. The strategic plans are centred on strengthening digital infrastructure, developing human capital and fostering innovation and technology investment to drive comprehensive, high-impact socio-economic growth. Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the successful implementation of smart cities supports digital economic development, while digital economic growth strengthens a city's ability to become smarter and more resilient. "The Digital Economy Agenda is one of nine key agendas under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan, launched in 2021, to develop an inclusive, resilient and sustainable socio-economy for all people of Perak," Saarani said in a statement. Meanwhile, he emphasised that both action plans were developed holistically and inclusively from the ground up. "We took into account feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including federal and state departments and agencies, local authorities, the private sector, academia, NGOs, and local communities. "This ensures that all strategies and initiatives are not only responsive to current demands but are also resilient enough to face future challenges with greater effectiveness and sustainability," he said. As a prime mover for a large part of the implementation of Perak Sejahtera 2030, Perak State Development Corp chief executive officer Datuk Redza Rafiq said both plans serve as comprehensive frameworks for driving digital technology adoption. He added the plans aim to improve the efficiency of public services, urban management and the overall quality of life for the people. "This, in turn, will further strengthen the state's administrative capabilities and position Perak as a more efficient and competitive state. "The action plan and the blueprint will serve as key reference points in realigning development priorities in a more systematic, progressive and data-driven manner, in support of the aspirations of Perak Sejahtera 2030," he added.
The Sun
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Perak launches Digital Economy Action Plan 2030, Smart City Blueprint 2040
IPOH: The Perak state government today launched two important documents - the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and the Perak Smart City Blueprint 2040. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said both documents were formulated based on the Perak Sejahtera 2030 vision, aimed at making the state more efficient, sustainable and prosperous through digital empowerment and data-driven urban planning. He said the Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 focuses on four main pillars: access to quality digital infrastructure, efficient digital public administration, a dynamic digital-driven business ecosystem, and an empowered digital society. 'A total of 21 programmes have been identified, with five catalytic projects prioritised. These include expanding digital coverage through the JENDELA initiative, developing Point-of-Presence (POP) infrastructure, and using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to improve connectivity in rural areas,' he said at the launch held at Hotel Casuarina here today. Other key initiatives include strengthening cashless payment systems for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and establishing centres of excellence such as the Smart Perak Research and Innovation Centre (SPRIN) and AI Academy. As for the Smart City Blueprint 2040, Saarani said it outlines seven core components, 22 policies, 52 strategies, and 132 phased initiatives to be implemented up to 2040, aimed at driving smart city development across the state. 'The blueprint aims to build cities that are more inclusive, responsive and sustainable, centred around the People-Centric Smart City concept which focuses on public needs and wellbeing,' he said. He also thanked the four local authorities — Ipoh City Council (MBI), Teluk Intan Municipal Council (MPTI), Manjung Municipal Council (MPM) and Kampar District Council (MDKpr) — for being early adopters of the smart city agenda. To ensure effective and impactful implementation of both plans, the state has established the Perak Digital Economy Council (MEDi) and the Perak Smart City Steering Committee. 'MEDi comprises four strategic pillars - infrastructure, economy, public digitalisation, and society, with each led by the respective state executive councillor. 'The Smart City Steering Committee will follow a similar structure, as both initiatives are interconnected,' he added.
