Latest news with #Putrajaya

Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
From 300 to 1,000 schools: PM credits govt-private sector unity for Madani education push
PUTRAJAYA, June 20 — PUTRAJAYA, June 20 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today hailed the government's national school transformation initiative as a resounding success, with nearly 1,000 schools now participating – far exceeding the original target of 300. Speaking at the Sekolah Angkat Malaysia Madani event here, Anwar praised the Education Ministry, other government agencies, and corporate partners for their collective contributions. Calling the achievement 'extraordinary', Anwar said it was made possible through strong collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities under the Madani framework. 'The government and private sector in Malaysia are amazing and this is an extraordinary achievement,' he said at the Sekolah Angkat Malaysia Madani event held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. Expressing his thanks, Anwar named Petronas, TNB, Telekom Malaysia and Sime Darby for being among the earliest corporations to respond to his government's push to improve education in Malaysia. 'As we all know, we can't move forward without the readiness and acceptance of the public. That is the plan for the next 10 years. 'We wanted to launch with 300 members, now, with the way the government and private sector in Malaysia are working together, we've reached 1,000 schools. So congratulations and thank you,' he said. Under the Madani school adoption programme, government-linked companies and wholly private firms pledge to contribute financially to schools in need, especially those in need of infrastructure support. Anwar said that the private sector's participation allows the government to focus on building new schools, roads, health facilities and more. 'Once we get this programme running it would be great to have the CEO or executives visit these schools, say twice a year, spend an hour or two to talk with the kids. 'Expose them to the world, work and truths. That way, they will be encouraged and have a role model to look up to,' he added.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Energy Commission: Up to 19pc reduction as Putrajaya unveils progressive electricity tariff, new rebates for low-use households
More than 23.6 million domestic users in peninsular Malaysia will benefit from lower and fairer electricity tariffs under a revised structure starting 1 July 2025. The average base tariff has been reduced to 45.40 sen/kWh, with incentives for energy-efficient users and extended off-peak hours introduced to promote lower consumption. Special rebates and social support will continue, while a more transparent bill format and a new fuel adjustment mechanism will reflect actual monthly costs. PUTRAJAYA, June 20 — More than 23.6 million domestic electricity users in peninsular Malaysia are set to benefit from fairer and more progressive rates under a newly approved tariff structure that will come into effect from July 1. The new electricity tariff, which will run until December 31, 2027, falls under the Fourth Regulatory Period (RP4) of the Incentive-Based Regulation framework governed by the Electricity Supply Act 1990. 'The tariff revision involves a restructuring of the average base tariff rate, a new tariff schedule, and a revamped fuel cost adjustment mechanism,' the Energy Commission said in a statement today. The average base tariff has been revised to 45.40 sen/kWh, slightly lower than the 45.62 sen/kWh approved in December 2024, resulting in an overall average tariff reduction of up to 19 per cent compared to the previous regulatory period. Under the new tariff schedule, users will now be categorised based on voltage levels — domestic and non-domestic — while charges will reflect actual costs across energy, capacity, network, and retail components. The Energy Efficiency Incentive will benefit domestic users who consume 1,000 kWh or less, while non-domestic users using under 200 kWh will also be eligible for incentives. The Time of Use scheme has been updated to include extended off-peak hours from 10pm to 2pm on weekdays and all day on weekends, to encourage consumption during low-demand periods. The government will continue to offer social support, including special tariffs for agriculture, water services, and rail operators, a 10 per cent rebate for schools, places of worship and welfare homes, and a monthly RM40 rebate for hardcore poor households registered under e-Kasih. Electricity bills will adopt a more detailed itemised format to improve transparency, with energy-conscious users likely to see further savings. The new Automatic Fuel Adjustment mechanism will replace the current Imbalance Cost Pass-Through system, with adjustments made based on monthly fuel prices and exchange rates. Consumers can check their new rates from June 21 and use a bill calculator available from June 23 on the official TNB website.

Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Energy Commission: Up to 19pc reduction as Putrajaya unveils progressive electricity tariff, new rebates for low-use households
More than 23.6 million domestic users in peninsular Malaysia will benefit from lower and fairer electricity tariffs under a revised structure starting 1 July 2025. The average base tariff has been reduced to 45.40 sen/kWh, with incentives for energy-efficient users and extended off-peak hours introduced to promote lower consumption. Special rebates and social support will continue, while a more transparent bill format and a new fuel adjustment mechanism will reflect actual monthly costs. PUTRAJAYA, June 20 — More than 23.6 million domestic electricity users in peninsular Malaysia are set to benefit from fairer and more progressive rates under a newly approved tariff structure that will come into effect from July 1. The new electricity tariff, which will run until December 31, 2027, falls under the Fourth Regulatory Period (RP4) of the Incentive-Based Regulation framework governed by the Electricity Supply Act 1990. 'The tariff revision involves a restructuring of the average base tariff rate, a new tariff schedule, and a revamped fuel cost adjustment mechanism,' the Energy Commission said in a statement today. The average base tariff has been revised to 45.40 sen/kWh, slightly lower than the 45.62 sen/kWh approved in December 2024, resulting in an overall average tariff reduction of up to 19 per cent compared to the previous regulatory period. Under the new tariff schedule, users will now be categorised based on voltage levels — domestic and non-domestic — while charges will reflect actual costs across energy, capacity, network, and retail components. The Energy Efficiency Incentive will benefit domestic users who consume 1,000 kWh or less, while non-domestic users using under 200 kWh will also be eligible for incentives. The Time of Use scheme has been updated to include extended off-peak hours from 10pm to 2pm on weekdays and all day on weekends, to encourage consumption during low-demand periods. The government will continue to offer social support, including special tariffs for agriculture, water services, and rail operators, a 10 per cent rebate for schools, places of worship and welfare homes, and a monthly RM40 rebate for hardcore poor households registered under e-Kasih. Electricity bills will adopt a more detailed itemised format to improve transparency, with energy-conscious users likely to see further savings. The new Automatic Fuel Adjustment mechanism will replace the current Imbalance Cost Pass-Through system, with adjustments made based on monthly fuel prices and exchange rates. Consumers can check their new rates from June 21 and use a bill calculator available from June 23 on the official TNB website.


Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Cabinet mulls crackdown on drug-laced vapes on social media
Police said electronic cigarettes and vapes have become increasingly linked to the abuse of new synthetic drugs. PETALING JAYA : Putrajaya is looking to crack down on the sale of banned substances on social media, including drug-laced vape devices, says government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil. At a press conference, Fahmi said the matter was brought up by domestic trade and cost of living minister Armizan Mohd Ali at today's Cabinet meeting. 'The Cabinet was informed today by Armizan regarding the sale of illegal products online, including items that can be classified as drugs or narcotics, and those misused with vape devices,' he said. Fahmi said he will meet Armizan and health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad soon to discuss the implementation of enforcement measures on the issue. 'After our meeting, we will present the outcome to the Cabinet and take action either on those selling the products or the platforms that allow such products to be sold,' said the communications minister. Previously, deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said electronic cigarettes and vapes have become increasingly linked to the abuse of new synthetic drugs. He said students as young as 13 years old have been caught using vapes containing substances mixed with drugs, and urged more states to ban the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes. Ayob also said fentanyl has also been detected in vape liquids, with effects 100 times stronger and more dangerous than morphine and 20 to 40 times stronger than heroin.


Free Malaysia Today
5 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Debt reduction key to investor confidence, says Anwar
Putrajaya brought the deficit down from 5.5% in 2022 to 5% in 2023, and 4.1% last year. PETALING JAYA : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today reiterated the government's commitment to gradually reducing the national debt while ensuring continued development and investor confidence. Speaking at the finance ministry's monthly assembly in Putrajaya, Anwar said continuous efforts had been made since 2022 to bring down the country's fiscal deficit from 5.5% to the latest projection of 3.8% this year. 'Some people ask why we are so focused on reducing it. They say we should just give more to the people. But without this effort, there will be no (investor) confidence,' he said. Anwar, who is also finance minister, added that investor confidence would translate to investments, which could help raise the national revenue, provide job opportunities, and contribute to the nation's overall development. Putrajaya brought the deficit down from 5.5% in 2022 to 5% in 2023, and 4.1% last year. The Treasury had said this would slow the growth of the national debt with a drop in new government borrowings each year, from nearly RM100 billion in 2022 to RM92.6 billion in 2023, and around RM77 billion last year. Anwar also dismissed claims that the government's debt reduction efforts had compromised public welfare, saying the approach should be seen as a long-term strategy. 'Since we took over, the debt has been reduced by RM20 billion. 'It's like someone inheriting a company after his father passes away. The company owes RM50,000. The son can't be expected to settle the debt in a year – it has to be done in stages,' he said.