Latest news with #RM79
Barnama
7 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
New MARA College In Kapit To Narrow Urban-rural Education Gap
GENERAL KAPIT, June 14 (Bernama) -- The construction of a new MARA Professional College (KPM) campus in Kapit, Sarawak is a major step towards bridging the educational gap between urban and rural areas, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Speaking at the presentation ceremony of the Letter of Acceptance (SST) for the project at Dewan Suarah Kapit here today, Nanta said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that Kapit is not left behind in national development, particularly in terms of access to quality education. 'This SST handover is more than just a symbolic gesture. It demonstrates our firm resolve to bring equitable and high-quality education to rural communities,' he said. Nanta, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kapit, said the RM79 million project will benefit school leavers in the area by providing more opportunities for higher education and helping to develop a skilled, competitive workforce. Wangi Marine Services Sdn Bhd has been appointed as the main contractor for the project. Nanta stressed that there will be no compromise on quality, safety, or project timelines. 'I have instructed that no extension of time (EOT) will be approved. Instead, the project should aim to be completed ahead of schedule (AOT),' he said, adding that the responsibility lies with all parties involved to ensure the project's success. The new campus is expected to accommodate up to 300 students and will offer diploma programmes such as Business Studies, Plantation Management, and Information Technology. 'MARA has also indicated that additional diploma courses may be introduced based on local demand. 'An added advantage is that students will only need to pay a registration fee, with no tuition fees thereafter. This means parents won't have to apply for PTPTN loans. On top of that, students will receive a monthly allowance of RM300 — a much-needed support for rural families in Kapit,' he said.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
New MARA College in Kapit to narrow urban-rural education gap
KAPIT: The construction of a new MARA Professional College (KPM) campus in Kapit, Sarawak is a major step towards bridging the educational gap between urban and rural areas, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Speaking at the presentation ceremony of the Letter of Acceptance (SST) for the project at Dewan Suarah Kapit here today, Nanta said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that Kapit is not left behind in national development, particularly in terms of access to quality education. 'This SST handover is more than just a symbolic gesture. It demonstrates our firm resolve to bring equitable and high-quality education to rural communities,' he said. Nanta, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kapit, said the RM79 million project will benefit school leavers in the area by providing more opportunities for higher education and helping to develop a skilled, competitive workforce. Wangi Marine Services Sdn Bhd has been appointed as the main contractor for the project. Nanta stressed that there will be no compromise on quality, safety, or project timelines. 'I have instructed that no extension of time (EOT) will be approved. Instead, the project should aim to be completed ahead of schedule (AOT),' he said, adding that the responsibility lies with all parties involved to ensure the project's success. The new campus is expected to accommodate up to 300 students and will offer diploma programmes such as Business Studies, Plantation Management, and Information Technology. 'MARA has also indicated that additional diploma courses may be introduced based on local demand. 'An added advantage is that students will only need to pay a registration fee, with no tuition fees thereafter. This means parents won't have to apply for PTPTN loans. On top of that, students will receive a monthly allowance of RM300 — a much-needed support for rural families in Kapit,' he said. Nanta added that the project aligns with the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), which aims to create 1.6 million job opportunities by 2030 and supports Sarawak's vision of becoming a high-income state. 'This initiative is in line with the MADANI government's emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability, and the people's well-being,' he said. He also reminded the contractor to carry out the work with integrity and full adherence to safety standards, with a 'zero accident' target at the construction site. The campus, located along Jalan Song-Kapit about 15km from town, is scheduled for completion by December 5, 2029. The event was also attended by representatives from the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), and the Public Works Department (JKR) which is the implementing agency for the project.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
New MARA College in Kapit to boost rural education access
KAPIT: The construction of a new MARA Professional College (KPM) campus in Kapit, Sarawak is a major step towards bridging the educational gap between urban and rural areas, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Speaking at the presentation ceremony of the Letter of Acceptance (SST) for the project at Dewan Suarah Kapit here today, Nanta said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that Kapit is not left behind in national development, particularly in terms of access to quality education. 'This SST handover is more than just a symbolic gesture. It demonstrates our firm resolve to bring equitable and high-quality education to rural communities,' he said. Nanta, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kapit, said the RM79 million project will benefit school leavers in the area by providing more opportunities for higher education and helping to develop a skilled, competitive workforce. Wangi Marine Services Sdn Bhd has been appointed as the main contractor for the project. Nanta stressed that there will be no compromise on quality, safety, or project timelines. 'I have instructed that no extension of time (EOT) will be approved. Instead, the project should aim to be completed ahead of schedule (AOT),' he said, adding that the responsibility lies with all parties involved to ensure the project's success. The new campus is expected to accommodate up to 300 students and will offer diploma programmes such as Business Studies, Plantation Management, and Information Technology. 'MARA has also indicated that additional diploma courses may be introduced based on local demand. 'An added advantage is that students will only need to pay a registration fee, with no tuition fees thereafter. This means parents won't have to apply for PTPTN loans. On top of that, students will receive a monthly allowance of RM300 — a much-needed support for rural families in Kapit,' he said. Nanta added that the project aligns with the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), which aims to create 1.6 million job opportunities by 2030 and supports Sarawak's vision of becoming a high-income state. 'This initiative is in line with the MADANI government's emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability, and the people's well-being,' he said. He also reminded the contractor to carry out the work with integrity and full adherence to safety standards, with a 'zero accident' target at the construction site. The campus, located along Jalan Song-Kapit about 15km from town, is scheduled for completion by December 5, 2029. The event was also attended by representatives from the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), and the Public Works Department (JKR) which is the implementing agency for the project.
Barnama
30-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 30
Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen urged the public to remain calm and trust the government and the armed forces to resolve the recent border clash through negotiation. He also warned of fake news that could incite tensions between Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodia will host the 2nd Badminton Asia Southeast Asia Regional Championships 2025 from July 7 to 12. The tournament includes double and single categories in the U15, U17 and U23 age groups. It will be held at the Morodok Techo National Stadium. The government has pushed back against reports that Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio has backed out of an advisory role at Indonesia's state asset fund Danantara and said it remained in contact with the United States hedge fund titan's team. 2. NORTH SUMATRA TAKES ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL OF FOUR ISLANDS FORMERLY UNDER ACEH -- JAKARTA GLOBE The central government has officially reassigned four islands previously under Aceh's jurisdiction to the administrative authority of North Sumatra Province, North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution confirmed on Thursday. LAOS 1. HARSH PENALTY TO CURB ILLEGAL SURROGACY -- VIENTIANE TIMES Anyone involved in surrogacy in Loa will be punished with a 19-year prison sentence and fined up to 400 million kip (RM79,000). The warning comes after advertisements promoting illegal surrogacy were discovered. Hiring a surrogate mother needs a government doctor's approval. 2. PNEUMONIA TOPS LIST OF ILLNESS THREATENING KIDS -- VIENTIANE TIMES The Children's Hospital in Vientiane is strengthening paediatricians' skills to improve the health and mortality rate of newborns and infants. Pneumonia remains a leading illness at the hospital, followed by diarrhoea, upper respiratory tract infections and malaria. MYANMAR 1. ETHNIC ARMED GROUPS TOLD TO PROTECT PUBLIC SAFETY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government has urged all ethnic armed organisations and relevant parties to respect the temporary ceasefire to ensure rehabilitation works are carried out smoothly. Besides, addressing the current risks being faced by the nation, it is imperative to consider potential future dangers. 2. TAPPING OIL, GAS, SOLAR TO POWER THE NATION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Ministry of Energy is launching new offshore oil and gas projects to strengthen the energy sector. The government is also considering the import and installation of solar panels as they are key for power production for the country. SINGAPORE 1. 47 COUNTRIES TO ATTEND 22ND SHANGRI-LA DIALOGUE IN SINGAPORE -- THE STRAITS TIMES Forty-seven countries, including 40 minister-level delegates, will attend the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD), which takes place at the Shangri-La Hotel from May 30 to June 1. UNDERREPORTED PROBLEM? SURVEY FINDS 30% OF SINGAPORE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS CLAIM THEY HAVE BEEN BULLIED -- CNA A survey by CNA's Talking Point programme has found that student bullying could be more pervasive than official figures suggest, with about 30 per cent of secondary school students in Singapore claiming they have been bullied. THAILAND 1. SOMSAK VETOES MEDICAL COUNCIL'S RESOLUTION ON DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AGAINST -- DOCTORS THE NATION Public Health Minister Somsak vetoes Medical Council's disciplinary action against three doctors over Thaksin's hospital stay opinion. 2. FLOOD THREAT GROWS ALONG CHAO PHRAYA -- BANGKOK POST Bangkok is on heightened alert for potential flooding as high sea levels threaten low-lying areas along the Chao Phraya River through to Sunday, with temporary and permanent flood protection measures underway. VIETNAM 1. PROPOSAL TO BUILD RM2 BILLION CASINO IN QUANG NINH -- VIETNAM NEWS The Ministry of Finance is seeking the government's approval to build a tourism complex in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh province, including a luxury RM8.5 billion (US$2 billion) casino. The casino will be built on 244 hectares of land. 2. TRADE FAIR IN SOUTHERN CITY EYING GLOBAL SUPPLIERS -- VIETNAMPLUS Ho Chi Minh City will host the Vietnam International Hardware Expo 2025 and the Home Show Vietnam 2025 from June 4-6. The business-to-business trade fair, aimed at connecting global suppliers, will showcase hardware, household products and gifts. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
PetChem faces near-term headwinds, recovery likely in second half
KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd's (PetChem) earnings are expected to remain subdued in the second quarter of financial year 2025 (2QFY25), with a significant recovery anticipated only in the second half of 2025 (2H25). Urea and methanol prices, which had earlier contributed commendably to the group's performance, have eased going into 2Q25 as earlier supporting factors, including stronger feedstock prices and supply constraints, have gradually dissipated. As such, Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB Research) expects the group's fertilisers and methanol segment to record softer earnings in the coming quarter. The research house also expects the olefins and derivatives (O&D) division to remain under pressure in 2Q25, as ongoing feedstock disruptions at Petrochemicals Company Sdn Bhd (PPC) and utility supply issues in Kertih continue to weigh on the segment's profitability. In addition, polyolefin prices are expected to trend lower, amid a potential demand slowdown triggered by the United States' sweeping tariffs and a recent decline in oil prices that has reduced naphtha feedstock costs. "In light of the operational hiccups in Kertih and PPC, we expect PCG's bottom line to stay depressed in 2QFY25 and will only stage a meaningful recovery in 2H25," it noted. HLIB Research has maintained a 'Sell' call on PetChem, with a lower target price of RM2.50. The firm expects the petrochemical sector to remain challenging on the back of China's aggressive capacity expansion drive, coupled with unexciting demand outlook from the downstream sectors. "Not helping is PCG's PPC operations, which contribute a substantially higher depreciation and interest cost base that is not covered by PPC's negative earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation contribution, thus resulting in significant earnings dilution going forward," it said. In line with this, HLIB Research has also lowered its FY25 and FY26 earnings forecasts by 38 per cent and six per cent, respectively, and introduced an FY27 forecast of RM1.8 billion. PetChem recorded subdued 1Q25 core earnings of RM79 million which came in below HLIB Research's and street estimates at five per cent of FY25 forecasts. Core earnings dropped 84 per cent year-on-year (YoY) as O&D business slipped into negative territory. The earnings shortfall was attributed to extensive operational disruptions in the O&D segment, affecting both PPC and Kertih.
