BUTTERWORTH: The government has successfully saved over RM900mil in the past two years by applying the Generic Medicine Policy in the healthcare sector. Dr Dzulkefly said the rollout was part of a strategic shift towards a community-based healthcare model aimed at strengthening primary care and improving public health outcomes. He said this in his speech at the official ceremony for the new Seberang Jaya Hospital building. Construction of the new multi- storey block at Seberang Jaya Hospital began on May 16, 2016 and was completed on April 12, 2025, before phased operations began on May 5, 2025. With its completion, Seberang Jaya Hospital’s total capacity increased to 729 beds and 11 operating theatres, strengthening its role as a major referral hospital in the northern region.

SUNGAI PETANI: Fresh produce may be included as essential items under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme in time for the upcoming Ramadan, said Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim. The political secretary to the Finance Minister said this comes following requests for additional items to be included under the Sara list. “The ministry is considering including fresh goods such as fish, chicken and others. He added that the government is also exploring the best mechanisms to expand Sara to help ease the cost of living for the public. “Recipients will also be able to purchase items at more small shops, especially in rural areas,” he said.

RAYYAN Abdul has been checking his mobile phone to see if he can still use his social media accounts. While checks reveal that they can still log into social media platforms, some are dreading that the new ruling will change their lifestyle and social circles. “My parents always told me to ‘touch grass’. “Social media is fun. “Will I miss using them [social media platforms]?

For every kilogramme of microalgae biomass produced, approximately 1.85 kilogrammes of CO2 are captured during photosynthesis. The Microalgae CO2 Capture Startup Project was recently launched at the Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) at UTAR’s Kampar Campus. The collaborators from UCSI University are Assoc Prof Dr Yeap Swee Pin and Dr Sum Jing Yao. As part of the launch, Cheng introduced the microalgae CO2 absorption technology, sharing insights into the scientific principles and engineering approaches behind the system. The microalgae cultivation system will continue to operate as a visible feature on campus, offering opportunities for ongoing science, technology, engineering and mathematics outreach activities, knowledge transfer and public engagement.

KUANTAN; The Public Service Commission (PSC) is targeting 30,000 civil servant appointments this year, compared to 25,000 appointments last year. Its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Jailani Muhamed Yunus said the target was in line with the need to replace retiring officers as well as the government's ongoing efforts to ensure the continuity of public service delivery to the people. "The number of applications to the PSC recorded around 1.2 million in 2024, while last year it decreased to one million. He told reporters at the Kuantan PSC Madani Career Journey programme at a hotel here Sunday (Jan 25). "This programme was created to ensure that youths receive exposure and accurate information about career opportunities in the public service, whether at the federal or state level," he said.

PUTRAJAYA: Investing in occupational safety and health is a strategic investment critical for sustaining the nation’s robust economic growth, said Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. “We are indeed securing a strategic asset that drives innovation and resilience,” he said at the Malaysian Industrial Safety & Health Association (Misha) Awards Ceremony on Friday night. He said that occupational safety and health (OSH) should no longer be viewed as a peripheral issue but as one central to the nation’s well-being and productivity. “To the award recipients, your achievements epitomise trust, responsibility and leadership. The award, presented by Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and former Occupational Safety and Health Department director-general Omar Mat Piah, recognises impactful ­journalism on workplace safety and health.

JOHOR BARU: The Johor branch of the Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) has ordered an internal investigation into the death of a tower crane operator at an apartment construction project at Jalan Seri Austin 4, here on Friday (Jan 23). In a statement, Johor DOSH said it had also ordered the company involved to submit an internal investigation report to the department and further investigations would be conducted to identify the cause of the incident. According to the statement, based on initial investigations, a tower crane operator was found unconscious in the tower crane cabin. According to the statement, the tower crane was found to be in a free-standing condition at an estimated height of 20m. Earlier, the media reported that a tower crane operator died while working on a crane at Residensi Puncak Austin, Jalan Seri Austin 4, here, on Friday morning.

PETALING JAYA: It was triple joy for Malaysia after men's doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani captured the Indonesian Masters crown. After Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (women's doubles) and Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei (mixed doubles) won their respective titles earlier, Sze Fei-Izzuddin joined the party after beating world No. 23 homesters Raymond Indra-Nikolaus Joaquin 21-19, 21-13 at Istora Senayan in Jakarta on Sunday (Jan 25). 9 professionals ended their wait for a title after last claiming the Indian Open a year ago. It was a second consecutive men's doubles crown for Malaysia in the tournament after Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun triumphed in last year's edition.

TARGETS, quick wins, long-term impact and sustainability, are at the core of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2026–2035 (RPM 2026–2035), says the Education Ministry. Every programme carried out by the ministry will be guided by the core strategies (see infographic) outlined in the Blueprint, he said. Among the main goals of the new Blueprint is ensuring the national curriculum remains competitive and the top choice for the rakyat through character building, humane education and integration of technology such as artificial intelligence (AI). There will also be a revitalisation of a strong reading culture in schools, educational institutions, families, communities and the digital ecosystem through libraries, quality reading materials and the use of technology. Although it is a new Blueprint, there is continuity from the previous plan, which ended last year.

PETALING JAYA: Young shuttler Kong Wei Xiang received a timely boost ahead of the Asia Team Championships after capturing his maiden boys' singles title in the Under-21 National meet. This win is truly special because it feels like all the hard work and effort has finally paid off," said Wei Xiang. "This title certainly adds to my confidence, but more importantly, it strengthens my resolve," said Wei Xiang. To be selected for the Asia team meet as the youngest on the team is a profound privilege and a dream come true," said Wei Xiang. RESULTS (BAM unless stated)FinalMen's singles: Kong Wei Xiang bt Mohd Haziq Najib 15-13, 16-14.

PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles shuttlers Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei clinched the Indonesian Masters after a gritty comeback win over Denmark's Mathias Christiansen-Alexandra Boje. It was world No. 4 Tang Jie-Ee Wei's first title of the year. The pair exacted sweet revenge over world No. 10 Christiansen-Boje after losing to them in the Macau Open semi-finals last year.

PETALING JAYA: Women’s singles shuttlers Oo Shan Zi and Lim Zhi Shin are both good friends but they will put their friendship aside today as they battle for the Under-21 national title. Defending champion Zhi Shin was also in fine form when she easily beat Carine Tee 15-5, 15-3. The 18-year-old is eyeing her second consecutive title while Shan Zi, 19, is out to capture her maiden national crown. “Zhi Shin is a good friend of mine and also a very strong opponent,” said Shan Zi, who hails from Penang just like Zhi Shin. Women’s singles: Oo Shan Zi bt Eng Ler Qi 15-12, 18-20, 15-4; Lim Zhi Shin bt Carine Tee 15-5, 15-3.

In the world of social media and success stories that flood our feeds, the acronym BRRRR might have popped up. Short for Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance and Repeat, it has become a popular way to quickly build a property portfolio. The idea is pretty straightforward. An investor snags an undervalued property, gives it a facelift, rents it out, refinances to access some of that increased value and then dives back in to do it all over again.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast a hot and dry spell across most parts of Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in the northern region, until Jan 31. MetMalaysia's director-general, Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, said a convergence of winds is also expected over Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan from Jan 29 to 31. "This condition has the potential to bring thunderstorms with prolonged heavy rain to these areas during that period," he said in a post on MetMalaysia's Facebook page Sunday (Jan 25). He also advised the public to refer regularly to the department's official website and social media channels, or to download the myCuaca app for the latest and verified information.

KUANTAN: A teacher suffered losses amounting to RM325,000 after falling victim to a phone scam syndicate, involving individuals impersonating officers from the "anti-money laundering crime investigation team". He said the victim was instructed to transfer money, purportedly as bail, into several bank accounts provided by the suspects. Comm Yahaya added that the woman made 21 transactions, involving her personal savings and bank loans, to five different bank accounts, between Sept 29 and Nov 4, 2025. He also advised the public to remain calm when receiving calls from unknown individuals, particularly those claiming to represent enforcement agencies or financial institutions. Those who suspect they have been scammed should immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997," he said.