Reeling in reluctant retailers
The retail net selling in March was also the ninth consecutive month of selling by local retailers and the trend continued into April. “I would expect retail investors to gradually increase exposure if the market remains buoyant, which is what we expect,” he said. In April their purchases had amounted to RM2.9bil, absorbing the net selling by retailers and foreign institutions. While institutional buyers appear to be manning market trajectory, would lower trading costs by online trading platform Rakuten Trade and Moomoo get local retailers to return to the market? That was also at a time when local institutional involvement in the local market was lower at 27% to 30%, data reveals.
Source:The Star
May 01, 2024 17:20 UTC
Stop work order issued to rubber glove factory for pollution
ALOR SETAR: The Environment Department (DOE) has taken action against a rubber glove factory by issuing a stop work order after it was found to be releasing untreated effluents into public drains. "After inspecting the drainage system, our investigator identified the source of the effluent discharge - a factory releasing blue-coloured effluents directly into public drains, contaminating a 70-metre stretch. She added that the factory has been instructed to stop the discharge of polluted effluents immediately and has been served with a stop work order. The direct release of untreated effluents is a violation of Regulation 5 of the Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluent) Regulations 2009. Sharifah Zakiah said follow-up inspections would be conducted to confirm the effectiveness of the corrective actions before the factory can resume operations.
Source:The Star
March 16, 2024 14:48 UTC
Thriving in the job market amidst the AI boom
THE rise of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, is creating significant interest for its potential to transform industries and job markets. He emphasises the importance for tech students to not only grasp the evolution of AI but also to understand disruptive technologies to stay one step ahead. Students must always be ready to learn and acquire new and relevant skills to position themselves favourably in the burgeoning job market. The programme aims to cultivate tech engineers capable of designing, developing, deploying and maintaining AI systems, empowering them to become proficient technology developers and future talents in AI. AI graduates have diverse career options including becoming AI engineers, machine learning engineers, data engineers, robotics engineers, software engineers and data scientists.
Source:The Star
March 15, 2024 16:03 UTC
Lodge reports with ministry if you find Israeli-made products in the market, says Armizan
KUALA LUMPUR: The public should lodge complaints with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry if they find any Israeli-made products being sold in the Malaysian market, says minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali (pic). Aside from monitoring prices of goods under its “Ops Pantau”, Armizan said the ministry is also checking for Israeli products in the market in the same operation. He said this following recent reports where dates from Israel were found to be sold in Malaysia. This was after the department was notified of social media postings on Monday by netizens claiming that repackaged Israeli dates were being sold in Malaysia. We will ensure no dates from Israel are being distributed and offered to consumers,” Armizan replied.
Source:The Star
March 14, 2024 15:47 UTC
Pemandu payment did not use Mitra allocation, says minister
PUTRAJAYA: The National Unity Ministry has denied that the payment of fees to the consulting firm Pemandu for strategic planning affairs and roadmap workshops for the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) comes from the unit’s allocation. Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the payment to the firm was made through the operational allocation of the ministry in accordance with existing financial procedures, namely the Treasury Circular PK 3.2. "I deny that the payment of fees to this firm utilises Mitra's allocation. I also want to refute claims that Pemandu will manage the process to review applications, financial assistance, and allocation distribution of Mitra," he said in a statement. I urge everyone to participate in this survey by providing views, suggestions, and ideas regarding the direction of Mitra," he said.
Source:The Star
March 14, 2024 15:02 UTC
Tanjung Rambutan shop in hot water for hoarding cooking oil
IPOH: A shop in Tanjung Rambutan here has landed in hot water after refusing to sell bagged cooking oil to the public. "The cashier told our personnel that cooking oil was sold out and asked them to return the following evening. "They found about 1,248kg of the cooking oil bags in the storeroom and seized the controlled goods, which was worth about RM3,120," he said in a statement on Wednesday (March 13). Kamalludin said the shop was issued with a stock declaration notice under Section 8 of the Control of Supplies Act. "The community is urged to continue being the eyes and ears, channelling information on misappropriation of controlled and subsidised goods," he said.
Source:The Star
March 13, 2024 23:47 UTC
Exploring central Vietnam with a fresh perspective
My Son Sanctuary has many Hindu temples and monuments that were constructed over a period of 10 centuries. Between the 4th and 19th centuries, they dominated the seaside region now part of central Vietnam as a massive maritime power. Drawing spiritual inspiration from the visiting Indian traders, Cham Kings progressively established there between the 4th and 13th centuries several Hindu temples, dedicated to the God Shiva. I saw some more Hindu temples, like the ones in My Son Sanctuary, in Quy Nhon, which was my next stop. Besides Hindu temples and tranquil beaches, the city is home to luxurious resorts, trendy restaurants and cafes and exotic street food joints.
Source:The Star
March 13, 2024 22:29 UTC
Health Ministry resumes Ramadan op to ensure food safety
PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry’s Ramadan Operation will be resumed simultaneously at all food premises, including Ramadan bazaars, operating throughout the country to ensure the safety of food sold. According to the ministry, with the cooperation of the local authorities, it also organises food safety briefings for Ramadan bazaar operators, ensuring that the food handlers have taken the anti-typhoid vaccination and undergo food operator training. In addition, it said awareness campaigns related to food safety to the public, operators and operators of raw material premises, food preparation, and food suppliers are also conducted through health education materials, mass media, electronic media and social media. It advised the public to prioritise food safety throughout Ramadan when choosing food for the breaking of fast. Consumers who have any questions regarding food safety issues can contact any district health office, the nearest state Health Department or visit the website http://moh.spab.gov.my and the Food Safety and Quality Programme (PKKM) website www.facebook.com/bkkmhq.
Source:The Star
March 12, 2024 15:37 UTC
Lower OPR hike caused ringgit's decline, Amir Hamzah tells Parliament
KUALA LUMPUR: The lower Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) increase by Malaysia as compared to the Philippines, Indonesia, Korea and India is one of the main reasons for the ringgit's decline, says Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. The Second Finance Minister said while Malaysia’s OPR remained at 3% after it was increased by 125 basis points, the Philippines, Indonesia, Korea and India increased their key policy rates by 200 to 450 basis points, much higher than Malaysia. "The lower OPR increase compared to those countries is one of the main reasons for the ringgit's decline. "The significant difference in interest rates with the United States which is as much as 250 basis points prompts foreign investors to shift their capital out of the domestic market to markets that provide higher returns. "Now, the confidence in foreign investors who are investing in Malaysia is also encouraging.
Source:The Star
March 11, 2024 23:08 UTC
Ahmadi teaching: Home Ministry zeroes in on elements causing threats, unrest
1 day agoHome Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today said he is working closely with Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar on the issue of the "Ahmadi Religion of Light and Peace." He told a press conference this after the launch of the PDRM Special Dialogue 2024 today. ---------------------------------- #NST #NSTTV visit us at www.nst.com.my our Facebook www.facebook.com/nstonline more news at www.twitter.com/NST_Online and also w...Show more
Source:New Strait Times
March 11, 2024 10:49 UTC
Get ready for the heavy traffic during Ramadan, highway concessionaires told
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Highway Authority has instructed all highway concessionaires to make thorough preparations, especially during peak hours, to ensure highway users have comfortable, safe and smooth travels throughout Ramadan. He urged highway concessionaires to consider changes in the commuting hours of users throughout the month of Ramadan when implementing lane closures for maintenance works, adding that they must identify hotspots and provide temporary additional facilities to manage the increase in traffic volume. "They should enhance cooperation with the Royal Malaysia Police to facilitate traffic movement, especially at critical locations such as at traffic lights after highway exits to prevent traffic overflow,” read the statement. He said the Works Ministry and the authority, as well as all highway concessionaires, must always be mindful of the comfort of highway users and strive to provide the best services. Highway users can contact the authority’s traffic management centre at 1-800-88-7752 for information on traffic conditions or to get help.- Bernama
Source:The Star
March 11, 2024 05:07 UTC
Former IGP Acryl Sani conferred Singapore's distinguished service order
SINGAPORE: Former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani was conferred the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Distinguished Service Order) by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam here Thursday. Acryl Sani, who is also Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad (PUNB) chairman, was conferred the award in recognition of his role in strengthening the close bilateral relations between the Royal Malaysia Police and the Singapore Police Force (SPF). SPF said his leadership as former IGP has enhanced the safety and security of both countries by countering the threats of terrorism, drugs and transnational crime. "Under Tan Sri Acryl’s leadership, the collaboration between the Royal Malaysia Police and the SPF was substantially strengthened. Singapore’s Commissioner of Police Hoong Wee Teck said: "We will continue to work closely with the Royal Malaysia Police to combat transnational crime and overcome new and emerging security challenges.”While here, Acryl Sani also made courtesy calls on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Hoong.
Source:The Star
March 09, 2024 21:27 UTC
MCA consistently stands firmly by its principles, says Dr Wee at 75th anniversary celebration
The MCA president also said that the party had consistently stood firm and adhered to its principles, while maintaining an open attitude. Dr Wee highlighted the importance of strengthening MCA and Barisan Nasional (BN) as a key factor in stable political cooperation. He stressed the need for MCA to become a valuable, powerful, and influential political party to secure favourable positions and conditions. Wee Ka Siong (fifth left) along with Mah Hang Soon and party leaders stand proudly as they celebrate the 75th anniversary. Meanwhile, Dr Wee acknowledged the current challenges facing Barisan, describing it as being at a "low ebb".
Source:The Star
March 09, 2024 19:14 UTC
Tourism M’sia targets more international flights coming in
LANGKAWI: Tourism Malaysia is hopeful that Routes Asia 2024 will be the catalyst for the increased number of international flights coming into Malaysia to pre-pandemic levels or more, says its senior director for international promotion (Asean) Mohd Shahrir Mohd Ali. According to Mohd Shahrir, accessibility to Malaysia has not been the same since Covid-19 hit back in 2020. Mohd Shahrir said the introduction of the Charter Flight Matching Grant incentive would continue boosting the industry, with three categories as its focus. “One is increasing the existing flights, the second is looking at new airlines for more routes and the last is chartered flights. Meanwhile, Mohd Shahrir said the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) will continue playing an important role within the tourism and aviation industries.
Source:The Star
March 04, 2024 12:43 UTC
Narrowing gap in EPF dividends for conventional, syariah savings an achievement, says Amir Hamzah
TAPAH: The gap between the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) dividend rate for conventional and syariah savings declared this year has reduced compared to previous year, says Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. "If we look at the returns, the 5.5% dividend rate is among the highest declared. EPF earlier on Sunday declared a dividend rate of 5.5% for conventional savings for 2023, with a total payout of RM50.3bil and a 5.4% dividend rate for syariah savings, with a total payout of RM7.5bil. For 2022, EPF declared a dividend rate of 5.35% for conventional savings with a total payout of RM45.44bil and 4.75% for syariah savings, with a payout amounting to RM5.7bil. So for EPF, we see the longer one keeps their money, there is a bigger compounding (interest) effect," he said.
Source:The Star
March 03, 2024 22:09 UTC