First toll free period ended April 21, toll free travels on April 24 next, says LLM
KUALA LUMPUR: The four-day free toll for all classes of vehicles on 33 highways nationwide, which began on April 19 ended at 11.59pm Friday (April 21), says the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM). In a statement posted on its Facebook page Saturday (April 22) night, LLM reminded highway users that the next toll-free day is on April 24. "Therefore, road users are urged to ensure that the balance on their Touch & Go cards and ewallets is sufficient before entering any highway," the statement read. On April 18, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a Rahmah toll free initiative for four days on all highways in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year. He said highway users will be enjoying the toll-rides rides to return to their hometowns from April 19 to April 21 and also on April 24.
Source:The Star
April 22, 2023 15:57 UTC
Prospects of 5G dual network may be positive for telcos
A report by Reuters has speculated that the government could opt for there to be a second 5G telecommunications network, which would be a move away from the decision to have a single wholesale 5G network. Malaysia has been going with the concept of having a single wholesale network (SWN) with state-owned Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) as a neutral party providing a 5G network for all other companies to tap on. All mobile operators in the country, except for Maxis Bhd , have agreed to use DNB’s network. The government has been studying the SWN model and will make a decision on whether to continue with the concept. The Reuters report noted that the government is considering the introduction of a second 5G network from January 2024, in line with its policy of promoting competition and dismantling monopolies.
Source:The Star
April 22, 2023 12:36 UTC
Asian FX set for weekly losses as Fed rate hike bets weigh
(April 21): Asian currencies dipped in holiday-thinned trading on Friday (April 21), and were on course for weekly losses, as the increased probability of an interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve at its next meeting continued to weigh on sentiment. Asian markets have largely been subdued this week, with the lack of significant triggers keeping trading confined to narrow ranges. Money markets are now pricing in a nearly 86% chance the Fed will hike rates by 25 basis points next month, compared to a 69% chance last week. This likelihood of an interest rate hike in May was further reinforced by Fed speakers overnight. Back in Asia, shares in Seoul fell 0.7% and were set for their first weekly loss in six.
Source:The Edge Markets
April 22, 2023 00:49 UTC
QuickCheck: Does running ruin your knees?
However, many do not enjoy running as they believe that this activity would eventually lead to one suffering from knee injuries. But does running cause knee injury in the long run? Verdict:2020544FALSEWhile it is easy to associate knee injuries with running as the move pummels knees more than walking does on the knee joints, this movement could help you stave off knee arthritis. Recent studies showed that running likely also fortifies and bulks up the cartilage, the rubbery tissue that cushions the ends of bones. In fact, most knee injuries caused by running are in fact overuse injuries - when you put more stress on your body than it can handle.
Source:The Star
April 21, 2023 07:29 UTC
Plant fertilisers: It's not what you use, but how you use it that's important
Someone once asked me what it takes to remove chemical fertilisers from modern agriculture. The importance of synthetic nitrogen fertilisers, together with other plant essential element chemical fertilisers, have allowed human civilisations to expand their populations rapidly and our societies to become increasingly sophisticated culturally, politically and economically. Students at Universiti Putra Malaysia are taught the correct method of fertigation using soluble fertilisers (chemical fertilisers) to grow their vegetables. Organic fertilisers also provide organic matter, which chemical fertilisers do not. Instead, agriculture today is becoming increasingly sustainable by combining the best of both worlds of chemical and organic fertilisers.
Source:The Star
April 21, 2023 07:19 UTC
Nazir Razak retires as BPMB non-executive chairman, effective April 22
KUALA LUMPUR (April 20): Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd (BPMB) said that Tan Sri Nazir Razak would retire from his position as the bank’s non-executive chairman upon completion of his two-year tenure, effective April 22. Nazir, 56, was formerly the chief executive officer and chairman of CIMB Group before joining BPMB in 2021. He oversaw the planned consolidation of development finance institutions (DFIs). “I would like to thank the government for the opportunity to serve BPMB over the last two eventful years,” said Nazir in a statement on Thursday (April 20). “In this time, we successfully completed the merger with Danajamin, significantly strengthened our management bench, improved operations and overall governance, resulting in a stronger and more integrated BPMB group today.
Source:The Edge Markets
April 20, 2023 20:09 UTC
Shopping addict hospitalised after debts pile up
PETALING JAYA: Mounting debts from money lenders led to a suicide attempt that has now left a woman hospitalised. A compulsive obsession to shop led to multiple loans from money lenders. From Jan 2023 till now she had borrowed money from at least 39 money lenders with a combined debt of RM67,200. In addition, she had also used her husband's details to accrue additional loans, leading to another RM49,500 from 13 other money lenders. I urge all to rush their loved ones to seek medical help if they see such behaviour," he said.
Source:The Star
April 20, 2023 15:44 UTC
Dow dips, S&P 500 stable after medtech gains, Netflix drag
The Dow was weighed down by declines in Walt Disney Co and UnitedHealth Group Inc shares following results from rivals in their respective industries. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 79.62 points, or 0.23%, to 33,897.01; the S&P 500 lost 0.35 points, or 0.01%, at 4,154.52; and the Nasdaq Composite added 3.81 points, or 0.03%, at 12,157.23. The defensive utilities group gained most among S&P 500 sectors, rising 0.8%. S&P 500 companies overall are expected to post a 4.8% decline in first-quarter earnings from the year-earlier period, according to Refinitiv IBES. The S&P 500 posted 16 new 52-week highs and one new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 59 new highs and 123 new lows.
Source:The Edge Markets
April 20, 2023 10:49 UTC
Health Ministry: Number of Covid-19 patient admissions increases by 26.2%
KUALA LUMPUR: The number of Covid-19 patient admissions to the Health Ministry hospitals per 100,000 residents increased by 26.2% in the 15th epidemiological week from April 9 to 15 compared to the previous week. "A total of 80.7% involved patients aged 60 years and above while 82.6% were among individuals with comorbidities," read the statement. It said the death rate among patients who had never been vaccinated was six times higher than those who had received a booster dose. "...the public, especially high-risk individuals, are advised to get a booster dose due to waning immunity within three to six months of the last dose," according to the statement. The Health Ministry also reminded Malaysians to take precautionary measures to curb the increase in Covid-19 infection cases during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Source:The Star
April 20, 2023 00:01 UTC
MAHB expects to welcome more airlines after 125% jump in 1Q passenger traffic
MAHB’s passenger movements continued to grow steadily in March, registering three million international and 3.7 million domestic passengers. Both MAHB’s international and domestic segments showed an increase in passenger movements by more than 10% each, compared to February 2023. March alone saw 9.4 million in total passenger movements. At the group level, MAHB recorded total passenger movements of 9.4 million in March 2023. SAW registered 1.5 million international and 1.3 million domestic passenger movements.
Source:The Edge Markets
April 19, 2023 11:55 UTC
Stanley Thai's daughter Cecile says she quit Supermax after experiencing 'bullying and silencing'
Cecile was then denied access to a remuneration committee meeting via a Zoom video conference in May 2022, despite being a member of the committee. She claimed that a discussion on the group's corporate governance report, during which she gave her views, was also omitted from the minutes of the board meeting. "In October 2022, I stated my view that in order for our Corporate Governance Report to be accurate, we ought to disclose that we 'departed' from Practice 1.6 of the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance. The concerted attempt by the board to act against corporate governance practices, she said, is against her principles, ethics and values. Read also:Stanley Thai’s daughter Cecile resigns from Supermax board, cites disagreement over several matters
Source:The Edge Markets
April 19, 2023 08:55 UTC
Haze, hot spell: Use brollies, wear masks and limit outdoor activities, advises Health Minister
PETALING JAYA: The current hot season is expected to continue leading to poor air quality. As such, the public is advised to take precautionary measures as the haze situation is expected to worsen with air quality dropping in several areas in the country. The areas that recorded unhealthy air quality levels with Air Pollutant Index (API) readings of 150 and 120 were Johan Setia (Selangor) and Kota Baru (Kelantan). "People should limit physical activities during the hot weather which could lead to illness and limit being outdoors, use suitable face masks and protect themselves from the haze by using umbrellas and caps to prevent direct exposure to the hot weather," said Dr Zaliha in a statement on Wednesday (April 19). Dr Zaliha said the public can access information on the heat wave and haze at http://www.myhealth.gov.my/ cuaca-panas-a-kesihatan, https://www.infosihat.gov.my/ index.php/isu-semasa/51-jerebu orhttps://www.moh.gov.my/index.
Source:The Star
April 19, 2023 07:12 UTC
We did not consent to have our services included on airasia Super App, says Batik Air
KUALA LUMPUR (April 18): Malaysia-based Batik Air, a member of Indonesia's Lion Air Group, has joined national carrier Malaysia Airlines Bhd to say that it has not given consent for AirAsia Super App to include its services on the airasia Super App. It claimed that AirAsia Super App had acted in an "unauthorised manner" by putting the airline’s and Indonesian low-cost carrier Super Air Jet’s flights up for sale on the app. "We wish to notify the public that Batik Air Malaysia, and all the airlines within the Lion Air Group, namely Lion Air, Batik Air Indonesia and Wing’s Air, and Super Air Jet have not given any consent for AirAsia Super App to include their services in the airasia Super App," Batik Air said in a statement on Tuesday (April 18). The airline said it has demanded AirAsia Super App to immediately remove or delete all unauthorised products and services of the group and Super Air Jet from the airasia Super App, failing which it will "seek legal redress in accordance with the laws of Malaysia". Earlier, Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd group managing director Captain Izham Ismail said the aviation group has filed for an injunction to stop AirAsia from selling Malaysia Airlines tickets on its airasia Super App.
Source:The Edge Markets
April 18, 2023 17:34 UTC
Second 5G rollout a ‘bonus’ for the industry
PETALING JAYA: A second 5G network may lead to lower access charges and translate into better earnings for telecommunication companies (telcos). Reuters had reported that Malaysia might introduce a second 5G network in 2024. “We reiterate our ‘overweight’ stance on the sector and see a second 5G network as a bonus to the sector, if it materialises,” said Kenanga Research in a report yesterday. The introduction of a second 5G network operator, it said, would challenge DNB’s grip on the market, spurring competition that could result in reduced 5G leasing charges – a boon to the telcos. “Wider coverage, better affordability and faster speed are set to boost subscriptions and average revenue per user,” the research house added.
Source:The Star
April 18, 2023 13:24 UTC
Five men arrested for assaulting woman, throwing her from bridge
SHAH ALAM: Police arrested five men believed to have been involved in assaulting, slashing and injuring a woman before throwing the victim under the Kampung Sawah Banting bridge in Selangor. Kuala Langat district police chief Supt Ahmad Ridhwan Mohd Nor @ Saleh said police received a tip-off from the public on April 13 at 3.25am about shouts for help from under the bridge. Ahmad Ridhwan said the victim had been hit and injured with a cane and received cuts from a sharp object by several assailants who then dumped the victim under the bridge. "Based on information received, a team from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Kuala Langat district police headquarters arrested five local men on the same day around Banting and seized a Proton Perdana car and a cane,” he said. "All the suspects have been remanded for four days and investigated under Section 364 and 326 of the Penal Code for causing serious injuries,” he added.
Source:The Star
April 17, 2023 22:45 UTC