News

by AZALEA AZUAR

DESPITE Perikatan Nasional (PN) commanding strong support in the East Coast states of Kelantan and Terengganu, as well as Kedah, the coalition cannot wrest control of the federal government by dominating these areas alone.

Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) treasurer Datuk Iskandar Abdul Samad said the recent selection of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as PN chairman has been seen by many as a signal that he could become the coalition’s candidate for Malaysia’s 11th Prime Minister.

This has sparked speculation that the country may eventually see a Prime Minister from the East Coast.

“It cannot be denied that PN, especially PAS, is indeed strong there. PAS is also strong in Kedah and in several parts in Perak. However, being strong in the East Coast and the ‘Malay Belt’ alone does not guarantee that PN can take over the federal government.

“Even winning all the seats there would still not be enough to install Dr Sam (Ahmad Samsuri) as Prime Minister,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Iskandar, who is also a former Selangor State Executive Councillor, said that even with strong support in Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, these states could remain in the opposition and continue to be sidelined by the federal government if PN remains weak elsewhere.

He added that if Ahmad Samsuri is to become Prime Minister, PN, especially PAS, must expand its strength to other states nationwide, as success depends on coordinated, interconnected efforts rather than working in silos.

“We cannot take pride in what we have or what we have achieved while our allies are struggling.

“Their failure will ultimately lead to our failure on a larger scale,” Iskandar added.

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RISING global fuel prices due to tensions in the Middle East involving the US, Israel and Iran are driving Singapore motorists across the Johor Causeway to refuel in the city.

The move follows a spike in RON95 prices in the republic, now hitting SGD3.30 (RM10.12) per litre, the highest level in several years.

A survey by Utusan Malaysia at several petrol stations here found a noticeable presence of Singapore-registered vehicles filling up, even on weekdays.

A Singaporean, who wished to be known only as Daniel, said that although RON97 in Malaysia is considered expensive fuel, it remains far cheaper than RON95 in Singapore.

“If compared, refuelling here is indeed cheaper, not only because of the exchange rate, but also because the price itself is still lower compared to other countries. So it is definitely worth entering Malaysia to refuel vehicles,” he told Utusan.

Another Singaporean, Nor Aini Hassan, said the price gap between the two countries has become increasingly clear, with more drivers now making it a point to fill up before heading home.

“For me, the fuel quality is the same, the only significant difference is the price. Refuelling here is definitely more worthwhile. The Malaysian government also allows Singaporeans to purchase RON97, so there is no issue,” she said.

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KUCHING — The government is considering adopting modular construction systems to accelerate project implementation, particularly for educational infrastructure.

Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan (picture) said the Modular Precast System (MPS) is currently being introduced and shows strong potential within the country’s construction industry.

However, he noted that the system remains at the research and trial stage and has yet to be formalised as government policy.

“The system allows building components to be completed in a factory before being assembled on site, similar to connecting modules.

“For example, classrooms can be built as modules. If there are six units, they can be connected to form six classrooms, and completed within three to four months,” he said after inspecting the Kuching Federal Multipurpose Building Complex (BGP) project today. 

He said the approach could significantly reduce construction time compared to conventional methods, helping to address classroom shortages, particularly in overcrowded schools.

At present, the initiative is being considered for use in constructing additional classrooms as part of a pilot project.

“If it proves effective, the modular system could be expanded to other types of construction projects in the future,” he added.

In a related development, Ahmad Maslan said the Public Works Department (JKR) is currently implementing 1,492 education-related projects nationwide, with a total value of RM37.98 billion, including 77 projects in Sarawak worth RM4.13 billion. — BERNAMA

The post Ahmad Maslan: Govt considering modular construction to speed up school projects appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

KUCHING — About one-third of Public Works Department (JKR) projects nationwide are currently progressing ahead of schedule, said Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan.

He said that of the 855 ongoing projects, roughly one-third are either ahead of time or on track, while the remainder are behind schedule.

Projects are classified as delayed if they exceed 30 days behind schedule or fall more than 10 per cent short of scheduled progress, he added.

“In this regard, I have instructed JKR officers to expedite the implementation of delayed projects. Those that are behind schedule must be prioritised,” he said after inspecting the Kuching Federal Multipurpose Building Complex (BGP) construction site today.

Ahmad Maslan said monitoring of the BGP project is being carried out jointly by the Ministry of Works and state authorities to ensure smooth implementation.

He noted that the Kuching BGP project is currently 134 days ahead of schedule, reflecting the effectiveness of close monitoring and the adoption of modern construction methods.

“We hope it will remain ahead of schedule so that the project can be completed as early as possible,” he said, referring to the RM140.8 million development slated for completion in November 2028.

The integrated complex will house 25 federal government agencies currently operating at separate locations across Kuching, serving as a one-stop centre to improve public access to government services. — BERNAMA

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PUTRAJAYA — Separating food waste from plastic containers and rinsing them before disposal remains one of the most basic, yet frequently overlooked, practices in recycling.

Mohd Husaini Saidi, Senior Assistant Secretary (Circular Economy Unit) at the Natural Resources Management Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), said many consumers still assume all plastics can be recycled without prior sorting or cleaning.

He noted that plastic containers contaminated with food or drink residues are typically unsuitable for recycling and often end up in landfill.

“Plastic intended for recycling should at least be rinsed or lightly cleaned to prevent contamination. If plastics are dirty or mixed with food waste, it disrupts the recycling process. That is why we encourage the public to separate food waste and plastics into different bags.

“This simple step is especially important during festive periods such as Aidilfitri, when the use of food containers, plastics and disposable items tends to rise,” he told Bernama in a recent interview.

According to Mohd Husaini, consumers are also encouraged to check recycling symbols on the bottom or back of plastic products before purchasing them.

“These symbols are usually accompanied by numbers indicating the type of plastic and its recyclability,” he said, adding that not all plastics are easily processed, particularly materials prone to contamination, such as polystyrene food containers.

Meanwhile, he said the “Avoid Single-Use Plastics” campaign, reinforced under the theme “Be Plastic Smart, Save the Earth”, aims to raise public awareness of responsible plastic use.

“The campaign focuses on two main priorities, namely reducing problematic plastic use and improving recycling practices,” he said.

He stressed that plastics have many useful applications and are not inherently problematic, but should be used responsibly and only when necessary.

Mohd Husaini said items to avoid include plastic carrier bags, disposable plates and polystyrene cups, which are commonly used at events and open houses and contribute significantly to plastic waste.

As alternatives, he said consumers are encouraged to use reusable plates and cups, and to bring their own shopping bags to reduce reliance on single-use plastics.

“These efforts align with the government’s circular economy approach to reducing plastic waste and promoting more sustainable resource use,” he added.

He noted that plastic waste is currently the second-largest waste stream in Malaysia after food waste, and takes a very long time to decompose if not properly managed.

At the same time, he said NRES is promoting the separation of food waste for composting, which can be used as fertiliser.

“NRES has also secured approval from the Ministry of Finance to provide income tax exemptions for the purchase of composting machines, as part of efforts to encourage more sustainable food waste management,” he said.

According to a waste composition study by the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) covering 2022 to 2024, plastics account for an estimated 13 to 15 per cent of the country’s total solid waste, the second-highest component after food waste.

In 2024, Malaysia generated around 39,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, with plastic waste estimated at between 5,000 and 6,000 tonnes per day. — BERNAMA

The post NRES: Separate your food waste, clean before you recycle appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

BATU KAWAN — The Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ) is intensifying its advocacy programmes during Ops Hari Raya Aidilfitri (HRA) 2026, aiming to reduce road accidents by 10 per cent throughout the festive season.

State JPJ director Zulkifly Ismail said more face-to-face engagements with drivers are being carried out to boost the Perception of Being Caught (POBC) among road users.

“When we are consistently on the ground and engaging with motorists, they become more aware of JPJ’s presence and tend to drive more cautiously, thereby increasing this perception.

“Our target is to raise the POBC rate to 75 per cent during Ops HRA 2026,” he said when met at the Road Safety Advocacy Programme held in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration and a sahur stopover with Penang JPJ enforcement personnel at the Bukit Tambun Toll Plaza last night.

Also present was State Trade and Community Unity Committee chairman Goh Choon Aik, who is the Bukit Tambun Assemblyman.

Zulkifly added that enforcement efforts are also focused on accident-prone locations through patrols and monitoring at designated enforcement points, known as Points of Duty (POD), along identified hotspot routes.

He said eight key areas have been identified as frequent accident zones, including Jalan Teluk Air Tawar to Jalan Bagan Luar and the North-South Expressway in North Seberang Perai; Jalan Perusahaan Perai in Central Seberang Perai; Jalan Besar Simpang Ampat in South Seberang Perai; Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway and Jalan Paya Terubong in the Northeast; as well as Jalan Tun Dr Awang and Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in the Southwest.

“A total of 245 personnel have been deployed for Ops HRA 2026, rotating between locations to ensure continuous JPJ presence along these hotspot routes,” he said.

Ops HRA 2026 runs from March 13 to 29, with a pre-operation phase from March 13 to 15 focusing on inspections of buses at depots, followed by full enforcement from March 16 onwards.

Zulkifly said JPJ is also targeting 100 per cent preliminary inspections of express buses to ensure all vehicles are roadworthy before ferrying passengers balik kampung for the festive period. — BERNAMA

The post Penang JPJ steps up Ops Aidilfitri, targets 10% drop in road accidents appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

PUTRAJAYA — The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) seized 790 units of counterfeit branded watches, worth an estimated RM790,600, during a raid in the federal capital on March 13.

KPDN Enforcement director-general Datuk Azman Adam (picture) said the raid was conducted by the Putrajaya Enforcement Division following a nearly month-long investigation into premises suspected of storing and distributing the fake watches.

“Also seized were boxes and paper bags of various brands, along with several other items believed to be used in the storage and sale of the products,” he said in a statement today.

According to Azman, the raid targeted a two-storey premises operating covertly, with the ground floor serving as a watch repair workshop and the upper floor used for storing and selling the counterfeit watches.

“The sales activity is believed to have been carried out exclusively for selected customers to avoid detection by the authorities,” he said.

Azman said the counterfeit watches were believed to have been sourced from overseas suppliers before being sold to local customers.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that the activity was carried out by a local man in his 30s, the manager of the premises, who was believed to be fully responsible for operations, including management, stock keeping, and sales activities.

“The suspect has been detained to assist in the investigation, and the case is being probed under the Trademark Act 2019 for allegedly using a registered trademark without the consent of the rightful owner,” he said.

Azman stressed that KPDN would not compromise on the sale or distribution of counterfeit goods, as such activities not only violate the law but also infringe on the rights of trademark owners and undermine consumer interests. — BERNAMA

The post KPDN seizes 790 counterfeit branded watches worth RM790,600 appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

GEORGE TOWN — Penang ferry services from Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal (PSAH) and Raja Tun Uda Terminal (PRTU) will be free for all Malaysians on the first and second days of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which is expected to be celebrated on March 21 (Saturday).

Penang Port Commission (SPPP) chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said that the free ferry fare is a manifestation of their ongoing commitment, along with Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), to facilitate the travel of the people, especially during the festive season.

“This free ferry service is not only aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Penang, but it is also to encourage the use of more sustainable and efficient public transportation,” he said in a statement, yesterday.

In line with the initiative to provide free ferry services and the 70th anniversary celebration of SPPP (Platinum Jubilee) this year, Yeoh said SPPP is also sponsoring the implementation of community programmes through the “Kids Go Free|Aidilfitri Special” campaign at the Penang Ferry Museum.

He also said the programme allows Malaysian children, aged 12 years old and below, to enjoy free admission to the ferry museum from March 23 to 25.

He added that the initiative also complements SPPP’s efforts in strengthening the role of the Penang Ferry Museum as a learning centre and heritage-based attraction.

— BERNAMA

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