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PUTRAJAYA — The government will improve legal framework through the tabling of the Geology and Geoscience Investigation Bill in 2027, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup (picture) said.

It would be followed by the formulation of a National Geoscience Policy, he said, describing the move as a major shift that will have a positive impact on the country’s future. 

“The goal of NRES (Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry) is to ensure Malaysia continues to drive balanced development, is resilient to disasters, and remains safe to live in for future generations. We are committed to placing geoscience research at the forefront,” he said while speaking at the national-level Geologists’ Day (HAG) celebration here today.

Arthur said geologists were also encouraged to apply modern technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence in line with innovation advancements, noting that the use of such technologies can accelerate research and improve the accuracy of analysis.

“We are also seeing positive developments in the mineral sector’s value chain, where pilot projects such as rare earth elements (REE) mining using in-situ leaching in Perak demonstrate that environmentally friendly technology can go hand in hand with biodiversity conservation,” he said.

Arthur also said that under the 12th Malaysia Plan, NRES through its technical agencies has carried out comprehensive monitoring of slope instability.

“This study has been completed at eight high-risk locations and is now being expanded to 12 new areas. In addition, a total of 34 landslide early warning systems have been successfully installed on critical slopes as a proactive measure to protect lives,” he said.

The inaugural HAG 2026 celebration was organised through collaboration between the Board of Geologists Malaysia (BoG), the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG), the Institute of Geology Malaysia (IGM), and the Geological Society of Malaysia (GSM).

With the theme “Geology Driving the Economy, Protecting Communities, Foundation of Sustainable Development,” the celebration highlighted the strategic role of geology not only as a catalyst for resource-based economic growth, but also as a safeguard for public safety through more integrated, data- and science-based geohazard risk management. — BERNAMA

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LIPIS — The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) is conducting a study on the development of tube wells as a preparatory measure to address potential water crisis in the future.

PETRA deputy minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad (picture) said the study, carried out by the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), aims to identify new water sources as a support plan in the event of supply disruptions.

“We are currently facing uncertain weather conditions such as drought and low rainfall. Based on forecasts, the hot weather is expected to continue until August, which could affect water resources.

“Nevertheless, through the efforts of all relevant agencies, water supply nationwide remains under control. However, consumers must play an important role in reducing wastage,” he said.

He said this to reporters after officiating the Selamat Air Raya programme at Dewan Jubli Perak Sultan Ahmad Shah here today.

On March 21, it was reported that the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) had warned that the world is entering an era of ‘global water bankruptcy’.

Abdul Rahman said water consumption in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan is higher at around 223 litres per capita per day compared with the 165 litres per capita per day recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“This high level of water usage must be reduced. If the public does not play its part, we risk facing a water crisis. All parties must take responsibility to ensure this can be avoided,” he said.

He added that the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) is also implementing the Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) Programme, targeting to reach at least one million users nationwide throughout 2026.

“This initiative aims to raise public awareness on efficient water usage and the importance of avoiding wastage to ensure the sustainability of the nation’s water supply,” he said.

At the programme, SPAN also distributed zakat wakalah totalling RM104,000 to 200 students from primary, secondary schools and higher education institutions. — BERNAMA 

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SHAH ALAM — Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (picture) has urged all parties to cease any actions that cross the line, particularly those involving 3R (race, the royal institution and religion).

The call follows an issue involving insults directed at the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, including a recent social media post deemed disrespectful to the institution that underpins the sovereignty of the nation and the state.

“High institutions such as the monarchy must be defended or protected, as they are symbols of unity and stand above politics, which is marked by differences.

“Even when there are differences among people — not only in politics but also in other matters — we must avoid insults or ridicule, as that is fundamental,” he said when met after the Selangor state-level Workers’ Day celebration here today. 

Earlier, Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said 280 police reports had been lodged as of yesterday over the circulation of a caricature on social media containing elements deemed insulting to Sultan Sharafuddin on April 25.  

Shazeli said the reports were received from across the country and were lodged by various parties condemning the excessive provocation.

On another matter, Amirudin said a safety audit of high-risk drains in Selangor will be carried out following drowning incidents involving two children in the state, which have sparked public concern.

He said the review would involve a comprehensive assessment of the physical condition of drains as well as environmental factors at the locations, in addition to taking into account the actual circumstances that contributed to the incidents.

Amirudin said the first case involved a child playing in the area while he was still looking into the details of the second incident.

“Was the child (in the second case) playing there or fell while retrieving a ball and so on? If that is the case, safety features in high-risk areas need to be enhanced,” he said.

Amirudin also stressed that safety cannot rest solely on the shoulders of local authorities, but requires the cooperation of parents and the community as well. — BERNAMA 

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KUALA LUMPUR — Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds are expected to hit most states until 5 pm today, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department.

In an alert issued at 2.30 pm, MetMalaysia said the affected areas include Perlis, as well as Kedah (Kubang Pasu, Padang Terap, Kuala Muda, Sik, Baling, Kulim and Bandar Baharu) and Penang (Seberang Perai Utara, Seberang Perai Tengah and Seberang Perai Selatan).

The same warning also covers Perak (Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Kampar, Batang Padang and Mualim), Pahang (Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Raub, Jerantut, Bentong, Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin) and Selangor (Hulu Selangor and Hulu Langat).

In addition, similar weather conditions are expected in Negeri Sembilan (Seremban, Port Dickson and Rembau), Melaka (Alor Gajah and Melaka Tengah), and Johor (Segamat, Kluang, Mersing, Pontian, Kulai, Kota Tinggi and Johor Bahru).

In Sarawak, the affected areas include Sri Aman, Betong (Betong), Sarikei (Pakan), Sibu (Sibu and Selangau), Mukah (Daro, Matu, Dalat and Mukah), Bintulu (Tatau and Bintulu), Miri (Subis, Miri and Marudi), as well as Limbang.

In Sabah, the warning covers the interior (Sipitang, Tenom, Kuala Penyu, Beaufort and Nabawan), west coast, Tawau and Kudat. — BERNAMA

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PAPAR — Efforts to improve traffic flow along the Papar–Kota Kinabalu route are being strengthened with the immediate implementation of the Jalan Lok Kawi upgrading project, stretching from the Sabindo Roundabout to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kinarut here.

The announcement was made by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister as well as Papar Member of Parliament Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali (picture), who said the project has commenced and is expected to be completed by March 29, 2028.

He said the project is among the key infrastructure developments long-awaited by local residents, with the Letter of Acceptance having come into effect on March 30, while the symbolic handover to the contractor was held today.

“Travel from Papar to Kota Kinabalu should take around 40 minutes, but currently it can take between one and a half to two hours even outside peak hours. Therefore, this project is the solution to that problem, and the government has allocated the necessary funds,” he told reporters after a briefing on the status of key infrastructure projects in the Papar parliamentary constituency at the Papar District Office here today.

He said the project involves widening the road from a two-lane carriageway to a dual four-lane road, in addition to the construction of pedestrian flyovers, installation of street lighting and traffic lights, and the upgrading of three roundabouts into signalised intersections.

Armizan said the project scope also includes the construction of three bus stops and two motorcycle lay-bys, covered walkways to schools, as well as utility relocation works and land acquisition.

He said the project is funded by the Ministry of Works and implemented under the supervision of the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR).

According to him, among the immediate priorities are resolving land acquisition issues involving 43 lots and 24 existing structures, as well as the relocation of utilities such as electricity, water and telecommunications.

“I do not want delays in resolving these fundamental matters to prevent physical works from commencing promptly,” he said.

He added that efforts to realise the project began in 2021 when he was serving in the Sabah Chief Minister’s Office, before it was listed as a Federal Government development project in 2023.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also announced the implementation of the project during a working visit to Kinarut, Papar on May 31, 2023.

At the briefing, he said the project is part of four key infrastructure projects discussed involving elected representatives as well as federal and state government agencies.

In addition to the Lok Kawi road upgrade, the other three projects given attention are the construction of the Jalan Pengalat-Papar bypass, the building of SMK Gana Papar, and the proposed construction of Papar Bridge 2 at Kilometre 20.4. — BERNAMA

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