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MELAKA — A total of 234,143 kilogrammes of recyclable waste was collected in Melaka throughout last year through the KITARecycle reward-based recycling programme, reflecting a significant increase in public awareness of sustainable practices and lifestyles.

SWM Environment Corporate General Manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin said the amount collected rose by more than 16,000 kilogrammes from 217,545 kilogrammes recorded in 2024.

“The achievement reflects the community’s commitment to the importance of environmental sustainability through efforts to reduce solid waste sent to landfills, in line with the aspiration for sustainable and liveable urban development.

“During the same period, the paper and plastic categories recorded the highest collections, at 95,931 kilogrammes (95.93 tonnes) and 40,605 kilogrammes (40.61 tonnes), respectively,” he said in a statement here today.

He said the increase in collection was also driven by the encouraging response from KITARecycle members who sent recyclable items to collection facilities provided throughout the state.

Mohd Norlisam said the KITARecycle Drive-Through Centre (PPLK) at the Melaka Botanical Garden recorded a significant increase of 63.38 per cent, with total receipts of 46,785 kilogrammes in 2025 compared with 28,636 kilogrammes in the previous year.

“This proves that facilities such as the PPLK are increasingly well-received by the local community as they provide easier access for the delivery of recyclable items.

“To further expand public access, recyclable items can be sent to several collection facilities, including those at Sungai Putat Apartments, Batu Berendam, TS Park Taman Desa Bertam, as well as more than 60 other facilities comprising collection centres and recycling cages across Melaka,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said KITARecycle membership in Melaka also increased to nearly 25,000 members as of December 2025, compared with 16,783 members in 2024.

“This, in turn, has contributed to the reduction of solid waste, as well as to Melaka’s success in receiving international recognition, including the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award at the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2024 and 2026,” he added. — BERNAMA

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ALOR GAJAH — A total of 234 religious schools nationwide have been registered as Government-Aided Religious Schools (SABK) as part of the government’s efforts to support and empower Islamic education institutions in Malaysia.

Ministry of Education (MOE) secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim said the ministry is still receiving SABK registration applications from state and people’s religious schools, including 19 from Kelantan.

He said approvals follow a strict process under the existing MOE’s laws and policies and must be reviewed by the SABK Registration Technical and Main Committees.

“We will also assess the schools’ readiness, including land status, building safety, the preparedness of the management committee and the quality and readiness of teachers, as they will be integrated into the government service.

“We don’t want religious schools to be seen as a second choice. Our goal is to position SABK as a top option, offering proper facilities and trained teachers,” he told reporters after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to register Sekolah Menengah Imtiaz Ulul Albab under the SABK initiative today. 

Aminuddin signed the MoU on behalf of the MOE and Sekolah Menengah Imtiaz Ulul Albab was represented by Melaka Islamic Religious Council (MAIM) secretary Shaifulfazlee Mohamad.

Elaborating, Aminuddin said the status change will not erase the school’s identity, but the MOE will reinforce its management and facilities to benefit students and the school community.

“The change in the school’s status does not affect the management committee’s authority or role; rather, it gives them a strong strategic partner in the MOE.

“The school’s land and assets remain under the administrators, while the MOE handles staffing and provides financial support based on government resources,” he said, adding that the registration process for Sekolah Menengah Imtiaz Ulul Albab will take between three and six months to complete, provided it complies with all documentation requirements and conditions set by the MOE.

Sekolah Menengah Imtiaz Ulul Albab Melaka, established in 2012 to nurture hafiz who excel academically, is managed by MAIM and the school management board. — BERNAMA

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by SHAUQI WAHAB

JELUTONG MP Sanisvara Rajaji has offered to represent Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd (GISBH) in court, arguing that the use of the Security Measures (Special Powers) Act 2012 (Sosma) against the group amounted to an abuse of power.

The Pakatan Harapan lawmaker reiterated his firm opposition to the application of Sosma on GISBH, stressing that the law, originally introduced to address serious security threats, should not be misused.

“I, together with Kota Bharu MP (Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan), clearly opposed the use of Sosma against Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd,” he said during a debate session in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday.

Beyond the specific case, he also called for broader legal reforms to Sosma, particularly provisions that allow for prolonged detention without trial.

Sanisvara referred to recent developments where a 16-year-old girl was detained under the Act, which he said highlighted the urgency of reform.

He questioned when the government would proceed with amendments to key sections of Sosma, including provisions that allow suspects to be detained for up to 28 days as well as restrictions on bail.

“I note that the Home Minister has announced that Sosma will be amended. My question is, when will reforms relating to the 28-day detention under Section 4(5) and the provisions on bail under Section 13 be tabled or revised?” he said.

He expressed regret over the continued use of lengthy detention periods without trial, arguing that such measures conflict with fundamental legal principles and civil liberties.

The debate came amid renewed public scrutiny of Sosma, with calls from lawmakers and civil society groups for the government to strike a better balance between national security and individual rights.

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PUTRAJAYA — The Road Transport Department (JPJ) must adopt a new approach to roadblocks to reduce congestion and improve effectiveness, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.

He noted that current physical roadblocks often cause severe traffic congestion, especially when multiple lanes are reduced to one or two, leading to long delays and public frustration.

Loke said a new paradigm should be based on data integration and the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, allowing vehicle checks to be conducted without stopping traffic.

“I don’t want to see JPJ setting up roadblocks after toll plazas, turning six lanes into one. People will get angry. That’s an outdated approach. JPJ must also change and adopt smarter methods.

“With today’s technology, we can integrate the ANPR system operated by PLUS with JPJ’s MySikap system,” he said in his 2026 New Year Address at the Ministry of Transport assembly today.

The ANPR system identifies vehicle registration numbers through cameras and enables cashless toll payments, e-invoicing, transaction tracking and other mobility services via an integrated digital platform.

Loke said the integration would not only streamline toll collection but also allow authorities to automatically verify road tax and insurance status, and identify stolen or unregistered vehicles.

“Through inter-agency data sharing, enforcement can be more comprehensive and effective without relying on physical roadblocks,” he said.

The minister said that the approach also aligns with a whole-of-government strategy that promotes cross-ministerial cooperation and breaks down operational silos to improve public service efficiency.

Meanwhile, in a press conference, Loke said proposals to restrict motorcycle access to highways must be carefully and practically assessed before any decision is made.

“There are various suggestions, including from PLUS, but whether they are practical or effective needs to be studied,” he said in response to proposals to limit motorcycle movements on highways by time or capacity, particularly during peak hours, following a sharp rise in fatal accidents involving motorcyclists over the past three years. — BERNAMA

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