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AGC: Prosecution of five teens related only to bullying, not to death of Zara Qairina

2 weeks ago

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KUALA LUMPUR — The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) today clarified that the prosecution of five minors in Zara Qairina Mahathir’s (picture) case was made under Section 507C(1) of the Penal Code because it is related to bullying only and not to the death of the 13-year-old girl.

In a statement issued today, the AGC explained that the decision to charge the five teenagers under Section 507C(1) was based on a thorough review of the investigation papers.

“Therefore, the AGC reiterates that the charge under Section 507C(1) of the Penal Code in this case is grounded on evidence and facts obtained from the completed investigation,” the statement read.

The clarification follows a press statement by the lawyer representing Noraida Lamat, the mother of the Zara Qairina, who had requested a postponement of the prosecution process and proposed that the teens be charged under Section 507D(2), which carries a heavier penalty.

The AGC responded by stating that the argument raised by the lawyer, that if the teens plead guilty to the lesser charge, they could not later be charged under Section 507D(2) or a more serious offence due to the double jeopardy clause under Article 7(2) of the Federal Constitution, was speculative and not supported by concrete facts.

The AGC also confirmed that an inquest will still proceed to determine the actual cause of Zara Qairina’s death.

Yesterday, Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar confirmed that the five minors will be charged in the Kota Kinabalu Juvenile Court under Section 507C(1) of the Penal Code, while the Kota Kinabalu Coroner’s Court set Sept 3 to commence the inquest proceedings into Zara Qairina’s death.

Zara Qairina died at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu on July 17, after being found unconscious in a drain near the school dormitory on the morning of July 16 in Papar. — BERNAMA

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Tengku Zafrul: US agricultural products tax exemption finalised based on mutual interest

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KUALA LUMPUR — The sales tax exemption on imported United States (US) agricultural products is the result of negotiations finalised based on mutual interest, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz (picture).

He said the exemption was one of the discussion outcomes that had led to a tariff reduction against Malaysia.

“Therefore, any tax exemption consideration for other countries is subject to negotiations based on requests and counter-offers from the respective countries, provided that it brings benefits and advantages to Malaysia,” he said during the winding-up session of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) motion at the Dewan Rakyat sitting today.

Tengku Zafrul said the current trade situation is unprecedented in any country, and Malaysia is not alone in facing circumstances where multilateral trade principles have had to sideline the World Trade Organization (WTO) to protect the respective country’s economic and political interests.

According to him, the measures taken by the US aim to establish a new world trade order based on current geopolitical and geoeconomic agreements, while its compatibility with WTO rules depends on the specific design and implementation.

“MITI will comply with various international trade regulations currently in force, and the ministry will study this issue in more detail and will discuss the matter (discrimination) with the Finance Ministry,” he said.

Nevertheless, he said the government will continue to uphold the principles of fair and equitable trade without discrimination against any country, including trading partners with whom Malaysia has free trade agreements.

On the tariffs imposed on the rubber glove industry, Tengku Zafrul said the sector had already been impacted earlier due to higher production costs compared to other countries, particularly China, which has been actively investing post-COVID-19 pandemic.

The main issue faced is not just the implementation of tariffs, but also productivity, he said.

“Therefore, we need to look at this matter holistically, because even without tariffs, the competitiveness of the local industry is decreasing compared to neighboring countries that have increased investment in this sector,” he added. — BERNAMA

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The post Tengku Zafrul: US agricultural products tax exemption finalised based on mutual interest appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

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Ageing Kelantan News

Kelantan projected to become ageing state in less than a decade

2 weeks ago

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KOTA BHARU — Kelantan is projected to become an ageing state in less than a decade.

Kelantan National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) director Haslinda Hassan said last year, 11.1 per cent of Kelantan’s population were aged 60 and above, and the figure is expected to reach 15 per cent by 2032.

“This is more than just about numbers; it carries major implications for the economy, workforce, social planning and healthcare system, with a shrinking young labour pool and growing need for elderly care.

“More worryingly, many elderly people are still living in poverty, particularly those who live alone in rural areas without close family support,” she said when reading a speech by the LPPKN director-general in conjunction with the Kelantan-level World Population Day celebration at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), here today.

Haslinda said that according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) 2024 data, Kelantan is estimated to have a population of 1.9 million and is now undergoing a demographic transition with major implications for the state’s future.

One of the main indicators of this change, she said, is the state’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR), which has declined from 3.6 children in 2014 to 2.7 children in 2023.

“Although this figure is still above the population replacement level of 2.1 children, the trend clearly signals that Kelantan is heading towards becoming an ageing population.

“Among the factors contributing to this decline are the tendency to marry later, rising cost of living, lifestyle changes, and the preference for smaller families,” she said.

The number of marriages in Kelantan has also decreased from 22,347 in 2021 to 16,925 in 2023, while the average age at first marriage increased from 28.2 years in 2016 to 29.9 in 2023 for men, and from 28.2 years to 30.6 years for women.

“LPPKN found that financial factors, lack of suitable partners, and prioritising career development are among the main reasons marriages are being delayed. As the age of marriage rises, the reproductive window shortens, which directly affects future birth rates.

“Therefore, this important input should be taken into account when formulating state policies, interventions, and action plans that inclusively address the needs of the population,” she added. — BERNAMA

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Money News Ringgit

Ringgit up against major currencies, holds steady against greenback on strong trade data

2 weeks ago

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KUALA LUMPUR — The ringgit appreciated against major currencies and held firm versus the US dollar at the close on Tuesday as Malaysia posted a stronger trade performance, returning to positive growth in July.

According to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the country’s trade performance rebounded by 3.8 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM265.92 billion in July, the highest monthly trade value ever.

At 6 pm, the local note made a marginal retreat to 4.2215/2255 against the greenback from yesterday’s close of 4.2200/2240.

MITI said exports in July jumped 6.8 per cent to RM140.45 billion, the highest monthly value since September 2022, while imports edged up by 0.6 per cent to RM125.47 billion.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the latest export print suggests Malaysia’s external sector is still “fairly decent” despite having to contend with US tariffs. “Hence, the case for a strong ringgit going forward remains intact,” he told Bernama.

Meanwhile, he said market players will monitor the US Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting at the Jackson Hole Symposium later this week, with chair Jerome Powell’s speech this Friday in focus.

“Traders and investors appear to lean towards a possible 25 basis points cut in September as signs of a weaker US labour market have become increasingly apparent. Hence, a dovish tilt by the Fed is something that the market wants to hear. Therefore, any deviation from this view could have an impact on the currency market trajectory,” he added.

At the close, the ringgit settled mostly higher against a basket of major currencies.

It strengthened versus the Japanese yen to 2.8572/8601 from Monday’s close of 2.8632/866, gained against the British pound to 5.7066/7120 from 5.7139/7193, but dropped vis-à-vis the euro to 4.9307/9354 from 4.9290/9336.

The ringgit traded higher against other ASEAN currencies.

It gained versus the Singapore dollar to 3.2901/2935 from 3.2902/2936 at Monday’s close and strengthened against the Thai baht to 12.9848/13.0027 from 12.9942/13.0121.

The ringgit also gained vis-à-vis the Philippine peso to 7.39/7.40 from 7.40/7.42 previously and edged up against the Indonesian rupiah to 259.8/260.2 from 260.4/260.9. — BERNAMA

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2 weeks ago 0 comments

Business Cypark Resources News

Cypark Resources secures RM1.3b Islamic financing from MBSB Bank

2 weeks ago

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CYPARK Resources Bhd (CRB) and its wholly owned unit, Cypark Smart Technology Sdn Bhd, have secured Islamic financing facilities worth up to RM1.304 billion from MBSB Bank Bhd.

The facilities, comprising term loans and revolving credit, will be used to refinance existing debts on more competitive terms and support the group’s working capital needs.

The loans carry a tenure of eight to 17 years, structured to align with the group’s renewable energy assets under long-term power purchase agreements.

Cypark, Malaysia’s integrated renewable energy and environmental solutions provider, is recognised for pioneering projects in solar, biogas and waste-to-energy, including the nation’s first SMART Waste-to-Energy facility.

With 400MW of installed renewable energy capacity, the group plays a critical role in Malaysia’s decarbonisation pathway and in reducing national carbon emissions.

This financing represents another milestone in the group’s Cypark 2.0 transformation journey — a strategy to strengthen its financial foundation, enhance operational delivery, and accelerate clean energy growth.

MBSB Bank will refinance Cypark’s established renewable energy assets in solar and waste-to-energy initiatives.

CRB said the refinancing is expected to enhance liquidity, reduce financing costs, and support strategic growth, while contributing positively to future earnings.

The facilities will not affect the company’s share capital, net assets, or gearing in any material way.

Its board said the financing is in the best interest of the company. — TMR

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2 weeks ago 0 comments

foreign worker News

Saifuddin: 100,646 foreign workers with PLKS could not be detected

2 weeks ago

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KUALA LUMPUR — A total of 100,646 foreign workers holding Temporary Work Visit Passes (PLKS) in the construction sector failed to be detected after the foreign worker whitewashing programme implemented by the Construction Labour Exchange Centre Bhd (CLAB), according to the Home Minister.

According to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, the government will implement measures and punitive actions against employers and foreign workers in the construction sector who commit offences under existing regulations.

“They come in, they hold the construction sector PLKS, but when whitewashing is carried out by CLAB, we cannot find any effect. If they misuse the passes, we will take action according to the offence.

“If their passes have expired, they should have signed a check-out memo and leave the country. If they do not leave the country, we will track them down,” he said.

He said this at the press conference of the Joint Committee Meeting Between the Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim on the Management of Foreign Workers today.

According to Saifuddin, the matter was revealed following a presentation by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) in the meeting.

“We will see what act they violated and punitive action will be taken,” he said.

Previously, he was reported to have said that applications for foreign worker employment quotas are now only allowed on a case-by-case basis involving three main sectors and 10 selected sub-sectors.

He said the decision was made as a result of the same meeting, with the sectors being plantations, mining and construction. — BERNAMA

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2 weeks ago 0 comments

Markets News Uni Wall

Uni Wall to transfer listing from LEAP to ACE Market

2 weeks ago

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UNI Wall APS Holdings Bhd has proposed to transfer its listing from the LEAP Market to the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia to broaden its investor base and strengthen fundraising capabilities.

The move comes more than six years after its debut on the LEAP Market in January 2019.

The proposed transfer involves the withdrawal of Uni Wall’s shares from the LEAP Market and the subsequent admission of its entire issued capital to the ACE Market, along with a public offering of new and existing shares.

To facilitate the withdrawal, Uni Wall will seek exemptions from Bursa’s requirement for an exit offer to minority shareholders and the appointment of an independent adviser, supported by undertakings from minority shareholders.

“The transfer will enhance liquidity, improve marketability of Uni Wall shares, and provide the group with greater access to capital for expansion,” the board said.

Subject to approvals from shareholders, Bursa Malaysia, the Securities Commission, and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, the transfer is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026.

NewParadigm Securities Sdn Bhd has been appointed as principal adviser and sponsor. — TMR

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The post Uni Wall to transfer listing from LEAP to ACE Market appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

2 weeks ago 0 comments

News Zara Qairina

Man arrested for spreading fake statements on Zara Qairina’s case

2 weeks ago

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(Pic credit: Polis Diraja Malaysia’s Facebook)

KUALA LUMPUR — Police have arrested a man for spreading false statements about the investigation into the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir on social media.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M Kumar said the man, 51, was found to have uploaded a two minute and six second video to a TikTok account on Aug 15 containing the audio conversation of a supposed pathologist who claimed that the death of the student was a premeditated murder.

“A mobile phone believed to have been used in this case was also seized. The suspect was arrested at 10.20 pm yesterday and has been remanded for three days starting from today till Aug 21,” he said in a statement here today, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 505(B) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

He also warned that the police would take stern action against those deliberately spreading rumours or manipulating facts aimed at causing fear or concern among the public or disrupting court proceedings.

He also advised the public to not simply believe information on social media without verifying its accuracy and urged all parties to allow the authorities to conduct their investigations professionally.

Zara Qairina, 13, died at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Sabah on Aug 17 a day after she was found lying unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory. — BERNAMA

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2 weeks ago 0 comments

KPS Consortium News Property

KPS Consortium buys Klang industrial property for RM30m

2 weeks ago

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KPS Consortium Bhd (KPSCB) said its wholly owned subsidiary, KPS Plywood Sdn Bhd, has agreed to acquire a leasehold industrial property in Klang from Pelangi Technowood Sdn Bhd for RM30 million cash.

The property, located at Kawasan Perindustrian Pulau Indah, spans 16,363 sq metres and houses a single factory building. The land lease runs until February 2097.

Under the sale and purchase agreement, KPS Plywood will pay a 10% deposit (RM3m) upon signing, with the balance RM27m due within three months of the deal becoming unconditional.

The acquisition will be funded through a mix of 60% bank borrowings and internal funds.

KPSCB said the purchase, intended for investment purposes, “is in the best interests of KPSCB group.”

It added that the deal will not have any material impact on earnings, net assets, gearing or shareholding structure for FY2025, and does not require shareholder approval. — TMR

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2 weeks ago 0 comments

News Thailand-Cambodia World

PM Anwar and Hun Manet discuss Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire, IOT operations

2 weeks ago

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KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today held discussions with his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet, on the latest developments concerning the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.

In a Facebook post today, Anwar said the telephone discussion also touched on the Interim Observer Team (IOT), which has been closely monitoring the border areas of the two neighbouring countries.

“(We also) discussed further steps that could be taken to enhance the effectiveness of the IOT’s monitoring operations,” he said.

On Aug 12, Defence Forces Chief Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar was reported as saying that the Malaysia-led IOT plays a crucial role in investigating the transparency of the ceasefire at the Thailand-Cambodia border.

Mohd Nizam said the team would subsequently report its findings to both countries.

On July 28, the two countries reached an agreement to implement an unconditional ceasefire following a special meeting in Putrajaya hosted by the Malaysian Prime Minister.

At the meeting, Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai also agreed to convene a General Border Committee meeting as part of the ceasefire implementation. — BERNAMA

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The post PM Anwar and Hun Manet discuss Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire, IOT operations appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

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