KUALA LUMPUR: The SMART Tunnel is back in operation after it was closed on Tuesday (Oct 15) morning due to heavy rain here. Read full story

Pensijilan itu akan memberikan nilai tambah kepada perniagaan mereka selain meningkatkan kualiti dan diberkati sekali gus memperkasakan industri halal negara.

Senator Loren Legarda expressed dismay Tuesday over the regulation of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) allowing retired foreigners to stay legally in the Philippines for as long as they want in exchange for a US$20,000 fee, saying it's no wonder that many criminal syndicates are able to exploit this to find safe haven in the country.

“We believe this partnership with Starlink will provide Filipinos with the reliable internet service they deserve."

SANTA ROSA CITY, Laguna – Two individuals were injured and seven houses were razed in a fire in Barangay Caingin here on Monday morning, October 14.

Although it is "optional," Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III said conducting a parallel Senate investigation into the war on drugs is a "good idea" so the credibility of the witnesses could be tested.

Vietnamese teachers' basic salaries have increased by 30% from July, pushing their monthly income to as much as VND30 million ($1,203), an increase of up to VND7 million from previous levels.

The Ministry of Public Security has proposed that the transfer of data abroad must be evaluated by authorities to ensure national defense, security and the protection of national interests, according to a draft law on data.

DAVAO CITY – Interfaith leaders in Mindanao recently reaffirmed their efforts to sustain the gains of peacebuilding in Mindanao.

"The privatization of CNS/ATM functions poses serious national security risks and exposes us to foreign interference."

PETALING JAYA: An elderly woman was rescued from her home, which was piled in heaps of rubbish, making it difficult for her to leave her residence . The Penang Civil Defence Force was deployed to the 86-year-old’s house on Monday (Oct 14) at 4.40pm after responding to her family members’ call for help, the New Straits Times reported. She was reportedly carried out on a stretcher during the operation. ALSO READ: Perak govt to aid retired teacher with hoarding disorder Her family claimed that the woman, living alone, was not in good health, riddled with “hypertension and hearing problems”, on top of her “frail” condition, as quoted. Not only that, her family members claim that she would call for help late at night as she is also “prone to falls”, as quoted. “As such, her family wants to send her to an old folk’s home after obtaining her consent,” he was quoted as saying. ALSO READ: Ipoh City Council clears three tonnes of garbage from elderly woman’s home Civil Defence Force northeast district officer, Muhammad Aizat Abdul Ghani confirmed that the double-storey house located in Jalan Mano was filled with so much rubbish and recyclable materials amassed over the years. Her house was not only filled with rubbish indoors but outdoors as well. The elderly woman said she hired help to clean her house but claims they never showed up.

IPOH: A 54-year-old local man has been found dead after a tiger attack in Gerik. Read full story

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, Oct. 15, reiterated its support for efforts to increase public awareness of breast cancer.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) belied claims that there were irregularities in the bidding process for a program involving the procurement of pistols for its personnel.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has committed to give all its efforts to locate and bring to the House of Representatives former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

IPOH: The total count of flash flood victims in Perak has reduced, with 1,013 individuals still taking refuge at evacuation centres. Read full story

BINI has unveiled its official lightstick for the upcoming Grand BINIverse concert!

The Southern Police District (SPD) has beefed up its deployment to ensure a safe and orderly Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), which will run until October 18, 2024, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), according to SPD Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang.

KUALA LUMPUR: The immediate return of children rescued during Op Global to their parents and families is a top priority for the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM). However, its minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said KPWKM must first ensure that the children’s parents and families can provide adequate and proper care. “For cases where the capability of the parents and families is clearly established, the reunification process can proceed without delay. In more complex situations, intervention programmes will be implemented to ensure the children’s and families’ best interests are safeguarded “The ultimate goal is to reunite these children with their families. However, before this can happen, several factors need to be carefully evaluated. This is not about denying anyone’s rights, but about ensuring the best interests of the children are upheld,” Nancy said during a minister’s briefing session on GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) in the Dewan Rakyat today. As of yesterday, 560 children – 283 boys and 277 girls – had been placed in safe custody after the Social Welfare Department (JKM) obtained a temporary court custody order for two months under Section 25(2)(a) of the Child Act 2001. Meanwhile, Nancy said the Task Force Profiling Team for Op Global found that 94.3 per cent of the 558 profiled children had at least one living biological parent, while 5.7 per cent had no parents or no available information on their parents. Health assessments showed that 51.6 per cent of the children were underweight, falling below the healthy Body Mass Index (BMI), while 46.1 per cent had a normal weight and the remaining children were classified as obese, she added. “Three children have been issued persons with disabilities (PwD) cards, while 27 others display symptoms of disability,” she added. Cognitive assessments were also conducted on 385 children aged seven and above, with 71.9 per cent (277 children) showing no signs of cognitive disorders, she said. “However, 20.26 per cent (78 children) displayed moderate cognitive disorders, while 7.79 per cent (30 children) were found to have severe cognitive impairments,” Nancy said.

PETALING JAYA: A surprise inspection by Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure, and Communications committee chairman, Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh recently found 17 Immigration counters at the Johor checkpoint empty. The inspection was conducted following a video circulating online showing the 17 empty counters at the checkpoint in Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB), triggering public backlash. He confirmed that the surprise inspection found that the incident actually occurred, Harian Metro reported. The video showed the empty counters, with green lights on however, the pathways were closed off to commuters. ALSO READ: Woman calls out Immigration officer for alleged rude behaviour Fazli then instructed that the green lights to be turned off to indicate that the lane is closed, to ensure no one is confused. “If there is no solid reason given regarding the incident, this can be considered intentional,” he was quoted as saying. On the other hand, Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said an internal probe will be conducted on the incident. ALSO READ: Woman expresses gratitude to Johor Immigration officers for returning lost RM1.5k “The internal investigation will determine whether the immigration officer handling the counter neglected their duties or intentionally left the counter without permission. “We will not tolerate this behaviour, and strict disciplinary action will be taken against them if they are found to have neglected their duties. “It is a violation of responsibility, and I take this issue seriously,“ he was quoted as saying.

PETALING JAYA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will collaborate and hold discussions with relevant ministries and agencies regarding the issue of vegetable prices, which are expected to triple by the end of this year. Read full story

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has comprehensive regulations on smoking and tobacco control and does not need to follow other countries in banning vape and its products, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Read full story

TEMERLOH: The Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ordered the various parties involved in managing floods not to be selective in providing aid. Read full story

KUALA LUMPUR: The police (PDRM) have initiated investigations into companies linked to GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH), which are operating overseas. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail acknowledged the challenges of extending investigations beyond Malaysia’s borders but confirmed that PDRM have already reached out to authorities in 18 countries where these companies are believed to be active. “The police have taken steps to contact these countries using mutual legal agreements (MLA) to facilitate cooperation,” he said during a briefing on the GISBH issue at the Dewan Rakyat today. Earlier reports indicated that PDRM had identified 23 properties owned by GISBH in 10 countries, with an estimated value RM52.4 million. Saifuddin Nasution also said that 15 cases have been brought before courts nationwide, with trial dates pending. He highlighted a case of child abuse linked to the investigation, where the accused pleaded guilty and received a 10-year prison sentence. “There have been numerous breaches of the law, and it is imperative that we conduct the investigation thoroughly and with full accountability, allowing the legal process to unfold as it should. “I want to make it clear that there is no political motive behind the government’s handling of this case. The fact remains, crimes against children have occurred,” he said.

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Tuesday announced that a total of 20 errant personnel have been removed from service since 2022.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has comprehensive regulations on smoking and tobacco control and does not need to follow other countries in banning vape and its products, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Read full story

"It will give us the opportunity to ask cross-examination questions to test the credibility of the witnesses."

"The additional funding is crucial for supporting those in need."

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian innovators and manufacturers should seize the opportunity to tap into the immense potential of the global medical devices industry, which is projected to reach nearly US$800 billion by 2030, says Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Minister Chang Lih Kang. Chang noted that Malaysia had many high-quality products and innovators in the medical devices sector, with the government continuously encouraging and supporting industry players in research and development (R&D) and commercialisation efforts. “The market is vast, and we have plenty of room for success. To support R&D, of course, not limited to the medical devices industry, MOSTI offers various funding facilities, grants, matching grants, and equity where we invest in relevant startups,” he said. Chang said this to reporters after officiating the soft launch of INNOMed: Innovation Pitching Powered by PERANTIM, a key event in the International Medical Device Exhibition & Conference (IMDEC) 2024. Also present were Medical Device Authority (MDA) chief executive officer Dr P. Muralitharan, Malaysia Medical Devices Manufacturers Association (PERANTIM) president Johari Abu Kasim, and organising chairman of INNOMed, Dr Hyzan Mohd Yusof. Earlier in his speech, Chang said that under Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, the government aimed to foster synergies between the manufacturing and engineering sectors and the medical devices sector. This includes creating advanced inspection tools, solutions for imaging and endoscopy, implantable devices, and minimally invasive surgical tools. Meanwhile, Muralitharan told Bernama that, according to figures from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Malaysia’s total trade in medical devices, valued at RM25.61 billion from January to July this year, increased by 23.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2023 (RM20.74 billion). He added that the export of medical devices was valued at RM20.15 billion, an increase of 25.7 per cent compared to RM16.02 billion in 2023. In his speech, Dr Hyzan said that medical device innovation presented an opportunity to improve healthcare while boosting the economy, with the industry projected to reach nearly US$2 billion by 2025, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors. “By focusing on innovation, we can create high-skilled jobs, reduce our dependence on imported technologies, and position Malaysia as a global leader. Last year, we spent US$5 billion on medical devices, with 95 per cent being imports. Our goal is to reduce this to 50 per cent within five years,” he said. He also emphasised that close collaboration among universities, innovators, manufacturers, clinicians, and government agencies was key to ensuring that ideas and research transitioned smoothly from laboratories to clinical applications and into the hands of healthcare providers. INNOMed, themed “Unleashing the Power of Medical Technology: Shaping the Future of Healthcare,“ is organised by the MDA and will take place from Dec 10 to 12 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

KOTA KINABALU: More than 700 personnel members from the Health Department will be involved in a six-month statewide awareness campaign to educate the people on new laws over smoking products. Read full story