Dewan Negara news in brief: March 13

Home Ministry yet to receive official proposal for ICQS complex in Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Affairs Ministry has yet to receive an official proposal from the Sarawak government for the development of the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex in Tapak Megah, Kapit.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the ministry is prepared to review the proposal once it is submitted.

“Under the Border Crossing Agreement signed between the governments of Malaysia and Indonesia on June 8, 2023, Tapak Megah and Long Lama were not listed as approved entry points.

“As a critical component of border management, the planning and development of the ICQS Complex in Tapak Megah must be carried out carefully, adhering to planning principles that align with its intended functions and objectives,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara.

He was responding to Senator Abun Sui Anyit, who inquired about the latest developments on the construction of the ICIQS Complex in Tapak Megah, given that Indonesia has already completed its facility. – Bernama

Sixty cooperatives to participate in coop biz-nest

KUALA LUMPUR: Sixty cooperatives will participate in the Ruang & Peluang Perniagaan Koperasi (COOP BIZ-NEST) programme in Sarawak this year to expand business opportunities for cooperatives nationwide.

Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri Ramakrishnan said the programme reflects the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the knowledge and capabilities of cooperatives, including those in Sarawak.

“The Malaysian Cooperative Commission will introduce several targeted programmes in Sarawak, including the COOP BIZ-NEST programme, which will involve 60 cooperatives,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara on Thursday (March 13).

He was responding to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim, who inquired about the government’s efforts to encourage Sarawak cooperatives to collaborate with those from other states to expand their market reach. – Bernama

Motac reviewing Tourism Industry Act 1992 to ensure current relevance

KUALA LUMPUR: The Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry (Motac) is reviewing the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482) to ensure its continued relevance in the current landscape.

Deputy Minister Firdaus Akbar Khan said the Act has not been reviewed since its enactment and needs to be amended to better align with present-day requirements.

He was addressing a supplementary question from Senator Dr. Wan Martina Wan Yusoff during Thursday’s (March 13) Dewan Negara session.

The senator had asked whether the ministry plans to amend the Tourism Industry Act 1992 to impose stricter penalties on umrah travel operators who deceive customers. – Bernama