Probe to be launched into RM3.46bil MLFF toll system, says PAC chairman

PETALING JAYA: A probe will be launched into the RM3.46bil Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection system (MLFF) under the Works Ministry, says Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman said that the committee members have unanimously agreed to initiate proceedings regarding the management of the MLFF's implementation, under the existing parliamentary Standing...

GEG element removed from anti-smoking Bill

KUALA LUMPUR: The generational end-game (GEG) element has been removed from the revised Control of Smoking Products for Public Health 2023 Bill tabled for the first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Nov 28). This is as the Health Ministry tries for the third time to legislate the anti-smoking law. ALSO READ: Amended version of anti-smoking Bill...

Congrats Big Tobacco, you’ve won but it’s not over, says KJ

PETALING JAYA: The strong lobby by tobacco industry players is the reason the generational end-game (GEG) element in the anti-smoking Bill is dropped, claims Khairy Jamaluddin (pic). While this is a win for the Big Tobacco and vape industry for the moment, the former health minister said the fight to protect Malaysians’ health was far from...

Eight people a day on average contract HIV daily in Malaysia, says Health Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: An average of eight people contract Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) a day in the country, says Dr Zaliha Mustafa (pic). The Health Minister said that the continued prevalence of new infections could derail the nation's goal of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030. "In general, Malaysia has succeeded in lowering new infections by up to 50% between...

Vehicles transporting construction materials eligible for targeted diesel subsidy

KUALA LUMPUR: Vehicles used to transport construction materials will continue to enjoy the diesel subsidy despite the upcoming targeted mechanism, says Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh. “Lorries that transport construction materials will not be affected (when the blanket subsidy is lifted) because they are still eligible for the diesel subsidy,” she...

Targeted EPF withdrawal will worsen insufficiency of retirement savings, says Finance Ministry

KUALA LUMPUR: Any new additional pre-retirement withdrawals, whether targeted or open, will further exacerbate the issue of insufficient retirement savings, which is currently at a very alarming level, the Finance Ministry said. The ministry said it is also not a solution to the increasing financial burden of the people. "As of Sept 30, 2023, a total of...

PN MP retracts statement on military pensions after rebuke by Defence Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic) has rebuked an Opposition MP over the latter’s claims that military pension claims were not prioritised by the government. Major-General (Rtd) Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh) claimed that he had not heard any Defence Minister raise the issue with the Cabinet. “This includes the current minister who has...

Tuan Ibrahim says polygamy permitted in Islam, not PAS’ teaching

KUALA LUMPUR: Polygamy is not the teaching of PAS but is permitted in Islam, says Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (pic). The PAS deputy president said it was disrespectful and rude for Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin to upload a posting on social media alluding that polygamy was a teaching of PAS. "He (Sim) has...

J-Kom was moved to PM’s Dept during Perikatan’s term, Teo tells Wan Saiful

KUALA LUMPUR: It was the Perikatan Nasional administration under Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that moved the Community Communications Department (J-Kom) to the Prime Minister's Department, says Teo Nie Ching. "The decision to move it from the (then) Communications and Multimedia Ministry was made during the Cabinet meeting on May 19, 2021, when Pagoh (Muhyiddin) was the...

Bersatu youth chief denies slandering Farhash

KUALA LUMPUR: Wan Ahmad Fayshal Wan Ahmad Kamal says he was just reading a police report and denies claims he slandered Datuk Farhash Wafa Salvador during a press conference on Tuesday (Nov 14). The Bersatu youth chief pointed out the report was lodged by the party's youth wing that included a video attachment that claimed an...