PUTRAJAYA, June 10 — More speed-reduction measures, including speed bumps, should be installed along roads in Genting Highlands to reduce accident risks and improve road safety, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said today.

He said greater attention should be given to measures aimed at slowing vehicles and minimising accident risks, particularly at critical locations and key access routes to and from the hill resort.

“There is an urgent need to review and expedite the implementation of more technology-based monitoring measures to enhance road safety management.

“Safety measures cannot only be introduced after accidents occur. We must act from a preventive standpoint and minimise risks as much as possible,” he said in a statement after chairing a coordination meeting on the recent tour bus accident in Genting Highlands.

Tiong said the Road Transport Department (JPJ) had previously proposed the installation of speed-trap facilities along the route, but the proposal could not be implemented as the road is privately owned.

However, he stressed that despite the road being privately managed, it still involves the safety of tourists and members of the public.

He expressed hope that Genting Highlands management would cooperate with the govt and enforcement agencies in implementing safety improvements in the interest of public safety and corporate social responsibility.

“Protecting tourists’ safety, safeguarding the country’s tourism reputation and improving the quality of tourist transport services are shared responsibilities.

“We must be results-oriented and proactive in identifying and addressing weaknesses rather than allowing the same problems to recur,” he said.

Tiong said his ministry would hold further discussions with Genting Highlands management to obtain a clearer picture of the resort’s current road safety management practices.

On the issue of tourist vehicle management, he said any violations affecting public safety should not be taken lightly.

He said enforcement agencies must take action and impose stricter oversight on drivers with outstanding summonses, expired road tax, dangerous driving records, or those operating poorly maintained vehicles that pose safety risks.

“If these issues are allowed to persist for a prolonged period without immediate corrective action, then the system itself must be reviewed,” he said.

Tiong said the accident involving two buses and a sport utility vehicle (SUV) at KM15 of the Genting Highlands-Genting Sempah downhill road on May 30 had highlighted the need for stronger regulation of tourist vehicles, stricter background screening of drivers and more effective road safety enforcement mechanisms.

According to preliminary investigations, the bus driver involved in the accident is suspected of having more than 30 traffic offences on record, including speeding, driving without a valid licence, running traffic lights and using a mobile phone while driving.

“The safety of tourist transportation is not only about protecting lives, but also has a direct impact on the country’s tourism image,” he said. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 5 — Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has stressed that the suspension of access to the MyKhas portal for the Members of Parliament (MPs) for Petaling Jaya and Subang does not affect their rights or functions as elected representatives.

In fact, he said allocations channelled through the MyKhas platform are special funds under the prime minister’s purview and are separate from the facilities and entitlements provided to MPs through Parliament.

The communications minister also said residents in both constituencies would continue to have access to assistance despite the restrictions.

“The Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department (ICU JPM) has clarified that residents in both parliamentary constituencies may still submit applications, which will be assessed and approved directly by the ICU.

“As such, there is no issue regarding applications or the allocation of funds,” he told a press conference after the Cabinet meeting today.

Fahmi was responding to claims by Subang MP Wong Chen and Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung that their offices had been denied access to the MyKhas system, affecting applications for People-Friendly Projects (PMR) allocations in their constituencies.

Yesterday, the ICU JPM assured the public that all allocations intended for the people would continue to be disbursed and managed directly to ensure that public welfare remains unaffected.

The agency also said it would continue carrying out its coordinating role in an orderly manner to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of government programmes and initiatives for the benefit of the public. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 6 (Bernama) -- A total of 270 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions under Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) have recorded a graduate employability rate of 99.5 per cent, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

He said the impressive achievement demonstrated that MARA’s TVET institutions are at the forefront of advancing the nation’s TVET agenda, which has now entered the TVET 2.0 phase.

“I also greatly appreciate the private sector for being at the forefront of supporting TVET nationwide. They have not only introduced new training modules, but have also extended their support through the provision of equipment, machinery and other facilities for selected TVET institutions.

“They have embraced TVET 2.0 not only through the various contributions I mentioned earlier, but also by signing agreements with the National TVET Council and most TVET institutions across the country to ensure that all TVET students will be employed by the industry, with 100 per cent absorption into the workforce,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the National TVET Council, in his welcoming remarks at the National TVET Day 2026 celebration here today.

The celebration was held at Dataran Putrajaya, where Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the launch of TVET 2.0.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the implementation of TVET 2.0 would place greater emphasis on emerging high-demand fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and renewable energy, while continuing to strengthen conventional sectors that remain in demand.

“In TVET 2.0, in addition to the priorities I have outlined, we have also sent instructors from selected TVET institutions abroad for training at no cost to the government. The programmes are fully funded by industry players overseas, enabling our instructors to acquire the latest knowledge and skills,” he said.

He added that industry players are also offering premium salaries to TVET graduates, with holders of the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) receiving a minimum starting salary of RM2,500, above the current minimum wage.

The employability rate of TVET graduates nationwide rose to 98.7 per cent as of the end of May this year, compared with 95.1 per cent previously.

“This is an achievement we are grateful for. As I have often said, achieving success is difficult, but sustaining it is even more challenging. Our task and responsibility are not only to preserve this success, but to continue building on it and raising the bar even further,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said students from tahfiz institutions and pondok schools are now being given opportunities to pursue TVET programmes, including in aerospace engineering and maritime engineering, through courses offered by Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL).

“This will elevate the capabilities of tahfiz students, who have traditionally focused on the fields of syariah and usuluddin. Insya-Allah, within the next three to five years, while continuing to preserve their Quranic memorisation, we will also see them emerge as engineers, including in the aerospace sector,” he said.

He said the initiative is expected to produce more highly skilled professionals from among tahfiz students without compromising their grounding in religious studies.

Ahmad Zahid also said that seven universities within the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN) provide pathways for TVET students to further their education up to master’s and doctoral levels.

He added that the government has allocated RM7.9 billion to the TVET sector under Budget 2026, the largest allocation ever provided to strengthen the implementation of TVET 2.0, including upskilling and reskilling programmes.

On the National TVET Day 2026 celebration, he said this year’s event was organised on a relatively large scale despite being conducted at a very low cost, reflecting efficient resource management and the government’s commitment to ensuring that high-impact programmes can continue without placing an undue burden on national expenditure.

Held under the theme ‘TVET Pilihan Utama Kerjaya’ (TVET: The Preferred Career Path), the three-day celebration, which runs until Sunday, from 9 am to 10 pm daily, brings together more than 107 agencies, institutions and industry players from nine key sectors on a single platform. These sectors include aerospace, electronics and digital technology, agriculture, transport and automotive, advanced manufacturing, services, rail, maritime and energy. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 8 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner, Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman, has required all agency personnel to submit or update their asset declarations within one month of receiving an official notification, which will be issued at a later date.

He said the directive was among the first measures introduced under his leadership to strengthen the agency’s integrity and rebuild public confidence in the MACC as an independent, professional and impartial institution.

“To spearhead efforts to build and maintain public trust, I am directing all MACC officers to submit their asset declarations within a month from the date the official notification is issued.

“In line with that commitment, I will personally be the first to undertake the asset declaration process, InsyaAllah,” he said during his first address at the MACC monthly gathering here today.

He also emphasised that the MACC would not yield to pressure from any source, whether public sentiment, media scrutiny or political influence.

“Justice and the rule of law, applied without exception or compromise, are principles we will uphold. Integrity must go beyond rhetoric and pledges; it must be demonstrated through confidential decision-making and fearless investigations,” he said.

He also cautioned MACC personnel against damaging the organisation’s reputation through any wrongdoing, saying that even a small act of misconduct can taint the integrity of the entire institution.

He also emphasised that MACC staff should embody two core values, namely strength and trustworthiness, as highlighted in Surah Al-Qasas (the 28th chapter of the Quran).

He said strength relates to capability and expertise in carrying out tasks, while trustworthiness embodies honesty, which is central to the public service ethos, adding that the combination of the two qualities will ensure that the MACC continues to be respected as a key pillar in safeguarding the nation’s integrity.

Abd Halim also urged MACC personnel to shun arrogance and ego in the course of their duties, stressing that their conduct is always under public scrutiny.

He further emphasised that justice cannot be compromised, and that genuine integrity is measured by the ability to resist interference or undue influence from vested interests. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 1 — Taxpayers can now file assessment appeals or apply for an extension of time to appeal tax assessments raised under the Income Tax Act 1967 through the new e-Assessment Appeal service on the MyTax portal.

However, the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) said the facility does not cover cases involving capital gains tax, withholding tax, or assessments arising from investigation activities.

In a statement today, the IRB said the initiative marks a shift from previous manual and document-based processes to a fully online system, eliminating the need for taxpayers to physically visit IRB offices.

“Among the new experiences for taxpayers include the ability to submit assessment appeals or applications for extension of time from anywhere and in real time,” the IRB said.

Taxpayers will also be able to track the status of their appeals or applications throughout the process and receive notifications, including letters of acceptance or rejection, as well as notices of approval for extension requests, online.

For access, the IRB said individual taxpayers may submit appeals or extension applications via the individual taxpayer role on MyTax.

Company directors, authorised officers, and administrators of organisations such as cooperatives, trusts, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) may submit applications through the company director or organisation administrator roles. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 5 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today dismissed suggestions of reviving Muafakat Nasional (MN) 2.0, saying there have been no discussions on the matter between Umno and PAS.

“There have been no discussions on that,” he told reporters after visiting the exhibition site for National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Day 2026 at Dataran Putrajaya here today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said Umno and Barisan Nasional’s (BN) priority remains ensuring political stability through the unity government formed with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and parties from Sabah and Sarawak.

“The most important thing is to ensure that the current government remains intact until the end of the 15th Parliament’s term,” he said.

Yesterday, PAS Youth proposed that Umno revive political cooperation through Muafakat Nasional ahead of the upcoming Johor state election.

On a separate matter, Ahmad Zahid said a political meeting involving Umno and PAS leaders held last night did not involve the presidents of either party and was focused on political collaboration and national issues.

He said politics is dynamic and BN remains open to political discussions and deliberations on national matters in the interest of preserving the country’s stability. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 12 — The Election Commission (EC) has announced the polling dates for the upcoming state elections in Johor and Negri Sembilan, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown in the southern region.

EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun confirmed that Johor voters will head to the polls on July 11, with nomination day scheduled for June 27 and early voting taking place on July 7.

Negri Sembilan will follow shortly after, with polling day set for Aug 1. Nominations for the state will be held on July 18, followed by early voting on July 28.

MORE TO COME

PUTRAJAYA, June 4 — The National TVET Council (MTVET) Meeting No. 2/2026 today focused on strengthening agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a strategic agenda to support the development of the agro-food sector and enhance national food security.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in a statement, said the meeting, which he chaired, also reviewed several strategic initiatives to reinforce the country’s TVET ecosystem, particularly in sectors that are key drivers of economic growth and national development.

According to him, special attention was given to talent development in the agro-food sector amid challenges facing agricultural TVET, including issues related to graduate employability, the availability of high-skilled jobs and mismatches between graduates’ skills and industry requirements.

“The meeting took note of findings presented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), which highlighted the need to strengthen talent development efforts to improve productivity, innovation and competitiveness in the agro-food sector,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development.

He said the matter has significant implications for food security, human capital development and the nation’s economic growth.

As such, he proposed that the issue be elevated to the Cabinet through the preparation of a Cabinet Memorandum to enable the government to consider more comprehensive and integrated policy measures.

The meeting also took note of the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) Construction TVET Implementation Plan 2026–2030, which is designed to transform the construction training ecosystem through stronger governance, wider adoption of digital technologies, enhanced career pathways and closer collaboration with industry stakeholders.

Ahmad Zahid said the initiative would help develop a highly skilled and competent workforce capable of adapting to rapid technological advancements, including digitalisation, automation and innovation within the construction sector.

“This initiative will not only address the industry’s demand for local skilled workers but also strengthen the competitiveness of Malaysia’s construction sector at both the regional and global levels,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid, who is National TVET Council chairman, said the meeting was briefed on preparations for the National TVET Day 2026 celebration, which will take place over three days beginning tomorrow at Dataran Putrajaya under the theme “TVET the Main Career Choice”.

The event is expected to attract more than 500,000 visitors and will serve as a platform to showcase TVET’s role in developing a future-ready workforce and promoting skills-based careers among Malaysians.

Ahmad Zahid reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning TVET as a key national agenda for producing highly skilled human capital through close collaboration between government agencies, industry players and training institutions.

“I am confident that through strong cooperation among the government, industry and training institutions, TVET will continue to produce competent, innovative and competitive talent capable of driving the nation’s progress,” he said. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — The MADANI Government will continue to empower the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as a credible and respected institution in efforts to eradicate corruption without compromise, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

The Prime Minister emphasised that efforts to strengthen governance, integrity, and the country’s institutional reform agenda form the core of building a fairer, more transparent, and competitive Malaysia.

This was stated by him during a courtesy call from MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman in Putrajaya yesterday.

“I stressed that integrity is not merely a requirement in the public service, but a crucial foundation to guarantee public confidence, attract quality investments, and determine a more sustainable future for the nation.

“The MADANI Government will continue to empower the MACC as a credible and respected institution in efforts to eradicate corruption without compromise to ensure that the country’s prosperity can be enjoyed by both present and future generations,” he said via a Facebook post. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed that all aspects of government digital service development be carried out internally to safeguard data security and sovereignty.

Madani Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also communications minister, said the prime minister conveyed the directive during the Cabinet meeting today.

Fahmi said the internal development of digital services would be coordinated by the Ministry of Digital through the National Digital Department.

“This takes into account data security and sovereignty aspects, direct access to source code, as well as talent development, particularly among civil servants,” he told a post-Cabinet meeting press conference here today.

In another development, Fahmi said the prime minister had instructed that firm action be taken against any party found abusing licences, visas or business facilities in the country.

“We leave it to the relevant authorities to take action in accordance with the law, and we remind all business operators to always comply with regulations and laws, especially those holding licences to conduct business or undertake commercial activities,” he said. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 6 — The government has made the provision of Recycling Facilities (FPS) at shopping malls mandatory for the application and renewal of business premises licences under local authorities (PBT), to be implemented in phases starting this month.

The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) in a statement today said the matter was agreed upon during the Cabinet meeting yesterday.

“The implementation of this initiative will begin with an engagement phase and awareness programmes to encourage voluntary participation by shopping mall operators, followed by a pilot project in selected PBTs to assess the effectiveness of the implementation mechanism.

“Subsequently, enforcement will be carried out in stages before being expanded to mandatory compliance involving all shopping malls nationwide,” the statement said.

KPKT said the decision to mandate FPS is a strategic move by the government to strengthen national solid waste management, facilitate public access to recycling facilities, and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable circular economy.

“The proposal will also be brought to the National Council for Local Government (MNKT) to ensure comprehensive coordination and implementation at the state government and PBT levels.

“This step is significant considering Malaysia generates over 39,000 tonnes of solid waste daily.

“Therefore, a more comprehensive approach is required to increase the national recycling rate, support the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and reduce reliance on landfills,” the ministry said.

Meanwhile, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, in the same statement, said the initiative reflects the Madani government’s commitment to strengthening the recycling culture among the public and preserving environmental sustainability.

“Shopping malls are among the most visited locations by the public.

“By establishing recycling facilities in these strategic locations, the public will have easier access to separate and drop off recyclable materials responsibly,” Nga said.

He said this measure would not only help boost the national recycling rate and reduce waste sent to landfills but also represent a long-term investment in shaping a more environmentally conscious society and supporting sustainable economic development.

The KPKT added that the implementation of this initiative is expected to benefit the community, shopping mall operators, and PBTs through the provision of more accessible facilities, increased collection rates for recyclable materials, and the strengthening of data management for recycling activities in a more systematic manner.

In addition to supporting the National Recycling Rate target, the creation of FPS will help reinforce urban solid waste management and improve urban sustainability scores under the Malaysian Urban Indicators Network (MURNInets) system.

The public will also have the opportunity to generate economic value through trash-to-cash programmes by sending recyclable materials to the facilities provided.

To ensure effective implementation, KPKT will work closely with state governments, PBTs, shopping mall operators, and relevant ministries and agencies to provide clear, uniform guidelines for nationwide execution of the initiative.

KPKT calls on all parties, including state governments, PBTs, shopping mall operators, the private sector, and the community, to work together to ensure the success of this initiative to shape a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Malaysia, in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani and the nation’s sustainable development agenda.  — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 4 — The government is turning to retired military personnel to help address labour shortages in the transport sector, including as lorry and bus drivers as well as skilled workers in the aviation maintenance industry, under a new collaboration between the Transport Ministry (MOT) and Defence Ministry (Mindef).

Speaking at the signing of a strategic Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) cooperation agreement between the two ministries today, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said agencies and companies under MOT had committed to offering 3,208 job opportunities in the ports, logistics, bus transportation and rail sectors.

“That is why agencies and companies under MOT have come forward to support this initiative by providing nearly 3,208 job opportunities in the ports, logistics, bus transportation and rail sectors,” he said in his speech.

Loke said the collaboration reflected the government’s commitment to ensuring members and veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) could continue contributing to national development after completing their military service.

He said military personnel possessed qualities highly valued by employers, including discipline, integrity and resilience, as well as experience working in environments that require strict compliance with safety standards.

At a joint press conference later with Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Loke said the initiative would also help address manpower shortages across various segments of the transport industry.

“Today we are focusing on the logistics sector, truck and bus drivers, where we are facing significant shortages. We do not have enough bus and truck drivers,” he said.

“This platform can provide opportunities for them to become truck and bus drivers. There are also other sectors that urgently require manpower, such as ports.”

Loke said there was considerable overlap between the skills developed in military service and those needed in civilian transport industries.

“The skill sets that we need in the transport sector already exist among military retirees because they drive multiple heavy vehicles in the forces,” he said.

He pointed in particular to opportunities in the aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry, which he said was expanding rapidly.

“Many Air Force personnel possess aerospace MRO skill sets. In the defence sector they work on fighter jets, while in the civilian industry they can work on private jets and commercial aircraft,” he said.

Loke said growing airline fleets and increasing investment in business aviation facilities would drive demand for skilled workers in the sector.

“When there is an urgent need for skilled workers, military retirees are the quickest group that can meet that demand,” he said.

“Because they already have those skill sets.”

He added that military retirees would require only limited additional training before entering the civilian workforce.

The transport minister also announced measures to simplify the conversion of military driving licences into civilian licences, allowing former military drivers to enter the logistics industry more easily.

“Obtaining a Class E licence costs between RM4,000 and RM5,000. Under this programme, we will allow direct conversion,” he said.

Loke explained that military personnel currently hold driving licences issued under the Armed Forces system, which cannot be used after retirement.

He said those participating through the Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (Perhebat) would be able to convert eligible military licences into civilian licences at no cost.

Khaled said the initiative was important as about 5,000 military personnel retire each year, with more than 4,000 of them aged around 40 and still capable of contributing to the workforce.

“It would be a loss if they did not work or participate in the country’s economic activities,” he said.

Khaled said many retirees still had young families to support despite receiving pensions.

“Even if they receive RM2,000, RM3,000 or RM4,000 in pension, they still have young families. They have children who need to be raised,” he said.

He added that Perhebat had shifted its approach to focus on matching military retirees with industries facing actual labour shortages.

“Previously, Perhebat provided training programmes that did not meet industry needs. Industries had vacancies in certain fields, but Perhebat was providing training in areas that were not aligned,” he said.

“Today we are bypassing that process.”

Under the programme, retiring military personnel will undergo a six-month transition period before leaving service, during which they may be attached to participating companies for training while continuing to receive their government salaries.

Khaled said the arrangement would allow retirees to secure employment immediately after retirement while continuing to receive their pensions.

“Then when they get a job, the company pays them and they also receive their pension,” he said.

As part of the initiative, Perhebat also signed memoranda of understanding with 10 transport-sector agencies, companies and industry associations, including Malaysia Rail Development Corporation, Infinity Logistics & Transport, MMC Port Holdings, Westports Malaysia and Pan Malaysia Bus Operators Association, to expand training and employment opportunities for retiring and former military personnel.