Day: September 8, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar said that toll rates could be reduced if highway development costs are managed effectively and are free from leakage or corruption. Anwar highlighted that highway development costs could be lowered, but have instead risen due to excessive fees imposed during the approval process. ‘This must stop. I believe for the next project, the Work Ministry and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) should ensure a more expedited approval process. This can be achieved if everyone takes responsibility and recognises that this (highway project) is for the people,’ he said. He said this when officiating

KUALA LUMPUR, Understanding the concept of capability (istito’ah), in addition to the interpretation of haj, is a crucial aspect for prospective pilgrims in preparing themselves before performing the fifth pillar of Islam. Penang Mufti Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman said this knowledge is essential to ensure that the haj can be performed properly, allowing pilgrims to achieve a mabrur (accepted) haj. ‘Istito’ah, or the capability to perform haj, is fundamental before Muslims undertake the pilgrimage. It includes physical aspects such as health and finances. ‘This concept must be clearly understood so that those who are unable to perform

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia needs to produce leading talent to ensure that the country does not fall behind in the global technological revolution and to avoid merely being a consumer in the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, said to Datuk Sri Ganes Palaniapan, deputy president of the Malaysia Internet-of-Things (IoT) Association. He said the government’s efforts to make Malaysia a data centre and regional AI leader through the establishment of the National AI Office is the right step, but developing local capacity and talent is crucial for creating impactful AI solutions. ‘The reality is, Malaysia is still stuck as a user of

PUTRAJAYA, The number of dengue fever cases fell to 1,765 in the 35th Epidemiological Week (ME35) from Aug 25 to 31, compared to 1,980 cases the previous week. Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said four deaths from dengue fever complications were also reported during the week. He further said that the cumulative number of dengue fever cases reported up to ME35 was 96,572, compared to 80,201 cases for the same period in 2023. ‘There were 88 deaths due to dengue fever complications compared with 57 fatalities in the same period last year,’ he said in a statement

LYON, His father’s encouragement and persuasion to pursue hairdressing at the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) in Kemasik, Terengganu five years ago have been the driving force behind Muhammad Nasran Ahmad’s many accomplishments. Muhammad Nasran, 22, who was initially reluctant to enter the field, has now expanded his horizons not only locally but has also made a name for himself internationally. ‘I wasn’t very interested in hairdressing initially, but my father insisted and persuaded me to join Kemasik IKBN to learn the skills…from there, I started learning and developed an interest. ‘Later, there was a selection for WorldSkills Malaysia Youth