Day: September 8, 2024

SHANGHAI, The extension of the tourist visa exemption period for Malaysians to travel to China, from 15 to 30 days, is one of the matters to be discussed during Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s working visit to the country, starting today. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed that they will also discuss extending the visa-free exemption period’s end date, from Dec 31, 2025, to Dec 31, 2026. He said that the matters are expected to be raised in Ahmad Zahid’s meeting with China’s State Councillor and Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong at the closed

KUALA LUMPUR, The newly appointed Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar’s call for a review of outdated rules and regulations is seen as a critical move to enhance integrity, honesty, and accountability within the civil service. Malaysia Integrity Institute member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the review of outdated policies, regulations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) could help prevent abuse of power, malpractice, and corruption. He also emphasised that outdated regulations hinder civil servants’ ability to effectively respond to modern governance challenges, and a comprehensive review is necessary to eliminate obsolete practices and adapt

GEORGE TOWN, The commissioning of Package 12A at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP) will increase Penang’s water treatment capacity by up to 114 million litres per day (MLD) from this month. Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said Package 12A, which will be officially opened on Sept 14, refers to a new water treatment module within the premise of the Sungai Dua WTP, built rapidly in response to higher post-pandemic water demand. He said the Sungai Dua WTP is Penang’s largest and most important water treatment plant, supplying treated water to approximately 465,000

PORT DICKSON, Low health literacy can be regarded as an epidemic of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD), imposing a significant burden on individuals, families, society, and the national healthcare system. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that this includes young people, who should ideally be in the most active and healthiest phase of their lives. He emphasised the need for immediate intervention, as this could become a form of cancer within society and potentially pass on a heavy burden of disease to future generations. “According to the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey, one in two adults is overweight, one

KLANG, Former haj pilgrims are encouraged to share their experiences with those planning to perform the fifth pillar of Islam, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. He said sharing knowledge and experiences is crucial to ensure that future pilgrims are well-prepared and not caught off guard by the realities of the haj journey. ‘One crucial aspect they should convey is the experience in Mina. Some may assume that haj journey is simple, but in reality, there are many challenges they will face there. ‘By learning from real-life experiences and knowledge shared by