General

KOTA KINABALU, The Sabah state assembly today approved the Supplementary Supply Bill 2024 amounting to over RM1 billion from the Consolidated Fund. The bill, tabled by State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, garnered majority support after debate by 17 assemblymen. Masidi emphasised its crucial role in facilitating state government administrative operations until year-end, categorised into six expenditure segments, including RM295 million for the state development trust fund, RM288 million for operational expenses, and RM173 million for administrative costs. ‘In addition, special allocations amount to RM101 million, while investment expenditure totals RM80 million, with a final category of RM64 million

KOTA KINABALU, The Sabah Logistic Council (SLC) announced that it would identify and implement immediate measures to alleviate the current congestion at the Sapangar Bay Container Port and also prevent the need for surcharges that could burden local industries and consumers. In a statement today, the SLC said the council is fully aware of the significant impact that port congestion and potential surcharges can have on Sabah’s economy. ‘In response to recent industry grievances and issues related to Sapangar Port highlighted in the media, the SLC will be conducting a series of urgent meetings and consultations with key stakeholders,’ it

KUALA LUMPUR, The proposal to establish a dedicated ombudsman scheme for the country’s automotive industry, aimed at resolving disputes between consumers and automotive companies, will be among the agendas discussed in the study on the introduction of Lemon Law, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. He said the ministry is developing alternative dispute resolution as one of the key features of the ombudsman scheme, intended for immediate improvement and as a temporary measure. ‘This is implemented through the establishment of a special team at the ministry level, which serves as facilitators for user complaints

KUALA TERENGGANU, The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) seized a tugboat and a tanker, along with 50,000 litres of diesel at a jetty near Sungai Kuang, Kemaman early this morning. Terengganu KPDN director Saharuddin Mohd Kia said during the 2 am raid by seven KPDN personnel and seven police personnel, 10,000 litres of diesel had just been transferred from the tugboat to the tanker via a rubber hose, leaving 40,000 litres of diesel onboard. “The syndicate would purchase the diesel in the middle of the sea using the tugboat before transferring it to the tanker on land

SUBANG JAYA, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has urged ministries and government agencies to explore and harness artificial intelligence (AI) technology to further improve service efficiency for the public. He highlighted AI’s potential to reduce workload, including data input, record management and storage, thereby saving time and reducing the likelihood of human errors. ‘AI is currently utilised in certain applications, but its widespread adoption is yet to be fully realised. ‘Therefore, we welcome AI technologies that can streamline administrative processes and enhance the efficiency of service delivery,’ he said after launching the CelcomDigi AI Experience Centre at the CelcomDigi Hub here