DEWAN NEGARA NEWS-IN-BRIEF: DEC 3

RM104.7 MLN FOR 14 RURAL ELECTRICITY SUPPLY PROJECTS IN SARAWAK

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- A total of RM104.7 million has been allocated under the Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12) to implement 14 rural electricity supply projects in Sarawak.

Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang said the allocation covers 12 extension projects and two new projects valued at RM927 million.

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“To date, electricity coverage in Sarawak has reached 98.4 percent,” she said in replying to Senator Pele Peter Tinggom’s question regarding rural electricity allocations for Sarawak at the Dewan Negara today.

To achieve 100 percent electricity coverage in Sarawak, Rubiah noted that the ministry will continue efforts to extend medium- and low-voltage grid lines and that hybrid solar and photovoltaic (PV) systems will be utilised as alternative solutions in areas facing connectivity constraints, as a short-term measure.

-- BERNAMA

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RM43 MLN DISTRIBUTED TO 385 NON-MUSLIM HOUSES OF WORSHIP IN 2024 - NGA

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has distributed RM43 million in aid to 385 Non-Muslim Houses of Worship (RIBI) nationwide from January this year.

Minister Nga Kor Ming said this amount is an increase from RM24.8 million for 205 RIBI last year.

“The aid includes RM9.5 million for 92 RIBI in Perak, RM7.15 million for 65 RIBI in Selangor, and RM6.6 million for 54 RIBI in Johor, alongside other states,” he said in response to Senator Abun Sui Anyit’s question on RIBI aid applications this year.

Nga added that priority is given to RIBI requiring urgent repairs and that so far, KPKT has received 1,074 RIBI aid applications amounting to an estimated RM174 million, which remain unprocessed due to financial constraints.

-- BERNAMA

FEWER FOOD IMPORT OFFENCES SHOW HIGH COMPLIANCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- The number of compounds issued for offences under the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728) by the Department of Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) fell to 275 cases in 2023, compared to 322 in 2022.

Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the number of cases involving detained and seized products also dropped from 70 in 2022 to nine in 2023.

“This reduction indicates high compliance among importers with the standards outlined in their import permits,” he said in response to Senator Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz’s question on the effectiveness of Malaysia's food import surveillance system.

-- BERNAMA

4,225 CANDIDATES PASS TRANSITION PROGRAMME TO FULL CLASS B LICENCE – LOKE

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- A total of 4,225 holders of Malaysia Class B2 Driving Licence (LMM) have successfully passed the Special Transition Programme to Class B licensc as of November.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that overall, 5,477 individuals participated in the programme, with 23 per cent, or 1,251 candidates, failing the test.

"As of Nov 27, a total of 177 Driving Institutes (IM) out of 245 have participated in offering this transition programme," he said in replying to Senator Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman’s query regarding steps taken to ensure driving institutes process applications approved by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) under this programme.

Loke emphasised that the ministry and JPJ continuously monitor the programme's implementation, and action will be taken against any IM that fails to process public applications despite committing to the programme.

-- BERNAMA

TAHFIZ AL-QURAN PROGRAMME TO EXPAND TO SEVERAL STATES NEXT YEAR

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- The rehabilitation module for inmates under the Tahfiz Al-Quran programme in prisons will be expanded to several states next year, following its proven success in positively transforming inmates' attitudes.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah expressed optimism about the programme, saying that it fosters positive changes in inmates and helps equip them for independent living while contributing to the nation.

"For 2025, we have planned to launch the programme in several locations, including Marang Prison, Seberang Perai Prison, Kota Kinabalu Central Prison, and Labuan Correctional Centre," he said during the Q&A session in the Dewan Negara.

He was responding to Senator Hussin Ismail’s question about the ministry’s readiness to expand Tahfiz Al-Quran programs as a rehabilitation module for inmates.

-- BERNAMA

4,206  ENTREPRENEURS RECEIVE TRAINING UNDER PKSLESTARI PROGRAMME TO ENHANCE ESG PRACTICES

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- A total of 4,206 entrepreneurs participated in the PKSlestari programme, aimed at promoting and accelerating the adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said the programme is a capacity-building initiative facilitated by grants and executed by the Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research (CEDAR), a subsidiary of SME Bank, from 2023 until November 2024.

"An ESG Quick Guide for MSMEs has been developed as a foundational reference to ease ESG implementation and reporting.

"Self-assessment services are also provided to help MSMEs evaluate their ESG adoption level, identify gaps, and make improvements," he said.

He was responding to Senator Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof’s question about how local SMEs are preparing to embrace ESG to compete internationally.

-- BERNAMA

ASWARA TO ADMIT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS STARTING MARCH NEXT YEAR – MOTAC

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- The National Academy of Arts, Culture, and Heritage (ASWARA) will begin enrolling international students for its first cohort in March through various programme offerings.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), in a written reply,, stated that these offerings include a Doctorate in Creative Arts, a Master’s Degree in Creative Arts, and short-term mobility programmes.

According to MOTAC, the decision to admit international students follows requests for international collaboration and applications from foreign students to enroll in ASWARA’s programs.

"The Home Ministry has approved ASWARA’s application to admit international students for a one-year period effective from Sept 24, 2024, to Sept 23, 2025," MOTAC said in response to a question by Senator Datuk Seri Prof Emeritus Dr Awang Sariyan regarding ASWARA’s efforts to attract foreign students to promote Malaysia's culture and heritage globally.

-- BERNAMA