DEWAN RAKYAT NEWS IN BRIEF: FEB 13

57 SCHOOLS USED AS TEMPORARY RELIEF CENTRES UNDERGO REPAIRS

KUALA LUMPUR -- Repairs are underway at 57 schools used as temporary relief centres across nine states, with work that began on Nov 29, 2024, expected to be completed by the end of March.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in a written reply published on Parliament’s official website, said the affected schools in Perak, Selangor, Kedah, Johor, Melaka, Pahang, Penang, Perlis, and Kelantan have been allocated RM910,000 for repairs.

He said the federal government, through the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), has set aside funds for minor repairs at the relief centre facilities after their use during disasters.

"Repairs at 118 schools previously used as relief centres were completed in June 2024 at a total cost of RM2.03 million," he added in response to a question from Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai) on post-flood maintenance funding.

-- BERNAMA

PM VISITS 31 COUNTRIES SINCE NOV 2022 - DR ZALIHA

KUALA LUMPUR -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has visited 31 countries from November 2022 to February this year, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

She said these official visits play a vital role in strengthening diplomatic ties and expanding bilateral cooperation.

"The main objective is to attract foreign investment, which will boost the economy and create more job opportunities for Malaysians," she said in a written reply published on Parliament’s official website.

She was responding to a query from Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras) regarding the impact of the Prime Minister’s visits on the economy, politics, and national security.

-- BERNAMA

5,000 HIGH-SKILLED SPACE JOBS EXPECTED BY 2030

KUALA LUMPUR -- The enforcement of the Malaysian Space Board Act 2022 (Act 834) is expected to create 5,000 high-skilled jobs in the space sector by 2030.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang said the full implementation of the Act from Jan 1 this year will also spur new economic activities and technological investments.

He added that the Act provides a regulatory framework for Malaysia’s participation in international space laws, including the United Nations (UN) Outer Space Treaty.

"It ensures space activities are conducted responsibly, safely, and in compliance with global regulations," he told a press conference at the Parliament Building today.

-- BERNAMA