DEWAN RAKYAT NEWS-IN-BRIEF: FEB 25

MUSEUM STAFFING SHORTAGE NOT AT CRITICAL LEVEL – YUNESWARAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- The staffing shortage in the country’s museum sector is not at an emergency level requiring immediate additions, said Deputy National Unity Minister R. Yuneswaran.

He said the current filled positions comprise highly skilled and trained individuals in areas related to the nation’s history, who have also received international training in countries such as Thailand, Singapore and the United States.

“In terms of staffing, 247 positions, or 59.7 per cent of the total approved establishment for the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) by the Public Service Department (JPA), consist of the Curator Scheme, Assistant Curator and Museum Assistant Scheme.

“These officers are continuously exposed to training and placements related to curatorial fields, including research, conservation, collection management, exhibition display and other related areas,” he said during the question-and-answer session.

He was replying to a supplementary question from Wan Razali Wan Nor (PN-Kuantan), who asked whether the government was prepared to implement alternatives in collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen the management of historical materials and national artefacts.

-- BERNAMA

MINISTRY FORMS SPECIAL TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS FISH EXPORT CONSTRAINTS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has established a special task force on the import and export of fish and fish products to coordinate inter-agency action and strengthen regulatory oversight of the domestic aquaculture industry.

Its Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the move aims to address export constraints to other countries, particularly Thailand, which has introduced stricter sanitary and phytosanitary requirements following the detection of antibiotic limit violations.

He said that since March 1, 2024, Thailand has tightened import requirements for chilled seabass from Malaysia and from April 1 last year, all consignments have been subject to stringent inspections, including the requirement for a valid Certificate of Analysis (COA).

“Although export activities are still permitted, re-sampling at entry points and compliance with health certificates for marine catch sources have affected the smooth flow of Malaysian fish exports to Thailand,” he said in reply to a question from Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham (PH-Beruas) on measures taken by the government to enable local fish to be exported to Thailand during the session.

At the same time, Mohamad said several farms and cages in Malaysia have obtained Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP) certification specifically for seabass, including 36 in Penang, seven in Perak and three in Kedah, which are believed not to face export issues to the country.

-- BERNAMA

PUBLIC SHOULD BE OPEN TO MUFTI’S VIEWS, ADVICE – MARHAMAH

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- The mufti institution conveys views and explanations related to religious rulings based on its jurisdiction and responsibilities, and the public should therefore be more open in accepting their advice and opinions.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli said the mufti institution is qualified to respond to every viral and current issue arising in society, particularly those concerning religious rulings but differing levels of acceptance among the public often lead to polemics or perceptions of controversy.

At the same time, she said the mufti institution continues to be strengthened through various approaches, including the digitalisation of access to fatwas and legal opinions to ensure the public obtains authentic and authoritative references via digital platforms such as the Mufti Care application as well as Pintar Mufti, Bayan Linnas and Isyarat Hukum facilities on the official website of the Federal Territories Mufti Department.

“The Mufti Office also receives an average of between 250 and 300 phone calls and 200 to 250 emails each month related to religious enquiries, reflecting the continued need of the public for direct religious advice and guidance,” she said during the session.

She was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) regarding the coordination of conclusive ijtihad and views expressed by muftis to avoid polemics.

-- BERNAMA