DEWAN NEGARA NEWS-IN-BRIEF: MARCH 3

914 TOLL PLAZA ACCIDENTS IN 2025, MAJORITY DUE TO NEGLIGENCE - AHMAD MASLAN

KUALA LUMPUR --  A total of 914 accidents were recorded at toll plazas nationwide in 2025 compared with 541 cases in 2022, with the majority found to be caused by human negligence.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said that based on an analysis by the Malaysian Highway Road Accident Analysis and Database System (MHROADS), the highest increase was detected between 2023 (651 cases) and 2024 (861 cases), when the number of cases rose by 32 per cent.

“Out of the 914 cases recorded in 2025, human negligence was the most critical factor with 718 cases, while vehicle-related factors contributed 136 cases involving issues such as overloading, brake system failure, as well as mechanical and tyre problems,” he said during the oral question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara today.

He was responding to a question from Senator Tuan Azahar Hassan, who wanted to know the latest data on the number of accidents occurring at toll plazas nationwide as well as the main causes of those accidents.

Responding to a supplementary question regarding preventive measures, Ahmad said that the ministry, through the Malaysian Highway Authority, has implemented various technological and safety initiatives at 205 operating toll plazas, including the installation of rumble strips, the use of Variable Message Sign (VMS) displays, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring to detect drivers who change lanes at the last minute.

-- BERNAMA

KKDW EMPOWERS TVET MADANI PORTAL AS ONE-STOP PLATFORM FOR 12 MINISTRIES

KUALA LUMPUR -- The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) is strengthening the TVET MADANI portal as a one-stop centre to make it easier for youths, particularly those in rural and remote areas, to access integrated information on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Its Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang said the portal compiles information on TVET programmes from 12 ministries under a single platform to ensure that information dissemination and application processes are more organised and systematic.

“Through this initiative, youths no longer need to refer to multiple websites of different agencies to obtain critical information, including the list of courses offered, entry requirements, training duration, and the locations of training institutions nationwide.

“This centralised approach is especially important for rural youths as it not only saves cost and time, but also reduces the information gap that is often a challenge in remote areas,” she said in her reply to a question from Senator Datuk Anna Bell @ Suzieana Perian, who wanted to know the government’s efforts in promoting the TVET field to rural communities, at the Dewan Negara today.

-- BERNAMA

UNITY MINISTRY IMPLEMENTS PHASED IMPROVEMENTS TO 1,781 TABIKA PERPADUAN

KUALA LUMPUR -- The Ministry of National Unity is implementing phased improvement measures to strengthen the capacity of 1,781 Tabika Perpaduan nationwide in preparation for the new policy of Year One admission at the age of six beginning in 2027.

Its Deputy Minister R. Yuneswaran said the initiative involves a needs assessment and phased determination of premises capacity according to category and location to ensure inclusive and quality access to preschool education.

“This step includes optimising the use of existing space as well as restructuring student intake based on capacity and local suitability,” he said during the oral question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara today.

He was responding to a question from Senator Datuk Dr Mustafa Musa, who wanted to know to what extent the government could enhance the capacity of Tabika Perpaduan to admit five-year-old children into preschool classes in 2026, in line with increased demand following the Year One entry age being set at six beginning in 2027.

Yuneswaran explained that information gathered from the survey would also be utilised to develop a more comprehensive student profile, covering sociodemographic background, developmental levels, and more responsive learning needs.

-- BERNAMA

SIMPLIFIED PROCESS FOR YOUTH ASSOCIATION REGISTRATION - KBS

KUALA LUMPUR -- The registration of youth associations under the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has now been simplified to assist the group, especially those in rural areas, in establishing their respective organisations.

Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol said the registration process can be done online or by visiting the state Youth and Sports Department (JBSN) office in person.

“We have the office of the Registrar of Youth Organisations (ROY) at every JBSN nationwide to manage all processes related to the registration of youth associations,” he said during the oral question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara today.

He said this in his reply to a question from Senator Dr Wan Martina Wan Yusoff regarding the difficulties faced by youths, particularly in rural areas, in registering associations due to bureaucratic red tape.

-- BERNAMA