12/02/2025

WEDNESDAY | FEB 12, 2025

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Labour participation up, unemployment down

Terengganu Sultan launches book on Setiu wetlands KUALA TERENGGANU: The Sultan of Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin launched a coffee table book titled Permata Negeri Terengganu: Setiu Wetlands on Monday. Also present at the launch were the Sultanah of Terengganu Sultanah Nur Zahirah and the Tengku Puteri Utama Raja Tengku Datuk Seri Nadhirah Zahrah Sultan Mizan. The book, published by WWF-Malaysia and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad, showcases the uniqueness and beauty of the Setiu Wetlands with a collection of photographs and interesting facts, which were the result of research and fieldwork as well as interactions with the local community. WWF-Malaysia president Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz said the book was published to raise awareness about the special nature of the Setiu Wetlands and the importance of its conservation efforts. “This coffee table book is an important step towards fostering awareness about the Setiu Wetlands as a natural gem that must continue to be preserved for the sustainability of current and future generations.” He said the book is also in appreciation of the local community of Setiu Wetlands, that have for long been the pillars of WWF-Malaysia’s conservation efforts. – Bernama Thaipusam, says PM KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with Thaipusam, which was celebrated by Hindus yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged all Malaysians to enhance the spirit of togetherness, appreciate diversity and strengthen love. He said for Hindus, Thaipusam is not just a festival but a symbol of perseverance, determination and sacrifice in undergoing life’s trials, and reflects their inner strength and discipline in facing challenges. “The festival also highlights the spirit of unity in diversity in the context of nationhood. It is a testament to how society can unite in an atmosphere full of respect and togetherness. “When thousands of Hindus gather to make vows and sacrifices, we witness a manifestation of collective strength. It is a reflection of a society that stands firm in human values, love and mutual understanding,” he said in a post on his Facebook page. Anwar added that in an increasingly uncertain world, the spirit of mutual respect and acceptance of differences must be a pillar of unity. He said the uniqueness of different cultures and practices makes Malaysia a country rich in heritage and noble values, respected not only in the region but also around the world. He added that Malaysians are fortunate to be blessed with diversity that can be used to get to know and love one another. “The country will not be safe and advanced if the points of difference are enlarged and the principle of harmony is set aside. As a result, every different and unique celebration like this should be understood by every peace loving Malaysian who upholds the principle of coexistence.” Anwar added that only by understanding and respecting one another can a civilised, dignified and prosperous country be guaranteed for all. – Bernama Enhance spirit of unity during

of 0.1% to 17.32 million people compared with 17.29 million in November. He added that the unemployment rate for that month reached the lowest rate in 116 months at 3.1%, with 544,300 unemployed people recorded compared with 3.2% in November 2024. The last time an unemployment rate of 3.1% was recorded was in May 2015, Bernama reported. “By the end of 2024, the Malaysian economy showed resilience and strong growth.” He said the self-employed population category is also on an upward trend, with an increase of 0.4% to 3.12 million people in December compared with 3.11 million in November 2024. “The number of people working in the service sector increased steadily, especially in wholesale and retail trade activities, arts, entertainment, food and beverage services, recreation and accommodation. “At the same time, the manufacturing, construction and agriculture sectors also recorded positive employment growth, while employment in the mining and quarrying sectors decreased during the month.”

o Manpower market position showed good growth in 2024, driven by encouraging economic expansion: Chief statistician

PUTRAJAYA: The labour force participation rate (LFPR) last year increased to 70.4% compared with 70% in 2023, said Statistics Department chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin. He said unemployment rate dropped to 3.3% from 3.4% during the same period. “The Malaysian economy is seen to have remained on a positive growth trajectory in 2024, driven by strong economic performance despite ongoing external uncertainties. “The country’s labour market position showed good growth momentum throughout the year, driven by encouraging economic growth.” Mohd Uzir said the country’s positive labour market last year was partly due to continued labour demand across various sectors, especially in the private sector. “The outlook for the Malaysian labour force this year is encouraging, with employment

set to continue increasing consistently, while unemployment is expected to remain low. “Key sectors such as manufacturing, especially electrical and electronics, as well as the services sector will drive job creation.” Mohd Uzir added that the fourth quarter of 2024 showed a manpower increase of 0.4% to 17.34 million people compared with 17.26 million the previous quarter. He also said the number of unemployed decreased by 0.2% to 546,900 people compared with 547,900 in the previous quarter, with the unemployment rate remaining at 3.2% compared with the third quarter of 2024. Mohd Uzir said the lowest unemployment rates in the fourth quarter of 2024 were in Selangor and Kedah (1.7%), followed by Malacca (1.8%), Johor (2.2%) and Penang (2.2%) while nine states recorded an increase in the LFPR. He said for December 2024, the workforce remained on an upward trend, with an increase

Anwar and Erdogan being greeted by a group of children during an event at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Malaysia, Turkiye exchange 11 MoUs PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Turkiye have exchanged 11 MoUs to enhance cooperation in various sectors, during Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s official visit to Malaysia. diplomatic training. Defence cooperation took a significant step forward with the exchange of two agreements. The first focused on government-to government procurement and the

Ministry and Turkiye’s Trade Ministry exchanged an MoU focusing on consumer protection, market surveillance and inspection. The Home Ministry also exchanged an agreement for the procurement of a multi-purpose mission ship for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency from Turkiye’s Desan Shipyard. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission exchanged an MoU with Turkiye’s Radio and Television Supreme Council on audio visual media services. In 2024, Turkiye was Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner, largest export destination and fourth-largest import source among West Asia countries. The total trade between Malaysia and Turkiye was recorded at RM24.13 billion in 2024, an 18.7% increase from 2023. – Bernama

The documents, covering key areas such as energy transition, disaster management, defence, trade and media collaboration, were exchanged in the presence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Erdogan. The MoU on cooperation in energy transition was exchanged between Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Turkiye’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. The National Disaster Management Agency exchanged an MoU with Turkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, while both countries also formalised a pact on

establishment of a Joint Committee for Defence Products, with the MoU exchanged between Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Turkiye Secretary of Defence Industries Prof Haluk Gorgun. The second MoU, involving strategic communication systems, was exchanged between Malaysia’s National Security Council and Turkiye’s Defence Industries Secretariat. Selangor Aviation and Technology Innovation Sdn Bhd agreed to partner with Turkiye’s Defence Industries Secretariat for smart city, traffic and security system solutions. The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living