21/04/2025

MONDAY | APR 21, 2025

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‘Workforce mental, physical resilience key to growth’

Tabung Haji, govt to jointly combat haj package fraud SHAH ALAM: Lembaga Tabung Haji will collaborate closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the police to combat fraudulent haj packages. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the initiative targets online content and advertisements promoting such packages that mislead Muslims intending to perform the pilgrimage. He said instructions had also been issued to Tabung Haji group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Syed Hamadah Syed Othman to pay closer attention to the cases. “I urge all prospective pilgrims, whether for haj or umrah, to verify the legitimacy of their travel agents. “For umrah , the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry has a system that lists accredited agents. “As for haj , we have 37 licensed haj supervisors accredited by Tabung Haji. The public must check these details to avoid being deceived,” he said when met after the conclusion of the Selangor level Premier Haj course here yesterday. Earlier, the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah in his address at the ceremony, reminded Muslims not to exploit one another by offering fraudulent haj packages for profit. He also urged the government to take the matter seriously, Bernama reported. Commenting on Selangor’s haj pilgrims for the year 1446H (Islamic calendar), Mohd Na’im said 8,338 pilgrims from the state are expected to perform the pilgrimage this year. PKR leader calls for fair process in party elections KUALA LUMPUR: A transparent and fair 2025 PKR election process is the foundation of its strength as a reformist party, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. Nik Nazmi, who failed to retain his Setiawangsa division chief post in the party division-level election today, said there were several issues that deserved to be raised, and he would use the appropriate party channels and processes to voice them. “I would like to extend my utmost thanks to all supporters, machinery and party members who participated alongside us. “We will allow the appeal process to proceed according to the regulations and avenues set by the party,”he said in a post on X on Saturday. Nik Nazmi, who is Setiawangsa MP and PKR vice-president, lost the division chief contest to his challenger, actor-director Datuk Afdlin Shauki. Afdlin secured 631 votes against Nik Nazmi’s 563 votes. – Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: future growth depends on the physical and mental resilience of its workforce, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong. Speaking at the Social Security Organisation (Socso) Run and Ride 2025 event in Putrajaya, Sim emphasised that national progress is made possible by the unwavering dedication of workers across all sectors, including security, defence and both public and private services. “Nothing is stopping you from continuing to serve the nation, religion and homeland. What truly hinders Malaysia from becoming a great nation, especially in Malaysia’s

o Focus on preventive healthcare necessary as rising non-communicable diseases among workers cost country RM64.2 billion annually in economic losses, says minister

an average of 80 individuals a day were diagnosed with NCDs. Based on Socso’s internal data, about 2.3 million Malaysian adults are affected by three major NCDs – diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity – all of which are largely preventable through healthier lifestyle choices. “The figures should serve as a wake-up call. If we want to build a strong and productive workforce, we must take health seriously.” He warned that NCDs pose a serious threat to workforce productivity and the nation’s economic sustainability. Between 2022 and 2024 alone, the number of Socso contributors diagnosed with NCDs surged by 26.5%, Bernama reported. Citing a Health Ministry report, Sim said Malaysia suffers annual economic losses of up to RM64.2 billion or 4.2% of its GDP due to NCDs, primarily through healthcare costs and reduced worker productivity. To address this, Socso introduced the Health Screening Programme in 2013, which has since benefited over 900,000 individuals. Data from the programme in 2023 and 2024 revealed that among the 270,000 workers aged 40 and above, 19.4% were found to have diabetes, 19.6% had high blood pressure, 59.7% had excessive cholesterol levels and 59.3 per cent (around 160,100 people) were obese. This year’s Socso Run and Ride marked its eighth edition and made history with over 10,000 participants. The event also served as the curtain-raiser for the upcoming MYFutureJobs Career Carnival @ Labour Day 2025, to be held from April 28 to May 1 at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.

chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal and Socso CEO Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed. Sim also voiced concern over the sharp increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Socso contributors. He revealed that in 2023,

today’s volatile world, isn’t the strength of global powers such as the United States or China. It’s whether we, Malaysians, have the resilience to overcome challenges.” The event, attended by thousands, celebrated national unity and spirit. Also present were Socso Board

The eighth edition of the Socso Run and Ride event made history yesterday when over 10,000 participants turned up for the race in Putrajaya. – BERNAMAPIC

Sex education should not be taboo topic: Minister LUNDU: Malaysia must stop treating sex education as an afterthought and instead adopt a serious, all-round approach involving schools, parents and key government agencies, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. the Malaysia Madani statehood seminar yesterday. theSun had previously reported that sex education remains a sensitive and often overlooked issue, particularly when it involves children with disabilities. “A structured, accessible curriculum can help them recognise inappropriate behaviour, understand consent, practise hygiene and build safe, respectful relationships.” approach, especially involving parents, to teach children about values and personal safety. “This is about the safety and well

being of our children, and we’re actively seeking the most effective and comprehensive ways to tackle it.” Nancy added that parenting programmes would be updated to help parents speak openly and safely with their children. Recently in Kelantan, a police officer who was checking his 14 year-old daughter’s phone was shocked to find sexually suggestive messages exchanged with a teenage boy.

Bernama reported that while laws such as the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, Child Act 2001 and Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 exist, enforcement remains a challenge. Nancy said the matter had been raised at the highest levels, including during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with various ministries and agencies. She also called for a collaborative

Educators and activists have highlighted the need for inclusive, accessible programmes that empower such individuals. Among them was Johor Disabled Children Charitable and Cares Organisation president Mohd Yahya Haidrus, who stressed the urgency of tailored sex education for special needs children.

She said it should no longer be a taboo topic but recognised as a vital tool in shaping values and protecting children, especially in today’s digital age. “It is in the school curriculum, but its content is limited and often not emphasised. This must be addressed immediately,” she said after opening

Fahmi retains Lembah Pantai division chief post KUALA LUMPUR: PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has retained the Lembah Pantai division chief post after winning uncontested in the PKR 2025 divisional elections on Saturday. The result was announced through PKR 2025 Election website at https://pemilihan.keadilanrakyat.org , which also hosted simultaneous elections for the party’s Women’s and Youth wings. Fahmi, who is also communications minister and Lembah Pantai MP, retained the position for a second consecutive term from 2025 to 2028, Bernama reported.

In Pahang, another political secretary, Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, won uncontested for Indera Mahkota. The second phase divisional elections is until April 20 while the MPP, central women’s leadership council and central youth leadership council elections will be on May 24.

confirmed that he will contest a seat in the Central Leadership Council (MPP) election in May. Meanwhile, Datuk Azman Abidin, political secretary to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, retained his Bandar Tun Razak division chief post unopposed.

The division deputy chief and vice chief posts were also won uncontested by Abdullah Izhar Mohamed Yusof and Chan Phooi Lai respectively. On March 17, Fahmi said no nomination papers were submitted to contest the position before the nomination period closed. He also