09/05/2025

FRIDAY | MAY 9, 2025

3 DPM pushes for strategic plan to uplift rural youths

committed to expanding the adoption of trenchless technology as part of its strategy to develop sustainable and low impact infrastructure, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He noted that the method has proven effective in enabling faster and safer construction of underground utilities such as sewerage systems, water pipelines and telecommunications networks, particularly in densely populated urban areas. “Applications such as pipe jacking have made it possible to lay sewer lines in urban and congested areas with minimal surface disruption, playing a key MACC unveils groundbreaking study on corruption risks PUTRAJAYA: The operational report and findings of the Malaysian Corruption Study (MaCoS) Population Module, presented by the Statistics Department (DOSM) and its consultant team, have opened a new dimension in understanding the country’s corruption challenges. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Deputy Chief Commissioner Datuk Azmi Kamaruzaman said the comprehensive study focused on the experiences of citizens when dealing with both public and private sectors as well as various aspects related to corrupt practices. “Through this study, MACC can identify at-risk population groups, types of involved public officials and private sector workers, administrative procedures prone to corruption, forms of solicited bribes, as well as reasons and consequences for accepting or rejecting corrupt offers,” he said in a statement. The study also assessed public awareness, knowledge and perceptions regarding corruption issues, providing MACC with detailed insights to shape more effective prevention strategies. The report was presented during the 2nd MaCoS Steering Committee Meeting for 2025 at the MACC headquarters on Wednesday, attended by representatives of key agencies and academic institutions, Bernama reported. During the meeting, DOSM delivered the operational report while consultants from UKM Pakarunding Sdn Bhd shared research findings with attendees. Among those present were MACC Community Education Division director Datuk Nazli Rasyid Sulong, Agency Integrity Management Division director Lim Bee Kean, and DOSM deputy chief statistician for Social and Technical Development Nazaria Baharudin. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Integrity and Ombudsman Unit head Tengku Elmi Azlina Tengku Muda was also in attendance. The MaCoS study, which involved 15,000 respondents, was conducted between March 1 and June 14 last year. Azmi added that the study is one of MACC’s key initiatives to elevate Malaysia’s position to 25th in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by 2033, in line with the sixth benchmark of the Madani Economic framework. “These evidence-based findings from actual public experiences should complement existing CPI data, which has traditionally relied solely on public perceptions of corruption,” he added.

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged the Rural and Regional Development Ministry to formulate a comprehensive Rural Youth Development Plan to produce a digitally literate, skilled and knowledgeable generation of rural youth capable of meeting the demands of the modern world. He said the plan would not only create job opportunities through the introduction of rural gig hubs, but also foster leadership by appointing rural youth ambassadors to serve as the voice and representatives of the new rural generation. “Through this plan, we can also introduce the Asean Rural Youth Exchange Programme offering our young people the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience on an international platform,” he said during the ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday. Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence in the ministry’s ability to develop the plan with active input from all agencies under its purview, coordinated via a dedicated Deputy

o Ahmad Zahid calls for digital training, leadership roles and global exposure to drive transformation

MyKiosk project not a ‘white elephant’ PUTRAJAYA: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has dismissed claims that the ministry’s MyKiosk project has become a white elephant. Speaking to reporters after the ministry’s 2024 Excellence Appreciation Ceremony yesterday, Nga said most kiosks have already been taken up, with only a small number yet to begin operations. “Not true (white elephant allegation). The majority have been filled, only a few are not yet in operation. “Instructions have already been issued by the Department of Local Government for all 7,000 kiosks nationwide to be fully utilised,” he said. He explained that the project is being implemented through applications submitted to local authorities, with priority given to small traders, particularly those previously operating illegally by the roadside. “With MyKiosk, we are legalising their businesses by offering free rental for the first six months and a maximum rental rate of RM10 per day,” he added. Earlier, Bersatu information chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz claimed the MyKiosk project was wasteful and had turned into a white elephant. The initiative is aimed at assisting the B40 group and micro, small and medium enterprises by providing standardised, safe and comfortable business spaces. – Bernama “It is too early to make a decision on the distribution of seats. We will hold more detailed discussions about this later.” educators to assess the impact of the Kemas Pre-Tahfiz Programme, which has been in place for a year. “These engagements are essential to gather feedback and suggestions, including proposals such as establishing a special needs nursery,” he said. He added that initiatives such as these play a vital role in promoting social mobility in rural areas and it is the ministry’s responsibility to ensure that every programme introduced delivers meaningful and measurable improvements to people’s lives. Separately, during another event yesterday, Ahmad Zahid – who is also Barisan Nasional chairman – commented on seat allocations for the upcoming Sabah state election. He said it was still too early to determine how seats would be divided between Sabah BN and Pakatan Harapan, adding that discussions would take place at a later stage.

resolved without delay.” As a follow-up, Ahmad Zahid proposed the ministry develop a transparent monthly performance schedule to track project progress and delivery of community aid, Bernama reported. He stressed the importance of having complete, data-driven insights to ensure no target group is left behind in the Rural Transformation Agenda. “We must move based on data, lead with information and act with confidence. The guidance and direction are already in place, now it’s time to deliver real, impactful action on the ground, not just plans that look good on paper.” Meanwhile, he called on the Community Development Department (Kemas) to strengthen engagement with parents and

platform or committee. “Our goal is clear, I want rural youths to cross borders, explore the world and compete on the global stage. They are not just heirs of the nation, but strategic assets and drivers of Malaysia’s future,” he said. Referring to a message from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered during a meeting with the ministry’s leadership in March, Ahmad Zahid said Anwar had emphasised the need for rural development projects to be implemented effectively, with outcomes that are visible and appreciated by the public. “The prime minister also reminded us that monitoring must be conducted diligently and comprehensively, with accurate reports submitted to Cabinet ministers, and that issues should be

INNOVATIVE FEAT ... Etika Group of Companies CEO Santharuban Thurai Sundaram (left) with the Guinness World Record certificate for the world’s thinnest reverse vending machine with a compaction system presented by Guinness World Records adjudicator Sonia Ushirogochi (right), as Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad looks on at the ministry in Putrajaya yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH THESUN

Malaysia backs trenchless tech for sustainable infrastructure KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is

he added. He also welcomed collaboration between the International Society for Trenchless Technology and local stakeholders to promote awareness of trenchless applications at the academic level. Through integration into university curricula and vocational programmes, Malaysia can equip its graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to embrace these modern technologies. Fadillah urged delegates to translate the ideas and discussions from Trenchless Asia 2025 into meaningful commercial opportunities that contribute to Malaysia’s sustainable future. – Bernama

surface disturbance, trenchless methods also help preserve the environment, reduce community disruption and avoid damage to existing infrastructure. Fadillah stressed that trenchless approaches are not merely alternatives but should be seen as core technologies for sustainable development, aligning with the government’s long-term agenda under AIR 2040, a strategic roadmap aimed at transforming Malaysia’s water services sector. “Trenchless technology fits perfectly into AIR 2040, especially in rehabilitating ageing pipelines and integrating smart water solutions, without the delays often associated with conventional methods,”

role in the expansion and modernisation of Malaysia’s sewerage systems,” he said when officiating at Trenchless Asia 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday. Fadillah added that the ministry, through its Sewerage Services Department, has implemented several major regional sewerage projects in the Klang Valley. These projects have successfully connected millions of households to centralised sewage treatment systems, improving effluent discharge standards and helping to protect precious rivers for future generations. By minimising excavation and