06/06/2025

FRIDAY | JUNE 6, 2025

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DPM hails London visit as bridge to reinforce ties with UK LONDON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described his four-day working visit to the United Kingdom, which concluded on Wednesday, as a bridge to strengthen bilateral relations. other fields, providing motivation especially to Generation Alpha and the millennial generation,” he told a media conference upon the conclusion of his visit. Zahid’s meeting with UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed. Discussions focused on collaboration in rural transformation, disaster management, water security and investments in green energy, including the reactivation of the Asean Power Grid.

Nation to work with Japan for viable space ecosystem KUALA LUMPUR: Japan and Malaysia are poised to co-create a sustainable and commercially viable space ecosystem, aiming to address key societal challenges in both countries while jointly working towards a better future. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) Bangkok office director Nakamura Takehiro said this shared ambition builds on decades of collaboration between Jaxa and the Malaysian Space Agency (Mysa), recently reinforced by a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) in 2023. “Jaxa is proud to contribute to this shared vision by advancing research and applications of space-based data, supporting satellite development capabilities as well as providing technical expertise and cooperation to bolster national space ecosystems. “This includes active support for long term national strategies such as Malaysia Space Exploration 2030. Under this policy, Malaysia aims to position its space sector as a key driver of competitiveness, sovereignty and national well-being,” he said in a statement. The policy is designed to reduce costs, improve service delivery and drive innovation across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, environmental management and mining, leveraging space technology to support national development. “The signing of the MoC between Jaxa and Mysa marks a significant step forward and affirms the deepening of bilateral cooperation between Japan and Malaysia through space activities.” Takehiro also highlighted the strong potential of the bilateral partnership, showcased during the Technomart Malaysia Japan: Space Tech Collaboration event held at the Malaysia Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka on May 15. Technomart was more than just a showcase of capabilities, it was a strategic platform designed to promote tangible business outcomes across a broad range of sectors. These included technologies, products, services and solutions in satellite-based earth observation aimed at addressing social challenges, the development and manufacturing of small satellites, rocket launch services, launch site infrastructure for satellite deployment and emerging ventures in lunar exploration. “As Malaysia continues to invest in its industrial base and develop future-ready talent, and as Japan ventures to pursue deeper international partnerships, both countries are well-positioned to lead the next wave of space innovation, by addressing regional social challenges based on cooperation, technology and trust, working together towards a future of shared prosperity,” said Takehiro. – Bernama “All of this is in preparation for VMY2026. These routes are not just infrastructure, but also paths to various opportunities for tourists, operators and investors.” – Bernama dialogue held during the visit, Ahmad Zahid expressed hope that it would help Malaysian franchise brands penetrate the UK market by 2026. He expressed confidence that the launch of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VMY2026) in the UK would expand collaboration with UK industry players, including airlines, to attract more UK tourists to Malaysia. He also revealed that Malaysia has approved 103 new international routes, 29 additional flight frequencies and five charter flights in preparation for VMY2026.

Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) received very positive feedback from the university and students, who were excited about the government’s game-changing initiatives. “We are aware of the government’s aim to create 60,000 high-tech engineering job opportunities, and we have requested for the Training of Trainers programmes to be expedited.” Beyond TVET, the visit also strengthened cooperation in rural development, renewable energy and climate resilience through Ahmad

Ahmad Zahid said the visit, filled with discussions and programmes, differed from previous visits as he had the opportunity to personally witness the commitment of students sponsored by Mara at University College London during a session with them. “We (the delegation) saw their commitment not only to acquiring knowledge but also to acting as catalysts for Generation Z and Generation Alpha. When they come here and gain knowledge, then return to Malaysia, they will contribute not only to their professions but also

During the visit, Malaysia also proposed the use of green sukuk for climate financing and efforts to lead the global halal ecosystem through the World Halal Council and a unified halal logo. Both countries also reaffirmed commitment to enhancing trade relations under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and through private sector cooperation. Through the Malaysia-UK franchise business

Thailand to notify M’sia before releasing dam water

completion of a flood mitigation project on the Thai side, Bernama reported. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development minister, said this was then followed by the release of water that led to severe flooding and damage to embankment structures on the Malaysian side. “As a result, the water level in Kelantan rose above normal levels.” Ahmad Zahid also welcomed the signing of an agreement for the second Rantau Panjang Sungai Golok bridge construction project, along with plans to carry out deepening works at the Sungai Golok estuary and the construction of a river embankment, scheduled to begin in October. “I believe all the measures agreed upon reflect the high commitment of both countries in enhancing disaster preparedness and border security. “May the close relationship between Malaysia and Thailand continue to flourish for the mutual benefit of the people of both countries.”

o Early warning to give authorities sufficient time to make preparations for potential overflow of Sungai Golok in Kelantan, says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand has agreed to notify Malaysia at least three days in advance before releasing water from its dams to allow preparations for the potential overflow of Sungai Golok in Kelantan. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he had raised the matter during a meeting with his Thai counterpart Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also Home minister, on the sidelines of the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva yesterday. He said the early notification measure aims to give Malaysian authorities sufficient time to make the necessary preparations and alert communities, particularly those living along Three naval vessels decommissioned LUMUT: KD Laksamana Tun Abdul Jamil , KD Laksamana Tan Pusmah and KD Pendekar were officially decommissioned in full military tradition at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) base yesterday. Present were Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain as well as 37 former commanding officers of the three ships. The highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic striking of the ship’s bell and the lowering of the commissioning pennant, marking the official end of service for the three vessels, each of which had played a significant role in safeguarding the nation’s maritime sovereignty. KD Laksamana Tun Abdul Jamil, a corvette-class warship from the 24th Corvette Squadron, was built in Italy in 1982, and commissioned into the RMN service on July 28, 1997. Over the course of its service, it sailed a total of 486,487.1 nautical miles. KD Laksamana Tan Pusmah , also a corvette-class vessel from the same squadron, was commissioned on July 31, 1999, and had sailed a total of 315,907.6 nautical miles. KD Pendekar, a vessel from the First Fast Attack Craft Squadron, was launched on Nov 11, 1978, and commissioned into the RMN service on Aug 21, 1979. It recorded a total of 820,077.64 nautical miles sailed. – Bernama

the Sungai Golok basin, during the northeast monsoon, that is expected to begin in November. “ Alhamdulillah , this proposal has been accepted and agreed to by the Thai side, and an early notification mechanism will be established for the safety and welfare of the people in both countries. “This is an important initial step before being refined with other follow-up actions to ensure that disaster preparedness can be implemented more effectively,” Ahmad Zahid said in a statement yesterday. He said the unusual overflow of water in Sungai Golok and areas along the Malaysia Thailand border was caused by the

PERSONAL ATTENTION ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, accompanied by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, during a visit to the operations centre of LRT and KL Monorail operator Prasarana Malaysia Bhd in Selangor on Wednesday. – PIC COURTESY OF PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE