14/06/2025

SATURDAY | JUNE 14, 2025

2 M’sia expresses condolences over crash

o Consulate general in Mumbai has confirmed no Malaysian on board Air India flight

extended condolences to all those affected. “Our hearts are with the passengers, crew and their loved ones during this tragic time. We stand with Air India and all who have been impacted by this tragedy.” Batik Air Malaysia also shared a condolences message to the people affected by the crash. “Our deepest condolences. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the Air India incident. In the skies, we may fly under different names, but in moments like this, we stand together as one aviation family. To the passengers, crew and loved ones, you are in our thoughts.”

The lone survivor, identified as Viswashkumar Ramesh, was occupying seat 11A, police said. Flights by airlines from Malaysia to Ahmedabad are unaffected and remain on schedule as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has reopened for operations after temporary closure following the deadly crash. Currently, AirAsia Malaysia operates five weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Ahmedabad, while Malaysia Airlines has eight direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Ahmedabad every week, Bernama reported. Malaysia Airlines has also

assistance the consulate general at +91 22 6996 5757 or visit its office at Unit 12A1, 12A2 and 12A3, 13th Floor, Supreme Headquarters Building, 14th & 33rd Road, near Link Square Mall, Bandra West, 400 050 Maharashtra, India. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members when it departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad at 1.38pm local time. Air India confirmed that those on board included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian. may contact

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia stands in solidarity with the governments and people of India, the United Kingdom, Portugal and Canada following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, which went down shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday. The Foreign Ministry expressed sincere sympathy and condolences, especially to the families who lost their loved ones and those affected

by the tragedy. The aircraft, which was bound for Gatwick in London, reportedly crashed into the hostel complex of a medical college in a residential area near the airport, killing more than 240 people. The Consulate General of Malaysia in Mumbai confirmed that no Malaysian was on board and the situation is being monitored. Malaysians in need of consular

Police co-op may be granted development projects PETALING JAYA: The Royal Malaysia Police Cooperative may be given the opportunity to carry out physical development projects under the Home Ministry, subject to its governance performance and compliance with financial procedures. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the proposal was made following a policy announcement by the prime minister, who in principle supported the idea of allowing the cooperative to participate in certain infrastructure works under the ministry’s development expenditure. “These are primarily physical development projects such as the construction and upgrading of state and district police headquarters.” Among the projects identified were the replacement of the ageing state police headquarters in Kelantan, Perak and Penang as well as new district police headquarters in Wangsa Maju, Kapit and Padang Besar. “Projects under the Home Ministry typically involve agencies such as the Public Works Department or PBLT Sdn Bhd. “But if the cooperative demonstrates good governance, competence and the ability to deliver projects at a reasonable cost, then the prime minister is open to considering them as an implementation partner,” he said at a media conference during the 90th Annual General Delegates Meeting of the Royal Malaysian Police Cooperative. “This is not a direct award. All financial rules still apply. But the prime minister’s confidence is based on the belief that if cooperatives are given space, the benefit will be returned to over 100,000 of their members.” Saifuddin added that police infrastructure projects remain a priority under the Home Ministry’s development budget, which is the third largest after the Education and Health ministries. He said any proposal by the cooperative to take part in such projects must still undergo the due process of project bidding and review by the Economy Ministry. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, who also spoke at the event, said the cooperative’s financial performance has remained strong, allowing it to declare its highest dividend payout to date. It recorded a profit of RM50.14 million in 2023, with total membership reaching 119,920, up from 114,000 the previous year. “Share capital increased to RM586.6 million and our total assets as of January 2024 stood at RM1.134 billion.” Razarudin said the cooperative would distribute RM36.14 million in dividends, translating to 58% on share capital and 9.2% on sales capital, the highest distribution recorded by it to date. – By FAIZ RUZMAN

Anwar, accompanied by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, at the event in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Govt mulls writing off Kolej Unikop debt

Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

the people or by God. We must manage with transparency and purpose,” he said, alluding to his early years in public service and emphasis on accountability even during his time studying abroad. He warned against mismanagement, stating that even a profitable cooperative or institution could fall into disrepair without clear oversight. He urged the police cooperative to ensure that projects are not only profitable but well managed. “If one project yields RM100,000, then show us how it benefits members. Don’t just focus on big profits, think about sustainability and public service impact.” Anwar also spoke on Malaysia’s efforts to future-proof its economy through talent development. He said investments in data centres and semiconductor sectors are rapidly growing, with companies investing tens of billions of ringgit. “These are not just economic figures. That’s why we’ve pushed for reskilling and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Already, we’ve recorded 140,000 new TVET participants this year alone.”

including in policing and law enforcement. He commended the police for their exceptional performance during recent regional events involving foreign dignitaries and leaders. “I must express deep appreciation for how efficiently and discreetly our police personnel handled security during major Asean-level meetings. Foreign envoys were impressed. “They noted the professionalism, efficiency and composure of our officers throughout, from traffic to perimeter security.” He added that Malaysia’s law enforcement reputation has quietly become a point of pride and national credibility in international diplomacy. “Some may overlook it, but the ability to organise high-level summits with such order and safety speaks volumes about our institutions. I am proud of our police force for their exemplary work.” Anwar said many do not realise the long hours and unpredictable conditions under which police officers operate, be it rain or shine, day or night. “I’ve said this before. Everyone in a position of responsibility will be questioned, whether by

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday announced that the government is considering writing off the premises debt of Kolej Unikop, an educational institution linked to the Royal Malaysian Police Cooperative, as part of a broader effort to ease financial burdens faced by public service cooperatives. Speaking at the 90th Annual General Delegates Meeting of the cooperative, Anwar said this should not be mistaken for a blanket debt cancellation for all cooperatives. He said the move would be a way to support initiatives that serve public interest, particularly those that enhance education and professional training among Malaysians. “Let’s ensure cooperative-led initiatives bring meaningful returns to members and serve broader national goals.” Anwar’s remarks signal continued federal support for institutions with close ties to civil service sectors, especially those that contribute to upskilling youths such as Kolej Unikop, which offers various diploma and professional courses,

Prioritise critical sectors that boost GDP, says PM MALACCA: State governments must prioritise critical sectors that contribute to GDP to ensure holistic national development, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. electronics industry. “I often remind participants at special state-level development meetings that priorities listed by central agencies, the Economy Ministry and the state governments must be aligned and focused on the actual needs of the people. “State and district leadership must also He said priority under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) should be given to projects related to the electrical and

understand the ministry’s focus, as the demands placed on the federal government often exceed its economic capacity due to various constraints and this must be acknowledged,” he said in a statement after attending the special Malacca State Development Meeting on Thursday. – Bernama