24/06/2025

TUESDAY | JUNE 24, 2025

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Second chance for thousands facing bankruptcy

Inaccurate reporting damages trust in public institutions: Minister PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry will investigate an erroneous infographic about the 15th Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, published by a local Malay daily. Its minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry would look into the matter from all angles, including possible legal action or direct engagement with the media outlet. “If necessary, we will summon the outlet for clarification and take the opportunity to convey how false and irresponsible reporting can have serious implications. “However, any action taken should not be construed as the government undermining media freedom,” he told reporters after attending the ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday. Saifuddin expressed regret over the report, which wrongly stated that the IGP was a member of the PKR central leadership council. He said the mistake was serious as it affected the reputation of the country’s top enforcement officer. “The facts presented were incorrect. The biodata profile included all of the IGP’s past experiences, with an apparent intention to insert misleading information, despite the police having already issued an official and verified profile.” The minister stressed that an established media outlet should understand journalistic discipline, especially the obligation to verify facts, particularly when reporting about a senior police officer with decades of service. “Surely, some effort should have been made to verify the facts. At a time when political divisions and hate sentiments are intensifying, such irresponsible reporting is like wildfire in a dry season.” Saifuddin also criticised the media outlet’s explanation that the error was unintentional, saying it failed to acknowledge the significant consequences. “If we take stern action, then our Madani government will be accused of being a government that disrespects media freedom. “But freedom must include the responsibility to report verified facts, not to spread lies that erode public trust in the police institution and tarnish the reputation of the new IGP. The consequences are substantial.” On June 20, the Malay daily published an infographic linking the IGP to the PKR leadership, which caused widespread public confusion. Following backlash, the outlet issued an apology and suspended the staff involved in producing the infographic. Later, Mohd Khalid clarified that he had never been involved in any political activity during his nearly four decades in service. “During my 38 years in the police force, I have never been involved in any political party,” he said during the Home Ministry monthly assembly. On the infographic, Mohd Khalid said he accepted the incident with an open heart, as the media outlet had requested to meet with him. He said moving forward he would engage with the media outlet, hear their views and offer suggestions on improvements Mohd Khalid also urged all media practitioners to provide accurate, complete and responsible reports, staying true to the facts. “I hope the close and collaborative relationship between the police and journalists continue, as it is key to delivering quality reports not only for the police force but also for all government agencies and the Madani government.” Meanwhile, PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh confirmed that Mohd Khalid had never been a member of PKR, or held any position within the party. – Bernama

May 2025 from the age of under 25 to 55 and above, reported Bernama. Of that total, she said 10,145 cases were recorded involving the 35 to 44 age group, adding that men made up the majority of bankruptcies at 18,590 cases. On the Financial Literacy Programme, Azalina said it was one of the proactive steps by the Madani government to promote legal awareness and financial responsibility, especially among young Malaysians preparing to enter the workforce. The one-day programme, organised by the Insolvency Department, involved about 1,000 students from both public and private institutions. Earlier in her speech, Azalina said the government continuously strives to enhance the level of financial literacy among Malaysians to build financial resilience and ensure the wellbeing of the people in the future.

o Govt targets 200,000 to be discharged by year-end, with 186,000 individuals already released: Azalina

PETALING JAYA: The government is targeting to discharge 200,000 individuals from bankruptcy by the end of this year, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. She said so far, approximately 186,000 individuals have been released from bankruptcy, allowing them a fresh start in life. She added that the record was obtained by the Insolvency Department following the government’s efforts to give a second chance to the affected group to rebuild and continue with their lives. “We hope by the end of the year, we can give a calculation (people released from

bankruptcy status). So in total, we hope to target 200,000 this year,” she told reporters after launching the 2025 Financial Literacy Programme for public and private higher education institutions at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Shah Alam yesterday. UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib @ Shabuddin was also present. When tabling the Budget 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Second Chance Policy would be expanded to young people aged 40 and below who have debts not exceeding RM200,000 starting last year. Meanwhile, Azalina said a total of 25,578 bankruptcy cases were recorded from 2021 to

Nor Atiah said landscape architecture has become a key pillar

of sustainable development,

adding that the timing is right for Malaysia to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable landscape services. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Landscape industry to power GDP and global reach

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

frameworks such as the National Energy Transition roadmap and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.” Nor Atiah proposed several strategic actions, including improved policy enforcement, green tax incentives, education reform and support for local firms to compete globally. “Tax rebates could be introduced for projects that go beyond the minimum landscaping requirements and successfully integrate nature based solutions. “Digital upskilling and analytical tools should be prioritised to ensure our professionals remain globally competitive.” She said landscape consultancies and nurseries should be better integrated into regional and global value chains, particularly in Asean and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, where demand for sustainable urban design is rising. “Malaysia is well-placed to lead this platform, thanks to our tropical biodiversity, cultural richness and growing pool of design talent.” Nor Atiah also said the RM60 billion target reflects a larger shift in how landscape architecture is viewed in Malaysia. “It’s about giving value to beauty, dignity to green labour and strategic status to a profession that has long shaped our natural environments. “With the right support, Malaysia’s landscape industry can become a beacon in the region and a key player in the global green economy.”

force that not only enhances aesthetics and quality of life, but also creates jobs and income. Nor Atiah said the timing is right for Malaysia to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable landscape services, nature-based solutions and tropical floriculture exports. She cited industry estimates that placed the global landscaping services market at US$296 billion (RM1.39 trillion) in 2023, with projections rising to US$400 billion (RM1.88 trillion) by 2030. “Growth in the Asia-Pacific region is especially strong, driven by rapid urbanisation, climate risks and the need for resilient green infrastructure.” Nor Atiah, who also serves on the executive committee of the International Federation of Landscape Architects Asia-Pacific, said Malaysian professionals are already playing a key role in high-value areas such as healthcare design, ESG compliant (environment, social, governance) infrastructure, tourism planning and heritage revitalisation. “They are not decorative works. They are part of a new green economy, where well-designed environments improve public health, attract investment and strengthen resilience to climate shocks. “While the National Landscape Policy offers a solid foundation, it must now be fully operationalised across federal and state levels and aligned with national development

PETALING JAYA: The landscape industry should no longer be viewed as purely cosmetic or decorative, but as a strategic national investment in climate resilience, public health and cultural identity, says the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia. Its president, Assoc Prof Dr Nor Atiah Ismail said landscape architecture has become a key pillar of sustainable development, contributing significantly to economic growth and environmental protection. “It is not a distant ambition. It is a clear call to action for Malaysia to mobilise our national strengths – our design expertise, biodiversity and professional innovation – for both local and regional impact,” she told theSun . On June 19, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced that under the newly updated National Landscape Policy, the government is targeting the landscape industry to contribute RM60 billion, or 3% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. He said the sector had already contributed RM39.4 billion, or 2%, to the GDP last year, an increase from RM35.68 billion in 2023. Nga added that the ministry would continue working to unlock the sector’s full potential, aiming to transform it into a strategic economic