27/06/2025

FRIDAY | JUNE 27, 2025

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No SST for apples, oranges

‘TVET viable option for STPM leavers’ PETALING JAYA: As more than 40,000 students receive their STPM results this week, an increasing number of school leavers are viewing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a viable and competitive option, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said applications for the TVET July 2025 intake have risen significantly from 146,000 last year to 189,304. He added that the government remains committed to strengthening the TVET ecosystem by expanding access and providing clear pathways for both SPM and STPM holders. “For STPM holders who did not secure a place at any public university due to limited spots, we are offering alternative opportunities through the Malaysian Technical University Network, particularly at six institutions,” he said after launching the Desa Kirana@KKDW programme yesterday. Zahid added that institutions such as Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and University Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) are also open for applications. “STPM holders can apply for technical programmes at UniKL and professional-based courses at UPTM, depending on their academic background and interests. These programmes are open to all races.” He added that the rise in applications reflects growing public confidence in TVET as a mainstream educational pathway that leads to employment, with strong industry demand and competitive salaries. Zahid said the recently launched UP_TVET centralised admission system is helping to streamline the placement process. He said SPM leavers with strong academic results are also eligible to enrol in foundational level technical programmes at UniKL and UPTM, offering more flexible entry points into the TVET ecosystem. – By QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI the potential to develop attractive rural tourism products.” Zahid also said the government would be amending the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954. “Engagement sessions with relevant stakeholders have already taken place, and the proposed amendments are expected to be tabled in Parliament by the March 2026 session.” Zahid added that he would also be coordinating the rural development meeting by establishing a high-level committee, as there are overlaps and misalignments in current efforts.

according to the needs of the residents, to ensure projects do not solely prioritise profits for developers. “I urge state governments and municipal councils to observe what we’re doing (with the Kota Madani project). “Don’t just bow to developers. We do the planning, they only refer and provide suggestions for improvement.” Anwar said although the project involves a cost of RM4 billion, it is a worthwhile investment for 10,000 residential units within a self-sustained ecosystem catering to all age groups. The first phase of the new township spanning 41.28ha is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

19 yesterday. Earlier, Anwar praised the local expertise used in the development process of the Kota Madani project. “This country truly has the capability. “We didn’t hire international consultants. We tapped into the intelligence and strength of our own people to envision how we could develop a new city based on the Madani concept that meets various needs.” He said the development of Kota Madani should serve as a model for all cities in Malaysia. Anwar added that development projects should not be handed over entirely to developers. He said state governments and local councils must carefully plan

He said the decision was made during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Anwar said the move was made as many people, including those in the B40 income group, enjoy imported fruits such as apples and oranges. “They quote the old saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away.’ That’s not right, it’s actually a banana a day because it contains high potassium.” He added that he initially believed there are still plenty of local fruits that people could enjoy. “Since many have complained, we decided to relax fruit import restrictions. There is a small tax, but apples and oranges are exempt.” He was speaking at the launch of the Kota Madani project in Precinct

o Decision made as many people, including those in B40 income group, enjoy imported fruits: Anwar

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA: The government has decided to exclude imported apples and oranges from the Sales and Service Tax (SST) following public complaints, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

21st RMAF chief appointed

SUBANG: Jen Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris has been appointed the 21st chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), succeeding Jen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, who retired yesterday. Muhamad Norazlan, who previously served as RMAF deputy chief, officially assumed the position during a handover of duty ceremony held at the Subang Air Base, witnessed by Armed Forces Chief Jen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaafar. Also held was a promotion ceremony marking Muhamad Norazlan’s elevation from “lieutenant-general” to “general” as well as a farewell parade in honour of Mohd Asghar Khan. Muhamad Norazlan, 58, who hails from Kota Tinggi in Johor, underwent training as a cadet officer at the Royal Military College (RMC) in Sungai Besi from 1985 to 1987 before beginning his flight training under RMAF in 1988 in Alor Setar. Throughout his career, Muhamad Norazlan has flown various types of fighter aircraft, including the Aermacchi MB339A, A4PTM Skyhawk, Mikoyan-Gurevich MIG-29N/UB and the Sukhoi 30MKM. He has also held various key positions within RMAF, including as Gong Kedak Air Base commander, deputy assistant chief of staff for planning and development, chief of staff at the air operations command headquarters, air support commander

Mohd Asghar Khan and his wife Puan Sri Bibi Nasratjahan Gulab Khan on an EC 725 aircraft during the farewell parade in Subang yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

MIG-29N and Sukhoi 30MKM. Mohd Asghar Khan served as air force chief since March 7, 2022, succeeding Jen Tan Sri Ackbal Abdul Samad. – Bernama

joined the force on July 18, 1983 as a cadet officer at RMC. He began his career as a fighter pilot in 1985 and has flown combat aircraft such as the A4 Skyhawk, F-5E,

and air operations commander, before assuming the role of RMAF deputy chief on June 28, 2022. Mohd Asghar Khan served in the RMAF for more than 42 years, having

Initiative to promote rural tourism, boost incomes

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

The initiative is one of the 42 game changer programmes under the ministry, a strategic move designed to support a sustainable rural tourism ecosystem in Malaysia, with a focus on various niche tourism products at selected locations. It is developed as an early preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. “Under this initiative, we aim to boost the socioeconomic status of rural communities through a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving local residents, government agencies and the private sector.

locations involved. “I would also like to highlight that in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Desa Kirana@KKDW is a new initiative planned by the ministry’s Community Economic Development Division, with a focus on strengthening a sustainable rural tourism ecosystem.” He said eight locations have been identified for the programme, including two in Kampung Pulau Tanjung Surat, Johor and Kampung Lonek Negeri Sembilan. He was speaking after launching the Desa Kirana@KKDW programme yesterday.

“It is also designed to narrow the development and economic gap between urban and rural areas, curb youth migration to cities and promote the unique identity of Malaysian villages on a global scale.” Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development minister, said the programme highlights five key attractions, namely heritage and culture, natural landscapes, gastronomy, traditional products and experiential activities. “Locations will be assessed based on their infrastructure readiness, availability of support facilities and

PETALING JAYA: The Rural and Regional Development Ministry is targeting the development of 20 fully equipped Desa Kirana@KKDW tourism sites by 2025, aimed at promoting sustainable rural tourism and boosting local income. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said an income increase of at least 20% is expected among participating rural communities, depending on the type of tourism products and