27/06/2025

FRIDAY | JUNE 27, 2025

3

Top students assured of matriculation seats

Unlimited travel pass goes digital

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians using the My50 monthly unlimited travel pass will soon be able to renew it digitally through the Touch ‘n Go (TNG) eWallet, starting July 1, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced yesterday. Speaking at the launch of the My50 digitalisation initiative at KL Sentral, Loke said the new system will allow users to verify their citizenship status via electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) within the TNG eWallet app and renew their pass using a Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled Touch ‘n Go card, without the need for a MyKad. “Each renewal takes two to three minutes per person at Rapid KL counters. If there are 15 people at a counter, waiting times can reach 45 minutes. With this digital upgrade, the issue will be eliminated.” The move is aimed at reducing congestion at major public transport hubs and improving the efficiency of ticketing systems, which Loke said are equally vital as providing enough trains and buses. Users will also soon be able to access new features in the app that display their travel patterns and estimate cost savings. “People tend to forget that the actual value of the pass is much higher than RM50. If your monthly fare is about RM250, you’re saving RM200 a month.” The government, through Prasarana Malaysia, invested RM2.75 million for the initiative, which began six months ago in partnership with TNG Digital. Loke said TNG was selected due to its 24 million eKYC-verified users, making it the largest payment gateway with verified citizen data in the country. “This is part of our broader effort to enhance the experience of a public transport user and support Malaysia’s push toward digitalisation. “It’s not just about how many trains we have, it’s about how seamless the system is.” Loke clarified that users who prefer not to use the eWallet can continue renewing their My50 pass the traditional way – using their MyKad at Rapid KL counters. “We’re not forcing a shift. If someone is unfamiliar with e-wallets, they can still use their MyKad,” he said, adding that senior citizens have shown strong adaptability during initial testing, with many already familiar with digital platforms. In terms of data privacy, Loke assured that personal information would not be shared with operators, such as Prasarana. ”All data remains within the eWallet system and is protected under the Personal Data Protection Act.” bureaucratic processes, such as the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artists, which has made notable progress since the launch of the updated Foreign Filming and Performance Application Guidelines in April. The guidelines are aimed at enhancing the local entertainment and creative industries.

progressive and educated nation,” he said at the launch of National Landscape Day 2025 yesterday. A total of 14,179 students who sat for the SPM examination last year obtained straight As – the highest number in 11 years. This is following the government’s decision to make Bahasa Malaysia and History subjects mandatory for passing. The 14,179 straight-A students represent an increase from the 11,713 recorded in the 2023 SPM results.

and every Malaysian is being appreciated,” he said, adding that the decision is in line with the commitment made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last year and strengthens public confidence in the national education system. “DAP remains committed to promoting policies that celebrate academic achievement while also advancing social equity. “We believe that education is the greatest empowerment and tool towards building a fairer, more consistently and

o Govt honours promise to reward top SPM scorers regardless of race or background

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

the decision. Nga said the inclusive policy, which applies regardless of race or background, recognises the outstanding efforts of Malaysia’s top-performing students. “The government is sending a clear message that academic excellence will be rewarded fairly

JOHOR BAHRU: DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming has praised the government’s decision to guarantee matriculation placements for all students who achieved 10As and above in the 2024 SPM examination. Nga, who is also Housing and Local Government minister, said the decision reflects the Madani government’s commitment towards meritocracy, equal opportunity, appreciating local talents and effort to empower young Malaysians in pursuing quality education. The Education Ministry, in a statement yesterday, said the matter was agreed upon at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday and it follows the announcement made last year by the prime minister. It said students who scored 10As or more in last year’s SPM and have submitted for places in the matriculation programme will be offered admission, regardless of race or background. This includes students who scored A-. “This will ensure all

Consort of Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail,Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor, accompanied by Nga and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, officiates at the launch ceremony at Taman Bandar Bukit Layang Layang in Pasir Gudang on Wednesday. – BERNAMAPIC

top-performing students in the 2024 SPM have the opportunity to further their studies,” it said in a statement. The ministry also verified that the existing Bumiputera quota system for the matriculation programme will not be affected by ‘Vehicle permit holders accountable for summonses’

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN nikfaiz@thesundaily.com

would be executed proactively, even before violations occur, to ensure permit holders remain accountable. “I have instructed RTD and APAD to be more aggressive in terms of surveillance, especially to those from companies with repeated offences.” He reiterated that permit holders are liable for ensuring compliance, and they must take responsibility if their drivers incur offences. On Tuesday, the Transport Ministry unveiled a list of logistics and transportation companies with the most outstanding summonses. Besides KDEB, other freight operators with the highest number of active summonses are Mainiza Mantap Sdn Bhd and Advancecon Machinery Sdn Bhd.

involving vehicles in Malaysia.” Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azhar Abbas said the ministry had significantly improved the approval process for foreign film scripts, cutting the timeline from 30 days to just seven days. The effort has resulted in regulatory cost savings of up to RM2.4 million per production. “It also strengthens Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for potential regulatory consequences. KDEB reportedly settled more than 12,000 summonses previously, but the most recent 22,000 were attributed to delayed notice delivery by drivers. Loke acknowledged the public perception towards the lack of efficiency and speed in enforcement, particularly in cases involving repeat offenders. “When we act, some say we’re too slow, but when we don’t, they say we’re not doing our jobs. So now, we’re stepping up.” The move to tighten enforcement comes as part of a sequence of stronger audit and surveillance measures. Loke said RTD and APAD audits

this yesterday. “We have successfully reduced the processing time for various applications, including script approvals for international companies, from 30 days to just seven. “This is a major accomplishment, particularly for the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, as script evaluation is a key requirement for filming activities promptly and settle fines incurred. Loke said he has directed the Road Transport Department (RTD) and the Public Assets and Disposal Agency (APAD) to take a more aggressive stance on repeat offenders. “Even in the absence of incidents, we will conduct random audits of companies and repeat offenders. The goal is clear compliance and deterrence.” The waste management company, KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd had accumulated 22,017 summonses. The case highlights a systemic issue among logistics firms, where drivers may disregard summonses, resulting in unplanned costs and

KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has reminded logistics and transport firms that responsibility for traffic summonses lies with vehicle permit holders, not individual drivers, following reports that a waste management company had accumulated more than 22,000 unpaid summonses. “Summons remain valid regardless of who receives them. The permit holder bears a responsibility, not the driver. If a fine is issued, the permit holder must settle it,” he said and emphasised that companies must manage internal policies to ensure drivers forward summonses

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com Communications Ministry receives special certificate for bureaucratic reform

international filming,” Shamsul posted on Facebook. In recognition of the achievement, a special certificate of appreciation was presented to Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, at a ceremony held in Putrajaya on Wednesday. Fahmi said other agencies under the ministry have also improved their

PUTRAJAYA: The Communications Ministry has been recognised as one of three ministries that has successfully implemented bureaucratic reform and was awarded a special certificate of appreciation for its achievements. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil shared details about