06/07/2025

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‘Use of EPF Account 2 for health insurance voluntary’

Malaysia’s territorial rights or sovereignty over the eastern waters off Sabah. He said the Sulawesi Sea Treaty, signed on June 8, 2023 and known as the 2023 Sulawesi Treaty, only covers a portion of the territorial sea off the east coast of Sabah and does not include Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). “The agreement does not cover the area known as Blocks ND6 and ND7, which lies within Malaysia’s EEZ extending up to 200 nautical miles.” Mohamad dismissed allegations that the Malaysian government had compromised Sabah’s territorial rights and sovereignty to Indonesia following the signing of the treaty. – Bernama Move to curb extremist ideologies among foreign workers KOTA BHARU: Religious authorities, including the Islamic Development Department, will continue working with the Home Ministry to curb the spread of extremist and radical ideologies among foreign workers in the country. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said although not all foreign workers are influenced by radical ideologies, efforts to curb such influences continue to be strengthened. “We emphasise that the role of religious agencies, especially the Islamic Development Department, is crucial in curbing the spread of extremist ideologies,” he said after attending the Rai Ummah programme here on Friday. He said the government upholds the principle of wasatiyya h (moderation) and firmly rejects any form of extremist teachings that deviate from the true teachings of Islam. “I have instructed the department and Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia to continue strengthening cooperation with other ministries, particularly the Home Ministry, especially in cases involving foreign workers who may be influenced by such ideologies.” On June 27, police crippled a foreign militant network with the arrest of 36 Bangladesh nationals suspected of being directly involved in radical militant movements linked to extremist beliefs. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the arrests were made in three phases. – Bernama

Malaysians can purchase coverage either through out-of-pocket payments or from retirement fund for Takaful scheme, says health minister

communicable diseases, citing an estimated RM64.3 billion in annual direct and indirect costs to manage illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. “We will never be able to build enough hospitals to manage the sick if we fail to prioritise prevention.” On the enforcement of the smoking ban at eateries, Health Deputy Director-General (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari said smoking remains prohibited within three metres of any area at which food is served, even if tables and chairs are placed outside the formal premises. He said local authorities are responsible for licensing the physical layout of food outlets, but the smoking restriction is enforced under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations. “We want to protect the public from exposure to second hand smoke, especially in dining areas.”

poisoning between January and May, compared with 707 cases in 2024, a 23% decline. He emphasised the need for continued vigilance. “I want to do better. I am never complacent.” Themed “Food Safety: Science in Action”, the event held at the Alamanda Shopping Centre in Putrajaya saw simultaneous programmes carried out in five states, namely Johor, Selangor, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak. Dzulkefly said food safety must become an everyday priority and not just a seasonal campaign. He urged the public to take responsibility through simple practices such as inspecting food labels, ensuring proper storage and applying the “look, smell and taste” approach before eating anything. “Food safety begins with us. We are the first checkpoint.” He also highlighted the economic burden of non cases

█ BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

coverage could do so either through out-of-pocket payments or using funds from Account 2. “It is a voluntary product. This is not like the National Health Insurance scheme proposed in the past. There is no compulsion.” The scheme, developed jointly by the Health Ministry, Finance Ministry and insurers, aims to offer affordable basic protection options to the public. Contributors had raised concern that the use of EPF savings for insurance might deplete their retirement funds. On a separate matter, Dzulkefly revealed that Malaysia recorded 204 food

JAKARTA: Deputy Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin said the proposal for Malaysia and Indonesia to jointly develop economic potential in the Sulawesi Sea area has yet to be finalised. He said several processes must be considered beforehand, especially securing the views and consent of the Sabah government. He added that the existing consultation mechanisms between the federal government and the Sabah government would be fully utilised, including the Action Council for Implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, which is chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Foreign PARIS: As the proposed carbon tax is being finalised, the government has given an assurance that its implementation will not create a problem for investors. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he knows that the trend towards decarbonisation is strong and compelling. “But I think we have to be very realistic. The proposed PUTRAJAYA: the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Account 2 for the government Medical and Health Insurance Takaful scheme is entirely voluntary, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. “Even the basic medical health insurance takaful itself is not compulsory,” he said at a media conference at the national-level World Food Safety Day 2025 celebration yesterday. Dzulkefly said Malaysians who choose to purchase the Using

Govt issues assurance carbon tax will not burden investors

carbon tax should not be seen as too problematic, (and should not be) at the expense of investing companies,” he said during a question and answer session at the roundtable meeting with captains of industry in Paris, on Friday. Anwar, who is here on a two-day official visit, said the implementation has to be done cautiously and gradually. – Bernama

Anwar with French President Emmanuel Macron after a press conference at the Elysee Palace yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Move to jointly develop Ambalat not finalised: Deputy minister

including the Sabah government, National Security Council (Sabah), Sabah Attorney General’s Office, Survey and Mapping Department, Sabah Lands and Survey Department as well as other relevant technical agencies. Mohamad said the Malaysian government remains committed to thoroughly examining the matter and reaching a mutual understanding through negotiations based on existing mechanisms. He said the country’s sovereignty and strategic interests would continue to be safeguarded and defended to the full extent. He added that the maritime boundary agreement signed with Indonesia in 2023 does not affect

and considered fairly. Mohamad said Malaysia and Indonesia are still unable to explore the two blocks, as the area remains under dispute in terms of maritime boundaries between the two countries. “Given the significant economic potential, while the process of finalising maritime boundaries in the Sulawesi Sea between the two countries is ongoing, some parties have proposed that Malaysia and Indonesia jointly develop this potential.” Mohamad said the process of finalising the maritime boundary in the Sulawesi Sea is a long-term and complex effort under a technical committee led by the Foreign Ministry. The committee comprises various government agencies,

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg. Mohamad said in a post on his Facebook page that the proposal for joint development in the Sulawesi Sea involving Blocks ND6 and ND7, referred to by Indonesia as “Ambalat”, is not new as the area is reported to hold significant natural resources such as oil and gas. He said in 2022, Anwar had directed Petronas to consider conducting a study on the proposed joint development initiative. Mohamad said the issue concerning Blocks ND6 and ND7 was also raised during Anwar’s working visit to Jakarta on June 27. He added that Anwar had stated the interests of the Sabah region must be taken into account