12/07/2025

SATURDAY | JULY 12, 2025

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Water operators seek tariff review to improve services

Seven measures outlined to reduce teacher workload PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry has outlined seven measures aimed at reducing the workload of teachers, including scrapping low-impact school events and appointing public individuals as examination invigilators. Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the matter had been a priority since the start of her tenure, stressing that the long-standing issue required a comprehensive solution. “The ministry, through recommendations made by the National Education Advisory Council, has outlined seven measures to ease the burden on teachers. “The initiatives include scrapping low-impact school events and reducing the frequency of school management reviews under the Malaysian Education Quality Standards,” she said in a Facebook post. In addition, she said teachers have been given flexibility in recording student attendance, while Teachers’ Day celebrations would be limited to the national and school levels, and the Daily Lesson Plan summary would include only “objectives, teaching content and reflection”. Fadhlina said the ministry has also taken steps to strengthen teacher autonomy in planning and implementing the teaching process as well as classroom assessments. “The initiatives have shown significant successes, including the appointment of over 11,000 examination invigilators from among the public, thus reducing the workload of teachers. However, they need to be further strengthened to ensure a comprehensive impact on all teachers,” she said. Fadhlina also urged all state education departments, district education offices and school administrators to ensure the effective implementation of the initiatives, while the education director-general has been tasked with ensuring all initiatives proceed as planned. “Reports must be presented to me and the ministry’s senior management every three months, and I demand full commitment from all levels of education leadership to jointly address the issue of teachers’ workload,” she said. In a separate development, Fadhlina urged the Public Works Department and the Fire and Rescue Department to conduct a detailed investigation into a fire incident involving an office room at Sekolah Menengah Agama Persekutuan Kajang in Selangor. She emphasised that matters concerning school safety must not be taken lightly. – Bernama

commission periodically,” he said after launching the Aspirasi Pahang 1st initiative at the Sukpa Indoor Stadium in Kuantan on Thursday. In Kedah, state Public Works, Natural Resources, Water Supply and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Mohamad Yusoff Zakaria said solid financial resources are crucial to enable operators to enhance service management. He told Bernama that tariff adjustments were necessary due to rising electricity and production costs, including chemicals, but

noted applications submitted by the 10 operators are still under evaluation and have not been finalised by the commission. Meanwhile in Kelantan, state Public Works, Infrastructure, Water and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Dr Izani Husin expressed support for the proposed tariff adjustment, saying it would help improve water services for the benefit of the people. He said the move would help stabilise the financial position of Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd, enabling it to enhance service delivery. “Ten states have submitted proposals to the commission, but implementation depends on the approval of the respective state executive councillors,” he said. In Johor, state water service operator Ranhill SAJ is carefully planning the proposed tariff adjustment to avoid burdening most consumers. Its CEO Anuar Abdul Ghani said funds from the adjustment would be channelled towards upgrading ageing pipelines, improving treatment plants and strengthening supply infrastructure. He also stressed the company’s commitment to assist vulnerable groups through special rebates and called for continued public support. “We seek continued support and trust from all parties, especially consumers. “Every adjustment is an investment to ensure current and future generations will not face difficulties in accessing quality water supply,” he said. The commission on Wednesday confirmed receiving tariff review applications from operators in 10 states, namely Penang, Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor and Pahang. that the

o Proposed adjustments aim to balance rising costs and improve infrastructure without burdening consumers

KUALA LUMPUR: Water supply operators in 10 states are seeking a review of water tariffs to ensure sustainability and improve overall management quality. In Pahang, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the state government would hold discussions with the National

Water Services Commission to address regulatory matters concerning water supply in the state. He gave an assurance that any tariff adjustment would not burden the people. “We are still in the early stages and will hold discussions with the

Izani said 10 states have submitted proposals to the commission, but implementation depends on the approval of the respective state executive councillors . – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN Discussions on Sabah election not yet finalised

TANAH MERAH: Umno has held discussions with relevant parties regarding the upcoming Sabah election, although no final decision has been made yet. Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said preparations for the state election

in 2020, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, which comprises Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional and Parti Bersatu Sabah won 17, 14 and seven seats respectively, together securing enough seats to form the new state government. – Bernama

at the Tanah Merah Umno Division delegates meeting yesterday. The Sabah State Legislative Assembly is scheduled for automatic dissolution on Nov 11, paving the way for the 17th state election. In the 16th Sabah election held

had begun last year as part of readiness efforts by the party. “We have held discussions, but no final decision has been made yet. In fact, we have been on standby and making preparations since last year to face the state election,” he said after officiating

Interim role of minister not due to lack of candidates: Anwar

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Cabinet during its meeting on Wednesday that he had agreed for Johari to assume the additional portfolio. The appointment does not increase the number of ministers in the Cabinet as it fills a position left vacant following the resignation of Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. Meanwhile, Johari is already involved in overseeing sectors such as palm oil, rubber and timber – industries that directly affect land use and sustainability efforts.

process,” he said. Anwar added that if opposition MPs fail to understand these temporary arrangements,“then that is unfortunate, because they are clearly serving in an acting capacity”. Earlier, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said in a statement Johari has been appointed to concurrently take on the role of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability minister, effective immediately. He said Anwar had informed the

arrangements are not unprecedented, pointing out that the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), now known as the Economy Ministry, was previously managed under the Prime Minister’s Department. He said the EPU was restructured following the change of government after the 15th general election on Dec 23, 2022. “Now, Amir Hamzah is handling some of the responsibilities and Johari Ghani is overseeing certain functions as well. There is no need to rush the

is currently overseeing the Economy Ministry – are both holding interim roles pending permanent appointments. “There has been some confusion, with people questioning if it is because there is no one else available, so these roles had to be filled temporarily. That is not true. “They are just carrying out the responsibilities for now, until a full Cabinet appointment is decided,”Anwar said after performing Friday prayers at Surau Ar Rahim here yesterday. He added that such interim

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that Datuk Seri Johari Ghani’s temporary appointment to lead the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry is not due to a shortage of qualified candidates in the government. He said Johari, and Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan – who