18/07/2025

FRIDAY | JULY 18, 2025

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Fitness routine of King includes horse riding JOHOR BAHRU: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim continues to prioritise a healthy lifestyle by incorporating horse riding and walking into his regular fitness routine. According to a post on the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar official Facebook page, His Majesty begins his preparations as early as 5am to ride around the grounds of Istana Pasir Pelangi. “His Majesty possesses extensive knowledge in equestrian sports, and is also an experienced polo player.” The King believes horse riding is not merely a recreational activity but also one that contributes to strengthening muscles, enhancing focus and instilling discipline. Several photographs of Sultan Ibrahim engaging in the activity were also shared in the post. – Bernama ‘13MP likely to focus on economic resilience and sustainable development’ KUALA LUMPUR: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is expected to focus on green digital transformation, high-tech industries and artificial intelligence to build economic resilience and sustainable development. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Business professor Datuk Dr Nik Maheran Nik Muhammad said she anticipates 13MP to be aligned with key policy documents such as the Madani Economy framework, National Energy Transition Roadmap and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030. “The plan would likely emphasise green technology, economic digitalisation, development of skilled human capital, rural community well-being and efforts to bridge socio-economic disparities between regions.” She said infrastructure development would be a critical pillar, with expected initiatives that include the expansion of green transport networks, renewable energy grids and high-speed internet in rural areas. Nik Maheran foresees a continued focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training, digital education and curriculum development for future-ready skills. She said emphasis in the health sector would be on preventive healthcare, telemedicine and the digitisation of national health records to improve service delivery and access across the population. “Security will be enhanced through digital transformation, including the use of drones and AI. In addition, it is timely for the government to consider introducing a people’s insurance scheme, a form of microinsurance scheme for the B40 group, gig workers and micro entrepreneurs as part of a more inclusive social protection framework.” She said SMEs should be helped to transition to digitalisation, the green economy and automation to increase competitiveness at regional and global levels. Universiti Sains Malaysia professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said 13MP should focus on delivering tangible benefits to the people through the empowerment of social policies and developmental justice. “Priority must be given to addressing regional disparities, socio-economic and ethnic inequalities as well as driving sustainability and digitalisation, including AI adoption. “The plan is expected to highlight key indicators such as green economic growth, SME digitalisation, reducing regional inequality and strengthening human capital. He said it is likely to focus on balanced development, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, digital transformation, green economy initiatives, education and TVET reform, food security, energy security and strengthening the public health system post-Covid-19. The plan is scheduled for tabling in Parliament on July 31. – Bernama

Judicial appointments must conform to Federal Constitution: Sultan SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has emphasised that the appointment of senior judges to superior courts must comply with all legal provisions, particularly under Article 122B of the Federal Constitution. Appeal president, chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak as well as other judges of superior courts. the Conference of Rulers. “The process provided for under the Federal Constitution must be carried out transparently and carefully, in order to uphold the rule of law and support the principles of justice that form the core of governance in this country.

Sultan Sharafuddin said he fully supported the statement issued by Istana Negara on July 10 regarding the power of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to appoint the chief justice, Court of Appeal president and other key positions in the judiciary, upon the advice of the prime minister and after consultation with

“All parties are urged to refrain from making any speculation or unfounded accusations without complete and verified facts.” – Bernama

The 269th Meeting of the Conference of Rulers on Wednesday, chaired by Sultan Sharafuddin, discussed among other things, the appointments of the chief justice, Court of

Jalur Gemilang campaign to begin on July 27

On July 26, various family and community activities will also be organised, including colouring competitions as well as local arts and cultural performances. There will be a 6.8km Fun Run & Walk on July 27, which is open to everyone and registration is free, Bernama reported. “Additionally, the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang Convoy segment, involving water transport assets, is also expected to enliven the event.” Julina also said the three-day event aims to attract more than 10,000 visitors with various attractions, including a 30% discount on traffic summonses and special service counters by the Muar municipal council. “Such initiatives are rarely offered, so I urge the public to seize this opportunity. We want this launch to be a catalyst for evoking the national spirit. “More importantly, it marks the beginning of a more vibrant National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations. “All parties are encouraged to fly the Jalur Gemilang not only at their residences but also at premises and organisations throughout the country.” GEORGE TOWN: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) i-Saraan programme is an important initiative to empower the younger generation through financial knowledge and awareness, said Finance Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying. She said aside from helping self-employed individuals such as small traders, farmers, fishermen and housewives, it is now also open to teenagers as young as 14 years. “This move would help to instil a savings culture and build financial management awareness from a young age so that future generations are better prepared and resilient in facing economic challenges,” she said in her speech at the EPF i-Saraan contribution presentation ceremony for Tanjong B40 students yesterday. The event was attended by students and teachers from five schools, namely St Xavier’s Institution, Kolej Tingkatan Enam Hutchings, SMK Westlands, SMKA Perempuan Al-Mashoor and the Penang Methodist Girls School. Lim, who is also Tanjong MP, said each ringgit saved is an investment for the future as contributors to the scheme would receive a matching annual government incentive of 20%, which is capped at RM500, with a lifetime maximum of RM5,000. She said in 2024, the government allocated RM114.8 million for the scheme, benefiting more than 529,000 contributors. “As a sign of my support for this initiative, I have taken the step to contribute RM10,000 to open i-Saraan accounts for 200 students from the B40 group. “Each student will receive RM50 to start with.”– Bernama

o Drive aims to ignite spirit of patriotism and foster culture of hoisting national flag respectfully nationwide, says Information Dept DG

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Month and the Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign 2025 launch ceremony, which will be held at Dataran Tanjung Emas in Muar, Johor on July 27, aims to ignite the spirit of patriotism and foster the culture of hoisting the Jalur Gemilang nationwide. Information Department director-general Julina Johan said the campaign would highlight the peace and sovereignty of the country through the symbol of the national flag. “We want the people to not only fly the Jalur Gemilang but also to do so in the right and respectful way. Ensure the flag is in good condition, not worn out or torn, and is displayed in the correct place and position,” she said on the Apa Khabar Malaysia programme on Bernama TV yesterday.

Julina said this year’s programme also highlights a people-centric approach and the implementation of various government initiatives for the well-being of the community, in line with the theme of the 2025 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, which is “Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni”. She said although the main event is scheduled for July 27, the programme activities would start earlier on July 25 with the organisation of the “Karnival Kita Madani”. Julina added that the carnival would have service booths run by government agencies such as the Road Transport Department, free health and dental check-ups as well as local food trucks selling a variety of Johorean delicacies.

i-Saraan scheme to instil savings culture

Lim at the EPF i-Saraan contribution presentation ceremony in George Town yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC