22/07/2025

TUESDAY | JULY 22, 2025

3

MET Malaysia urges vigilance as haze returns

‘Economic growth hits 4.5% due to reforms’ PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s economy is projected to expand by 4.5% in the second quarter of 2025, slightly up from 4.4% in the previous quarter, surpassing market forecasts and reinforcing its status as one of the region’s fastest-growing economies. According to the Statistics Department, the better-than-expected performance is driven by resilient domestic demand and rising investor confidence. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the robust growth is a clear reflection of the Madani government’s reform agenda in revitalising the economy and uplifting the people’s well-being. “The growth is a clear sign that our economic policies and people-first programmes are starting to show meaningful results. “Even in the face of global challenges, our domestic economy remains strong, with consumer and investor confidence holding steady.” Nga highlighted the construction sector as a standout performer, projected to expand by 11%, fuelled by ongoing housing and commercial development. The services sector is expected to grow 5.3%, up from 5%, while the manufacturing sector is forecast to rise by 3.8%. Nga said the sustained economic momentum is being supported by key government initiatives such as the basic Rahmah contribution, Rahmah cash contribution, Rahmah aid and the increase in national minimum wage – all of which have boosted household incomes and strengthened domestic spending power. However, he cautioned that Malaysia must remain vigilant amid external uncertainties such as global trade tensions and tariff wars, adding that the government will continue to prioritise inclusive, broad based growth. He also welcomed Bank Negara Malaysia’s move to lower the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) to 2.75%, describing it as a timely step to bolster economic activity, particularly in the property sector. Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) has reappointed Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek as chairman. In a statement yesterday, Felda said the management and employees of Felda welcome Ahmad Shabery’s reappointment. “Felda is confident that Ahmad Shabery’s experience, vision and high commitment will continue to drive Felda forward in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani.” Ahmad Shabery expressed his thanks and gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the trust placed in him to continue leading Felda. – Bernama Felda chairman reappointed

most prevalent. “Amidst these hot, dry conditions, stay hydrated and minimise outdoor activities, particularly during peak heat. If venturing out is unavoidable, take precautions like wearing a hat or use an umbrella,” he advised. He said open burning should also be strictly avoided, as it exacerbates air quality and contributes to environmental degradation. “Prolonged exposure to thick haze can lead to health issues,” Mohd Hisham warned. Fortunately, MET Malaysia anticipates no strong El Nino this year, unlike the severe haze episodes that choked the region in 1998. This suggests that, barring a surge in uncontrolled fires, conditions are unlikely to deteriorate drastically. To stay informed, Mohd Hisham encouraged the public to consult MET Malaysia’s website, the myCuaca mobile app, and their official social media channels. He added that Malaysia continues to pursue regional cooperation through the 2002 Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. “However, there remains no legal enforcement mechanism to enable countries to take firm action against those responsible for the haze, particularly from illegal forest burning.”

o Southwest Monsoon contributing to prolonged dry weather, public advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities and avoid open burning

%VIEW VIGSVHMRK YRLIEPXL] %4- VIEHMRKW "SFBT SFDPSEJOH VOIFBMUIZ "1* SFBEJOHT %4- 92,)%08,=

%W SJ 41 .YP]

%PSV +ENEL 1)0%/%

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

7IVIQFER 2)+)6- 7)1&-0%2 /IQEQER 8)6)2++%29 .SLER 7IXME 7)0%2+36

Sembilan and Malacca,” said MET Malaysia director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip. Satellite imagery from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) on July 19 pinpointed 65 hotspots in Sumatra – down from the 79 seen the previous day – indicating ongoing fires are still fuelling cross border air pollution. “The haze is being carried into Malaysia by prevailing south westerly winds,” explained Mohd Hisham, adding that no significant downpours or wind shifts are expected in the coming days, which could persist or worsen the situation. Although not a direct cause, climate change is undeniably prolonging and intensifying the region’s dry spells. “Global warming is leading to drier, more extreme seasons across Southeast Asia, increasing the frequency and severity of fires,” said

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) has confirmed that the haze, currently blanketing parts of the country, is largely due to transboundary smoke from central Sumatran forest fires, swept in by south-westerly winds during the ongoing Southwest Monsoon. Running from June to September, this monsoon typically brings dry weather and scant rainfall – conditions that significantly elevate the risk of forest, peatland and bush fires both locally and in neighbouring nations, particularly Indonesia. “Central Sumatran forest fires are the primary cause of the haze affecting several western Peninsular Malaysia states, including Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negeri approximately 2.8 million in the second quarter of this year, marking a significant increase from the 1.8 million in the previous quarter. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa Minister attributed the rise to the growing number of services and applications now using digital ID for secure identity verification. “Examples include logging into the MyGOV portal, accessing the MyJPJ app and verifying prepaid SIM card ownership. “As more government and private sector services adopt MyDigital ID, public demand for registration naturally rises,” she said in response to a question from Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN–Beluran) during the Dewan Rakyat question-and-answer session yesterday. Ronald had asked for an update on the MyDigital initiative, particularly regarding MyDigital ID registration, system integration across government platforms and its impact on public service delivery. On system integration, Zaliha said 82 application systems have been integrated with MyDigital ID to date. Of the number, 35 government systems have been fully integrated, 17 are in the implementation stage and 21 are in early discussions. Meanwhile, seven non-government systems have been integrated, with another two currently being implemented. To reach rural and remote communities, Zaliha said the government is expanding engagement sessions with

8IQIVPSL 4%,%2+

&EPSO &EVY /YERXER 4%,%2+

2MPEM 2)+)6- 7)1&-0%2

&ERXMRK 7)0%2+36

'LIVEW /9%0% 091496

ZËéُ™ƥ H A‚¾‚ûݬ‚ ư S,AZ

Mohd Hisham. He urged the public to exercise caution, especially between July and October, when haze episodes are

MyDigital ID registrations reach 2.8m as of second quarter KUALA LUMPUR: MyDigital ID registrations have reached

More than two million Malaysians have registered for MyDigital ID, said Zaliha, attributing the increase to specific applications or services that use digital ID for identity verification. – BERNAMAPIC

verification of prepaid SIM cards using MyDigital ID, which is expected to be enforced by the end of the third quarter of this year.” – Bernama

“MyDigital ID is also taking proactive steps by collaborating with MCMC and the police to curb cybercrime, including through the

stakeholders and working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to enhance internet access.