26/07/2025

SATURDAY | JULY 26, 2025

3 Govt legal reform continues to gain momentum

Initiative to promote, support breastfeeding SEREMBAN: The Health Ministry, through the National Lactation Centre, has launched the Madani Private Hospital Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) to promote breastfeeding and reduce the prevalence of diet related non-communicable diseases. Its deputy minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said partnerships between the public and private sectors to implement BFHI and support nursing mothers with confidence and respect was a shared responsibility. “The core objectives of this tour, which is in line with the National Nutrition Policy, include expanding BFHI promotion, ensuring more private hospitals join the movement of nursing mothers, and strengthening community support so that nursing mothers do not feel isolated and can confidently nurse their children,”he said at the launch of the initiative here yesterday. He said such inclusive efforts would ensure the health of both mother and child, and allow more Malaysians to support breastfeeding, adding that 31 private hospitals are participating in the initiative. “Nursing exclusively contributes to a natural diet that is safe, pollutant-free and supports sustainable public health and reduces dependence on industry-based baby food products that stress the environment. Currently, 31 out of 180 private hospitals have been accredited in BFHI. Lukanisman said 15 hospitals are in the final stage of training by the National Lactation Centre and state health departments to receive BFHI accredition, while 65 hospitals are in the process of initial training. BFHI is a global initiative under the World Health Organisation and the United Nations’ Children’s Fund that began in 1991 with the goal of protecting, supporting and promoting breastfeeding. – Bernama Meanwhile, the ministry said it has submitted an application to the Economy Ministry under the special project initiative to ensure more farm road repair projects can be implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan. – Bernama RM44 million to repair Sabah, Sarawak roads KUALA LUMPUR: The Plantation and Commodities Ministry has spent RM44.83 million on 131 farm road repair projects in Sabah and Sarawak from 2022 until June 30. The ministry said 92 of the projects were carried out in Sabah, involving 164.8km of farm roads at the cost of RM29.97 million, while 39 road repair projects, covering 90km of farm roads, were implemented in Sarawak, costing RM14.86 million. “These projects have benefited oil palm, rubber, cocoa and pepper smallholders in both states,” the ministry said in a written reply posted on the Parliament website. The ministry was responding to a question from Oscar Ling Chai Yew (PH-Sibu) on its plans to assist the plantation sector in repairing farm roads in Sabah and Sarawak.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Madani government legal and institutional reform agenda continues to gain momentum, with five Bills and two key motions passed in the first week of the Dewan Rakyat meeting. It included amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711) and the introduction of community service penalties for minor littering offences. The Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025, drafted to expand protection for whistleblowers and strengthen mechanisms for reporting misconduct, was passed by a majority voice vote following debate by 24 MPs. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina

in public spaces and roads, by introducing community service orders as an additional penalty to existing fines. Nga said the move is crucial to instil civic responsibility, raise public awareness and cultivate a culture of cleanliness, ultimately contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable Malaysia for the well-being of its people. Also passed was the Consumer Credit (Finance) Bill 2025, which was formulated to address significant gaps in the currently unregulated sector, particularly among businesses targeting vulnerable credit consumers who are susceptible to exploitation. The meeting this week also saw the tabling of four Bills for first reading – the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025, Compulsory Attendance of Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2025, Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Fees (Pengkalan Kubor Ferry) (Validation) Bill 2025. In addition, the Dewan Rakyat approved two motions – the Auditor-General’s Report 2/2025 on the activities of federal ministries, departments, statutory bodies and government-linked companies, and the 2023 annual report and financial statements of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam). The approval of both motions reflects the Madani government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in ensuring sound public financial governance and respect for human rights, thereby reinforcing public confidence in government institutions through transparent reporting and comprehensive auditing. Several MPs who participated in the debate on the Auditor-General’s Report 2/2025 commended the government’s openness in tabling the report, describing it as a progressive step that allows elected representatives to scrutinise audit findings and propose constructive improvements. Separately, Azalina said the tabling and debate of Suhakam’s Annual Report marked an important democratic tradition, as it provides a platform for MPs to review the state of human rights in the country and propose policy and implementation reforms. Also drawing attention was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s firm stance on Malaysia’s unchanged position regarding the situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East, including Iran. During Minister’s Question Time, Anwar reaffirmed that Malaysia’s position remains steadfast, even in the face of potential pressure or objections from the United States during ongoing tariff negotiations, which are expected to continue through August. The Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament will continue for 24 days until Aug 28.

o Whistleblower Act amendments, additional penalty for minor littering offences among Bills, motions passed in Dewan Rakyat

Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Streets, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at improving public cleanliness, Bernama reported. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the amendments seek to address the issue of minor littering, involving cigarette butts, tissue paper, plastic bags, drink cans and food wrappers

Othman Said, who tabled the Bill, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing whistleblower protection as part of its anti-corruption efforts and drive to improve public and private sector integrity. She added that although Act 711 has been in force for over a decade, it still contains weaknesses that need to be addressed. Also drawing attention during the Dewan Rakyat proceedings this week were the passage of the

Ministry taking serious, proactive measures to prevent fires in schools The ministry said it is committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of students and school staff across the country. – PIC FROM SEKOLAH KEBANGSAAN JALAN SUNGAI BESI DUA KUALA LUMPUR FACEBOOK PAGE

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

all educational institutions under the ministry, dated June 12. These safety measures must be implemented to prevent fires that could result in property damage and loss of life. In terms of infrastructure upgrades, the ministry, in collaboration with the Electrical Engineering Branch of PWD, has carried out rewiring works at 409 schools across Peninsular Malaysia that are over 50 years old. The matter was raised during the Dewan Rakyat sitting by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Dr Wan Ismail (PH Bandar Tun Razak), who asked the education minister to state the actions and measures taken to prevent fire incidents at school premises, citing the significant increase in cases as reported by the Fire and Rescue Department.

long-standing procedures in place to curb such incidents. “One of the main policies enforced is the Surat Pekeliling Ikhtisas No. 7 of 2009, which outlines fire prevention guidelines for schools. “Under this directive, schools are reminded to take proactive measures, including conducting thorough inspections of electrical wiring in school buildings,” said its minister Fadhlina Sidek. Schools with outdated or unsafe wiring, particularly those exceeding the standards set by the Public Works Department (PWD), are required to submit immediate replacement requests to their respective state education departments. The ministry has also issued a reminder letter on building safety to

PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry is taking serious and proactive steps to prevent fire incidents at school premises following a disturbing rise in fire-related cases over the past few years. According to the Fire and Rescue Department’s annual report, the number of school structure fires increased from 71 cases in 2021 to 152 cases in 2023 – more than doubling in just two years. In response, the ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and comfort of students and school staff across the country. The ministry stated that it views the matter seriously and has