05/08/2025

TUESDAY | AUG 5, 2025 3 Companies backing community unity projects get tax breaks KUDAT: The National Unity Ministry will discuss with the Finance Ministry and Inland Revenue Board the possibility of offering tax breaks to companies that contribute directly to community-level unity efforts. Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said it is hoped the move would encourage more corporate entities to extend support through the inclusive corporate social responsibility programmes that strengthen societal harmony. Aaron called on more non-governmental organisations and corporate companies to take an active role in organising community development programmes centred on unity. “Social integration that directly impacts the well-being of local communities also strengthens the public’s confidence in shared responsibility to build the nation’s future,” he said when launching the Borneo Unity Ride 2025 tour programme yesterday. He also said cross-sector collaboration is key to fostering sustainable and effective unity in the spirit of Malaysia Madani. Aaron said unity is not solely the responsibility of the government, but a collective effort involving all citizens, including the corporate sector, civil society and local communities. “In the spirit of Malaysia Madani, cross-sector collaboration is vital to achieve a sustainable and effective unity ecosystem.” The bicycle unity ride spans 15 days, covering more than 1,500km from the tip of Borneo at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau here to Teluk Melano in Sarawak. The programme focuses on three core components – the National Unity and Integration agenda, Nasional Malaysia Sihat and the Semarak Bulan Kebangsaan 2025. – Bernama Interest rate cap on buy now, pay later PETALING JAYA: A cap on interest rates for “buy now, pay later” services is on the table as the newly formed Consumer Credit Commission (CCC) begins regulating non-bank credit providers under the Consumer Credit Act 2025. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan told Parliament yesterday that the CCC will examine whether to limit the interest rates – currently ranging from 15% to 30% per annum – to better safeguard consumers, especially younger borrowers. “The CCC will adopt a regulatory approach through conduct standards that are balanced and proportionate,” Amir said in response to Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman, who had raised concerns about mounting youth debt. The move comes amid a surge in buy now, pay later services. As of July 21, transactions spiked from 83.8 million in the second half of 2024 to 102.6 million in just the first six months of this year. Amir said the CCC’s first task will be to collect industry data and determine the most effective oversight mechanisms for buy now, pay later operators, such as Atome, Grab PayLater and Shopee PayLater – platforms that have so far operated without direct regulatory oversight. He stressed that the commission will enforce responsible lending practices and will be empowered to act on any misconduct. “If there is non-compliance that harms consumers, the commission can take regulatory or legal action. Its supervisory framework will prioritise fairness, transparency and consumer protection.” Under the new regime, buy now, pay later providers must comply with tighter standards involving licensing, conduct and corporate governance. – By Harith Kamal

Call for smarter transport push under 13MP

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said eight more individuals were also terminated in 2023. He said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had handled 50 cases of phantom travellers, with two cases currently in the process of being charged in court, while the remaining cases are at various stages, including prosecution, internal investigations and the preparation of governance investigation papers. “All the actions mentioned are measures that have already been taken, not empty words, regardless of who is involved (in corruption). We have zero tolerance for this deplorable act. “Therefore, the government’s efforts and commitment to fighting corruption should not be questioned,” he said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut) on the action against counter setting cases in KLIA during the question-and-answer session. PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) outlines an ambitious vision to transform the nation’s transport landscape, but experts warn that success will take more than just laying down the roads and rail lines. They stress the need for strong supporting infrastructure, safety-led design and long-term resilience in the face of climate change and systemic inefficiencies. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua highlighted ongoing gaps in highway safety measures. While road upgrades are welcomed, he said the 13MP must go beyond cosmetic fixes. “The strategy needs tried-and-tested design features like intelligent transport systems for real-time hazard alerts, automated speed enforcement and continuous median barriers. “Rural roads, which account for a disproportionate number of fatalities, require full safety audits and tailored interventions at known black spots.” Law also raised red flags over how transit oriented development (TOD) is being handled – initiatives that aim to increase population density around transit hubs. “There needs to be more in the plan about mixed-income housing, street design that prioritises pedestrians and seamless multimodal integration. “Many TOD projects today seem to prioritise commercial gains over community needs. “One could end up with neighbourhoods next to stations, but still car-dependent.” He acknowledged the plan’s emphasis on rail expansion, TOD, freight diversification and other forward-looking ideas, but warned that execution hurdles remain. need for safety, upkeep and infrastructure integration to avoid repeating past pitfalls Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com o Experts welcome inclusive shift but stress

Academics say even the best-laid rail and road strategies will falter without long-term safety, infrastructure and maintenance reforms. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

to local markets.” Still, Fauzan said rural road projects face steep technical obstacles, especially in flood-prone and rugged areas. Drainage, he added, is often the “silent killer” of rural roads, weakening foundations and speeding up wear and tear. More critically, Fauzan urged policymakers to stop sidelining maintenance. “Maintenance isn’t just a support act, it’s the main character in any road’s life story. “You can build the best road in the world, but without regular upkeep, even highways become obstacle courses.” He said maintenance remains the most neglected aspect in national transport planning. “Unfortunately, in national planning, maintenance often takes a back seat to new construction. It’s less visible, less politically attractive and therefore, easier to delay. “But letting small cracks fester means costlier repairs later.” In road engineering, he added that a minor fix today could save millions tomorrow and more importantly, it keeps people moving safely and without disruption. He called for a mindset shift to treat road upkeep as an essential service and not just a post-disaster response. Both experts agree that while the 13MP signals a step away from mega-project mindsets, the true test lies in implementation, integration and above all, accountability.

In response to a question from Lee Chean Chung (PH-Petaling Jaya) on the ministry’s efforts to tackle the issue, Saifuddin said other intervention measures implemented include the digitalisation of services, particularly the traveller entry process at all entry points. He said the government is expanding the automated gate system to reduce human interaction, in which entry and exit screenings of travellers will be carried out solely through digital means, eliminating discretionary powers of officers. He said the ministry plans to install 635 automated gates at 123 entry points under the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency. “Beginning December, the auto gate system will be installed at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex at the Sultan Iskandar Building in Johor, KLIA 1 and 2, Kuching International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport and Penang International Airport.” “If done right, shifting more people and cargo to rail could ease congestion and reduce road safety risks. “But the strategy downplays the need for parallel investment in critical supporting infrastructure.” He singled out the state of Malaysia’s rail freight network as a major blind spot. Although the 13MP targets a 30% freight modal share by 2030, Law said issues – such as incompatible rail gauges, limited terminal access and inflexible scheduling – persist. “The vision would be far stronger with concrete plans to standardise intermodal gear, build transshipment hubs near industrial zones and encourage private companies to get involved in logistics innovation.” Without these, he cautioned, the modal shift target may not be attainable. UPM Department of Civil Engineering head and transport expert Assoc Prof Dr Fauzan Mohd Jakarni echoed similar concerns, but praised the 13MP for its inclusive, people-first approach. He said the plan signals a welcome pivot from glamour projects to real-world needs. “It focuses on who actually needs better transport, pinpoints real gaps, and puts meaningful access ahead of flashy expansion. “The rural road agenda is especially promising for remote communities. “For isolated villages, this could mean quicker emergency aid, better access to schools and clinics and more consistent links

‘26 officers sacked in corruption probe last year’ KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 26 enforcement officers at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) were dismissed last year for their involvement in the counter setting syndicate, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday. Counter setting refers to a corrupt practice involving the manipulation of immigration counters to facilitate the illegal entry or exit of individuals. Saifuddin added that the auto gate system will rollout fully in March 2028. “It uses biometric face recognition, iris and fingerprint scanning – this will help address issues related to the manipulation of traveller entry.”

He said the ministry is also conducting a proof of concept for the use of body cameras by enforcement officers stationed at entry points, particularly at KLIA, adding that the procurement of 614 units of body cameras is scheduled for next month. “By the end of the year, we will implement the advanced passenger screening system, which includes the advanced passenger information involving 10 of the 56 airlines operating flights into Malaysia. “With the system, information on travellers arriving in the country can be obtained, even before they set foot on Malaysian soil. “We will also conduct awareness programmes and activity reinforcement training in collaboration with the MACC, police and other agencies. “To date, we have carried out 185 such courses.” – Bernama