06/08/2025

WEDNESDAY | AUG 6, 2025

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Law to make litterbugs do community service hailed

Sabah opens one stop labour centre

KOTA KINABALU: The Human Resources Ministry, in collaboration with the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), has launched the Kesuma Sabah One Stop Labour Centre and the HRD Corp Sabah Office at Sutera Avenue here. HRD Corp said the centre is the first of its kind in the state, bringing together a range of labour-related services under one roof. The centre aims to improve public access to employment-related services, skills development, workplace safety and social protection, HRD Corp Sabah said in a statement after the launch on Monday. Located on Level 1, Block A, Sutera Avenue, the centre will simplify employment-related matters for both workers and employers in Sabah, Bernama reported. “This includes coordinating functions such as job matching, training applications, union affairs, workplace safety advisory services and legal dispute resolution. “This initiative is expected to strengthen inter-agency coordination, empower local talents and support the Sabah Maju Jaya and Malaysia Madani agendas through inclusive and integrated human capital development.” Foreign tourist arrivals on the up in Negeri SEREMBAN: Negeri Sembilan recorded a significant increase in international tourist arrivals last year, with 0.46 million visitors compared with 0.34 million in 2023, the State Legislative Assembly was told yesterday. According to State Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Nicole Tan, the 35.1% rise, based on accommodation data from Tourism Malaysia, ranked Negeri Sembilan sixth out of 13 states and three Federal Territories. “This has made the state one of the tourist hotspots in Malaysia. Most international visitors are from Singapore, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Brunei and India,” she said in reply to a question from Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker (PN-Labu) on the number of international tourist arrivals in the state. Tan said under the Pesona Daerah initiative, Taman Tasik Seremban recorded 109,379 visitors, including 2,901 international tourists, Taman Malaysia received 13,607 visitors, including 342 foreigners while X-Park Sendayan drew 36,450 visitors, including 8,450 from abroad. – Bernama Initiative to weed out misuse of cooking gas PUTRAJAYA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is intensifying enforcement efforts against the misuse of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), particularly at food premises such as canteens, which have been identified as major hotspots for subsidy leakage. Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said the enforcement operations under “Operasi Gas Memasak” ( Ops Gasak ) initiative are being ramped up. She said the focus of Ops Gasak on canteens follows the discovery of several cases involving individuals or entities posing as legitimate businesses or wholesalers. “We found that the syndicate transfers subsidised LPG from 14kg cylinders, which cost RM26.60 each, into non-subsidised cylinders of the same size, which are sold at RM70 per unit. “This illegal practice is a major form of subsidy leakage that the authorities are tackling on a large scale.” She cited a recent case in Johor where the ministry uncovered fraudulent activity involving a canteen that was disguised as an LPG wholesaler. – Bernama

events to encourage bin usage and waste separation at source, community outreach and education to build lifelong anti-littering habits, as well as collaborations with local councils and youth groups to promote cleanliness at the grassroots level. He said in support of the national agenda, MPMA would collaborate with the ministry on Malaysia Cleaning Day 2025 in Port Dickson on Sept 27. The nationwide event is expected to draw participation from industry partners, NGOs, schools and concerned citizens, making it a powerful symbol of shared responsibility. “Our efforts are not just industry-driven but are people-driven. We believe real change happens when communities and industries work hand-in-hand.” He said MPMA would also continue to collaborate with policymakers, local authorities and civil society to expand community-based anti-littering activities nationwide, promote responsible plastics use while reducing environmental leakage and strengthen public education through its outreach programmes and campaigns.

“By engaging offenders in meaningful cleanup efforts, this law transforms irresponsible behaviour into a learning experience. MPMA applauds Nga Kor Ming and the ministry for this landmark legislation,” he said in a statement. The Bill, passed by the Dewan Rakyat on July 22, also provides for fines ranging between RM2,000 and RM10,000 for non-compliance, Bernama reported Under the amendment, offenders will assist municipal workers in tasks such as road sweeping, drainage clearing and toilet sanitation while wearing identifiable vests, serving as a visible reminder of the consequences of littering and encouraging civic responsibility. Cheah said the law ensures assignments are fair and considerate of the offender’s physical and mental condition. He said MPMA’s environmental initiatives already reflect the spirit of the new law. He added that since 2015, MPMA has led its flagship “Don’t Be a Litterbug” campaign to tackle littering. These efforts include checkpoints at public

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) has expressed strong support for the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management (Amendment) Bill 2025, which empowers courts to impose up to 12 hours of community service on littering offenders. Its president C.C. Cheah said it is a bold and progressive step by the Housing and Local Government Ministry that shifts enforcement from punishment to public education and community work. irresponsible behaviour into a learning experience, says association o By engaging offenders in meaningful cleanup efforts, legislation transforms

KL City Hall aims to provide 762,500 housing units KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall aims to provide up to 762,500 housing units by 2040, in line with the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 which focuses on the well-being of urban residents. vulnerable communities.” She said the plan also introduces the provision of micro and transit units for youths entering the job market, compact housing for dual-income no-kids couples and young professionals, as well as age-friendly housing for the elderly. takes into account the potential for redevelopment of existing areas and the provision of government land in strategic locations within the city. The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association has expressed strong support for the passing of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management (Amendment) Bill 2025. – BY AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

“The pricing of affordable housing is subject to the National Affordable Housing Policy, with a maximum price set at RM300,000 per unit, in line with initiatives such as Residensi Wilayah. “For the Residensi Madani scheme, the maximum selling price is set at RM200,000 with a standard size of 800sq ft, while other units will be developed to meet the diverse needs of the urban community.” She said the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 targets at least 40% of all new housing units by 2040 to be affordable homes. – Bernama

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif said the housing stock as of 2020 stood at 500,803 units, comprising both open market housing and affordable housing. “Over the next 15 years, new housing developments will be planned based on the increasing number of residents and households in the capital. “Housing planning will emphasise the needs of various groups, including youths, B40 and M40 families, senior citizens and other

Maimunah said City Hall has also allocated several specific land-use zones for housing, including Residential Zone 4 (R4), designated for affordable and public housing. She said the plan emphasises the principle of inclusive development by maintaining a balance between the need for housing, access to public transportation and environmental sustainability. She added that the housing target also