24/08/2025

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday AUG 24, 2025

Memorandum on vape ban to be presented by year end

KUALA LUMPUR: Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer said the Madani government has not turned its back on the Indian community, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim consistently pressing his Cabinet to prioritise their socioeconomic challenges, He said while some problems faced by the community remain unresolved, Anwar’s administration has shown commitment via programmes aimed at improving opportunities in education, employment and social welfare. “In Cabinet meetings, the prime minister always emphasises the importance of tackling issues affecting the Indian community, whether in education, social welfare or job opportunities, and these are consistently given priority,” Rayer told theSun at the Parliament building on Wednesday. He pointed to Anwar’s defence of the appointment of M. Kumar as Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director, despite criticism, as an example of the prime minister’s stance on fairness. “That shows his dedication to ensuring equal opportunities for all races, both in the public and private sectors.” He also lauded Anwar’s personal engagement in Parliament, adding that the prime minister has gone further than any of his predecessors in addressing concerns raised about the Indian community. “During the Prime Minister’s Question Time this week, he addressed all questions concerning the Indian community. I don’t think any previous PM has done that. He even held a special session allowing MPs to raise specific issues related to the Indian community. I believe the government will continue to focus on addressing these concerns.” On education reforms, Rayer highlighted the tabling of the Education (Amendment) Bill 2025 last month as another sign of the government’s stance on strengthening the community. Indian community not neglected by Madani govt, says MP Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com Mustakim added that haj operations and management are still handled by a Bumiputera Muslim team, but technical support is required for the complex rebranding process, which is being provided by a consortium formed by TH. “TH must evolve into a customer-focused institution, adopting strategies that are relevant, effective and responsive .” – Bernama

Special task force completing report on subject: Health minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said engineers must continue to innovate and be prepared to face future challenges, particularly those related to climate change, sustainable development and new technologies. He said engineers should play a key role in creating technologies and local solutions to reduce dependence on foreign ones, instead of only carrying out development projects. “What we need to do now is look to the future. What challenges are we facing and what challenges will come, and what are the needs of our KUALA SELANGOR: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said a memorandum on a ban on vaping and e-cigarettes will be presented to the Cabinet by the end of this year. He said he presented a report to the Cabinet on Friday regarding the matter. “I presented the report briefly, as the prime minister and Cabinet wanted me to present a memorandum on the banning of vapes soon. “It is not a matter of if we ban vapes, but rather when we will ban it all together. I am responsible for carrying out that order and the questions are how, when and what approach we will take.” He was speaking after officiating at the Jelajah Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat initiative and the closing ceremony of the Jom Nak Sihat Kuala Selangor 2.0 programme yesterday. In his wrap-up of the 13th Ű BY MAHADHIR MONIHULDIN newsdesk@thesundaily.com Tabung Haji (TH) has lodged reports with police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) over the circulation of several defamatory and provocative videos on social media. In a statement, TH said it views the matter seriously and is closely monitoring social media platforms for any videos or links spreading false information that could

Malaysian Plan for the Health Ministry in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday, Dzulkefly said a report on banning vape is being completed by his ministry’s special task force. He also commented on pictures showing clinics displaying the national flag upside down and said it might be a genuine mistake for them to do that, and they should be given space to correct the error. “What is most important is that we (display) our national flag with sincere patriotism and be responsible in our expression. “We need to be careful in (displaying) the flag, but if you made a minor mistake, people should understand that we are only human and we make mistakes. People should just remind them not to (display) the flag upside down again.” Regarding the programme, he said it is part of a national agenda aimed at improving the health literacy of the people, while also promoting a culture of healthy living in daily life. “This tour serves as an engineers today and in the future?” he said at the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) 2025 Awards and Appreciation Dinner on Friday. Also present were BEM president Datuk Roslan Ismail, as well as Bernama CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and its editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj. Fadillah said climate change, unpredictable weather, floods, natural disasters and water shortage are among the issues that demand innovative solutions and sustainable engineering strategies. He said the government is prioritising the digital economy and the Malaysia Madani damage its reputation. TH added that it will fully cooperate with the authorities by providing information to assist investigations and ensure appropriate legal action is taken against individuals or account holders posting such content. “We also urge the public not to believe unverified information and to rely only on TH’s official social media channels for updates.” Its managing director and CEO

Dzulkefly striking a pose with Jom Nak Sihat Selangor Men’s Category winner Abdul Rahman Shuib at the closing ceremony. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

lower than the national (rate).” Dzulkefly said the problem must be addressed collectively. He also said through the programme, the public could see how community interventions have made an impact. Eight out of 10 participants successfully lost weight, with an average of 16kg per person. More than one in five of them have reached a normal body mass index level. be creators. This is where engineers play a role.” He also urged young engineers to step up involvement in research and development and embrace new technologies such as artificial intelligence to find solutions to current and future engineering challenges.

engagement platform between the ministry, agencies and the community to support consistent and sustainable behavioural change.” He added that National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023 data shows public health challenges in the country remain serious. “In Selangor, the issue of being overweight is higher than the national average, although the prevalence of obesity is framework, which calls for engineers to ensure that all projects are sustainable and resilient against environmental challenges. Citing the RM8 billion Langat 2 water treatment plant project in Selangor, he said its successful completion reflects the ability of local professionals to deliver large-scale projects effectively. He added that while Malaysia has homegrown technology, more must be done to drive innovations, discoveries and new products so the country could become a creator of technology rather than merely a user. “That is why, under the Madani framework, one of the core principles is that we must said videos containing unfounded allegations and provocative claims, particularly regarding TH’s branding and governance initiatives, could mislead the public. He also said TH was established primarily to help Malaysian Muslims save and prepare financially for the pilgrimage. “Over the years, however, TH

Engineers must innovate to face future challenges: DPM

At the event, BEM presented the 2025 International Special Mention in Engineering Award to Universiti Putra Malaysia Faculty of Engineering Engineering Composite Research Group head Prof Dr Mohd Sapuan Salit and Maritime Institute of Malaysia acting director-general Prof Dr Syuhaida Ismail. – Bernama Tabung Haji lodges police, MCMC reports over defamatory videos KUALA LUMPUR: Lembaga Mustakim Mohamad

has become more associated with pilgrimage services, while the cost of performing the haj continues to rise and depositors’ savings have not grown in tandem. Many do not have sufficient funds to fulfil the obligation.” To address this, TH is undertaking a rebranding initiative to strengthen its role as the preferred Islamic savings institution, encouraging consistent savings.