13/12/2025

SATURDAY | DEC 13, 2025

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Perlis records highest obesity rate o Measures being taken to promote health and tourism in tandem: Committee

KANGAR: The Perlis State Legislative Assembly sitting on Thursday was told that based on the latest statistics, the state has recorded the highest obesity rate in Malaysia, at 32.8%. It also ranks third highest in diabetes prevalence, at 20.6%, Bernama reported. State Women, Family and Community Development, Unity and Environment Committee chairman Wan Badariah Wan Saad said several measures have been and are being taken to ensure the efforts of the state government to promote tourism and health could run smoothly together, without harming community wellbeing. “The state Health Department is aware of a food festival (for the public) and it is the duty of the department to ensure that food (vendors) and the food sold comply with safety and quality standards. “Numerous activities have been held with (vendors) and visitors regarding food preparation and making healthier choices, including encouraging the sale of sugarless or less sweet food, provision of smaller portions, sale of fruits and vegetables, and

(awareness) on calorie content,” she said during the question and-answer session at the assembly sitting at the Seri Putra Complex. Wan Badariah was replying to a question from Pauh assemblyman Megat Hashirat Hassan, who asked about the state government’s actions regarding the food festival, which was perceived to be closely linked to the Perlis obesity and diabetes health campaign. She responded to the question on behalf of state Welfare, Health and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datin Marzita Mansor. She said the Health Department, in collaboration with the Education Department, would launch a “war on sugar” campaign in schools next year using the “Sihat Stail Saya” model designed by the Health Ministry. “This advocacy programme is based on a concept in which preventive activities are carried out from the very beginning among pupils to curb an increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases when they reach their teenage years and adulthood.”

Wan Badariah said the state Health Department would launch a ‘war on sugar’ campaign next year. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Malacca to present bridge project for appraisal ALOR GAJAH: Malacca is planning to realise the construction of a bridge connecting Indonesia and Malacca via Pengkalan Balak, thus becoming the world’s first gateway connecting the two countries. capability of this bridge to change economic landscape and regional mobility.” He was speaking to reporters after officiating at the EP Manufacturing Berhad Second Factory and the First Assembly Production of GWM MPV WEY G9 at the Hicom Pegoh Industrial Estate on Thursday. also expected to act as an additional catalyst, supporting the development of the bridge and strengthening the blue economy sector. “The blue economy in Masjid Tanah is expected to provide (good) returns to the state and federal governments, including job opportunities for locals.”

KUANTAN: Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the state government has formulated a long-term strategy to enable early repayment of its loans to the federal government. He said it includes starting repayments in 2027 for loans originally scheduled to be settled in 2030, thereby significantly reducing dependence on federal financial assistance. “This advance repayment is a proactive measure which demonstrates the sustainability of the state budget, which has been crafted with a long-term vision,” he said when winding up the debate on the 2026 state budget at the state legislative assembly sitting at Wisma Sri Pahang on Thursday. He added that in 2024, the state government made loan repayments amounting to RM39.4 million while this year, the figure rose to RM61.2 million, an increase of 55%, reflecting its strengthening financial position. He also addressed the issue of state borrowings, adding that the total loan amount stands at nearly RM1 billion. “The total amount does not consist solely of loans repaid by the state government, but also includes borrowings undertaken by agencies, local authorities and state statutory bodies. “Of this amount, only RM755 million is serviced through the state operating budget, while the remaining RM304 million is borne by the respective agencies.” He added that the Pahang government has also acted as a lender to state agencies and statutory bodies, extending a total of RM46 million to date. – Bernama Pahang sets strategy for loan repayment

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the project is expected to be presented to the National Physical Planning Council in January 2026 for further scrutiny before being handed to Indonesia. “The distance between the two locations is only 47.7km. The state government has also spent about RM500,000 on a consulting company to study the effectiveness and

Ab Rauh announced on Sept 8, 2022 that a new route would link Malaysia and Indonesia via Telok Gong in Masjid Tanah. At the time, he said the proposed development would involve the construction of a tunnel or bridge, and would take 20 years to complete. – Bernama

He added that the government also plans to acquire 5,000ha of land in Masjid Tanah to be turned into a new industrial zone that could attract various domestic and international investors. He also said the existence of the Kuala Linggi International Port in the nearby area is

Youth housing programme to be introduced next year KUANTAN: The Pahang government will introduce the “Moh! Rumah untuk Belia Negeri Pahang” programme next year as part of efforts to empower youths through access to essential needs and long-term support. repayments of about RM300,” he said when winding up the debate on the Pahang Budget 2026 at the state legislative assembly sitting at Wisma Sri Pahang on Thursday.

Chon Siang said RM10.3 million had been allocated for this year’s Essential Goods Distribution Programme. He said the federal government initiative, implemented by the Pahang branch of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry since 2009, aims to help the community, particularly the B40 group in rural areas, access essential goods at reasonable prices. He added that the government would bear the cost of transporting subsidised or controlled essential goods from suppliers to selected rural areas under the programme. “This year, the programme covers five zones in Pahang, namely Pulau Tioman, Kuala Tahan, Kampung Bantal, Pos Sinderut and Pos Betau.” He also said as of last Monday, the ministry implemented a total of 1,394 Rahmah Madani Sales Programmes across the state. – Bernama

In another development, Fadzli said the construction of the Pahang State Youth and Sports Complex has reached 97% completion as of Dec 8, but remains 3% behind schedule. “The contractor has been fined RM3,658 per day for failing to complete the project on schedule and the state government will continue to closely monitor its progress through weekly meetings. “The project is expected to be completed in January 2026 and to commence operations in the second quarter of next year.” Meanwhile, state Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Sim

State Communications and Multimedia, Youth and Non-Governmental Organisation Committee chairman Fadzli Mohamad Kamal said the programme, which would be held in collaboration with Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad, offers youths the opportunity to own their first home under the Rumah Mesra Rakyat Belia Pahang Scheme. “The scheme (offers) houses priced at RM75,000, with a subsidy of RM25,000 for each applicant, reducing the final price to RM50,000. “Financing would be provided through interest-free loans, with monthly