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School receives RM1 million donation

transport and reducing non-essential trips. Companies are encouraged to promote carpooling and energy saving practices. He added that the government is open to expanding carpooling in the e-hailing sector to help offset rising transport costs. “The policy would enable drivers to pick up multiple passengers heading in the same direction, allowing fares to be shared. “We do allow e-hailing operators to implement carpool systems; if two to three passengers share a ride, they could split the cost.” He also said most current e-hailing trips involve a single passenger, driving up costs. “If one passenger bears the full cost, of course it is expensive. But if passengers share, the cost could be reduced,” Loke said, emphasising that participation would remain optional. The government continues to provide targeted fuel subsidies to e-hailing drivers, including up to 800 litres per month. On food consumption, Loke highlighted that Malaysia currently has sufficient supplies of chicken and eggs, urging the public to reduce waste and make better use of available protein sources. “Egg is not only cheap and affordable, but right now we have an abundance of supply in Malaysia,” he said, adding that food wastage imposes a “double cost” on the country, both from the wasted food and disposal expenses. – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi facilities. “With strong demand come some limitations in space and resources. “But these are good problems, just like in business. “It means the school is doing something right and needs support to grow further. “The contribution is not just about constructing a physical space, it is about creating new opportunities,” Lim said, adding that education lays the foundation for students to thrive and reach their potential. He also highlighted the importance of lifelong learning, describing work as a continuous learning process. “The mindset of continuous growth is what we hope to instil in students. “It is captured in a motto I always follow: ‘Must Know, Must Do, Must Teach,’” he said. He also spoke about five key life principles – education, discipline, wealth, time and health – underscoring that consistent practice of the simple principles could make a profound difference over time. He expressed hope that the donation would enable SMJK Chan Wa to continue providing quality education and nurturing students who contribute positively to society and the nation.

SETIA ALAM: The government has urged Malaysians to brace for a potential crisis as global tensions escalate, saying ongoing geopolitical conflicts could destabilise energy supply and push up costs. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the conflict in the Middle East has triggered widespread disruption across energy markets, and Malaysians should not be lulled into complacency although the country has yet to experience direct shortages. “Even though we do not feel it in our day-to-day life, the world is facing a global crisis. We must condition everyone that we are actually in a crisis.” He added that rising global energy costs and supply pressures have forced some countries into emergency measures due to fuel shortages. “This is not a laughing or joking matter. It is a very, very serious matter because the war in the Middle East has gone on for more than a month.” While Malaysia’s fuel supply remains stable for now, Loke said global instability could still disrupt supply chains. He also said the government is focused on maintaining stability, which is projected to continue until May, while urging Malaysians to curb unnecessary consumption. “Although currently our lights are on and petrol stations are still normal, we cannot take things for granted.” Loke also urged more efficient travel habits, including using public Lim Wee Chai for his generosity and also Tan Sri Vincent Tan for contributing to Chan Wa School. “This is a substantial and meaningful donation that will help the school build a new facility.” Also present at the ceremony were University of Cyberjaya pro chancellor Tan Sri Datuk Dr R. Palan, Sports Toto Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Robin Tan and SMJK Chan Wa Board of Governors chairman Datuk Oh Kok Khim. “Every sen spent to upgrade our education facilities is an investment in our future and in the next generation,” Loke added, emphasising that education is crucial for long-term stability and peace in a world increasingly marked by conflict and uncertainty. For Top Glove Malaysia executive chairman Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai, the donation responds to the school’s growing enrolment demand, a reflection of public confidence in its academic standards despite limited space and resources. “SMJK Chan Wa is a well-established school with strong academic and co-curricular results. “The demand to enter the school remains high every year, which tells us one thing: people trust the school.” Lim described this as a “good problem,” signalling growth that requires ongoing support to expand

o Funds to significantly aid in expanding facilities: Transport minister

SETIA ALAM: SMJK Chan Wa in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, will soon see a major infrastructure upgrade after receiving a RM1 Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

contribution as a prime example of private sector support for education. He said the funds would significantly aid the school in expanding its facilities. “I would like to thank Tan Sri Dr

million donation to support the construction of a new four-storey building, which will house modern classrooms and a library. Speaking at the mock-cheque presentation yesterday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke hailed the

Malaysians urged to brace for potential energy crisis

Govt will not cap airline ticket prices, says Loke SETIA ALAM: Transport Minister Anthony Loke yesterday said the government will not cap airline ticket prices despite soaring fares, adding that that any attempt to do so could backfire and worsen flight availability. Speaking at a mock-cheque presentation ceremony at SMJK Chan Wa, he said aviation pricing is dictated by free market forces and must reflect operational realities. months in advance. “Although costs increased considerably, all flights went ahead and airlines had to bear the risk.” However, he said such cost absorption is unsustainable. “If you buy a ticket today, there will be a fuel surcharge. This cannot be avoided.” Loke (third from left) on stage with Lim (second from left), Oh (fourth from left) and Tan (fifth from left) during the ceremony at SMJK Chan Wa. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

currently anchored but passage would continue once conditions allow. In other developments, he said the government is not halting development projects despite external economic pressures, including potential disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions. He said most major projects, particularly those driven by the private sector such as the Port Klang third terminal project, would continue. “The government’s approach is to prioritise rather than stop projects to ensure maximum economic benefit. “The prime minister’s key directive is not to stop projects, but to reprioritise, ensuring those that bring tangible growth are implemented first.” Loke emphasised that no budget cuts have been made at this stage, although the government is closely monitoring developments. Recently, the Cabinet approved the development of a third container terminal at Port Klang in Pulau Carey, led by the Selangor government through a special purpose vehicle involving private investment. The project forms part of long-term efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional logistics hub and expand port capacity amid rising trade volumes. The Transport Ministry will act as regulator to ensure orderly implementation, while private investment will fund construction and operation of the terminal. – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi

He also emphasised the broader economic importance of keeping flights running, particularly for tourism. “If aviation does not operate, tourists cannot enter, hotels suffer and the economy will feel the impact.” On the shipping sector, he said surcharges are also expected to be passed to shippers and customers amid rising operational costs, similar to aviation. “The government is looking at ways to ensure the surcharges are more systematic and better regulated.” Loke said the Malaysian Shipowners’ Association (Masa) had presented its views to the National Economic Action Council, calling for clearer governance of surcharge mechanisms. Regarding maritime concerns in the Middle East, he confirmed that Malaysian vessels have received clearance to transit the Strait of Hormuz safely, following assurances from Iran. “As far as we are concerned, we have received clearance and support from the Iranian government to ensure the safe passage of our ships,” he said, adding that some vessels are

“If we control the price until it cannot cover the cost, airlines will stop flying. When supply drops, prices will only go higher.” He acknowledged that while no aviation services have been disrupted yet, airlines are under mounting pressure from rising jet fuel costs. “So far, there’s no disruption, but all logistics and transport sectors are facing very tough challenges right now.” He said airlines are seeing sharp increases in fuel expenses, forcing them to reassess operations. He added that some carriers have informed the government they may rationalise flights, particularly on routes with low passenger demand. “If the load factor is too low, they have to cut some flights to make operations more efficient,” he said, describing the measure as temporary. He also said the fuel surcharges would be applied only to new ticket purchases to offset rising costs. “If you bought your ticket earlier, the price remains the same – airlines cannot charge you again.” Loke said carriers absorbed higher costs during the recent festive season, honouring tickets purchased