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Over 1,500 applications received to shorten names

Special collection of Malaysian parrot stamps launched KUALA LUMPUR: Pos Malaysia Berhad has launched a special Malaysian Parrot Stamp collection to highlight local bird species and support wildlife preservation efforts. The special stamp collection was produced in collaboration with the Peninsular Malaysia Wildlife and National Parks Department, reflecting a shared commitment to preserving natural heritage and ecological balance for future generations. Pos Malaysia said in a statement parrots play a vital role in the ecosystem through seed dispersal and forest regeneration and are valued for their intelligence and vibrant plumage. The collection features two illustrated stamp designs and a miniature sheet with a die-cut print finish that mimics a parrot’s natural silhouette, Bernama reported. “The three species highlighted are the long-tailed parakeet ( psittacula longicauda ), classified as vulnerable, the blue-rumped parrot ( psittinus cyanurus) , classified as near threatened and the blue-crowned hanging parrot ( loriculus galgulus ), classified as least concern in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.” Pos Malaysia said the Malaysian Parrot folder set is priced at RM66.30 and includes two stamp designs valued at RM1 and RM1.30, a miniature sheet, a First Day Cover with stamps, a second First Day Cover with a miniature sheet, and an exclusive folder for philatelic collectors. The collection will go on sale starting today in conjunction with World Parrot Day at 90 Philatelic Bureaus nationwide.

Parents must consider future problems when registering, such as filling in forms and handling official matters: NRD chief

overseas to Malaysian mothers would automatically obtain Malaysian citizenship without the need to submit an application. “Previously, children born overseas to Malaysian mothers, whose fathers were non-citizens, had to apply for citizenship. In contrast, if the father was a Malaysian citizen, citizenship was granted automatically. “This situation created an imbalance affecting mothers. Therefore, the amendment was pursued and received majority support in Parliament. We are now only awaiting the

enforcement date,” he said. Meanwhile, in a statement, NRD has advised the public not to rush to replace their MyKad as the existing identity card remains valid for all official transactions, including the redemption of subsidies and government assistance. NRD said the issuance of the new structure MyKad would only begin after its launch by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on a date to be announced later. As a start, the implementation will be carried out in phases at the NRD headquarters in Putrajaya and 18 selected NRD offices via an appointment system, before being expanded nationwide in stages. According to NRD, the approach is aimed at ensuring a smooth and orderly implementation while avoiding congestion at counters. “NRD has set a priority for the issuance of the new MyKad to applicants who make appointments through the NRD appointment system, as well as holders of plastic identity cards, high quality identity cards and MyKad Version 1 (without shadow image),” it said. “These holders are required to gradually replace them with the new MyKad within three years,” the statement said. Further information on the implementation of the new MyKad can be obtained via the NRD official portal. departments respective more proactively to ensure that the state government’s development projects are implemented as planned. “The people will not remain silent in raising issues related to delayed or ‘sick’ projects. So, in the second half of our term, we will focus on monitoring and ensuring that implementation is carried out according to schedule,” he said. Chow said project delays are usually caused by various technical issues, including weaknesses in the initial study stage, which result in certain problems not being identified comprehensively prior to implementation. “However, it is not a serious concern. We want to ensure that people can see the progress achieved,” he said. – Bernama under their portfolios

MARANG: Registration Department (NRD) has received 1,575 applications to shorten lengthy names on birth certificates since 2024. Its Director-General Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias said of the total, 719 applications to shorten names were received in 2024, followed by 624 in 2025 and 232 recorded since January this year. “The role and function of NRD is as a registrar. Therefore, we do not prevent anyone from registering their child’s name, regardless of how long it may be. However, as a registrar, we can advise the public to consider future implications. For example, when filling in forms or handling official matters such as marriage. “Based on our experience, many parents who choose long names eventually return to amend and shorten their children’s names,” he said after the Santuni Madani programme at the Kampung Padang Tanjung Mosque near Bukit Payong here on Friday. Badrul Hisham said NRD is always ready to assist individuals who wished to amend or shorten names, and they could do so by visiting any NRD counter. The National Parks Herbarium,” the statement said. Researchers found that the species has only been recorded in Tawau Hills Park, making it endemic to Sabah. Based on only two known collection records, the rare species has been given a preliminary conservation assessment of Vulnerable. The assessment follows the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria following the species’ highly restricted distribution, although it has yet to receive an official IUCN listing. UMS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor described Sabah’s forests as among the world’s most valuable “living laboratories”. “Discoveries such as this show that much remains to be explored, documented and protected,“ he said. – Bernama

In another development, he said NRD was in the final stages of preparations to implement amendments to Article 15(2) of the Federal Constitution relating to citizenship for children born overseas to Malaysian mothers, Bernama reported. He said based on the amendments passed in Parliament, children born

Badrul Hisham said NRD is always ready to assist individuals who wish to shorten names and they could do so by visiting any NRD counter, – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Ensure tighter monitoring of development projects: Penang CM

New plant species discovered in Tawau Hills Park TAWAU: A plant specimen first discovered in Tawau Hills Park in 2014 has been confirmed as a new species, now known as Ardisia condensiflora , after remaining unidentified in a herbarium for more than a decade.

works are completed according to schedule,” he said after a walkabout at the Balik Pulau morning market yesterday. The walkabout was in conjunction with the Jelajah Ketua Menteri Programme, which was also attended by Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim. Chow said various factors could hinder project progress and result in delays if not addressed promptly. He added that timely completion of development projects would not only address the problems faced by the people, but also enhance the state’s competitiveness and strengthen Penang’s resilience in facing challenges such as climate change. Chow hoped each exco member would lead

BALIK PULAU: All members of the State Executive Council, along with state government departments and agencies, including local authorities, have been instructed to enhance monitoring of development projects across Penang to ensure they remain on track. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the matter must be given due attention to ensure that each planned project is completed within the stipulated timeframe for the benefit of the people. “I will instruct the state government, all exco members and government agencies, including the local councils, to enhance monitoring of project implementation and expedite the commencement of projects that have yet to start. “For projects being implemented, close monitoring must be carried out to ensure that

In a statement, the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) said the species was identified by its researcher Dr Avelinah Julius in collaboration with Dr Timothy M.A. Utteridge of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The institute said the discovery was formally published on May 26 in the international botanical taxonomy journal Phytotaxa (Vol. 758, No. 3). “ Ardisia condensiflora was found in a shaded mixed lowland dipterocarp forest and along riverbanks within Tawau Hills Park. Detailed taxonomic and herbarium studies were conducted using specimens loaned from the Sabah