06/06/2026

SATURDAY | JUNE 6, 2026

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Johor youth to be offered premium wages: MB

Education office first to use industrial design in Malaysia SABAK BERNAM: The Sabak Bernam District Education Office, costing RM16.93 million, is the first of its kind in Malaysia to apply the industrial design concept to its interior space. Selangor Public Works Department director Shukri Ishak said the new building was built to provide a more conducive working environment and to improve the quality of educational service delivery in the district, Bernama reported. “This building is the first in Malaysia to use the industrial design concept for its conventional interior design. This provides a unique, fresh and modern visual identity for the building, that comes under the Education Ministry. “The department, as the implementing agency, hopes that this new building would have a significant impact on the quality of educational services in Selangor, and Sabak Bernam in particular,” he said during the event to launch the building. The new building was officiated by the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on Thursday as part of the second day of the Program Gagasan Rumpun Selangor Daerah Sabak Bernam 2026. Shukri added that the construction of the building was carried out over 183 weeks, starting from the site possession date on July 21, 2021 to full completion on March 19. He also said the four-storey building has 90 rooms and workspaces, and is equipped with three customer-friendly service counters and 11 exits that meet emergency safety standards. He said the construction of the building reflects the commitment of all parties in ensuring the comprehensive implementation of the project, including the use of high-quality materials to guarantee a sustainable structure. Sabak Bernam district education officer Marhani M. Haniff said the new facility is expected to improve the operations of the management, which involves 71 staff members comprising 43 officers and 28 implementation group members. “This facility will cover the administrative needs of 64 schools, comprising 46 primary schools and 18 secondary schools, to ensure the continued excellence of 20,534 students in the district. It also supports 2,242 teachers and 398 support staff members in the school execution group to maintain the momentum of local educational excellence.” – Bernama Claims of Segamat Hospital closure dismissed as false JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor Health Department has dismissed claims circulating on social media that the Segamat Hospital will cease operations beginning July 1. State Health Director Dr Mohtar Pungut@Ahmad said the hospital remains fully operational and there are no plans to close the facility as alleged. He added that the department had also taken note of a letter concerning the postponement of referrals for Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) cases at the hospital, which has also been widely circulated online. He also said the department is currently reviewing and finalising service arrangements within the O&G Department to ensure the continued delivery of effective and quality healthcare services to the public. “The latest status and further plans regarding the matter will be announced in the near future.” Mohtar said the department remains committed to ensuring that any service restructuring and human resource optimisation measures are implemented in a systematic and well-planned manner, without affecting hospital operations or patient care. – Bernama

development of the state. He added that the influx of foreign investors, including a recent RM2 billion investment commitment from a leading United States oil and gas company, would create thousands of high-quality job opportunities in Johor. He said to realise the aspiration, the state government was the only state administration to implement an integrated collaboration involving all higher education institutions and relevant agencies under the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC). He also said the strategic initiative brought together key entities such as the Social Security Organisation, TVET institutions, higher education institutions, Industrial Training Institutes and HRD Corp to aggressively carry out job-matching efforts.

packages would be aligned with the academic qualifications and technical skill levels of applicants. “Fresh graduates can now, God willing, earn RM4,000 and above based on their qualifications. “For Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates, depending on the tier, they could earn between RM4,000 and RM5,000 or more. This is among the initiatives we have introduced.” He was speaking at the Ayuh Johor Mahasiswa programme at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia on Thursday. Onn Hafiz said the increase in wage offerings was driven by initiatives under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, which has become a key catalyst for the economic

The initiative, implemented by the state government, has helped ease daily expenses for many residents while strengthening the role of mosques as centres of welfare and community engagement. A check by Bernama at the Kampung Baru/Air Tawar Mosque found that 175 food packs comprising rice and side dishes are distributed every Friday, benefiting various segments of the community, including senior citizens and the asnaf group. Mosque chairman Mohamad Nazir Chan, 50, said the programme has received encouraging response since its introduction and has enabled assistance to reach those who need it most. He added that the initiative, inspired by Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail, has also encouraged more residents to attend mosque activities while fostering closer ties between the institution and the local community. “We were delighted to receive funding to implement the programme because we have seen firsthand the benefits it brings to residents. So far, the distribution process has run smoothly and the response has been very positive.” Mohamad Nazir, who has led the mosque’s management for the past three years, said Kampung Baru/Air Tawar comprises about 300 households, adding that the programme has indirectly strengthened ties between the mosque and residents. For Roslan, 67, the initiative has helped reduce daily living expenses, particularly for senior citizens and asnaf recipients such as himself. He added that he was grateful to receive the meals provided through the programme, which helped ease his financial burden. “At the very least, I can enjoy lunch without having to spend money.” Roslan, who suffers from gastritis, currently receives assistance from the Baitulmal and the Social Welfare Department, while earning an income through the sale of fertiliser. Jamil, 72, said the programme has greatly helped him and his 70-year-old wife. “Even one food pack is enough for the two of us to share because my wife is no longer strong enough to cook. The initiative may seem small, but it has a huge impact on senior citizens like us.” Meanwhile, Kampung Baru/Air Tawar Village Development and Security Committee o ‘Fresh graduates now able to earn RM4,000 and up according to skill level’ BATU PAHAT: Premium wages are now being offered to Johor youth, with fresh graduates able to earn salaries of RM4,000 and above, said Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. He added that the development meant young people no longer needed to relocate to neighbouring Singapore or other states such as Kuala Lumpur or Selangor in search of better livelihoods, Bernama reported. He also said the more competitive salary

Charity programme eases burden of community MERSING: For senior citizens such as Roslan Zapar and Jamil Arshad, Johor’s Friday Charity Meal Programme offers more than just a free lunch every week.

Mohamad Nazir assists with distributing meals to community members during a recent session of the Friday charity programme. – BERNAMAPIC

Danial Hakimi commented on a related post saying the programme reflected the concern shown by the royal institution and the state government towards public welfare. “ Alhamdulillah , it may seem simple to provide meals, but it means a great deal to those in need. The concern shown by the Regent of Johor and the state government truly benefits the people.” This year, the state government has allocated RM26.9 million for the programme at 538 mosques and surau throughout Johor. As of the first quarter of this year, the programme has been carried out at 5,660 mosques and surau statewide, involving an allocation of RM5.66 million. Of the total, RM1.13 million came from contributions by participating mosques and surau , further strengthening their role as one stop centres that balance religious obligations with community welfare. – Bernama

chairman Azmi Liman said the programme has contributed positively to the wellbeing of the community. He said the village has more than 2,000 residents, with an estimated 150 to 200 individuals categorised as living in hardcore poverty. “The programme not only helps those in need but also nurtures the culture of giving and strengthens the relationship between the mosque and the community. “We have also seen individuals and NGO come forward with contributions after witnessing the benefits enjoyed by residents.” Azmi said such initiatives complement the cash assistance received by the residents and help ensure the welfare of vulnerable groups remains protected. A review of social media posts found that many responded positively to the programme, describing it as a meaningful initiative.