20/08/2026

THURSDAY | AUG 20, 2026

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MP urges tax breaks for office breastfeeding rooms

Recorded hardcore poverty in Pahang ended in February KUANTAN: Pahang’s hardcore poverty was brought to an end on Feb 19, with all 2,913 heads of household recorded in the Jan 15 figure removed from the status, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail. He said the state has also recorded a 30% reduction in poverty, with 4,263 of the 14,210 heads of household classified as poor on June 5 removed from the category. “The classification is based on the 2024 Poverty Line published by the Statistics Department under the Economy Ministry.” Wan Rosdy said key factors behind the achievement included targeted assistance, initiatives and interventions provided by the state and federal governments and relevant agencies, as well as changes in household income and household size. According to him, households with a monthly per capita income below RM372 in urban areas and RM345 in rural areas are classified as hardcore poor, while those earning less than RM790 and RM714 respectively are classified as poor. Wan Rosdy said a family’s status could also change due to changes in income, job losses and changes in household size, including children moving out to get married or take up employment. “This milestone does not mean our efforts to eradicate poverty have come to an end. On the contrary, it requires continued action, monitoring and intervention, with the state government continuing to strengthen its poverty reduction efforts to ensure the benefits of prosperity and wellbeing reach people throughout Pahang.” He added that the state government would continue to collaborate with the federal government, aid agencies, local authorities, elected representatives and community leaders to ensure families classified as poor or hardcore poor in the eKasih household poverty database receive the assistance they need. – Bernama National flags bring cheer to night market BATU GAJAH: The stalls at Pandak Akhat Night Market have taken on a more vibrant look, with the Jalur Gemilang decorating the trading area as the spirit of the National Month celebrations gathers momentum among traders and visitors. The initiative, organised by the Perak Perkasa Malay Hawkers and Small Traders Association, saw about 200 night market traders receive national flags. Its president Alfirza Munira Abdul Muin said the association also handed out aprons to traders alongside the flags as part of the programme, which was launched for the first time this year. She said the initiative has received an encouraging response, with traders decorating their stalls and putting up the Jalur Gemilang . “We are organising a competition for the best stall under the National Day theme and I am encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by traders here.” Alfirza Munira said the positive response from traders and visitors has encouraged the association to consider extending a similar initiative to other locations, and to plan an event for Malaysia Day on Sept 16 with the Ipoh City Council. Meanwhile, Tronoh state assemblyman Steven Tiw said the night market provides a good example of how people from different ethnic communities could come together to mark National Month in a relaxed atmosphere. “When we are out here among the people, we can see that Malaysians of Chinese, Indian and Malay backgrounds can come together to celebrate our independence.” – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: The government should provide more subsidies and tax incentives to companies to set up breastfeeding rooms and childcare facilities in the workplace, said Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Women, Children and Community Development chairman Yeo Bee Yin. She said such a move is necessary as many mothers find it challenging to continue breastfeeding after returning to work. “In terms of the budget, as an MP (for Puchong), I want more tax incentives for offices and companies to provide breastfeeding facilities. “This includes breastfeeding rooms or multipurpose rooms where mothers can pump their milk as well as childcare facilities in the workplace,” she said during a panel o Mothers require support from families, employers and society: Parliamentary select committee chief

different, adding that those who cannot breastfeed directly could express and store their milk for their infants. “Every child is different. A mother also learns new things with each child because their behaviour and her milk supply can be different. If you cannot breastfeed, it does not mean that you are a failure. You have tried, and there are other ways.” She added that employers should be understanding of the time required for expressing and storing milk. Hudson, a 44-year-old mother of five, said she is still learning as every breastfeeding experience is different, noting that she had to combine breastfeeding with formula milk for the first time when her milk supply dropped while nursing her fourth daughter, Bernama reported. “I am always learning something new with every newborn. Even if I have experience, it does not mean that it will be the same because every child is different.” Hudson added that she received help from a lactation consultant while breastfeeding her fourth child and learned how to deal with mastitis, an inflammation of breast tissue that causes pain, swelling and redness.

discussion titled “Realities of Breastfeeding”, held in conjunction with Toshiba Lifestyle Malaysia’s “World Breastfeeding Month: Empowering Every Mother’s Journey” event here on Tuesday. Yeo launched the event, while the panel discussion, moderated by Nani Roslan, featured certified lactation consultant and infant care expert Elizabeth Richard and actress Natasha Hudson. Yeo said breastfeeding and childcare issues often lack sufficient attention in Parliament as women only make up about 13.5% of the 222 MPs in Malaysia. She emphasised that breastfeeding mothers require support from their families, employers and society, adding that they should not feel guilty when facing challenges such as low milk supply or breast engorgement. “What children need most is a happy mother because that is how they will grow up feeling safe and at peace. If you do not have enough milk or face difficulties, take it easy, seek treatment and take care of yourself.” Meanwhile, Richard said mothers should refrain from self-blame when encountering breastfeeding difficulties as every baby is

Plan to nominate cleaning workers for state honours PETALING JAYA: The Housing and Local Government Ministry plans to nominate recipients of the Cleaning Workers Award for state honours in recognition of their service and sacrifices in keeping public spaces clean. Its minister Nga Kor Ming said the proposal was discussed with ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr M. Noor Azman Taib to ensure this year’s award recipients receive due recognition for their contributions.

“This year’s national Cleaning Workers Award recipients will be listed and nominated to the respective state palaces to receive honours from the respective state rulers,” he said in his speech at the Cleaning Workers Appreciation Day here on Tuesday. Also present was Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu. Nga said the practice of honouring the country’s cleaning workers has been carried out by the Penang government for almost 10 years. “In my view, the time has come for our cleaning heroes in other states to also receive due recognition and appreciation.” He said the country’s solid waste management and public cleaning sector is supported by 26,889 workers employed by concessionaires. “Many of them have served for more than a decade while some have dedicated almost three decades to the cleaning sector.” Nga said cleaning workers play an important role in keeping the country’s environment clean, safe and comfortable for the people, despite often working behind the scenes. He stressed that maintaining public cleanliness is not solely the responsibility of cleaning workers but also a shared responsibility among all Malaysians. He also said the habit of not littering must be instilled across all levels of society to realise the Malaysia Bersih, Rakyat Sejahtera (Clean and Prosperous Malaysia) aspiration. In this regard, he called on the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation to step up enforcement of the Community Service Order to encourage greater public responsibility for

Nga attending the launch of the Semarak Jiwa Merdeka event in Putrajaya yesterday. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Service Order is not merely a form of punishment but also an educational instrument to instil discipline, responsibility and awareness of public cleanliness. At the event, seven workers received the Cleaning Workers Award, with two from Alam Flora Sdn Bhd and five from SWM Environment Sdn Bhd. Contributions were also presented to three recipients as a gesture of support and concern for the welfare of cleaning workers. – Bernama

maintaining cleanliness. “As of Monday, a total of 14,807 offence notices have been issued this year. A total of 548 individuals have undergone Community Service Orders in states that have adopted the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007. “Of these, 419 have completed their Community Service Orders while 129 are still serving them.” Nga highlighted that the Community