01/09/2025

MONDAY | SEP 1, 2025

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Ground cracks at quake affected farm probed SEGAMAT: A team of researchers yesterday carried out a preliminary investigation after cracks were detected in the ground at a farm in Jalan Buloh Kasap, Batu 2, believed to be linked to recent mild earthquakes in the district. The team, comprising officers from the Johor Minerals and Geoscience Department, state Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), spent more than an hour at the site using ABEM Terrameter LS 2 equipment, a system to study underground structures. Also present during the inspection were department director Noorazhar Ngatimin, MetMalaysia director Nor Adawiah Abdullah and senior lecturers from the UTM Civil Engineering Faculty Dr Mohd Nur Asmawisham Alel, Assoc Prof Dr Mariyana Aida Ab Kadir and Dr Mohd Zamri Ramli. The team said the initial findings would be analysed before any conclusions are drawn. Farm owner Ramlah Ishak, 56, said she was relieved that the state government and research team responded to her concerns. She expressed confidence in the expertise of the team in determining the cause of the cracks. It was reported that fissures had appeared in the farm area located behind Ramlah’s house. She said the development was worrying as her neighbourhood had been affected by five earthquake incidents, including the most recent one on Saturday. She expressed concern that the cracks could worsen if another tremor strikes and urged the authorities to continue monitoring and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of residents. The series of earthquakes began at 6.13am on Aug 24 with a 4.1-magnitude tremor, followed by one at 8.59am on Wednesday (3.2 magnitude), 7.56pm on Thursday (2.5 magnitude), 4.24am on Friday (3.4 magnitude) and 7.29am on Saturday (2.7 magnitude). – Bernama Move to address fish supply shortage TUMPAT: The government, through the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority, is taking proactive measures to address fish supply shortages by strengthening the downstream sector, including setting up fish fillet processing plants. Its chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said the initiative is crucial to ensure a steady supply of fish-based products such as keropok (fish crackers), in line with growing demand from the tourism and food industries. “The supply of raw fish is sufficient, but production capacity is limited as there are too few processing plants. “As a first step, we have set up a fillet processing plant in Besut to increase output,”he told reporters after the Gelombang Samudera MADANI @ Tumpat programme, held in conjunction with the 2025 National Day celebration at Pantai Sri Tujoh yesterday. He was responding to reports of a tamban fish shortage over the past two years, which has affected traditional keropok keping (sliced cracker) producers in Terengganu, forcing some to suspend production for weeks due to a lack of raw materials. He said the board is also encouraging fishermen’s associations nationwide to explore downstream ventures, with support in the form of equipment, funding and skills training. “This business does not require a large capital, only commitment. Fishermen could earn not just from selling fresh fish, but also by producing value-added products such as keropok , candied squid and other seafood items. “The board has also introduced the ‘One Fishermen’s Association, One Business’ agenda to strengthen the role of associations in generating income and ensuring consistent product supply. “Fishermen are the frontliners of national development. They contribute to food security and strengthen the economy.”– Bernama

Petronas working to regulate projects near pipelines Abdul Aziz said PGB wants to ensure people cannot carry out activities that put the pipeline or public at risk. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

points in Kertih, Pengerang, Sungai Udang and Thailand to power plants, petrochemical facilities and other consumers. He added that prevention is the priority. “We want to ensure people cannot carry out activities around our (network) that put the pipeline or public at risk.” Investigations into the Putra Heights pipeline rupture found soil subsidence shifted the pipe by almost 16cm, causing fatigue and stress that led to the incident. Abdul Aziz said the incident underlined the importance of forward planning and stronger regulation. “With closer collaboration between operators, regulators and states, we could ensure that critical infrastructure and communities grow side by side safely.” threatening lives and burdening the healthcare system is far greater.” He acknowledged that the vape industry has created opportunities, especially for young Bumiputera entrepreneurs, but said any business built on harmful products is unsustainable and unethical. “ Bumiputera economic mobility and business ownership must be redirected to healthy and productive sectors that do not endanger public health or the future of the nation. “The best policy alternative is a nationwide moratorium coupled with transition assistance. The government needs to provide financial aid, reskilling programmes and incentives to help vape traders shift to safer industries,” he said. On Aug 23, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said a memorandum proposing a vape and e-cigarette ban will be submitted by year-end at the latest. He revealed that on Aug 22, he presented an early version of the report to the Cabinet at the specific request of the prime minister and Cabinet members.

o Move would provide more authority under related laws to review developments, safeguard communities: CEO

KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas Gas Bhd (PGB) is working with the Economy Ministry on proposed amendments to strengthen safety regulations governing developments near its pipeline corridors, following lessons learned from the Putra Heights incident in April. Its CEO Abdul Aziz Othman said the move would give PGB greater authority under the Gas Supply Act 1993, Electricity Supply Act 1990 and other related laws to review projects and safeguard surrounding communities. PGB is also engaging state governments for

closer oversight. Selangor and Negeri Sembilan have agreed in principle to consider placing the company on their planning committees, Bernama reported. “This would allow us to review proposed projects, assess impacts such as water flow and earthworks and impose conditions or stop-work orders if safety is compromised,” Abdul Aziz said. PGB operates the 2,623km Peninsular Gas Utilisation network, a high-pressure transmission system supplying gas from entry that could be redirected to other sectors through collaboration with academics and technical experts. “They should use their experience and work with academicians to explore how vape flavour technology could be adapted to other industries such as coffee, tea or other beverage sectors.” He also said modern businesses are often driven by trends and if Malaysia could create a new, youth-oriented industry that builds on existing expertise while removing health risks, it could become a profitable and sustainable model for the future. Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Mara Puncak Alam senior lecturer Dr Mohamad Idham Md Razak supported the proposed ban, describing it as a necessary sacrifice for public health. “The short and long-term economic impact on Bumiputera entrepreneurs would be a hardship they must endure for the greater benefit of public health. “Although the ban would cause income loss and job displacement, the long-term cost of allowing harmful products to continue

Govt urged to prepare transition plan for vape traders

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: As the government moves towards a nationwide vape ban, economists are urging authorities to prepare a structured transition plan to support entrepreneurs invested in the industry. Economic expert Prof Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai said the government should tap into the expertise of local universities and work with vape business owners to develop new and sustainable industries. He said the vape industry, largely driven by Bumiputera entrepreneurs, is valued at about RM500 million, adding that thousands of small business owners involved now face a critical turning point. “In the short term, these entrepreneurs would suffer because they are being forced to shift their business direction. Once vapes are banned, they can no longer operate in that space,” he told theSun . Barjoyai added that many vape entrepreneurs already possess valuable skills in retail, technology and flavour innovation