16/07/2026

THURSDAY | JULY 16, 2026

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Over RM12 million allocated to 627 Hindu temples

Bukit Bangkong hiking trail may be reopened IPOH: The Bukit Bangkong recreational area in Chemor may reopen to the public for hiking via its main trail, provided all alternative routes remain closed and safety measures are strictly observed. Perak Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said the proposal followed a meeting on June 10 involving the Perak Wildlife and National Parks Department, Kampung Tanah Hitam Village Development and Security Committee and police. He added that at the meeting, it was also agreed that wildlife warning signs be installed at the entrance to Bukit Bangkong and advised hikers to begin their climb only after 9am and leave the area before 5pm. “(The department) has no objection to reopening Bukit Bangkong for hiking, provided only the main trail to the summit is accessible and all alternative routes are fully closed. “However, the committee opposed the proposal to reopen the entire hiking area to the public.” Teh said monitoring by the Wildlife Department showed Bukit Bangkong remains an active tiger roaming area, after camera traps captured different tigers on March 13 and April 20. “The animals were identified by comparing the unique stripe patterns on both sides of their bodies. They are estimated to be about three years old, with paw prints measuring approximately 12cm. The images were captured by two camera traps installed at separate locations, one along an alternative trail to the summit and the other near the peak.” He said the department also found tiger paw prints, the carcass of a cow believed to have been killed by a tiger, tracks of barking deer and wild boar, and bear claw marks on trees in the area. Teh said six camera traps remain in operation at three locations identified as active wildlife corridors, while tiger traps continue to be monitored regularly. – Bernama Action on monkey menace at R&R area KUALA KANGSAR: Wild monkey harassment affecting commuters at the Sungai Perak R&R area along the North-South Expressway is being addressed through an operation to reduce human-wildlife conflict. State Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said the Perak Wildlife and National Parks Department has periodically received complaints about wild monkeys at the R&R area over the past few years. However, he added that a recent surge in reports indicates the animals have grown bolder, approaching visitors for food and disturbing commuters. “Although most incidents involve disruptions such as snatching food and approaching visitors, this situation could pose a safety risk if the public feeds or tries to interact with the wild monkeys. “Therefore, integrated management actions are crucial to mitigating human-wildlife conflict.” He also said abundant, accessible food from human activities, especially visitors feeding the animals, remains a primary factor attracting wild monkeys to the site, and alters their natural behaviour. “This has caused the monkeys to become habituated to the R&R area and dependent on human food sources, increasing the risk of harassment. “We advise the public to refrain from feeding wild monkeys, store food and beverages out of their reach, dispose of food waste in lidded bins and avoid approaching or provoking the monkeys for photographs or feeding.” He urged commuters to notify R&R management if any disruptions occur. – Bernama

“A total of 3,612 children from B40 Indian families will benefit directly, with each child receiving a subsidy of up to RM230. It may not seem like a large amount to some people, but it makes a meaningful difference to B40 families with two or three children.” Since 2023, Mitra has introduced several initiatives for the community, including the Kalvi Madani programme and a dialysis subsidy assistance scheme, in addition to the Dharma Madani programme. “There are those who claim the Madani government has done nothing for the Indian community, that no funding has been channelled and that Mitra is inactive. “Today, I am sharing these facts not to boast, but to ensure that facts prevail over misinformation.” At the event, 120 temple representatives and 117 kindergarten operators from states outside the Southern Zone received approval letters and signed funding agreements involving a combined allocation of RM12.23 million.

temples have been approved to receive a total allocation of RM3.36 million. “Through this initiative, temples can continue serving as community centres by organising religious classes, personal development camps and various community empowerment programmes.” Ramanan’s speech was delivered by Human Resources Ministry deputy secretary general (Operations) Sutekno Ahmad Belon at the Celik Madani 2026 Programme (Series 2) and Dharma Madani Programme (Series 3) yesterday. He added that the Madani government, through the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra), is also strengthening educational support for the Indian community through the Early Education Subsidy Assistance Programme (Celik Madani 2026), with an allocation of RM10 million. For 2026, 162 kindergartens have been approved to participate in the programme, receiving a total allocation of RM8.87 million.

PUTRAJAYA: The government has allocated RM12.54 million to 627 Hindu temples approved under the Dharma Madani programme between January and July, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. He said in the first phase of the programme, 162 Hindu temples received RM3.24 million in funding on Jan 27, and a further 297 temples benefited under the second phase, with RM5.94 million disbursed on April 28, Bernama reported. “Today, we are taking another step forward with the third phase, under which 168 Hindu o Govt also aiding Indian community via RM10 million allocation for education subsidy programme: Minister

Zairil said if the mitigation work is delayed for a long period, the erosion risks becoming more serious and spreading inland, affecting permanent structures, public facilities and infrastructure near the coast. – PIC COURTESY OF PENANG STATE EXCO OFFICE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND DIGITAL

Beach containers installed to control coastal erosion GEORGE TOWN: The installation of beach containers as a mitigation measure against coastal erosion in Batu Ferringhi, particularly in the Lone Pine area, is expected to control the problem for two to three years while awaiting the implementation of a long-term coastal protection project. hotel on July 8 and is expected to be completed by Aug 10.” He also said the implementation of mitigation work previously faced several major challenges that affected the progress of work on site, including tidal and wave conditions and unpredictable weather, as well as access constraints for machinery, which caused most of the work to require double handling methods. structures and beach nourishment methods to reduce erosion rates, stabilise the coastline and sustainably protect infrastructure, public assets and tourist areas in Batu Feringghi. Zairil said the mitigation work involved a total cost of RM500,000, which included site clearing, cutting down fallen trees and the installation of 62 beach containers in five layers, approximately five metres high, to protect an area 44m long at the most critical erosion site.

Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the medium-term mitigation measures implemented by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) aim to reduce the impact of waves on the coastline, control the erosion rate and protect areas identified as experiencing the most critical erosion. He added that based on a DID technical assessment, the effectiveness of the method depends on weather conditions, waves and natural factors such as tidal movements and extreme weather events, but it is expected to be sufficient as a temporary solution until a comprehensive coastal protection project is implemented. “The installation work of the beach container has begun on the beach in front of a

Zairil said if the mitigation work is delayed for a long period, the erosion risks becoming more serious and spreading inland, affecting permanent structures, public facilities and infrastructure near the coast. He added that the state government, through DID, is also planning a more comprehensive long-term coastal protection project under the 12th Malaysia Plan, which is currently in the consultant appointment phase, to provide detailed designs before construction work begins. He also said the project includes the construction of coastal protection structures, including outfall and erosion protection

“The state government and DID assure that the implementation of mitigation work is planned and carried out with consideration of visitor safety, the continuity of tourism activities and environmental sustainability to ensure Batu Ferringhi remains one of the main tourist destinations in Penang. He added that DID would continue to monitor the implementation of the work to ensure its impact on tourism activities and the environment remains at a minimum level, while also ensuring the beach areas remain safe for public enjoyment pending the long-term beach protection project. – Bernama