Archive - 14 March 2019

Dr M: Gov't in midst of identifying culprits behind chemical pollution

Dr M: Gov't in midst of identifying culprits behind chemical pollution

PM also describes response of doctors and medical personnel to the situation as 'extraordinary'.

Niosh advises those at chemical pollution site to use protective gear

Niosh advises those at chemical pollution site to use protective gear

Masks and nose covers insufficient to filter poisonous particles and gases, says occupational safety institute.

Waste disposal, believed to be chemicals, detected in Klang River

Waste disposal, believed to be chemicals, detected in Klang River

According to S'gor Water Management Authority, the substance was disposed of in a drain and flowed into river. 

Toxic fumes: Johor MB's office rubbishes 'locals can close door' post

Toxic fumes: Johor MB's office rubbishes 'locals can close door' post

'Fake headline' in social media post is meant to tarnish Osman Sapian's reputation, says his office.
Cease probe against Women's March organisers, says lawyer

Cease probe against Women's March organisers, says lawyer

According to Syahredzan Johan, the probe is unwarranted, unnecessary and encroaches upon organisers' rights.
Minister: Show me proof and I will ‘ketuk kepala’ of AP abusers

Minister: Show me proof and I will ‘ketuk kepala’ of AP abusers

Darell Leiking urges media to provide evidence of APs being sold to third parties. 

No need to declare emergency for Pasir Gudang pollution - PM

No need to declare emergency for Pasir Gudang pollution - PM

UPDATED 9.52PM | However, Mahathir reminds all quarters to exercise extra caution in view of crisis not being over.
Targeted fuel subsidy mechanism to be finalised by July

Targeted fuel subsidy mechanism to be finalised by July

This will enable gov't to identify vendors and fine-tune list of deserving recipients, says Saifuddin Nasution. 

Chemical pollution: Johor sultan wants MB to set up special committee

Chemical pollution: Johor sultan wants MB to set up special committee

Committee will be required to establish SOP to avoid repeat of Pasir Gudang incident, says Sultan Ibrahim.

EC to review redelineation of electoral boundaries approved last year

EC to review redelineation of electoral boundaries approved last year

The effects of the exercise will be analysed to see if it can be nullified, says EC chairperson. 

Foreign investment at stake - outgoing Bar chief wants RCI expedited

Foreign investment at stake - outgoing Bar chief wants RCI expedited

INTERVIEW | Apart from restoring public confidence, George Varughese says sound judiciary vital for vibrant foreign investment climate.
Utusan disposes of factories for RM13.5m

Utusan disposes of factories for RM13.5m

The semi-detached factories are located in Taman Shamelin Perkasa in the capital. 

Cops investigating Women's March organisers under Sedition Act

Cops investigating Women's March organisers under Sedition Act

UPDATED 7.51PM | The organisers say the law is being 'unfairly and disproportionately' used against them.

No plans to sue Goldman in US for now - minister

No plans to sue Goldman in US for now - minister

PARLIAMENT | This is to allow focus on local proceedings in the case, says Liew Vui Keong.  

Deportation of Egyptians violates international law

Deportation of Egyptians violates international law

LETTER | The Sisi military regime in Egypt is notorious for persecution of its critics and opponents.
At any cost

At any cost

Students don face masks to collect their SPM results from the Pasir Gudang Education Office.

Second half of 2018 sees slight jump in investments

Second half of 2018 sees slight jump in investments

UPDATED 7.19PM | According to Darrell Leiking, just over half of RM201.7b in approved investments were recorded between July to December. 

Maszlee congratulates candidates after soaring SPM scores

Maszlee congratulates candidates after soaring SPM scores

Education minister says the results are the highest recorded in four years.

K'tan records highest number of marriage applications below age 18

K'tan records highest number of marriage applications below age 18

A total of 140 applications made at the state's Syariah Court from 2016 to 2018.

Gov't to review National Agricultural Policy

Gov't to review National Agricultural Policy

Salahuddin Ayub calls for young agropreneurs to be assisted through greater incentives.

Emergency won't be declared for Pasir Gudang over toxic crisis

Emergency won't be declared for Pasir Gudang over toxic crisis

UPDATED 6.46PM | Gov't says the incident has been treated with the utmost urgency.

We acted swiftly - minister denies dragging feet on pollution incident

We acted swiftly - minister denies dragging feet on pollution incident

Dzulkefly Ahmad says his officers have been at ground zero since day one of the incident.
Deputy minister: Prices of 568 consumer goods decreased last year

Deputy minister: Prices of 568 consumer goods decreased last year

PARLIAMENT | This is based on a survey by Dept of Statistics from May to December 2018.

PKR Youth forming social media task force to counter badmouthing of Streram

PKR Youth forming social media task force to counter badmouthing of Streram

It will also compile slander and submit them to the police, MCMC.

Revive plans to table national harmony law, says MP

Revive plans to table national harmony law, says MP

PARLIAMENT | Hasan Bahrom says this should be one of the steps taken to curb racial and religious discord.

Affordable homes: Developer urges gov't to consider cross-subsidies

Affordable homes: Developer urges gov't to consider cross-subsidies

SkyWorld's Ng Thien Phing says developers have to price units above RM300k to turn a profit.

Korean chemical company assists clean-up efforts in Pasir Gudang

Korean chemical company assists clean-up efforts in Pasir Gudang

Lotte Chemical Titan helps clean up schools and deployed an ambulance.

Tuan Ibrahim says PAS prioritises unity, dismisses 'Taliban state' claim

Tuan Ibrahim says PAS prioritises unity, dismisses 'Taliban state' claim

PAS deputy guarantees his party's cooperation with Umno will not lead to ethnic conflict.

Indians did not vote Harapan to protect Zakir Naik - Hindraf reminds minister

Indians did not vote Harapan to protect Zakir Naik - Hindraf reminds minister

The current administration, says Karthig Shan, should not place the controversial preacher on a pedestal.

Eliminate discrimination in all sectors - including civil service

Eliminate discrimination in all sectors - including civil service

LETTER | The government is, after all, the largest employer in the country.

DPM: Additional RM45 million for i-Suri programme

DPM: Additional RM45 million for i-Suri programme

PARLIAMENT | With the additional allocation, the ministry is targeting 100,000 women to register for i-Suri by June 30.

DPM: Curfew for teens works in freezing Iceland, but difficult in M'sia's climate

DPM: Curfew for teens works in freezing Iceland, but difficult in M'sia's climate

PARLIAMENT | Wan Azizah says climate there might be good for keeping youth indoors, but it won’t work here.

'AG’s inconsistency over Jong-nam murder accused mind-boggling'

'AG’s inconsistency over Jong-nam murder accused mind-boggling'

Ramkarpal Singh asks why Vietnamese woman still facing murder trial when Indonesian co-accused released.
PM to visit toxic gas victims, House to debate declaring emergency

PM to visit toxic gas victims, House to debate declaring emergency

Dr Mahathir Mohamad is scheduled to visit the victims this evening.

CM: Penang Structured Plan to be added into state's Vision 2030

CM: Penang Structured Plan to be added into state's Vision 2030

As many of its elements will be incorporated, says Chow Kon Yeow.
Remember when DAP painted AP as symbol of corruption, asks MCA

Remember when DAP painted AP as symbol of corruption, asks MCA

'There is a return of the 'AP Queen' days of which DAP in particular strongly condemned,' Ti Lian Ker says.

Emergency over toxic emission may create panic attack, says DPM

Emergency over toxic emission may create panic attack, says DPM

Wan Azizah adds government will evaluate the situation in Pasir Gudang first.

Anwar can refer constitutional questions on NSC to apex court

Anwar can refer constitutional questions on NSC to apex court

However, the judge has made a few amendments to questions raised by the Port Dickson MP.

Cabinet to decide whether 'land swap' report can be made public

Cabinet to decide whether 'land swap' report can be made public

PARLIAMENT | The report Mat Sabu said uncovered deals that caused RM500m in losses for the Defence Ministry.
M'sia rejects call to free Vietnamese accused in Jong-nam murder

M'sia rejects call to free Vietnamese accused in Jong-nam murder

Court sets April 1 for her trial to resume.

Women’s March - provide protection, not persecution

Women’s March - provide protection, not persecution

Gov’t response to peaceful march has been heavy-handed and misplaced.
PAS grassroots loyal to Nik Aziz won't back Umno in polls, claims PKR Youth

PAS grassroots loyal to Nik Aziz won't back Umno in polls, claims PKR Youth

Syed Badli says the grassroots are 'confused' with their leaders cooperating with Umno.

Ean Yong: MCA's fingerprints all over TAR UC, doesn't deserve funding

Ean Yong: MCA's fingerprints all over TAR UC, doesn't deserve funding

The institution should be funded only if MCA hands it over to the community, says the DAP leader.

M'sia ready to cooperate with France in Scorpene probe: Minister

M'sia ready to cooperate with France in Scorpene probe: Minister

UPDATED 3PM | PARLIAMENT | Mat Sabu says it is the government's stand to always cooperate with foreign investigating authorities.
M'sia, S'pore reverse overlapping port limit extensions

M'sia, S'pore reverse overlapping port limit extensions

UPDATED 1.30PM | Both countries will revert to port limits prior to Oct 25, 2018.

New Ikea mega-store shows level of confidence in Penang, says Guan Eng

New Ikea mega-store shows level of confidence in Penang, says Guan Eng

He says the project took five years to bring to fruition and is built with sustainability in line.
Another doggone delay to Najib's trial

Another doggone delay to Najib's trial

COMMENT | Shafee's dog-eared story is just another long-winded drama, before the real court drama on Friday.

Private sector hires based on merit, not race – Wanita MCA on 'lower Indian ratio'

Private sector hires based on merit, not race – Wanita MCA on 'lower Indian ratio'

Heng Sai Kee tells Waythamoorthy not to make this a racial issue as it is not related to ethnic preferences.

Study on mandatory vaccination to look into exemptions, compensation

Study on mandatory vaccination to look into exemptions, compensation

UPDATED 2.32PM | PARLIAMENT | The outcome of the feasibility study will be presented to the cabinet, says Health Ministry.

PAC satisfied with Bukit Jalil Sports Complex redevelopment project

PAC satisfied with Bukit Jalil Sports Complex redevelopment project

'The work had met with safety requirements, were of high quality and received international accolades'.

End violence based on gender and sexual orientation

End violence based on gender and sexual orientation

LETTER |The LGBT community should not be deprived of their right to live decent lives as human beings.
Ethiopia crash pilot had in-plane issues, victims mourned

Ethiopia crash pilot had in-plane issues, victims mourned

Meanwhile, Germany says it will not analyse the Ethiopian Airlines' black box.

Johor sultan pledges RM1m for Pasir Gudang crisis

Johor sultan pledges RM1m for Pasir Gudang crisis

The state ruler was deeply moved by audio clip of man pleading for help.

US prosecutors probing Facebook's data deals

US prosecutors probing Facebook's data deals

This is a criminal investigation into its deals with some of world's largest technology companies, NYT reports.
Toxic emission - Gov't urged to declare emergency in Pasir Gudang

Toxic emission - Gov't urged to declare emergency in Pasir Gudang

UPDATED 2.03PM | PARLIAMENT | Harapan MP also calls for the issue to be debated urgently in Dewan Rakyat.

Ten dead, 17 hurt in 'unspeakably brutal' Brazil school shooting

Ten dead, 17 hurt in 'unspeakably brutal' Brazil school shooting

A homemade video taken during the shooting showed children screaming, running, and begging for their lives as loud shots were heard all around.

High Court to hear 1MDB audit tampering case

High Court to hear 1MDB audit tampering case

This follows an application made by the prosecution, which the defence had no objection to.

Singapore ready to take water issue to arbitration

Singapore ready to take water issue to arbitration

It says that this had been an option as far back as 2003.
SIS to use gov't grant to help Islamic family law reform cause

SIS to use gov't grant to help Islamic family law reform cause

The Islamic Family Law 1984 has loopholes that need to be plugged, adds Sarinah Salleh.

Kula: I cannot change minimum wage unilaterally

Kula: I cannot change minimum wage unilaterally

Amount decided with the National Wages Consultative Council, explains the human resources minister.

Brexit set for delay after May wounded by rejection of 'no-deal'

Brexit set for delay after May wounded by rejection of 'no-deal'

The British parliament on Wednesday rejected leaving the European Union without a deal.
Education Ministry shuts down all 111 schools in Pasir Gudang

Education Ministry shuts down all 111 schools in Pasir Gudang

UPDATED 10AM | Maszlee says that the situation is related to a chemical leak that was ‘getting more critical’.
RM6.4m to clean up chemical waste in Sungai Kim Kim

RM6.4m to clean up chemical waste in Sungai Kim Kim

This is an emergency sum provided by Johor gov't for the disaster that has hospitalised more than 200 people.

Fugitive financier denies making political donation to Trump

Fugitive financier denies making political donation to Trump

Jho Low says he did not know Larry Davies, who he is alleged to have made the payment through.
Yoursay: Can MAS be saved or should it close shop?

Yoursay: Can MAS be saved or should it close shop?

YOURSAY | If AirAsia and SIA can be the best of the best, why not MAS?
Eye on Jho Low's link with US$100k given to Trump's political funds

Eye on Jho Low's link with US$100k given to Trump's political funds

The DOJ is probing this as it is a crime in the US for foreigners to donate to politicians, WSJ reports.

US aims to force further cut in oil exports by Iran

US aims to force further cut in oil exports by Iran

This will be done by requiring importing countries to reduce purchases to avoid US sanctions, sources say.

Yoursay: Mujahid thumbs nose at non-Muslims by wooing Zakir Naik

Yoursay: Mujahid thumbs nose at non-Muslims by wooing Zakir Naik

YOURSAY | ‘They revert to the old ways. The feelings of non-Muslims do not count.’
Finally, US joins other nations in grounding 737 MAX jets

Finally, US joins other nations in grounding 737 MAX jets

The FAA cited new satellite data and evidence from the scene of Sunday’s crash in Ethiopia.
My sympathy goes to Dr Streram

My sympathy goes to Dr Streram

COMMENT | I have a lot of sympathy for Streram, whose journey from GE14 till now has not been a bed of roses.

PAS snubs Umno's 'proposal', and 7 other things that happened yesterday

PAS snubs Umno's 'proposal', and 7 other things that happened yesterday

KINI ROUNDUP | Key headlines you may have missed yesterday, in brief.