Konsert Malam Perayaan Patah Hati Dihentikan, Penganjur Akan Dipanggil

 

Eks Pejabat Mahkamah Agung Ditangkap, Sita Uang Hampir 1 Triliun Rupiah - [Primetime News]

Khazanah, PNB jual pegangan RM47 juta dalam Fashionvalet hanya RM3.1 juta -- MOF sahkan di Parlimen

Motorcyclist killed in crash with jeep in Ipoh

 

Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng allowed to leave Singapore with additional S$800,000 bail

Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng allowed to leave Singapore with additional S$800,000 bail

Ong Beng Seng, who faces two charges corresponding to former transport minister S Iswaran's, will be visiting London, Boston, Gibraltar and Spain between Oct 31 and Nov 9.

30 Oct 2024

CNA




Ong Beng Seng (centre) arrives at the State Courts on Oct 30, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Wallace Woon)


SINGAPORE: Property tycoon and hotelier Ong Beng Seng was granted permission by a court on Wednesday (Oct 30) to leave Singapore for over a week, with additional bail conditions including S$800,000 (US$603,600) cash bail.

On top of his existing bail of S$800,000, the 78-year-old Malaysian is now out on bail of S$1.6 million.

Ong appeared briefly in court around noon on Wednesday in a white shirt, with some friends and his lawyer, Mr Aaron Lee from Allen & Gledhill.

Mr Lee told the court that he was "very grateful for this urgent hearing".

He said the defence had made the application last Friday, with no objections from the prosecution as long as certain additional bail conditions were imposed.

Ong intends to visit London, followed by Boston in the United States for medical treatment.

After that, he will head to Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory on Spain's south coast, followed by Spain for business and to break up the journey on the way back, Mr Lee said.

Ong will arrive back in Singapore on Nov 9, said the lawyer.


Ong Beng Seng arrives at the State Courts on Oct 30, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Wallace Woon)


The prosecution had sought additional bail conditions, including cash bail of S$800,000 on top of his current bail.

Ong cannot travel with his bailor and he has to provide his travel itinerary to the investigating officer as well as his addresses of residence overseas.

He must remain contactable at all times and hand over his passport within 24 hours of his return.

The judge granted the application.






Earlier this month, the Singapore GP head was given a charge each under Section 165 and Section 204A of the Penal Code.

Section 165 relates to a public servant obtaining valuables from a person involved in official proceedings or business with the public servant, while Section 204A pertains to obstructing justice.

For the 204A charge, Ong is accused of abetting the obstruction of justice by intentionally aiding former transport minister S Iswaran to make a payment of S$5,700 (US$4,397) to Singapore GP between May 18, 2023 and May 25, 2023.

This was the cost of Iswaran's business class flight ticket from Doha to Singapore on Dec 11, 2022, which had been paid for by Singapore GP.

Ong allegedly instructed a Mok Chee Liang to bill the cost of the flight to Iswaran, who then made payment. Ong is said to have known that his act was likely to obstruct the course of justice.

For the charge under Section 165, Ong is said to have abetted by instigating Iswaran, a public servant, to obtain a "valuable thing" for no consideration by offering Iswaran a trip to Doha with Ong, and making arrangements for it in December 2022.

Ong Beng Seng leaves the State Courts on Oct 30, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Wallace Woon)



Ong Beng Seng (centre) leaves the State Courts on Oct 30, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Wallace Woon)



Ong Beng Seng leaves the State Courts on Oct 30, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Wallace Woon)


Iswaran had described Ong as a friend. Ong is credited with bringing Formula 1 to Singapore, and F1 was one of the projects Iswaran also worked on.

The two men were first arrested in July 2023 and released on bail. This was after the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, while probing a separate matter, found a flight manifest for an outbound flight on Ong's private jet that contained Iswaran's name.

Iswaran pleaded guilty on Sep 24 to four charges under Section 165 and one under Section 204A, with 30 other charges under Section 165 taken into consideration for sentencing. Three of the charges Iswaran pleaded guilty to were related to Ong, while two involved Mr Lum.

Amid speculation on whether he would appeal or not, Iswaran surrendered at the State Courts to begin his prison term on Oct 7.

Ong's case is slated for a pre-trial conference on Nov 15.

If convicted of the charge under Section 165, Ong could face a jail term of up to two years, a fine, or both.

If convicted of obstructing justice, the charge under Section 204A, Ong could face a jail term of up to seven years, a fine, or both.


Source: CNA

Canada alleges Indian minister Amit Shah behind plot to target Sikh separatists

Canada alleges Indian minister Amit Shah behind plot to target Sikh separatists

30 Oct 2024



India's newly appointed Home Minister Amit Shah greets the media upon his arrival at the home ministry in New Delhi, India, on Jun 1, 2019. (Photo: REUTERS/Altaf Hussain)


The Canadian government alleged on Tuesday (Oct 29) that Indian Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, a close ally of Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was behind the plots to target Sikh separatists on Canadian soil.

The Indian government has dismissed Canada's prior accusations as baseless, denying any involvement.

The Washington Post newspaper first reported that Canadian officials alleged Shah was behind a campaign of violence and intimidation targeting Sikh separatists in Canada.

Canadian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison said to a parliamentary panel on Tuesday that he told the US-based newspaper that Shah was behind the plots.

"The journalist called me and asked if it (Shah) was that person. I confirmed it was that person," Morrison told the committee, without providing further details or evidence. The High Commission of India in Ottawa and the Indian foreign ministry had no immediate comment.

Former Indonesian minister arrested in sugar corruption probe; state allegedly lost over US$25 million

Former Indonesian minister arrested in sugar corruption probe; state allegedly lost over US$25 million

Mr Thomas Lembong served as Indonesia’s Trade Minister between August 2015 and July 2016 during former President Joko Widodo’s first term in office.

30 Oct 2024

Former Indonesian Trade Minister Thomas Lembong was named as a suspect in a corruption case involving sugar imports on Oct 29, 2024. (Photo: Antara/Rivan Awal Lingga via Reuters)


JAKARTA: A minister who served under former President Joko Widodo during the latter’s first term in office was on Tuesday (Oct 29) named as a suspect in a corruption case involving sugar imports that was alleged to have caused state losses worth some 400 billion rupiah (US$25.5 million).




Local media reported that former Trade Minister Thomas Lembong was arrested by the authorities for his suspected involvement in a graft case involving sugar imports managed by his then-ministry between 2015 and 2016.

Mr Thomas served as Indonesia’s Trade Minister between August 2015 and July 2016.

He was accused by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) of issuing an import permit for 105,000 tonnes (105 million kilograms) of red sugar crystals in 2015. This, they allege, was despite him knowing that there was a domestic surplus of the commodity, local media reported.

The move was said to have violated a 2004 trade and industry ministerial regulation which stated that only state-owned enterprises (SOE) are allowed to import raw sugar.

The AGO has since also denied claims that Mr Thomas’s arrest was politically motivated.

An investigations director from the AGO, Mr Abdul Qohar, said that the process was carried out in accordance with relevant procedures.

"Whoever the perpetrator is, when solid evidence is found, the investigator will designate the individual as a suspect," he was quoted as saying by local media Tempo.

Mr Thomas’s arrest was made following an investigation that started in October last year, involving 90 witnesses. The former minister was detained at the Salemba Detention Centre in Jakarta on Oct 29 along with another suspect, known to be the business development director of a state trading firm PPI.

“At the time, the suspect, as trade minister, granted the import license without first coordinating with the relevant state agencies,” Mr Abdul Qohar said, as quoted by The Jakarta Globe.

In January 2016, Mr Thomas allegedly signed a letter, ordering PPI to become a state-owned firm (SOE) in order to fulfil the national sugar needs and stabilise the commodity’s price in the country.

PPI was also tasked to work with national sugar producers to produce 300,000 tonnes of white sugar. It worked with at least eight private sugar companies despite the 2004 ministerial regulation.

Both Mr Thomas and PPI’s business development director are suspected to have known about the PPI’s cooperation with these private companies.

AGO investigators also claimed that PPI had bought refined sugar from private firms, despite these companies selling the commodity directly to consumers for 16,000 rupiah per kilogram, higher than the highest retail price of 13,000 rupiah per kilogram, resulting in state losses in the sale.




“We estimated the state loss incurred, (it was) done by experts which took a long time because it is not a simple and ordinary case,” Mr Abdul Qohar said at a press conference in Jakarta on Oct 29 which was also broadcasted on the AGO’s Youtube channel.

The alleged corruption by the suspects amounted to 400 billion rupiah (US$25.5 million) in state losses. The profit obtained by the private companies should have gone into state trading firm PPI, the AGO said.

The prosecutor added that the import licence was granted to a private company identified as PT AP, although only state-owned companies are authorised to procure the commodity from foreign sources under the 2004 trade and industry ministerial regulation. This was also done despite a ministerial coordination meeting concluding that the national stock of the commodity was already in surplus.

Local media reported that Mr Thomas was a close ally of Mr Widodo, and was said to have been an economic advisor and speechwriter for the former president at one point.


Indonesia's 2024 presidential candidate Anies Baswedan (right) listens to his economic adviser and spokesman Thomas Lembong during a question and answer session with foreign media at his residence in Jakarta on Aug 15, 2023. (File Photo: AFP/Bay Ismoyo)


However, local media added that Mr Thomas has since shifted his allegiance and established a close relationship with former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.

Mr Thomas served as the co-captain of Mr Anies’s campaign team when the latter was running in this year’s presidential elections. He also became an outspoken critic of Mr Widodo and his downstreaming policies.

Source: Agencies/ia(as)

Shine Muscat grapes in Singapore safe to eat, says SFA after Thai contamination concerns

Shine Muscat grapes in Singapore safe to eat, says SFA after Thai contamination concerns

30 Oct 2024

Shine Muscat grapes available in Singapore are mainly imported from countries including China, South Korea and Japan, said the Singapore Food Agency. (File photo: iStock)


SINGAPORE: Shine Muscat grapes available in Singapore are safe to eat, with the fruit subject to tests for pesticides and other quality control measures, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Wednesday (Oct 30).

Concerns about the popular fruit surfaced in the past week amid reports from Thailand that said unusually high levels of pesticides were found in a variety of samples.

In response to CNA's queries, SFA said its tests for pesticides in Shine Muscat grapes did not detect residue levels that are of food safety concern.

"SFA will continue to test and monitor the situation to protect public health."

SFA added that it has regulations in place to restrict the residual amount of permitted chemicals, such as pesticides, that may remain in food.

It also routinely conducts tests for pesticides in food, including fruits like Shine Muscat grapes.

Food will not be allowed for sale if it fails SFA's inspection and food safety tests.

Food products, including Shine Muscat grapes, must also be imported by SFA-licensed importers.

"Retailers must ensure that the food they sell are obtained from SFA-regulated sources, prepared or processed in a safe and hygienic manner, and do not compromise food safety," it said.

According to the Bangkok Post, the Thai Pesticide Alert Network warned about contamination of Shine Muscat grapes last week after finding that most of the samples it tested contained harmful chemical residues above maximum permitted levels.

Of the 24 samples collected from various locations, including online shops and supermarkets, 23 samples contained pesticide residues exceeding the legal limit.

Nine of the samples were imported from China, while the country of origin of the remaining 15 could not be identified.

SFA said in its statement that Shine Muscat grapes in Singapore are mainly imported from countries such as China, South Korea and Japan.

In response to CNA's queries, a FairPrice Group spokesperson said regular quality checks are conducted on all its produce, including Shine Muscat grapes, to ensure that it meets "rigorous standards" for freshness and safety.

"In light of the recent incident in Thailand, our food safety department is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to review all relevant information to ensure the ongoing safety of our products."

The supermarket chain sells Shine Muscat grapes sourced from Japan, Korea and China.

CNA has also contacted Cold Storage and Giant operator Dairy Farm Group, Sheng Siong and Don Don Donki for more information.

SFA said consumers can "play their part" to ensure that the fruits they purchase are safe to eat.

"Wash them well before consumption," said the agency, adding that gently rubbing the surface of fruits while rinsing can help to remove pesticide residue.

"Peeling of skin from fruits can help eliminate pesticide residues as most of the residue is found on the surface of the fruits."


Source: CNA/dy/nh(zl)

Petronas jelas status perbincangan DGO dengan Petros

Petronas jelas status perbincangan DGO dengan Petros

Bernama

31/10/2024


Petronas ingin menjelaskan bahawa ia masih dalam perbincangan dengan Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) mengenai cadangan pelaksanaan Ordinan Pengagihan Gas (DGO).


KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas ingin menjelaskan bahawa ia masih dalam perbincangan dengan Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) mengenai cadangan pelaksanaan Ordinan Pengagihan Gas (DGO).

Perbincangan yang berterusan itu bertujuan untuk menyelaraskan kepentingan serta objektif semua pihak di samping memelihara pengaturan kontrak sedia ada, kata syarikat minyak dan gas negara melalui satu kenyataan hari ini.

Perbincangan itu juga bertujuan bagi memastikan komitmen kepada pelabur dan pelanggan terus dipenuhi.

-- BERNAMA

Penyimpan Mohor Besar Raja-Raja dahului senarai penerima darjah, pingat kebesaran Perak

Penyimpan Mohor Besar Raja-Raja dahului senarai penerima darjah, pingat kebesaran Perak

Astro Awani

01/11/2024


Mohd Zahidi bercakap kepada media sempena Istiadat Penganugerahan Darjah Kebesaran Bintang dan Pingat Negeri Perak 2024 di Laman Seri Ridzuan, Ipoh, semalam. Turut sama Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri, Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim (kanan). --fotoBERNAMA

IPOH: Penyimpan Mohor Besar Raja-Raja Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad mendahului senarai 213 penerima darjah kebesaran dan pingat sempena Ulang Tahun Keputeraan Sultan Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, hari ini.

Syed Danial, 80 tahun, dianugerahkan darjah tertinggi negeri iaitu Darjah Dato’ Seri Paduka Mahkota Perak (SPMP) yang membawa gelaran Datuk Seri.

Turut menerima anugerah sama, Ketua Audit Negara Datuk Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi dan Pengerusi Eksekutif Yee Lee Corporation Datuk Lim Kok Cheong @ Lim A Heng.

Sementara itu, Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Ekonomi Datuk Nor Azmie Diron merupakan penerima tunggal Darjah Dato’ Paduka Cura Si Manja Kini (DPCM) yang membawa gelaran Datuk.

Senarai nama penerima diumumkan Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja Jeneral (B) Tan Sri Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin pada satu sidang media semalam.

Menurutnya, lapan orang dianugerahkan Darjah Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP) yang membawa gelaran Datuk.

Mereka ialah Naib Canselor Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff; bekas Pengurus Besar Jabatan Komunikasi Kumpulan Petronas Abdul Rahim Mydin, Pengarah Jabatan Agama Islam Negeri Perak Harith Fadzilah Abdul Halim, Ketua Perkhidmatan Otorinolaringologi Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun Dr D Philip Rajan.

Ketua Pengarah Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia Salasiah Abdul Wahab, Pengerusi Lembaga Penasihat Jabatan Perdana Menteri Yong Zarida Sazali, Duta Besar Malaysia ke The Hague Belanda Roseli Abdul dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Perbadanan Menteri Besar Anuar Zainal Abidin.

Katanya, enam orang dianugerahkan Darjah Dato’ Pahlawan Taming Sari (DPTS) yang membawa gelaran Dato’ Pahlawan yang diketuai Pengarah Jabatan Siasatan Dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik Ibu Pejabat Polis Bukit Aman Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri.

Lima penerima lain ialah Pengarah Cawangan Khas, Ibu Pejabat Polis Bukit Aman, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail; Ketua Jabatan Pencegahan Jenayah Dan Keselamatan Komuniti, Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontijen Perak, SAC Ng Kong Soon; Ketua Pengarah Bahagian Perkhidmatan Kejuruteraan, Markas Angkatan Tentera, Bahagian Perkhidmatan Kejuruteraan, Kementerian Pertahanan, Mejar Jeneral Cs M Thevendran.

Serta, Pakar Obstetrik & Ginekologi, Bahagian Perkhidmatan Kesihatan, Markas Angkatan Tentera, Brig. Jen Dr Sharifah Sofiah Syed Zainol Abidin dan Panglima Wilayah Laut 1, Markas Wilayah Laut 1, Pangkalan TLDM Tanjung Gelang, Laksamana Muda Farizal Myeor.

Mohd Zahidi berkata, seramai 13 orang dianugerahkan Darjah Paduka Cura Si Manja Kini di samping Darjah Paduka Mahkota Perak (28); Darjah Ahli Cura Si Manja Kini (14); Darjah Ahli Mahkota Perak (39); Pingat Pekerti Terpilih (61); Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (30) dan Pingat Lama Perkhidmatan (10).

“Darjah kebesaran, bintang dan pingat Negeri Perak pada tahun ini dikurniakan kepada mereka yang benar-benar layak, banyak berjasa kepada negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan dan mengharumkan nama negeri, serta memenuhi kriteria yang ditetapkan sahaja,” ujarnya.

Menurutnya, istiadat penganugerahan akan diadakan dua sesi iaitu pada 9 dan 17 November di Istana Iskandariah, Kuala Kangsar.

Selain Abdul Rahim, yang juga penulis kolum akhbar The New Straits Times (NST), beberapa orang wartawan dan ahli sukan turut menerima anugerah darjah kebesaran dan pingat.

Mereka ialah Pengarang Kumpulan NST Farrah Naz Abd Karim yang dianugerahkan Darjah Paduka Mahkota Perak (PMP) serta Penerbit Rancangan Jabatan Penyiaran Negeri Perak, Nor Ain Abu Bakar dan wartawan Astro AWANI di Perak, Abd Razak Mohd Ali yang dianugerahkan Pingat Jaksa Kebaktian (PJK).

Penerima PJK dalam kalangan atlet Perak ialah Meor Mohamad Zulfikar Mat Amin (sepak takraw), Aleena Ahmad Nawawi (lawn bowls), Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple (lawn bowls), Nur Amisha Azril Rizal (muay thai) dan jurulatih hoki Mohd Nizam Mohd Hashim.

Mohd Zahidi berkata, atlet-atlet ini telah mendapat pingat dalam kejohanan yang diadakan, sekaligus mengharumkan nama negeri Perak.

Menurutnya, sambutan pada tahun ini akan dimulakan dengan penganjuran Majlis Bacaan Surah Yasin dan Doa Selamat di Masjid Sultan Azlan Shah di sini pada 1 Nov waktu solat Jumaat.

Majlis yang sama akan turut diadakan di semua masjid daerah di seluruh Perak, diketuai Orang Besar Jajahan dan Pegawai Daerah mengikut daerah masing-masing, katanya.

Selain itu, Sultan Perak turut berkenan membiayai hidangan makanan kepada 7,800 banduan dan tahanan yang sedang menjalani hukuman di Penjara Tapah, Penjara Taiping, Pusat Koreksional Kamunting, Pusat Pemulihan Akhlak Batu Gajah dan Rumah Perantaraan penjara negeri Perak (Kinta dan Taiping), yang akan diagihkan Jumaat ini.

Rakyat Perak juga diseru untuk bersama-sama meraikan dan menyemarakkan sambutan dengan mengibarkan bendera negeri di bangunan-bangunan pejabat, perniagaan dan kediaman masing-masing.

Operasi mencari diteruskan selepas ribut di Sepanyol ragut sekurang-kurangnya 158 nyawa

Operasi mencari diteruskan selepas ribut di Sepanyol ragut sekurang-kurangnya 158 nyawa

Bernama

01/11/2024


Seorang lelaki melihat jalan yang dilitupi lumpur dipenuhi kereta yang bertimbun selepas hujan lebat yang menyebabkan banjir di Paiporta, Sepanyol, 31 Okt 2024. - REUTERS


OVIEDO (Sepanyol): Usaha mencari dan menyelamat diteruskan di Sepanyol pada Khamis selepas ribut luar biasa mengorbankan sekurang-kurangnya 158 orang dan menyebabkan kemusnahan besar, lapor Agensi Anadolu.

Menurut kerajaan wilayah, sekurang-kurangnya 155 kematian direkodkan di Valencia, kawasan yang paling teruk terjejas, dengan kematian lain dilaporkan di Wilayah Cuenca, Albacete, dan Malaga.

Menteri Pertahanan Sepanyol Margarita Robles berkata pihak berkuasa masih belum dapat memberikan angka tepat mengenai mangsa bencana tetapi menyatakan bahawa "ramai orang" masih belum ditemukan.

Kira-kira 1,000 anggota tentera telah dikerahkan pada pagi Khamis, dengan keutamaan utama mereka adalah mencari mangsa yang hilang.

"Kami tahu di tempat-tempat seperti Paiporta dan Massanassa, mungkin ada orang di garaj, di ruang bawah tanah - orang yang keluar mencari kenderaan mereka," kata Robles dalam wawancara dengan penyiar Telecinco.

Pada pagi Khamis, sembilan mayat ditemukan di kawasan kejiranan La Torre, Valencia - lapan daripadanya di garaj yang sama, menurut datuk bandar. Media tempatan, termasuk El Mundo, melaporkan bahawa angka kematian meningkat kepada 104.

Kejadian ribut paling teruk berlaku pada Selasa, apabila hujan yang berukuran menghampiri dalam tempoh setahun berlangsung dalam tempoh beberapa jam, menyebabkan banjir kilat, limpahan sungai, dan jalan-jalan di bandar dan pekan bertukar menjadi sungai-sungai yang mengalir deras.

Kejadian ribut yang begitu ganas mengejutkan ribuan orang. Ramai penduduk yang pulang dari kerja terperangkap dalam kenderaan mereka, manakala yang lain terperangkap di rumah, tempat kerja, restoran, atau pusat beli-belah, menunggu pasukan penyelamat dalam penuh ketakutan ketika paras air meningkat.

Kerajaan Valencia hanya menghantar amaran kecemasan ke telefon pada lewat Selasa malam, meminta orang ramai tinggal di dalam rumah atau mencari tempat tinggi, pada ketika itu kerosakan besar telah pun berlaku.

Perkhidmatan kecemasan segera dibanjiri panggilan dan tidak dapat menghampiri kawasan yang paling teruk terjejas.

Selain tragedi manusia, ribut itu telah menyebabkan kerosakan yang tidak terkira terhadap infrastruktur.

Beribu-ribu isi rumah masih terputus bekalan elektrik atau air minuman dan terasing sepenuhnya akibat penutupan jalan raya dan landasan kereta api.

Dalam sidang akhbar pada Khamis, Menteri Pengangkutan Sepanyol, Oscar Puente mengumumkan bahawa laluan kereta api berkelajuan tinggi antara Madrid dan Valencia yang popular akan ditutup sekurang-kurangnya dua hingga tiga minggu.

Dua terowong di bawah laluan itu mengalami kerosakan teruk dan pekerja perlu memasang semula landasan kereta api sepenuhnya, katanya.

Beberapa laluan kereta api tempatan berada dalam keadaan lebih buruk, yang dianggarkan mengambil masa "berbulan-bulan" untuk dibaiki.

Sementara itu, sekitar 80 kilometer lebuh raya di Valencia mengalami kerosakan teruk.

Longgokan kenderaan terus memenuhi jalan-jalan yang menjadi kunci kepada perhubungan kawasan itu, kata Puente.

Agensi meteorologi Sepanyol AEMET mengeluarkan amaran merah mengenai "bahaya ekstrem" pada pagi Selasa, kira-kira 12 jam sebelum kerajaan tempatan menghantar amaran ke telefon.

Banjir turut berlaku di Wilayah Castellon pada Khamis, yang turut diletakkan dalam amaran merah untuk hujan lebat. Catalonia juga mengaktifkan amaran merah untuk kawasan di selatan wilayah itu.

Pada Rabu, banjir kilat turut dilihat di kawasan lain di negara itu seperti selatan Andalusia, yang masih menerima hujan pada Khamis.

Sepanyol telah mengisytiharkan tiga hari berkabung di seluruh negara.

Pada Khamis, ibu pejabat Kesatuan Eropah (EU) menurunkan bendera separuh tiang.

"Banjir di Sepanyol bukan sahaja satu tragedi kebangsaan. Ia juga satu tragedi Eropah. Oleh itu, ia akan menerima respons Eropah," kata Presiden Suruhanjaya Eropah Ursula von der Leyen dalam hantaran di X pada malam Rabu malam.


--BERNAMA-ANADOLU

TAG: Sepanyol, banjir, angka kematian, mencari dan menyelamat, kemusnahan

Police awaiting details from Russian Embassy on Malaysian IDs found in Ukraine

Police awaiting details from Russian Embassy on Malaysian IDs found in Ukraine

Bernama

31/10/2024


According to IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, the police have also been in communication with the family of the individual involved, who is reported to be studying abroad. - BERNAMA/Filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has been in contact with the Russian Embassy, regarding allegations that a Malaysian citizen is involved in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.

He said that the Bukit Aman Special Branch has reached out to the Russian Embassy concerning the matter.

"We are currently awaiting further information from the embassy for confirmation, including the status of local citizens linked to the incident involving mercenary activity," he said when contacted by Bernama today.

According to Razarudin, the police have also been in communication with the family of the individual involved, who is reported to be studying abroad.

"Action is being taken by the PDRM, and we urge the public not to engage in speculation. The public is also reminded to refrain from getting involved with any foreign fighters, or conflicts involving other countries," he said.

Several photos, depicting a MyKad and Malaysian driving licence found on a battlefield, had gone viral recently.

The documents were reportedly found after Russian forces took a Ukrainian position in Levadne.

-- BERNAMA

No one left behind: Retirees to enjoy benefits from SSPA pension adjustments

No one left behind: Retirees to enjoy benefits from SSPA pension adjustments

Bernama

31/10/2024


Public Service director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz says This pension adjustment is implemented every time a new remuneration system is introduced. - BERNAMA

MARANG: Government retirees will benefit from the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) as their pensions will also be adjusted, said Public Service director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.

He explained that this adjustment would increase the pension percentages for retirees with government approval, allowing them to enjoy increments similar to those received by current public servants.

"This pension adjustment is implemented every time a new remuneration system is introduced. Not only current employees will benefit, but retirees as well.

"However, for those who choose to remain under the Malaysian Remuneration System (SSM) and retire next year, their pensions will be calculated based on their final SSM salary. In contrast, those who opt for the SSPA will have their pensions calculated based on the final SSPA salary after the December adjustment," he said after visiting two federal government retirees from Terengganu here yesterday.

While urging civil servants to select the SSPA before the option period ends on Nov 30, Wan Ahmad Dahlan clarified that those who decide to stay under the SSM will not lose their pension rights upon retirement but will not receive the salary adjustment in December.

PSD-RETIREES 2 MARANG

During the 19th Majlis Amanat Perdana Perkhidmatan Awam 2024 programme in August, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that retirees and derivative pension recipients would receive pension adjustments with the same percentage increments as active civil servants, to be implemented in two phases.

Commenting on his visit, Wan Ahmad Dahlan said it demonstrated the government's commitment to never neglect retirees, especially as they navigate various challenges such as health and financial issues.

"Insya-Allah, this programme will continue to ensure the prime minister's aspiration to address poverty comprehensively is realised. Although retirees are no longer in service, their contributions are still highly valued by the government," he said.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Puteh, a 67-year-old Telekom Malaysia retiree battling health issues due to a brain tumour, received a wheelchair and disposable diapers during Wan Ahmad Dahlan's visit to his home in Kampung Darat Pak Chah, Seberang Marang.

Retiring in 2002 after 30 years of service, Ahmad expressed joy and gratitude upon learning he had been chosen for the assistance, which he described as a recognition of his years of dedication to the country.

PSD-RETIREES 3 (LAST) MARANG

"Thank you for remembering the contributions of past generations. Please continue to support retirees in need, as they truly depend on it," he said, advising current public servants to carry out their duties sincerely.

The father of eight and grandfather of 14 also reminded government officers to avoid favouritism and to serve all citizens equally, as the public expects the highest standards from civil servants.

Rohati A. Jalil, 68, a retired government servant who concluded her service at the Terengganu State Education Department in 2011, encourages greater participation of non-Bumiputera communities in public service.

"During my 37 years of service, I noticed that only one or two individuals from other ethnic groups worked alongside us in various departments. This may suggest a lack of interest in government jobs among them, but I hope that the recent salary increase announced by the government will encourage more to consider a career in public service," said Rohati, who now relies on a wheelchair due to a spinal tumour.

Recognising that public service faces more significant challenges in light of technological advancements, she advised civil servants to maintain courtesy and professionalism when interacting with the public to ensure that citizens receive the highest quality of government service.

During the visit, Wan Ahmad Dahlan also presented eKasih assistance from the Terengganu Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) to two recipients, Md Rosmadi Md Yahya and Muhammad Asrol Azmi, who received household aid valued at RM7,575 and RM9,858, respectively.

-- BERNAMA

Govt initiatives benefit all, including Indian community - Gobind

Govt initiatives benefit all, including Indian community - Gobind

Bernama

31/10/2024


Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo spoke at the 2024 Deepavali Madani Open House event at Sentul Depot today. - BERNAMA


KUALA LUMPUR: The initiatives and allocations provided by the government in various aspects such as health and education have benefited the rakyat, including the Indian community, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

He said this is evident through the Budget 2025 tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently, which allocates RM130 million for various programmes, including business financing for the Indian community, to preserve human capital and enhance social and welfare aspects.

"The prime minister also emphasised coordinating efforts to cater to the needs of Indian villages. Similarly, funding is provided through the TEKUN Nasional for all races, while those under Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia are now expanded to benefit the Indian community," he said in his speech at the 2024 MADANI Deepavali Open House organised by his ministry here today.

Also present were Anwar, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Cabinet members and deputy ministers.

Gobind further said that earlier this month, the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) approved more than RM95 million to carry out 11 socioeconomic development programmes, including RM3.4 million for the EC-Council Cyber Security Professional Certificate Training and Placement.

The funding also includes RM25 million for the Early Admission Assistance Programme for Higher Education Institutions, with all these initiatives aimed at empowering the Indian community.

He stressed that the socioeconomic progress of the people must be in line with national development, including in digital aspects such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and animation.

"The digital world can offer a new ray of hope for all of us. The Digital Ministry is committed to strengthening three main pillars, namely infrastructure, digital resilience and talent.

"At the same time, data is an important asset that must be protected. Proactive measures have already been taken to ensure that data owned by the people and businesses in Malaysia is secured," he said.

-- BERNAMA