MCI_NOV2021

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MALAYSIA-CHINA INSIGHT

Xi Jinping delivers an important speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China in Beijing,
capital of China, July 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Xi Jinping, the man
who leads CPC on new journey

Few political parties worldwide could boast such a Since being elected general secretary of the CPC
long history and uninterrupted period of state govern- Central Committee in November 2012, Xi has been seen
ance as the Communist Party of China (CPC), which has as a man of determination and action, a man of
been China's ruling party for 72 years. Presently, Xi profound thoughts and feelings, a man who inherited a
Jinping is the core of the CPC leadership. legacy but dares to innovate, and a man who has
forward-looking vision and is committed to working
Before him, generations of central collective leadership tirelessly.
had spanned the decades with Mao Zedong, Deng
Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, and Hu Jintao as chief Under his leadership, China is becoming a powerful
representatives. country, and is now entering an era of strength,
according to Channel News Asia.

SPECIAL NEWS 8 NOVEMBER 2021

WALKING WITH THE PEOPLE

It was in 1974 in Shaanxi's Liangjiahe that Above pic: Xi Jinping visits impoverished villagers in Luotuowan Village of Longquanguan Township, Fuping County, north China's
Xi joined the Party. He was just 15 years old Hebei Province, Dec. 30, 2012. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
when he arrived there in 1969 as an
"educated youth." Jingbei, a professor at the China Executive tional work, Hong Kong and Macao affairs, Sitting down with them, Xi asked about
Leadership Academy in Pudong, Shanghai. and preparations for the 2008 Beijing their income, and if they had sufficient
He would spend the next seven years Olympics. food and enough quilts and coal to stay
living in the small village on the rural Loess In 2007, Xi returned to Beijing to sit on the warm through the winter. Xi said his heart
Plateau; at the end of a day's labor, he Standing Committee of the Political Bureau At the age of 59, Xi was elevated to the sank when he saw that some villagers were
would return to his primitive cave house of the CPC Central Committee and later Party's most senior post in November still struggling to make ends meet.
and sleep on a simple clay bed. It would became China's vice president. He oversaw 2012. About a month later, he braved the
take 38 years and multiple postings across areas including Party building, organiza- winter cold to visit poor villagers in Hebei.
various levels of the Party's hierarchy until
he would be elevated to the top job.

After joining the CPC, Xi became Party
secretary of Liangjiahe. One of his village
colleagues said Xi "worked conscientiously,
had many ideas and could unite the people
and cadres."

Recalling his time in the impoverished
village, Xi said what he wanted more than
anything was to make it possible for the
villagers to "have meat on their plates."

In 1975, Xi was admitted to the
prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing.
After graduating, he first worked at the
general office of the Central Military
Commission before moving to Zhengding,
a county in northern Hebei Province in
1982.

Recalling the move to Zhengding, Xi
said he had volunteered to work at the
grassroots level among the people. He said
he wanted to "love the people like he loves
his parents."

After Zhengding, Xi's political career
took him to the coastal provinces of Fujian
and Zhejiang and the metropolis of Shang-
hai. Wherever he went, his close ties with
the people were notable.

Xi's people-centered philosophy
explains why he ordered unwavering
efforts to save people's lives at all costs
during the COVID-19 epidemic, said Liu

STRENGTHENING THE PARTY

Above pic: Xi Jinping addresses the fifth plenary session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline law-enforcement apparatus was investi-
Inspection in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) gated while another was punished.

The year 2021 is also the ninth year of shows no signs of letting up. investigated over the past year. And in the Over the past nine years, more than 400
Xi's signature anti-corruption campaign, More than 20 high-level officials in the past 30 days or so, one former ministeri- officials at ministerial level or above have
the most extensive in Chinese history. It al-level official in the central government's been punished or investigated, including a
financial sector have been punished or former member of the Standing Commit-
tee of the Political Bureau of the CPC
Central Committee and two former vice
chairmen of the Central Military Commis-
sion. From 2014 to 2020, over 8,300
fugitives were repatriated from more than
120 countries and regions.

"In a critical time, Xi turned the tide,"
said a foreign media editorial.

As the general secretary of the CPC
Central Committee, Xi has led efforts to
formulate and revise around 200 intra-par-
ty regulations. He also launched five
Party-wide education campaigns to firm up
the ideals and convictions of Party
members and ensure they act effectively
and in unison.

By June this year, the number of CPC
members had grown to 95 million, 10
million more than the population of
Germany. Experts on China affairs say the
Party has become more disciplined, pure,
and powerful.

In 2016, the sixth plenary session of the
18th CPC Central Committee established
Xi's status as the core of the CPC Central
Committee and the whole Party.

In October 2017, Xi Jinping Thought on
Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a
New Era was officially instituted at the
19th CPC National Congress. The thought
was enshrined in the CPC Constitution and
China's Constitution.

Like Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping, Xi
has advanced the adaption of Marxism to
the Chinese context and kept it relevant,
said Xin Ming, a professor at the Party
School of the CPC Central Committee
(National Academy of Governance).

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Prime Minister receives
courtesy call from
Chinese Ambassador

Above pic: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (left) received a courtesy call from the Chinese Ambassador to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today received a
Malaysia Ouyang Yujing ( right) at his office in Putrajaya
courtesy call from the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing at
Prime Minister: Untapped potential in his office in Putrajaya.
digital economy, 4IR, and sustainable
development in Malaysia-China trade “I am sure a courtesy call like this can help strengthen the existing ties
between Malaysia and China,” he said in a posting on Facebook today.

Ismail Sabri said Malaysia and China had a long history of friendship and
that the bilateral ties will definitely be further enhanced.

“I believe that many good things can be achieved with great bilateral
cooperation between the two countries,” he said.

The Prime Minister also attached a video clip and three photographs
taken during the courtesy call.

The digital economy, the Fourth Blueprint that plans to escalate the Above pic: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Industrial Revolution (4IR), and the country’s progress as a technologically
adoption of sustainable development are advanced economy by 2030, he added. “Among others, this dimension includes Asia Pacific, Africa, as well as Central and
“domains with untapped economic poten- the people-centric economy, green Eastern Europe,” he said.
tials” in the bilateral trade between Malay- On 4IR, Ismail Sabri said as Malaysia has technology, renewable energy, and the
sia and China, said Prime Minister Datuk embarked on its journey towards greater mitigation of climate change,” he added. Last year, Malaysia’s exports to China
Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. digitalisation, more efforts would be expanded 11.1 per cent to US$37.77
implemented, such as leveraging on the Ismail Sabri noted that “such areas had billion, and China was also Malaysia’s
He said these three areas have untapped synergy of both the physical and digital already been the cornerstone of China’s biggest import source, accounting for 21.5
potential although investments and worlds to elevate Malaysia’s competitive- trade and economic policies for many per cent of total imports.
bilateral trade between the two nations ness. years, and they had been embodied in the
have been growing steadily since 2009, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China’s “Similarly in the investment sphere,
whereby China has continued to be Malay- “For this reason, we have launched the 14th Five-Year Plan.” China has become Malaysia’s top investor,
sia’s largest trading partner, accounting for 4IR, which was built upon a whole-of-na- with investments amounting to US$4.41
18.6 per cent of total trade in 2020. tion approach through people-pri- “Malaysia, being one of the first countries billion last year, and this ranking has been
vate-public partnerships,” the premier to support the BRI, wishes to reaffirm our maintained for the past five years since
The Prime Minister said this in delivering said. “This includes developing 4IR-ena- confidence that this strategic and 2016,” the premier noted.
his opening address virtually at the 130th bling infrastructures for wider application forward-looking initiative will open up
China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) of technological use while adopting an more frontiers of connectivity. He also revealed that that 71 manufac-
opening ceremony here today. agile regulatory approach, all of those are turing projects from China were approved
aimed at meeting the needs of the “We have a firm belief that this mutual in 2020, with an expected generation of
Touching on the digital economy, Ismail businesses in the digital economy, as well understanding will create new possibilities more than 10,000 jobs in Malaysia.
Sabri said Malaysia had launched the as accelerating innovation and adaptation for growth and development across the
MyDIGITAL initiative early this year to in technology.”
further accelerate the country’s digital
transformation. On the adoption of sustainable develop-
ment, Ismail Sabri said under the recently
Targeting to attract US$17.32 billion tabled 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), the
(US$1= RM4.15) in both international and “sustainability of energy resources has
domestic digital investments, the MyDIGI- been identified as one of the key factors in
TAL initiative would be implemented the economic empowerment dimension.”
through the Malaysia Digital Economy

Above pic: Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri was adopted as strict procedures would be said, was introduced to help the economy
in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 at recover from the negative impacts of the
Nancy: Langkawi international tourism the resort island. COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the
travel bubble opens to all countries government could not afford to wait for
“The procedures include ensuring too long to reopen the tourism sector to
The international tourism bubble for the and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy arriving tourists use tour agents registered foreign tourists as it would cause locals to
Langkawi pioneer project will be opened to Shukri said. with the ministry. lose their jobs.
tourists from all countries, Tourism, Arts
She added that the no-restriction policy “The agent will be the one who will “So we need to think rationally and
arrange their entire journey and they will consider the steps that can be taken for the
not come directly to Langkawi on their benefit of all.
own. This is the mechanism we use, so if
anything happens, like infection cases, the “Also, the developments in Langkawi can
agent will be held responsible,” she said become a model for us to examine tourist
when answering questions from the media behaviour in helping curb the spread of
at an event at the Malaysia Tourism Centre COVID-19,” she said.
(MATIC) here today.
She said since the recent announcement
She was queried whether the govern- regarding the tourism travel bubble, many
ment would take similar steps as Singapore homestays in Langkawi have received
and Thailand in limiting tourist arrivals. bookings from tourists, especially from
Europe.
She was met at the presentation of
Financial Assistance and Contributions to The international tourism travel bubble
15 non-governmental organisations and 20 for Langkawi, is slated to begin on Nov 15,
arts practitioners at MATIC here today. was announced by Prime Minister Datuk
Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob last Friday.
The international tourism bubble, she

02 8 NOVEMBER 2021
Shorter quarantine for close
contacts, international arrivals

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has Also, from Oct 18 onwards, international Above pic: Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob
announced that quarantine periods for arrivals who are fully vaccinated will need
fully vaccinated close contacts and interna- to quarantine for seven days upon the
tional arrivals have been shortened. arrival.

From Monday (Oct 18) onwards, close This can be done at a designated quaran-
contacts who are fully vaccinated will need tine station or at home if the latter is found
to undergo home quarantine for seven appropriate.
days.
International arrivals who are partially
C lose co ntact s wh o a re p a r ti a l l y vaccinated or not vaccinated will need to
vaccinated or not vaccinated will need to quarantine for 10 days at a designated
undergo home quarantine for 10 days. quarantine station.

Khairy Jamaluddin: Malaysia to invest in digitalisation of mental
health services

Malaysia will invest more to improve Above pic: Minister of Health Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar relevant agencies for professional support,
the digitalisation of mental health services said Khairy.
with the usage of technology to expand increase in deaths due to suicide among He said families must know that they are
the reach. adolescents aged between 15 to 18 which not on their own. At the local level mental He also reiterated that the Ministry of
doubled from 2019 to 2020,” he said. health awareness and advocacy needs to Health supports efforts to repeal Section
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said be translated into immediate action, 309 of the Penal Code which deems
in making mental health care more ubiqui- Khairy said mental health awareness empowering the community with psycho- attempted suicide as a crime.
tous and accessible, new methods of begins at home with parents and caregiv- social support and community activities.
delivering mental health services must be ers play an important role to create a safe “Decriminalising suicide will reduce the
developed. and supportive environment for their Community leaders can be trained to stigma and encourage those affected to
children. provide assistance and refer cases to the come forward to seek help for their mental
“Apart from economic assistance, it is health issues. It is my hope that this move-
equally critical that people are given ment to decriminalise suicide will happen
adequate mental health support during very soon,” he added.
the pandemic,” he said in his recorded
keynote address in conjunction with the Khairy said the Ministry of Health and
launch of United Nations Children’s Fund the Ministry of Youth and Sports have
(UNICEF) report – The State of World’s embarked on efforts to address mental
Children 2021; On My Mind: Promoting, health issues, ranging from counselling
Protecting and Caring for Children’s Mental programmes, mental health awareness
Health on live on UNICEF Malaysia’s campaigns and community engagements.
Facebook page and Bernama TV today.
Non-governmental organisations and
Khairy said between January and July this civil society organisations are on board to
year data from the Royal Malaysia Police play their part in spreading awareness on
showed 638 suicides compared to 262 their importance of mental health,
cases during the same period last year. promoting a whole-of-society approach,
he added.
“What’s even more worrying is the

Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine now available in Malaysia

Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine is now the first shipment of the vaccine had vaccine coverage in Malaysia,” said group Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for use in
available in Malaysia, says Duopharma arrived in batches in September 2021 and managing director Leonard Ariff Abdul Malaysia.
Biotech Bhd. it is now widely available at clinics and Shatar.
private hospitals nationwide.
Duopharma’s wholly owned unit, According to the statement, the Sinop-
Duopharma (M) Sdn Bhd has been author- “Duopharma is committed to supporting harm vaccine is currently indicated for
ised as Sinopharm’s registration holder the government’s vaccination programme individuals aged 18 to 59.
and to engage in the sales and distribution and augmenting the National COVID-19
of the vaccine in the country. Immunisation Programme by expanding In July 2021, the Ministry of Health’s
vaccine distribution channels to ensure full Drug Control Authority (DCA) had
In a statement today, Duopharma said approved the conditional registration of

China’s Shenzhou-13 crewed spaceship docks with space station module

China’s Shenzhou-13 crewed space- The three taikonauts – Zhai Zhigang (the
ship docked successfully with the radial commander), Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu
port of the space station’s core module – will enter the core module as scheduled.
Tianhe at 6:56 a.m. Saturday Beijing Time,
according to the China Manned Space The trio will stay in orbit for six months,
Agency (CMSA). which will set a record for a Chinese
crewed mission in space.
The spaceship, launched on early
Saturday morning, completed orbital Above pic: Chinese astronauts Zhai Zhigang (C),
status setting after entering the orbit and Wang Yaping (R) and Ye Guangfu (L) will carry out the
conducted a fast automated rendezvous
and docking with Tianhe, forming a Shenzhou-13 spaceflight mission.
complex together with the cargo craft
Tianzhou-2 and Tianzhou-3.

The whole process took approximately
6.5 hours, the CMSA said.

This is the second crewed mission during
the construction of China’s space station
Tiangong.

Above pic: Shenzhou-13 delivers 2nd crew to Tianhe module

038 NOVEMBER 2021

Above pic: Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah (Left) and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing (Right) attend an event marking the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's
Republic of China hosted by the Chinese embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

China keen to work with Malaysia on upholding international
fairness and justice

China would like to work together with tion to commemorate the 72nd Anniversa- Above pic: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
Malaysia to practice true multilateralism, ry of the Founding of the People’s Republic People's Republic of China to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing
to uphold international fairness and of China, held virtually on Tuesday.
justice, and in bringing China-Malaysia saying goes, Bukit Sama Didaki, Lurah Meanwhile, Saifuddin in his speech said
relationship into a more glorious chapter, Also present was Foreign Minister Datuk Sama Dituruni,” he said. Malaysia is happy to see the development
China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Saifuddin Abdullah. of China, especially in its economic sector.
Yujing said. “Both of our two countries are walking
Ouyang said Malaysia and China’s friend- shoulder to shoulder on the journey He also commended President Xi Jinping
He said China also stands ready to make ship have stood the test of time, and since towards economic recovery and national on his dynamic leadership, adding that
great efforts with Malaysia to promote the establishment of diplomatic relations, prosperity,” he said. under Xi’s leadership, the country had
high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) both countries have enjoyed increasing demonstrated remarkable economic
development as well as to further advance political mutual trust, steady progress in In Malaysia’s fight against the COVID-19 resilience and development as well as
the bilateral cooperation in various fields bilateral cooperation, deepening cultural pandemic, Ouyang noted that to date, 36 positive growth outlook at the world level.
including vaccine, trade, investment, exchanges between both sides, and more million doses of Chinese vaccine – Sinovac,
culture, tourism and education, while and more strengthened friendship CanSino and Sinopharm – had been On the bilateral ties, Saifuddin said
tapping into potential for cooperation in between the two peoples. delivered to Malaysia to be used in the Malaysia-China relations have grown even
emerging fields like digital economy, National COVID-19 Immunisation stronger since the outbreak of the
e-commerce, high-tech and cyber-security. He said that soon after Malaysia’s Prime Programme. COVID-19 as both had come forward to aid
Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s each other in the fight against the
“Although the pandemic is still going on inauguration, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang He added that a new batch of vaccines pandemic.
the rampage, I believe that no difficulties had sent his message of congratulation in donated by the Chinese government is also
can stop our steps forward. As long as our the first place, adding that the close expected to arrive in Malaysia soon. He said China is Malaysia’s largest trading
two countries stick to solidarity and focus communications and interactions between partner for 12 consecutive years since
on cooperation, we will indeed defeat the leaderships will set direction for develop- In terms of trade and economic 2009 and in 2020, China is also Malaysia’s
pandemic and embrace a bright future. ment of China and Malaysia relationships. relations, the ambassador said that in the largest export destination and import
first half of this year, total amount of source.
“I also have a strong faith that with our “Facing this once-in-a-century pandemic, Malaysia-China bilateral trade had reached
joint efforts, China and Malaysia friendship our two governments and peoples have US$81.79 billion, growing 43.9 per cent China is also largest investor in Malaysia
shall make steady growth and scale new joined hands to fight the virus and get year-on-year. for five consecutive years in term of
heights,” he said in his speech at a recep- through these tough times. This is a vivid approved investments, he added.
example of our special bond; like a Malay He said Chinese non-financial direct
investment to Malaysia has come to Saifuddin had also reiterated Malaysia’s
Above pic: Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato' Saifuddin bin Abdullah US$800 million dollars – a rise of 76.3 willingness to work with China in realising
percent year-on-year. the BRI.

04 8 NOVEMBER 2021

Companies under tourism, culture subsector can operate
without CIMS approval – MOTAC

Effective immediately, companies and (MOTAC) in a statement today said that capacity allowed, and put on display a valid issued to companies or business premises
business premises under the tourism and they are, however, subject to the condition copy of the latest Companies Commission that failed to adhere to the condition.
culture subsector are now allowed to of having fully vaccinated employees strict of Malaysia (SSM) certificate and business
operate without having to apply for standard operating procedures (SOP). license. “It is hoped that the industry will cooper-
approval through the COVID-19 Intelligent ate in ensuring compliance with SOPs and
Management System (CIMS). It said each company or business premis- MOTAC said a compound under Section other government directives issued
es must also ensure that the number of 25 of the Prevention and Control of through the National Security Council
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture employees does not exceed the maximum Infectious Diseases Act (Act 342) can be (MKN) from time to time,” it said.

Nanta: COVID-19 self-test kits set
to be sold in supermarkets, chain
stores this month

The COVID-19 antigen rapid test kits Nanta said that, in the meantime, the Above pic: Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi
(self-test) are expected to be sold in super- government would also ensure the new
markets and chain stores this month, said retail and wholesale ceiling prices for the in November. Above pic:
Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer self-test kits do not have an effect on the Nanta said the KPDNHEP took note of The COVID-19 antigen rapid test kits (self-test)
Affairs Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. industry players.
the fact that there are currently about nine
This, he said, was because the Domestic “Discussions are still being held until all million self-test kits available on the
Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry parties agree on the maximum retail and market.
(KPDNHEP) and the Ministry of Health wholesale prices for the COVID-19 self-test
(MOH) were at the final stage of discussion kits. “The industries involved in bringing in
regarding the matter. and producing these kits have given
“The ministry wants the new price that positive feedback so that the kits can be
The self-test kits are currently sold at all will be set to be the best for consumers sold at a lower price than the maximum
registered community pharmacies or and will not have an effect on their retail price for now,” he said.
health facilities nationwide. business,” he said.

“Making these self-test kits available at Effective Sept 5, the maximum retail
selected supermarkets and chain stores price for self-test kits has been fixed at
will make it easier for the public to RM19.90 per set while the wholesale price
purchase them,” he told an online press is capped at RM16 per set.
conference after the virtual launch of the
Malaysia International Franchise Exhibi- On Oct 8, Nanta was reported to have
tion and Conference 2021 (FIM 2021) said that the government would set a new
today. wholesale and retail ceiling price for the
COVID-19 antigen rapid test kit (self-test)

Above pic: Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein include R&R areas, tourism spots, to go abroad without applying for a
residences, and business premises which MyTravelPass, Hishammuddin said people
Interstate travel: Random checks are believed to not be strictly monitoring were still bound by the guidelines and
to be continued to ensure SOP the entry of visitors. rules set by the Ministry of Health Malay-
compliance, says Hishammuddin sia (MOH), such as undergoing self-quaran-
Owners of restaurant premises, shopping tine upon returning back.
malls and public attractions are responsi-
ble for checking the entry of customers to “This means that, even if interstate and
ensure they complied with the SOPs, such overseas travel have been allowed, the
as being fully vaccinated and wearing face SOPs will remain in force. All parties still
masks, as well as performing body temper- have to abide by all the rules for their own
ature checks. good and of those around them,” he said.

Interstate travel was allowed beginning He said the meeting also refined the
yesterday, as 90 per cent of the adult implementation of guidelines for ventila-
population in the country had been fully tion and air quality in the premises which
vaccinated. were considered important to control the
spread of viruses in the air.
On Oct 10, the police carried out 417
roadblocks nationwide and inspected On when the transition from the
211,617 vehicles, and of the total, 560 pandemic to endemic phase would actual-
vehicles were turned back for failing to ly take place, Hishammuddin said it would
comply with the SOP. largely depend on what happens following
the lifting of interstate and overseas travel
Statistics from the police show that from restrictions.
March 18, 2020, to 10 January 2021, a total
95,192,993 vehicles were inspected in Commenting on the tourism bubble,
operations involving 14,417 personnel. A Hishammuddin said the SOP implemented
total of 651,631 vehicles were ordered to for the tourism bubble pilot project in
turn back during the period. Langkawi would not be applied for domes-
tic tourism after the lifting of the interstate
On the relaxing of rules to allow people travel restrictions.

The police through its Standard Operat- Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) through
ing Procedures (SOP) monitoring team will mobile roadblocks, snap checks, monitor-
continue to monitor interstate movements ing of R&R (Rest and Recuperation) sites,
including conducting random inspections and roadblocks at areas imposed with the
on major roads, as well as highways on Enhanced Movement Control Order,” he
weekends, public holidays and festivals. said in a press conference after chairing
the Fifth COVID-19 Quartet Ministers
Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Meeting at Parliament House here, today.
Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the
monitoring was necessary as the allowing He said the Home Ministry (KDN) had
of interstate travel did not mean the given assurances and the police had been
authorities would become lax, but instead instructed to ensure that inspections were
ensure that the SOPs were continued to be carried out seriously and strictly to ensure
complied with. that the people remained disciplined and
did not become complacent.
“These include random checks under the
Prevention and Control of Infectious The monitoring by the authorities

058 NOVEMBER 2021

Life will be di cult for you, Khairy warns anti-vaxxers

The government will take a vigorous Health (MOH) and expected the shots to Above pic: The government urges all to get vaccinated to break Covid-19 chain
approach towards those who refuse to be be given from this month.
vaccinated by ‘continuing to make their life the relevant ministries as well as state other buildings.
difficult,’ said Health Minister Khairy However, he said MOH was making governments and local authorities as it “It (AED) must be displayed and we need
Jamaluddin. efforts and discussing with the countries involves amendments to building by laws
concerned not to practise discrimination and would bring the matter to the Cabinet to train as many people (as possible) to be
However, he said those who cannot be pertaining to vaccines as the United soon. first responders because there have been
vaccinated due to health reasons will be Kingdom only allows Malaysians who have so many cases where people have gotten
fine as they would be provided with MySe- received Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines Without mentioning the targeted heart attacks but cannot get to hospital on
jahtera digital exemption. to enter the country without the need for timeline for this, he said it will kick start time,” he said.
quarantine. with government buildings followed by
“Sorry to say, if you are not vaccinated
because you choose not to be vaccinated, “Rather than having to revaccinate
then we will make life very difficult for you Malaysians who want to go to UK without
and continue to make life difficult for you. quarantine…treat all the vaccines, at least
those which have been listed for emergen-
“Cannot dine-in at restaurants, cannot go cy use under the World Health Organiza-
into shopping centres and we will be tion (WHO), as the same.
releasing a National Testing Strategy next
week…then we will probably ask you to do “Like the UK, they are considering our
regular tests that you have to pay for. The request, hopefully they will agree and the
message is to get yourself vaccinated,” he same with Saudi Arabia …in any case we
said. will give the booster dose but the easier
and better solution is no discrimination as
He said this at a press conference after far as the vaccine is concerned,” he said.
officiating the 11th National Acute
Myocardial Infarction Course organised by Khairy also said that said he will be
the Serdang Hospital here today. pushing for the move to make it compulso-
ry for certain buildings to be equipped with
Meanwhile, Khairy said that individuals automated external defibrillator (AED)
required to take booster dose for Umrah units.
or meet conditions of other countries can
make applications for it to the Ministry of He said that he would discuss this with

Industry players: “The lifting of interstate and overseas
SOP relaxation will help revive travel restrictions will augur well for
tourism sector businesses too as the handicraft and hotel
industries as well as several other sectors,
The relaxation on standard operating the move will bring positive economic “For example the SOPs set on board a including rickshaw pullers, have suffered
procedures (SOPs), quarantine measures outcomes. flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia maybe greatly as a result of the pandemic,” she
and interstate as well overseas travel different, so passengers need to abide by said.
effective Oct 18 is set to kickstart the “We need to follow in the footsteps of their rules,” he said.
revival of the country’s tourism sector, said other developed countries where they She added that everyone must play their
Malaysian Association of Travel Agencies allow their tourism sector to operate so Elaborating, he said the recovery of the role and comply with the SOPs set by the
(MATTA) president Datuk Mohd Khalid that we are not left behind economically,” tourism industry would benefit various Health Ministry (MOH) and the National
Harun. he said when contacted by Bernama. other sectors such as aviation, small Security Council (MKN), especially when
businesses, services and the local econo- new COVID-19 variants crop up.
He said the move would benefit several Mohd Khalid also encouraged the public my which had been affected by the extend-
parties, especially the tourism sector as to go on a holiday either locally or abroad ed period of lockdowns due to COVID-19. Meanwhile, Malaysian Public Health
well as facilitate tourist travel. but reminded that the SOPs must be Physicians Association president Datuk Dr
strictly adhered to at all times. Meanwhile, Melaka Tourism senior Zainal Ariffin Omar said the government’s
“With the ease in restrictions, it means manager Asmaliana Ashari said the lifting move to reduce the mandatory quarantine
that we are prepared to adhere to the “I recommend everyone to take advan- of travel restrictions was a necessity and a period could be adopted following latest
SOPs. This relaxation is important in efforts tage of this opportunity since travelling is good move made by the government to studies conducted within the country and
to revitalise the tourism sector because already allowed but take heed of the SOPs help revive the tourism sector. abroad, based on the characteristics of the
which may differ from place to place. viral incubation period.

“According to the latest findings, the
period of infection is usually between a
week and 10 days, as such, if there are no
symptoms, a 10-day quarantine period is
sufficient,” he said.

He added that currently, the nation’s
vaccination rate had risen with 91.4 per
cent of the adult population fully vaccinat-
ed, while most of the active cases were not
serious and so far, there has been no
reports of new variants.

In addition, he encouraged Malaysians
who are planning to travel abroad to
ensure that they have overseas medical
coverage as well as to take note of the
health facilities and hospitals available for
tourists.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri
Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced a reduced
quarantine period for travellers returning
or coming from abroad as well as close
contacts of COVID-19 cases, effective Oct
18.

Based on the announcement, individuals
who have completed the COVID-19
vaccination will undergo a quarantine
period of seven days while those unvacci-
nated or partially vaccinated will have to
undergo a quarantine period of 10 days.

06 8 NOVEMBER 2021

Transport companies which fail to check passengers’
vaccination certi cate can be charged

Above pic: Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong Public transport service companies that public transport.”
have failed or been negligent in ensuring Wee said this to reporters after visiting
that their passengers are fully vaccinated
for interstate travel could be charged, said and presenting donations to fire victims in
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Kampung Baru Karak, here today, with
Siong. National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah
Mohamed Sadique and former Bentong
He said the specific instruction to check Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Liow
the COVID-19 the vaccination certificate Tiong Lai also present.
had been issued to all land, air and
maritime public transport operators after Wee said the fire victims in the village
interstate travel was allowed again from were exempted from payment to replace
yesterday. their driving licences destroyed in the fire
so as ease their burden.
“The enforcement agencies such as the
Road Transport Department (JPJ) can “We have brought JPJ’s mobile unit here
conduct random inspections on buses to to help the residents and if they have not
ensure all passengers comply with the yet applied for a replacement, they can go
conditions set. to the nearest JPJ office and submit a
police report,” he added.
“Inspection (of the vaccination certifi-
cate) also does not incur any additional The Kampung Baru Karak fire that
cost for the transport company operators, occurred around 9 pm on Oct 1 destroyed
instead it increases the confidence of 51 houses and nine shops and the cause of
passengers to travel long distances by the fire is still being investigated.

Chief Minister:
Sabah allows interstate travel from 1st Nov

The Sabah government would allow parents for interstate travel. Above pic: Chief Minister of Sabah Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor
cross-state travel for social visits and “The state government is satisfied with
tourism starting Nov 1, said Chief Minister
Datuk Hajiji Noor. the report from the COVID-19 Immunisa-
tion Task Force (CITF) that the full vaccina-
However, he said this permission was tion rate in Sabah up to Oct 11, 2021 had
conditional as the state’s adults must have reached over 70 per cent to permit
been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 cross-state travel,” he said in a statement
and must undergo the RT-PCR or RTK-Anti- today.
gen (saliva swab) test three days before
their trip. He added that in line with this, the state
government also agreed to allow interdis-
“The adolescents aged 12 to 18 must trict travel across Sabah beginning tomor-
have at least received the first dose of row. However, the conditions are the same
vaccine while children aged below 12 must as that set for interstate travel.
be accompanied by their fully vaccinated

Non-Sarawakians still have to go through Enter
Sarawak to enter state
certificate to board the plane, boat or go
Above pic: Sarawak Disaster Information (SDI) Facebook official platform Travellers who are not Sarawak-born, through the ICQS,” it said.
including Malaysian citizens, are still
required to apply through Enter Sarawak JPBN said the exemption is also given to
to enter the state. Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home
(S-MM2H) visa holders, whereby they
The State Disaster Management Commit- need to show their visa pass document to
tee (JPBN), in a statement, said exemption board the plane, boats or go through the
is however given to federal civil servants ICQS.
serving in Sarawak.
Apart from that, they are required to fill
According to JPBN, they only need to the e-Health Declaration Form (eHDF) and
show a verification letter from their produce proof they have completed the
respective department head and a valid COVID-19 vaccination.
work permit (if applicable) to be allowed to
board a plane, boat or go through the Above pic: Kuching International Airport
Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and
Security Complex (ICQS).

It said private sector employees are also
given the exemption and they are also
required to show the verification letter
from their employer and valid work permit
before they can be allowed to board a
plane, boat or go through the ICQS.

“Non-Sarawakians who are married to a
Sarawakian also do not need to apply for
EnterSarawak, but they are required to
produce their marriage certificate to board
the plane, boat or go through the ICQS.

“For children of Sarawakians parents who
were born outside Sarawak (other states in
Malaysia) are required to show their birth

078 NOVEMBER 2021

Anti-vaxxers will not enjoy same
freedom as fully vaccinated,
Dewan Negara told

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has taken refused to listen to scientific arguments first dose (of the vaccine), meaning the vaccination card for the Orang Asli commu-
the approach of not allowing anti-vaccine and this has resulted in them not being number who refuse to receive the vaccine nity, Khairy said there was no need for it
groups to enjoy certain freedoms given to able to enjoy the freedom like the people is very small, however we will continue to because the existing vaccination card was a
fully vaccinated individuals, the Dewan who have been vaccinated. persuade them to get vaccinated,” he said. proof that they have been fully vaccinated
Negara was told today. against COVID-19.
“We will continue with this approach. I Meanwhile, on the proposal for a special
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said encourage restrictions at sector level like
the restricted freedom was only aimed at the civil service, private sector and others
those who refused to receive the COVID-19 before we look at a holistic approach like
vaccination. making it legally mandatory for the people
to be vaccinated,” he said when winding up
He said there were two groups that debate on the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
should be differentiated, namely those
who unable to receive vaccinations due to Therefore, Khairy hoped that with the
health problems and those who refused to restrictions, it would be more prudent
get vaccinated. than using laws to force the group to take
vaccines.
“The government did not make it hard for
them (anti-vaccine groups), but it was their “More than 95 per cent of the Malaysian
choice that made it difficult for them, they adult population has at least received the

Noh Omar: Entrepreneurs who
refuse vaccination will have
problems conducting business

Entrepreneurs and traders who refuse activities,” he told the media after observ-
to be vaccinated against COVID-19 will face ing the vaccination process for teenagers
difficulty carrying out their business at the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan
activities, said Entrepreneur Development Agama (SMKA) Kuala Selangor vaccination
and Cooperative Minister Tan Sri Noh centre today.
Omar.
However, so far, there is no requirement
He said this was because the vaccination making it compulsory for entrepreneurs
status was one of the important criteria in under the ministry to be vaccinated.
enabling individuals to enter any premises.
“I will discuss (regarding making vaccina-
“If they are not fully vaccinated, they will tion compulsory). So far, we have not set
not be able to enter any of these places any conditions but we will see how serious
and this will disrupt their economic this matter is,” he said.

Islamic tourism entrepreneurs
urged to raise understanding of
halal aspects

Entrepreneurs in the Islamic tourism Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, “Venturing into new businesses is impor- and young people to venture into the
segment need to improve their under- Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri tant, considering the Global Muslim Islamic tourism market segment,” she
standing of the halal aspects to enable Tourism Index (GMTI) 2021 expecting the added.
them to identify unique selling points for covering Muslim-friendly products and number of Muslim tourists to reach 26
their respective tourism products. services, hospitality and accommodation million at the year end if the states’ and Nancy also said that in 2019, before the
but the venturing into this is still at an early international borders are opened. pandemic, there were 5.3 million Muslim
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, stage, hence the need to expose the tourist arrivals in Malaysia, spending a
Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said this would entrepreneurs to the new business oppor- “The same report also expects the total RM16.72 billion, thus making
also give the assurance that their products tunities. Muslim tourism market to recover up to 80 Malaysia being recognised as the best
were not contravening the Islamic tenets. per cent in 2023. Looking at the Islamic country in the Muslim-Friendly Tourism
tourism performance in contributing to the sector since 2011 by the DinarStandard
To attract more entrepreneurs to venture post-COVID-19 economic growth, it and CrescentRating.
into the Islamic tourism segment, she also indirectly shows that there’s already a big
encouraged cooperation between the economic opportunity for entrepreneurs
Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) and Depart-
ment of Standards Malaysia in drawing up
clear guidelines and standards pertaining
to Islamic tourism products and services.

“This is for the existing and new entrepre-
neurs to receive continued assistance,
besides raising the standards in quality of
Islamic tourism while the products gener-
ated can also compete with the other
tourism products,” she said in her keynote
address at the Islamic Tourism Entrepre-
neurship and Leadership Seminar, held
virtually, today.

“The scope of Islamic tourism is wide,

08 8 NOVEMBER 2021

Malaysia Airlines eyes strong rebound, Also present was SEGi chief executive
no workforce shortage officer Stella Lau.

National carrier Malaysia Airlines Bhd entire staff in preparation for traffic “That time (during pandemic) many To recap, thousands of global aviation
(MAB) expects a strong rebound in its rebound despite a challenging period airlines did not consider that (keeping industry workers were laid off due to
business, alongside a smooth operation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. workers). It wasn’t easy (but) we’re glad airlines’ financial difficulties caused by the
with no shortages in the workforce, follow- that we held on to our staff,” she told COVID-19 pandemic while some others
ing the resumption of interstate travel. “The thing is that we know this is going reporters after the memorandum of decided to retire.
to happen (industry shortage) and we understanding (MoU) signing ceremony
Group chief marketing and customer always prepare for the demand to come between MAB and SEG International Commercial airlines, especially in the
experience officer Lau Yin May said MAB, back… it’s not like we can train (staff) Group Sdn Bhd (SEGi). United Kingdom and the United States, are
in solidarity, kept the employment of its overnight. It will take a while. currently struggling to meet the sudden
hike in air passenger traffic given the lack
of pilots.

MAB currently employs approximately
11,000 workers, including 1,049 pilots and
2,034 cabin crew.

On the MoU, Lau said it would comple-
ment both MAB and SEGi’s business strate-
gies to develop the best talents globally.

“As the national carrier, our role expands
beyond just providing airline’s services but
to also recognise the need to prepare for
future-ready talents and build a pipeline of
innovators to serve the aviation or travel
industry,” she added.

The MoU focuses on, among others,
wide-ranging initiatives including student
internship and placement programme,
hosting of industrial visits and co-organis-
ing events, development of blended
academic agenda, joint-research activities
as well as cross-marketing and promotion-
al activities.

SEGi students would benefit from the
airline’s digitalised student travel
programme namely MHexplorer such as a
30 per cent flight discount for all destina-
tions, an additional 10kg of check-in-bag-
gage as well as Enrich points reward on
education fees, to name a few.

MATTA hopes Budget 2022 will be generous towards tourism industry

The Malaysian Association of Tour and strategies will be local before global. As financial support to all stakeholders and MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang
Travel Agents (MATTA) hopes that the such Budget 2022 should focus on provid- private sector companies in the tourism
upcoming Budget 2022 will be “generous” ing travel stimulus packages and tax industry to restart, revive, sustain and 2021 to March 31, 2022 while waiting for
towards the tourism industry with specific incentives for personal and corporate grow their respective sectors now and into international tourist arrivals into Malaysia.
and targeted assistance especially for the travel. the future.
tour operators and travel agencies who
have been a main contributor and catalyst “Given the limitations of domestic The fund should provide at least RM5
to the development of the tourism tourism, the government must fast-track billion for a start, as a soft loan facility, with
industry. the framework and travel solutions to 1.0 per cent interest and a repayment
expedite opening the border for interna- period of seven years.
MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang tional tourists,” he said in a statement
said rehabilitating tourism businesses today. MATTA also informed the government
involved providing soft loans for the that the revival of the tourism industry
companies to rebuild an infrastructure that Tan said MATTA had submitted its needs a clear strategic roadmap for the
had collapsed, staff retention, retraining proposals and wish list to the Finance reopening of international borders with set
and providing support to meet consumers’ Ministry for Budget 2022 to urgently help a regulations and travel safe protocol.
expectations and Malaysia’s competitive- critically injured economic sector and the
ness as a preferred destination in this stakeholders involved in it. The association said while domestic
region. travel is important, it is insufficient to
The travel association had urged the sustain the overall tourism industry.
“Due to the pandemic, current tourism Finance Ministry to set up a “Tourism
Recovery & Growth Fund” to provide MATTA also called for an extension of
the wage subsidy programmes from Oct 1,

Saravanan: Gov’t never restricted Malaysians from working abroad

Minister Of Human Resources The government has never restricted Saravanan said the scenario in Australia Saravanan said he had discussed with
Datuk Seri M. Saravanan Malaysians who wish to work overseas, and Malaysia was quite similar, with many Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia
but it is subject to the terms, conditions local workers not interested in venturing Dr Justin Lee on Sept 7 regarding the visa
and legislation of the respective country, into the plantation sector, which mainly scheme in Australia as both countries
said Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri involved 3D work (dangerous, dirty, faced the same problem, namely the lack
M. Saravanan. difficult). of manpower in the plantation sector in
their respective countries as well as high
In a statement today, he explained that In that regard, he said the Australian dependence on foreign labour in the
they may be confusion over the alleged government introduced plantation visas to sector.
restrictions on Malaysians working address the shortage of plantation sector
overseas after the issue of the plantation workers. Australia had introduced the scheme to
sector workers scheme in Australia was address the shortage of workers in the
raised in the Dewan Negara recently. “However, Malaysia will not adopt agriculture and plantation sector which
Australia’s approach as it is geared towards had received less response from local
On Oct 11, Deputy Human Resource offering permanent residency. As such, this workers, and it was expected to provide
Minister Datuk Awang Hashim told the has nothing to do with restrictions for employment opportunities for migrant
Dewan Negara that Malaysia had decided Malaysians to work abroad, including workers to work for three years in the
not to adopt Australia’s Farm Labour Visa Australia,” he said, adding that an estimat- sector in Australia.
Scheme as it was geared towards offering ed 400,000 Malaysians are working in
permanent residency. Singapore.

098 NOVEMBER 2021

Malaysia in the process of amending acts in order to
ratify RCEP — MITI

The government is currently refining the
draft amendments to three Acts as it
moves towards ratifying the Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership
(RCEP), said Deputy International Trade
and Industry Minister Datuk Lim Ban Hong.

He said the Attorney-General’s Chambers
is refining the draft amendments to the
Patents Act 1983, Copyright Act 1987 and
Trademarks Act 2019, which are under the
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
Ministry, and these are expected to be
tabled in Parliament at the end of the year.

“To complete the RCEP ratification
process, these Acts need to be amended.
This is necessary to ensure that they are in
line with Malaysia’s obligations and
commitments under the RCEP agreement,”
he said during the Dewan Rakyat’s
question-and-answer session here today.

He was replying to Senator Lim Hui Ying,
who wanted to be updated on the
Comprehensive and Progressive Agree-
ment for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
and RCEP, as well as on the government’s
interest to continue negotiations at this
time.

Ban Hong explained that RCEP was signed
by 15 countries — 10 ASEAN member

Deputy International Trade and Industry states and five ASEAN dialogue partners On CPTPP, Ban Hong said this FTA was passed in Parliament to date.
Minister Datuk Lim Ban Hong including Australia, China, South Korea, signed on March 8, 2018, among 11 The eight remaining Acts that need to be
Japan, and New Zealand — on Nov 15 last Asia-Pacific nations including Malaysia.
year. amended and approved include four Acts
“The CPTPP pact has gradually entered under the Human Resources Ministry —
“The RCEP agreement will only come into into force since December 2018 for the Employment Act 1955, Trade Unions
force after at least six ASEAN member Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Act 1959, Labour Ordinance (Sabah
states and three ASEAN dialogue partners Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam and Peru. The Chapter 67), and Labour Ordinance
have ratified it. So far, China, Japan and other three signatories, namely Brunei, (Sarawak Chapter 76).
Singapore are among the countries that Chile and Malaysia, have not ratified and
have ratified it and the agreement is enforced CPTPP. The others are the Geographical Indica-
expected to be effective from January tions Act 2000, Patents Act 1983 and
2022,” he added. “The government has intensified efforts Copyright Act 1987 under the Domestic
to complete the amendments to the Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, as
Earlier this week, Brunei became the related Acts to enable Malaysia to ratify well as the Communications and Multime-
sixth country to ratify the free trade agree- CPTPP,” he said. dia Act 1998 under the Communications
ment (FTA). and Multimedia Ministry.
According to him, six Acts have been

Durian export value grows by
RM74.8 mil since 2016

In the five years since 2016, the value of durians had caused the value of durian
durian exports abroad has grown by exports to increase every year.
RM74.8 million or 107 per cent, said
Deputy Agriculture and Food Industries “The value of durian exports in 2016
Minister I Datuk Seri Ahmad Hamzah. recorded RM69.9 million, in 2017 RM59
million, 2018 RM124.9 million, 2019
He said the great response to Malaysian RM127 million and in 2020 recorded

Above pic: The frozen whole durian fruits exported to China

RM144.7 million,” he said in a question and contributed to the increase in durian
answer session at the Dewan Negara here export value of RM57.52 million,” he said.
today.
Ahmad said the government did not
He said that until last September, Malay- impose any export tax on durians exported
sian durians had been successfully export- abroad because it wanted to help the
ed to 22 countries with five countries durian export market to remain competi-
recording the highest exports, namely tive, grow rapidly and compete with
Hong Kong, China, Singapore, the United durians from other countries, especially
States and Australia based on the 2020 Thailand.
records.
“Malaysia’s durian export market is
“As the country importing the highest expected to continue to grow faster in the
value of durian from Malaysia, Hong Kong future,” he said.

10 8 NOVEMBER 2021

Pandemic a game changer for hiring of local
plantation workers

A shortage of foreign labour in the in the industry. employed some 2,500 workers of whom into any field.
plantation sector due to the COVID-19 “We quickly developed this transforma- 1,400 are locals and the rest foreigners. “We take in settlers’ children who have
pandemic has resulted in local workers
ready to fill the role. tion plan as we sought for alternatives in While admitting that TDM was also lost their jobs due to COVID-19 … by
hiring new workers for the plantations and affected by the shortage of estate workers employing technology and machinery we
In fact, industry players describe the as a result of the K-POLKS programme, we following the closure of the country’s may be able to attract (locals) to work in
pandemic as a game changer in hiring local have managed to cover 60 per cent of the border last year, he said various efforts the plantations to reduce our dependence
workers while some view the period as foreign workforce,” he said. were made to overcome the problem, on foreign labour in the sector,” he said.
critical in determining the industry’s including turning to farm mechanisation
survival. As the new workers lacked the experi- and introducing a programme to recruit In Perlis and Kedah, there are no
ence and skills needed in the plantation local workers which is still ongoing. problems over foreign labour dependency
In Terengganu, Central Terengganu sector, he said Ketengah would continue to in kenaf plantations as the crop is much
Development Authority (Ketengah) provide them training from time to time. In Selangor, State Infrastructure, Public easier to manage.
chairman Datuk Razali Idris said about 25 Facilities, Agricultural Modernisation and
per cent of the foreign workers could not “It is about time that Malaysians are Agro-based Industry Committee chairman Kenaf Venture Global (KGV) chief execu-
be employed after they were stranded in given priority for employment in the Ir Izham Hashim, acknowledged the impact tive officer Jazman Shahar Abdollah said
their respective countries due to the plantation sector and for the plantation of foreign labour shortage in the sector but the company cultivates kenaf over a
pandemic and their contracts could not be companies to provide the workers better said steps taken to modernise and produce 100-hectare site at the Chuping Valley
renewed. salaries and facilities. Ketengah is high-value products could attract local Industrial Area (CVIA) which provides
confident that local youth are interested youth. employment opportunities to locals here.
However, realising that this would be a to work in this sector as long as the pay is
challenge, Ketengah immediately organ- worth while,” he said. Felda Soeharto manager, Mohd Qasidi- “It is not difficult to plant and cultivate
ised a short-term course on oil palm noor Mohamad Asri is also of the view that kenaf, they are harvested within 100 days
plantation supervision and operation Meanwhile TDM Plantation chief execu- the current generation is more inclined …so we do not face problems of labour
(K-POLKS) as a pilot programme, first tive officer Mohd Ghozali Yahaya said the towards technology and this can be a shortage like the others in the plantation
implemented last year to train local youth company, which owns 33,000 hectares of factor to attract their interest in venturing sector, ” he told Bernama here recently.
plantations nationwide, has so far
Meanwhile, Abdul Aziz Hassan who
operates a 180-hectare kenaf plantation in
Changlun near here, said his main
problem was lack of equipment, especially
harvesting machinery.

“We hope the government will be able
to assist as the additional kenaf harvesting
machines will help increase yield and
production,” he said.

In Perak, the shortage of migrant
workers following the COVID-19 pandemic
has resulted in a decline in yield and loss in
production especially in the oil palm
plantations.

Perak State Farmers Organisation (PPN)
chairman Datuk Sham Mat Sahat said this
can be seen in oil palm estates in Kerian,
Beruas, Semanggol and Kuala Kangsar.

“Some of the foreign workers went back
to their respective countries while others
moved elsewhere, so the state is in need of
workers to enable us to increase produc-
tion.

“A board meeting will be held on
Monday following the state’s transition
into the third phase of the National Recov-
ery Plan and among matters to be raised
will be the actual number of workers
needed in the plantations across the
state,” he said.

Touch ‘n Go launches DuitNow
transfer function for easier
eWallet experience

Touch‘n Go eWallet launched the better with our users ‘source of funds’ as ed from an online banking account as well Transfer, visit https://www.touchn-
DuitNow Transfer function today, allowing we aim to deliver superior value-added as participating eWallets. For more go.com.my.
its users to move their funds from any services to them across a range of use-cas- information on how to enable DuitNow
internet banking account directly to their es,” he said.
eWallet in real-time.
Effendy added that the new function also
Touch ‘n Go Group Chief Executive Officer opens several new opportunities for the
Effendy Shahul Hamid in a statement said users to easily move their monies directly
the Touch ‘n Go eWallet is now interopera- from their internet banking accounts to
ble and part of a larger payments ecosys- the Touch ‘n Go eWallets and employers
tem alongside banks with the DuitNow could also use it as an alternative to
Transfer function. allowance disbursement for their workers.

“This marks our deepened penetration DuitNow Transfer operated by Payments
into the financial services ecosystem. Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) is an
DuitNow transfer allows us to inter-work instant fund transfer function that is initiat-

118 NOVEMBER 2021

Hamzah: National Digital Identity
to be fully implemented in 2024

The National Digital Identity (IDN) will citizens who have a MyKad can be execut- Above pic: Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin
be fully implemented in 2024, said Home ed with ease and precision.
Minister, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin. issuance of a death certificate can be year’s celebration, “NRD 73 Years: Digital
“It doesn’t only help to smooth the obtained on the same day the death is Transformation” was appropriate and
He said the initiative would not replace process involved, what is more important, reported at the police station,” he timely, following the transition towards
MyKad; instead it is a form of digital identi- it can give confidence to the government’s explained. digital and online service transformation.
fication and self-authentication for individ- service delivery system,” he said.
uals, using the latest biometric technology Hamzah said that online services or “The transition and improvement from
such as fingerprints, facial or iris recogni- Hamzah said that NRD and Royal Malay- eServices provided by the NRD have the old system to digital has proven to be
tion for people, while conducting business sia Police (PDRM) were developing an reached a commendable level. The able to increase the level of security of
online. Integrated Mortality Data Verification applicants only need to come to the NRD personal data information of Malaysians,
System (SPDIM), which was an integration offices to verify and take the documents especially in curbing irresponsible
“The digital verification of individuals is between the NRD and the Police Reporting that have been processed. activities such as identity card forgery and
important, to prevent identity fraud in System (PRS), involving 690 police stations the ‘black economy’,” he said.
online transactions that can be detrimen- in Peninsular Malaysia. He also described that the theme for this
tal to the country,” he said during the 73rd
National Registration Day which was held He added that the system would
online today. facilitate the process of verifying deaths
reported at the 690 police stations and
Hamzah said the IDN planning process non-criminal deaths at home.
began this year, with the National Registra-
tion Department (NRD)’s information and Through the system, he said that NRD
communication technology (ICT) system would confirm the death online, while
and infrastructure to be improved, so that speeding up the process of registration and
it was always up to date and safe to handle issuance of death certificates to the
user identity verification matters through next-of-kin on the same day.
IDN.
“Before the implementation of SPDIM,
“With IDN, review and verification of people need to wait to obtain a death
certificate. However, with this system, the

Above pic: Minister of Rural Development Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid then rubber smallholders would switch to saying that the present floor price of scrap
planting other crops with higher prices, rubber, which is RM2.50 per kg, was far
Mahdzir: Raise scrap rubber price especially oil palm, which would then lower than oil palm, which could fetch up
to prevent smallholders switching result in the country losing rubber to RM1,100 per tonne.
to other crops commodity producers.
Elaborating, Mahdzir said that apart
The proposal to increase the floor price other commodity crops, said Rural Devel- “Many rubber smallholders have from the floor price, more space to sell
of scrap rubber from the current RM2.50 opment Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir switched to planting oil palm because the rubber products and expanding rubber
per kilogramme (kg) to RM3.50 per kg will Khalid. price of rubber is low. That is why I support plantations were two other important
prevent smallholders from switching to the idea to increase the price of scrap measures that could help rubber
He added that if no action were taken, rubber. Although it is difficult, we must find smallholders in the country to increase
a way. production and, thus, improve their
socio-economic status.
“If the floor price remains low, the
rubber smallholders will switch to planting He added that LIGS, a state government
oil palm trees,” he told reporters after agency, played a role in helping 80,000
visiting the Sabah Rubber Industry Board rubber smallholders in Sabah by providing
(LIGS) SMR Rubber Factory in Tamparuli a place to sell rubber products and that
here today. LIGS currently has three rubber processing
plants in Tamparuli, Tenom and Beaufort.
On Friday (Oct 15), the media reported
that the government had been urged to “The factory in Tamparuli has 300
consider raising the floor price of scrap workers with the capacity to produce 150
rubber to RM3.50 per kg beginning next tonnes of rubber per day and 50,000
January to help increase the income of tonnes per year. Apart from the local
rubber tappers to above the poverty level. market, these products are also exported,
among them to China for the manufacture
Rubber Industry Smallholders Develop- of products like tyres,” he said.
ment Authority (Risda) chairman Datuk
Mohd Salim Mohd Sharif was quoted as

Wee: Monsoon aid of RM300 for rubber
smallholders to be paid in November

The Monsoon Season Aid of RM300 a Parliament said the initiative also aimed to Above pic: Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng
month will be paid to rubber smallholders reduce the burden of rubber smallholders showing the Covid-19 test kits after handing them over to the folks in Tanjung Piai
and tappers registered with the Rubber as the monsoon season is the period when
Industry Smallholders Development they are most affected. Mahdzir said that if no action were taken enable more rubber tappers to exit the
Authority (Risda) next month. to raise the floor price, the rubber poverty level.
Commenting on the proposal to increase smallholders would switch to planting
Deputy Plantation Industries and the floor price of scrap rubber from other crops with higher prices, especially Risda chairman Datuk Mohd Salim Mohd
Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee RM2.50 a kilogramme (kg) currently to oil palm, which would then result in the Sharif was quoted as saying that the
Jeck Seng said the aid would be given for RM3.50 per kg, Wee said the matter is still country losing rubber commodity produc- present floor price of scrap rubber at
two months to some 300,000 smallholders under review. ers. RM2.50 per kg was far lower than oil palm,
who own rubber estates of less than 2.5 which could fetch up to RM1,100 per
hectares. “The ministry has taken note of the Meanwhile, on Oct 15, Risda had tonne, which creates a huge gap between
proposal so that the rubber smallholders proposed to the government to consider the operators of rubber and oil palm
“We will give the assistance in November can increase their business. However, this raising the floor price of scrap rubber to estates.
and December involving a total payment of matter must be viewed seriously, besides RM3.50 per kg beginning January 2022 to
RM192 million. examining the government’s financial
ability,” he said.
“This is a programme by the government
whereby all the while during this season, On Oct 19, Rural Development Minister
the government will provide aid at the end Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid was reported as
of the year,” he told reporters after saying the proposal to increase the floor
presenting 10,000 COVID-19 Antigen Rapid price of scrap rubber from the current
Test Kit to the community in Tanjung Piai, RM2.50 per kg to RM3.50 per kg will
here today. prevent smallholders from switching to
other commodity crops.
Wee who is also Tanjung Piai Member of

12 8 NOVEMBER 2021

Huawei donates 250 tablets to underprivileged
students in Pahang

Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn “Huawei Malaysia is committed to nent feature in the COVID-19 pandemic
Bhd (Huawei Malaysia) today donated 250 bridging the digital divide by providing era.
units of Huawei MatePad T10 tablets to individuals with the tools needed to
underprivileged students in Pahang for succeed in today’s online age. By sharing Government-linked companies (GLCs),
hybrid learning as Malaysia moves towards technology resources, including tablets government-linked investment companies
the recovery phase of the COVID-19 and ICT solutions, hybrid learning will (GLICs) and huge corporations, he said, can
pandemic. provide teachers with pedagogical flexibili- play a part by providing gadgets or devices
ty and ensure students are able to contin- to students, as some families are currently
Huawei Malaysia was represented by its ue their education without interruption. struggling to make ends meet which could
vice president of human resources Choh result in their children being left behind in
Yau Meng in a handover ceremony here in “Given the importance of education and their studies.
which Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri its far-reaching impact, we are committed
Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail accepted the to lending a hand in these trying times,” he “I hope this will also ease the burden of
tablets on behalf of the students. said in a statement here today. some teachers and create a more resilient
education system in the long run.
Choh said as a technology leader and Meanwhile, Wan Rosdy said he was
enabler, Huawei Malaysia is not only delighted that Huawei Malaysia has seized “With that in mind, we thank Huawei
committed to helping Malaysia’s techno- the opportunity to invest in children’s Malaysia for jumping in and we hope that
logical revolution, but also to support the education and provide the assistance to more companies will come forward in the
development of young Malaysians through reach out to vulnerable communities, as future to ensure that our children have
a range of community initiatives to realise the usage of technology devices in adequate access to resources for hybrid
a progressive and inclusive education classrooms will invariably remain a perma- learning,” he said.
society and digital economy.

Above pic: Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail receives the donated tablets on behalf of
the students from vice president of human resources Choh Yau Meng

Immigration: Long-term visit pass holders do not
need clearance to enter M’sia from Nov 1

From Nov 1, foreigners holding Malay- Immigration Department director-general, clearance) are Employment Pass Applica- Khairul Dzaimee said the entry proce-
sian long-term visit passes will be permit- Datuk Khairul Dzaimee Daud tion (Category I, II, III)/Resident Pass-Talent dure upon arrival in Malaysia is still subject
ted to enter the country without going (RP-T)/Dependents/Foreign Maid and to the existing immigration rules which are
through immigration clearance via MyTrav- “Foreigners not under the above-men- Professional Visit Pass – Specialist still in force as well as Health Ministry’s
elPass/MyEntry as long as the pass is valid. tioned categories would still need to apply (newly approved) and Short-Term health screening and quarantine
via the MTP/MYEntry for clearance to Business Traveller,” he said in a statement, procedures.
Immigration Department director-gener- enter Malaysia. These include those on today.
al said the matter was decided at the social visits and long-term visit pass
Special Committee on Pandemic Manage- holders with expired passes.
ment Meeting No. 60 of 2021 (Series 22)
held on Oct 22. “The other categories (needing

He said the long-term visit pass holders
allowed to enter the country without
having to apply for immigration clearance
through MTP/MyEntry are Diplomat
(Exemption Order)/Dependent/Foreign
Maid, Employment Pass (Category I, II,
III)/Dependent/Foreign Maid, Resident
Pass-Talent (RP-T)/ Dependent/Foreign
Maid, Professional Visit Pass-Specialist and
Professional Visit Pass.

In addition, Permanent Resident
(PR)/Spouse to PR/Child to PR, Long-Term
Pass (Husband/Wife/Child) to Citizen,
Senior Citizen Pass, Widow/Widow Pass to
Citizen, Student Pass/Dependent/Escort,
Malaysia Pass My Second Home/Depend-
ents/Foreign Maid, Resident Pass, Tempo-
rary Work Visit Pass, Foreign Maid are also
allowed the facility.

138 NOVEMBER 2021

PUCM delegation visits INTCO Malaysia and
jointly organize a beach clean-up event to
protect the environment

The China Entrepreneurs Association in of waste into treasure through the applica- After the site visit, the employees of INTCO’S
Malaysia (PUCM), led by the president, tion of modern technology. Intco Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. travelled to PRODUCTS
Dato Keith Li, was invited to Intco Malaysia Tanjung Harapan alongside the PUCM
Sdn. Bhd. for a site visit. They were warmly Dato Keith Li said that Intco Malaysia Sdn. members to jointly organize the beach RECYCLED PLASTIC PELLETS
welcomed by the factory manager, Andy Bhd. has actively participated in the clean-up event, urging people to raise
Zhang Yan Hong and the company person- project of One Belt One Road in respond to awareness of caring for the environment, PHOTO FRAME, ART FRAME, MIRROR FRAME
nel. A detailed introduction of the produc- the Malaysian government policy, by using to protect and conserve our environment.
tion activities and the company high technology to recycle waste products SKIRTING BOARD
background was presented upon their and turn them into valuable goods. The China Entrepreneurs Association in
arrival to the factory. Besides, relying on the large and fast-grow- Malaysia (PUCM) was established in 2015,
ing market in China, Intco Recycling has it is one of the most dynamic and localized
The Intco Group is divided into two been able to expand to Southeast Asia and Chinese Association in Malaysia. The
sectors, namely Intco Recycling and Intco other regions, enlarging their international members of PUCM have invested in many
Medical. As a high-tech specialist in the development. Intco insists on innovation, sectors and have largely contributed to the
field of plastic recycling, Intco Recycling leading to healthy consumption, has economy of Malaysia, as well as creating
has perfectly combined “Plastic Recycling” indeed become a role model and pioneer more job opportunities. PUCM currently
and “Fashionable Consumer Goods”, in the ecological transformation of plastics. has a branch in Pahang, a smart technolo-
turning discarded foam plastics into gy branch and a women entrepreneurs
fashionable household goods and innova- Dato Keith Li also expects that more and branch.
tive products such as picture frames, more companies will invest in Malaysia in
skirting boards, decorative mouldings as the post pandemic era, especially in the Intco Malaysia Sdn. Bhd, located in Telok
well as other indoor or outdoor decorative fields of smart medical care, green energy, Gong, Port Klang, currently has 150
materials, all being environmentally friend- high-tech recycling and other smart employees and an annual sales volume of
ly. From waste products to artworks, Intco technologies, and to fully apply the 200 million ringgit. By applying advanced
Recycling has realized the transformation benefits of modern technologies to serve plastic recycling technologies, research
the needs of human and the society. and development of plastic recycling
technologies, high-value plastic recycling
and reuse can be achieved. The company
can recycle about 100,000 tons of PS and
50,000 tons of PET every year, conserving
the environment by reducing carbon
emissions by 200,000 tons per year, saving
300,000 tons of crude oil resources, as well
as preventing 2 million trees from being
cut down.

Intco Protects Your Environment.

14 8 NOVEMBER 2021

Congratulations To

China Entrepreneurs Association in Malaysia (PUCM)
wins the coveted business strategic alliance award from e world’s brand foundation

China Entrepreneurs Association in Malaysia (PUCM) received the PUCM set up Pahang Chapter and AI chapter to strengthening
Business Strategic Alliance Award at the 5th edition of The BrandLau- closer ties with Malaysian societies through various regions and
reate BestBrands e-Branding Awards 2020 on 25 January 2021. business sectors.

Founded in 2015, the leading association in Malaysia has proven its PUCM held Malaysia’s 1st China Smart Technology Trade Exhibi-
brand value by providing numerous venues and platforms for tion ( SCITE) on 14th to 15th December 2019 in Mid Valley Exhibition
Chinese entrepreneurs in Malaysia to develop their businesses, and Center Kuala Lumpur companies and presented AI and Smart
played a vital role in the expanding of economic and trade coopera- technology products from China , such as smart city concept , various
tion between enterprises in China and Malaysia. Robot applications , drone presentations and other smart products,
which created a valuable platform for AI enterprises between two
The prestigious award was presented to PUCM’s President, Dato nations.
Keith Li Zhong Ping by World President of The World Brand Founda-
tion (TWBF) Dr. KKJohan and Chief Executive Officer of The Brand- PUCM members has donated over 3 Million Ringgit medical
Laureate, Ms. Chew Bee Peng. supplies and cash in total to Malaysia and China authorities fighting
against covid-19, which well illustrates PUCM’s passion and caring
The BrandLaureate BestBrands e-Branding Awards 2020 – to both two nations’ needs in time.
Business Strategic Alliance Award is conferred to brands that has
stood strong, successfully maintained and sustained its brand name “Receiving this award is a testimony of all the efforts PUCM has put
and leadership during challenging times. in since our establishment in supporting Malaysian business and the
government to be better prepared and actively involved in The 4th
“I would like to congratulate PUCM for receiving the Award for its Revolution through the power of technology. Through the investment
undeniable leadership and its commitment to their brand’s mission to and entry of Chinese entrepreneurs and business into Malaysia, we
foster good partnerships between businesses and relations between hope that there will be a more technology exchange between entre-
the Malaysian and Chinese government. The association is a good preneurs of the two countries. Thank you TWBF for this outstanding
example of a brand that has risen to great heights in 2020 and stayed recognition,” said Dato Keith Li Zhong Ping, PUCM’s President.
focused on their mission,” said Dr. KKJohan.
The BrandLaureate BestBrands e-Branding Awards 2020 is
One of the most active and progressive associations in Malaysia, dedicated specially to honor distinguished business leaders, corpora-
PUCM has remained strong and resilient throughout the years. With tions and brands that have not only stood strong, but have also
over 160 members invested in a variety of industries including reflected their agility and resilience in coping with the totally unfore-
information technology, construction, mining, oil & gas, telecommuni- seen circumstances that COVID-19 has brought.
cations, energy, retail, and manufacturing, PUCM has made a signifi-
cant contribution to Malaysia’s economic development. Supported by The World Brand Foundation (TWBF), the founda-
tion formerly known as Asia Pacific Brand Foundation (APBF) was
PUCM has been actively promoting Chinese companies and founded in 2005 and is led by World President, Dr. KKJohan. A
communicating with the local community through such creative meth- pioneer organization in the arena of branding, TWBF is an influential
ods as holding trade exhibitions, shooting Chinese New Year and and inspiring organization that enjoys an international presence and
Hari Raya video clips, holding seminars and forums, interacting with reputation. It launched The BrandLaureate World Special Edition
the Bumiputera community and holding charity events. PUCM also Awards in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in 2017 followed by Singapore
interacts regularly with local and international media. and Hanoi in 2018 as well as Shenzhen in 2019.

158 NOVEMBER 2021

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