Malaysia

Malaysia's former Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Photo: AFP/VNA) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on October 18 arrested former Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in an investigation into suspected misappropriation of funds from a charity foundation. Ahmad Zahid, who is now President of the opposition United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), was detained after he presented himself at the MACC headquarters for the charges of “abuse of power, breach of trust, and money laundering". He will be brought to a Kuala Lumpur court on October 19 to face several charges under anti-corruption and money laundering laws, the MACC said. It gave no further details but local media reported that he was accused of misappropriating 800,000 ringgit (over 190,000 USD) from a foundation he chairs to settle credit card payments for himself and his wife in 2014 and 2015. Ahmad Zahid has denied wrongdoing. He said the payments were … [Read more...] about Malaysia’s former Deputy PM arrested for alleged graft

Human Resources Minister M.Kulasegaran at the launch of Malaysia’s World day against child labour 2018 in Putrajaya. (Source: thestar.com.my) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Dewan Rakyat, the lower house of the Parliament of Malaysia, has approved an amended bill related to the use of child and young labourers, according to The Star. Accordingly, a ten-fold increase in fines will be applied for those employing youths below 15 years old or getting them to do hazardous work. The minimum fines will increase from 5,000 RM to 50,000 RM while the maximum penalty is now 100,000 RM, up from 10,000 RM. Violators may now also spend up to five years behind bars, instead of 1-2 years as before. “The amendments will increase protection to children and young people in employment, particularly from discrimination and exploitation by irresponsible parties,” said Malaysian Minister of Human Resources M. Kulasegaran. The bill also defines that hazardous work means the handling of … [Read more...] about Malaysia increases fines for child labour use

Illustrative image (Source: https://www.thestar.com.my) Hanoi (VNA) - Malaysian biodiesel production is likely to hit record levels in 2018 and 2019, with 2018 exports on track to double from 2017, pushed up as higher oil prices boost the appeal of biofuels. According to U.R Unnithan, president of the Malaysian Biodiesel Association, Malaysia is the world’s No. 2 producer of palm oil, which can be used as feedstock to make the bio components of biodiesel. He said Malaysia can produce 900,000 tonnes of biodiesel, and export 475,000 tonnes of those if the current price difference between crude palm oil and gasoil remains. Statistics of Malaysia show that the country churned out 720,410 tonnes of biodiesel in 2017 and exported 235,291 tonnes. The country said in July that it would raise its biodiesel mandate next year to 10 per cent from the current 7 per cent. The mandate refers to the percentage of bio-content that must be contained in biodiesel. If the government goes … [Read more...] about Malaysia: biodiesel output, exports set to hit records

Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC) Minister Yeo Bee Yin (Source: the Sun daily/Adib Rawi Yahya) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – The Malaysian Government will ban import of all non-recyclable solid waste, particularly plastic, said Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Yeo Bee Yin has said. Speaking during the ministers’ question session at the House of Representatives on October 17, Yeo said plastic waste are varied, some can be recycled, but there is mixed plastic waste that cannot and is usually used by illegal factories. The minister’s statement came after there were reports that Malaysia has become a dumping ground for plastic waste from other countries after China banned plastic imports, leading to a huge impact on the global recycling system. Countries such as the United Kingdom have begun to look to other places to offload such waste. Kuala Langat in Selangor state has emerged as a hotbed of plastic … [Read more...] about Malaysia to ban import of non-recyclable waste

Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke (Source: thestar.com.my) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Control will be tightened at VIP lanes at airports across Malaysia to prevent VIPs and politicians from abusing their privilege and smuggling items into the country, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. Speaking at the Parliament on October 17, Anthony said there are weaknesses in the presention system and there are no customs or immigration personnel at the VIP lanes. In the coming time, Malaysian authorities will tighten control at the VIP lanes and place personnel there will conduct checks so that there will be no exceptions. The minister’s statement came after there was a report claiming that an agency related to the former Prime Minister's Department had brought in 49 million ringgit through VIP lanes. Meanwhile, any civilian bringing in more than 41,000 ringgit must declare to the Customs Department and obtain permission from Bank Negara to bring in the cash. Last month, … [Read more...] about Malaysia tightens control over VIP lanes at airports