Malaysia Morning News For April 22

MAB targets 10 pct increase in domestic passengers load factor with new fares options
Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) is aiming about 10 per cent increase in domestic passenger load factor to 80 per cent this year driven by its newly introduced flexible fare options.
— New Straits Times

RM140m to transport goods to interior areas nationwide, says deputy minister
The government has allocated a total of RM140 million for the transportation of basic necessities to interior areas under the essential goods price standardisation programme nationwide.
— Malay Mail

Malaysia revives US$34 billion China-backed transport and property development project
Malaysia will revive a US$34 billion Chinese-backed transport and property development that was abandoned in 2017, the prime minister said Friday, adding the project would contribute to Beijing’s global infrastructure drive.
— Hongkong FP

Malaysian carrier Firefly resumes flights to Singapore as first plane lands at Seletar Airport
Malaysian budget carrier Firefly’s first flight to Seletar Airport touched down at 10.53am on Sunday (Apr 21).
— Channel NewsAsia

Malaysia police begin probe into leaked video of Najib Razak’s trial
The police have opened investigations over the transmission of a video clip from a closed-circuit television (CCTV) recording of the proceedings of former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s trial that was uploaded on Facebook.
— Channel NewsAsia

Tourism Malaysia to highlight growing regional appeal at ATM
Tourism Malaysia, a leading organisation under the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has announced its participation at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019 in the UAE.
— GDN Online

TM ONE to strengthen technological expertise in oil and gas
TM ONE, the enterprise and public sector business solutions arm of Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM), is strengthening its technological expertise in the oil and gas industry in a bid to ensure its competitiveness and differentiation in the market place.
— New Straits Times

Malaysia needs 200 more neurology specialists, says Dr Noor Hisham
Malaysia needs 200 neurology specialists, up from the current total of 107, to ensure that the increased number of stroke patients would be adequately treated, said director-general of Health Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
— Malay Mail

Maybank expects to post over RM120mil ASB investments during MSAM 2019
Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) expects to post a 15 per cent increase in Amanah Saham Bumiptera unit trust investments at Minggu Saham Amanah Malaysia (MSAM) 2019 to RM120 million from RM104 million recorded previously.
— New Straits Times

Tan pledges to invest over RM30 million to settle Seacera’s credit liability
Seacera Group Bhd’s single largest shareholder Datuk William Tan Wei Lian who holds over 16 per cent stake, has pledged to invest over RM30 million into the company resolve its cash flow and credit liability.
— New Straits Times

US travel advisory on Malaysia ‘unjustified’, says Lam Thye
The travel advisory against Malaysia by the US government over potential kidnapping is “unjustified” as the situation on the ground is under control due to continuous operations conducted by the enforcement agencies, says Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).
— The Star Online

Malaysia sends palm oil economic mission to Saudi
Malaysia is conducting a five-day Palm Oil Economic Mission to Saudi Arabia beginning Monday to discuss the commodity issue, as well as to promote its timber and furniture, Deputy Primary Industries Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin (pix) said.
— The Sun Daily

Allianz Malaysia aims to expand non-motor insurance segment to 35pct by 2020
Allianz Malaysia Bhd is diversifying its general insurance portfolio to non-motor protection coverage segments in its bid to remain sustainable and relevant in the long-term.
— New Straits Times

5 reasons why PTMP is a white elephant master plan
Over the past three years, various concerns regarding the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) have been raised. However, the Penang government has not, and is unlikely to, provide evidence-based answers to clear the air. Instead, the Penang chief minister has continued brush off various concerns raised by concerned citizens and civil societies.
— FMT

5G for industries could start as early as next year: MCMC
5G deployment for industries could start as early as next, says the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak said with 5G, unlike with the previous 3G or 4G networking technologies, industries get higher priority than consumers. …
— The Borneo Post

No reports of Malaysians hurt in Colombo bombings, says Wisma Putra
The Foreign Ministry has confirmed that as of 1.30pm, no Malaysians were reported to be among those hurt in the deadly blasts in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In a statement today, the ministry expressed Malaysia’s condemnation of…
— Malay Mail

Cancelling ECRL project would have hurt ties with China, says Kadir
The media adviser to the PM says trade with China would also have been adversely affected.
— FMT News

Bersatu supports Education Ministry’s 10% non-bumi intake policy
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia has voiced support for the Education Ministry’s decision to maintain the intake policy of 90% bumiputra students and 10% non-bumiputra students in government matriculation programmes.
— The Star Online

RM140m to transport goods to interior areas nationwide, says deputy minister
The government has allocated a total of RM140 million for the transportation of basic necessities to interior areas under the essential goods price standardisation programme nationwide. Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer…
— Malay Mail

M’sia committed to ensuring JB-S’pore transit project continues: Loke
Malaysia is committed to ensuring that the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project resumes, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke (pix).”We are working on the supplementary agreement for six months and looking at other options on how to reduce the cost,” said Loke …
— The Sun Daily

Malaysia committed to ensuring RTS Link project will continue, says minister
SINGAPORE, April 21 — Malaysia is committed to ensure that the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project will be continued, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke. “We are working on the supplementary agreement for six months…
— Malay Mail

PM: RM187.1 bln dividend payout by PNB since establishment
Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) has provided cumulative dividend returns of RM187.1 billion to its unit holders in over 40 years since its establishment, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
— The Borneo Post

So, who received cheques from Najib’s AmIslamic accounts?
On day five of Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s SRC International Sdn Bhd trial involving RM42 million of the former 1MDB unit’s funds, it was revealed that 17 cheques had been issued from AmIslamic Bank accounts including those linked to him.
— Malay Mail

Analysts: Malaysia’s economy set to bounce back in 2H19
Malaysia’s economy is expected to bounce back in the second half of 2019 (2H19), as it benefits from higher oil prices and the kick-starting of 121 construction projects by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government. According to AmInvestment Bank Bhd (AmInvestment Bank) in its latest …
— The Borneo Post

Malaysia should try and get better deals from China, says US professor
This is because the country is caught in ‘China’s web’, argues Panos Mourdoukoutas in Forbes report.
— FMT News

Falling water levels in Johor leave one million at risk of dry taps
Around a million people in Johor may be affected by water disruptions as three dams in the state supplying raw water to treatment plants have fallen below their critical marks. The Sunday Star reported the National Water…
— Malay Mail

MACC to appeal acquittal of former Johor exco member, two others
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will appeal the decision by the Sessions Court here in acquitting and discharging former state executive council member Datuk Abdul Latif Bandi and two others for graft and money laundering.
— The Star Online

Federal secretary facilitates closer ties between Sarawak, federal governments
Outgoing Sarawak federal secretary (SUP) Datuk Mansor Man described his role as crucial in facilitating close cooperation between the state and federal governments. He said one of his responsibilities…
— New Sarawak Tribune

High Court registry relocation needs Sarawak CM’s consent, says assistant law minister
The relocation of the principal registry of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak from here to Kota Kinabalu must have prior consent of Sarawak’s Chief Minister, Assistant Minister of Law Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali…
— Malay Mail

Ministry looking to extend festive season price control period this Gawai Dayak, Hari Raya Puasa
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPHNHEP) is looking to extend its Festive Seasons Price-Controlled Scheme (SKHMP) to 30 days this Gawai Dayak and Hari Raya Puasa. Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Chong Chieng Jen said this is one of the …
— The Borneo Post

Ligue 1 dominance cannot mask PSG’s European failure
PSG have failed so far to develop a winning mentality in Europe.
— FMT News

Auto sector’s growth in 2019 to depend on volume-oriented players
The automotive sector’s total industry volume (TIV) growth in 2019 will depend on the performance of volume-oriented players, namely Perodua, Honda, Toyota and Nissan, AmInvestment Bank Bhd (AmInvestment Bank) opines in the latest automobile sector report. According to AmInvestment …
— The Borneo Post

Better late than never to set up MA63 select committee
The establishment of a parliamentary select committee (PSC) on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is better late than never. Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri James Jemut Masing said that…
— New Sarawak Tribune

Patients, public not aware of connection between periodontitis and diabetes — Expert
Many periodontitis and diabetes sufferers, including the public are not aware that the two diseases are interconnected, said University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) periodontist specialist Dr Nurulhuda Mohd. She added that the symptoms for periodontitis cannot be felt significantly, …
— The Borneo Post

Sarawak mulls new ways to fight open burning
The Sarawak government will map out a new long solution to control the problem of open burning in the state, especially in Miri City as the present hot and…
— New Sarawak Tribune

Be one step ahead in tackling fluctuating palm oil market, says Tun Daim
Malaysia must be one step ahead in planning ways to react to the price volatility in the palm oil market to protect the country’s source of income, as well as the well-being of the smallholders, Council of Eminent Persons chairman Tun Daim Zainuddin said. He said, since Malaysia …
— The Borneo Post

Malaysia ready to assist Sri Lankan govt: Saifuddin
Malaysia is ready to provide assistance to the Sri Lankan government for recovery efforts in affected areas after a coordinated wave of bombings struck several locations on the island country, killing more than 130 people, today.Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said this in a …
— The Sun Daily

Equal partnership merely an illusion, says Voon
KUCHING: Equal partnership is merely an illusion, said Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) legal advisor Voon Lee Shan. He said this in response to the Federal government’s decision to transfer the…
— New Sarawak Tribune

Leakage of personal data among common privacy data breaches
Some of the more common privacy data breaches in Malaysia involve leakage of personal data as a result of unauthorised disclosure from day-to-day work activities, Straits Interactive shares with The Borneo Post. Chief executive officer Kevin Shepherdson gave an example of mistakenly …
— The Borneo Post

Stand together against unconstitutional move, GPS told
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing called upon Sarawak’s Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) MPs to stand together and tell the…
— New Sarawak Tribune

Let’s debate to know the real traitors: Soo
State Reform Party (STAR) has invited Works Minister Baru Bian and Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee Chow to debate on who the actual traitors of Sarawak are. Its president…
— New Sarawak Tribune

Move reflects Putrajaya’s high-handedness: Fatimah
The Federal government’s decision to move the Registry of the High Court from Kuching to Kota Kinabalu without consulting the Chief Ministers of Sarawak and Sabah reflected Putrajaya’s high…
— New Sarawak Tribune

SalamToday empowers users to discover positive lifestyle
SalamWeb, unveiled SalamToday – a brand new lifestyle portal for the digital Muslim community. SalamToday empowers its user community to discover positive lifestyle insights and fascinating events tailored for them. As the first-of-its-kind lifestyle portal launched by SalamWeb …
— The Borneo Post

Feature photo T. R. Shankar Raman

This week’s Malaysia morning news feature photo acknowledges International Mother Earth Day, April 22.

Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

Malaysia morning news by AEC News Today is your one stop source for Malaysia news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.