malaysiangKUALA LUMPUR: No approval has, so far, been given for the establishment of an aerodrome for the Kulim International Airport (KXP) as stipulated under the Civil Aviation (Aerodrome Operations) Regulations 2016.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the proposed construction of the KXP was the initiative of a subsidiary of the Kedah government with other private companies.
“As such, this project does not directly involve the Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and, so far, (it) has not been listed as a development project under the Transport Ministry,” he said when answering a question by Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi) regarding the latest development on the proposed construction of the KXP during the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Under Budget 2023, Hasbi said the government has decided, among others, to give priority to the expansion and upgrading of the Penang International Airport, which will be spearheaded by MAHB.
That development is also expected to benefit economic growth at a lower cost compared to the proposal to build a new airport in Kulim.
— BERNAMA
GOVT DEFENDS BASIC PRINCPLE IN COUNTRY’S FOREIGN POLICY
KUALA LUMPUR: Despite facing current regional and international geopolitical situation that is increasingly challenging with competition among the world’s major powers, the government will continue to defend the basic principle that has been the mainstay of Malaysia’s foreign policy thus far.
Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin said this includethe principle of respecting independence, the sovereignty of foreign territorial integrity, non-interference in other countries and solving problems peacefully.
“It’s clear our policy will not favour any major countries in their competition. This is in line with Malaysia’s position in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). We take a cautious approach with these major countries.
“This is because the United States and China are our big trading partners. I understand that sometimes we need to make a decision and take sides, but in such big issues that involve the major countries, we need to look after our national interests in order to guarantee the country’s trade relations,” he said.
He said this in reply to an additional question posed by Lee Chuan How (PH-Ipoh Timur), who asked if the government would consider taking neutral measures regarding the tension in the relationship between China and the United States.
— BERNAMA
KPKT IN PROCESS OF DRAFTING CONSUMER CREDIT ACT
KUALA LUMPUR: The Local Government Development Ministry (KPKT) is drafting the Consumer Credit Act in an effort to protect the interest of consumers who use community credit loan facilities in the country.
Its Minister, Nga Kor Ming said the move is set to be headed by the Finance Ministry and Securities Commission.
“The matter will take into account the provisions for syariah-compliant financing and Islamic pawnbroking by the non-banking industry. As of Jan 31, there are 4,817 active community credit company licence holders and about 60 per cent are from the Bumiputera group,” he said.
He said this in reply to an additional question by Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir (PN-Setiu) on the total number of community credit financing companies in the country and the total number of syariah-compliant companies during the question and answer session today.
— BERNAMA
RE-IMPLEMENTING LOCAL AUTHORITY ELECTIONS NOT KPKT’S PRIORITY – NGA
KUALA LUMPUR: Re-introducing the implementation of elections for local authorities is currently not a priority for the Local Government Development Ministry (KPKT), said its Minister Nga Kor Ming.
He said the ministry is focusing on seven main thrusts, including empower the role of local governments and developing the potential of local authorities to generate additional income sources for the country, more comprehensive and competitive housing planning and community empowerment regardless of race.
“In addition, focus will also be given to a more effective and efficient integrated solid waste management for implementation towards a circular economy, strengthening the agenda of sustainable and smart city towards new townships,” he said.
He was answering a question from Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), who wanted to know if the government will re-introduce elections for local authorities as demanded by certain parties.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
