KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 — Former finance minister Lim Guan Eng has once again urged Perikatan Nasional (PN) ministers to reverse the cabotage policy by their transport counterpart Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong at their Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Lim said should the cabotage policy be reverted to the one which was made by Pakatan Harapan transport minister Anthony Loke, the Cabinet will be able to salvage the nation’s digital future, redirecting investments worth RM12 billion to RM15 billion.

“The Cabinet meeting on Wednesday must rescue our digital future and high-tech digital investments of between RM12 to RM15 billion by reversing the flawed cabotage policy where Wee refused to grant exemption to foreign ships carrying repairs of submarine cables.

“The Cabinet should make a clear and unequivocal choice between saving Wee’s face by stubbornly clinging on to his failed cabotage policy or saving massive digital investments of  RM12 to RM15 billion,” Lim said in a statement today.

The Bagan MP’s statement comes on the heels of a two-week deadline set by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on April 14 for six ministries to review the effect of the country’s cabotage policy on the digital and shipping industries.

“The cabotage exemption allowing foreign ships to carry out submarine cable repairs was granted in March 2019 by the Loke.

“Wee revoked the cabotage exemption on November 13, 2020, ignoring complaints that it will cause (repair) delays of up to 27 days, an unacceptable lapse in our high-speed internet age,” he said.

Lim also reminded that even Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) chairman Datuk Rais Hussin too had condemned Wee’s revocation of the cabotage exemption which resulted in Malaysia being sidelined by Facebook and Google.

According to Rais, losing the investments to Singapore and Indonesia is a devastating blow to Malaysia’s digital future.

“The two-week review period is now up. The Cabinet can no longer delay but must expeditiously revoke Wee’s failed cabotage policy.

“This puts the Cabinet to test as to whether priority is given to Malaysia’s digital future or their own political future to secure Wee’s two-MCA MPs who are on Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) since it is critical for the PN government that they cannot afford to lose any MPs following the loss of its parliamentary majority?” said Lim.

On April 14, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the Cabinet had in its meeting raised the issue of the cabotage policy exemption for submarine cable repairs.

Khairy was reported saying that several ministers including himself have been instructed to deliberate on the impact that the cabotage policy exemption would have on digital investments and the local shipping industry.

The others include the international trade and industry minister, finance minister,  communications and multimedia minister, transport minister, minister in charge of the economic planning unit and entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister.  

The repeal of the cabotage exemption finalised last November 18 has been blamed as the main reason why Malaysia was excluded from a joint megaproject by tech giants Facebook and Google to construct two underwater cables to increase internet connectivity between Singapore,  Indonesia and North America.  

Wee however defended the repeal as necessary to reduce the outflow of foreign currency through freight charges, and to reduce dependencies on foreign vessels by promoting participation from local shipping industries, among others.  

KOTA KINABALU, April 26 — The seven people arrested for demonstrating in Kampung Muhibbah Raya, Tawau, which is under an enhanced movement control order (EMCO), are expected to be released today after their two-day remand ends.

Lawyer Sherzali Asli said that work is underway to secure their release after being notified that the police were not planning on extending the remand or charging them in court.

“The cops did not request an extension of the remand. Which means most likely they will be released by 5pm today,” said Sherzali, who is handling the case for the seven under the Sabah Human Rights Centre.

It is believed that there will be no court charges against the seven.

On allegations that there was violence and mishandling of one of the detainees during the arrest, Sherzali said that they are looking into the allegations and have yet to get a medical report.

“We will be doing a fact-finding mission on it. We have also instructed our client’s brother to lodge a police report, which he did,” said Sherzali.

Sherzali is also acting on behalf of the Sabah Law Society’s public interest subcommittee.

On Saturday, the police arrested the group for demonstrating in the EMCO area, allegedly because they were unhappy with the extension of the EMCO, which disrupted their livelihood and also because they were not getting enough food aid.

The seven are aged between 26 and 31 years and include one teacher, five delivery riders or runners and one activist. One of the detainees alleged that he was beaten on the shoulders and chest during arrest, which has been denied by Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali.

The seven were arrested and investigated for three offences, under Section 188 of the Penal Code, Section 9 (5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act and Section 25 of the Emergency Ordinance 2021 for obstructing civil servants from discharging their duties, violating the Covid-19 preventive standard operating procedure and holding an assembly without permit.

PETALING JAYA: Kementerian Kesihatan (KKM) berkata, kluster Covid-19 membabitkan institusi pendidikan meningkat kepada 83.3% dalam tempoh seminggu.

Menterinya Dr Adham Baba, berkata sebanyak 12 kluster pendidikan direkodkan pada minggu sebelumnya namun meningkat kepada 22 kluster minggu lalu.

Sehubungan itu, beliau menyarankan pelajar yang mempunyai simptom tidak ke perlu ke sekolah.

“Pelajar yang ada simptom diminta duduk di rumah manakala ibu bapa yang kuarantin tidak perlu menghantar anak mereka,” katanya pada sidang media laporan mingguan berhubung Covid-19.

BERITA LANJUT MENYUSUL

KUANTAN: Forty-five patrons of a popular restaurant in Jalan Teluk Sisek here were issued with compound fines for failing to adhere to the recovery movement control order (RMCO) standard operating procedures (SOP).

Kuantan district police chief Mohamad Noor Yusof Ali said the compounds, amounting to between RM1,500 and RM2,000, were issued to the 45, which included seven women, after an inspection at 11.55pm at the restaurant found, among others, that the patrons did not practise any physical distancing.

“Two of the customers were also fined for not scanning their entry using the MySejahtera application. When asked, one of them showed us a backdated registration which was done on April 21.

“We found they were crowding tables although there were many empty tables available and the excuse given was that they were not aware of the 1m physical distancing rule,” he said in a statement here today.

Mohamad Noor said a RM10,000 compound fine was also issued to the restaurant’s management for failing to ensure customers complied with the SOP.

“The management told us that they had advised the customers but they refused to listen. To us, the restaurant should have called the police or the city council enforcement (division) when faced with such a situation,” he said.

Mohamad Noor added that he hoped that this would be a lesson to the public and eateries management in Kuantan to comply with the SOP in curbing the spread of Covid-19.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR LIVE UPDATE OF THE COVID-19 SITUATION IN MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 — Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah has called on young people to be brave, step up and take the initiative to help the world recover to a better normal during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Addressing the Global Youth Mobilisation virtually last night, Her Majesty also said young people should be given opportunities and support to play their role as active contributing citizens of the world.

Tunku Azizah said young people are full of energy, talents and creativity, and that the pandemic year had shown how resourceful they were in continuing to learn and adapt despite having major disruptions in their education.

“We have seen young people volunteering, supporting frontliners, raising public awareness and at the least being a responsible citizen by observing the guidelines in preventing the spread of Covid-19.

“We have also seen the efforts that youth organisations like the Big 6 have put in to ensure that learning does not stop for young people despite all the disruptions,” she said in a video in conjunction with the Global Youth Mobilisation.

Her Majesty said she was delighted to be invited to address the Global Youth Mobilisation, an initiative by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Big 6 Youth Organisations, adding that as a member of the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Movement and a royal patron of Girl Guides Association of Malaysia she was proud to be part of the initiative.

“I wish to congratulate WHO and the Big 6 Youth Organisations for being proactive in recognising the positive response that young people could contribute to address the Covid-19 pandemic and playing an active role in the road to recovery by creating this platform and resources to support them,” she said.

She also urged all governments, businesses and communities to support young people through the Global Youth Mobilisation initiative.

Tunku Azizah said non-formal education has been adapted to be done by young people at home and virtually.

She said in fact, more international connections contributing to mutual understanding and world peace happened through many virtual events and programmes involving young people from different countries during this time.

“We are extremely proud that two young girl guides from Malaysia were able to address the generation equality forum in Mexico, as on normal days this would have involved lots of logistics and costs to get them there,” she added.

She also quoted Mia Arissa, the 11-year-old girl guide from Malaysia who spoke at the generation equality forum in Mexico recently, on the potential of young people. “We are an investment not an expense. Do not underestimate our potential, just because we are considered young. Girls can do a lot if given the opportunity to do so.” — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 — Senior Minister cum International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali will lead a trade and investment mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from tomorrow until May 4, 2021.

The mission is part of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry’s (Miti) continuous effort to promote business opportunities and strategic partnerships between Malaysia and the West Asian region.

The mission is aimed at keeping the momentum of economic relations between Malaysia and both countries, following the official visit of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to Saudi Arabia and the UAE in March, Miti said in a statement today.

Miti said the mission is expected to reinforce the value proposition of Malaysia as the preferred investment destination and trading partner by boosting the confidence of the business communities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. 

“Both these countries are among the most important trading and investment partners in West Asia and Malaysia hopes to elevate this deeply rooted partnership to a more strategic level in the sphere of quality investments and diversified trade,” it said.

During the visit to Saudi Arabia, Mohamed Azmin will meet Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of Director of The General Authority of Foreign Trade Majid Abdullah Alkassabi; and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar I Al Khorayef. 

In the UAE, Mohamed Azmin will be meeting Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri; and Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

Azmin is also expected to meet other senior ministers of both countries.

The meetings will discuss key bilateral issues and collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including bilateral and regional economic cooperation, finance and post-pandemic economic recovery measures. 

“Mohamed Azmin will brief his counterparts in Saudi Arabia and the UAE on the newly-minted National Investment Aspirations (NIAs), a forward-looking growth framework that will form the basis for comprehensive reforms of Malaysian investment policies.

“NIAs will be central to Malaysia’s new investment direction, offering various opportunities for investors from Saudi Arabia and the UAE,” said Miti.

Besides the official meetings, the Senior Minister will also be conducting one-to-one business meetings with prominent Saudi and Emirati companies, as well as potential investors, to further explore new business opportunities and collaboration in the oil and gas, healthcare, and retail industries.

Azmin will also be witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Business Exploration (MOBE) between UEM Edgenta Bhd, a subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Bhd, and Asma Advanced Solutions LLC in Riyadh. 

This MoU signifies a strategic venture by a Malaysian company in the healthcare support services and integrated facility management market in Saudi Arabia.

In 2020, the kingdom was Malaysia’s second largest trading partner and largest source of import in the West Asia region.

Total trade between both countries was recorded at RM20.27 billion (US$4.83 billion) with Malaysia’s exports to Saudi Arabia amounted to RM4.13 billion (US$0.99 billion) and imports value at RM16.14 billion (US$3.84 billion). Main investments from the kingdom include chemicals and chemical products, food manufacturing, electronics and electrical products, and textiles.

Meanwhile, the UAE is Malaysia’s largest trading partner and largest export destination in the West Asian region for 2020. Total trade between both countries stood at RM20.59 billion (US$4.92 billion) with total exports to the UAE amounted to RM8.49 billion (US$2.03 billion), while imports was at RM12.10 billion (US$2.89 billion).

The main source of investments from the UAE were in the machinery and equipment sectors, halal pharmaceutical and food manufacturing.

Azmin will be accompanied by a small delegation of senior officials from Miti, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).

The mission will be subjected to strict Covid-19 Preventive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as agreed upon by Malaysia’s Ministry of Health and National Security Council, as well as by Saudi and UAE governments. — Bernama

GUANYUN: Americans like their lingerie to be risque, Europeans prefer it more classy, and Chinese remain a bit shy but are opening up. But the biggest order of all came from North Korea.

So goes the street-corner discussion in Guanyun, a sleepy coastal county that for generations followed the rhythms of wheat and rice cultivation, but today concerns itself with global preferences on sensual wear.

The flat farming region between Beijing and Shanghai is China’s self-proclaimed “Lingerie Capital”, where sewing machines hum in village-level micro-factories to meet up to 70% of the fast-growing domestic demand.

Millions more items are exported annually in a textbook example of the ability of internet-enabled Chinese entrepreneurs to profit from even the most off-the-wall idea.

The man widely credited with lighting the spark is Lei Congrui, a lanky 30-year-old with a ponytail and cap who would look at home on a skateboard. It all happened almost by accident.

As a teenager, Lei began making extra cash by hawking various consumer goods on China’s rapidly growing e-commerce sites 15 years ago.

“Customers kept asking if we have any lingerie. I had never heard of it before, but I just said ‘yes’ and then looked up what it was,” he said.

Lei “figured out a way” and now employs more than 100 workers who push lacy black and red panties and bustiers through stitching machines. His brands such as “Midnight Charm” pull in more than US$1.5 million in annual revenue, he said.

The success of early movers like Lei inspired an industrial revolution.

Guanyun’s government says there are now more than 500 factories employing tens of thousands and churning out more than US$300 million worth of lingerie annually.

‘Attitudes are catching up’

Loosening Chinese sexual attitudes made it all possible.

Communism left a prevailing legacy of modesty. Pornography is banned and authorities launch periodic crackdowns on anything deemed “vulgar”.

But prolonged exposure to more open foreign attitudes is liberating a younger generation, especially women.

Market consultancy iiMedia said Chinese online sales of sex-related products grew 50% in 2019 to US$7 billion. It predicted a further 35% growth in 2020 despite pandemic disruptions.

“Youth attitudes are catching up and bringing sensuality into the home. (Lingerie) is becoming popular,” said Li Yue, a local lingerie factory worker.

When Lei first started, most buyers were over 30 and many had lived abroad or had some other exposure to foreign ways.

But by around 2013, volumes soared as younger Chinese consumers began discovering their sensuality, Lei said. Most buyers are now between 22 and 25.

Initially, loose-fitting, not-too-revealing designs were favoured in China. Today, semi-transparent, “body-hugging” numbers dominate.

‘Everyone loves lingerie’ 

Guanyun’s industrial reinvention didn’t happen overnight. Early pioneers found it hard to hire squeamish local staff.

“When they first came in contact with these things, they didn’t quite understand,” said Chang Kailin, 58, who runs a factory and is Lei’s uncle.

“But after the industry got bigger and stronger, people could make money and shake off poverty.”

“Now everyone loves it.”

Lei exports 90% of his output, mostly to the US and Europe.

Significant volumes also go to South America, where sales indicate role-playing costumes rule the bedroom.

Middle Eastern buyers — favouring longer, more modest items — are also surprisingly active, as are Africans, who like a splash of colour. Southeast Asia is growing fast as well.

But Lei’s biggest single order, worth US$1 million, came from a mysterious North Korean buyer in 2012. The customer abruptly backed out without explanation and the merchandise was sold elsewhere.

‘Ready to play again’

Lingerie has transformed Guanyun, with factories sprouting up next to wheat fields, and newfound wealth displayed in new homes and cars.

Previously, many of the county’s roughly one million inhabitants left for the hard life of a migrant worker in far-off factories. No more, said Li, the garment worker.

“Working away from home, you get homesick,” said the mother of two.

“These companies allow us to come home to work. It’s not easy out there.”

Guanyun is feeding its golden goose.

It has broken ground on a US$500 million, 1,700-acre (690-hectare) lingerie-themed industrial zone that will “integrate R&D and design, fabric accessories, e-commerce operations, warehousing and logistics”.

Pandemic lockdowns last year hit output. It has since roared back, but demand remains tepid in overseas markets still struggling with the coronavirus while home-bound consumers are concentrating spending on basic household necessities, said Lei.

“After these problems are solved,” he says with a smile, “they will be ready to play again.”

KUALA LUMPUR: Tiada layanan istimewa diberikan kepada lelaki dituduh mengugut dan memukul dua pengawal peribadinya yang berpuasa seperti didakwa pihak tertentu.

Ketua Polis Daerah Dang Wangi Mohamad Zainal Abdullah, berkata lelaki terbabit dibawa ke Mahkamah Majistret kelmarin tanpa digari kerana bukan dalam tahanan pihaknya, sebaliknya untuk menghadapi pertuduhan.

Katanya, suspek yang juga ahli perniagaan itu diberi jaminan polis sebelum diserahkan ke Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah (IPD) Klang Selatan untuk siasatan lanjut.

“Suspek diberi jaminan polis, maka kita tidak boleh menangkap semula dan menggari lelaki itu atas kesalahan sama hanya semata-mata untuk dibawa ke mahkamah.

“Justeru tidak timbul isu suspek mendapat layanan istimewa kerana undang-undang menetapkan tiada siapa boleh ditangkap atas kesalahan sama seperti termaktub mengikut Artikel 7(2) Perlembagaan,” katanya, menurut laporan Berita Harian.

Semalam, polis mengesan satu artikel memaparkan gambar lelaki yang juga majikan kepada dua pengawal peribadi hadir ke mahkamah tanpa digari dan diiringi pegawai polis.

Kelmarin, suspek yang sebelum ini didakwa memukul dan mengugut dua pengawal peribadinya dengan menggunakan pistol, sekali lagi dihadapkan ke Mahkamah Majistret.

Chung Chee Yang, 43, hadir ke mahkamah dengan memakai kemeja-T biru dan seluar putih, didakwa atas empat pertuduhan mencederakan kedua-dua mangsa.

Khamis lalu, majikan kepada dua pengawal peribadi itu menghadapi lima pertuduhan di Mahkamah Majistret Klang.

Antara pertuduhan dikenakan terhadap Chee Yang ialah melukakan perasaan keagamaan terhadap dua pengawal peribadi iaitu Ahmad Shamsuri Zailani, 27, dan Mohd Azminizam Zulkepli, 44.

Mengenai suspek dibawa ke mahkamah tanpa memakai baju lokap, Zainal berkata, ia mengikut Perintah Tetap Ketua Polis Negara A118 iaitu banduan yang dibawa ke mahkamah perlu memakai pakaian ketika ditangkap, melainkan pakaian itu dijadikan barang kes.

“Justeru, polis menggesa orang ramai tidak memanipulasi isu ini sehingga menyebabkan salah faham, kekeliruan, dan menggambarkan keadaan tidak tepat lalu menjejaskan reputasi serta imej polis di mata masyarakat,” katanya.