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Let us embrace the concept of sacrifice in honor of our nation’s 62nd Merdeka day. With sacrifice and a little courage, we can turn into a better nation.

Amirudin Shari Menteri Besar

MB reminds Muslims to learn from Prophet’s Hijrah Page 2 The sacrifice of the comfort of family, property and the motherland for the greater struggle should be learned by the people today Merdeka: Celebrating a Nation Bank Negara Likely to Cut Key Rate Again Page 6 estled between the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea, our nation has long been the meeting place for traders and travellers Nfrom all over the world. Due to its strategic position, traders from the West have no other choice but to travel along the narrow straits to avoid the Affordable Housing A Shared torrential monsoons in Indian Ocean, thus resulting in Peninsular Malaysia— Responsibility Page 12 back then still just the Malay Peninsula—to be the meeting point for traders from the west and the east. Story continues on Page 4

Selangor Darul Ehsan: Through the Lens of Time Page 13

‘Beggar Thy Neighbour’ Sabak Bernam: Policy Advice Page 15 District of Many Trades abak Bernam is both a district as well as a parliamentary constituency in Snorthwestern Selangor, covering an area of 997 square kilometres. Story continues on Page 8 02 NEWS September 2019 | Selangor Journal

MB reminds Muslims to learn from Prophet’s Hijrah Selangor Hopes to IPR Alignment Host Sukma 2022, Commonwealth Games to Cultivate in a series of displacements or Hijrah while under oppression from the Abu 2026 Value of Shared Jahal-led Musyrikin (unbelievers). “The sacrifice of the comfort of fami- — Selangor intends ly, property and the motherland for the to host the Malaysian Games (SUKMA) Prosperity greater struggle should be learned by in 2022 after last hosting it in 1998. the people today,” he said in a message Selangor Menteri Besar, Amirudin in conjunction with Maal Hijrah 1441— Shari, said that with the status of nine- — The re-alignment marking the beginning of the new Islam- time champion, Selangor is intensifying of the Inisiatif Peduli Rakyat (IPR) ll Muslims in Selangor are re- ic year—today. its efforts to prepare athletes for SUK- scheme enables Selangor to incorpo- minded to appreciate and learn Amirudin said it was also urgent to MA 2020 in . rate the value of shared prosperity from the events of the Hijrah continue to be united, friendly and will- “The success of organizing the Selan- among the public, as had been encour- (Emigration)A of the Prophet Muham- ing to sacrifice in defence of the unity, gor International Sports Summit (SISS) aged by Prime Minister Tun Dr Maha- mad in search of a better life, says Se- stability and harmony of our beloved 2019 is a testimony to our seriousness thir Mohamad. langor MenterBesar. Malaysia. and willingness to face the bigger chal- Selangor Menteri Besar, Amirudin Dato’ Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari Noting that Malaysia had just cele- lenge of SUKMA,” said Amirudin. Shari, said Selangor was known as the said the Prophet’s Hijrah event with brated its 62nd Independence Day, he “As the top two-time world champi- state that has cared for its people for his companions from Mecca to Medina reminded that the experience of Malay- on overall, we are ready to face SUKMA the past 10 years by creating 42 pro- opened a new light on Islamic preaching sians’ forefathers in struggling against next year,” he added. grammes that have benefitted the peo- and development. colonizers in the past could be likened He said this at the opening ceremony ple of Selangor from all walks of life. “The cries of the Muhajirin (emi- to the migration of the Prophet and his of SISS 2019 at Sunway Resort Hotel “The government wants to focus on grants) from the City of Mecca were companions to Medina in search of a and Spa on 27 August. people with needs, not just the low-in- heartbreaking, and they put their lives better life. According to Amirudin, Selangor has come households, but also those in the the potential to be the best organizer middle-class group,” said Amirudin. after 21 years based on the state’s eco- “Among the elements that need nomic development, existing facilities boosting are education and entrepre- and being the ‘game-changer’ in SUK- neurship,” he added. MB: Appreciate the Concept of Sacrifice MA’s history. Amirudin said this during the He noted that Selangor had also ‘Spreading Selangor Economic Pros- he State Government does not their socioeconomic background,” he said dreamt of hosting the 2026 Common- perity’ talk at a television station on 27 deny the rights of the people but in his Merdeka speech today. wealth Games after Kuala Lumpur did August. instead considers the long-term At the same time, Amirudin said it so in 1998. At the same time, Amirudin said he Teffects of future generations. was evident that the people of Selangor “The sport is organized at the Fed- had decided to re-balance the IPR grant In his Merdeka speech, Dato’ Menteri were affected by the reorganization but eral level; however Selangor intends to as there was a group that he did not see Besar Amirudin Shari said that it was he called for everyone to sacrifice be- host it like Kuala Lumpur before,” he as suitable to receive the initiative. not responsible for the administration cause the allocation was not abolished, said. “For example, the free water initia- of the State Government to spend all but instead it was shifted to those who “Other countries have done the same tive is very valuable to the underpriv- the produce alone for the people at this would need. thing such as Seoul, South Korea and ileged but it is certainly not fair for time. “There is no independence without Atlanta, USA when hosting the Olym- high-income groups to also receive this He said it would have been more irre- sacrifice. There is no sacrifice without pics,” he added. as they can afford it,” he said. sponsible if the same people still had the the struggle. There is no struggle with- At the same event, Amirudin also Amirudin added that when it comes same benefits even though they were no out courage. presented awards to the Asian Team to shared prosperity, Selangor is al- longer eligible. “Your sacrifice means that others who and Athletes of 2018. ready in the lead. “With the cooperation of the Federal need it the most will benefit from the The Japanese women’s soccer team Last August, the Selangor Govern- Government, some of the previous aid state revenue. Because of our sacrifice was selected as the winner of the Asian ment announced the restructuring of overlaps could be adjusted so that the today, our future grandchildren will be Women’s Team while the Qatar men’s IPR involving eight schemes. right recipients could benefit from the able to lead a better life,” he said. soccer team won the Asian Men’s Team Among these eight were the Kasih sums in their favour. No more or less; He said the stability and prosperity category. Ibu Smart Selangor, Peduli Sihat, everyone gets enough. enjoyed today was the commitment of South Korea’s Tottenham Hotspur Tabung Warisan Anak Selangor, Beka- “It is important, therefore, to state here the Malaysian people who love peace. striker Son Heung-min was named the lan Air Percuma, Mesra Usia Emas, that this administration does not want to “Therefore, let us appreciate the con- Asian Men’s Athlete, while Indian box- Kesihatan Wanita, Bantuan Sihat Se- deprive the people of the state’s outcomes cept of sacrifice in conjunction with the er M C Mary Kom received the Asian langor, and the Rumah Selangorku but what we want is targeted aid, not a 62nd Independence Day, and hopefully Women’s Athletic Award. schemes. huge aid box to help anyone regardless of we can make Malaysia better,” he said.

ADVISOR Editorial Advisory Board, CCSB No doubt, unity GROUP EDITOR Fathi Aris Omar is something to Editorial be desired, to be Team MANAGING EDITOR Ameena Siddiqi striven for, but it cannot be willed by Aras 2, Carlton Holiday Hotel & Suite, WRITERS No 1, Persiaran Akuatik 13/43 Batrisyia Jay mere declaration. Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor Muhaimin Merican Nurul Najihah Tel 03-5523 4856 Theodore Bikel Fax 03-5523 5856 DESIGNER Email [email protected] Naqiuddin Muaz NEWS September 2019 | Selangor Journal 03 SAY Aspire 2019 Selects 5 Local Selangor Companies

SARANG to Improve Economic – NIQA (cleaning global players. product), Palm Fiber (pharmaceutical Currently, SAY ASPIRE is targeting to and Development of Rural Areas industry), Potonguler (food and bever- penetrate Bahrain, Thailand and Brunei. age), iLuvQuran (education) and Cita- According to Dr Mohd Zulikhwan, – The State having to migrate to the urban ar- rasaMilenium (food and beverage) have the top five companies would receive Government is implementing SA- eas,” said Rodziah in a statement. emerged as the five winners of SAY AS- access to the procurement teams, oppor- RANG, a comprehensive programme According to Rodziah, the effec- PIRE 2019 business pitch. tunity to pitch for investment, bespoke for rural development and economic tiveness of the programme will be Following the announcement, Se- overseas market penetration trips with development that features compre- viewed in its entirety, especially in langor Youth Community (SAY) Chief the main goal being export of products hensive guidance and facilitation. terms of return on investment, with Operating Officer Dr Mohd Zulikhwan abroad, high brand visibility, collabo- Exco for Entrepreneur Develop- the hope that it can be continued Ayub said he hopes this will help the rative networking, and personalized ment, Rural Development, Villages next year. companies (entrepreneurs) grow the coaching and mentorship by seasoned and Traditional Villages, Rodziah Is- Rodziah noted that for next year, business and be able to craft a person- entrepreneurs and industry experts. mail, said that Kuala Selangor was the state government plans to imple- alized programme or intervention for Previously, all 11 entrepreneurs were selected as a pioneer area for six ment the programme in other dis- their businesses. given the five minutes to explain their months as of this August. The pro- tricts and guide the implementation “In SAY, we do not have a proper du- business model, products and aspira- gramme will benefit 55 villages and of this year’s programme. ration period of time, as long as they tions for entering foreign markets. surrounding residents. “The state government is commit- meet the outcome we offer to them, SAY founder, Selangor Crown Prince According to Rodziah, the aim of ted to raise the average household we are more than happy to work with Sultan Sharafud- the programme is to revitalize the income in Selangor to RM 6,000 a them for a much longer period of time,” din Idris Shah, was one of the judges local village economy as well as to month by 2025, including rural areas, said Dr Mohd Zulikhwan. who listened to the idea together with boost and diversify business activities with such programmes,” she said. “We set the outcome whereby they Co-Managing Partner of RHL Ventures especially in tourist-focused locations “We are aware of the issues of have to either increase the revenue by Raja Hamzah Abidin, Chief Operating such as the fire- physical infrastructure and the inter- 20 per cent, get a high brand visibility, Officer of Segi Value Holdings Sdn. Bhd. flies area. net which are important needs in ru- or to penetrate at least one overseas Fong Leong, Malaysia’s Largest Musang “New and additional revenue po- ral development,” she added. market. So, at the end of the day, what King Exporter Anna Teoh, Proficeo Chief tential can be generated through “As such, the Rural Development we want is to increase their sales and Evangelist and Master Coach Dr Siv- tourism promotion services, restau- Programme Steering Committee also grow their business globally,” he said apalan Vivekarajah, Malaysia Global In- rants and seafood sales, accommo- established relevant government de- when met after the event. novation and Creativity Centre Chief Ex- dation, souvenirs and tourism crafts partments and agencies to ensure Three months ago, a total of 154 Se- ecutive Officer Dzuleira Abu Bakar, and as well as village recreation that will that infrastructure needs are met and langor companies applied for SAY AS- Senior Director of the Transformation benefit the participants of the pro- appropriate actions are taken.” PIRE and only 11 companies managed and Digital Trade Division of Malaysia gramme,” she said. Rodziah stated that through the pi- to go through the final stage before five External Trade Development Coopera- “The state government intends lot programme, the state government companies were selected. tion AmranYem. for this programme to not only drive had targeted 200 participants around SAY ASPIRE is a business expansion SAY ASPIRE is an initiative by Entre- sustainable development of the rural Kuala Selangor while another 50 par- programme for export ready compa- preneurship Selangor under Selangor areas but also to increase the level ticipants are yet to be selected to par- nies to penetrate the overseas market Youth Community in collaboration with of income of the population without ticipate in the programme. through business expansion and export Proficeo, Sunway Group and Menteri strategies with the final aim of being Besar Incorporated (MBI) Selangor.

Selangorians to Enjoy Fresh Produce from Local Farms and Factories

SHAH ALAM – The state government “Participants are required to conduct while ensuring that sales and marketing has confirmed that no form of liquid has sale on the site while their products are were in line with the development of entered the river near the Rantau Water sourced directly from the farm, other other agricultural industries. Purification Plant as there are 112 bar- than that no intermediary is allowed to “Sometimes the crop is large but rels of unidentified liquid placed near do business in the market,” he added. there is no place to market it, so we are the plant. Previously, the SAM programme start- thinking of equipping the chain so that Selangor residents will have the op- ed earlier last year involving the imple- the fresh produce from the farm and portunity to obtain fresh agricultural mentation of 87 locations in nine dis- the act of reaching out to consumers at products from farms and factories as tricts in Selangor, with sales of RM 5.2 the outlet is convenient and practical to eight permanent market sites are avail- million. them,” he said. able with these products via the Selan- The programme offers a number of It is understood that the objectives of gor Agro Market (SAM) programme this are open every Saturday and Sunday touch-point activities including direct the SAM programme are aimed at in- September. and offer a much cheaper price for fresh sales of farm and farm-based products, creasing the marketing network access Exco for Infrastructure and Public produce compared to outside markets. offering between five to 25 per cent low- to agropreneurs at the production level Facilities, Modernization of Agricul- “This is quite unique because we will er prices. to increase revenue. ture and Agro-based Industry, Ir. Izham not compete with the farmers’ market, In addition, Ir. Izham said the imple- In addition, it is also a marketing Hashim, said that all market sites creat- instead SAM has its own customers mentation of the program was an ap- plan to market agricultural produce in ed in collaboration with the Federal Ag- through new branding and tents apart proach to support the agriculture, live- the event of dumping (seasonal fruits) ricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) from having a new site,” he said. stock and fisheries sector in Selangor, in the market. 04 FEATURE September 2019 | Selangor Journal

Merdeka! 31 August 1957 marked the first day of independence for the nation. Unlike Tunku Abdul other pro-independence uprisings in Rahman hailed the British colonies, our nation managed to ‘Merdeka’ during gain its independence without violence the country’s or bloodshed. Due to the smooth tran- independence sition of power, many were certain that proclamation the newly-formed country would contin- ceremony. This ue to grow into a peaceful nation. historic ceremony Thousands thronged to the new was witnessed Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur to by thousands witness the once-in-a-lifetime ceremony of people who where Tunku Abdul Rahman proclaimed thronged Stadium Malaya “a sovereign, democratic and Merdeka on 31 independent State founded on the prin- August 1957. ciples of liberty and justice, and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of its people and the maintenance of a just peace among all nations”. But the British gained a foothold in thus, this sentiment resulted in Malay “There was a message from the Queen the region when, in 1786, the Sultan of nationalists rallying and campaigning welcoming Malaya to the Common- Kedah approved for the island of Penang for independence. wealth, and many other Commonwealth By to be used as a trading post for the Brit- The Federation of Malaya that was leaders had also sent their goodwill Batrisyia Jay ish East India Company. created in 1948 after successful objec- wishes,” reminisces Anjalay, who was In 1819, the British entered a treaty tion by the local population to the for- there to witness history in the making at with the Sultan of Johor that enabled mation of the Malayan Union. It was the Merdeka Stadium. them to establish a trading post on this Federation that successfully ob- Anjalay said that she could clearly the island of Singapore. Subsequent- tained independence from the British in remember seeing the Union Jack being ly, the island was ceded to the British 1957, paving the way for the formation lowered as if it had taken place only yes- East India Company in 1824, the same of our country, Malaysia. terday, and gushed about the pride that year that Malacca was handed over to had rushed through her as the Malayan Continued from cover page... the British by the Remembering flag was hoisted in its place. Dutch. the early patriots At 11:58 p.m., remembers Anjalay, all During that period of time, the area In the 1870s, who advocated lights were switched off and there was that would later become Malaysia was the sultans of the for Malayan in- darkness up until the stroke of midnight, rich in the natural resources that were various Malay A sovereign, dependence is 75 when the lights were switched back on much sought after by the future colonial states had begun year-old Anjalay and the Union Jack flag was lowered powers—from sought-after spices need- to welcome ad- democratic and A/P RM Suppioh, as the newly-made flag of Malaya was ed to preserve and flavour meat and oth- visers from the who witnessed the raised, while the new national anthem, er foods, to the tin required in industrial British empire, independent State turning point of the Negaraku, played in the background. revolution-era Britain. This was what thus giving these our nation while “The newly-liberated country [came] made the Malay Peninsula a coveted advisers the lee- founded on the she was growing alive with dances, concerts, fireworks piece of land by many powerful forces way to slowly up. She remem- and chants from its people,” she recalls. around the world. usurp much of the principles of liberty bers that most of Like Anjalay, 79-year-old Lim Kee As we celebrate our nation’s 62nd sultans’ political these early patriots Wei has been around to experience life year of independence, Selangor Jour- power. In 1896, and justice, and ever were upper-middle before and after Independence. “I have nal has decided to walk down memory Negeri Sembilan, class people edu- lived through the British occupation lane on what Malaysia was like before Perak, Selangor seeking the welfare cated in the United and was given the opportunity to see Merdeka, how our country has success- and Pahang were Kingdom. my country achieve its independence,” fully gained its independence through unified as the and happiness of “I think that says Lim, adding that he was extremely its continual interaction with foreign Federated Malay was why they were proud of the nation’s progress through- powers and influences and the nation States—with Kua- its people and the more open-mind- out the years. that it has become today. la Lumpur as the ed than the rest capital. The sul- maintenance of a of us and had the Birth of a Nation Early History tanates of north- edge needed to The agreement that saw Singapore, Early traders and travellers had many ern Borneo which just peace among all push our country Sarawak and North Borneo—with the names for the peninsula. Ptolemy wrote consisted of Bru- towards indepen- exception of Brunei—becoming part of about Malaeu-kolon and early Indian nei, Sabah and nations. dence,” she re- the Federation of Malaysia was signed and Chinese sources mention a Malai- Sarawak had be- members. in 1963 by the United Kingdom, Malaya, ur and Ma-li-yu-er, respectively. When come British pro- According to North Borneo, Singapore and Sarawak, the port of Malacca was founded in the tectorates by then. Anjalay, these citi- with Singapore opting to leave the Fed- 15th century, the port became one with From 1941 to zens realized that eration two years later. Since then, our the greatest number of traders passing 1945, the nation was conquered by an- the best technique to achieve indepen- country has been known as ‘Malaysia’. through. Due to its booming popularity other powerful empire—the Japanese. dence was to have a proper discussion An amazingly diverse country with and strategic location, the much-covet- The violent rule of the Japanese in the with the colonial rulers of the country. many different ethnicities, languages ed Malacca was invaded and seized by country was met with resistance from Much to the relief of the citizens, it and religions, Malaysia is now home to the Portuguese in 1511. MCP-led guerrillas and almost tore the was agreed that in order to fight the approximately 22 million people where However, almost a century and a half country apart with the ruthlessness that Communists, who had begun an insur- several ethnicities such as Malays, Chi- later, the Dutch—in alliance with the followed. However, following World gency, the country needed its indepen- nese, Indians, Dayaks, Kadazans, Orang Sultan of Johor—drove the Portuguese War 2, British rule was reintroduced to dence—particularly as the Communists Asli and many other ethnic groups have out of the peninsula. However, this was the country. claimed that they were fighting to free lived together in harmony for the past not the end of colonial influence in the However, the local populace had lost the people of Malaya from the grasps of 62 years. area. Far from it, the Dutch intended something of their awe of the European the British. To celebrate our nation’s 62nd to control the tin trade, for which they colonizers by then. The idea that they The delegation that negotiated Ma- Merdeka, let us stand united and culti- signed treaties with the Malay rulers of could rule themselves had been firmly laya’s independence was spearheaded vate healthy relationships with our fel- Kedah and Perak, and established an implanted in their mind, with the Indo- by the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, who low countrymen as we reminisce about outpost on the island of Pangkor. The nesian independence just after World would later become the first Prime Min- the sacrifices made by our forebears to Dutch continued to vie with the British War 2. More than ever, the Malayan ister of the independent Federation of achieve our nation’s independence, and for the control of the Malay archipelago, people were determined to not let their Malaya in 1957. revel in the beauty and uniqueness that with its important raw materials. country fall into another’s grasp and is Malaysia. FEATURE September 2019 | Selangor Journal 05

Fun Facts About “Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!” We tend to think that Tunku Abdul Rahman made this call only three times. In actual Merdeka fact, he shouted “Merdeka!” for a whopping seven times in the newly-built Stadium The birth of the Malaysian Flag Merdeka. Truly a celebration of our The Malayan flag was designed by an independence! architect named Mohamad Hamzah who worked with the Public Works Department in Johor. Selected out of hundreds of entries in a contest, the original design had only The declaration of the date of 11 stripes and a five-pointed star. The flag Independence of the Federation of Malaya was modified You probably have seen that famous Hari Merdeka and Hari Malaysia to include the new states of Singapore, picture of Tunku Abdul Rahman holding a Hari Merdeka, also known as Hari Sarawak and Sabah when Malaysia was 100-year old keris pukal. Kebangsaan, refers to the day the The “Negaraku” is based on a formed. The number of stripes and points But did you know that this picture was Federation of Malaya officially declared its state anthem on in the flag was increased to taken when Tunku actually announced independence from the British Empire on At the time of Independence, Malaysia did 14. This is the same design as the Jalur the date of independence on 20 February 31 August 1957. On the other hand, Hari not have a national anthem. Tunku Abdul Gemilang that we know today. When 1956 at Padang Bandar Hilir in Melaka? Malaysia commemorates the formation Rahman decided to organize a worldwide Singapore left the Federation in 1965, the Tunku thought it was appropriate that of Malaysia on 16 September 1963, when competition to find a suitable national number of stripes and points on the star Melaka was to be the place to proclaim Sabah and Sarawak joined the Federation anthem for Malaysia. Although there were on the flag remained the same. These later the intended date for the proclamation of of Malaya. 512 entries, none were deemed suitable. represented the Federal Territory of Kuala independence, as the state was where the In the end, Tunku opted to use the Perak Lumpur. Today, the fourteenth stripe and Western colonization first began. The keris State anthem, titled “Allah Lanjutkan Usia point represent the federal government in was given to him by a representative of the Sultan”, as the national anthem. Tunku general, for the three Federal Territories of women’s wing. wrote the new lyrics for “Negaraku” in Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya. collaboration with a panel of jurors.

THE CRESCENT AND THE STAR 14-POINT STAR Representing Islam as the national Represent the unity of 13 member religion of the nation. states and one federal territories

The National Flower After receiving independence in 1957, The Malaysian flagfinally THE YELLOW OF THE STAR RED COLOUR the nation needed a national flower to gets a name AND CRESCENT Symbolises courage symbolize her identity. In 1958, the Ministry On 31 August 1997, the Malaysian flag Symbolises the royal colour of Agriculture sought proposals for a was officially named ‘Jalur Gemilang’ after of the Malay rulers. national flower from all state governments. 40 years of being without a name. Prime Seven flowers were proposed. In 1960, Minister Tun Dr , who after careful consideration, the ministry was the nation’s fourth Prime Minister DARK BLUE COLOUR WHITE COLOUR selected the hibiscus due to its eye- at the time, made the announcement at Symbolises the unity of Symbolises purity & grandeur catching, large-sized red petals and the midnight in conjunction with the 40th the Malaysian people with fact that it blooms throughout the year. anniversary of the country’s independence. different races.

To commemorate our 62nd Merdeka Day and in conjunction with the upcoming Azhan Nordin 26 | Businessman Zafirah 31 | Teacher Malaysia day, the Selangor Journal team went down to ask the people of Malaysia What does being Malaysian mean to you? What does being Malaysian mean to you? of what it means to be a Malaysian and the Diana 23 | Writer Being a Malaysian is when we enjoy eating Being Malaysian to me is having the perks hopes and dreams they have for our coun- at the same restaurant with other races of enjoying various type of food, people, try. Here is what they have to say: What does being Malaysian mean to you? and do not feel threatened or discriminat- festival and culture.This makes my coun- I have always been proud to be a Malay- ed. Being a Malaysian is when all races try is the best from others. I got to enjoy Masma Adha 33 | Engineering sian because of our rich, diverse heritage cheered for Dato’ Lee Chong Wei during his all that just by being a Malaysian. I get to that you can’t find anywhere else in the competition. Being a Malaysian is when no understand different kind of culture and What does being Malaysian mean to you? world. matter where we go, we will all miss Ma- beliefs while having respect for them all. Being Malaysian means embracing our na- laysian food, Malaysian festivals and Ma- Apart from that, it gave me the sense of tional culture, language and diversity, liv- What is your favourite thing laysian weather (although it’s hot). What flexibility in adapting in various kinds of ing in harmony where people are fair, kind about Malaysia? makes us Malaysian is when we still help environment, this is a plus point when and respect each other regardless of the Some people might think are each other and respect each other regard- you work or travel to different parts of the differences. divided due to several unfounded reasons, less of race. world. such as race, which may be true to a cer- What is your favourite thing tain extent. However, one wrong move What is your favourite thing What is your favourite thing about Malaysia? against one of us results in the union of all about Malaysia? about Malaysia? Diversity of culture and ethnicities. Differ- races and I think it’s beautiful and some- The beauty of local food, cultural diversity Food! You can get almost everything here. ent food, place, unique culture and beliefs how identical to the relationship of a real and tremendous number of celebrations. Just name what are you craving for, you’ll and also every year, we have various of family where we may fight with each other surely find it! beautiful and colourful celebrations. but we will also fight for each other. Hopes for the country My hope for Malaysian is unity. United we Hopes for the country Hopes for the country Hopes for the country stand, divided we fall. We Malaysians also My hope for Malaysia is that it will contin- My hope for this country is that people from I hope that from now on, Malaysia will support each other, paying no attention ue to strive on being united through all the all races must realize that only by working only move forward. And I hope in the near to small details such as gender, age, race races regardless of your views on certain together towards unity to solve problems future, Malaysia will finally be free of cor- or religion. And when the time comes, we things. When we are united as one Malay- will our future improve. Together, we must ruption, especially kleptocracy and racial/ plant our feet down and stand strong on sia, we can overcome the obstacles ahead stand strong and build Malaysia as one of religious issues. We should embrace our our motherland, protecting our peace and and also to stay resilient. Lastly, I hope we the countries that have different ethnici- diversity and differences to complement serenity from those who plans to soil it. can enhance more activities that can cul- ties that live happily and in harmony. each other and move as one. Because we are Malaysians. tivate the spirit of unity for all Malaysian. 06 ECONOMY September 2019 | Selangor Journal

Less Absolute hand, revenue grew 12.5 per Bank Negara Likely to Cut Key Rate Again cent or RM 3 billion to RM 26.03 Poverty in billion compared with RM 23.02 KUALA LUMPUR – Bank billion previously. Sarawak Negara is likely to cut its key Maybank has declared a div- interest rate again this year if idend of 25 sen per share, pay- the United States Federal Re- able within three months. serve (Fed) further eases its On a quarter-on-quarter ba- monetary policy amid uncer- sis, Maybank said the second tain global economic growth, quarter also recorded a stron- according to Malayan Banking ger earnings growth momen- Berhad (Maybank). tum compared with the first Group president and CEO, quarter. This resulted in pre-tax Datuk Abdul Farid Alias, said profit advancing by 8.2 per cent the central bank is likely to cut quarter-on-quarter. another 25 basis points off its “Net profit also came in 7.3 overnight policy rate (OPR) this per cent higher, boosted by a year to 2.75 per cent, which 10.9 per cent rise in net fee- would help to boost private estimated it would encourage spending. based income arising mainly consumption. businesses and consumers to Meanwhile, the bank’s de- from better investment and SARIKEI — Chief Minister “The government has men- spend more, which would boost posit growth for the first half trading income, ” it said. Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari tioned that we still have plenty the economy. grew 3.9 per cent compared Maybank chairman Datuk Tun Openg stated that Sarawak of tools to respond to any slow- The country’s biggest bank- with 5.5 per cent a year earlier. Mohaiyani Shamsudin said the has reduced the rate of abso- down in the global economy ing group by assets is also As for its performance in better momentum in the sec- lute poverty among its people, and one of it is the key interest adopting a cautious approach the second quarter to end- ond quarter was achieved de- including those who live in the rates,” said Abdul Farid. in the second half of the year, June, Maybank posted a mar- spite the challenging operating rural areas. “What we anticipate is for especially on the external fac- ginal decline in net profit to environment globally. Based on a United Nations re- rates to be cut further, not only tors. RM 1.94 billion compared to “We are also optimistic that port which said the percentage in Malaysia but in countries “Domestically, there is more RM 1.96 billion in the same there would be better busi- of low-income earners in Sar- around the region,” he added. clarity in some infrastructure quarter last year. This came on ness opportunities in the sec- awak is higher than the nation- He said this at a press con- projects which would boost de- a 13.4 per cent jump in reve- ond-half of the year, driven by al-level figure, the Chief Minis- ference to announce Maybank’s mand from the corporate side,” nue to RM 13.05 billion from the measures being put in place ter said the methodology used first-half financial performance. Abdul Farid said. RM 11.51 billion previously. by governments regionally to to measure the poverty rate Earlier this month, the Fed For the first half of the year, Its gross impaired loans ra- stimulate growth and boost should be checked. lowered its interest rate to a Maybank’s overall loan growth tio for the period stood at 2.01 consumer spending.” “GDP is gross total income range of 2 per cent to 2.25 per was at 4.6 per cent year-on- per cent, which was higher than On the bank’s digital initia- divided by population. But cent for the first time since the year (y-o-y), which was the the 1.81 per cent posted in the tives, Abdul Farid revealed that what we want to know now is global financial crisis in 2008. same rate as a year earlier. The second quarter of last year. in line with the global trend, real poverty and absolute pover- Its chairman Jerome Powell bank’s stronger loans were con- Maybank’s pre-tax profit for Maybank is exploring the digi- ty. As for absolute poverty, we noted that weak global growth tributed by its three home mar- the quarter rose 1.6 per cent to tal banking space in the region. have decreased it,” he said. and the trade war between the kets—Malaysia (4.2 per cent), RM 2.65 billion on the back of “Digital banking is no longer Patinggi Abang Johari said US and China has been disrup- Singapore (2.3 per cent) and a 1.2 per cent rise in net operat- just an idea, it’s a reality,” he this at the ‘A Dinner with Com- tive to the world economy and Indonesia (6.1 per cent). ing income and a 19.6 per cent said. munity’ event in Sarikei. growth within the US, despite Abdul Farid noted that the decline in net impairment loss- He said in terms of licensing, He explained that absolute the US labour market improving. loan growth for 2019 in Ma- es. Maybank could launch its own poverty means that a person has Meanwhile, Abdul Farid laysia is forecast at 4.7 per cent For the first half of the year, digital banking, however, the nothing but the people in rural pointed out that while a cut in y-o-y, driven by the revival of Maybank’s earnings fell 2 per bank would need to explore Sarawak have land, which is an the OPR would impact May- major infrastructure projects cent to RM 3.75 billion from other opportunities to stay asset. bank’s net interest margins, he and government development RM 3.83 billion. On the other ahead of the curve. “They do not have high income because they have yet to monetize their assets. Why can’t they monetize their assets... because they lack knowledge. That is all,” he said. ASM 2 Wawasan to Pay RM 1.06bil to Unit Holders For this reason, the state gov- ernment is underlining the im- al financial markets, Tan Sri shares contributing RM 231.05 portance of education because Dato’ Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz— million or 24 per cent. through education people gain Group Chairman of Permoda- Dividend income from knowledge on how to transform lan Nasional Berhad—said that investments in listed and or monetize their assets into PNB is focused on strengthen- non-listed companies amount- production. ing its resilience. ed to RM 569.48 million or It was reported by a nation- According to Zeti, PNB re- 58 per cent of total gross al English daily on Wednesday mains firmly committed to its income, with the remain- that a UN Special Rapporteur mandate to enhance the eco- ing RM 178.98 million or 18 on Extreme Poverty and Hu- nomic wealth of the Bumiput- per cent from investments in man Rights Issues, Philip Alston, era community and Malaysians sukuk/Islamic fixed deposit as compiled a report which said through sound investments, well as income from other fixed the percentage of low-income KUALA LUMPUR – Amanah A wholly-owned unit trust which it believes would ensure income instruments. earners in Sarawak is higher Saham Malaysia 2 Wawasan company of Permodalan Na- sustainable returns for the long The computation of the in- than the national-level figure. (ASM 2 Wawasan) will pay out sional Bhd. (PNB), ASNB said term. come distribution for ASM 2 At the national level, 8.8 per a total of RM 1.06 billion in in- ASM 2 Wawasan recorded a net Since the beginning of the fi- Wawasan is based on the av- cent of households in Malaysia come distribution to 883,049- income of RM 760 million for nancial year of ASM 2 Wawasan, erage minimum balance held have a monthly income of less unit holders who currently hold the first 11 months of its finan- the 30-stock FBM KLCI has fallen throughout the financial year of than RM 2,000. 21.60 billion units. cial year as at 31 July. by 10.16 per cent from 1,819.66 the fund. According to the report, the Amanah Saham Nasional It said the subdued local at 31 Aug, last year to 1,634.87 The distribution declared by situation is more dire in certain Bhd. (ASNB) had declared an stock market performance was on 31 July this year. ASM 2 Wawasan will be re-in- states. It stressed that in Sar- income distribution of five sen impacted by external and glob- As of 31 July2019, ASM 2 vested as additional units into awak, 15.5 per cent of house- per unit for its fixed price fund al factors. Wawasan generated a total the accounts of the unit holders holds have a total family month- ASM 2 Wawasan for the finan- Due to the highly volatile gross income of RM 979.5 mil- and will be automatically cred- ly income of less than RM 2,000. cial year ending 31 Aug 2019. challenging domestic and glob- lion, with profit from sale of ited on 1 Sept 2019. WOMEN September 2019 | Selangor Journal 07

children with special needs. Sultan Launches Women’s and Children’s Specialist Hospital These includes Audiologists, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, care and treat- Datuk Dr Omar Abd Hamid, Chair- Child Development Specialists, Clinical ment for wom- man and Group Chief Executive Offi- Psychologists, Dietitians, Play Thera- en and children, cer of Avisena Group, said the hospital pists. The child development centre will complete with a has received an overwhelming response be equipped with Snoezelen/Sensory total of 133 beds from the public since it began operating Room. It is due to be launched before and 52 specialist in May 2019. end of this year. doctors. “Avisena Women’s and Children’s Together with Marriot Hotel, The The hospital Specialist Hospital has not only been Avisena Group will tap into the health was launched by outfitted with the latest medical equip- tourism industry and attract tourists Sultan of Selan- ment and technology, it offers speciali- from Australia, Indonesia and the Mid- gor Sultan Shara- ties in obstetrics, gynaecology and pae- dle East. Building a 250-bed hospital in fuddin Idris Shah diatrics in almost all specialisations such the Valley and expending to a few Al-Haj Ibni Almar- as infertility, maternal-foetal medicine, more locations outside Selangor are par- hum Sultan Sala- urogynaecology, neonatology, paediatric tof the future plan. huddin Abdul Aziz cardiology, paediatric surgery, paediatric “We are confident that the project will SHAH ALAM – Avisena Group has Shah Al-Haj, and was graced by Tengku orthopaedic, paediatric oral health,” he promote medical tourism, and turn Shah launched its Women’s And Children’s Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku Permaisu- said. Alam into a quality health services hub Specialist Hospital in the heart of Shah ri Norashikin and Raja Muda Tengku Datuk Dr Omar said that Avisena in Selangor and Malaysia,” said Dr Omar. Alam. Avisena Women’s and Children’s Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Women’s and Children’s Specialist Hos- Avisena Group currently owns a 118- Specialist Hospital is the first of its kind Shah. pital is currently in the final stage of bed hospital named Avisena Specialist in Malaysia and is the largest private Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin setting up a state-of-the-art child devel- Hospital located 200 metres away from healthcare facility focusing on first-class Shari was also present at the launch. opment centre, providing services for its new women’s and children’s hospital.

due to its ‘revealing’ style, perhaps some married with the local Malay commu- modifications can be made to revive for nity—the term ‘peranakan’ meaning lo- special occasions? cally-born. The women are often called ‘nyonyas’. While the traditional costume Cheongsam most identified with this community The cheongsam is a comfortable yet is the nyonya kebaya—a short blouse elegant piece of traditional worn by made of thin material which is fastened Chinese women. The term ‘cheongsam’ with three kerosang or brooches and originates from the Cantonese language, worn with a batik sarong—an older ver- and traditional dress is also known as qi- sion of Peranakan women’s dress was a pao (long dress) in Mandarin. Tradition- long, loose, almost ankle-length blouse ally, cheongsam were loose and worn called the baju panjang, similar to the Inherited Elegance: with trousers underneath them. The ele- Malay kebaya labuh. gant cheongsam that we know today—a long, figure-hugging dress with high Portuguese–Eurasian Dress Malaysian Traditional Costumes side slits with frog closure buttons that The Portuguese-Eurasian community of run down from the neck to the upper Malacca also has a traditional dress of alaysia is a truly beautiful country with a blend of ethnicities, cultural di- side of the chest—originated in Shang- its own. Dating back to the early 1500s, versity and rich history. This is reflected in the richness and variety of Ma- hai and was popularized in the 1930s. the Malaccan Portuguese traditional laysian women’s traditional clothing. The wide range of beautiful clothes costume is reminiscent of European folk Mvary in design not only in terms of the ethnicity from which they originate but also dress. Black and red from state to state. Sadly, some of these beautiful costumes are becoming more and dominate the colour more rarely worn. Perhaps it’s time to revive some of these unique fashions? Baju Kurung scheme of these tra- ditional costumes. The women wear Baju Kurung and Kebaya labuh Puteri Perak Costume The loose, flowy baju kurung is the tra- The Puteri Perak costume is the tradi- ditional dress that has remained most tional attire of the girls of Perak. This popular among Malay women. It consists traditional costume is not only elegant of a loose-fitting, approximately knee- but also unique because it is matched length tunic worn over a long skirt. The with pants instead of the usual sarong. popularity of the baju kurung can be as- The top has a high collar neck in the cribed to its suitability to Islamic clothing style of cekak musang, similar to men’s requirements for women. Women tradi- baju Melayu. A sampin or wrap at the tionally wore it with a head cover, such waist finishes off the look to add mod- as the kain kelubung (a piece of sewn esty. Today, the Puteri Perak costume cloth that covered the head and a part of is usually only worn by Perak-born a broad aproned the upper body) or selendang (shawl). In brides. Saree skirt with a vest un- more recent times, a tudung (headscarf) der which a white is worn to complete the outfit. Cik Siti Wan Kembang’s Attire blouse is worn. Tra- Another evergreen Malay traditional This outfit is based on the costume worn ditionally, a head- women’s costume is the kebaya labuh. by the legendary Cik Siti Wan Kembang, Nyonya Kebaya cover is also worn. Originating from Johor-Riau, the baju a princess who ruled Kelantan. It is kebaya labuh is a two-piece outfit with a fashioned from three pieces of fabric: a Saree long top that opens in front, usually worn lengthy silk piece wrapped around the Being in existence during formal occasions. Though today chest like a kemban, a songket sarong for over 5,000 kebaya blouses tend to be knee-length at and a shawl also made from songket years, the Indian saree is considered most, the original kebaya labuh fell down fabric worn over the shoulder. To add to be among the world’s most ancient to the ankles–labuh being the Malay word to its charm, the costume is decorated Nyonya Kebaya forms of attire still existence. ‘Saree’ for ‘long’. The look was usually complet- with jewellery, belts, bangles and cucuk The Peranakan Chinese are a unique means “strip of cloth” in Sanskrit, an ed with tiered linked brooches called do- sanggul (decorative hair pins). While community that began many centuries koh worn over the front fastening. this traditional outfit has lost popularity ago when Chinese immigrants inter- Story continues on Page 8 08 FEATURE September 2019 | Selangor Journal

continued from page 07 tionally wear short blouses called sinu- Ngepan Indu Iban to 5kg and is worn during special occa- angga and a wrap skirt called tapi. The Ngepan Indu Iban is worn by the Iban sions such as the Gawai festival. apt description as this dress is essen- sinuangga, which has a U-neckline, is women of Sarawak. It has 11 compo- tially a piece of cloth about 4 to 8 me- usually made from black cotton, with nents: sugu tinggi (silver headdress), Orang Asli Clothing ters in length and 0.6 to 1.2 meters silk or velvet used for ceremonial occa- marek empang or tangu which is worn Traditionally living in the deep jungles wide, which is wrapped around the sions. Red, yellow and cream embroi- around the neck and rests on the shoul- of Malaysia, the Orang Asli sourced nat- body. The decoratively embroidered dery lins the openings for the head and ders; kain karap or kebat (woven skirt), ural materials such as tree bark, grass or printed end is left to drape over the arms. Gold buttons are fixed all the lampit (silver belt), rawai (silver cor- and certain types of leaves for use as left shoulder. Sarees are usually worn way from the neckline to the midriff set), tumpa pirak or bentuk (silver ban- clothing. The tree bark is pulled apart to with a matching or contrasting choli, on costumes for ceremonial or formal gles), gelang kaki or gerunchung (silver have a cloth-like texture, and leaf fronds a tight-fitting midriff blouse with or occasions. This traditional costume is anklets), buah pauh (silver purse), se- are woven into complex patterns to without sleeves. often accessorized with gold jewellery lampai (beaded sash), tali ujan or mu- make sashes and headgear. These tradi- and a tangkong (hip belt), together lung (silver chain), sementing buchai or tional clothes are now mostly worn only Kadazan Sinuangga And Tapi with a himpogot belt made out of silver sengkiling (a coin corset with dangling for ceremonial occasions such as ritual The Kadazan women of Sabah tradi- dollar coins. coins). The entire costume can weigh up dances or the Hari Moyang festival.

in different places throughout the Sa- bak Bernam district. It is believed that they died at Ulu Bernam, Landu Beach, Seberang Kota, Sungai Lang or Tanjung Medan, Keranji and Kampung Kemboja beach, respectively. The reason for their arrival is unknown. However, one of the companions who arrived in Keranji is re- membered as a hero for helping the vil- lagers against the Achehnese who came to attack Keranji. According to a different version of the story, the name Sabak Bernam is de- rived from a different event. In 1880, six former chiefs from Acheh and Sumatra, who had left their respective states and had come to the Peninsula to look for a By new home. These six were leaders and Muhaimin Merican nobles who were said to have fled a war Sabak Bernam: in their homelands. Economy The economy of the district of Sabak District of Many Trades Bernam remains mainly similar to its traditional roots as almost 50 per cent of the land in the Sabak Bernam area is abak Bernam is both a district as well as a parliamenta- used for agricultural purposes. About 70 per cent of the population are farmers ry constituency in northwestern Selangor, covering an and fishermen. area of 997 square kilometres. The undoubtedly most famous agri- culture produce from Sabak Bernam is S rice. With rice fields stretching as far Sabak Bernam and the Straits of Malacca to the west. as the eyes can see, Sabak Bernam has Selangor The forms its border with a total area of 14,099​​ hectares of rice Perak. cultivation, accounting for 71 per cent Significant towns in Sabak Bernam of Selangor’s total rice crop, and this Sabak Bernam is both a district district include Sabak, allows it to provide the locals with a as well as a parliamentary and . It is the Selangor district good source of income. There are also constituency in northwestern that is farthest away from Shah Alam multiple rice factories located in Sabak Selangor, covering an area of 997 and Kuala Lumpur, located more than Bernam where rice is milled and pack- square kilometres. 100 kilometres away from both. aged before being shipped all over the country. It borders the state of Perak to the Unique Name The area is also very well-known for north, the district of Hulu Selangor According to what was gathered through the local palm oil plantations that make to the east, the district of Kuala generational storytelling and passing up a big part of the former countryside. Selangor to the south, and the down of tradition, the name Sabak Ber- These palm oil estates employ and pro- Straits of Malacca to the west. nam is derived from the phrase sahabat vide locals with employment. berenam which translates into ‘six com- Moreover, due to the coastal nature of panions’. the area, its soil is suitable for coconut According to the story, six friends had cultivation. Coconuts from Sabak Ber- gone upstream of the Bernam River and nam are also shipped all over the coun- In the past, the found that there was a fallen tree block- try. had only four subdistricts or , but ing their path upriver. They cut up the Other popular agricultural products it has since evolved into five mukim to- tree and made their way up the river. that can be found in the plantations and day: , Panchang Although the authenticity of this story is farms in Sabak Bernam include cocoa, Bedena, Pasir Panjang, Sabak and Sun- questionable and lacks official documen- vegetables, and fruits. gai Panjang tation, there is a significant little piece of Besides this, the coastal location of The district is located at the north- evidence that seems to relate to these six the district also makes fishing a popular western corner of Selangor. It borders companions, in that their graves can still economic activity. In fact, Sabak Bernam the state of Perak to the north, the dis- be found today in specific areas all over has the highest number of fishermen in trict of Hulu Selangor to the east, the the district. Selangor over 3,000 people. district of Kuala Selangor to the south, All of them are believed to have died The geographical terrain of the dis- FEATURE September 2019 | Selangor Journal 09 trict allows multiple types of fishing, Sekinchan including river fishing and deep-sea Fancy dining in a vintage bus? Or eating fishing. Towns like Sungai Besar and rice out of a piece of bamboo? You can Sekinchan are famous for their seafood, do all this and more in Sekinchan. with visitors from all over coming in to The coastal Not only is the town well-known get a taste of fresh seafood straight from location of the for its grilled fish, it is also known for the sea. district also makes crabs, mentarang (a kind of clam), and Moreover, local tourism is on the rise fishing a popular other seafood. Besides these, there are in Sabak Bernam. Bringing forth the idea economic activity. lots of other interesting dishes for you of ecotourism, the district is beginning In fact, Sabak to try here. A bonus: the green of the to focus on creating quality recreational Bernam has the surrounding rice fields against blue skies infrastructure. Homestays and fishing highest number make for some instagram-worthy pho- villages have become a focal point for of fishermen in tos. tourism in Sabak Bernam. Selangor over 3,000 people. Masjid Jin For those who enjoy the local legends Sabak Bernam has a total area of ​​ and Malay folklore, the Masjid Jin (Jinn 14,099 hectares of rice cultivation. Mosque) is located in Kampung Pan- The Bagan chang Bedena, about 8 kilometres from Nakhoda Omar the town of Sungai Besar. Recreational Multiple stories surrounding super- Centre is situated natural activities have been reported at Bagan Nakhoda around the mosque area. The locals be- Omar beach. lieve that the jinns do not disturb those who intent on praying. The mosque also has unique architec- tural features. The wooden architecture and markings highlight the traditional Masjid Jinn — the Malay architecture of old at its finest. locals believe that The mosque has been placed under the jinns do not the supervision of the State Museum, disturb those who where its uniqueness will always be pre- intent on praying. served.

Not only is the town well-known for its grilled fish, it is also known for crabs, mentarang (a kind of Due to the coastal nature of the clam), and other seafood. area, its soil is suitable for coconut cultivation. Coconuts from Sabak The green of the Bernam are also shipped all over surrounding rice the country. fields against blue skies make for some Local Tourism instagram- As there are plans underway by the state worthy photos. government to make the state’s eco-tour- ism more accessible to locals and tour- ists alike, Sabak Bernam is considered to Homestays be one area with the most potential to One of the biggest attraction that Sa- highlight state tourism. bak Bernam can offer is the various Some of the places in Sabak Bernam homestays that can be found throughout you should not miss to visit are: the district. These homestays provide visitors with Bagan Nakhoda Omar a taste of the kampung life in the quiet The Bagan Nakhoda Omar Recreation- villages of the district. Also, tourists are al Centre is situated at Bagan Nakhoda These allowed to stay with a family in their Omar beach. It is one of the recreational homestays home and experience the daily life of facilities that has been developed by the provide visitors the chosen community in local villages. government to attract tourists to visit with a taste of Surrounded by rice fields, rivers and this district. It has become a favourite the kampung fishing villages, the popular concept is destination among those who love to life in the quiet said to be very popular with city folk enjoy the beauty of the beach as a part villages of the and foreign tourists who are looking for of nature. district. a break from city life and get a taste of Also, the jetty to the Paradise Resort the serene and quiet kampung lifestyle. Kelong is located in this area. This has According to Tourism Selangor, pop- made the Bagan Nakhoda Omar Recre- ular homestays in the district include ational Centre a definite tourist spot in Homestay Haji Dorani, Homestay Papi- this district. tusulem and Homestay Air Manis. 10 NEWS September 2019 | Selangor Journal

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RM 400,000 for Gombak disaster victims : Don’t believe fake news The state government, through Selangor Menteri Besar Incorporated His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, (MBI), has allocated RM 400,000 to warned the people not to believe in slander and fake news, especially on residents of Gombak who were hit social media, trying to disrupt the peace and harmony of the nation. by the tropical cyclone before Aidil He said the people should be tolerant and strive to understand each other Adha. to celebrate their cultural, cultural and religious differences. He reminded Dato’ Menteri Besar Amirudin that in this way, Malaysians will live in an atmosphere of independence in the Shari said, the Selangor Zakat true sense. Authority had also given RM 68,000 Sultan Sharafuddin is optimistic that the celebration of National Day to the victims. celebrated on 31 August each year will continue to inculcate the spirit of “We hope this assistance will patriotism among the people, and instil a sense of love and compassion for reduce the burden on the people the country in the hearts of all Malaysians. and hence the state government will coordinate the relief [efforts] of the Tengku Amir attends Sabak Bernam people who have been tahlil ceremony and affected by the recent disaster,” said prayers Amirudin. He said this during the Sungai Tua MB: Listen to Voices of His Royal Highness Tengku Amir State Legislative Assembly (DUN) the Young Shah, the Crown Prince of Selangor, Independence Day Celebration today attended a yasin, tahlil and Program at Public Park. Steps should be taken to engage prayer ceremony held in conjunction the post-Merdeka youth in order to with the 62nd anniversary of the better understand their needs and Selangor State. wants, Dato’ Menteri Besar, Amirudin He arrived at the Sultan Salahuddin Shari has said. Mosque Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque He said the complaints of young here at 12.30 p.m. accompanied by people should also be heard, given the Secretary of the State, Dato’ Mohd the future of Selangor and Malaysia Amin Ahmad Ahya. lie in the hands of this group. The reading of the surah Yasin and “As long as we do not succeed in a tahlil was led by the imam of the providing solutions to their problems, state mosque, Muhammad Farhan we will be seen as failing to look after Wijaya. 2,000 Sungai Tua the future of Malaysia as a whole,” he residents celebrate said in a speech in conjunction with Merdeka with Menteri the Selangor State 62nd National Day Besar Celebration, 2019. 16% increase in MPSJ recycling rate More than 2,000 people of various Selangor records 56 races including Malays, Chinese and Recycling rates under the births of Merdeka Indians gathered to celebrate the SLIM Selangor to be administration of the Subang Jaya babies Sungai Tua State Assembly (DUN) widened Municipal Council (MPSJ) increased Independence Day celebration by 16 per cent to mid-year through programme. The Selangor SLIM program, which the ‘Waste Wise Cities’ campaign, A total of 56 babies were born Members of the public were began at the State Secretary’s office in compared to only 1.22 per cent in today in conjunction with the 62nd gathered as early as 8 a.m. to watch June, has received increasing public 2006. Independence Day at a government a parade of six contingents of 300 attention in Selangor. Subang Jaya Municipal Council hospital in Selangor, from 12 members including the Village Exco for Health, Welfare, Women (MPSJ) president, Noraini Roslan, midnight to 8 a.m. Community Management Council and Family Empowerment, Dr Siti said they had been working hard to Selangor State Health Director (MPKK), Seri Secondary Mariah Mahmud, said the program increase recycling activities among Dato’ Dr said the School, SM Selayang School, SJK would be extended to other the residents since the ‘Waste Wise babies were born at Tengku Ampuan Kheow Bin Batu Caves, SJK Tamil departments and agencies of the Cities’ campaign was introduced on 1 Rahimah Hospital in Klang, Selayang Batu Caves and Azmida College. State Government. March. Hospital and Hospital. The programme began with a “Due to the good response, the The ‘Waste Wise Cities’ programme “Of the 56 births 21 were boys and Jalur Gemilang a motorcycle and programme will continue to involve was implemented following a 35 were girls. four-wheel drive vehicle convoy with other departments and agencies of the campaign introduced by the agency “Three of these were C-section Dato’ Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari, state government but in a place that under the United Nations (UN), the births, with two sets of Malay twin who is also a member of the Sungai is compatible with their respective United Nations Human Settlement boys safely born at Selayang and Tua State Assembly. locations,” she said. Program. Kajang Hospital [respectively].” NEWS September 2019 | Selangor Journal 11

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SELANGOR JOURNAL

Agong stops car to help 448 traffic summonses accident victims issued on Merdeka eve

The Yang di-PertuanAgong, Al- Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al- Mustafa Billah Shah, descended from the official vehicle to check on an Child with autism accident victim near the intersection swims across Dinding of USJ on the ELITE highway. Strait in honour of Agong: Hijrah for a His Majesty was reportedly on National Day Six motorcyclists and a motorist developed nation his way home after attending the were arrested while 448 traffic- ‘Children of Malaysia Walk 2019’ related summonses were issued Yang di-PertuanAgong, Al- programme at Eco Ardence in Setia Despite having autism, Nur Dhia during a traffic ops on the eve of Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al- Alam held on Merdeka Day. Izz Ashfadina Muhammad Asrie, Merdeka in the capital. Mustafa Billah Shah, today called The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has 10, completed a 10-kilometre swim Kuala Lumpur Traffic and on all Malaysians to emigrate to previously shown his concern by across the Dinding Strait here today Investigation Department chief ACP form a developed nation with a stopping to check on accident victims in conjunction with Merdeka Day. Zulkefly Yahya said that during the solid foundation of solidarity and on at least two other occasions. Nur Dhia Izz Ashfadina, known operations from 9.30 p.m. to 4.30 harmony in conjunction with the as Dhia, completed the swim that a.m. dubbed ‘Ops Ambang Merdeka’, Maal Hijrah 1441 celebration. started from Pangkor Jetty and ended summonses were issued for various His Majesty said the move of the at Weldzone Jetty in Lumut in 3 hours offences such as licence plates not nation to a higher level would be 40.49 seconds. within specifications, illegal vehicle achieved through the development of The swim event, which began at 9 modifications, no sideview mirrors a spirit of tolerance and cooperation a.m., included nine other swimmers and not having a valid driving of multiracial people, which is the aged between nine and 18. 47 officers license. One of the arrested motorists foundation of national unity. and members of the Royal Malaysian was held for drunk driving. “As we strive to make the Navy (RMAF) attended the event. pilgrimage to a more tolerant society Dhia, when met, said she was and be imbued with love, let us not excited to finish the swim despite neglect the demands of religion having to face waves and hot weather. and the law of God,” he said in conjunction with the National Level Maal Hijrah Celebration rally here. The Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah, TPM: We must reject was also in attendance. disunity Tun M: Nationalism Agong joins the should not be stopped Siti Zainon Ismail ‘Children of Malaysia Walk 2019’ While celebrating the 62nd Named National National Day, Tun Dr Mahathir Literary Laureate His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Mohamad hoped the people Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al- regardless of religion, race and Traditional arts researcher and Mustafa Billah Shah attended the culture would seek the spirit of writer Siti Zainon Ismail has been ‘Children of Malaysia Walk 2019’ nationalism that helped Malaysia named the national literary laureate program held at Eco Ardence in Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri achieve independence and develop it by the education ministry. She is the SetiaAlam here today. Dr said the into a successful nation. 14th person to be awarded the title. The arrival of Sultan Abdullah was people of the country needed to be In a speech in conjunction with Education Minister Maszlee Malik welcomed by ‘Children of Malaysia mature in assessing the issues that Merdeka Day 2019, the Prime said Siti Zainon earned the award for Walk’ chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye could lead to a split. Minister said Malaysia was built her contributions to the development and Ecoworld Malaysia chairman Tan She said there was no place in the on values, mutual respect, respect, of Malaysia’s national literature. Sri Liew Kee Sin. Malaysian community for those who willingness to give and share, Siti Zainon’s impact on spreading Also participating in the 300-metre deliberately sowed seeds of disunity. unselfish and willing to sacrifice for knowledge at the national and walk were Economic Affairs Minister She said that unity and tolerance the sake of the country. international levels, as well as her Datuk Seri , among the people is key to the Without those values, Malaysia leadership in literary associations, are Federal Territory Minister Khalid nation’s independence, and that would not have grown into a among other factors that won her the Abdul Samad and Selangor Menteri cooperation and tolerance were the developed nation capable of giving coveted recognition. Besar Amirudin Shari. backbones of universal security. its people comfort and prosperity 12 PROPERTY September 2019 | Selangor Journal

Housing Loan Approvals to Affordable Housing A Shared Responsibility

Increase by 20% KUALA LUMPUR — Decent units, they are [priced] above tenure and eventually own the affordable housing is fundamen- RM 300,000. That is why we also property. KUALA LUMPUR — Fol- tal to the health and well-be- have to address the supply-de- This is as opposed to merely lowing the easing of eligi- ing of the people and will also mand mismatch. buying the house upfront and bility requirements for Bank smoothen the functioning of “While there is demand for af- then falling behind their obliga- Negara Malaysia’s RM 1 economies. Yet in develop- fordable housing, the developers tions and ending up losing the billion Fund for Affordable ing and advanced economies are building outside the afford- property. Homes, Finance Minister around the world, cities are able reach of the majority of Ma- As such, Nor Shamsiah not- expects home struggling to meet that need. laysians,” said Nor Shamsiah. ed that much is being done to loan approvals for first-time Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Recently, the central bank ex- educate consumers on areas homebuyers to increase by at Governor Datuk Nor Shamsi- panded the eligibility criteria for relating to credit and financial least 20 per cent. ah Mohd. Yunus stressed that those seeking to purchase prop- management, especially through Lim said this after the affordable housing is a shared erty under the BNM’s RM1 bil- the Agensi Kaunseling dan Pen- Budget 2020 focus group meeting. responsibility and that the gov- lion Fund for Affordable Homes. gurusan Kredit (AKPK, Credit According to Lim, the fund’s extended repayment duration ernment is looking at how infra- As of 1 Sept 2019, individuals Counselling and Debt Manage- of 40 years—from 30 years previously—will help to reduce structure providers could play planning to apply for financing ment Agency), which has gained the monthly housing loan repayments of first-time homebuy- their part in reducing the cost of to purchase affordable hous- greater traction. ers by 20 percent. houses. es would be eligible to do so if AKPK is an agency established Starting 1 September, the maximum monthly household This is in line with the coun- they have a maximum monthly by BNM to help individuals take income for applicants to the fund will be RM 4,360—up from try’s commitment to provide household income of RM 4,360, control of their finances through RM 2,300 previously. adequate and affordable hous- up 86 per cent from the ear- prudent financial management Meanwhile, the central bank has also raised the maximum ing for all income levels—par- lier threshold income level of and financial education. property price from RM 150,000 to RM 300,000. ticularly for the lower-income RM 2,300 per month. Financial literacy is among the Moreover, successful applicants also have the opportunity group. Moreover, the maximum prop- factors that can contribute to sus- to enjoy a low interest rate of 3.5 per cent per annum with a “There are three components erty price will be increased to tainable and inclusive economic 40-year repayment duration. which make up the biggest pro- RM 300,000 from RM 150,000. growth. It is the first line of de- They will also be exempted from stamp duty for their sales portion of the cost, namely land, These new terms would help fence for consumers to protect and purchase agreement as well as their financing agreement. construction and infrastruc- buyers from this income group their rights when dealing with ture,” she said. to obtain financing to purchase unfair market practices. “There is a greater recognition their first house. Meanwhile, to alleviate the now on the need to reduce costs. On the other hand, Nor public’s burden in coping with Ease Financing Margin for Home Buyers For land costs, the government is Shamsiah repeated the impor- the rising cost of living, par- collaborating with the state gov- tance of the Guidelines on Re- ticularly for the M40 and B40 ernment on mechanisms to re- sponsible Financing. groups, the Governor said BNM SHAH ALAM — S P Setia Bhd. hopes the government will duce costs; and for construction “The Guidelines on Responsi- has been emphasising the im- make the financing process for first-time home buyers more costs, that is where the govern- ble Financing is still relevant be- portance of improving technical affordable, especially for those looking to use the property for ment is looking to leverage tech- cause the main objective of these skills, reforming the labour mar- owner-occupation. nology such as the IBS (Industri- guidelines is to ensure that bor- ket and education system. The margin of financing is imperative for buyers as it allows alised Building System) to bring rowers are able to afford the loan “There needs to be greater them to fork out a lower down payment when purchasing a down the cost,” she added. and can benefit from it,” she said. collaboration between training property. Based on the median multi- “So, if a customer is taking providers and the industry play- “The reduction in overnight policy rate (OPR) [by Bank ple approach, a house is deemed the loan to buy a house, the cus- ers to ensure Malaysia produces Negara Malaysia recently] helped a bit in terms of our take-up to be unaffordable if it is priced tomer should eventually own the graduates with the right skills,” rate, but the more important thing for buyers is the margin of more than three times the annu- house at the end of their loan said Nor Shamsiah. financing, as most of them can afford the instalments,” said S al household income. Malaysia’s tenure. Ultimately, the banks During the interview, Nor P Setia President and CEO, Datuk Khor Chap Jen. is at 4.8 times. and the borrowers should also Shamsiah explained at length “The biggest challenge for them is the down payment. If the “Let’s take the B40 for exam- be responsible in the decision. It several other key issues pertain- margin of financing is less, it means that they have to pay even ple. With their median monthly works both ways,” she added. ing to the country’s economic more for the down payment.” income of RM 3,000, they can The central bank’s responsible growth, the banking industry, the On the other hand, Khor hoped the threshold for foreign only afford houses up to around financing guidelines are in place vital need to increase consumer property buyers would be lowered to allow them to obtain RM 108,000 which is three times to protect the interest of borrow- awareness, as well as the impor- property in Malaysia and help alleviate the property overhang. their annual income,” Nor Sham- ers by ensuring that those who tance of education, reskilling and “We appreciate the Government’s efforts to clear some of siah noted. borrow are within their capac- upskilling in order to stay rele- the unsold units—which includes the Home Ownership Cam- “If you look at the 68 per ity to honour the financial obli- vant in a challenging and con- paign (HOC)—but we are currently facing a property over- cent of total unsold residential gation until the end of the loan stantly changing economy. hang, especially higher-priced properties,” he said. “For example, in Selangor, the current threshold is set at RM 2 million for the foreign buyers, and it should be lowered Country Garden Malaysia Unveils First Transit-Oriented Project to maybe RM 1 million in line with all the other States. We have been receiving a lot of interest from foreign buyers and KUALA LUMPUR — Lake lation and provide for a more Ho Chin Soon, renowned we should take advantage of that opportunity.” City@KL North was unveiled organized use of land space,” map maker and chairman of Meanwhile, instead of by the end of 2019, the proposed by Country Garden Malaysia as said Jason Fu, Regional Presi- Ho Chin Soon Research, noted development project of S P Setia in Osaka, Japan will be its first integrated transit-ori- dent at Country Garden Malay- that the swing in attention to- launched in early 2020. ented project in Kuala Lumpur. sia. wards KL North has been sub- This is due to the fact that the development plans for the With the aim to bring con- “Sitting on 80 acres of prime stantial over the last few years. RM 1.8 billion project has just been approved and that the venience by integrating with land, Lake City@KL North will “Lake City@KL North will company is currently making the necessary preparations, such the external city via an efficient be able to increase the eco- diversify living spaces centred as submitting the project’s detailed building plans. transportation system, the nomic activity to create new around interconnectivity which The 1.98 ha integrated development project is a stone’s project will continue with the jobs, ease sustainability and sets it apart from other devel- throw away from Kansai International Airport and is situated hotel, office, park, shopping transportation issues, establish opments,” said Ho. next to a premium outlet mall. mall, connectivity and apart- landmarks for the city and cre- “This seamless integration “We are taking everything into consideration. Japan will be ments (HOPSCA) concept. ate synergistic communities.” of urban transportation offered having the Olympics next year, so if we were to start construc- “The HOPSCA concept— Recently, property in KL in addition to accessibility to tion now, it would be very expensive. So, we expect to launch while relatively new in Ma- North witnessed an apprecia- highways like the LDP, DUKE, [the project] early next year,” said Khor. laysia—is quickly getting the tion mostly due to the upcom- [and] MRR2, will regenerate “There is a lot of interest and queries because it is very con- attention of urban planners as ing MRT Line 2, with seven of KL North even further, turning venient for those working in Kansai Airport,” noted Khor. it can accommodate the rapid its 26 proposed stations set to the area into a residential des- growth of a city’s urban popu- be located within the vicinity. tination of choice,” he added. FEATURE September 2019 | Selangor Journal 13

Merdeka and Development Selangor was the first place the Jalur Gemilang was ever hoisted to replace the Union Jack when on the On August 31, 1957, the declaration of independence and the lowering of the Union Jack flag was held at Merdeka Square. Also on this historic day, Tunku Abdul Rahman was appointed the first Prime Minister of Ma- laysia. After Independence, Selangor Darul Ehsan became a state under the Federal Government of Malaysia which adopt- ed the Parliamentary Democracy system Selangor Darul Ehsan: with His Highness the Sultan of Selan- gor as the Head of State with the assis- tance of the Selangor Chief Minister and Through the Lens of Time members of the Selangor State Assembly Council who coordinated the state ad- ministration. odern-day Selangor is a bustling state in Malaysia that has The Sultan of Selangor is a member of By the largest economy in Malaysia in terms of gross domestic the Council of Rulers along with the eight Muhaimin Merican product (GDP), with RM 239.968 billion in 2015, comprising other Sultans, as well as the Yang di-Per- tua Negeri of Melaka, Penang, Sabah and 22.6 per cent of the country’s GDP. It is also one of the most developed M Sarawak. This agreement makes the Sul- states in Malaysia and has the largest population in Malaysia, a high tan of Selangor eligible to be elected as standard of living and the lowest poverty rate in the country. Yang di-Pertuan Agong, based on the set rotation system for the YDPA post. On 1 February, 1974, an agreement to the Malay Annals, Tun Perak was ap- between the factions in Perak and Selan- between the Selangor State Government Early History pointed the chief of Klang during the gor, as well as concerns over piracy that Darul Ehsan and the Federation of Ma- Based on research mainly through ar- reign of Sultan Muzaffar Shah. Later, the affected coastal trade, led to increasing laysia was signed for the establishment chaeological discoveries, the early de- son of Sultan Mansur Shah and Hang Li British involvement in the affairs of the of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. velopment of Selangor’s history and Po, a prince named Paduka Sri Cina, was Malay states. This meant that Selangor relinquished cultural heritage can be traced back to made raja of near Langat, which Kuala Lumpur to the federal government. the Hoabinhian period. It continued to may be due to the presence of Chinese British Administration The Sultan of Selangor commemorated flourish during the Neolithic, Metal and miners there. The arrival of the Protocentric periods. In 1766, Raja Lumu arrived in Selangor British into Malaya The early development of Selangor as and founded a new government at Kuala and the introduction a settlement was primarily contributed Selangor. He was installed by the Sultan of the Resident sys- by its geographical factors, which includ- of Perak as Sultan Salehuddin Shah and tem limited the pow- ed a network of rivers capable of irrigat- became the first Sultan of Selangor. ers of the Sultan and ing the interior areas of the area. the state government. With this advantage, as well as its rich During the Brit- flora and fauna, the settlement in Selan- ish administration, a gor greatly flourished, and it helped to In 1766, Raja Lumu State Council was set establish trade relations with the outside up in 1877 with mem- The Malay Rulers with Sir Donald MacGillivary on 5 world. This is evidenced by the discovery arrived in Selangor bers of the Sultans, August 1957 after the Federation of Malaya Agreement- of several artifacts such as the Dong S’on British Residents and Signing Ceremony. bronze drum in Kampung Sungai Lang, and founded a new State dignitaries. The Kuala Langat and Bukit Kuda, Klang and government at then-Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Abdul the city’s transfer by building an archway three bronze bells that were found in Samad, formed the Western Conference on the borders of the new Federal Terri- Klang. Kuala Selangor. He Council based on the Western Resident’s tory and Selangor; the Kota Darul Ehsan guide at the time, Bloomfield Douglas. can still be seen on the Federal Highway was installed by the Klang was the capital of the British co- between Bangsar and Petaling Jaya. lonial administration for Selangor from An area about 25 km southwest of Sultan of Perak as 1875 until 1880 when it was moved to Kuala Lumpur known as Sungai Reng- Sultan Salehuddin Kuala Lumpur. gam was identified as the ideal loca- In 1896, mainly through the coordina- tion for the new capital of Selangor to Shah and became tion of the Resident Frank Swettenham, replace Kuala Lumpur. The then-Sultan Selangor united with Negeri Sembilan, of Selangor, DYMM Sultan Salahuddin the first Sultan of Perak and Pahang to form the Federated Abdul Aziz Shah, agreed to name the Malay States, with Kuala Lumpur as the area Shah Alam in the honour of his late Selangor. capital. father, the late Sultan Hisamuddin Alam The next change took place in 1909 Shah Alhaj. with the establishment of the Federal In the 19th century, the economy of Council. In this Council, the Sultan had Modern-day Selangor Selangor boomed due to the exploita- no authority but to advise the English The state of Selangor is always ahead tion of its tin reserves; mining was done administration officials, in particular on in many areas. It is a centre of trade, fi- Raja Abdul Samad bin Raja Abdullah in various parts of Selangor. In 1854, the matters about Malay customs and Islam. nance, construction, transportation and Sultan of Selangor granted Raja Abdul- In 1927, the Sultan of Selangor and manufacturing which contributes to the lah control of Klang, passing over Raja the other Sultans of the Malay States left country’s primary income. Selangor also Early Rule and Selangor Mahdi, the son of the chief who previous- the Federal Council. contributes to the agriculture and fisher- Sultanate ly ruled Klang, which led to the Selan- The administration of the Federated ies sector. The Malay Annals indicate that the Se- gor Civil War fought between 1867 and Malay States continued until 1941 when langor area was under the control of the 1874. the Japanese invaded the Malaya. When One of the factors that made the state Sultanate of Malacca in the 15th century; Tin mining attracted a massive influx Japan surrendered, Selangor was placed a catalyst for the country’s progress was however, Selangor at that time was not of Chinese migrant labourers, and Chi- under the British Military Administration the centralization of economic activity in a unified domain, with Klang and Jeram nese clans allied with Selangor chiefs (BMA) from September 1945 to early the , which is also located in being separate river states. According also joined the civil war. The conflicts 1946. Kuala Lumpur in the heart of Selangor. 14 BUSINESS September 2019 | Selangor Journal

TM Bullish about Mobile Business MAHB’s Q2 net profit jumps 86 per cent to RM 160.08 mil KUALA LUMPUR – Telekom took over it in September 2014. KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia Airports Holdings Malaysia (TM) is bullish on its Overall, TM saw its net profit Bhd. (MAHB) recorded a net profit of RM160.08 outlook for growth, says new increase from RM 259.09 million million in the second quarter ended June 30, 2019, Group Chief Executive Offi- a year earlier to RM 422.46 mil- an 86 per cent jump over the same quarter last year. cer Dato’ Noor Kamarul Anuar lion in the first six months. According to MAHB, revenue across its vari- Nuruddin. However, group revenue ous operating segments has been improved, led Telekom Malaysia Bhd, whose dropped 4.1 per cent to RM 5.55 by airport operations that have expanded 9.6 per first-half profits ended 30 June billion from RM 5.78 billion due cent to RM 1.19 billion more than doubled to RM 422.46 to lower contribution from all Non-aeronautical segment raisedby 4.2 per million, claims that its long-term lines of products except data ser- cent year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM 528.2 million earnings stability depends on vices. while non-airport operating income raised by 2.7 how fast it can improve its mo- TM also posted double-dig- per cent from higher contributions from the proj- bile services. it growth in the second quarter, ect and repair maintenance business. Meanwhile, the group’s share of associate prof- Unifi Mobile is TM’s mobile with net profit increasing 12 per In spite of passenger traffic, the domestic oper- its dropped to RM 3 million from RM 6.1 million service arm, which was previous- cent to RM 114.18 million from ations experienced 5.3 per cent y-o-y passenger in the previous corresponding quarter while the ly known as Webe. RM 101.93 million a year ago. growth to 25.7 million passengers while Turkey share of joint venture profits grew 10.9 per cent “Our short-term earnings will Revenue eased 5.7 per cent to airport saw 3.6 per cent more passengers passing to RM 5.1 million. be within the guidelines but for RM 2.77 billion from RM 2.94 through for a total of 8.7 million passengers. MAHB’s net profit for the first six months of the future, I am quite bullish that billion While the Malaysian operations managed to 2019 dropped 41.65 per cent over the same pe- we can grow our earnings if we “We continued to face chal- grow PBT by 21.7 per cent to RM 218 million, riod last year to RM 309.66 million on the back improve our mobile services. lenges in 1H 2019. However, our the Turkey operations posted a loss before tax of of 6 per cent higher revenue of RM 2.51 billion. “Once we improve that, there cost optimization efforts contin- RM 16.5 million, indicating an increase of 71.2 The performance of MAHB in Q1 2018 benefit- is a high possibility that we can ue to show results and we will per cent over the loss recorded in Q2 last year. ted from one-off gains of about RM 286 million get much more,” Noor Kamarul keep the momentum on prof- In the same quarter last year, Qatar’s opera- from the fair valuation of investment in a joint said. itability going,” said Noor Ka- tions recorded a lower PBT of RM 100,000 versus venture in Hyderabad and a gain on disposal of “This is the area [in which] marul. RM 3.8 million its stake in an airport project in the Maldives. we are still not that good. But if “We shall navigate the chal- we put more effort into this, we lenges on revenue through a will be able to serve better and stronger focus on customers. We of course, it will create more rev- will also continue to serve as a enue. strategic partner of the National Tenaga Nasional posts Q2 net profit of RM 1.11 bil, dividends 30 sen “Our revenue currently main- Fiberisation Connectivity Plan ly comes from the fixed-line (NFCP) backed by our solid net- KUALA LUMPUR – Power gi- business. We need more revenue work infrastructure,” he added. ant Tenaga Nasional posted a net from mobile,“ he added. In line with this more custom- profit of RM 1.116 billion in the Unifi Mobile had yet to break er-centred approach, unifi had second quarter ended 30 June, even, and would need more time recently introduced unifi Air, the 2019, a 7.7 per cent decline from to do so, said Nor Fadhilah Mohd new unifiLite entry package and the RM 1.237 billion a year ago Ali, Group Chief Financial Offi- Streamyx repricing to reward ex- due to higher forex translation cer. isting customers and attract new loss and higher funding costs. drop of RM 272.20 million in mainly consist of transmission She refused to comment on ones onboard. On Friday it announced that the forex sequence relative to and distribution. the timeline but said the group Noor Kamarul also pledged its revenue had risen 3 per RM 169.60 million a year earlier. “The higher revenue was has its own internal target. commitment to improved service cent to RM 12.87 billion from However, finance expenses mainly attributed to the in- “As of 1H 2019, we have seen delivery, such as the implemen- RM 12.49 billion a year ago. grew to RM 940.10 million from crease in the group’s sales of that on convergence basis, of tation of 24-hour installation for Earnings per share were 19.63 RM 380.60 million a year ago, electricity of 5.6 per cent from which unifi Mobile is part of the new unifi sign-up, customer sup- sen compared with 21.82 sen. which saw its pre-tax profit and RM 23.27 billion in the corre- package, was at 56 per cent of port within two hours, and a new It proclaimed a 30-sen interim zakat decline to RM 1.08 billion sponding period a year ago to TM households. This was higher myunifi app. dividend a share amounting to from RM 1.52 billion a year ago. RM 24.58 billion. than 47 per cent recorded in 1H “The announced (copper) net- RM 1.71 billion dividend payout. In the first half, in the pre- “In terms of GWh, electrici- 2018,” she said. work upgrade is also ongoing in Tenaga’s operating profit at vious corresponding period, ty sales grew by 5.1 per cent to With the exception of the our commitment to enhancing RM 2.07 billion was higher than its net profit fell by 20.3 per 61,882 GWh in 1HFY2019 in 2016 financial year, unifi Mobile the overall broadband customer a year ago at RM 2.01 billion. cent to RM 2.67 billion from tandem with the 4.5 per cent had bleeding losses since TM experience,” he added. However, there was a bigger RM 3.35 billion. growth in GDP in Q1 and 4.9 per “The reduction was mainly cent in Q2 as well as hot weather due to the regulatory adjust- during the period. ments which are now accounted Peninsular Malaysia recorded for every month starting from an all-time high peak demand of 7-Eleven’s net profit increases by 11% in Q2 this financial year and the MFRS 18,566 MW on April 18, 2019,” 16 ‘Leases’ which impacted the it said. PETALING JAYA – 7-Eleven million. to refresh its brand in the minds results by RM 112.2 million. In- Tenaga said other regulatory Malaysia Holdings Bhd. report- For the first half of the year, of customers through refreshed cluded in the finance cost the ad- changes for the RM 81 million, ed a total gain of RM 14.59 7-Eleven’s net profit increased stores, marketing develop- justment for MFRS 16 totalling which was only first recognized in million in the second quarter 16.6 per cent to RM 25.73 mil- ments, sales and interesting RM 709.5 million,” it said. Q4 ended Dec 31, 2018, also fur- ended 30 June 2019, an im- lion compared to RM 22.07 mil- product development. However, its revenue rose by ther reduced the group net profit. provement of 11.1 per cent lion reported in the same peri- “We are confident that con- 5.4 per cent to RM 26.12 billion “In addition, there has been from RM 13.13 million record- od last year, with revenue rising tinuous implementation and from RM 24.77 billion, main- a significant increase in finance ed in the same quarter of the 7.2 per cent from RM 1.09 bil- improvement of our strategic ly due to a 5.6 per cent drop in cost reported for 1HFY2019 preceding year. lion to RM 1.17 billion. roadmap in strengthening the electricity revenues, an increase mainly due to the impact of The higher earnings were Bursa Malaysia has been told key areas of assortment, sup- of RM 1.307 billion in the pres- MFRS 16 and new borrowings driven by a favourable sales mix, by the group that it expects ply chain, operational excel- ent period from RM 23.27 billion by the Group. higher marketing revenue, and trading conditions to remain lence, store base and digitally to RM 24.58 billion. “Operating expenses rose by improved logistics expenses re- challenging in the next quar- enabling the organisation will Tenaga also recorded an in- 6.3 per cent in the first six months covery, partially offset by higher ter and will continue to focus continue to deliver positive re- crease in the unit sold during the of 2019 mainly due to higher operating expenses from the ex- on its customers’ needs, pur- sults despite challenging head- quarter under the review of 5.1 generation cost in line with the pansion of new stores, minimum suing its core strategy pillars winds as we look forward to en- per cent. increase in electricity demand. wages, and utilities. of operational excellence, cost suring that 7-Eleven remains as It also said that RM 1.69 bil- The increase in generation cost Its revenue had previously management and commercial Malaysian consumers preferred lion was the yield on regulated was contributed by higher gas increased by 5.6 per cent from innovation. convenience store brand,” said business under the Incentive price and gas consumption,” it RM 557.63 million to RM 588.78 Furthermore, 7-Eleven seeks its CEO Colin Harvey. Based Regulation (IBR), which said. BUSINESS September 2019 | Selangor Journal 15

A milestone Supporting high-potential start-ups Selangor Dredging focusing on in ExcelVite’s sustainability initiative clearing inventory KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor this month. Dredging Bhd (SDB) will focus Due to renovation, Hotel he Malaysian Sustainable for the time being on clear- Maya saw a reduced occupancy Palm Oil Supply Chain ing its inventory without any rate of 38 per cent for the last Certification Standard planned launches in the weak financial year ending. Its sole ho- T(MSPO SCCS) has been award- real estate sector. tel property on 31 March 2019. ed to ExcelVite Sdn.Bhd., the “At this point of time we do Despite improving results world’s leading producer of palm NDEAVOR Malaysia, an growing large high-growth com- not have any launches planned, for the hotel segment, Teh ex- phytonutrients and palm methyl organization that sup- panies.” and what we want to be doing pressed caution about the out- ester. ports entrepreneurs, has Endeavor is looking for en- is to clear everything,” its man- look ahead. This comes after an extensive Elaunched its newScaleUpEn- trepreneurs who dream big and aging director Teh Lip Kim said “In view of so many Airbnb audit by SIRIM. deavor program to help high-po- are looking to scale their busi- at a media briefing after the apartments coming up, there is MSPO SCCS is mandatory for tential local start-up companies. nesses quickly. These entrepre- group’s AGM. a lack of an upside for the aver- all palm oil processing facilities The program runs over 12 neurs should be leading scalable Despite having sold an in- age room rate as there is a lot of following the commitment of the months and provides participat- and innovative Malaysian-based ventory of 95 per cent for some competition,” she said. Malaysian government to pro- ing entrepreneurs with exposure businesseswith a market-proven of its development projects, On a separate note, SDB’s 37 duce certified sustainable palm to Endeavor’s panel of business track recordin revenue of more SDB is cautious about the prop- per cent Fortress Mineral Ltd, oil by January 2020. experts, shareholders and ser- than RM1mil and have been in erty sector. owned by Singapore, aims to The certification process for vice partners to guide founders operation for over 18 months. Eddy Chieng Ing Huong, bump iron ore production from MSPO SCCS is under the pur- in their entrepreneur journey Endeavor Entrepreneur track group chairman, said, “Malay- this month onwards to 30,000 view of the Malaysian Palm Oil and help refine their businesses. endorsed businesses like The sia’s property sector is picking metric tons (mt) per month. Certification Council (MPOCC). Organized with TIME dot- Holstein Milk Company (Farm up at a slow rate due to chal- Currently, its mine in Bukit As part of its commitment to Com as the main partner, the Fresh Milk), Photobook, Car- lenging market conditions cou- Besi, Terengganu produces promoting the implementation program will allow entrepre- some, FashionValet and Com- pled with consumers’ cautious 20,000 meters of high-grade Fe of certified sustainable palm neurs to obtain customized mon Ground, which cumu- spending habits from the in- 65 standard iron ore per month oil, ExcelVite has also recently mentorship in a structured for- latively produced revenue of creased cost of living, as well as with a maximum production signed a Memorandum of Un- mat through a series of work- RM1.3bil in 2018. firmer bank policies.” capacity of 50,000 meters. derstanding with WWF-Malaysia shops and an assigned mentor Interested companies can reg- SDB failed to reveal the com- “Basically, for us at the mo- to support smallholders involved to journey with them through ister for the programme at www. plete inventory price but is esti- ment, we are pushing as much in their supply chain in obtaining the period of the programme. scaleupendeavor.my. Deadline mated at RM 111 million for its output as possible for the min- certified sustainable palm oil. Mentors such as TIME com- for applications is September 4. present unsold properties. ing sector,” said Teh, adding The palm fruit generated by mander-in-chief Afzal Abdul Ra- Endeavor Malaysia is part of Meanwhile, RM 241.9 mil- that the higher production is at- these certified smallholders will him, Axiata Digital CEO, Khairil the 1997 Endeavor network, lion stands for its unbilled sales tributed to improved efficiency be used in the manufacturingof Abdullah, iMoney co-founder leading the global high-impact for ongoing projects in Malay- in its processing facility. all palm-based products from Ex- Lee Ching Wei, FashionValet entrepreneurship movement to sia and Singapore. SDB group general manager celVite. co-founder FadzarudinAnu- drive economic growth and job Teh emphasized that the dif- Loong Ching Hong said that the “We are proud to have be- ar and VivyYusof, Juris Tech creation through the selection, ficulty of securing financing for current high-grade Fe 65 price come one of the early adopters of co-founder and CEO See Wai mentoring and acceleration of prospective property buyers is a is about USD 95 per meter. the MSPO SCCS in Malaysia. As Hun and Carsome co-founder the best high-impact entrepre- major obstacle for the group. “Whereas our cost of produc- a supply chain certificate holder, and CEO Eric Cheng will sup- neurs around the world. “Our wish would be for the tion is typically about USD 40 we are committed to implement- port the ScaleUpEndeavor pro- Endeavor, headquar- banks to be less restrictive per meter, therefore our mar- ing all the elements and criteria gram. tered in New York City, current- when it comes to home financ- gins are roughly 50-60 per cent as stipulated in the MSPO SCCS Endeavor Malaysia managing ly operates in 34 growth mar- ing, as we and the banks have per meter.” protocol and it is encouraging director, Arthur Chan says, “We kets. to work together.” Aside from Malaysia, Brazil to learn that our effort in imple- hope that successful companies Globally, more than 3 million Speaking of its hotel busi- is the main producer of the Fe menting the MSPO SCCS has from this programme will sub- employment was developed by ness, she said the refurbishment 65 iron ore, and February this been positively affirmed, ” said sequently be further supported Endeavor entrepreneurs, gener- efforts have started to pay off as year’s Vale Dam disaster has se- ExcelVite QA manager YT Chan. with our existing Endeavor En- ating more than US$ 20billion the group managed to achieve verely reduced the production “I am delighted that we trepreneur track that focuses on in income each year. a 60 per cent occupancy rate of the ore, driving up prices. achieved another milestone in our sustainability initiative by being MSPO SCCS-certified. Our incoming feedstocks are certified sustainable from these planta- all country groups for over tin Feldstein, and his Congres- tions and smallholders. These ‘Beggar Thy Neighbour’ three decades. sional Budget Office Director, are the groups that we need to The neo-liberal ‘counter-rev- Doug Elmendorf. pay attention to and assist when olution’ against Keynesian and Instead, most growth during it comes to sustainability. I am re- Policy Advice development economics saw the Reagan era was due to ex- ally proud that the team is able to the brief popularity of ‘sup- pansionary monetary policy, accomplish these achievements. ply side’ economics during the as lower interest rates helped “With this MSPO SCCS certi- Acknowledging that exist- early 1980s. The Washington the economy rebound from fication, our customers can be By ing international corporate Consensus of the US Treasury the severe recession of 1982. further assured that ExcelVite Jomo Kwame Sundaram tax rules are unfair, set by de- Department and the two Wash- Likewise, the 2001 and 2003 can deliver palm phytonutrients Anis Chowdhury veloped country governments ington-based Bretton Woods in- Bush tax cuts also failed to spur products in a sustainable manner scantly considering their effects stitutions (BWIs) – the IMF and growth, according to Andrew and supporting these smallhold- SYDNEY and KUALA LUMPUR on poor countries, IMF Manag- the World Bank (WB) – ensured Samwick, chief economist to ers, ” says chief executive officer – The harmful effects of falling ing Director, Christine Lagarde, its global impact. his Council of Economic Advis- WH Leong. corporate tax rates have been called for a new system earlier All serious empirical re- ers. “My hope is that this MSPO acknowledged in a recent Inter- this year. search has discredited Chicago Despite their dubious prem- SCCS certification and our sus- national Monetary Fund (IMF) Professor Arthur Laffer’s claim ises, the Laffer curve and sim- tainability initiative will bring research paper. This trend, BWIs and corporate that lowering corporate tax ilar claims have re-emerged forth the realisation that not all since the early 1980s, has been tax rates rates boosts investment and under the Trump presidency, oil palm or palm phytonutrient especially detrimental for de- However, neither the IMF re- growth rates. Significantly, this which has already brought cor- is created equal,” added business veloping countries, which rely search nor Lagarde say any- included work by US President porate tax rates to new lows. development manager Bryan on direct taxation much more thing about why corporate tax Ronald Reagan’s first Council of See. than developed economies. rates have been falling across Economic Advisers chair, Mar- Story continues on Page 16 16 BUSINESS September 2019 | Selangor Journal

continued from page 15 paying taxes was one of 11 criteria DBR decades have contributed to overall tax Excerpt: 2017 used to rank a country’s business incidence becoming more regressive as Beggar thy neighbour environment although the WB’s enter- direct taxes have declined, and indirect Visit this story at To qualify for BWI support, developing prise survey found tax incentives not taxes, such as VAT, have risen. VAT adop- country governments were expected to critical among factors affecting foreign tion has been central to BWI tax poli- ipsnews.net/2019/08/beg- undertake tax reforms by lowering typ- direct investment (FDI) inflows. cy advice to developing countries. gar-thy-neighbour-policy-advice ically progressive direct tax rates in fa- A study of IMF advice on tax matters vour of regressive indirect taxation, such Policy advocacy in 54 IMF Article IV reports between as value-added taxation (VAT), often despite evidence 2005 and 2008 to 10 low-income coun- dubbed the goods and services tax (GST). Thus, BWI advice, ostensibly to encour- tries and 10 middle-income countries A review of IMF tax policy recom- age investment, particularly FDI, led to found that, “VAT was recommended or mendations to Sub-Saharan African the harmful competition that has low- endorsed by the IMF in 90 per cent of countries during 1998-2008 confirmed ered corporate tax rates since the 1980s. the overall sample...” that in typical ‘one-size-fits-all’ fashion, Earlier IMF research found that such An IMF paper found that the BWIs they invariably included reducing cor- ‘beggar-thy-neighbour’ tax competition presume that tax is distortionary, and porate and even personal income tax has caused unnecessary loss of revenue the tax system should focus on raising rates, as well as both export and import for many developing countries. revenue while minimizing associated taxation, besides introducing or expand- OECD research found that direct tax distortions. This precluded using tax- Jomo Kwame Sundaram, a former eco- ing VAT. concessions barely diverted, let alone at- ation for other purposes, e.g., progres- nomics professor and United Nations As- As an IMF paper concluded about the tracted international investment flows. sive redistribution. Recent IMF research sistant Secretary-General, was a member ostensible justification for its advice, “The The Economist also found the relation- shows that reduced tax progressivity has of the new Malaysian Government’s Coun- complete abolition of corporate income ship between tax rates and investment contributed to growing inequality since cil of Eminent Persons. tax would be the most direct application as well as growth rates to be weak. the 1980s. of the theoretical result that small open A G20 report noted, “Tax incentives economies should not tax capital income.” generally rank low in investment climate Quo vadis? Vito Tanzi and Howell Zee, of the surveys in low-income countries, and Recognition of taxation’s potential for IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department, even there are many examples in which … in- both resource mobilization and reduc- recommended taxing labour, instead of vestment would have been undertaken ing inequality can still bring about fun- capital. They argued that “small coun- even without them. And their fiscal cost damental changes in BWI conditionali- tries should not levy source-based taxes can be high, reducing opportunities for ties, advice and technical assistance for on capital income” because, compared much-needed public spending …, or re- developing countries. Greater devel- to labour, capital was highly mobile and quiring higher taxes on other activities.” oping-country engagement in design- could escape such taxes. ing international reforms to reduce tax Anis Chowdhury The WB’s controversial Doing Busi- Regressive tax incidence avoidance and evasion by transnational ness Report (DBR) argues likewise; Corporate tax rate declines over recent corporations will be crucial. SELANGOR JOURNAL

Sky Mirror, Kuala Selangor, is one of the hidden gems of Malaysia. Considered a must-visit place in Kuala Selangor, this AR UND location is becoming increasingly popular Get to Know Your among local people and has yet to achieve international fame. It is also known as Sky Selangor TOWN Mirror, Sasaran Beach. September 2019

Artscapever 1.3 - “Luminosity” #MYWritersFest2019 Artscapever 1.3 “Luminosity” event is Launch based on raising mental health awareness. Ten kinds of mental illnesses (Anxiety, Psychotic, Impulse Control and Addiction, Personality Disorder, Substances Abuse, Post-Traumatic Stress, Autism Spectrum Join the finals of the 5th Migrant and Disorder, Mood Disorder, Eating Disorder The 17th edition of Malaysia’s leading Refugee Poetry Competition, Malaysia. and Attention Deficit Hyperactive) which international human rights documentary The event will present poetry readings will be the topic of each of the artists’ film festival, Freedom Film Fest (FFF) will by shortlisted poets (Adult and Junior #MYWritersFest2019 is a nationwide artwork. 20 beautiful artworks, ten kick off its annual festivities at PJ Live Category) and cultural program followed festival organised to celebrate Malaysian talented local artists, two spectacular Arts, Petaling Jaya. by the award ceremony. writers as well as the works that they have days, one amazing experience. Mark your written. calendar and save the dates! PJ Live Arts, Petaling Jaya Auditorium 7.1 (Level 7), ELM Business 10:00 am - 11:00 pm School, HELP University, 15, Jalan Seri The Intermark Mall Commune Event Hall (Level 5), 20 – 28 September 2019 (Friday – Semantan 1, Off Jalan Semantan, Bukit 16 September 2019 Sunway Velocity Mall Saturday) Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm 11:00 am to 8:00 pm RM 10 Online | RM 12 at the Venue |RM 6 10:00 am – 12:00 noon Free Admission 28 & 29 Sept 2019 (Saturday and Sunday) Students and Senior Citizen above 65 | 29 September 2019 (Sunday) For more information, visit: https: Luminosity (Mental Health Awareness) For more information, visit: https:// For more information, visit: facebook.com/ diversecity.my/2019-event/ Free Admission freedomfilm.my/festival/fff2019/ events/2306995849524426/ mywritersfest2019-launch/

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