Dewan Rakyat News In Brief: Aug 4

RM543 MILLION DISTRIBUTED TO STATES FOR RIVER CONSERVATION PROJECTS

KUALA LUMPUR -- A total of RM543.79 million has been distributed to all states nationwide since 2022 for the implementation of river conservation projects aimed at reducing flood risks.

Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, said the allocation, channelled through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), covers minor works such as river alignment, riverbank stabilisation, and the upgrading of channels and related structures.

“As the Honourable Member of Parliament is aware, this matter is not enshrined in the Federal Constitution; therefore, the responsibility remains under the jurisdiction of the states. However, we have outlined the federal government’s approach through the Malaysia Plan (MP) to secure the necessary allocation,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Chow Kon Yeow (PH–Batu Kawan), who had proposed increasing allocations under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) for river conservation projects aimed at reducing flood risks in the states.

-- BERNAMA

NO MORE APPROVAL FOR SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS FOR COMPANIES, NGOs - HASBI

KUALA LUMPUR -- The government will no longer approve the issuance of special registration numbers to companies, individuals, or non-governmental organisations (NGOs), particularly when intended for profit-making purposes, said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah.

Instead, he said, special registration numbers are now made available through the JPJeBid platform, with all proceeds channelled into the Federal Consolidated Fund. A portion of these funds is subsequently used to support people-centric government initiatives.

“Since its introduction in 2023, a total of RM110,069,150 has been collected. Part of this has been allocated to programmes such as Free Driving Licence Assistance, the Free Helmet Replacement programme, FlySiswa Subsidy Assistance, Free Contributions under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme, and initiatives to enhance road safety promotion,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a question from Rushdan Rusmi (PN-Padang Besar), who inquired about the guidelines used by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) for approving special vehicle registration number series, as well as the total revenue collected from the sale of special number plates over the past five years.

-- BERNAMA

PRISON DEPT COLLABORATES WITH 789 COMPANIES TO PROVIDE JOBS FOR PAROLEES

KUALA LUMPUR -- The Prisons Department is working with 789 companies to provide job opportunities for 7,051 parolees as part of its community-based rehabilitation initiative.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that the initiative is being carried out through the Corporate Smart Internship (CSI) programme, aimed at helping former inmates secure employment and reintegrate into society.

“Out of the 7,051 individuals, we are optimistic that the number will increase to 8,500 soon, following Guthrie’s agreement to take in another 644 individuals. Guthrie will not only hire them but also provide training, harvesting certificate, and fair wages.

“Shopee has also committed to employing 350 individuals,” he said in response to a question from V. Sivakumar (PH-Batu Gajah) regarding the effectiveness of the parolee employment programme from 2024 to June 2025, during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

-- BERNAMA

MOHE ADOPTS TARGETED APPROACH TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AMONG IPT STUDENTS

KUALA LUMPUR -- The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) is adopting various targeted approaches to enhance mental health support and overall student welfare at institutions of higher learning (IPTs) nationwide.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said that the strategies are tailored to the specific needs and context of each institution, including public universities, polytechnics, and community colleges, to ensure meaningful impact on students’ well-being.

“In terms of overall percentage, only 0.067 per cent, equivalent to 402 cases, have been identified as requiring mental health intervention at public universities,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a question from Mohd Misbahul Munir Masduki (PN-Parit Buntar), who asked about the ministry’s strategies to strengthen mental health support and student welfare in line with comprehensive models adopted in developed countries.

-- BERNAMA