Dewan Rakyat News-In-Brief: Oct 16

DIGITAL MINISTRY ASSESSING NEED FOR AI-RELATED BILL

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The Digital Ministry is examining the need for a special bill related to artificial intelligence (AI), the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong said that this consideration is being guided by the implementation of the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act.

He said this in his reply to a question from Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid Tanah) about the ministry's approach to addressing ethical, regulatory, and legal challenges posed by emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and cloud computing.

-- BERNAMA

FLIGHT DELAY: AIRLINES URGED TO ENHANCE PASSENGERS' REFUND SOP

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Transport is urging airlines to enhance their standard operating procedures (SOP) for refunding passengers affected by flight delays of five hours or more.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that speeding up fare refunds would not only benefit passengers but also improve the reputation of the airlines.

“We allow airlines up to 30 days to process refunds, but we hope they can expedite the process. A quicker refund process would reflect positively on the airline's image,” he said during the oral question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (PN-Kuala Kangsar), who suggested reducing the refund period for flight delays to no more than seven working days.

-- BERNAMA

1.19 MILLION MALAYSIANS INVOLVED IN ‘AI UNTUK RAKYAT’ AS OF OCT 4

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- A total of 1.19 million Malaysians have been involved in the ‘AI Untuk Rakyat’ (AI for the People) programme as of Oct 4, according to Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong.

He said that among these participants, 7,000 are under the age of 18; 422,000 fall within the 18 to 35 age group; 599,000 are between 36 and 50; and 170,000 are aged 50 and above.

“This programme aims to enhance digital literacy and deepen the public's understanding of AI by providing an online self-learning module accessible to all segments of society,” he said in his reply to a question from Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras) regarding the government's efforts to bridge the digital divide influenced by artificial intelligence.

-- BERNAMA

MALAYSIAN BORDER CONTROL AGENCY OPERATIONS TO BEGIN IN PHASES NEXT YEAR

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Border Control Agency operations will be carried out in phases at five entry points starting Jan 1, 2025, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the selection of these entry points aligns with the Cabinet of Ministers' decision made on July 24, taking into account the varying demographic characteristics and risks associated with both land and sea entry points.

“We will commence on Jan 1 at Rantau Panjang, followed by Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2, including the Cargo Complex, on Feb 1. This will be succeeded by operations at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex of the Sultan Iskandar Building, including JB Sentral.

“Additionally, Tanjung Pelepas Port in Johor and the ICQS Complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, will follow suit,” he said in response to a question from Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh) regarding the latest status of the Malaysian Border Control Agency operations.

-- BERNAMA

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