Dewan Rakyat News-In-Brief: Oct 15

AMENDMENTS TO ACT 317 AIMED AT TACKLING OVERFISHING - MOHAMAD

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) and the Department of Fisheries (DOF) are in the process of amending the Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317), among other things, to increase penalty rates as a preventive measure against encroachment activities by local fishing vessels.

Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the amendments were also part of KPKM’s efforts to curb excessive fishing activities.

“To protect the fishing ecosystem, the DOF has listed bubu naga (dragon fish traps) as prohibited equipment under the Fisheries (Prohibition of Method of Fishing) Regulations 1980 and the Fisheries (Control of Endangered Species of Fish) Regulations 1999, effective May 1, 2024,” he said.

He said this in reply to a question from Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodi (GPS-Sri Aman) who sought clarification on how the ministry controls overfishing in waters, particularly in areas at risk from such activities, during an oral question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat today.

-- BERNAMA

KKR SPENT NEARLY RM18 MILLION ON SLOPE EROSION PREVENTION WORK 

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- The  Works Ministry (KKR) has spent nearly RM18 million this year on eight projects aimed at preventing slope erosion, said Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

He said that 147 corrective works were implemented this year at a cost of RM158.8 million.

“KKR, along with the Slope Engineering Branch of the Public Works Department (JKR), has made preparations to face disasters by identifying slopes at risk of collapse using the Slope Hazard and Risk Map and the Landslide Early Warning System (EWS),” he said.

He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali (BN-Pekan) on whether the government plans to implement a new and more proactive reform of the national slope policy to reduce incidents such as landslides during an oral question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat today.

-- BERNAMA

1,892 EMPLOYERS OPEN ACCOUNTS; 776 APPLY TO JOIN DGP PILOT PROJECT

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 Okt (Bernama) -- A total of 1,892 employers have opened accounts, while 776 have applied to join the pilot project for the Progressive Wage Policy (DGP) as of Oct 3, said Deputy Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.

He said to ensure the sustainability of the DGP, the evaluation of the pilot project would consider aspects such as policy, system availability, salary manuals, and training guides, which would be discussed at the DGP Executive Committee level.

“It (the evaluation) will also be presented to the Cabinet this November to seek direction for the comprehensive implementation of this policy,” he said during an oral question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat today.

Abdul Rahman said this in reply to Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman’s (PN-Bachok) question regarding the participation rate of companies in the DGP pilot project and the Ministry of Human Resources' strategy to ensure the DGP's sustainability after the one-year period of the project.

-- BERNAMA

MINDEF FINALISING WORK-BASED LEARNING PROGRAMME FOR MAF VETERANS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) is finalising plans to introduce the Work-Based Learning programme, which aims to facilitate second career opportunities for Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the programme would be implemented next year in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), and higher education institutions (IPT).

“Through this Work-Based Learning (WBL) initiative, we will help increase the competitiveness and marketability of our members by ensuring they leave the service as retirees with at least a diploma qualification,” he said.

He said this in response to a question from Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh) who wanted to know what measures the ministry has taken to support MAF veterans in securing second careers after 21 years of service.

-- BERNAMA