Johor-Singapore SEZ deal signing postponed after PM Wong tests positive for COVID-19: Malaysia PM Anwar

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According to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the signing of a deal between Malaysia and Singapore regarding a proposed Special Economic Zone ( SEZ ) in southern Johor state was originally scheduled for Dec 9 during the leaders ‘ retreat.

He claimed that the decision was made after Lawrence Wong, the prime minister, tested positive for COVID-19.

Mr. Anwar stated in a speech to the Malaysian senators on Wednesday that:” The Malaysia government ( was scheduled to ) sign an agreement with Singapore on the Johor-Singapore SEZ on December 9.” &nbsp,

However, the prime minister of Singapore informed me next evening that he had COVID and that the signing of the agreement would be delayed until January.

” This is the latest info I have, he told me that he did not want to infect me or ( my wife ) Azizah”, he added. &nbsp,

The Singapore-Malaysia Leaders ‘ Retreat was scheduled to be held from Dec 8 to Dec 9 in Malaysia’s operational money, Putrajaya, according to local advertising.

Mr. Wong claimed in a Facebook post on Tuesday ( Dec. 3 ) that he had his first COVID-19 test positive and that he would self-isolate while working from home. &nbsp,

” First, I believed it might just be a typical flu bug. But I only took a check to be certain. Turns out, I’ve suddenly succumbed to COVID after all these ages”! he wrote.

” I’m feeling good overall, and did self-isolate while working from home”.

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CNA wins international award for scoops on Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts

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The anti-graft agency’s recent arrest of former finance minister Daim Zainuddin’s premier Ilham Tower was one of the posts he won the award for. One of the largest buildings in the money is the multi-million dollars business building in Kuala Lumpur City.

Mr. Lopez spoke with former politician’s close contacts in funding, who had a sizable amount of authority during Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s two terms as top. Following Mr. Daim’s refusal to submit petitions from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission ( MACC ) to reveal his and his family’s financial holdings, they informed Mr. Lopez that the seizure occurred on December 21.

The splitting news article, published that evening, made CNA the first to take the information to visitors. &nbsp,

Another post covered how a royal pardon helped to reduce Najib Razak’s 12-year prison sentence. &nbsp,

Najib started serving his prison sentence in August 2022 after being found guilty in 2020 of corruption-related 1MDB fees. &nbsp,

Mr. Lopez spoke with established sources, including top state figures, to make sure CNA was once more on the record with the account. &nbsp,

These two exclusives were included in Mr. Lopez’s estimated ten research pieces and features on Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts and their effects on its social environment, business field, and investment environment.

Mr Lopez is based in Kuala Lumpur. Since the mid-1980s, he has covered a lot of political and economic issues in the area.

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PM Wong congratulates Indonesia President Prabowo on his inauguration and strong mandate

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SINGAPORE: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Sunday ( Oct 20 ) congratulated&nbsp, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto&nbsp, on his inauguration and strong mandate.

In a welcome letter to Mr. Prabowo, Mr. Wong wrote,” The strong mission you received from the Indonesian people reflects their faith in your authority and vision of a peaceful and prosperous nation.”

According to a speech from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Mr. Wong called on the leader on Sunday night and in the evening before attending a state dinner welcome in the evening.

” As a friend and ally, Singapore is ready to companion Indonesia, both symmetrically and regionally”, read the statement.

Mr. Wong added that, in his welcome notice,” A comfortable and flourishing Indonesia creates a cohesion and vitality ASEAN and opens up many possibilities for closer cooperation between our nations.”

He continued,” I’m looking forward to expanding our engagement with Singapore and Indonesia.”

” We are starting from a solid base”, he said, noting that both places enjoy a close financial partnership, with considerable trade, investment and holiday travels.

” With your help, the military partnership has deepened with the entry-into-force of the Defence Cooperation Agreement, which may develop greater collaboration and capacity-building between our army”, Mr Wong added.

According to Mr. Wong, there is a strong chance for Singapore and Indonesia to collaborate in many other fields and work together to achieve success for both parties.

” In recent years we started on green power and ecology, food security, human capital development and care, and I hope that we can get our assistance to the next level”, Mr Wong added. &nbsp,

” Strengther international cooperation and coordination will be required for the obstacles and opportunities of the future. &nbsp,

” Singapore and Indonesia also have a shared involvement in safeguarding local peace and prosperity, and promoting a rules-based purchase,” said Mr Wong.

In an extremely fragmented earth, Mr. Wong stated that Indonesia may continue to play a significant role as a leader and trusted partner for constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Mr. Wong said,” I wish you good health and every achievement as you assume the highest office in the area, and I look forward to beginning work on our shared plan up.” &nbsp,

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Joint study on regional energy connectivity by US, Singapore can guide framework for ASEAN power grid: PM Wong

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Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Friday ( Oct 11 ) that findings from a joint study on energy connectivity between Singapore and the United States will serve as the basis for the development of a proposed regional power grid.

Mr. Wong urged both sides to work together to create a more sustainable future while speaking at the summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) and the US in the Laotian capital.

” The US does help build ASEAN’s clean energy facilities. He told other leaders,” This will help our green move while opening up more opportunities for our vital partners.”

Mr. Wong praised the” good progress” being made by the US and Singapore in the mutual feasibility study on local energy communication, which will aid in the realization of the ASEAN Power Grid.

” And we look forward to the next phase of the study,” said Mr. Wong, which will provide guidance on the grid’s legal, leadership, and financing structures.

The second phase of the study studied the renewable energy environment and existing network infrastructure of East Asian countries, local sub-sea interconnections, and the economic impacts of local connectivity. It started in April last year, with observations announced in October.

In his remarks, Mr Wong said that the US, which was represented by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, has been” a staunch mate” of the 10-member union.

” For almost 80 years, your effective presence has aided in our region’s prosperity and peace. You have been a fervent supporter of an empty, diverse, rules-based buy”, he said.

Singapore has regularly supported the region’s robust US reputation through its words and deeds, with the US accounting for most of ASEAN’s direct investments and generating a large number of jobs there.

He urged all parties to “double their efforts to strengthen this crucial agreement.”

Working ON DIGITAL AND EMERGING Technology

On Friday, the ASEAN and US leaders released a statement on promoting safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence ( AI ).

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As Malaysia’s VEP policy kicks in today, what can Singapore drivers expect?

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The roadblock gate may then start after the RFID sensor at these booths detected the tags and may automatically withdraw the required amount. &nbsp,

Did VEP be used to track whether or not individuals have received traffic fines? &nbsp,

Indonesian authorities can also use the VEP system to track foreign-registered cars that have not paid fines for transportation offenses. &nbsp,

Singapore drivers with excellent traffic fines in Malaysia will be subject to enforcement action starting on January 1, 2025, according to JPJ in a statement released in August. &nbsp,

Drivers who have paid fines may be denied entry to Malaysia starting next year, and in severe cases, Malaysian authorities properly imprison them. &nbsp,

How to apply for VEP? &nbsp,

Singapore owners who have not yet applied for a VEP you sign up for an account at the company’s official website, vep. jpj. gov. my.

Before entering Malaysia, masters of all car types, including personal and commercial ones, must first enroll for a VEP. Registration is also required for federal and embassies. &nbsp,

Once the account is authenticated, applicants can log into a portal to upload a vehicle log card or manually fill in information, including the vehicle’s model, certificate of entitlement ( COE ) and chassis numbers.

The Land Transport Authority’s OneMotoring site can be used to retrieve the vehicle log cards.

A rep you apply for a VEP on the vehicle’s representative.

Long lines may be formed while owners can choose to collect RFID keywords by mail, but many people favor having them installed at authorized centers. &nbsp,

What documents are needed for the VEP program?

All VEP applicants may have their NRIC, card, vehicle highway tax, insurance, car model and Technical details available.

When an application is approved, what is vehicles do? &nbsp,

Individuals may receive an email alert once the application is approved to choose a method for bringing the VEP RFID tag home: self-collection at one of the four VEP series centers, or couriered by article to your target. &nbsp, &nbsp,

The top left corner of the visor or the remaining lamp of the vehicle is neither house the RFID label. &nbsp,

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Singaporean man and girlfriend charged in Johor with trafficking more than 3kg of drugs

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SINGAPORE: A Singaporean man and his Malaysian girlfriend were charged in Johor on Thursday (Aug 29) with trafficking more than 3kg worth of drugs, reported Malaysian media. 

Brayden Ong, 31, and his girlfriend, 38-year-old Wang Wee Ching, allegedly set up a drug processing laboratory in a terrace house in Johor and distributed drugs in Malaysia and neighbouring countries.

“They are also believed to be producing vape liquid containing drugs and distribute drugs in small quantities through syndicate members who act as runners,” Johor police chief M Kumar told a news conference, as reported by Bernama.

The couple was arrested during raids by the Malaysian police on Aug 17.

Ong was arrested first at a house which contained various equipment, tools and chemicals to process drugs, reported news outlet The Star. 

Wang was subsequently taken by police at a roadside in Taman Setia Indah. She took the police to a house in Bukit Indah and an apartment near Taman Daya, where more than RM2 million (US$460,000) worth of drugs were seized. 

According to Bernama, the drugs comprised 40 packets of ecstasy powder, 20.21L of ecstasy liquid, seven erimin 5 pills, 42 ecstasy pills, 40 epam nitrazepam pills and 2,600g of syabu. 

Cash worth about RM130,000 and S$100 were also seized alongside drug processing equipment, precursor chemicals used in the processing, a car, jewellery and three bank accounts with a total value of RM630,596.

The couple tested positive for drugs after being arrested, the police chief said. 

On Thursday, they were jointly charged with trafficking 2,667g of methamphetamine and 457.1g of MDMA powder on Aug 17, reported the New Straits Times. 

They were also charged with possessing 1.85g of nimetazepam and 2,240ml of MDMA in liquid form on the same day. 

Wang was separately charged with two counts of trafficking more than 1kg of MDMA on Aug 17. 

If convicted, they face life imprisonment or the death penalty. 

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CNA Explains: What could have caused the Kuala Lumpur sinkhole, and can future cases be avoided?

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Does this imply that Kuala Lumpur is uncomfortable? &nbsp,

The origin of the first hole is still unknown.

Although Kuala Lumpur’s geologic formation is known for its widespread limestone rock, which is liable to breakdown, professionals have told CNA that this does not apply to all of the capital’s areas.

If the location of the incident was built on limestone, it still has n’t been determined.

Maimunah Mohd Sharif, mayor of Kuala Lumpur, said on Sunday that the city “remains healthy unless proven then by research.”

Any contradictory statements must be backed by strong evidence, she said, as reported by the Bernama media company.

A task force involving the Department of Minerals and Geosciences, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Public Works Department has been established to examine the health of development in the cash.

However, according to Mr. IES, Kuala Lumpur’s higher amounts of precipitation may increase its risk of sinkholes. &nbsp,

” The snowfall water may leave behind a void in the ground as well as the loose earth stuff,” he added. &nbsp,

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