Analysis: High-value industries versus labour-intensive jobs among policy dilemmas confronting Johor-Singapore SEZ

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However, Dr Francis Hutchinson, Malaysia Studies Programme representative at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, believes that while reducing government is important,” very little focus” is placed on financial opportunities. The thorough follow-up that follows an expenditure is frequently overlooked, he told CNA. Existing investors choosing to improve their investments and performContinue Reading

Japan’s public school teachers plagued by massive overtime, overwork and poor mental health

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Authorities Regard REFORMS

Officials in Japan have urged reforms like sourcing, digitizing some tasks, and hiring more support staff to deal with the issue immediately.

Some schools, like Ms Kurayama’s, are taking the initiative to reduce operating hours too.

Principal of Shimoda Elementary School, Kazuhiro Nakamura, claimed that all classes then end after breakfast and that Wednesday afternoon classes have been discontinued.

” Teachers can focus on (other ) duties in the afternoon. We counsel them to take a break and return house. That way, they may feel motivated to face the remaining weeks of the week”, he added.

Despite the college’s work, Ms Kurayama has found herself bogged down by sessions and unable to keep work earlier. &nbsp,

This has prompted Mr Nakamura to ponder another alterations, including playing to the teachers ‘ strengths, so that those who are good at counseling students, for example, help those who are not.

He noted:” All has strengths and weaknesses. If teachers may support one another, each tutor can choose the position that best suits them, and the working environment will likely be better.

SUPPORTING ONE A

However, these adjustments are still uncommon in Japan, mainly because the training committee for each neighborhood’s neighborhood needs to first approve changes.

Some instructors are taking matters into their own hands to figure out a way to carry on as shifts slowly occur.

An 18-year trainer named Mr. Takashi Koshimizu founded an training forum where schoolteachers can discuss their issues and exchange ideas with one another.

Teachers from several institutions alternately host it on their days off, with some registering online.

They take turns giving seminars in an unorthodox way, such as by playing stone, papers and scissors. Some people find its innovative approach and group discussion meetings to be more beneficial than the typical teacher training programs.

Ms Kurayama said:” Here, all breaks out of their shell. We turn into kids and pick up a lot of skills.

” The method I speak to the children, the method I have a dialogue, I learnt everything around.”

The instructors themselves have problems of their own, particularly the strain of completing a long list of tasks.

Mr. Koshimizu cited the importance of dividing responsibilities between teachers and preventing people from exceeding their capacity, calling the current situation “abnormal.”

” We are makers, we do the selling, planning, customer support, control issues, approach them. These are handled by one man, “he added.

Movement TAKES A Burden

Mr. Koshimizu was moved to a different class last year because the teachers in Tokyo public colleges are rotated between them every six years. &nbsp,

This may take a burden on confidence and security, as in the case of his protege, Ms Kumi Sugaya. &nbsp,

The 26-year-old was left struggling without anyone to link her. Although she was the only room teacher, her emotional health took a tailspin, but she was unable to take time off.

After four years of teaching in open schools, she ultimately left in March.

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Sacked Bersatu MP sues party for revoking membership; Parliament Speaker defends decision not to vacate seats

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SINGAPORE: One of the six Members of Parliament ( MP ) expelled from Malaysia’s opposition party Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia ( Bersatu) for supporting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is suing the party for revoking his membership. &nbsp,

The Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, the House of Representatives in Malaysia, has defended his decision to keep the MPs ‘ chairs, claiming he is certainly a “postman” delivering Bersatu information. &nbsp,

According to the Malay Mail, Labuan MP Suhaili Abdul Rahman sued Bersatu for violating his constitutional rights to personal liberty, free speech, and association in a lawsuit that was filed with the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Monday ( Jul 8 ), and for obstructing him from serving his constituents. &nbsp,

According to local media, he also accused Bersatu of acting illegally in the subject, alleging that its decision violated the country’s political democracy, which was a crime under Area 124B of the Penal Code and covered activities that endangered political democracy. &nbsp,

One of the seven elected representatives who was expelled from their position because he supported the Malay top is Mr. Suhaili. One of the six is a Selangor express assembly, while the other is a national MP. &nbsp,

The six federal MPs are: Mr Suhaili, Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi ( Tanjong Karang ), Mr Zahari Kechik ( Jeli), Mr Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid ( Kuala Kangsar ), Mr Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal ( Bukit Gantang ), and Mr Mohd Azizi Abu Naim ( Gua Musang ). &nbsp,

They were fired from the group last month after failing to rescind their support for Mr. Anwar and failing to comply with a letter from the party’s high leadership council pledging allegiance to the organization.

Abdul Rashid Asari, a former president of Selangor Bersatu, and Selat Klang assembly, also expressed support for Amirudin Shari’s leadership. Mr. Amirudin is a member of Parti Keadilan Rakyat ( PKR ) under Mr. Anwar.

Johari Abdul, the speech of Dewan Rakyat, defended his choice on Thursday, adding that he was not the person who delivered Bersatu’s information to the Election Commission. &nbsp,

His decision had been communicated to the Bersatu authority on Wednesday.

Mr. Johari claimed to have explained his choice in a letter to Ronald Kiandee, the leader of Bersatu. In a recent conversation to discuss the issue, Mr. Kiandee, who is also a Beluran MP, had raised a ranking order.

” I want to make it clear that I am not a postman”, Mr Johari said, as quoted in local media. When I receive a observe like the one the Beluran MP mentioned, I will make sure I study every detail involved.

” And I made the decision, and my determination remains … there are no jobs.”

Mr Johari’s ruling was met with backlash from MPs within and outside Bersatu, including deputy president of Islamist Parti Islam Se-Malaysia ( PAS ) Ibrahim Tuan Man, who claimed that the decision went against Article 49A of the Federal Constitution’s anti-hopping law.

Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia ( Gerakan ) and PAS are both parties in the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional ( PN). &nbsp,

Mr. Ibrahim claims that the legislation mandates that an MP who leaves his group must resign from office after forming a new political party.

” The question then is, what is the point of having an anti-party leaping regulation if it is not enforced?,” said Mr Ibrahim in a Twitter posting on Wednesday.

However, some have defended the selection, including Mr Anwar, who said that Mr Johari’s decision was in accordance with the law. &nbsp,

Additionally, Mr. Anwar made note of Bersatu’s opposition to automated seat forfeiture for expelled members, which led to the inclusion of exceptions in the constitution during his early years.

While Malaysia’s anti-party leaping law applies to MPs who quit their celebration, it did not apply to those who have been fired, according to a political analyst CNA recently spoke to. &nbsp,

The expert added that the MPs who were expelled may be formally recognized as politicians.

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4-year-old girl run over by car in River Valley: Coroner flags importance of hand-holding when crossing roads

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A coroner’s court found a four-year-old girl dead after being run over by a car while running across the River Valley on Friday ( Jul 12 ), with the coroner instructing parents to always hold their hands as young children cross the road.

American Zara Mei Orlic, the second of three children, was heading apartment with her two-year-old girl and their 32-year-old home companion on Jan 23 when the tragic incident occurred.

The Indonesian girl, who was unnamed, started working for the Orlics in October 2023 and was tasked with housekeeping, cooking, and getting the kids to and from class.

On January 23, the girl drove Zara and her younger girl from their pre-school along River Valley Road to the Orlics ‘ house in Aspen Heights apartment at around 4.20pm.

The girl carried both girls ‘ class bags as they headed home and held onto Zara’s younger sister’s side.

She claimed Zara had been taught how to be protected and that she had no use for any devices.

The girl claimed she frequently held Zara’s side, but that she had no idea why she did not do it that day. She acknowledged that Zara’s businesses had instructed her to hold her hand, particularly when crossing the road.

The group made the decision to cross the road as they made the uphill descent along Institution Hill. &nbsp,

Zara ran across the street to the other side of the first alley after crossing it. She did not observe a car coming from her left, and the girl did not notice a car coming in her path.

A 40-year-old American woman driving a car collided with Zara in the next lane and ran over her knee and head, killing the girl three steps away from Zara.

The girl yelled violently for the car to stop, let go of the younger baby, and then rushed to Zara, who was lying still and bleeding on the side of the road.

THE DRIVER’S PERSPECTIVE

The girl called Zara’s papa, who was working from home, and rushed downward while the vehicle landed and remained at the picture until the police and ambulance arrived.

The pilot, who was not named, was on her way home after fetching her children from class and doing grocery shopping.

Around 5 o’clock in the afternoon when the girl made a right turn onto Institution Hill’s little upslope from River Valley Road, she observed cars parked on the opposite side of the road.

She ran over something she had immediately sensed when she hit it.

She sensed a quiet cry and realized she had slammed into a young child. She soon stopped her vehicle and rushed to Zara, who was being held by a upset, screaming girl.

Prior to the incident, the driver claimed she had not seen everyone crossing the road and would have taken fast safeguards if she had.

The traffic police conducted an investigation to discover that Zara had just appeared in in-vehicle film for one second prior to the incident and that the lady was not moving at a fast speed.

As Zara was merely 100cm high, she was very little to be seen by the driver.
 
Teachers rushed out of the local institution to report a loud scream to the Singapore Civil Defence Force after the receptionist heard it.

Zara was taken to Singapore General Hospital, but her vitals were unknown at the time of her appearance and she was unable to breathe. She was treated and given iv adrenaline after suffering a bone injury and an open wound to her head.

Zara’s parents informed him that she had severe head injuries and was unlikely to survive.

He instructed the medical staff to maintain resuscitating Zara until his family arrived. But, when she got there at 6.20pm, the doctor told them that resuscitation efforts had been fruitless, and Zara was pronounced dead at about 6.45pm that morning.

Bill FROM ZARA’S Dad

Zara’s father claimed he had no idea why the girl had chosen to cross the road that morning. &nbsp,

Zara’s parents claimed that since the road from the cross would guide her to their house, the girl had been instructed to move from the pre-school to the signalized motorist crossing after Institution Hill.

Otherwise, the girl had been following her exact path for some months that day.

The household had no significant issues with the maid, according to Zara’s father, aside from a few small miscommunications standard of employing foreign local helpers.

The girl claimed that she had never intended to harm her businesses ‘ children and had always been concerned for them.

She claimed that Zara’s passing greatly saddens her because she had not anticipated a dreadful event.

This incident, according to coroner Eddy Tham, was a horrible tragic accident that “reminds caregivers of younger children of the importance of street security in that they must always maintain a young child’s hand when crossing the road.”

He claimed that young children are prone to make fast activities and do not have a strong sense of road accidents.

This case also demonstrates that fresh children’s smaller actual bodies and other near objects can obscure them from view.

” The need to be diligent and to get utmost caution may be over-emphasised”, he said, conveying his sincere apologies to Zara’s home over her sudden loss.

Despite past reports addressing “jaywalking” by the girl, the pathologist made no mention of jaywalking in his results. The judge had previously heard that the girl was “jaywalking,” meaning she was not crossing the correct intersection but was doing so 200 meters away.

The Orlic mother’s attorney, Mr. Alfred Lim, said the family may be considering their lawful options when he was approached by the media following the hearing but that he could not say precisely what at this time.

The lady driver is represented by attorneys from the law office of Damodora Ong. When CNA approached, the attorneys claimed the vehicle had not been indicted.

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FAQ: Eating insects – what you need to know, from allergies, nutrition and halal status

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There are healthier cooking options that do n’t compromise on texture, despite the common use of deep-fried foods.

Roasting, cooking or even weather cooking can keep the crispiness of bugs without further trans fats, said Asst Prof Puniamoorthy.

In South Korea, there are also delectable dishes that involve boiling, braising, or steaming flies like the beondegi or silk larvae. There are also items that can be made that just use dehydrating to clean insects or by grinding insects into powder to be baked or incorporated into other foods.

Should THE ENVIRONMENT BENEFIT?

Putting nutrition off, choosing insects on the supper table can also benefit the environment.

” I think it’s crucial to emphasize that bugs are a very sustainable food supply. They require less land, water, and pull compared to traditional animal, and most importantly, they have a reduced environmental footprint which does support greener foods methods”, stressed Asst Prof Puniamoorthy.

” Insects present a promising solution for nutritional value and as a society, we may need to adapt and shift” .&nbsp,

According to the World Economic Forum ( WEF), insects are also an overlooked source of protein and a means of combating climate change in 2022. &nbsp,

One of the benefits is that nutritious insects may produce the same amount of “quality protein” as methane-producing animals.

Beef has the highest greenhouse gas emissions on a per kg basis and&nbsp, pork came out tops on a per capita&nbsp, basis, according to a Singapore-centric study commissioned by investment firm Temasek and carried out by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research ( A*STAR ) and Deloitte, and published in 2019. &nbsp,

On the other hand, insects produce significantly less greenhouse gases per kilogram of foods than livestock, such as cattle and pigs.

A animal produces between 10 to 100 times as many greenhouse gases per kg compared with organisms for instance, a 2011 study by the&nbsp, Wageningen University &amp, Research, which specialises in life science and&nbsp, crops, said.

WHY ARE WE EATING BEES?

Bees are well-known for their pollination abilities, so it might sound counterintuitive at first that they can also be consumed as foods. &nbsp,

A study published in the Journal of Apicultural Research in 2016 noted that some cultures, including those in Thailand and Australia, consume honey bee nest, also referred to as caterpillars, as a historical process.

When eaten raw or dried, they are also referred to as being nuts, slightly sour, and have a chewy texture. &nbsp,

Beekeepers frequently remove portions of a bees ‘ drone brood to prevent the development of a dangerous parasitical insect that could damage the honey bee people, according to the research. &nbsp,

” This process makes sweet bird aircraft brood a by-product, producing an abundance of cultivated insects with undeveloped potential,” said Professor Annette Bruun Jensen of the University of Copenhagen and her coworkers.

” The high nutritional value of honey bee pupae and larvae can be compared to beef in terms of the quality and quantity of their proteins.”

The establishment of hives and bee practices may also aid in providing pollination services, the researchers said, promoting natural robustness and agricultural production in an area. &nbsp,

According to SFA guidelines, the Northern honeybees that are available for use in Singapore must be raised in a controlled atmosphere. &nbsp,

These bees will likely be processed completely because they are one of the insects that cannot be imported live, and the National Parks Board ( NPB) has determined that they are an invasive species. &nbsp,

ARE INSECTS REALLY SAFE?

SFA has created an mosquito regulatory framework that provides instructions for businesses that intend to buy, rear, or method insects into foods for human use or animal feed. &nbsp,

Second, the insect species may be assessed to have a history of human use. The final product must also be deemed safe for use after the cultivation and running of insect and mosquito products are also required to be free of contaminants. &nbsp,

The 16 different species of insects that are permitted as food in Singapore may be found in the wild.

The organization claimed the guidelines were created as a result of a” rigorous academic review” that included references from nations and regions that have permitted the consumption of some insects as food. &nbsp,

These include the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Thailand. &nbsp,

Hygiene procedures must also be carefully followed. &nbsp,

Francis Ng, the CEO of House of Seafood, previously explained to CNA that his restaurants were trained to first clear the bugs before toasting them in the pan. This process is subsequently followed by the&nbsp, brushing of each mosquito “piece by part”. &nbsp,

” One may order goods from reputable vendors who supply accurate data and labeling. Buyers should be aware of shelf life and backup items in the appropriate conditions, as recommended by the manufacturers,” advised Asst Prof. Puniamoorthy.

SO WHAT DO THEY TASTE LIKE? &nbsp,

More than 80 % of respondents were reluctant to try insects, according to a recent Instagram poll by CNA. Numerous commenters cited the sick aspect. ” This bugs me. I’ll pass”, said a netizen. &nbsp,

The poll was accompanied by a taste test video, in which property crickets, field crickets, and silkworms were substituted for the cooked anchovy element of a dish of nasi lemak. &nbsp,

What was the common opinion among those who tried the pests? A few “ews”, some “good” and” not too bad” reactions, and one “ashy” – in reference to the crumbly texture. Some also retraced their actions in moments and quarters. &nbsp,

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CNA Explains: What’s a ‘silent’ director, and how could the role help prevent money laundering?

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What’s the level of the position? &nbsp,

That does n’t imply that being a nominee director means simply writing your name on a piece of paper. &nbsp,

A candidate producer serves as a “real” email place for local officials in the event of inquiries, according to Associate Professor Kelvin Law of Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

It would be a major regulatory challenge to try to reach out to a business whose sole target is a post office box, he said. &nbsp,

A regional director can then be held responsible if a foreign company violates the law.

Local managers are also expected to make sure that businesses adhere to laws like keeping accurate accounting records and filing annual earnings. &nbsp,

According to Assoc Prof Law, who is a graduate from the Nanyang Business School, the role is vital to impressive” a gentle balance between attracting international investments and maintaining robust local regulatory oversight.”

Nominated managers are not meant to be silent, he reiterated. &nbsp,

They shoulder” large” legal obligations and responsibilities related to active managers, and can face fines in cases of gross negligence or involvement in illegal actions. &nbsp,

What could go bad for a candidate producer? &nbsp,

The Singapore Police Force reported to CNA that in many cases, a candidate director accepts a fee in exchange for allowing their name to appear in integration papers and is not actively involved with the business. &nbsp,

Some lose private credentials, for as their Singpass electronic identity, to criminal syndicates, who then use these to include companies and open bank accounts to transact legal proceeds.

In the current situation involving over US$ 1 million in con money, one of the males became, in the course of a month, candidate director for more than 50 companies. A friend, a certified accountant who likewise offered business services, approached him. &nbsp,

The candidate director was subject to a maximum fine of S$ 5, 000 or a prison term of up to a month. He admitted guilt and was found guilty of violating the law and was imprisoned for a week on Tuesday ( July 9 ). &nbsp,

He was not aware of the companies ‘ business hobbies, activities or dealings, and did not manage their bank accounts. &nbsp,

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Moon and Saturn to move closer together, appear to ‘touch’ in late July

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Singaporean astronomers will enjoy a treat as the sky and Saturn are scheduled to come closer and look to” effect” each other from later on July 24 until the early days of the following day. &nbsp,

According to NASA, the connection is caused when the moon, a world, or a celebrity appear near together in the earth’s evening sky.

In this case, Saturn and the sun may appear to be nearer to one another.

The Science Centre Observatory (SCOB ) responded to questions from CNA on Thursday ( Jul 11 ) by saying that” this occurs because of Saturn’s and the moon’s positions in their respective orbits around Earth and the sun.” &nbsp,

On July 24, this connection can be observed starting at 1:30 p.m. &nbsp,

The sun and Saturn will finally come to a close second at 4.31 a.m. on July 25, according to SCOB. &nbsp,

In the northeast sky, the sun and Saturn will be very close to one another at night. &nbsp,

” As the evening progresses, they may proceed closer and appear to ‘ touch’ and are almost indistinguishable to the dressed eye, “added the observatory. &nbsp,

Last year, a similar conjunction occurred between the sun and Venus. &nbsp,

During such verbs, these things in the sky does appear to be close to one another from an observer’s perspective, yet”, they are not actually physically close to each other”, said SCOB.

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NTUC set to be designated ‘politically significant person’ under foreign interference law given close, symbiotic PAP links

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SINGAPORE: &nbsp, The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is set to be designated as a “politically significant person” ( PSP) under Singapore’s foreign interference law due to its” close nexus and symbiotic relationship” with the People’s Action Party ( PAP ), the Ministry of Home Affairs ( MHA ) said on Thursday ( Jul 11 ).

As a designated PSP, the labour movement will be required to make annual disclosures on political donations of S$ 10, 000 ( US$ 7, 400 ) or more, as well as its foreign affiliations.

According to MHA,” These clarity needs will lessen NTUC’s chance of being a target of unusual interference,” according to a media release. NTUC was also given a notice on Thursday of its intention to identify it a PSP. &nbsp,

The Registrar of Foreign and Political Disclosures, appointed by the Home Affairs Minister, has 14 days to make depictions available to NTUC. &nbsp,

NTUC would be the next organization to be designated as such if its PSP status were to be confirmed, joining the right groups Maruah and Think Centre.

While NTUC is unlikely to make any images, it said it will have to evaluate MHA’s requirements for the title approach.

In response to CNA’s questions, NTUC responded that it does not take funds from social organizations.

According to a spokeswoman,” The National Trades Union Congress adheres to national protection to prevent foreign intervention, and we will continue to make sure that our businesses remain free from foreign influence.”

Ng Chee Meng, the secretary-general of the NTUC, stated in a separate statement that the labor movement is committed to upholding workers ‘ rights with accountability and transparency. &nbsp,

” ( We ) &nbsp, would like to assure our members, partners and stakeholders that NTUC’s core work to better workers ‘ lives and livelihoods will continue unabated”, he added.

The foreign interference law, known as the Foreign Interference ( Countermeasures ) Act or FICA, is aimed at strengthening the government’s ability to prevent, detect and disrupt foreign interference in domestic politics. After a long discussion, the Bill was approved in legislature in October 2021.

Among those defined as PSPs are political parties, social company buyers, Members of Parliament, election individuals and their providers.

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Malaysians withdraw RM7.81 billion from retirement savings following changes to national pension fund

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SINGAPORE: Malaysians have withdrawn some RM7.81 billion ( US$ 1.66 billion ) from their retirement savings following the restructuring of the country’s national pension fund in May.

The most recent figures, taken as of Jun 24, showed a decrease from the RM6.98 billion that was already taken out as of Jun 10.

The New Straits Times reported on Wednesday ( Jul 10 ) that some 3.16 million Employees Provident Fund ( EPF ) members under the age of 55 had made such withdrawals from their “flexible” account.

EPF– which is Malaysia’s pension fund – is one of the nation’s largest pension funds, with assets for RM1.19 trillion. Following a restructuring plan that became effective on May 11, the organization made it possible for its members to take cash out of this account to pay for their immediate financial needs.

CNA has recently reported that there have been mixed responses to the restructuring of the EPF, with some experts putting the risk that the move will lead to a future pensions crisis.

There was also issue that people ‘ early payments might even miss out on the pocketbook scheme’s compounding factor.

Others have claimed that the shift gives users some choice about how they use their money while others have said otherwise.

Recently, EPF people who had not reached the age of 55 could simply make payments for certain specific reasons. However, EPF people under the age of 55 then have three balances in place of the past two following the reform program in May.

Under this restructured program, 75 per cent of an individual’s regular commitment will now go into Account 1, 15 per cent into Account 2 and the remaining 10 per share will go into Account 3- the fresh flexible accounts.

Recently, 70 per share of the achievements were deposited into Account 1 and 30 per cent into Account 2. Money from Account 1 can only be withdrawn for purposes like cover, care, and training, and cannot be withdrawn until a associate reaches the age of 55.

EPF people have until August 31 to move a third of their savings from Account 2 to Account 3.

The Finance Ministry reported to the New Straits Times that 3.61 million people, or 27.8 % of EPF members overall under the age of 55, have transferred funds to Account 3.

To date, some RM11.52 billion has been moved to the accommodating accounts that can be readily tapped.

However, RM5.12 billion was transferred to Account 1 with the reform of the EPF resources.

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