Malaysia to launch its first 5G network in Putrajaya
The Communications and Multimedia Ministry will launch the country’s first 5G network today, a start for faster Internet facilities for the people. Its Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa (pic) said the 5G rollout is for Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya for the first year before it is expanded in stages until it reaches 36% nationwide coverage. “Next year, the 5G rollout will be focused on densely populated states, including Penang, Selangor, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak,” he said. Annuar said the 5G services were a game changer for the economy of the future as it would enable the creation of job opportunities in various high-tech activities. In addition, under the ongoing National Digital Network (Jendela), Digital Economic Centres (Pedi) are set to be created to ensure the people had a platform to keep abreast of the latest digital technological developments or conduct businesses via e-commerce. (The Star)
MOTAC to create special tourism investment zones to revitalise Malaysia tourism
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) under its National Tourism Policy 2020-2030 is set to create special tourism investment zones to revitalise tourism in Malaysia. Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the National Tourism Policy 2020-2030 is focused on increasing international and national partnerships and ensuring the sustainability and resilience of the tourism industry from future uncertainties. She added that creating special tourism investment zones is one of the strategic thrusts in which the policy will be carried out. She noted that MOTAC is currently working with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to identify and develop these said zones. She added that special tourism investment zones will be created in each state to encourage state governments and the private sector to work together. As for incentives, she added that MOTAC provides financial assistance to tourism infrastructure providers. (The Edge)
Malaysia’s unemployment rate continues downward trend
The country’s unemployment rate continued its downward trend at 4.5% in September 2021, registering 729,600 unemployed persons, said Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin. He said the labour force situation had improved further as employment continued to increase while the unemployment rate was on a declining trend. “The transition of more states into the next phases of National Recovery Plan (PPN) has allowed more business activities to resume while business hours have been extended. In addition, the permission of inter-states travelling… also fostered more economic activities… All these positive circumstances have reinforced the labour market to regain its momentum,” he said. Nine states recorded an increase in labour force participation (LFPR), indicating more labour participation in the economy. Selangor recorded the highest LFPR at 74.7%, followed by Kuala Lumpur (73.6%), Penang (70.7%), Putrajaya (70.2%) and Sarawak (69.7%). (Malay Mail)
1,474 critical slopes identified in Peninsular Malaysia
There are 1,474 moderate to highly dangerous slopes identified in five states within Peninsular Malaysia susceptible to additional risks during the Northeast Monsoon season. Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof told the Dewan Rakyat that slopes located in Johor, Kelantan, Negri Sembilan, Pahang and Terengganu were identified through mapping of dangerous and at risk slopes. He said the risky slopes were also located on critical federal roads. Fadilah said that the roads were marked critical as they are main roads with route alternatives exceeding 50km, located on high land forms and had many slopes under the high and hazardous categories that were prone to collapse. He said that the early warning systems would sound the alarm when the rain gauge breaches the safety level. He said the Malaysian Highway Authority together with the concessionaires have taken steps to ensure that slopes are safe. (NST Online)
Penang Hill train service may shut down
Penang is considering shutting down the problematic Penang Hill funicular train service if it continues to break down.Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stressed that passenger safety was of paramount importance, rather than revenue. “I will leave it to the management team of the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) but if it needs to close down even during the peak season, stop the train service,” said Chow. PHC stated that after the train had to operate “nearly non-stop” for several days during the long holiday weekend, the train’s wire rope had begun touching the haul rope drum beneath one of the coaches. Chow said major maintenance was not feasible as Swiss engineers could not travel to Malaysia during the pandemic. In February 2010, the funicular train saw a major upgrade costing RM63mil. (The Star)
CMG undertakes two projects worth RM2bil in GDV
City Motors Group (CMG) is making a big move into the real estate space with two skyscraper projects worth a total RM2 billion in GDV located in Bangsar and Bukit Bintang. Sri Seltra Sdn Bhd — the developer’s arm of CMG will undertake the development and its CEO Terence Chia is confident the two projects will see CMG expand into the luxury property segment and the hospitality industry. The company distributed Alfa Romeo cars and then diversified into oil palm plantation and aquaculture. Chia noted the GDV of the Alfa Bangsar and the Bukit Bintang Gateway projects will be RM450 million and RM1.5 billion respectively and form part of the group’s long-term plan to make inroads into the hospitality industry. The Alfa Bangsar project represents the group’s signature entry into the luxury market, while the Bukit Bintang Gateway project will be a single high complex with a hotel, serviced apartments and commercial podium. “We are currently halfway through construction and looking at a mid-2023 completion,” he said. (The Malaysian Reserve)
