PM: Malaysia will open doors to 3,000 Syrian refugees
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib has said that Malaysia will take in 3,000 Syrian migrants over the next three years to help alleviate the refugee crisis. He said Muslim countries were partly responsible for ensuring the well-being of Syrians who were escaping persecution and war in their country, causing social and economic stress in Europe. It was reported that over four million Syrian refugees have fled their homeland over the last four years. (Malay Mail Online)
Khir Toyo jailed 12 months, property seized
Former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo has been found guilty of abusing his power to purchase land and property while in office in 2007. The court has sentenced him to 12 months in jail, and seized the property in question. An appeal for community service was rejected, as the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. Dr Khir’s sentence began on Sept 29, and will servce his jail term in Kajang prison. (The Malaysian Insider)
Shell Malaysia to cut 1,300 jobs
Shell Malaysia will cut 1,300 jobs from its upstream division over the next two years, which represents a cut of 13.3% of Shell Malaysia’s total workforce. The move is a bid to stay competitive in a low oil price environment, as crude oil prices continue to drop. Its plans follow a recent announcement by Royal Dutch Shell to slash 6,500 staff and contractor jobs and reducing US$7 billion (or 20%) of its capital investment. Shell Malaysia said that the adjustments in its upstream portfolio, which will regretfully have an impact on staff, will drive greater efficiency in its operations.(The Sun Daily)
BCB in RM58.5mil Iskandar land lease deal
Johor-based property developer BCB Bhd is buying the lease right of a 22-acre freehold tract in Medini Iskandar Malaysia, Johor for RM58.5 million. The land will be used to develop 175 units of 3/5 shoplots with an estimated GDV of RM400 million. BCB’s wholly-owned subsidiary Absolute 88 Sdn Bhd entered a lease purchase agreement with Metrogold Assets Sdn Bhd, who holds the lease that expires on Feb 13, 2017. The purchase will be financed through internal funds and/or bank borrowings. (The Edge Markets)
Weida to delay property projects
Building materials manufacturer Weida (M) Bhd, which ventured into property development, will delay the launch of its projects to a more opportune time due to the property market slowdown. In a statement today, the company announced that it would focus on delivery value and quality to existing customers. The company currently has two projects in its pipeline: Ardena Mont Kiara, a high-rise residential and another planned development in Cheras. Under the current uncertain conditions, the company is fortunate to have strong presence in Sabah and Sarawak where major infrastructure projects are ongoing, which make its products and specialised construction services relevant. (The Edge Markets)
Low-cost airlines to operate at KKIA Terminal 1 from Nov 1
All operations of low-cost airlines and services from Kota Kinabalu International Airport’s (KKIA) Terminal 2 will be transferred to Terminal 1 effective Nov 1, 2015. Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said it has communicated to the relevant airlines and government agencies on the directive from the Ministry of Transport (MOT). The newly-launched RM1.7 billion terminal can accommodate nine million passengers, and has better facilities.(Astro Awani)