oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | disaster management, emergencies, emergency management, government, news
KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed all pertinent departments to spare no effort in aiding those affected by recent floods as the Eid al-Fitr celebrations draw near.
At today’s media briefing held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah stated that Anwar has requested all stakeholders to promptly allocate resources towards post-flood restoration activities to alleviate the hardships faced by those affected by the floods.
This involves helping with the cleanup of houses, particularly as Hari Raya approaches.
He stated, “Since conditions in Johor and Sabah are progressively getting better, everyone—including NGOs and the private sector—should come together to assist flood-affected individuals in their recovery process. This disaster has led to considerable destruction of properties, financial losses, and interruptions in Eid al-Fitr celebrations.”
It was reported yesterday that the flooding conditions in Johor and Sarawak have continued to show improvement; however, the number of displaced individuals in Sabah has seen a slight increase.
Earlier this week, Anwar encouraged all state administrations to focus first on addressing civic problems like poverty, flooding, and public housing, while also advocating for progress in infrastructure development.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | commerce, government, government regulations, laws and regulations, politics
KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked the KPDN to enforce strict adherence to the cap prices during the upcoming Hari Raya period.
Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, his senior press secretary, mentioned that Anwar would personally carry out an onsite examination to enable him to assess the circumstances directly.
This will ensure enforcement of pricing regulations, including accurate labeling of regulated products, and assure that consumers can benefit from fair prices throughout the festive season.
This initiative is essential for sustaining equitable pricing periods and fostering a beneficial outcome for both consumers and enterprises,” he stated at the virtual press conference held at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Festival Season Highest Price Regulation Program, set to be implemented from March 24 through April 7.
The price structure was set following discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as well as various pertinent governmental bodies and sector participants.
He additionally mentioned that Anwar has directed both ministries to keep collaborating closely and to step up their surveillance and law enforcement activities. This includes conducting more regular checks to ensure an adequate provision of crucial items during the festive season.
During this time, consumers are urged to bring any concerns about unusual pricing directly to the relevant authorities.
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | economics, food and drink, government, news, rice
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In February, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security stated that starting from 1 March to 31 August, 24 million packets of locally subsidized white rice would be provided at RM26 for each 10kg pack.
It is anticipated that this program will assist approximately 400,000 household leaders (KIR), with about 77,000 extremely impoverished families set to receive assistance in the form of rice subsidies.
To make sure the program runs smoothly, various grocery stores and supermarkets have taken precautions.
proof of citizenship
a condition to purchase locally produced white rice so as to stop foreign individuals from acquiring the subsidized variety.
Yes, that indicates purchasers must present their National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) to purchase domestic white rice.
The present restriction allows each family to purchase up to two bags of rice, though certain shops impose a stricter limit of just one bag.
To avoid tampering and guarantee an efficient distribution, Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Badrul Hisham Mohd, stated that enforcement squads will operate 24/7 every day of the week to oversee the supply chain with a specialized tracing system.
Badrul additionally reminded the public
not to accumulate excessively or misuse the subsidy
To make sure the rice distribution reaches those who genuinely require it.
READ MORE:
Malaysian Rice Shortage: Unraveling the Tale
READ MORE:
“The ‘Plastic Rice’ Scare Rears Its Head Once More – Let’s Set the Record Straight!”
READ MORE:
Have You Ever Pondered About The Origin Of Those Beetle-Like Creatures Found In Rice Packs?
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oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | airline industry, business, civil aviation, flying, government
Airlines operating internationally within Nigeria have complied with the request from Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, instructing them to use local catering services for meal provisions during their flights.
Starting from October 2024, the Federal Government has urged international carriers to use local catering services; however, these airlines have not heeded this request.
Subsequently, Keyamo warned that he would dismiss the summer schedules of international carriers which decline to use local catering services for their external meals. These airlines agree to adhere to this schedule every quarter to maintain their operational rights within the nation.
As of 2023, the in-flight catering market has been estimated at $17.8 billion and is forecasted to grow to approximately $30.2 billion by the year 2033, based on an analysis conducted by Fact.MR.
Although industry players welcomed the government’s decision, departing travelers voiced complaints regarding the in-flight cuisine, with most dishes being international specialties.
Several major airlines already possess catering units where they have established their reliability over time.
This hesitation from these airlines to utilize Nigerian catering services has excluded the country from accessing the $17.8 billion market opportunity.
Nevertheless, during a stakeholders meeting last month, Keyamo announced that entry into and departure from Nigeria would hinge upon accords made with a domestic catering service.
He stated that foreign airlines had the option to cease operations in Nigeria if they believed they couldn’t support local caterers.
He stated, “I won’t endorse the summer timetable for international carriers unless they present an accord demonstrating collaboration with our domestic food service providers.”
You can cease your flights to Nigeria if you refuse to support local catering services here, and airlines like Air Peace will handle these routes instead.
On Monday, the catering staff at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos informed our correspondent that following the minister’s firm warning in February, international airlines began to favor their services.
Abimbola Olatunde, who requested that her business name remain confidential, expressed surprise at being contacted by two global airlines regarding their passenger meal services.
I couldn’t fathom the airlines agreeing with the minister since this is something we’ve demanded for ages, yet nobody seemed to hear our pleas.
“Two international airlines have approached me alone but I have only started with one. As a matter of fact, they also ask that I handle their drinks. I am happy and I must appreciate the minister for his foresight and resolve to also help boost Nigeria’s economy through aviation and its components,”she said.
The President of the Association of Foreign Airlines Representatives in Nigeria, Dr Kingsley Nwokoma, in a telephone conversation with our correspondent confirmed that the foreign airlines had started obeying the directive of the government.
He mentioned further that the minister’s instruction emphasized the importance of boosting support for local food vendors and traditional Nigerian cuisine aboard.
“As I converse with you, I traveled from Lagos to New York on Virgin Atlantic, and during the flight, they served Nigerian jollof rice along with some snacks. This experience only strengthens my belief. It shows that airlines have realized Nigeria should not stand idle when its caterers can also profit from this sector. That’s definitely a positive step taken by the minister,” he stated.
Upon being reached out to, Keyamo praised the airlines’ significant adherence to regulations, stating that he would release a list shortly illustrating the degree of their compliance.
“My brother. Indeed, the adherence has been quite remarkable. The majority have begun submitting their confirmations with our local food suppliers. We’ll gather the information shortly and keep you informed,” he said.
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oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | government, military, politics, politics and government, politics and law
Washington, D.C., [USA], March 25 (ANI): A bill with support from both parties was presented in the
US Congress
on Monday aiming to enforce
sanctions
on
Pakistan
‘s Army chief, General
Asim Munir
, due to his purported involvement in harassing political adversaries, such as previous individuals.
Pakistan
Prime Minister
Imran Khan
, The Hill reported.
The bill, named ”
Pakistan
The “Democracy Act” was proposed by Representatives.
Joe Wilson
(R-S.C.) and
Jimmy Panetta
(D-Calf.) and demands focused
sanctions
Under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.
The legislation requires the U.S. government to pinpoint those engaged in political repression within 180 days.
Pakistan
and impose penalties, including visa bans and restrictions on entry into the United States. It explicitly accuses Munir of “knowingly engaging in the wrongful persecution and imprisonment of political opponents” and urges similar action against others complicit in the crackdown.
Wilson has openly expressed his position regarding Khan’s detention, characterizing it as politically driven. “Mr. Khan undoubtedly qualifies as a political prisoner,” Wilson stated to The Hill, reaffirming that he had encouraged the U.S. government to apply pressure.
Pakistan
‘military leadership via visa restrictions and alternative methods to reinstate
democracy
and ensure Khan’s release. The legislation permits the removal of
sanctions
if
Pakistan
ends
military rule
, restores civilian-led
democracy
, and frees all imprisoned political figures.
In 2022, Khan lost his position following a no-confidence motion, and he was apprehended again in August 2023 due to allegations of corruption. His followers contend that these accusations are driven by political motives and manipulated by the military as a means to stop him from regaining control. Numerous lawmakers across both significant U.S. parties have consistently demanded his liberation, among them being Representatives Greg Casar (D-TX), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Jack Bergman (R-MI).
Richard Grenell, a former Trump administration official, has shown backing for Khan. In December, he shared on the social media site X: “Watch
Pakistan
His leader, who resembles Trump, is behind bars on trumped-up charges, while the public has been motivated by the US Red Wave movement. Put an end to politically-motivated trials globally!” This post garnered more than 12 million views and was extensively shared among Khan’s followers.
Earlier this month, during a joint speech to Congress, President Trump expressed his gratitude to the
Pakistan
I commend the government for assisting with the apprehension of an ISIS member associated with the 2021 Kabul airport incident. Last week, U.S. State Department representative Tammy Bruce refrained from commenting on Khan’s case, saying that the administration abstains from involvement in matters within other nations’ jurisdictions, as noted by The Hill.
Husain Haqqani, a former
Pakistan
The U.S. ambassador and a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute expressed doubt about substantial actions being taken by Washington. “It is improbable that”
sanctions
would be imposed on
Pakistan
“Just to ensure the freeing of an anti-American yet popular politician,” Haqqani stated, referring to Khan’s previous statements criticizing US policies.
Following his dismissal, Khan frequently charged Washington with conspiring to remove him from power, allegedly working alongside.
Pakistan
Then, during his time in opposition, he asserted that the U.S. sought his ouster because of his autonomous foreign policies and his resistance to American dominance. His political gatherings featured chants with anti-American sentiments, casting his departure as an assault on sovereignty.
Pakistan
‘s sovereignty. The Biden administration has denied any involvement.
Wilson recognized his divergences from Khan’s perspectives yet contended that such political discrepancies ought to be handled through democratic means. “However, these political disparities should be resolved via voting,” he stated.
Michael Kugelman, who directs the South Asia program at the Wilson Center, likewise played down the probability of
sanctions
Noting the irony within Khan’s support base, he highlighted how they criticize the U.S. for his removal yet simultaneously plead for American assistance. “To many Washington insiders, there is an inherent paradox in these calls,” he stated. He emphasized that although Khan’s backers claim their stance is against external meddling, this very argument carries political weight, according to analyses from The Hill.
Haqqani proposed that the lawmakers’ initiative was largely driven by domestic political considerations rather than genuine concerns.
Pakistan
“Many members of Congress are not familiar with Khan’s history. Some have incorrectly referred to him as a friend of the United States, despite his never having made such claims,” he stated. (ANI)
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oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | government, immigration, immigration policy, laws and regulations, world
The U.S. government has delivered a strong message to travelers from Nigeria regarding the serious repercussions of exceeding their visa limits, highlighting that those who violate this rule might be barred permanently from entering the United States again.
The U.S. mission in Nigeria issued the warning through X on Monday.
The immigration department stated that consular officials have access to an individual’s complete immigration record, which makes it extremely difficult to evade consequences for previous infractions.
They also stressed that travelers must comply with the conditions of their visa, and they cannot use unawareness of visa rules as an excuse.
“If you remain in the U.S. beyond the period permitted by your visa, you might be subject to a lifelong prohibition from entering the country again. The consular officials possess complete visibility into your immigration record and will be aware of any previous infractions. It’s important to understand that ‘accidental errors’ do not exempt you; ensuring correct usage of your visa falls squarely on you,” according to the statement released by the US Mission.
It has been reported that individuals who remain in the country beyond their visa allowance for between 180 days and one year could be subject to a three-year prohibition from re-entering.
Should an overstay last more than a year, the consequence might be a ten-year prohibition.
Repeat offenders or those with serious violations risk a permanent lifetime ban.
Following Donald Trump’s comeback as President of the United States, the country has tightened its immigration regulations.
On February 16, 2025, the federal government expressed significant reservations regarding the expulsion of its citizens from the United States. It called upon Washington to comply with international agreements and facilitate a respectful return process.
In a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the significant emotional and financial burdens these deportations impose on Nigerian individuals in the United States and their relatives in their homeland.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu pointed out that “approximately 201 Nigerian citizens are presently held in U.S. immigration facilities, with about 85 of them approved for deportation,” noting further that the administration is pushing for a more compassionate method to handle these cases.
“With the new US administration in place, we expect commitments to ensure that, if repatriation occurs, it will be done with dignity,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu additionally highlighted that numerous Nigerian residents in the United States significantly contribute to sustaining their family members at home via essential money transfers. These funds not only support daily living but also finance educational pursuits.
She emphasized that these deportations, particularly for individuals without any record of violent crime, ought not to be abrupt or traumatizing.
“As a nation, we are questioning whether they will be granted sufficient time to manage their possessions or if they will simply be herded onto planes and sent back home,” she asked.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
