KUALA TERENGGANU, June 13 — The Terengganu government says it will not act hastily over concerns about the growing presence of the Rohingya community in the state, but will instead address the issue in an orderly, fact-based manner and in accordance with the law.

State Local Government, Housing and Health Committee chairman Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah said such an approach is important to preserve community safety, public order and social harmony.

However, he said the state government understands public concerns over the presence of the Rohingya community in several areas of the state.

“Issues involving foreign nationals encompass various aspects, including entry, travel documents, work permits, individual status and action against illegal immigrants, all of which fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government through the relevant authorised agencies.

“Within the scope of the state government and local authorities, the actions that can be taken are focused on local compliance matters such as business licensing, premises requirements, environmental cleanliness, public nuisance, and the use or construction of premises that do not comply with regulations. The state government will not act hastily or based solely on perceptions,” he said in a statement today.

Nevertheless, Wan Sukairi said the state government will strengthen coordination among agencies, including the Immigration Department, the National Security Council and the police, to facilitate information-sharing, monitoring and coordinated enforcement actions in accordance with their respective jurisdictions.

He said the state government acknowledges that enforcement activities on the ground face their own challenges, including issues related to document verification, communication, personnel safety and jurisdictional limitations among agencies.

“This requires a more structured, cautious and effective approach to ensure that any action taken does not deviate from legal provisions. Should there be any violations involving business premises or unlawful activities, appropriate action will be taken by the relevant agencies.

“Therefore, members of the public with information are urged to report it to the authorities and refrain from taking matters into their own hands or spreading unverified information that could trigger unrest,” he said. — Bernama

 

 

KANGAR, June 3 — The Perlis state government must explore innovative approaches suited to local potential to address increasingly complex economic challenges, said the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said this includes strengthening high-value sectors, attracting strategic investments, and leveraging geographical advantages as well as existing resources.

His Royal Highness said the approaches adopted should be based on best practices that have proven successful, whether domestically or internationally, while taking into account the state’s specific context.

“Focus should be given to high-impact initiatives capable of generating long-term returns, rather than short-term programmes that offer limited value to the state’s economy,” he said in his royal address at the opening of the fourth term of the Perlis State Legislative Assembly sitting at Kompleks Seri Putra here today.

Also in attendance was the Raja Perempuan of Perlis, Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid.

The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, were also present.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin also emphasised the importance of efforts to generate state revenue and to explore new, more sustainable and resilient sources of income.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness stressed that all expenditure must be carried out prudently, transparently and with integrity, while delivering maximum returns to the people in the implementation of development projects in Perlis.

“I am of the view that true progress is not measured solely by figures, but by the level of well-being genuinely experienced by all segments of society. Therefore, every policy and initiative must be carefully designed, with a focus on improving the quality of life of the people in a comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable manner.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin also expressed hope that the state government will continue to maintain good relations with the federal government to ensure the well-being of the state. — Bernama

 

 

ISKANDAR PUTERI, June 4 — The Johor state government has spent more than RM66 million to strengthen the state's public health sector over the past four years of its administration.

Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said this allocation was distributed to ensure the welfare and health of approximately four million people in the state continue to be preserved.

He said the state government cannot remain silent and must always prioritise public health issues because they involve the lives of the people.

“If following the old way, the state government would not need to channel more than RM66 million to the Johor State Health Department (JKNJ). However, when it involves the lives of nearly four million Johor citizens, we cannot turn a blind eye and a deaf ear.

“That's why I have never hesitated to get involved in strengthening the JKNJ, and I will continue to pay attention to the public health sector in this state,” he said.

He said this while officiating the state-level Nurses' Day Celebration, in Johor at the Sunway Big Box Hotel here today, which was also attended by the Johor health director Dr. Mohtar Pungut.

Onn Hafiz said the state government will also continue to help find solutions to the issue of healthcare workforce shortages, particularly involving nurses and doctors in Johor.

“In Johor, we know there is a shortage of nurses and doctors. We will work together to find the best methods to ensure these vacancies are filled promptly,” he said.

In the same event, Onn Hafiz also announced the allocation of RM500,000 to nurses in the state as a token of appreciation for their services and sacrifices, in addition to RM100,000 to medical assistants in the state.

He also said this move represents the state's continuous efforts to strengthen appreciation for healthcare workers by increasing allocations to nurses and medical assistants as recognition of their contributions to the healthcare sector.

He added that the allocation to the nurses in the state has shown a continuous increase since 2023, namely RM200,000 in the first year, RM300,000 in the following year and RM400,000 in 2025. — Bernama