Kuala lumpur: A total of RM543.79 million has been distributed to all states since 2022 for river conservation projects aimed at reducing flood risks. Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, stated that the allocation, channelled through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), covers minor works such as river alignment, riverbank stabilisation, and the upgrading of channels and related structures. He emphasized that the responsibility for these matters remains under the jurisdiction of the states, although the federal government has outlined an approach through the Malaysia Plan to secure necessary funding.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah announced that the government will cease approving special registration numbers for companies, individuals, or NGOs, particularly for profit-making. Special registration numbers will now be available through the JPJeBid platform, with proceeds supporting people-centric government initiatives. Since its introduction in 2023, RM110,069,150 has been collected, part of which is allocated to programmes like Free Driving Licence Assistance and road safety promotion.
The Prisons Department is collaborating with 789 companies to provide jobs for 7,051 parolees as part of a community-based rehabilitation initiative. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail highlighted that the Corporate Smart Internship (CSI) programme aims to help former inmates secure employment and reintegrate into society. The number of parolees is expected to increase to 8,500 with Guthrie's agreement to hire and train 644 individuals. Shopee has also pledged to employ 350 individuals.
The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) is implementing targeted approaches to enhance mental health support and student welfare at institutions of higher learning nationwide. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir noted that strategies are tailored to the specific needs of each institution, including public universities and community colleges. Currently, 0.067 per cent of cases at public universities require mental health intervention, reflecting the ministry's commitment to student well-being.