Rightways to Success

Wednesday, 27 November 2024

Mara bought overpriced properties - PAC

Mara Inc overpaid for London & Melbourne properties - PAC, Purchases also not approved by Finance Ministry.

KUALA LUMPUR: Overseas properties purchased by Mara Inc in 2013 and 2014 were overvalued, says the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

PAC chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said the purchases involved the Dudley International House, 51 Queen Street and 333 Exhibition Street in Melbourne, Australia, as well as Beaumont House in London.

“The purchases were not approved by the Finance Ministry.

“However, the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) appealed the matter later, with it being brought before the Economic Council, which approved the purchases in 2013,” she said in a statement yesterday.

Mas Ermieyati said the matter is currently being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and also undergoing a court process.

“PAC recommends that KKDW, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), Mara Corporation Sdn Bhd (Mara Corp) and Mara Inc ensure that proposed investments both domestic and international – including high-value procurements like properties – comply with the latest government policies.

“Domestic investments should also be prioritised,” she said.

She said the recommendations were proposed following proceedings held on July 30, July 31 and Sept 19 this year.

According to the PAC report, Mara sold four properties between 2016 and 2018.

Three properties, namely 333 Exhibition Street in Australia, Ashley Hotel and Atelier Serviced Apartments in Britain were all sold for a profit.

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However, the 51 Queen Street property, which has been flagged by PAC, was bought in May 2014 for RM70.43mil but was sold at a loss of RM5.30mil.

Dudley International House, meanwhile, generated a return of 38.7% between 2013 and 2023.

It was reported previously that the price of Dudley International House was deliberately inflated by A$4.75mil.

Then MARA Inc chairman Datuk Mohammad Lan Allani was charged with 22 counts of corruption amounting to RM20.45mil over the property deals in Melbourne. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Among the witnesses who presented their statements were deputy auditor-general (corporations) Roslan Abu Bakar; KKDW secretary-general Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar; Mara director-general Datuk Seri Azhar Abdul Manaf; Mara Corp Group Corporate Planning director Datuk Amir Azhar Ibrahim; and Mara Inc chief executive officer Mohd Fadzil Mohd Idris.

Separately, Mas Ermieyati said Mara Inc’s appeal to convert Premiera Hotel’s existing debt into equity for a second time should not be repeated. The first request was made in 2015.

“KKDW, Mara, Mara Corp, and Mara Inc should make sure that Premiera Hotel has a clear plan to ensure the debt-to-equity conversion generates returns for the company’s sustainability,” she said.

In the report, the PAC also proposed for KKDW, Mara and Mara Inc to see to it that all development projects – including property development, renewable energy projects and marketing plans – are completed on time and within budget, to generate high profits.The report said Mara Corp must also strictly monitor its subsidiaries to guarantee profits, repay debts and pay dividends.

Besides that, a comprehensive standard operating procedure must be established for property rental to prevent arrears.

“Mara Inc must also draft a complete and clear policy on property valuation,” said Mas Ermieyati.

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Anwar - Global Tourist or PM? 37 trips to 27 nations in 2 years, why not focus on Malaysia's RM1 trillion debt?

https://politicsnowmy.blogspot.com/2024/11/anwar-global-tourist-or-pm-37-trips-to.html

Malaysian Anti-Corruption agency launches probe against Mara chairman, Tan Sri Annuar Musa

Johor’s biggest corruption cases: land and housing scandal, slapped with 33 counts of graft

Tuesday, 26 November 2024

An app for any medical emergency

With a tap, MyresQ, can quickly have life-saving help on its way

Improving the odds: The MyresQ app helps connect to 5,805 qualified and certified rescuers while giving the precise location of the emergency after activation. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

PETALING JAYA: When rescuing someone in cardiac arrest, every second counts towards saving their life.

With that in mind, the MyresQ medical app was created to quickly alert nearby rescuers to hasten emergency response times.

The app provides the public with the last-mile emergency response, which is a vital link in the chain of survival.

Launched in March, the first-of-its-kind app has already been activated in 459 emergency cases nationwide, of which 127 or nearly 28% were related to sudden cardiac arrest. The others were medical emergencies such as fainting and chest pain.

It also has one of the most comprehensive databases for automated external defibrillators (AEDs), with 360 registered under the app.

MyresQ helps connect to 5,805 qualified and certified rescuers while giving the precise location of the emergency after activation.

Its co-founder Dr Mohd Afiq Mohd Nor said the idea for the app came in late 2022 after a person collapsed and nobody around could perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Dr Afiq is an emergency physician consultant currently working in Universiti Malaya Medical Centre’s emergency medicine department, which is one of MyresQ’s partners.

ALSO READ: Digital solutions crucial for quick response, says Red Crescent

Following the incident, he said his colleagues and a few others thought about developing an app to activate responders.

“There was no system to activate responders to help people in need while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

“It took us about three months to develop the app and we ran tests in 2023 to fine-tune it.

“We have yet to see the next part following the hospitalisation of the patients,” he said.

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“Our focus is to increase the number of responders, to train and get people to use the app.

“A key performance index for an ambulance is to reach in 15 minutes after a call is made, but a study has found that it takes about 17 to 20 minutes on average,” said Dr Afiq.

He said the app team’s aim was to get those who received the notification within a 500m radius to reach the victim in four minutes.

Dr Afiq said emergency assistance for someone in cardiac arrest should be conducted within four to 10 minutes.

ALSO READ: Promoting a more vibrant community through sports

“This is because when the heart stops and there is no oxygen supply to the brain, it (the brain) will begin suffering damage,” he said.

As such, when the heart stops or someone has an attack, CPR and subsequent use of an AED are vital, he reiterated.

Regarding the AED, he said users could upload information of their locations to help people find and access them via the app.

When asked about the importance of having such an app, Dr Afiq said the activation of the system and CPR increased the survival rate.

“Even if you are not a responder, as a bystander you can activate the system, which helps tremendously as it notifies those within 500m.

“Among Malaysians, knowledge of CPR is taught in schools but there is no practical training for it, thus it becomes difficult for someone to perform it when needed.

“With the MyresQ app, one can start the CPR, activate the system and if there is an AED nearby, they can use it as well.

“Once you activate the system, you will be directed to 999 via the phone app call network,” he said, adding that the app can function nationwide.

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Recognition and Management of Stroke

Hello Health Minister - Dr Zaleha Mustafa, Crisis at hospital emergency units !

REVERSE Your Clogged & Stiff Arteries [50% Atherosclerosis over 45!]

Monday, 25 November 2024

JAB AGAINST PNEUMONIA, TIME FOR ANOTHER VAX DRIVE

Photo: FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

Stay covered: It’s suggested that a broader respiratory health strategy is needed, including promoting pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations and ensuring early diagnosis and treatment of respiratory infections.

There is a rise in deaths related to pneumonia, which is a highly avoidable disease. It has surpassed heart disease to become Malaysia’s leading cause of death in 2023. Health experts recommend pneumococcal vaccinations for adults and high-risk groups.

Ageing population calls for focus on adult pneumonia, say docs

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia should introduce pneumococcal vaccines for adults and high-risk groups following the steady rise in pneumonia-related deaths, say health experts.

While pneumococcal vaccination is already part of the National Immunisation Programme for children, they said there is no such programme yet for adults, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions.

Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations Malaysia president Dr Shanmuganathan Ganeson said Malaysia should integrate this vaccine as it has great public health benefits.

“Many countries have successfully reduced pneumonia-related morbidity and mortality by integrating pneumococcal vaccines. Malaysia should follow suit.

ALSO READ: Understanding Malaysia’s No. 1 killer

“It will help reduce hospital admissions by preventing severe pneumonia and invasive diseases, decrease healthcare costs by minimising complications and intensive care needs, and promote herd immunity by lowering bacterial transmission to protect unvaccinated individuals.

“Cost-effectiveness studies in other nations suggest that national-level vaccinations could have a long-term economic benefit alongside improved health outcomes,” he said in an interview yesterday.

Calling pneumonia a “highly avoidable disease”, Dr Shanmuganathan noted a rise in pneumonia-related deaths, particularly in 2021, due to Covid-19.

ALSO READ: Go big to fight pneumonia, says MMA

“Even after recovery, some individuals experienced secondary bacterial infections, further increasing pneumonia risks,” he added.

He pointed out that strained healthcare capacity also delayed treatment for other respiratory conditions.

At the same time, an ageing population and prevalent non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease heightened pneumonia risks.

“The rise of antibiotic-resistant strains like Streptococcus pneumoniae has complicated treatment.

“Also, the lack of widespread adoption of the pneumococcal vaccine, especially among high-risk groups, leaves a significant portion of the population vulnerable,” he said.

Dr Shanmuganathan said the pneumococcal vaccine effectively reduces the risk of severe pneumococcal disease.

He added that the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) can prevent up to 80% of invasive diseases in children.

“For the elderly and high-risk groups, the vaccine significantly lowers the risk of complications and death.

“Its efficacy varies depending on the individual health status and the vaccine type – either the PCV or the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV).

“Importantly, it offers protection against antibiotic-resistant strains of pneumococcus, addressing a growing concern.

“Malaysians, especially high-risk groups, should get the pneumococcal vaccine available in hospitals and clinics.

“This includes children under two, adults over 65, those with chronic diseases and the immunocompromised,” he said, adding that increasing the awareness of the benefits of the vaccine and its availability at most clinics is important.

With pneumonia now the leading cause of death, Dr Shanmuganathan said it is essential to update the Covid-19 vaccination programme, focusing on new variants like XEC and vulnerable populations.

He emphasised that a broader respiratory health strategy is needed, including promoting pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations and ensuring early diagnosis and treatment of respiratory infections.

“Private general practitioners should be kept informed of these developments.

“The Health Ministry must remain proactive, despite diverting staff to address the doctor shortage in clinical sectors,” he said.

Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said while Covid-19 infections may have been reduced, influenza cases are rising, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) becoming more recognised as a significant infection.

As such, he said the government should consider including pneumococcal vaccines in Malaysia’s national vaccination programme.

The vaccines, he added, should also be made readily available at private medical facilities and selected clinics.

“Such a programme should be introduced as it would help reduce morbidity and mortality, especially in the high-risk population.

“Vaccines should be made widely available to reduce the cost and burden of treating illnesses,” he said.

Dr Kuljit suggested that those in the high-risk group consider getting vaccinated to better protect themselves against pneumonia.

He said private medical centres are currently using the latest vaccine, Vaxneuvance, which helps protect against 15 types of pneumococcus.

The cost of pneumococcal vaccines ranges between RM280 and RM400, depending on the type used.

When asked, Dr Kuljit said the steady rise in pneumonia-related deaths in the past decade could be from the large number of high-risk populations due to the nation’s ageing population and those suffering from non-communicable diseases, which result in compromised immune systems.

He also said the increase in cigarette and e-cigarette smoking could also be a factor in the rise of such cases.

Smoking damages the cilia (tiny hair-like structures) in the respiratory tract that help clear pathogens and debris.

“This dysfunction can lead to a higher risk of respiratory infections, including pneumonia,” he said.

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