LONDON: The British government is planning to cut fuel duty for the first time in eight years in a possible emergency October budget, the Sunday Times newspaper reported. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who took office last month, has pledged to take Britain out of the European Union at the end of October with or without an exit deal. Johnson’s government have already set out a range of new policies seen by many as laying the groundwork for an early election. His Conservative Party, which does not have a majority in parliament, has also seen a bounce in its poll ratings, fuelling speculation he could run the country this year. The Sunday Times said Johnson’s team were working on an emergency budget for October, which would include a fuel duty cut. It has also war-gamed holding an election on Oct 17, the paper said. Asked about the fuel duty cut, transport minister Grant Shapps told Sky News it was a question for finance minister Sajid Javid. The government is focussed on its … [Read more...] about UK govt planning fuel duty cut in emergency budget: Sunday Times
Motolite rolls past BaliPure for 2nd win
Motolite rolls past BaliPure for 2nd win Luisa Morales (Philstar.com) - August 25, 2019 - 5:45pm MANILA, Philippines — The Motolite squad took care of business against the BaliPure Water Defenders in straight sets, 25-9, 25-20, 25-19 in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan on Sunday. Led by the offense of Isa Molde and Myla Pablo, Motolite was able to make easy work of the Water Defenders. Pablo and Tots Carlos connived in the opening set for a 25-9 demolition. While BaliPure showed tougher mettle in the second set and tied it late in the second at 17-all, an 8-3 scoring run by the Motolite squad stymmied any signs of a comeback. Come the third set, the Water Defenders simply ran out of gas against their opponents. Motolite now totes a record of 2-1, tied with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the third spot in the standings. BaliPure, meanwhile, drops to 1-3. … [Read more...] about Motolite rolls past BaliPure for 2nd win
Open tender for Perak-Penang raw water transfer project
BUTTERWORTH: The Finance Ministry has decided to go with a Request for Proposal (RFP) open tender on the proposed collaboration between the public and private sectors in the supply of raw water from Perak (Sungai Perak) to Penang. Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said that the proposal was a long-standing one and it deserves attention, considering Penang’s need to have a sustainable water supply for its future. The RFP will come under the supervision of the Public-Private Partnership Unit and is expected to cost over RM1 billion. “The Public-Private Partnership project has been a long-standing request from the Penang government to Perak. I believe Perak is willing to listen to our views and suggestions,” said Lim. “The important thing is that this project must benefit both (states), a definite prerequisite - we want a win-win formula,“ Lim said. He will be meeting with Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu to discuss the proposal. Currently, … [Read more...] about Open tender for Perak-Penang raw water transfer project
KK police detain 54 individuals for various drug offences
KOTA KINABALU: Fifty-four individuals were nabbed for various drug-related offences in week-long operations around Kota Kinabalu (KK) including in Sembulan and Manggatal from Aug 17. Kota Kinabalu police chief ACP Habibi Majinji said all those detained, were aged between 13 and 63 years, and 16 of them were foreign nationals. Two individuals were arrested for drug possession and trafficking, while 12 were arrested for drug possession and another 40 were detained for testing positive for drugs. “Police also seized 33.27 grammes of syabu worth RM1,663.50,“ he said in a statement today. Efforts to curb drug addiction and drug trafficking in Kota Kinabalu will continue to be intensified for the peace and well-being of the public. The local community is urged to cooperate by chanelling information to the Kota Kinabalu district police headquarters (DPH) at 088-529 220 or via the Kota Kinabalu DPH Facebook page, he said. — Bernama … [Read more...] about KK police detain 54 individuals for various drug offences
Abandoned teachers’ quarters to be refurbished, leased out
KLUANG: The Education Ministry is taking proactive measures to address the issue of abandoned teachers’ quarters across the country. Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said the action would include restoring a number of quarters, leasing the quarters to private and government agencies, including the state government as well as modifying the function of the quarters. He said currently, the ministry had 50,257 quarters throughout Malaysia, of which 33,893 units or 67.44% were occupied while 16,364 units or 32.56% were vacant quarters. Out of the vacant quarters, 10,062 units were in poor condition and could not be occupied, most of which were located in rural areas. “Before this, the issue was serious but since last year we have taken several actions to resolve it after discussions with the ministry’s agencies, the private sector and the state government. “For example, through the Kedah state government, we have leased our quarters to the Sultan Abdul Halim … [Read more...] about Abandoned teachers’ quarters to be refurbished, leased out