SNAPSHOT | Focus on constituents, PJ PKR says following MP's resignation; respect Dr M family's privacy - Fahmi

KINI SNAPSHOT | What’s going on in the news today.

11am

Politics

• Petaling Jaya PKR has urged continued focus on constituents following Lee Chean Chung’s resignation as MP.
  
  Its information chief Halimey Abu Bakar said the branch respected Lee’s decision, but warned that internal political developments should not disrupt services to residents.
  
  “We cannot allow internal political developments to disrupt the continuity of service to the people,” he said in a statement today.

  

  Halimey (above) added that issues such as welfare, housing, education, healthcare, the cost of living, transport and other local concerns must continue to receive attention.
  
  Halimey also stressed that Petaling Jaya PKR would continue its community work and ensure residents’ voices were heard.

READ MORE: Lee quits as Petaling Jaya MP, cites governance concerns

Dr Mahathir

• Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil urged content creators and social media users to respect former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s privacy as his family mourns the death of Dr Hasmah Ali.
  
  In a video posted last night, the government spokesperson said public interest in Mahathir’s health and condition should not override basic decency.

  

  “We understand that many people want the latest updates, including on Mahathir’s health, but not everything needs to be pursued, especially for news or content.
  
  “Technology may change, and we may differ in our views, but let us not use social media to the point that we lose our manners, morals and humanity,” said Fahmi, who echoed Mukhriz Mahathir’s earlier appeal for space and privacy.

READ MORE: 'More than just a moment': A photo that will be treasured forever

Haze

• Four areas in Johor and Sarawak recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 9am today.
  
  According to data from the Department of Environment’s (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Sri Aman in Sarawak recorded the highest reading at 152, followed by Pasir Gudang, Johor (151).
  
  The other affected areas were IPD Serian in Sarawak (126) and Larkin, Johor (121).
  

  

  Meanwhile, 61 areas recorded moderate readings, while two areas were classified as having favourable air quality - Taiping, Perak (44) and Temerloh, Pahang (42).
  
  API readings of 0 to 50 are classified as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and above 300 as hazardous.

Economy

• A total of 2,506 businesses in Kuala Lumpur opted for multi-year license renewals within two months of the initiative’s introduction in July, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh.
  
  She said 704 businesses renewed their licences for two years to receive a five percent discount, while 1,802 chose three-year renewals with a 10 percent discount.

  

  Another 8,000 businesses renewed their licences for one year, she said at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 122nd anniversary dinner yesterday.
  
  Yeoh also said the initiative, which allows renewals of up to three years, is aimed at easing dealings with the government and reducing repetitive administrative processes that take time away from running businesses.

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