News in brief: July 19

KEDAH RECORDS 82 PCT SPIKE IN ONLINE FRAUD CASES

ALOR SETAR -- Kedah recorded an 82 per cent increase in online fraud cases involving losses amounting to RM5 million from Jan 1 to June 30 this year.

 Kedah deputy police chief Datuk Mohd Roze Shaari said the increasing trend was seen as worrying as the community is still easily duped with the modus operandi of the scammers.

“If the public receives suspicious calls, do not be afraid to inform the police,” he told reporters here today.

 On haj fraud, he said police have opened investigation papers involving three cases, one in Kuala Muda and two others in Kota Setar, involving losses amounting to RM48,000.

 -- BERNAMA 

S’WAK TOURISM PLAYERS URGED TO APPLY FOR RM21.5 MLN FUND

 SIBU -- Sarawak’s Tourism, Performing Arts and Creative Industry Ministry has called on tourism industry players to immediately apply for the remaining RM21.5 million funds which are yet to be utilised.

Its Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting said the amount was a part of the RM35 million allocation provided by the Sarawak government to assist the industry players.

So far, only RM13.5 million has been approved and distributed to the tourism industry players in the state to carry out tourism-related activities, he said.

Meanwhile, Sarawak recorded 573,619 tourist arrivals in the first six months of this year, compared to 64,767 people for the same period last year.

 -- BERNAMA

PAHANG COLLABORATES WITH MIG DAIRY FRESH TO IMPLEMENT AGROFOOD PROJECT

RAUB -- The Pahang government has allocated about 285 hectares of land in Bukit Kajang, here for the implementation of a dairy buffalo and wagyu cattle breeding project in collaboration with MIG Dairy Fresh Sdn Bhd.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the agro-food project was implemented in line with the country's needs in addressing food security issues.

"The state government has taken the initiative to help entrepreneurs to be able to develop livestock projects by providing land for Wagyu cattle and dairy buffaloes,” he told reporters here today.

The livestock farming project will cost RM45 million and is set to be fully operational in 2026.

-- BERNAMA