Robin Augustin

Petaling Jaya

Chief News Editor at Free Malaysia Today

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Articles

Fomema stepping up clinic audits, biometric checks

4 days ago | nst.com.my | Robin Augustin

KUALA LUMPUR: The Foreign Workers Medical Examination Monitoring Agency (Fomema) says it is aware of syndicates helping unfit workers bypass medical checks. "We take these matters very seriously," said Fomema chief executive officer Dr Afiq Farhan Md Hanif. He said such cases were either detected through Fomema's internal systems or reported via credible feedback from the public or employers.
Fake passports and 'stand-ins' help sick foreign workers bypass health checks

4 days ago | nst.com.my | Robin Augustin

KUALA LUMPUR: Foreigners, believed to be linked to a syndicate, are allegedly helping other foreigners looking to work in Malaysia bypass stringent health checks aimed at protecting local workers and communities from diseases. Several general practitioners, who spoke to the New Straits Times on condition of anonymity, said they were concerned that unfit workers were being absorbed into the workforce, increasing the risk of the spread of infectious diseases like tuberculosis.
Look within, say experts and industry groups

5 days ago | nst.com.my | Robin Augustin

KUALA LUMPUR: Policy makers should look internally at ways to facilitate ease of doing business and investing in the country as part of a wider response to the United States' tariffs, says an economist. Centre for Market Education chief executive officer Dr Carmelo Ferlito said while it was encouraging that Malaysia had sent a delegation to Washington to discuss the issue with the US, it was also important for the country to "look within".
Think tank: Consultation fee cap, medicine pricing rule threaten private clinics' survival

1 week ago | nst.com.my | Robin Augustin

A think tank wants the government to consider deregulating medical consultation fees, saying the issue of displaying medicine prices is linked to the sustainability of private clinics and primary healthcare. Galen Centre chief executive Azrul Mohd Khalib said general practitioners had only two income streams — consultation fees, which are capped, and the sale of medicines.
Eye on Tan Sri in highway probe | New Straits Times

1 week ago | nst.com.my | Robin Augustin

KUALA LUMPU: Graft-busters investigating false claims amounting to hundreds of millions of ringgit linked to a Klang Valley highway project have now turned their attention to a "Tan Sri". "A certain Tan Sri is on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) radar in relation to this case," said a well-placed source. However, the source declined to provide further details.
Perak Bersatu divided? Power tussle threatens party unity

3 weeks ago | nst.com.my | Robin Augustin

The six-month suspension of Perak opposition leader Razman Zakaria from the state assembly has sparked a power tussle among Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia leaders in the state. The New Straits Times has learnt that two factions have emerged in the Perikatan Nasional lynchpin's Perak chapter, with one aligned with Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, and the other with Sungai Manik assemblyman Datuk Zainol Fadzi Paharudin.
HBA: Don't blacklist errant developers, charge them

3 weeks ago | nst.com.my | Robin Augustin

KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local Government Ministry should charge developers of sick and abandoned projects instead of merely blacklisting them, says the National House Buyers Association (HBA). HBA secretary-general Datuk Chang Kim Loong said blacklisting developers was not the answer, as it did not carry the same weight as criminal prosecution.
Abdullah took the fight to corruption with bold leadership, says Azam

1 month ago | nst.com.my | Robin Augustin - |Robin Augustin

KUALA LUMPUR: The country's top graftbuster has paid tribute to former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for his bold leadership in the fight against corruption. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said Abdullah will be remembered for his integrity, vision, and dedication to the nation. "Notably, his leadership saw the transformation of the Anti-Corruption Agency into the MACC in 2009.
Group: Fix leaking pipes to curb non-revenue water losses, theft

1 month ago | nst.com.my | Robin Augustin

KUALA LUMPUR: A think tank for water and energy has called on water authorities to replace leaking pipes in a bid to curb theft. Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia president S. Piarapakaran said water leaks and theft accounted for around 70 per cent of non-revenue water (NRW). In 2023, NRW losses stood at RM2.32 billion, with the figure expected to rise to RM4.05 billion a year if this issue is not resolved. "Water theft has been happening for some time.
Umno to unity leader on 3R issues

2 months ago | nst.com.my | Robin Augustin - |Robin Augustin

Umno will ensure that its leaders are on the same page on the importance of structured consultation, strategic messaging and clear communication before making statements on race, religion and royalty (3R). Its secretary-general, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, said while it was unrealistic to expect uniformity in thought and expression among its three million members, Umno remained committed to the values that unite Malaysians.