Liow: A chance for all to unite for a brighter future
PETALING JAYA: The Chinese New Year is an auspicious occasion that brings promises of new opportunities, beginnings and a chance for everyone to come together to create a brighter future for the country, says Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
The MCA president said the past one year has been a “transformative” one for the country as the domestic economy continues to grow at a steady pace and the strengthening of the ringgit shows improved investor confidence.
“With a myriad of building projects well underway, including upgrading of the country’s transportation infrastructure, we are on track to become a developed nation on the global stage.
“Looking ahead, this year is certainly shaping up to be a prosperous one for the rakyat.
“The Government under Barisan Nasional is focused on catering to the needs and welfare of all Malaysians,” said Liow in his Chinese New Year message.
He said among the most notable measures was the reduction in income tax, which was announced during Budget 2018 that would provide households with greater disposable income and spending power.
Liow said MCA would also continue to look after the interest of the Chinese and provide aid and support to the community in terms of access to quality education, revitalisation of new villages and encouraging businesses to grow.
On the international front, Liow said MCA has played a pivotal role in strengthening diplomatic ties with China and the country would stand to benefit from the Belt and Road initiative.
This year, he added, was an important year and MCA looks forward to continue representing and serving the Chinese community in the Government.
“We will remain steadfast in our responsibilities to the people.
“As a party built on values of moderation, acceptance, mutual cooperation and progress, we will continue to do our part for the nation and its people.
“May this Lunar New Year be filled with goodwill, abundance and happy reunions with family and friends.
“To those travelling over the long weekend, be sure to drive safely and practise road safety habits. Gong Xi Fa Cai!” said Liow, who is also Transport Minister.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is in talks with Singapore to increase the Tebrau Shuttle service to 36 trips daily next year, says Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
The Transport Minister said this would mean an extra five trips per day, adding that there was great demand for the shuttle train service.
“We are discussing this (matter). Hopefully, Singapore will approve,’’ he told reporters after distributing festive goodie bags to commuters at KL Sentral here yesterday.
He said Singapore had previously limited the trips of the shuttle.
“Thanks to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who discussed the matter with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, we managed to increase the frequency of the service recently,” Liow added.
Both countries worked with Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) Bhd to increase the frequency of the shuttle from 26 trips to 31 daily from Tuesday, in time for the Chinese New Year.
The shuttle runs between JB Sentral in Johor and Woodlands, Singapore.
As all KTMB Intercity trains now terminate at JB Sentral station, the shuttle is the only way to travel between Malaysia and Singapore by train, with the journey across the Causeway taking just five minutes.
Liow said it was becoming popular for Malaysians to use the rail way to return to their hometowns to celebrate the festive period.
“About 80% of tickets offered by KTM for the Chinese New Year were sold out,” he said, adding that a total of 170,000 tickets were offered between Feb 10 and Feb 23.
He said the ministry encouraged more people to use the rail during festive seasons, when there were usually over 200 road fatalities, with an average of 19 deaths daily.
On the general election, Liow reit erated that he would defend his Bentong parliamentary seat.
“I have been working hard in Bentong. I have shown a comprehensive blueprint for Bentong’s development into a satellite town of Kuala Lumpur and a garden city,” he said.