THE government’s initiatives to assist rubber smallholders amid low rubber prices, and the conflict in Palestine, are among issues that will be discussed at the Dewan Rakyat today.

Adnan Abu Hassan (Kuala Pilah-BN) will ask the plantation and commodities minister on measures and initiatives that are being and will be implemented by the ministry, to help rubber smallholders.

In addition, Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Pasir Mas-PN) will ask the foreign minister why the government has yet to express a firmer stance and action on the conflict in Palestine, such as insisting that Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu be brought before the International Criminal Court.

Suhaizan Kaiat (Pulai-PH) will ask the transport minister on the ridership of KTM Bhd’s Tebrau shuttle service, between JB Sentral and Woodlands, Singapore, and whether the government is ready to negotiate with Singapore to increase the capacity of the service from 36 two-way trips to at least 50 trips.

There will also be a question from Wong Chen (Subang-PH) to the transport minister on the progress of the open payment system in Klang Valley’s public transport network, especially the Light Rail Transit, Mass Rail Transit and Rapid KL buses.

Doris Sophia Brodi (Sri Aman-GPS) will ask the women, family and community development minister on the latest status of the establishment of the Child Development Department, as announced during the tabling of the Budget 2023.

The debate on Budget 2024 will resume afterwards, and will be debated at the policy level for eight days, before a four-day session for replies from ministers begins on October 30.

MPs will participate in the debate on the bill at the committee level for 12 days, from November 6.

The current Dewan Rakyat sits for 32 days until November 30. – Bernama, October 26, 2023.