01/10/2024

Charcoal-maker to keep fire burning Third-generation factory owner determined to preserve legacy of 90-year-old industry

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in Kuala Sepetang to ensure it remains part of nation’s heritage.

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY

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SCAN ME No. 8621 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Hoteliers doing disservice to tourism industry Klang folk bemoan constant flooding

Netizens say pushing back check-in and bringing forward check-out times prompting local tourists to travel abroad for short holidays.

Poor drainage infrastructure and inadequate maintenance make Taman Melawis particularly prone whenever it rains heavily, say residents.

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Report on — page 2 ‘PM actively tackling tackling woes of Indians Indians’ Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has shown sincere commitment in addressing long-standing issues faced by group, says former minister.

WET LAND ... An aerial photo showing the massive extent of floods that hit the Pokok Sena district in Kedah yesterday after continuous heavy rain. – BERNAMAPIC

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Fahmi to deliver keynote address at conference in South Korea

SEOUL: The GSMA Mobile Apac 360 conference, which brings together representatives from mobile network operators worldwide and highlights cooperation with South Korea’s film industry, will be among the focus of Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil’s three-day working visit to the republic which began yesterday. He is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on “Building the AI-Enabled Digital Backbone” at the conference, touching on Malaysia’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of AI. It will be the second time that Fahmi is attending the conference, the first being in September last year, when he delivered a keynote address highlighting the significant efforts to enhance broadband connectivity and the ongoing rollout of 5G networks nationwide. The GSMA is a global organisation representing the interests of mobile network operators worldwide in the mobile ecosystem and

adjacent industries.

Today, Fahmi is set to visit several companies, meet with representatives from South Korean wireless telecommunications operator SK Telecom and witness the signing ceremony of an MoU between CelcomDigi and SK Telecom. Fahmi’s busy schedule will continue with a bilateral meeting with South Korea’s Science and ICT Minister Yoo Sang-im tomorrow. He is also scheduled to meet with Busan International Film Festival chairman Park Kwang-su and Busan Cinema Centre CEO Kim Jae Hin to discuss and explore collaboration opportunities in the film industry. Last May, Fahmi said the ministry would focus on expanding the Malaysian film industry within the Southeast Asian market before exploring opportunities beyond. He said the Southeast Asian

Fahmi with Telekom Malaysia CEO Amar Huzaimi Md Deris (left) and Radian Arc chairman Peter Christie (right) witnessing the agreement signing for Edge and Cloud Gaming Services between Telekom Malaysia represented by TM Global executive vice-president Khairull Liza Ibrahim (left) and Radian Arc represented by the company’s CEO David Cook (right) in Seoul yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

film industry holds significant potential, given the region’s large population. – Bernama ‘Indian community faring better under Anwar’

Saifuddin Nasution said investigations and enforcement action are being conducted not only by the police but also various agencies, with the participation of 1,226 officers and members from the Health Ministry, the Islamic Development Department, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the National Registration Department. “The police and all relevant agencies will take the necessary time to complete investigations before submitting the findings to the Attorney General’s Chambers.” – Bernama Call for more attention for needy KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants the welfare of vulnerable groups in this country to continue to be given attention in line with the concept of Madani economy. Taking the example of the education sector, he said there are children of the rich who enjoy government-funded educational facilities. Anwar said elite groups such as senior civil servants, political leaders, leading entrepreneurs are sending their children to the best schools funded by the government, and this is unreasonable, unfair, Bernama reported. “Should a child of the rich be sent to the Faculty of Engineering, (whether) Malay, Chinese or Iban, he should pay, so that we can meet the demand, otherwise this subsidy will continue.” Vital to improve security laws PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there is a need to improve national security-related legislations to ensure the country’s security is more robust against outside elements and influences. He said the matter is left to the discretion of the police, Armed Forces and other relevant enforcement agencies to improve existing national security laws. “However, it will certainly be opposed by some (parties) and God willing, we (the government) will defend it.”– Bernama

problems as those of the nation. “If we can eliminate racial and religious bias from the minds of government officials and leaders, then we can easily resolve all the problems in the country. All citizens, regardless of race and religion, will receive government services without discrimination.” Xavier said given such a scenario, there would be no need for the prime minister to personally intervene to solve issues affecting the minorities as government officials themselves could resolve them, Bernama reported. “For example, processing an identity card application or approving it should be the duty of a government officer. Whether the application is delayed or swiftly approved depends on the official. If that officer holds the belief that we too are their fellow Malaysians, the issue can be resolved at the official level. “Many matters that remain unresolved for years, awaiting special recommendations from ministers or the prime minister, are due to a lack of this consideration by officials.” He added that the mental distress, educational, economic and social impacts caused by such delays are immeasurable, and this is why the prime minister’s guiding slogan, “all Malaysians are my children”, is a powerful mantra for national unity.

o PM has shown sincere commitment in addressing minority group’s long-standing issues, says ex-minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Under the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, every sector is witnessing growth, said former water, land and natural resources minister and Selangor state assemblyman Datuk Dr Xavier Jayakumar. He said the government’s sincere commitment includes addressing long standing issues faced by the Indian community, Xavier said although some in the country may not acknowledge this for political reasons, the government’s efforts to bring about change are evident, and its victory at the Mahkota by election in Johor stands as proof that the people recognise the good it is doing. “Everyone is aware the problems that the Indian community faces did not arise overnight, nor will they be resolved immediately. However, we must acknowledge that the government has already begun taking steps to alleviate these issues, and it must be recognised that the prime minister is working sincerely and honestly to address them. “As evidence, Anwar recently held his third

meeting with the Indian representatives in Parliament, state assemblies and the Senate, outlining what the government has already done and what it plans to do for the Indian community,” he said on Sunday. He added that within just a year and a half of taking office as prime minister, Anwar has had three meetings with Indian representatives where many issues faced by the Indian community were raised. He said it also reflects the premier’s genuine concern for and the importance he places on the community. “Which previous prime minister has met twice a year with Indian representatives in Parliament, state assemblies and the Senate?” He said previously, many of the problems the Indian community faced were due to those who claimed the community was a partner in the nation’s development but failed to grant it the status of a true partner. “We know that the leadership of that time, along with government officers, did not show concern for our issues or consider our

Investigations into GISBH being carried out efficiently: Minister PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has expressed confidence in the efficiency and credibility of the police to complete investigations into GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH). children or human trafficking, action must be taken. Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 and the Penal Code. Ops Global, which is being carried out to combat child exploitation activities and alleged doctrines of religious fanaticism linked to GISBH, is now entering its fourth phase.

“I fully support the actions taken by the police against GISBH. If there are (any offences) under the Penal Code, then they should proceed. If there are violations under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, they must continue (to take action).” Saifuddin Nasution is optimistic that the police would take all aspects into account and conduct investigations in accordance with four laws, namely the Child Act 2001, Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, Anti-Trafficking in

Speaking at the monthly assembly of the Home Ministry yesterday, he voiced full support for the enforcement actions carried out by the police through Ops Global since the beginning of the month. “If there is clear evidence of exploitation of women and children, sexual offences against

Since the first phase of Ops Global began in early September, 80 investigation papers have been opened while more than 300 people, including GISBH’s senior management, have been arrested, 572 victims rescued and eight individuals brought to court, facing a total of 33 charges.

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Jakoa allocates RM4.3m for Orang Asli sports development IPOH: A total of RM4.3 million has been allocated by the Department of Orang Asli Development this year under the Human Capital Development Programme to provide opportunities for Orang Asli youths to engage in sports and fitness activities, as well as to promote a healthy lifestyle. Rural and Regional Development Ministry secretary-general Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar said the programme also aims to foster closer ties among the 18 Orang Asli ethnic groups in Peninsular Malaysia through sports activities and to provide information on the rules and regulations of the sports being contested. “It also aims to enhance the physical health and fitness of Orang Asli youths through healthy competition and to cultivate a sporting spirit,” he said at the opening of the 2024 Orang Asli Sports Carnival at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim on Saturday. Muhd Khair Razman also highlighted that many athletes from the Orang Asli community have made a name for themselves at national and international competitions. “The latest is a 12-year-old boy from the Bateq ethnic group in Kampung Aring 5, Pos Lebir, Gua Musang, Sa’ap Baharom, who has been offered a spot at the Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) Academy by JDT’s head of talent search and youth development, Diego Griffa,”he added. – Bernama PUTRAJAYA: The National Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry launched the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) 2.0 yesterday, an updated framework aimed at guiding Malaysia’s transition towards a low-carbon economy. Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the policy reaffirms the country’s commitment to meeting its climate pledges. NCCP 2.0 serves as an umbrella policy, integrating all climate initiatives to provide a clear pathway for governance, low-carbon development, adaptation, climate financing and partnerships. “Although Malaysia contributes only 0.8% to global GHG emissions, we recognise that we are part of a global community and all must contribute to ensuring its safety,” he said during his speech at the Climate Change Forum 2024: Path to COP29 Baku, where NCCP 2.0 was officially launched. – Bernama Policy launched for low-carbon transition

Malaysian tourism hurt by inflexible hotel policies

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Strict check-in, check-out times pushing locals to seek better value and convenience in neighbouring countries

especially regarding drainage and irrigation in rice field areas.” Additionally, he expressed hope that the ministry’s initiative to make Sabah and Sarawak the country’s second rice granary, following Kedah, will come to fruition. “Yesterday (Sunday) I was in Miri, Sarawak. The Sarawak Premier announced the plan to make Sarawak the second ‘rice bowl’ with an initial allocation of RM500 million to address the rice shortage problem,” he said. – Bernama lowered their operating costs by having minimal staff and they have continued using this ‘contingency business model’ even in the post pandemic period. “Housekeeping is often viewed as a dirty, dangerous and difficult job, which discourages locals from taking up such positions. As a result, staff shortage has persisted, impacting the quality of services most hotels provide.” Mohd Hafiz said if this situation persists, it could also deter foreign tourists from visiting Malaysia as negative experiences tend to go viral, potentially affecting the tourism industry. However, Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) president Datin Christina Toh said the timings are defined when guests book their rooms. “If guests are satisfied with the conditions, they can proceed with their bookings, otherwise, they can look for alternative accommodations.” She said peak seasons, large group bookings, staffing challenges and unexpected absences can lead to adjustments in check-in and check-out timings. “Since there are no regulations mandating specific check-in and check-out times, I urge guests to appreciate the operational needs of the industry.” Toh also denied that the timings were revised to maximise profits and said they helped to ensure rooms were properly cleaned and prepared for the next guests. “The main goal is to provide a smooth and comfortable experience while managing logistical demands.” She stressed that MAH is aware that guests may perceive the new timings as unfair without fully understanding the housekeeping and room preparation processes. To address this, she said hotels strive to be transparent, communicate timing policies upfront and offer compensation if delays occur. “Most hotels work hard to ensure a positive experience. The priority is guest satisfaction. Timing adjustments are usually due to high occupancy or the need for thorough cleaning to ensure quality and safety, not to cause inconvenience.”

PETALING JAYA: It seems like the Malaysian tourism industry is shooting itself in the foot. About 100,000 Malaysians left for Southern Thailand during the long weekend in conjunction with Malaysia Day on Sept 16 instead of holidaying within the country. This contributed THB1 billion (RM127 million) to its economy. Netizens are now complaining that changes in Malaysian hotel check-in and check-out times are prompting more of them to travel abroad for holidays. UiTM Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management senior lecturer Prof Dr Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah said the standard check-in is usually between 2pm and 3pm, while check-out is at 12pm. However, netizens on X and TikTok have voiced concerns about hotels changing check-in times to 4pm, and bringing forward check

they are getting better value for their money at alternative destinations abroad, where they can enjoy comparable or better services at a lower cost, thus choosing them over Malaysian options. Mohd Hafiz pointed out that check-in and check-out times are not regulated by the Innkeeper’s Law or the Tourism Industry Act 1992, but are set by each hotel’s internal policy. He said although some hotels accommodate early check-in or late check-out requests, policy inconsistency across establishments can lead to frustration, particularly when such options are not guaranteed or clearly stated. “During the pandemic, hoteliers

out times to 11am. Mohd Hafiz

said

such

inconvenient significantly

policies

can

impact overall satisfaction, which means potential guests may skip Malaysian hotels and opt instead for short trips abroad. “As it is, our tourism industry faces challenges through increased competition from neighbouring countries that provide a more seamless experience for travellers. “If hotels continue annoying local guests with their inflexible check-in and check-out policies, more of them may decide to holiday abroad for convenience, causing Malaysia to lose out even more.” He said travellers might also feel

Mohd Hafiz said such inconvenient policies can significantly impact overall satisfaction, leading to guests opting for short trips abroad. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Govt to speed up flood aid for Kedah padi farmers PENDANG: The government will seek to expedite the distribution of initial aid through the Padi Crop Disaster Fund (PCDF) for farmers affected by the recent floods in Kedah. highest), vegetables, A total of 2,074 padi farmers and agricultural operators under the Kedah Agriculture and Food Security Ministry Inc, who were affected by the floods last month, received food baskets containing various essential items.

shortage in the country. As a long-term strategy to mitigate rice supply shortages, particularly due to natural disasters, the ministry will request that the government allocate about RM400 million in Budget 2025 to improve the infrastructure and drainage system for areas outside traditional rice-growing zones. “The Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) has its own long-term project. We must also improve the infrastructure of areas outside the rice-growing zones,

land-based fishermen, whose ponds were destroyed by the flood, and cattle farms. “In early November, the prime minister will chair a meeting related to food security. Perhaps we can include the emergency flood situation in Kedah. The rice granary area of the country must be given special attention,”he said. He said this after presenting the Madani Food Basket to padi farmers, agricultural workers and cattle rearers affected by the floods at the C-III Tajar Area Farmers Association yesterday.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the preliminary loss estimate for the affected agricultural sector is about RM40 million. However, the ministry is still conducting a comprehensive study to determine the actual losses incurred. “The losses include rice crops (the

Mohamad noted that about 6,000ha of rice crop areas were impacted by flooding in mid September. The floods damaged rice fields that were ready to be harvested, contributing to the rice supply

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Civil servants urged to embrace new salary scheme PORT DICKSON: A small group of civil servants remains hesitant to opt for the Public Service Remuneration System, which will replace the Malaysian Remuneration System effective Dec 1, said Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat. “Some are hesitant but the principle is simple, namely salary increases. There are no reductions, although some groups may get more, some may get an equivalent amount and some will remain in the same range. “The important thing is that the new scheme brings no losses, so there is no need to hesitate. Just sign and enjoy better pay,“ he said after officiating at a World Environmental

Prime Minister’s Dept to face budget cuts

Health Day celebration here on Sunday. He said the new system is seen as an improvement over the old system, which has been in use since 2002, and if there are shortcomings in the service scheme, Cuepacs would continue negotiating with the government through the Public Service Department. – Bernama

pack and a few other items. Meat was available at RM26 per kg. It is much cheaper than what I find in stores and I hope we can see more events such as this in the future.” Che Embun Musa, 75, said she travelled from Kuala Ketil with her daughter to purchase goods at discounted prices. “At first, I came just to have a look but in the end, I bought many items because the prices were too good to resist.” – Bernama LABUAN: The allocation for the Prime Minister’s Department is expected to see a reduction in Budget 2025, in line with efforts to practise prudent spending, said its minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. “We have presented our proposed budget for the department to the Finance Ministry. We will know this month the exact allocation we have been granted,“ she said after officiating at the Labuan Annual Borneo Arts Festival closing ceremony at the Financial Park Convention Hall on Sunday. She said the department has been informed of a reduction in its allocation aimed at cost cutting but emphasised that key socioeconomic development programmes would not be compromised. “The department has submitted a list of priorities to the Finance Ministry to ensure the smooth implementation of socioeconomic programmes next year.” She commended the success of the festival, which is a tourism-driven event that received overwhelming response from participants across several states. “The festival could become a long-term tourism product for Labuan. However, improvements are necessary to attract more visitors.” Zaliha highlighted the government’s flexible and business-friendly policies for foreign investors, particularly in Labuan. “We welcome foreign investors to explore opportunities on the island but we need to address long-standing utility issues before significant investments can take place. “Before we can invite foreign investors, it is essential to resolve the challenges surrounding utilities, such as water and power supply, to ensure they can meet demand.“ She added that the utilities issues are expected to be resolved by 2028. She also revealed plans for a visit to China next week, in which she will engage with potential investors interested in exploring opportunities in Labuan. – Bernama Ministry offers educational funding for students BANGI: A total of 2,500 new students for the 2024/2025 academic session across the country have been selected to receive educational funding under the Siswa Sulung 2.0 programme. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the programme was introduced to ensure children from eKasih aid recipient families or those living in extreme poverty were given adequate opportunities to further their education. “We expect around 8,000 students from Year One to Year Four to benefit from the programme. “We offer scholarships and they only need to pay for their residential college fees. “Everything else is free,“ he said after attending the Madani campus tour programme “In Person with Doc Zam: Tips and Tricks for Freshies” at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia here on Sunday. – Bernama

Festival to raise awareness on authentic Indian dances

o New event aims to highlight history and meaning behind classical

performances and showcase diversity

GEORGE TOWN: Bharatanatyam, odissi, karakattam and kathakali are Indian classical dances that are well known in the country, especially among the Indian community, as they are often performed at events. People of other ethnicities are also drawn to the uniqueness of the dances, which are taught at certain institutions, such as the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage. The academy even has a few Malay instructors teaching bharatanatyam , which is one of the oldest Indian classical dances, that is not easy to learn. Indian classical dance performances are known for their storytelling through eye movements, hand gestures and rhythmic footwork. Over the years, much like the cultural dances of other ethnicities, they have not been exempt from the trend of being mixed with modern styles. However, the performances featured in the Indian Dance Festival at Komtar here recently adhered to the authenticity of the classical dances of several Indian ethnic groups. The festival, organised by the Penang Indian Film Producers Association and supported by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and Tourism Malaysia, aimed to raise awareness on the history and meaning behind Indian classical dances and showcase their diversity while retaining their authenticity, Bernama reported. Event organiser Viknes Perrabu said: “It is important to preserve and maintain the original dance forms of the Indian community. Indian culture is rich with various dances from different ethnic groups. “Indian dance can be divided into classical and traditional styles. The most well-known classical styles are bharatanatyam, odissi, mohiniattam, kathak, kathakali,

The festival attracted an audience of over 300 from various racial backgrounds, who were captivated by the dancers. – PIC COURTESY OF PENGUSAHA PERFILEMAN INDIA PULAU PINANG

kuchipudi and manipuri , most of which are heavily influenced by Hindu religious elements and stories from the ancient Sanskrit text Natyashastra .” The Indian classical dances learned by members of other ethnic groups do not incorporate religious elements but the authenticity and uniqueness of the dance movements are preserved. The festival attracted an audience of over 300 from various racial backgrounds, who were captivated by the dance movements, accessories and costumes worn by the performers.

The dances were presented by Malaysians belonging to popular groups from Penang and Kedah, such as GDA Dancers, Vaanavil Dancers and Eswary Dancers. The excitement of the audience was evident during the karakattam performance, when the dancers balanced pots on their heads while performing to the rhythm, and the mayilaattam (peacock dance) performance, when the dancers mimicked the graceful movements of a peacock. Other traditional dances, such as kuchipudi, oyilattam, mohiniattam and kollatham, also enlivened the festival.

Madani sale offers essential items at 30% discount SIK: About 2,000 residents here enjoyed a 30% discount on essential items during the Kedah Regional Development Authority Jualan Kasih Madani event yesterday at the Development Authority Zone 4 office. “People started queuing at 8am. Within three hours, all essential items were sold out. the Development Authority to ensure the success of the events this year. We are offering 53 different types of goods. “The events could support entrepreneurs and alleviate the cost of living burden of residents in the surrounding area.”

“Our combo sales (featuring chicken, cooking oil and sugar) were 35% cheaper. We had 200 packs available at RM15 and during happy hour, we sold 100 packs of the same items for RM10.” He said this was the second time the event had been held and two more are set to take place before the end of the year. “A total of RM150,000 has been allocated by

Its general manager Ismasuhaimi Shariff said the event, held in collaboration with the Kedah Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority, was aimed at assisting those affected by current economic challenges.

Daud Md Amin, 67, said he found out about the event from a neighbour and arrived with his wife at 10am. “I managed to buy 5kg of rice, a happy hour

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Residents cry foul over poor drainage maintenance

Teacher charged with trespassing

SLIM RIVER: A female teacher was charged in the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday with trespassing into her ex-boyfriend’s office in March. The accused, N. Retha, 41, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to her before Magistrate G. Phulrani Kaur. Retha, a senior assistant for co-curricular activities, is alleged to have committed criminal trespass by entering the office of P. Navaneeth, 35, at about 3pm at a clinic in the Muallim district on March 3. She was charged under Section 447 of the Penal Code, which provides a maximum jail sentence of six months or a fine of up to RM3,000, or both. The case was prosecuted by DPP Nor Syahirah Azahar, who proposed bail of RM4,000 in one surety, and an additional condition that the accused be prohibited from approaching the victim until the case is concluded. Lawyer N. Villasini requested a lower bail, saying the accused is a single mother of two children, aged 14 and 16, has a father with a heart condition, and has served as a teacher for 21 years. The court granted bail at RM2,000 with the additional condition that the accused is prohibited from approaching the victim until the case is disposed. It set Oct 18 for the next mention and document submission. – Bernama Three killed in seven-vehicle crash KUANTAN: Three men died and five others were injured, three seriously, in a seven-vehicle pileup at Km42 of the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway yesterday. A Pahang Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said an emergency call was received at 4.13am regarding a collision involving four cars, a three-ton lorry and two trailers. The crash involved 13 individuals, comprising nine men and four women. “Immediately after arriving at the scene, the firefighters removed the victims from the wrecked vehicles, and extinguished fire from a trailer truck,“ he said yesterday The dead were identified as Mohd Ridzuan Zulkafly, 40; Muhamad Zaimi Shariff, 39; and Muhammad Azizul Fitrie Md Zairi, 23. The bodies were handed over to the police for further action. He said the injured victims, comprising two women and three men, were sent to a hospital for treatment. Five others who were involved in the crash escaped injuries. – Bernama Man, son dead after car hits bridge wall SEREMBAN: A family’s journey home ended in tragedy when two of them were killed after a car they were travelling in crashed into a bridge wall at Km21 of Jalan Kuala Pilah-Tampin on Sunday. Kuala Pilah police chief Supt Amran Mohd Gani said in the 3.45pm incident, the 64-year-old man, who was driving, and his 31-year-old son died on the spot. The man’s 62-year-old wife and 28-year-old daughter sustained injuries. “Preliminary investigations showed that the crash occurred while they were on their way home after sending another child to Universiti Teknologi Mara in Lendu, Malacca, and were heading towards Johol. “Upon reaching the location, the driver lost control of the vehicle, veered off to the left side of the road and collided with a bridge wall near Masjid Jamek Pekan Johol,” he said yesterday. The injured victims were sent to Tuanku Ampuan Najihah Hospital in Kuala Pilah. – Bernama

o Taman Melawis folk in Klang constantly worried over flood occurrence due to thunderstorms during monsoon transition phase

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Despite Klang becoming the 20th city in Malaysia on Nov 23 last year, residents continue to complain about poor drainage infrastructure and inadequate maintenance. With the country entering the monsoon transition phase starting Sept 24 until early November, thunderstorms are expected nationwide, raising the risk of flash floods and causing worry among Taman Melawis residents. Thunderstorms, typically accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, are anticipated in the late afternoons and early evenings, causing anxiety among the residents due to the poor drainage system in the area. Resident Jason H.L. Lee, 48, who has lived in Taman Melawis for 31 years, expressed concern about the recurring floods in the housing estate, which has been happening for several years. He said since the neighbourhood is over 50 years old, the drainage system is too small to handle heavy rainfall, causing run-off water to rise quickly even after a downpour of just 30 minutes. “Although the Klang Royal City Council has upgraded the watergates in response to our complaints, upgrading the drains to larger ones is also vital to effectively address the flood problem. “The watergate upgrading process should have taken three to four years to complete, but we are still waiting for it to be finished.” Lee said the flash floods are also partly caused by the residents themselves, who do not fully appreciate the importance of keeping the drainage system clog-free. “Some residents throw rubbish, causing the drains to get clogged while others cover the drains during home renovations without considering the impact their actions have in contributing to flash floods. “Everyone complains about the problem, so whenever water rises during rain, we update our community WhatsApp group, but not everyone recognises the need to be civic-conscious and not throw rubbish into the drains.” Lee said the indifference and selfishness of such residents in not correcting their

Limited frequency of inspections by the council has failed to address ongoing problems such as clogged drains, leaving the area prone to flash floods.

the neighbourhood is over 50 years old, the drainage system is outdated and needs to be upgraded. Nathan also said despite numerous reports to council members regarding the issues, inspections are only conducted twice a year, which is insufficient to effectively monitor or maintain the drainage system. He said the limited frequency of inspections has failed to address the ongoing problems, leaving the area prone to flash floods. “Regular assessments should be carried out to ensure that the drainage system can cope with the increased demands of the growing population in Taman Melawis.” Nathan said residents also bear responsibility and cannot depend entirely on the neighbourhood committee to take care of all the issues. “We shouldn’t blame the city council alone as it is already working to address the issue.”

behaviour has hindered effective community action to address the flash flood problems. Another resident, who gave his name only as Nathan, 40, said Taman Melawis has been experiencing floods for a long time, but the situation was previously not as severe as there were fewer housing developments. “However, more new homes have been built and this, coupled with poorly designed drains, has caused blockages and ineffective water flow, which has worsened the flooding. “We urge the council to establish a more efficient drainage system to replace the existing problematic infrastructure. The current drains are inadequate for handling heavy rainfall, which is the main cause of the frequent flash floods.” Nathan echoed Lee’s opinion that some residents made things worse by dumping rubbish into the drains, causing blockages. He said when flooding occurs, rubbish can be seen floating everywhere, adding that since

Israeli’s firearms possession trial set for January KUALA LUMPUR: The Sessions Court yesterday fixed 12 days in January next year for the trial of Israeli Avitan Shalom, who is charged with two counts of trafficking six firearms and possessing 200 rounds of ammunition in a hotel room here. At yesterday’s proceedings, Avitan was represented by lawyer Sreekant Pillai. On the first charge, Avitan is alleged to have been in possession of a box containing eight Shell Shock NAS3 9mm bullets, three boxes containing 150 Bullet Master bullets and 42 bullets in three firearms, without a permit. Number AEGS286), Sig Sauer P3205P, Cougar 8000FT, Austrian Glock 17 Gen4 9x19, M&P 9C Smith & Wesson Springfield MA USA and a Stoeger Cougar 8000F. The charge, framed under Section 7(1) of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971, provides a minimum of 30 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of 40 years and not less than six strokes of the cane.

Judge Norina Zainol Abidin set Jan 6 to 9, Jan 13 to 16 and Jan 20 to 23 to hear the case after DPP Mohamad Mustaffa P. Kunyalam requested the court to reschedule the trial, which was earlier set to begin yesterday. The court also vacated the dates Oct 1 to 3 and Oct 7 to 11, that were set earlier for the hearing.

The charge was framed under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960, which provides a maximum jail sentence of seven years, or a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or both. He was also charged with trafficking firearms, namely a Glock 19 USA 9x19 (Serial

Both the offences were allegedly committed in a hotel room in Jalan Ampang between 6.46pm on March 26 and 6pm on March 28. – Bernama

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Keeping charcoal furnaces fired up o Third-generation Taiping entrepreneur determined to preserve legacy of 90-year-old industry

Deepavali movie to set cinemas alight KUALA LUMPUR: The much-awaited Tamil biopic “Amaran”, based on the true story of the late Major Mukund Varadarajan, an Indian army officer who died during a counterterrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir in 2014, is set to be released this Deepavali. Its lead actor Sivakarthikeyan, who flew in from Chennai, India, to promote the film in Malaysia, shared his deep connection with the role, revealing the emotional and physical journey he undertook to bring the real-life hero to the screen. “ Amaran is more than just a film for me, it’s a story of the immense sacrifice and love of a soldier for his country. I felt a personal responsibility to do justice to the role. “I worked hard to reflect his bravery, not just through physical transformation but by understanding the spirit of a true hero. It’s not just a role but an honour,” he told the crowd at a promotional event on Sept 28. Also present were lead actress Sai Pallavi and celebrated music composer G.V. Prakash Kumar. “Amaran” will be released worldwide on Oct 31 to coincide with Deepavali. The film’s teaser has already attracted over 26 million views, and Sivakarthikeyan’s intense preparation for his role and physical transformation have drawn praise from fans. The popular actor also expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s continued support for Tamil cinema. “The love from my fans here is overwhelming. Whenever I come to Malaysia, it feels like coming home. The way you’ve supported my films motivates me to work harder and bring you my very best.” On her role in the movie, Sai said: “This is a story that transcends the battlefield. It’s about courage, sacrifice and the bond between a soldier and his nation. I believe ‘Amaran’ will touch the hearts of everyone who watches it.” The story is adapted from the book “India’s Most Fearless” by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh. – Bernama

TAIPING: Sepetang, formerly known as Port Weld, was where the nation’s oldest railway station was located. However, it has another “feather in its cap” as home to the country’s oldest charcoal-making industry, that began in 1930. Over the years, not much has changed in the area where the charcoal factories were and are still located – at the river estuary facing the Strait of Malacca. Currently, 120 factories are operating there, most of which are family-owned and run by the third generation. Chuah Kee Yong, 53, owner of a charcoal-making enterprise called My Charcoal Factory, is a third-generation family member who owns the business. He told Bernama he is determined to preserve the legacy and history of Kuala Sepetang’s charcoal industry and ensure it remains part of the nation’s heritage. “I decided on this because there was no one else but me to manage the factory,” he said, adding that charcoal manufacturing was not unfamiliar to him as he has been helping his family in the factory since his school days. Charcoal, with a fixed factory price of RM10 per 3kg, is not easy to produce. “To make high-quality charcoal, the most important thing is the furnace, or gok . This igloo-shaped structure is made from 26,000 bricks bonded with mud. We can’t use cement to construct the gok because it cracks under high temperatures of up to 250°C.” Chuah said the igloo shape is important to ensure even heat distribution, allowing the mangrove wood to be “cooked” at the right temperature, adding that his factory has six furnaces. “Each gok can process 1,500 logs weighing up to 50 metric tonnes but after the burning process is complete, the resulting charcoal weighs only about 10 metric tonnes,” he said. The wood used to make charcoal are from mangrove trees of the bakau kurap (Rhizophora mucronata) or bakau minyak Kuala

From mangrove logs to the final product, each batch of charcoal takes in excess of 30 days to make. – BERNAMAPIC

determine whether the charcoal has formed properly. Perfectly formed charcoal does not emit smoke that smells acrid. “After that, we leave the charcoal to cool and then it’s ready to be marketed or used for downstream products.” On the future of Kuala Sepetang’s charcoal industry, Chuah said he would continue operating his family business for as long as he can, adding that his children have shown little interest in the field. “This industry still has potential. But in the future, the businesses may be taken over by outsiders as not many young people here are willing to take over the trade.”

250°C, and the heat is maintained throughout the burning process.” The high temperatures are maintained for 10 days, after which the air intake openings are sealed with mud and bricks to lower the flame intensity. “This low fire burns continuously for another 14 days, following which all the air vents are sealed, allowing the furnace to cool for eight days before the charcoal is formed. “Once this process is over, I would go to the furnace to assess the condition of the wood by observing the colour and smell of the smoke produced. “I would sniff the smoke coming from the air vents to

(Rhizophora apiculata) species, and must be at least 30 years old. He said charcoal factory operators are granted permits to harvest mangrove trees grown on government-owned land covering 40,000ha along the coast. For sustainability purposes, they are also responsible for replanting. “After cutting them down, the trees are sawn into two-metre logs and transported by boat to the factory. The wood is then dried under sunlight for two to three days before being transferred to the furnace. “The logs are positioned vertically inside the furnace. The temperature inside is then raised from 85°C to between 220°C and

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Nepal flood toll reaches 192

Japan’s beloved panda couple return home TOKYO: Japan’s beloved elderly giant pandas Shin Shin and Ri Ri were safely returned to China on Sunday, Tokyo’s Ueno Zoological Garden reported on its website. The two pandas arrived at the Ueno zoo in 2011, bringing a little lightness to the country just months after a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan on March 11 of that year, and continued to draw fans of all ages over the years. When it was announced a month ago that the elderly pandas would soon be returned to China to be treated for high blood pressure, visitors flocked to see the pair before they left. Hiyori Sakurai, an artist in her 30s, said she has been visiting the zoo every Sunday and even some weekdays when she could take time off from work. “Whenever I go through a hard time, I would go see Ri Ri and Shin Shin, and they always cheered me up,” she said. Etsuko Tokuda, a self-employed woman in her 60s, has been going to the zoo almost everyday since the return announcement. “Each day was important to me. I wanted to see them even if they were sleeping.” Native to China, pandas have through the years become “envoys of friendship” and China’s offer of pandas to other countries has been dubbed panda diplomacy. – Reuters Blood-stained clothes used to incriminate him were also ruled a set-up. The court said investigators had put blood on them and planted them in a tank of miso fermented soybean paste to be discovered. – AFP Longest serving death row prisoner hails acquittal as ‘victory’ TOKYO: The world’s longest-serving death row prisoner thanked his supporters for helping him achieve“complete victory”after a Japanese court last week overturned his decades-old murder conviction. After a long fight for justice led by his sister, 88-year-old Iwao Hakamada was on Thursday declared not guilty of the quadruple murder that he spent 46 years on death row for. “Finally I have won full and complete victory,” the former boxer told a group of supporters on Sunday in Shizuoka, the region southwest of Tokyo where the ruling was issued. “I couldn’t wait any longer” to hear the not guilty verdict, said a smiling Hakamada, sporting a green hat. “Thank you very much,”he said, accompanied by his 91-year-old sister Hideko at the meeting, which was shown on Japanese television. Japan and the United States are the only major industrialised democracies to retain capital punishment, which has broad support among the Japanese public. Hakamada is the fifth death row inmate granted a retrial in Japan’s post-war history. All four previous cases also resulted in exonerations. Decades of detention – mostly in solitary confinement with the threat of execution constantly looming over him – have taken a toll on Hakamada’s mental health. His lawyer and supporters have described him as “living in a world of fantasy”. Hakamada was released in 2014 pending the retrial but rarely speaks publicly. Despite the retrial verdict, his acquittal isn’t finalised – prosecutors reportedly have until Oct 10 to decide whether to appeal the Shizuoka District Court’s ruling. But they may face an uphill battle, as the court delivered a sweeping rebuke of the prosecution’s arguments, saying that investigators fabricated key pieces of evidence. Hakamada’s confessions of having robbed and murdered his boss, the man’s wife and their two teenage children were obtained through “inhumane” interrogations and mental and physical torture, making them invalid, the ruling said.

o ‘Disaster made worse by urban encroachment’

KATHMANDU: Search and rescue teams in Nepal’s capital picked through wrecked homes yesterday after waters receded from monsoon floods that killed at least 192 people around the Himalayan republic. Entire neighbourhoods in Kathmandu were inundated after the heaviest rains in more than two decades, with the capital temporarily cut off from the rest of Nepal after landslides blocked highways. Home Ministry spokesman Rishi Ram Tiwari said: “Our focus is on search and rescue, including people who have been stranded on highways. 192 people have been reported dead, and another 31 are missing.” At least 35 of those killed were buried alive when earth from a landslide careened onto vehicles on a highway south of Kathmandu, said Nepal Police spokesman Dan Bahadur Karki. Rescuers in knee-high rubber boots were using shovels to clear mud from the worst-hit riverside neighbourhoods around Kathmandu, many of them slum settlements. Deadly floods and landslides are common across South Asia during the monsoon season from June to September. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, a Nepal-based think tank, said the disaster had been made worse by unplanned urban encroachment around the Bagmati River, which courses through the capital. Nepal’s army said that more than 4,000 people had been rescued, with helicopters, motorboats and rafts used to bring stranded households to safety. Bulldozers were being used to clear nearly two dozen sections of major highways leading into Kathmandu that had been blocked by debris.

Rescuers work to retrieve bodies of victims from a landslide site at the Tribhuwan Highway in Dhading, Nepal. – REUTERSPIC

airport recorded about 240mm of rain, the highest figure since 2002. The summer monsoon from July to September brings South Asia 70-80% of its annual rainfall and is vital for agriculture and food production in a region home to around two billion people. But monsoon rains also bring widespread death and destruction in the form of floods and landslides. More than 300 people have died in Nepal in rain-related disasters this year. – AFP

Merchants in Kathmandu said that damage to intercity roads had drastically cut the supply of fresh fruit and vegetables into the capital. “The farmers have their produce ready but with the highways blocked, all of it is stuck,” said Binay Shrestha, who works at one of the city’s main produce markets. Nepal’s weather bureau said preliminary data from stations in 14 districts measured record-breaking rain in the 24 hours to Saturday morning. A monitoring station at the Kathmandu

Senior UK judge becomes fifth to leave top Hong Kong court HONG KONG: A British judge on Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal stepped down after his term ended yesterday, the city’s judiciary said, the fifth foreign justice to leave the bench this year. Authorities in Hong Kong have enacted two national security laws to quell dissent since huge, and at times violent, pro-democracy protests were quashed in 2019. personal reasons for their resignations. Phillips, a former chief justice of the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court, has served for 12 years since he joined the court in 2012.

The judiciary thanked him for his “support for the rule of law in Hong Kong during his tenure”. It said yesterday that “despite the departure of some (non-permanent judges) in recent years, an overwhelming majority of the serving and departed (judges) have publicly reiterated their continued confidence in judicial independence in Hong Kong”. Six foreign judges will remain on the Court of Final Appeal following Phillips’ departure. Hong Kong had five overseas judges sitting in its top court when the city was handed back to China in 1997. The bench gradually expanded to 15 members in 2019 and 2020 before downsizing for four consecutive years. – AFP evasion offences related to her environmental campaign group Change. Political dissident Tran Huynh Duy Thuc was an internet entrepreneur sentenced to 16 years in jail in 2010 for allegedly trying to overthrow the regime. Officials yesterday refused to reveal the total number of prisoners in detention. In August, authorities said 643 foreigners are serving jail terms in Vietnam. Human Rights Watch says more than 160 political prisoners are behind bars. – Reuters/AFP

The latest came into force in March, drawing criticism from Western nations, including Britain and the United States, about the legislation further curbing freedoms in Hong Kong. Two senior British judges resigned from Hong Kong’s top court in June. One of them, Jonathan Sumption, 75, wrote an opinion piece in The Financial Times that he had resigned because “rule of law is profoundly compromised”. The other, Lawrence Collins, 83, cited Hong Kong’s “political situation” as the reason for his resignation. The other two who declined to extend their terms – an Australian judge in March and a Canadian judge in July – cited old age and

Judges from common law jurisdictions are invited to sit as non-permanent members in the former British colony’s top court. Their presence has long been considered by authorities as a sign of international confidence in Hong Kong’s justice system, which is separate from mainland China’s opaque, party controlled legal system. However, the judiciary has seen an unprecedented exodus this year, with Nicholas Addison Phillips being the latest to leave. The 86-year-old “indicated recently that he did not wish to have his term of appointment extended upon its expiry on Sept 30, due to personal reasons”, the judiciary said in a statement yesterday.

Vietnam offers amnesty to 20 foreign prisoners HANO: Vietnam has offered amnesty to 20 imprisoned foreigners from Cambodia, China, Iceland, India, Laos, South Africa and the United States, Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet said yesterday. but always excluding political activists. Those convicted for “attempting to overthrow” the government or “terrorism” are not eligible for release, according to yesterday’s official amnesty announcement.

The detainees are expected to be released today in a belated move following Vietnam’s Sept 2 National Day. The amnesty comes after the early release mid-September of two high-profile detainees, as the country’s leader To Lam visited the US. Environmental activist Hoang Thi Minh Hong was serving a three-year jail term for tax

The 20 were jailed for crimes such as murder, smuggling and gambling, Viet said at a press conference to announce the president’s amnesty on the country’s National Day, which included more than 3,760 prisoners. Vietnam has announced nine special amnesties since 2009, freeing more than 92,000 prisoners ahead of their expected release dates