12/02/2025

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WEDNESDAY | FEB 12, 2025 5 S’pore to deport duo over national security SINGAPORE: An Iranian woman and her Malaysian husband will be deported from Singapore as well as banned from re-entering the country after they were found to be engaging in activities that posed a threat to national security. Parvane Heidaridehkordi, 38, had her long-term visit pass cancelled and her husband Soo Thean Ling, 65, had his permanent resident status revoked, the Straits Times reported, quoting a statement by the Home Affairs Ministry on Monday. Parvane was involved in the operations of a Singapore-registered travel agency that had sponsored visa applications by terrorism-linked foreigners seeking to enter the country. Investigations found that the travel agency was a front for an operation directed by a foreigner based overseas. Soo had tried to register a company to undertake travel agency business in Singapore on two occasions after authorities started investigations into the first travel agency, the Straits Times reported. He intended for Parvane to operate these businesses, which would “likely have facilitated Parvane’s continued involvement in supporting the entry of terrorism-linked individuals” into Singapore, said the ministry. Both applications were rejected. – Bernama RM98 million lost to commercial crime TAWAU: A total of 149 commercial crime cases were reported to the police here last year, with losses estimated at RM98.7 million, said Tawau district police chief ACP Jasmin Hussin. He said phone scams were the most prevalent type of commercial crime, with 45 cases recorded. “I advise the public to conduct business dealings directly at the relevant offices, rather than relying on phone calls from purported government departments.” He urged victims to file police reports as this would help authorities track down the criminals and take action. He said police have been collaborating with the local Education Department to raise public awareness on the dangers of phone scams. “I urge everyone to share information through media channels to educate the public on commercial crime prevention.” He noted a decrease in overall crime cases, with 650 reported last year, down from 795 in the previous year, and 470 brought to the Tawau Court. – Bernama Man gets four years for extortion KOTA BHARU: A man has been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment by the Sessions Court here after pleading guilty to extorting a 62-year-old woman. Mohd Zakuan Jaafar, 38, was charged on Monday with causing fear of death to the victim and compelling her to hand over RM100 in cash at an eatery in Kampung Lubok Simpol, Kuala Krai at 11am on Jan 28. The charge was brought under Section 386 of the Penal Code, which carries up to 14 years’ jail, a fine or whipping. DPP Ahmad Faiz Fitri Mohamad prosecuted the case while the accused, who was unrepresented, pleaded for a lighter sentence. “I asked for money and threatened to kill her because she owed me,” said Mohd Zakuan. Judge Zulkifli Abllah advised the accused not to repeat the offence, stressing that his act of using a parang was serious and had traumatised the victim. The court sentenced him to four years in prison and a fine of RM3,000, in default of one year’s jail. – Bernama

Benefits and drawbacks of dating apps

o Despite offering access to global pool of potential matches, platforms also leave users feeling isolated and disconnected: Lecturer

Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said women are the primary victims of love scams, making up 79.3% of the 2,223 cases reported from 2022 to August 2024. “Women are often seen as emotionally weaker, which makes them susceptible to affectionate gestures, especially when they are lonely and vulnerable.” Despite the risks, many individuals continue to turn to dating apps for love. For some, the apps have been successful in helping them find their life partners. One user, who asked to be known as Faizal, 27, said he met his wife on a dating app. “I was sceptical at first and wondered if any of the women I had shown interest in would contact me. But I decided to give it a try. Within 24 hours, I had three replies and one of them is now my wife. “Initially, we exchanged messages and she gave me her WeChat ID but not her phone number. After a few weeks of late-night conversations, I asked her out to dinner. A few months later, I knew she was the one for me.” As the popularity of dating apps continues to grow, Velan stressed the importance of using them responsibly and suggested that users limit their time on the apps and prioritise in-person meetings once a mutual connection is established. He also urged dating app

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

friends and even matchmakers helped parents find suitable partners for their children, dating apps now offer instant connections and access to a global pool of potential matches, all from the comfort of a mobile phone or computer. However, Velan said dating apps have their drawbacks and foster a “touch-and-go” mindset in which relationships are easier to end and less likely to develop into long-term commitments, adding that the excessive use of dating apps replaces physical interactions and leaves users feeling isolated and disconnected. He also said failed interactions or unmet expectations may impact self-esteem, with the focus on instant gratification often outweighing the development of emotional ties. Danger also lurks with dating apps as love scams have become a growing concern. In a recent case, a woman from Sibu, Sarawak fell victim after meeting a man on a dating app who claimed to be a Korean national. He convinced the victim to transfer RM86,841 through 25 payments for alleged Customs fees related to items he claimed to have sent her. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime

PETALING JAYA: Today marks the 15th and last day of the Chinese New Year celebrations called Chap Goh Meh, which has great historical significance and is considered the Chinese equivalent of Valentine’s Day. In the past, Chinese women were only allowed out on the last day of celebrations, when young girls sought love and young men flocked to see them. It is believed that when young women throw oranges into the sea, it would bring them a good husband. Prospective grooms at the venue would try to catch the oranges and see their future brides. In the 21st century, dating apps are the “in” thing for those seeking romance and a life partner, with a Statista survey stating that 32% of Malaysians were on them in 2024. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia anthropology and sociology senior lecturer Dr Velan Kunjuraman said despite dating apps, arranged marriages are still relevant among those who hold to cultural and traditional values. He said unlike previously when relatives,