04/03/2025

TUESDAY | MAR 4, 2025 5 Couple arrested over hit-and-run case KUALA LUMPUR: Police arrested a married couple late on Sunday over a hit-and-run incident which occurred near Bandar Teknologi Kajang last Feb 28. Kajang police chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof said the 73-year-old man and his 65-year-old wife were arrested in Kajang at 11.15pm following a report lodged by the mother of the victim on Sunday. According to the report, the victim’s mother informed that her 42-year-old son was hit by a car last Friday. “The victim had called his mother and said he had been hit by a car and could not move. She immediately went to the scene and took her son to a hospital.” Naazron also said said there was a dashboard camera video which recorded the incident. “It showed the victim getting off a tow truck and trying to stop a black car. The car driver was seen reversing the car before speeding towards the victim and then dragging the victim onto the road divider. The car then fled the scene,”he said. Naazron said the case was being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder and Section 279 of the Penal Code for reckless driving. He added that those with information or who witnessed the incident to contact the nearby police station or the investigating officer Insp Mohd Hizwan Hamzah at 019-636-9835. – Bernama Man suspected of killing mother remanded ALOR SETAR: Police have obtained a seven day remand order against a 43-year-old-man suspected of killing his mother before setting her on fire at a house in Jalan Tok Keling on Sunday. The remand order against the suspect, who holds an Person with Disabilities card, was issued by Magistrate Nur Syifa Mohd Hamzah yesterday. The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code. It was reported that police found the burnt body of the 68-year-old woman in the house after receiving information about the incident on Sunday morning. Kota Setar police chief ACP Siti Nor Salawati Saad said the suspect was arrested in front of the house. “The woman’s grandson, aged 14, was also in the house. According to the boy, the incident happened between 7am and 7.30am when he heard his father and grandmother arguing and then heard the woman screaming for help. “The boy then ran out of the house to seek help from neighbours who contacted the police for help,” she said. – Bernama WWII bomb found at building site disposed PAPAR: A World War II bomb found at a construction site near Lok Kawi Plastic Industries in Kinarut was successfully detonated on Sunday. Papar police chief Supt Kamaruddin Ambo Sakka said the unexploded ordnance aerial bomb, believed to still be “live”, was detonated in three staged explosions between 11.55am and 1.25pm. “No untoward incidents occurred during the operation. Prior to the bomb destruction, the police informed various involved agencies, including the Department of Environment. After the detonation a team from the Kinarut police station collected information from the surrounding area to find out if anyone was affected by the explosions,” he said. He added that the operation adhered to the standard operating procedures set by the Disaster Management Committee under the National Disaster Management Agency. – Bernama.

Public warned of dangers in faulty power banks

o Low quality devices cause overheating and short circuits, say experts

He also said physical damage, such as drops or punctures, can rupture battery cells and increase fire risks. External factors such as high temperatures or pressure changes during flights can worsen these issues, he added. His remarks follow recent incidents of power banks catching fire, including a viral video of an inflight emergency during a passenger flight from Johor Bahru to Bangkok, Thailand, in which a fire broke out in the luggage compartment just minutes before landing, reportedly due to a faulty power bank. In another case last September, a Malacca-based content creator had a power bank explosion at home, resulting in losses of approximately RM20,000. Muhammad Ammirrul said overcharging, frequently draining the battery below 20% or using the power bank while charging (pass-through charging) can generate excess heat and degrade the battery. “Using low-quality cables or chargers can also overload the power bank, leading to overheating or failure,” he added. He urged consumers to buy power banks from reputable brands with safety certifications such as Malaysia’s Sirim or international standards like CE or FCC compliance as the market is flooded with cheap, unbranded alternatives. “Low quality power banks often use inferior lithium cells and lack essential safety features, making them prone to overheating, short circuits or even explosions. “Many falsely advertise their capacity, claiming 20,000 mAh but delivering far less,

which results in inconsistent performance and potential device damage.” Despite the risks, he said unbranded power banks remain popular in Malaysia due to their affordability and availability. “Consumers often prioritise cost over safety and misleading ads or fake reviews further fuel demand. “A general lack of awareness about the dangers of low quality batteries also contributes to their continued use. “Power banks are useful, especially in emergencies, but they should be used only when necessary to avoid over reliance.” Putrajaya Fire and Rescue Department Fire Safety Division director Datuk Khirudin Drahman Hussain said low quality or counterfeit power banks, improper charging practises or the use of incompatible chargers were the main causes of fires by power banks. “A faulty or overheated device can become a serious fire hazard within minutes, especially if left unattended or placed near flammable materials,” he added. Khirudin advised consumers to avoid pass-through charging and refrain from charging multiple devices simultaneously to prevent overloading. “Be alert of warning signs such as swelling, excessive heat or a burning smell, and stop using the device if any of these occur.” He also urged users to dispose of old or damaged gadgets at e-waste collection or recycling centres. “Always follow the three Ps, precaution, prevention and protection when handling power banks or any electrical devices as fire hazards can occur at any time.”

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The power bank has become an essential device in today’s world, however, users must exercise caution, prioritise quality and adhere to safety precautions to prevent potential hazards. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment senior lecturer Dr Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi Mohd Zainuri warned that power banks could pose a hazardous risk if any of the components used in their construction are faulty. Muhammad Ammirrul, who is also an electronics expert, said power banks primarily consist of battery cells, which store energy, and a circuit board that regulates electricity flow. “The cells, typically lithium-ion or lithium-polymer, determine the capacity of the power bank. “The circuit board ensures safe charging and discharging by preventing overcharging, over-discharging, short circuits and temperature fluctuations,” he said, adding that faulty batteries can cause overheating, short circuits or thermal runaway (uncontrollable increase in temperature).

MORNING MISADVENTURE ... A family of seven on their way for sahur was injured in crash at the Tun Dr

Lim Chong Eu Expressway in George Town yesterday.

– PIC COURTESY OF PENANG FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT.

MACC to question Ismail Sabri in corruption probe PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will question former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob again tomorrow as a suspect in an ongoing corruption and money laundering investigation. promotional and publicity purposes during his tenure. MACC reportedly seized approximately RM170 million in various foreign currencies, including the Thai Baht, Riyal, Pound Sterling, Won, Euro, Swiss Franc and Yuan. witnesses would be called as part of the investigation under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

“I can confirm that he (Ismail Sabri) is a suspect in this case. First, he was issued a notice under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009 to declare his assets. “Second, when the money was discovered and linked to him, we need his explanation,”said MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki at a press conference yesterday. On Sunday, the MACC stated that Ismail Sabri is under investigation for corruption and money laundering, with the probe focusing on the expenditure and management of funds for

“The investigation is ongoing based on new information we have received. Our focus extends beyond the project itself to anyone who may have benefited, especially given the key elements of corruption and abuse of power in this case.” Azam said the seized cash and gold bullion were discovered inside three safes in a condominium, believed to have been used as a “safehouse”, adding that the unit was leased from an individual and may have been managed by one of the suspects. – Bernama

Additionally, 16kg of pure gold bullion, valued at around RM7 million, was also confiscated. Azam said the commission has recorded statements from 31 individuals and frozen 13 bank accounts with approximately RM2 million, all of which are legitimate and active. “We have not frozen Ismail Sabri’s accounts and the Yayasan Keluarga Malaysia account is also not affected,” he said, adding that more