10/03/2025

MONDAY | MAR 10, 2025

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Border security tightened following Sungai Golok blast

Malaysia to host World Conference on Exercise and Regenerative Medicine KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will host the 7th World Conference on Exercise and Regenerative Medicine (WCERM 2025), from July 5 to 7 at Perdana Hotel, Kota Bharu, bringing together global experts in exercise science, regenerative medicine and public health. The conference, previously known as World Conference on Exercise Medicine, aims to explore the transformative role of exercise and regenerative medicine in enhancing longevity, managing chronic diseases as well as improving recovery from injuries and degenerative conditions. Emphasising exercise as a powerful form of treatment, the conference will explore its effect at the molecular level, where muscle contractions produce proteins that improve immune function, lower blood pressure and blood sugar, support cancer patients during treatment and even promote longevity by lengthening telomeres. WCERM 2025 organising chairman Prof Dr Muhammad Lee said in a statement that the conference aims to tackle non-communicable diseases which cause over 140,000 deaths in Malaysia each year and 41 million deaths worldwide due to a lack of physical activity. “The conference will provide a collaborative platform for researchers, medical professionals and industry experts to share strategies for tackling these diseases using exercise and regenerative medicine.” WCERM 2025 is hosted by the Asia College of Exercise Medicine in collaboration with CELLAAX, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company specialising in stem cells. The conference is co-hosted by Hungarian University of Sports Science, with additional support from the Health Ministry and the International Society of Exercise Medicine. It will highlight the growing importance of regenerative medicine, with speakers like Research Centre for Molecular Exercise Science (Hungary) director Prof Dr Zsolt Radak and Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine (India) dean Prof Dr Jyothi Prasana. Their research on stem cells and exercise will be a central theme, with additional local contributions from An’Nur Specialist Hospital cardiologist Datuk Dr Oteh Maskon and Gerontologist and Dementia advocate Dr Cecilia Chan. A total of 37 speakers from about 20 nations will be sharing their knowledge. For more information visit the official website at www.wcem.com.my.

KOTA BHARU: Police have tightened security along the Malaysia-Thailand border following a bomb explosion and shooting in Pekan Sungai Golok, southern Thailand yesterday. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said police are closely monitoring developments in Narathiwat province and have enforced strict security measures. Earlier, Thai police said an explosion had occurred at a security checkpoint outside the Pekan Sungai Golok stadium in Jalan Sungai Golok-Sungai Padi, followed by gunfire from a group of attackers. The attackers reportedly killed at least two Thai security personnel and injured eight others. The assailants were reported to have fired several shots before

o General Operations Force instructed to heighten readiness level, strengthen security to prevent unwanted elements from entering country: IGP

Mohd Zaidi Mat Zin. Shamsul Azri said Mohd Zaidi had highlighted the need for urgent upgrading of police quarters and office space for the welfare of the men. “I will raise these matters with the relevant authorities to ensure security services are enhanced.” Shamsul Azri also shared on Facebook that he had visited the site of a roof repair project for an elderly resident and distributed essential items. – Bernama Facebook page yesterday. Ramanan said the donation was a pledge made during the 15th general election, and he would continue to uphold that commitment as long as he was given the trust and mandate to serve as Sungai Buloh MP. He added that the contribution, made in conjunction with Ramadan, followed similar donations previously given to houses of worship, including mosques, temples and churches. “The six surau are Surau Madrasatul Falahiyah, Surau An Najah Taman Subang Idaman, Surau At-Taqwa, Surau As-Salam, Surau Al Mukim and Surau Al-Hidayah. “I am confident that the donations will be put to good use for the well-being and welfare of the local community. Together, we can build a more harmonious and prosperous society.” Earlier, Ramanan and the Sungai Buloh Parliamentary Service Centre team distributed 1,200 packets of bubur lambuk at the constituency’s Ramadan bazaar. He added that a total of 6,000 packets of bubur lambuk would be distributed for free throughout Ramadan as part of efforts to foster community spirit and uphold the tradition of serving the dish for breaking of fast. – Bernama occurred at about 6.25pm, shortly after the breaking of fast. “As of now, the number of those killed and injured in the incident has yet to be confirmed.” Malaysians have been advised to postpone any travel to southern Thailand following the incident. On Saturday, Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said no Malaysian was among the casualties of a shooting and bomb explosion in Sungai Golok. “All police station chiefs and the GOF have been ordered to step up surveillance in high-risk areas on a round-the-clock basis, especially at illegal entry points.” Since the start of Ramadan, authorities in Sungai Golok have heightened security measures following an increased risk of attacks in the border region.

throwing five hand grenades at the security checkpoint in front of the stadium office. Security forces are conducting checks at the scene and the public have been advised to avoid the affected routes. Razarudin said General Operations Force (GOF) personnel stationed at the border have been instructed to heighten their level of readiness and strengthen security at GOF posts and along Sungai Golok

to prevent unwanted elements from entering Malaysia. “In addition, the Strike Force Company and Battalion Intelligence teams have been ordered to intensify patrols at illegal crossing points and hotspots along Sungai Golok.” Razarudin said Malaysian police are conducting round-the-clock security monitoring at police posts, Bernama reported. He said the bomb explosion

Sungai Buloh MP donates salary to surau KUALA LUMPUR: Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Deputy Minister and Sungai Buloh MP Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has donated his salary and allowances to six surau in his constituency. “Since being elected as Sungai Buloh MP in 2022, I have donated

more than RM580,000 from my salary and allowances to nearly 100 houses of worship in the constituency,”he said in a post on his

Ramanan distributing bubur lambuk to traders and customers at the Ramadan Bazaar in Seksyen 4, Kota Damansara in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Several govt agencies at UTC Kuantan told to improve services KUANTAN: Several government agencies at the Kuantan Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) have been asked to improve their counter services to ensure customer Shamsul Azri said the RTD needs to provide additional seating and service counters as there was congestion caused by a large number of people wanting to renew their road tax. services. One improvement could be adding more chairs, as some individuals have to stand for 45 minutes to an hour. dedication and commitment after observing and assessing the services provided at the counters of the three departments.

“We should add another counter for road tax renewals. When asked, people said they had to wait about an hour. In just three hours, over 300 visitors came, with each counter handling an average of 80 people.” Shamsul Azri said his surprise visit provided a clear picture of areas that need improvement at UTC Kuantan. He commended the staff for their

The post received over 1,000 likes on Facebook, with many users praising Shamsul Azri’s efforts to enhance public services and expressing hope that such initiatives would continue. He also made an unannounced visit to the Pekan District police headquarters, where he received a briefing from Pekan police chief Supt

satisfaction, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. He shared a 1-minute 52-second video on Facebook after making an unannounced visit to the Road Transport Department, National Registration Department and Immigration Department at the UTC.

In the video, he was seen contacting the relevant authorities to highlight the issue and urging immediate action to ensure the best possible service for the public. “Many people from Kelantan and Terengganu, particularly from Kemaman, come to UTC Kuantan for