12/05/2025

MONDAY | MAY 12, 2025

3 Day of reflection, compassion, unity

o Thousands of devotees, volunteers and dignitaries gather for three-in-one celebration by foundation for Buddha Day, Mother’s Day and Tzu Chi Day

Nurul Izzah vows to empower women, unite grassroots in party polls campaign IPOH: Nurul Izzah Anwar, a candidate for the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy president post, kicked off her campaign for the 2025 2028 party elections by engaging with grassroots members in Perak on Saturday. The Temu Rapat Akar Umbi Bersama Nurul Izzah (grassroots engagement with Nurul Izzah) programme drew more than 1,000 PKR members, including representatives from the women’s wing, Angkatan Muda Keadilan, and state branch leaders. Nurul Izzah, who is also a PKR vice president, said in her speech that her decision to contest the party’s number two position stems from a desire to unite members through the strength and role of women. “Everyone knows that we (women) often play a supporting role. We rarely get to be in the lead role (heroine). But this time, I’ve made the decision, this is my party, and I care deeply about this cause,” she said. The nomination process for the party election, which ended on Friday, saw Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remain unchallenged for the president’s post, while the deputy president post will be a straight fight between Nurul Izzah and Economy Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Rafizi Ramli, who is the incumbent. The PKR National Congress, including the youth and Women’s Congress, is scheduled to be held from May 22 to 24 in Johor Bahru, with May 23 set as polling day. – Bernama Also present were Archbishop Julian Leow, Tan Sri Teo Chiang Kok and Tan Sri Chua Ma Yu, which reflected the broad interfaith and international support for Tzu Chi’s humanitarian vision. That’s very inspiring.” Also in attendance was Selangor executive councillor Ng Sze Han, who praised the event for promoting unity and compassion. “Today is a meaningful celebration of Buddha’s birth, Tzu Chi Day and Mother’s Day – all reminding us of the importance of togetherness,” he said. Visiting Tzu Chi Kepong for the first time, Ng described the experience as both impressive and uplifting. He also extended an invitation to the public to join the Selangor state-level Wesak Day celebration on Saturday, May 17 at 9am at Maha Karuna Vihara in Elmina. As part of this year’s festivities, a month-long “Vesak passport” programme is taking place across 20 Buddhist temples throughout the Klang Valley. “Anyone can collect a booklet from these temples and receive a stamp at each one,” Ng explained. “After visiting at least 10, they’ll be eligible for a special lucky draw.” He said that the initiative is designed to encourage both locals and tourists to explore and appreciate the spiritual and architectural beauty of the region’s temples. “We hope this inspires more people to discover the cultural richness of Buddhism in our community,” he added. Other dignitaries were Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia Deputy Representative James Buu, Kazakhstan Ambassador Bulat Sugurbayev, Fiji High Commissioner Ratu Etueni Qiolele Caucau, Papua New Guinea Minister Counsellor Noel Leana and Russian Federation Agriculture Ministry Counsellor Vladislav Chernov.

Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdsk@thesundaily.com

KEPONG: Over 10,000 devotees, volunteers, and dignitaries came together yesterday for a day of spiritual reflection and community spirit as the Tzu Chi Foundation of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor held its annual Buddha Day ceremony. The event, which also honoured Mother’s Day and Tzu Chi Day, offered a powerful three-in-one celebration that emphasised values of compassion, gratitude, and unity. The ceremony, a tradition observed annually on the second Sunday of May, was instituted by Tzu Chi founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen. This year’s gathering took place at the Tzu Chi Kepong Chapter, drawing participants from all walks of life in a vibrant and peaceful celebration. The morning session featured solemn chanting, symbolic rituals and a live broadcast from Tzu Chi headquarters in Hualien, Taiwan. With multiple sessions scheduled throughout the day, organisers anticipated total attendance to surpass 10,000 participants. Philanthropist and Berjaya Corporation founder and adviser Tan Sri Vincent Tan was among the prominent figures in attendance. He expressed deep admiration for the volunteers’ In a statement yesterday, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) confirmed that no cases of anthrax have been reported in the country to date. It said it takes the recent anthrax outbreak in Thailand seriously, particularly following the confirmation of a death due to anthrax infection on May 1, as reported by Thailand’s Department of Disease Control. The case was linked to cattle slaughtering and consuming raw beef in Don Tan District, Mukdahan Province, northeastern Thailand, which borders the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. “At present, we remain vigilant and have requested assurance from the Thai authorities that no animals or animal products from high risk anthrax areas are being exported to

Tan (centre) participating in a prayer session during the event held yesterday at the Kepong Chapter of the Tzu Chi Foundation of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

“Malaysia imports live cattle and buffalo from Thailand, and all livestock entering the country must undergo strict veterinary inspections before being allowed in,” read the statement. As a precautionary measure, the DVS continues to carry out control and prevention to ensure Malaysia remains free of anthrax. “DVS advises and urges livestock farmers to enhance farm biosecurity, especially in preparation for the upcoming Hari Raya Haji celebrations. “The health status of all new livestock brought onto farms must be verified through inspections by certified veterinary officers and accompanied by valid livestock transfer permits. “DVS calls on all stakeholders, especially livestock farmers, to stay informed on the latest developments concerning animal disease outbreaks and to immediately report any clinical signs of disease in their animals,” the statement added. – Bernama three days, as many trainees have requested late registration due to issues such as camp location or personal preparedness. Ya’cob added that the programme is open to accepting voluntary trainees, subject to available slots, and confirmed that 30 voluntary participants have already registered. Previously, 116 trainees completed the National Service 3.0 Series 1/2025 from Jan 12 to Feb 25 at the 515 Territorial Army Regiment Camp after a seven-year hiatus. The programme is aimed at fostering patriotism, national unity and personal resilience among Malaysian youth, while equipping them with physical and mental fortitude to face life’s challenges. – Bernama way. Master Cheng Yen never left Taiwan, yet she has created a movement present in over 100 countries. To me, she is a living goddess.” Top Glove Corporation founder Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai echoed the sentiment of collective goodness: “It’s Buddha Day, Mother’s Day and Tzu Chi Day. We come together to do good things. When you spend time doing good, you won’t have time for wrongdoing.” Lim also urged attendees to embrace healthier and more compassionate lifestyles. “I wish everyone a healthy body, a healthy mind and financial well-being,” he said, highlighting the benefits of a vegetarian diet. “Tan Sri Vincent Tan shared earlier that after going vegetarian due to a heart issue 10 years ago, his health has improved tremendously.

discipline and commitment. A long-time patron of Tzu Chi Malaysia, Tan has played an instrumental role in promoting its values of compassion, discipline, and community service while also supporting the foundation’s charitable missions and helping expand its humanitarian efforts both across Malaysia and internationally. “This event is incredibly well-organised, and everything is done by volunteers, no event agency, no PR team. “Even the drone shot of the Tzu Chi logo formation shows their incredible coordination and discipline.” Tan also praised the foundation’s extensive charitable work across the globe. “I’ve never seen a Buddhist organisation carry out so much charity in such a structured

M’sia on alert as anthrax outbreak hits Thailand PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has remained free of anthrax since the last reported case to the World Organisation for Animal Health in 1976. Malaysia,” the statement read. The department explained that anthrax, a zoonotic disease, is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It is an animal disease that can infect humans and may be fatal.

“This disease can infect livestock and humans through direct contact with spores produced by Bacillus anthracis. “It can cause a high mortality rate among livestock. Common clinical signs in animals include high fever, which may cause sudden death,” it said. DVS urged livestock farmers to immediately lodge a report if they detect any of these symptoms in their animals. “The department has also requested that Thai authorities provide updates on the current situation, including measures taken to control the movement of animals and animal products within Thailand and their contingency plan for managing the outbreak.

Unified training modules for National Service KUALA LUMPUR: All trainees under the National Service Training Programme 3.0 Series 2/2025, which began yesterday, will undergo the same training modules, despite being placed in separate camps based on gender. and based on increasing levels of difficulty,” he said during a media briefing after observing the registration of female trainees at the 515 Territorial Army Camp yesterday.

He added that the core structure of the modules has been retained, with several enhancements. “The training modules are still 70% military based and 30% national identity components, with slight enhancements in execution through more hands-on practical sessions.” On the registration process, Ya’cob said 550 trainees, comprising 350 males and 200 females, have registered for the programme which runs for 45 days until June 24. He said registration is expected to take two to

National Service Training Department director-general Maj Gen Datuk Ya’cob Samiran said male trainees are based at the 505 Territorial Army Regiment Camp in Pekan, Pahang and female trainees at the 515 Territorial Army Regiment Camp here. “There is no difference in the training content. Any variation will only relate to the physical capabilities and health conditions of the individual trainees. “Physical training will be conducted in stages