22/05/2025

THURSDAY | MAY 22, 2025 3 Child protection plan to be expanded KUALA LUMPUR: The Child Protection Advocacy Programme, Kasih Kanak-Kanak will be expanded to 300 schools as part of efforts to reinforce advocacy to safeguard children, said the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry. In a statement, it said the expansion follows the success of the programme, which was implemented nationwide, including in 10 schools in Sabah last year. “It is aimed at enhancing children’s, parents’ and community awareness of child care and protection issues. “It gives them the exposure on the actions that they can take in cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation, and identify the government agencies responsible for protecting children.” The programme also serves as a platform for children and the community to report cases of child abuse and neglect and receive prompt assistance by contacting Talian Kasih 15999 or WhatsApp at 019-2615999. The ministry said child abuse and neglect cases remain deeply concerning, with 1,181 cases recorded in Sabah alone this year. “The figures are not just statistics, they reflect the pain, trauma and injustice endured by children who should be protected and loved.” The ministry said the advocacy programme was held at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Limbanak in Penampang, Sabah, last Sunday. Meanwhile, the ministry also held the Advocacy Forum on Reproductive and Social Health Education for parents in Sabah to address the issue of social problems among teenagers. The forum aimed to provide parents with exposure and knowledge to help strengthen teenagers’ self-identity in preserving their dignity and that of the nation. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said such topics should not be regarded as taboo or sensitive. “Indiscriminate social interaction among teenagers must be addressed. One of the contributing factors is lack of religious education and insufficient reproductive and social health information being instilled at home,” she said in her speech which was delivered by the ministry’s deputy secretary-general (operations), Farah Adura Hamidi. – Bernama MA63 talks to feature two key demands KUCHING: The Sarawak government has outlined two key demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as its top priorities in negotiations with the federal government. Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said among the top priorities is the need to expedite discussions on the Special Grant formula under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution and increasing the number of Sarawak seats in Parliament to better reflect the spirit and intent of the MA63. “The issues have been brought up regularly by the Sarawak government through official meetings and negotiation platforms, including the Mesyuarat Majlis Tindakan Pelaksanaan Perjanjian Malaysia 1963. “The government remains committed to ensuring that the rights and entitlements of the state are fully upheld in accordance with the Federal Constitution, MA63 and the Inter Governmental Committee Report,” she said during the question-and-answer session at the Sarawak state assembly sitting yesterday. Sharifah Hasidah was responding to a question from Lidam Assan (GPS-Katibas) on the negotiation status of MA63 for Sarawak, reported Bernama. Meanwhile, she said the Sarawak government has partially resolved matters in the Financial Review under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution. She said the federal government has agreed to increase the amount of Sarawak’s special grant from RM300 million to RM600 million for five years.

Experts warn of JN.1 Covid risks amid regional surge

personal protective equipment and oxygen reserves to ensure healthcare systems are prepared. He also urged the government to maximise the use of digital tools such as MySejahtera to issue alerts and track booster appointments. “Digital platforms can play a key role in keeping the public informed and encouraging protective measures,” he added. Meanwhile, Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira echoed concerns about the nation’s healthcare manpower capacity, warning that staffing shortages could compromise response efforts during a potential surge. “One area we need to give particular attention to is manpower, as shortages can have an impact on the delivery of care,” he said. However, Kalwinder noted that Malaysia is better prepared than it was during early waves of the pandemic. He said pandemic preparedness has become a core topic within the medical fraternity, with the Health Ministry actively monitoring the situation and implementing preventive strategies. “Covid-19 still poses a serious risk, especially among the vulnerable. We must stay vigilant. We are confident that the ministry and its agencies are taking appropriate steps to respond swiftly if cases rise again.”

o Omicron subvariant more transmissible as strain has additional mutations which may allow it to bypass immunity from past infections and vaccinations, says specialist

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Petrick said Malaysia, like many other countries, is currently facing conditions that could allow Covid-19 to resurface, such as declining booster uptake, relaxed public health protocols, increased indoor gatherings and fading public concern. Despite Malaysia’s improved readiness compared with the early stages of the pandemic in 2020, he cautioned that public awareness of JN.1 remains low, and “Covid fatigue” has made many individuals complacent. “Covid fatigue is a real challenge. Many high-risk individuals, particularly the elderly, have yet to receive updated boosters and public awareness of newer variants like JN.1 remains low.” He identified several areas of concern such as systemic weaknesses, including limited genomic surveillance, reduced testing capacity and overall healthcare system fatigue. To mitigate potential risks, Petrick recommended reviving public awareness campaigns, reinstating accessible testing and preparing contingency resources such as

PETALING JAYA: As Covid-19 cases surge in neighbouring countries, Malaysian health experts are highlighting the potential risks posed by the JN.1 subvariant of Omicron. Should another outbreak emerge, they warn that Malaysia remains vulnerable due to a combination of factors, including waning population immunity and reduced public vigilance. Infectious disease specialist at UKM Medical Centre, Assoc Prof Dr Petrick @ Ramesh K. Periyasamy said the JN.1 strain carries unique mutations that make it significantly more transmissible than previous subvariants. “JN.1 features additional mutations in the spike protein, which may contribute to its ability to evade immune protection from previous infections or vaccinations. “While there is no indication it causes more severe illness, its heightened transmissibility can lead to surges that strains healthcare systems.”

COMMANDING THE SKIES ... An aerial display by Indonesia’s Jupiter team during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA’25) over the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre yesterday. LIMA’25 features 860 exhibitors from 24 countries, including 426 international and 434 local companies. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

MEF backs WFH during Asean Summit PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) agrees with the government’s move to allow employees in the public sector to work from home (WFH) during the Asean Summit but suggested that the could face challenges as not all employers have efficient, flexible work systems.

46th Asean Summit are encouraged to apply for WFH. The department said in line with the Madani government’s commitment to strengthening public service continuity and the well-being of the people, WFH for civil servants would continue to be carried out flexibly and subject to current regulations. On May 15, department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said several ministries, agencies and departments had started receiving WFH applications from civil servants. Meanwhile, Putrajaya Indian Civil Servants Association chairman Dr Sathiskumar K. Muthusamy said WFH strengthens work-life balance for civil servants and presents Malaysia as a country that supports modern, family-friendly and resilient work practices. The 46th Asean Summit will begin with senior officials’meetings tomorrow, followed by ministerial-level meetings on Sunday, while the leaders’ summit will be on Monday. – Bernama

“If businesses cannot operate physically, small and medium enterprises such as restaurants, transportation and nearby services may suffer losses. WFH must align with each company’s capacity and needs, including in terms of technology, data security and employee performance monitoring.” He also said the government’s move reflects a prudent approach, showing that the government continues to function normally while temporarily adjusting to support the success of the international event. “If implemented well, the initiative could serve as a stepping stone for a broader hybrid work policy in the public sector. It aligns with global trends that recognise work-life balance and the use of technology to improve public service efficiency.” On May 7, the Public Service Department announced that civil servants expected to be affected by traffic congestion during the

implementation be thoroughly considered. MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said it is important to ensure that WFH does not negatively affect business productivity, especially for companies operating in areas involved in the high-profile event. “MEF believes it can help ease traffic congestion during the event, but its implementation must be carefully planned. Cooperation between the government, employers, employees or unions is essential to ensure balanced and effective approach. “It is crucial to hold engagement sessions with stakeholders, particularly private businesses and local authorities, to ensure the initiative does not adversely affect productivity.” Syed Hussain said WFH in the private sector