22/05/2025

THURSDAY | MAY 22, 2025 5 Immigration Dept arrests fake doctor PETALING JAYA: A fraudulent doctor from Pakistan known as “Dr Maleeq” was arrested by the Immigration Department on Monday after allegedly operating an illegal medical clinic in Kampung Baru, Sungai Buloh for about a year. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the man was detained along with five foreign women believed to be connected to the unlicensed practice. “The suspect exclusively treated patients, mostly foreigners, at night, charging about RM90 per visit. He only accepted payment via online transfers, raising further suspicion about the legitimacy of his operations.“ The arrests followed a series of coordinated raids carried out by the Putrajaya Immigration Intelligence and Special Operations Division. The operations were carried out in Sungai Buloh and Shah Alam in Selangor, as well as along Jalan Ipoh in Kuala Lumpur. The crackdown came after two weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering. “Those arrested are aged between 23 and 57. “Initial checks revealed that Maleeq had overstayed his visa, a Myanmar woman had misused her temporary employment visit pass and another possessed a UNHCR card. The remaining foreign nationals (one Pakistani and two Myanmar women) did not have valid travel documents or passes to be in the country.“ Several items were seized from the premises to assist with the probe, including patient logbooks, clinic stamps, passports from Pakistan, India and Myanmar, medical equipment, medical certificates, a clinic phone and a doctor’s uniform. “The syndicate’s modus operandi was to offer medical services primarily to foreign nationals at low prices. The clinic is believed to have employed unlicensed doctors to conduct medical examinations at night and had been operating for one year.” The foreign nationals have been detained under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963. They are being held at the KL International Airport Immigration Detention Depot pending further investigation. A local man and Filipino woman have been issued notices to report to the Immigration Department to assist in the ongoing probe. Zakaria issued a warning that strict action would be taken against individuals, organisations or entities found to be violating the Act, the Passport Act 1966 and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007. Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Worrying rise of gout cases among population

need for better awareness and early intervention,” she said. She added that while gout was historically referred to as the “disease of kings” because of its association with overindulgence in rich foods and alcohol often accessible only to the wealthy in the past, it is no longer confined to the upper class. She also said increased intake of high-purine foods, such as red meat, seafood and alcohol, raises uric acid levels, triggering flare-ups. “Obesity is a major factor as excess weight impairs kidney function, making it harder to eliminate uric acid. Other contributing factors include metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. “Genetics also play a role. A family history of gout increases the likelihood of developing the condition due to genetic mutations that affect uric acid processing.” Pok emphasised that a common misconception is that gout only affects middle-aged men. She said while men are generally at higher risk, the condition could also occur in women, especially after menopause, and in rare cases, even in children. “Another common myth is that gout is caused solely by diet. Other factors, such as genetics, certain medications and underlying health conditions, could also play a significant role. “If left untreated, gout can lead to chronic joint damage and loss of mobility.” She said ignoring gout could lead to more frequent and severe attacks as the condition worsens, pain

Teenage duo held over extortion KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested two teenage boys for extortion after they threatened to release a nude video of a victim and his girlfriend unless a sum of money was paid. Ampang Jaya district police chief ACP Mohd Azam Ismail said the suspects, aged 18, were nabbed in Ampang on Sunday and police seized three phones to aid in the probe. Investigations revealed that the victim received a WhatsApp message from an acquaintance on April 11, demanding money. As a result, the victim paid RM2,800 in instalments, Bernama reported. “One of the suspects demanded an additional RM1,000, prompting the victim to lodge a police report.” Mohd Azam said urine tests indicated that the suspects tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol and background checks showed that one suspect has four criminal records, including drug-related offences. “The suspects have been remanded for four days. The case is being investigated under Section 385 of the Penal Code for extortion and Section 292 for possession of obscene material under the Penal Code.” “In Malaysia, the surge is linked to modern diets, sedentary habits and rising obesity, making us one of the region’s most at-risk nations. Doctors are seeing cases in younger adults and untreated gout could lead to kidney disease, joint damage and serious long-term complications. “The rising cases highlight the PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is grappling with a silent problem as gout cases continue to climb, with health experts warning that the surge is driven by poor dietary habits, rising obesity rates and a lack of awareness on the condition. Previously seen as a condition affecting only the elderly or wealthy, gout is a growing public health issue in Malaysia, where more than half of adults are either overweight or obese, placing the country among the most overweight in Asia. Sunway Medical Centre consultant rheumatologist and internal medicine specialist Dr Lydia Pok highlighted an estimated 4.35 million of gout sufferers across Southeast Asia, with the number of cases increasing by 21% between 1990 and 2020. o Surge driven by poor dietary habits, rising obesity rates and lack of awareness on condition Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Pok said while men are generally at higher risk, the condition could occur in women, and in rare cases, even in children. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

She said long-term treatment to lower uric acid levels is crucial in preventing serious complications. “While concerns about medication side effects often deter treatment, discussing these with a healthcare provider to develop a personalised plan is important. Gout can be managed effectively with medication and lifestyle changes.” In conjunction with World Gout Day today, she said taking proactive steps towards better joint health could significantly help prevent gout flare-ups. “With early diagnosis, proper treatment and lifestyle changes, Malaysians could curb this silent epidemic. Awareness is key and when it comes to gout, prevention is always better than cure.”

intensifies, flare-ups last longer and multiple joints may be affected. She stressed that long-term gout could lead to the formation of tophi, which are hardened uric acid deposits under the skin that cause discomfort and joint deformities. “Over time, these deposits may damage joint tissue, leading to permanent mobility issues. “A patient who initially experiences flare-ups every few months may start having them weekly if unmanaged. Severe cases could even require hospitalisation due to extreme joint pain.” Pok urged individuals experiencing recurrent gout attacks to seek medical attention promptly, stressing that managing pain alone is not sufficient.

Driver escapes unharmed after elephants attack car IPOH: A man’s car was attacked by a herd of elephants while driving along Km11 of the East-West Highway from Gerik to Jeli at 8.15pm on Tuesday. Gerik police chief Supt Zulkifli Mahmood said the man, 38, lodged a report at 11.36pm. The car sustained damage to the front, rear and both sides but the driver was unharmed. A video showing the damaged vehicle, believed to have been attacked by the elephants, has been widely spread on social media. Hospital for treatment. Ashari said initial investigations found that all riders were travelling from the north towards Malacca. As they approached the scene, Farith’s motorcycle struck the rear left side of a lorry in the left lane, causing him to lose control and fall into the emergency lane.

In a separate incident in Alor Gajah, two motorcyclists were killed while another was injured in a crash at Km220.2 of the North-South Expressway on Tuesday. Alor Gajah police chief Supt Ashari Abu Samah said Farith Aiman Mohd Fairus, 21, and Mohamad Shahril Anuar, 45, died at the scene from severe injuries in the 7.40pm crash. R. Jeevankumar, 18, sustained abrasions on his left arm and leg, and was taken to the Alor Gajah

“Initial investigation at the scene revealed that the driver spotted a group of elephants crossing the road. He stopped his car and switched off the headlights. “He then heard a honk from a vehicle behind him and suddenly, three elephants approached his car.” Fearing for his safety, he exited the vehicle and fled. He later lodged a police report after the elephants had left the area.

“His motorcycle collided with Mohamad Shahril’s bike, which in turn crashed into Jeevankumar’s motorcycle.” Ashari said the crash occurred during dark and rainy conditions, and the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. All motorcycles have been sent to the Puspakom centre in Rembia for further inspection. – Bernama

Clerk loses RM649,000 in investment scam KUANTAN: A clerk has lost more than RM649,000 after falling victim to a non-existent investment scheme advertised on Facebook. and, after expressing interest, was added to a WhatsApp group.

involved, especially those promising lucrative returns within a short period, Bernama reported. “Do not be easily influenced. Always ensure information is verified through legitimate channels, such as semakmule.rmp.gov.my, to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.”

She lodged a police report at the Rompin district police headquarters on Tuesday and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code. Azry Akmar advised the public to exercise caution and verify investment schemes before getting

“She made transactions using her savings between March 20 and May 9 to several company accounts.” He said she began to realise she had been cheated as the investments did not yield the promised returns.

Pahang deputy police chief Datuk Azry Akmar Ayob said the 52-year-old woman initially saw an advertisement for stock investments