25/05/2025

NATIONAL 5 ON SUNDAY MAY 25, 2025

BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com Three held, RM300,000 goods seized in LPG syndicate bust Authorities seized an estimated 11,314kg of LPG, with a total value of the confiscated goods amounting to about RM300,000. into 50kg capacity cylinders for industrial use by using specially designed connection hoses,” he said in a statement yesterday.

GUA MUSANG: The body of a man, who went missing after his four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle was swept away while crossing Sungai Sumar in Kuala Betis on Tuesday, was recovered on Friday. Gua Musang police chief Supt Sik Choon Foo said the victim, identified as 50-year-old Chan Chong Cheng, was found trapped among fallen trees about 6km downstream from where the incident occurred, while his vehicle was located on Thursday about 120m away. “The victim could not be located during the search and rescue operation on the day of the incident,” he said in a statement. The team resumed search on Friday and recovered the body at 10.20am. He added that the case has been classified as sudden death and the body has been sent to Gua Musang Hospital for a post-mortem. On May 20, Chan’s 4WD was swept away by strong currents while en route to Pos Bihai. His two passengers managed to escape by breaking the windows. – Bernama Body of driver swept away in river found The victim lodged a police report on Friday after failing to see any returns from the investment. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, he added. – Bernama RM2 million for a first offence and up to RM5 million for subsequent violations. “The company will also be investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Act 613) for allegedly laundering profits from the illegal sale of subsidised LPG. Convictions under Act 613 carry penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines amounting to either five times the value of the illicit proceeds or RM5 million, whichever is higher. Financial analyst loses RM147,300 in investment scam KUALA TERENGGANU: A financial analyst was devastated after losing his savings of RM147,350 to a fraudulent investment syndicate operating through a non-existent scheme. Kuala Terengganu police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor said the 42-year-old victim came across a stock investment advertisement on Instagram in February. He said the victim clicked on the advertisement link and was subsequently invited to join a WhatsApp group comprising 125 members who actively discussed stock market trends. “One of the group members claimed to be an employee of a securities and investment company based in China. The suspect persuaded the victim to invest using a platform called HTGIC, but required him to transfer money to several company accounts beforehand as part of the stock trading process. “The suspect assured the victim that he would be able to monitor all transaction records through the platform and freely manage the funds for stock purchases and sales,” Azli said in a statement yesterday. Azli added that the victim had made 13 money transfers amounting to RM147,350 to five different bank accounts as part of the so-called investment.

Ministry enforcement director-general Datuk Azman Adam said the operation followed a month-long intelligence effort. Preliminary inspections showed that the premises belonged to a licensed LPG wholesale and distribution company. “However, after operating hours, it was turned into a place for decanting activities, which involves the transferring of subsidised LPG from 14kg cylinders for household use

Azman said investigations are being carried out under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for possession of controlled goods with the intent to commit an offence. Individuals convicted under the Act may face fines of up to RM1 million or three years’ imprisonment. Repeat offenders risk fines of up to RM3 million and jail terms of up to five years. Companies found guilty may be fined

PETALING JAYA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has dismantled a syndicate involved in the illegal transfer of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) intended for household use, following a raid at an industrial premises in the Sungai Puloh Light Industrial Area in Klang on May 21. Three men, including a Malaysian, aged between 25 and 47 were arrested during the early morning operation.

‘Child sex abuse leaves scars that do not fade’

PETALING JAYA: Child abuse and neglect remain deeply troubling issues in Malaysia, casting a long shadow over the lives of countless children. In 2024 alone, one state recorded over 1,500 reported cases – a grim indicator of a crisis that shows no signs of slowing. In the face of such harrowing figures, theSun spoke to two experts who have studied the matter extensively. Both agreed that the psychological scars left by child sexual abuse run so deep that for many survivors, full recovery remains heartbreakingly out of reach. Trauma from sexual abuse runs far deeper than physical harm and can severely disrupt a child’s mental and emotional wellbeing, said Universiti Teknologi Malaysia senior psychology officer Dr Zulfikar Ahmad. “I’ve handled cases where the trauma is so entrenched, recovery feels almost out of reach. We’re talking about nightmares, flashbacks – long-term scars that just won’t fade,” he said. Zulfikar stressed that rebuilding trust is essential – and sidelining victims only sets back recovery. To aid healing, he urged caregivers to create a safe, non-judgemental space and to involve children in decisions about their own lives, rather than making assumptions for them. non-judgemental space for survivors to heal as trauma can affect mental and emotional wellbeing BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com Experts say caregivers need to create safe,

Zulfikar calls for early sex education to help children recognise inappropriate behaviour as children as young as three should learn about safe touch and body autonomy in age appropriate ways. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

the content growing more comprehensive as they mature. Universiti Teknologi Mara social policy expert Prof Yarina Ahmad echoed Zulfikar’s sentiments. She also raised alarm over incest cases involving victims as young as six. “Abusers often target very young children. In some of the most heartbreaking cases, even mothers knew but felt helpless.” Not all incest cases registered with the Social Welfare Department are reported to police. Yarina and other researchers found that many survivors never come forward. The public is urged to report suspected abuse to the 24-hour Talian Kasih helpline operated by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry at 15999 or via WhatsApp at 019-261 5999.

He criticised well-meaning decisions made without consulting the victim – like pulling a child out of school. “Even with the best intentions, it strips away their support systems. It makes them feel even more vulnerable.” On prevention, Zulfikar called for early sex education to help children recognise inappropriate behaviour. In 2022, he was part of a team that developed Mekar, a child and adolescent sexual crime prevention module with the police in Johor. The programme teaches schoolchildren to identify signs of sexual abuse and understand risks like grooming and sexually transmitted diseases. He said children as young as three should learn about safe touch and body autonomy in age-appropriate ways, with

Police arrest 11 men in cockfighting raid KUALA TERENGGANU: Police arrested 11 men, including an Indonesian national, in Ops Dadu for alleged gambling during a cockfighting raid on Friday.

when the raid was conducted at about 12.30pm. He said the raid was conducted following intelligence gathering by the D7 branch of the state police with the cooperation of the State Veterinary Services Department. Police also seized four roosters, a

cockfighting bond, RM5,823 and a bag containing needles, thread and red medical bandages. All the suspects tested negative for drugs and the case is being investigated under Section 7 (2) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and Section 32 (1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015. – Bernama

State police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairudin said the suspects, aged between 32 and 56, were engaged in cockfighting behind a house in Kampung Atas Tol, here,