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No. 8808 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Housing a human right Affordable homes among key agendas at United Nations Human Settlements Programme Assembly, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming following Malaysia’s appointment as its president.

Nga, pictured in consultation with UN-Habitat director Edlam Yemeru, says urban renewal is another key pillar of Malaysia’s urban strategy that he will highlight during the country’s tenure as president of UN Habitat Assembly. – PIC COURTESY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTRY

Report on — page 2

INSIDE Discipline with love,

Aggressive monkeys terrorise residents of three Kelantan villages

‘Hollywood smile’ trend prompts many to go for dental veneers

page 6

page 3

page 5

constructive guidance, not harsh punishment: Expert

NATIONAL 2 ON SUNDAY JUNE 1, 2025

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Malaysia’s key agenda as UN-Habitat president

RM8b in potential investments secured at expo OSAKA: Malaysia has successfully secured more than RM8 billion in potential investments and signed 20 MoUs at Expo 2025 Osaka, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation minister and chairman of Malaysia’s National Organising Committee for Expo 2025, said this achievement, involving 101 companies, represents 61.54% of the overall RM13 billion target that was previously set. “I am confident that with our coming initiatives over the next four months, we will not only surpass our target but also unlock new opportunities for Malaysians. The success of our participation will pave the way for job creation while further strengthening bilateral ties with Japan and other global partners.” He was speaking after officiating at the opening ceremony of the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan yesterday. Fadillah highlighted digital economy, green economy and Japanese technologies as key opportunities for Malaysia to explore. He said these opportunities would position Sarawak not only as a hub for energy, particularly green energy, leveraging its hydropower resources, but also as a central player in Malaysia’s Hydrogen Economy Roadmap and Energy Transition Roadmap. On the signing of the 20 MoUs, Fadillah said the Malaysian Pavilion has facilitated several high-impact MoUs covering a wide range of sectors, including renewable energy, digital, property services, biotechnology, caregiving innovation and infrastructure development. “The key focus areas include efforts to support decarbonisation, advance green hydrogen solutions, strengthen dementia care capabilities and promote smart facility systems and sustainable materials.” Fadillah said the longstanding relations and strong ties between Malaysia and Japan extend beyond economic relations, encompassing a shared commitment to regional stability and cultural understanding. “From early collaborations in industrial development to contemporary partnerships in technology and education, the connections between both nations are profound. – Bernama ‘Firm action against job scam syndicates’ PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia, as Asean chair, has pledged to take decisive action against transnational job scam syndicates, placing the issue at the forefront of its regional agenda, said the Foreign Ministry. The ministry said in a statement that it takes the issue of job scam syndicates seriously. It expressed its sincere appreciation to the Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation, other NGOs and the media, for their continued efforts in drawing attention to the plight of Malaysians who have fallen victim to job scam syndicates across the region. “Malaysia remains fully committed to working closely with Asean counterparts and all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, to strengthen preventive measures, enhance regional collaboration, and ensure protection for all victims.” – Bernama

Nation honoured by trust bestowed on the country, to serve with fairness, transparency and unwavering determination, says minister

multilateralism and the UN-Habitat Agenda, both Malaysia and the UAE call upon member states to redouble efforts to implement the New Urban Agenda. “We too, look forward to playing an active role at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan in May next year, where we hope to scale up the habitat agenda to further propel urban solutions.” Nga said earlier this year, an expedition was conducted with MPs to inspect several dilapidated buildings firsthand in the Klang Valley. “With rapidly growing urban populations, aging infrastructure and increasing land scarcity, Malaysia faces an urgent need to rejuvenate old, dilapidated, or underutilised properties in its cities. “We must avoid ‘the tale of two cities’, where one part flourishes while the other languishes in poverty. “What we witnessed was deeply concerning. Some housing areas were in an alarming condition with mould infestations, damaged rooftops, broken lifts and other serious structural issues.” Nga said guided by the National Housing Policy 2018–2025, Malaysia has built a comprehensive and inclusive housing ecosystem that promotes affordable home ownership. “As of March, Malaysia has completed 179,769 affordable housing units, with 235,862 currently under construction and 76,729 in the planning pipeline, accounting for up to 98.4% of our target of 500,000 units.”

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

the presidency of the UN-Habitat Assembly on behalf of the Asia Pacific group. “During my term as president of the Assembly, let us strengthen UN-Habitat as a platform for thinking and doing. Let us ensure that the voices of local governments, women, youth, civil society and vulnerable communities are taken into consideration when we develop policies and design action plans. “We take on this role as the president together with our esteemed colleagues from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This shared commitment symbolises regional solidarity and our commitment to urban sustainability. “Together, we will ensure that this Assembly bridges global ambitions with local realities. “We are also pleased to offer to host a joint bureau meeting in Penang, Malaysia on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Conference of Housing and Urban Development ministers in October. “This will provide an opportunity for joint bureaus to assess the impact of the Assembly and align their support with the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026-2029.” Nga said to strengthen

PETALING JAYA: The Housing and Local Government Ministry believes, in line with the Malaysia Madani concept, that housing is a basic human right, and livable cities must serve all segments of society, especially the most vulnerable. Its minister Nga Kor Ming expects to put to good use Malaysia’s experience during the country’s United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat) presidency. Following the appointment of Malaysia in Nairobi, Kenya on Friday as president of the UN-Habitat Assembly for the term starting in June 2025, Nga said in a statement issued by the ministry to theSun that affordable housing would be one of the key agendas at UN-Habitat. He said urban renewal is another key pillar of Malaysia’s development strategy that he would highlight. At a handing over ceremony of the presidency, Nga said Malaysia is honoured by the trust bestowed on the country, and pledges to serve with fairness, transparency and unwavering determination. “It is with deep humility and profound responsibility that I accept The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue here on Friday. “The meeting served as a platform for Asean countries to exchange views on regional security challenges, especially in the Indo-Pacific, and to explore opportuni ties to strengthen defence cooperation with the United States,” said Mohamed Khaled in a post on his Facebook page. He also shared, during his meeting with Hegseth, Malaysia’s perspective as the current Asean chair, highlighting two major regional issues – the Myanmar crisis and the South China Sea situation. “Solutions to these two critical issues must be led and driven by Asean through an Asean-led and Asean-driven frame work.” Mohamed Khaled also stressed the importance of all parties upholding Asean’s core values and principles to ensure the continued security, sover eignty and stability of the region. According to a statement by the Singapore Defence Ministry, Hegseth highlighted common security challenges

Asean-US meeting boosts regional defence cooperation SINGAPORE: The multilateral meeting held on Friday between defence ministers of Asean and Timor-Leste and United States Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth is expected to further strengthen regional defence cooperation, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

Hegseth meeting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue on Friday. – PIC COURTESY OF PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE

region and enhance defence cooperation with Asean countries, including through the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus. Hegseth also raised cybersecurity as a key emerging domain for Asean-US cooperation. – Bernama

and reaffirmed the US’ strong commit ment to the region. He said the US believes in practical cooperation and strong partnerships underpinned by shared values. He added that the US would continue its engagement with the Southeast Asian

NATIONAL 3 ON SUNDAY JUNE 1, 2025

‘Discipline should educate, not humiliate’

regulations for operating special load vehi cles. “Owners of vehicles that fail inspection at Puspakom have two options – either refer to APAD to correct the permit and obtain a new one based on the original load speci fied in the technical plan, or apply for a new technical plan based on the correct body code for the load being carried.” In addition, owners must adjust the side board height to the required 762mm, with no changes allowed to the existing dumper tipper body code, before presenting the vehicle for reinspection at Puspakom. “The improvements will enhance road safety, reduce the risk of accidents and ensure better compliance with existing regulations,” added Aedy Fadly. – Bernama Health promotion programme starts in all schools this month KOTA BHARU: The Health Ministry will implement the health promotion programme in learning institutions (HePiLI) in stages across all schools starting this month. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the programme would no longer be limited to schools with Kelab Doktor Muda (Young Doctors Club) only. “Personally, I feel this programme proves that a healthy lifestyle can be nurtured from a young age with a friendly, heartfelt and lasting impact, just like the Malay saying, melentur buluh biarlah dari rebungnya (it’s best to teach or shape someone’s character from a young age),” he said. He was speaking at the closing of the HePiLI Healthy and Prosperous Tour programme with Didi and Friends for the East Coast zone and the launch of HePiLI programme on Friday. Elaborating further, Dzulkefly said the HePiLI Tour Programme with Didi and Friends was an edutainment approach that provided health education through entertainment to children aged five to 12. “The popularity of Didi and Friends is leveraged to convey health messages in a friendly, easy-to-understand and memorable way. “Among the achievements of the programme are the production of seven animated health videos that have garnered over 28 million views on YouTube, with two of the most popular videos each exceeding 10 million views.” He said field activities had also received encouraging response with participation from over 135,000 children. “This proves that cartoons and songs are not merely entertainment, but also effective educational tools that help build awareness, spark interest and encourage action, in line with the princi ple that health education is not just about knowing, but doing. “To date, over 10,000 preschools, kin dergartens, primary and secondary schools have implemented the Tunas Doktor Muda (preschool young doctors) and Kelab Doktor Muda programmes, while more than 80 institutions of higher learning have implemented the healthy student programme. All the pro grammes use a peer guidance approach to foster a healthy lifestyle from the grassroots level,” he said. – Bernama

Experts stress the difference between

PETALING JAYA: Discipline must be bal anced with love, empathy and kindness when shaping children into responsible adults who uphold good character and integrity, say education experts. They say the approach to discipline has evolved in which constructive guidance is preferred over harsh punishment. National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon explained that discipline aims to form good character and values, especially in terms of obeying the rules set by the school, while helping pupils develop positive behaviour and mutual respect. He warned that the concept of anger compared with firmness must be distinguished because firmness means educating as opposed to anger which shows a negative aura and can lead to loss of control. Echoing the view, Persatuan Tadika Malaysia chairman Eveleen Ling stressed the importance of discipline from early childhood. She said discipline at home and in the classroom is essential to shaping well rounded, rational and responsible adults who embody resilience and integrity throughout their lives. “Scolding is never effective as it is a short-term control of misbehaviour. It makes the child feel resentful and belittled. It doesn’t teach them what went wrong and why,” she said. She pointed out that discipline should be carried out with love instead of satisfying the adult ego and pride. Ling added that the best way is to bring up the rule that was broken, harsh punishment and constructive guidance, urges empathy in classrooms and homes Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com PUTRAJAYA: The Road Transport Department (RTD) has announced two key improvements to the vehicle inspection process at motor vehicle inspection centres, including those operated by Puspakom Sdn Bhd. RTD director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the move aims to enhance vehi cle safety standards while improving sys tem efficiency and service quality for users. “They involve inspections of tyre tread depth and heavy duty dumper or tipper vehicles,” he said in a statement. He said the tyre tread depth inspections are in line with current safety standards. “RTD requires all commercial vehicles, both goods and public service vehicles, to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm

Teachers must conduct themselves properly and know the rules and ethics of the teaching profession, say educators. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

Additionally, owners of heavy duty dum per or tipper lorries transporting special loads are now required to present the com mercial vehicle approval offer letter and relevant permits during inspections at Puspakom. This is to ensure that the vehicle’s body type and nature of the load conform to the approved specifications. “The move to tighten enforcement on such vehicles aligns with the implementa tion of a special body code for those trans porting specific loads such as fertiliser, coal, fly ash, gypsum, sawdust, corn, palm kernel and rice,” he said. He said the enforcement aims to prevent the misuse of vehicle specifications while ensuring road safety and compliance with Fouzi said stakeholders should not overreact to the point that the innocent may end up punished due to social media sentiments. Addressing the adage “spare the rod and spoil the child”, Fouzi said it is not only difficult to implement in schools but also in homes, as parents are exposed to consequences if they resort to excessive physical actions. Ling interpreted the rod as discipline and not a cane. “In this sense, we definitely won’t spare the rod.” She added that there is no one-size fits-all rule as no two children are alike. “Do not shame the child. Teachers should not use abusive or accusatory words when disciplining pupils. Always discipline the pupil away from peers and other adults. “Have eye contact when speaking to the child. Use kind words and love to win him or her over. Help them to realise and analyse their mistakes.” She also stressed on positive reinforcement and advised teachers to show pride when their pupils do well.

across the entire surface of the tyre that makes contact with the road.” He said previously RTD required Puspakom to ensure that at least 75% of the tyre surface met the minimum tread depth requirement during inspections. “With the new stipulation, commercial vehicles that fail to meet the requirement will not pass the vehicle inspection.” Aedy Fadly added that RTD, in collabora tion with Puspakom, has also stepped up enforcement to ensure heavy duty dumper or tipper lorries do not have side boards that exceed the approved specifications. “This is in line with the permit conditions set by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and the approved Vehicle Technical Plan.” making sure the pupil knows what the consequences are, reasoning with them and ensuring they understand what is right and wrong. Meanwhile, Fouzi added that teachers need counselling to better control their emotions and adapt to today’s sociocultural changes. He said understanding a pupil’s background is important as this would reveal how he is being treated at home. Ling agreed, adding that counselling and bonding with parents are necessary. “The home and school must ‘speak the same language’.” Fouzi also urged teachers to conduct themselves properly and know the rules and ethics of the teaching profession. “They must understand and be aware of the current rules in force so that they are protected from committing misconduct that could lead to legal issues or violate the professional norms expected of a teacher.” He also commented that social media has become a platform that pressures society to comment and push authorities to act in ways deemed acceptable.

Vehicle inspection tightened to boost road safety: RTD

NATIONAL 4 ON SUNDAY JUNE 1, 2025

Fishermen urged to enter marketing to boost income

No-waiting zones for five George Town roads GEORGE TOWN: Five main streets around George Town have been declared no waiting zones from today to reduce traffic congestion caused by vehicles stopping at the roadside. The Penang Island City Council announced in a Facebook post that the move follows reduced lane capacity due to stationary vehicles, which has led to slower traffic flow and congestion. “In this regard, Penang Island City Council has implemented a no-stop zone on part of Jalan Jelutong from Jalan Ahmad Nor to Jalan Bukit Dumbar and part of Burma Road from Cantonment Road to Jones Road. “Other affected roads include part of Macalister Road from Anson Road to Penang Road, part of Pengkalan Weld from Gat Lebuh Melayu to Gat Lebuh Chulia, and part of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling from Lebuh Bishop to Lebuh Chulia,” it said. No-stop signs have been installed and double yellow lines painted along all designated routes to alert motorists of the restriction. Penang Island City Council added that enforcement action will be taken against vehicle owners found waiting or parking in the no-stop zones, to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent bottlenecks. – Bernama Sarawak raises rural budget to bridge gap KUCHING: The increase in rural development allocation under this year’s Sarawak budget reflects the state government’s firm commitment to narrowing the rural-urban gap and ensuring equitable growth. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said RM6.8 billion had been allocated for rural development under the Sarawak 2025 Budget up from RM5.695 billion in 2024, underscoring Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s dedication to improving the well-being of rural communities. In his Gawai Dayak message, Uggah said the rural development focus has led to the implementation of major bridge projects that serve as growth catalysts. “Five bridges have already been completed, including the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge in Pusa, Betong, as well as the iconic Bintulu Jepak, Muara Lassa, Marudi and Batang Rajang bridges. “Six more, including the nation’s longest river bridge – Batang Lupar 1 – are expected to be completed by year-end.” – Bernama Welfare drive rolled out in Sungai Buloh KUALA LUMPUR: A broad range of welfare initiatives have been introduced in the Sungai Buloh constituency as part of a comprehensive action plan to safeguard the welfare and well-being of its residents. Sungai Buloh MP Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the initiatives include food basket distributions, free health services, home repairs, disaster relief, support for places of worship and educational aid. He emphasised the importance of community engagement, stating that an elected representative’s role goes beyond parliamentary duties. “It’s about being present, listening to people’s concerns and acting on them. That’s the responsibility I carry in Sungai Buloh,” he said at a wheelchair handover ceremony at Sungai Buloh UiTM Hospital yesterday. – Bernama

KLANG: The Fisheries Development Authority has urged fishermen nationwide to engage in marketing activities rather than focusing solely on fishing in a bid to increase their income. Its chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said this extra step is necessary as fishermen’s incomes have remained stagnant over the years, requiring support from various quarters, including the government. “I have conducted a business review and found that many companies, including supermarkets, have made huge profits — some even listed on the stock exchange — despite not facing the rigours of going out to sea. Authority pushes for role shift as part of poverty reduction and aquaculture growth plan

“This raises questions about the status of local fishermen within the country’s economic structure. It is disheartening to see so many still living in poverty,” he said in Bandar Bukit Tinggi on Friday. Muhammad Faiz said the authority is formulating a more aggressive strategy to elevate the role of fishermen to also function as traders to be managed under their respective state fishing associations. He added that this initiative has strong potential, particularly through the aquaculture sector, aligning with the government’s target for aquaculture to contribute 40% of the national fish supply by 2030. “With the aim of establishing the Gagasan Nelayan Jaga Nelayan movement over the next 10 years, I call on all fishermen to build confidence and work towards breaking the poverty cycle. “From here on, fishermen must – through their associations – shift their mindset and streamline existing

governance structures to prevent fishery resources from being exploited by inappropriate parties in the value chain.” In a separate development, Muhammad Faiz reminded the 40,000 fishermen who receive fuel subsidies, amounting to RM1.6 billion nationwide, to strictly comply with the terms to ensure continued eligibility. He said the authority, a statutory body under the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, would not compromise and will take firm action against those found defaulting, Bernama reported. Earlier, Muhammad Faiz officiated the 40th annual general meeting of the Selangor State Fishermen’s Association (Penegor), which was attended by nearly 100 leaders from area fishermen’s associations across the state. During the event, the National Fishermen’s Association also presented tithe contributions totalling RM21,000 to Penegor members.

KLIA Ekspres marks 130 millionth passenger KUALA LUMPUR: Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) marked a significant milestone on Thursday as it celebrated its 23rd anniversary by welcoming the 130 millionth passenger on its KLIA Ekspres service, highlighting its commitment to delivering fast, reliable and comfortable airport rail services since 2002. lunch at Orbit Restaurant in Menara Kuala Lumpur, a one-way KLIA Ekspres VIP service for two, an exclusive KLIA Ekspres train model and other merchandise. “I was genuinely surprised and never imagined I would be the 130 millionth passenger on the KLIA Ekspres. It’s a special moment, especially as this is the first time I’ve brought my eldest son along. I can’t help but feel he brought us a bit of luck today,” said Kamal. INTRICTATE WORK ... Crisna Binti Mojupi (left), together with her assistant, embroidering tikam tembus, where motif outlines are drawn on brightly coloured cotton fabric and stitched using no more than seven colours. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

Lumpur, an exclusive train model and other items. “I usually take KLIA Transit during semester breaks because it’s convenient and comfortable. I’m thankful to ERL for this wonderful surprise,” she said. ERL acting chief executive officer Yeow Wei Wen said reaching the 130 millionth passenger reflects the continued trust and loyalty of its customers over the past 23 years. “We are honoured to be part of so many journeys and remain committed to enhancing the travel experience. We also thank our partners for sponsoring today’s prizes,” he said. For details on ongoing promotions, visit www.KLIAekspres.com or contact ERL’s customer enquiry line at 03-2267 8000 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am–6pm) or follow KLIA Ekspres on Facebook and X. – Bernama

In a statement, ERL said the celebration was held at KL Sentral, where the lucky passenger – Nagwa Kamal from Indonesia – was identified based on projected ridership data. Kamal, currently in Kuala Lumpur on holiday, was presented with a special prize package sponsored by ERL’s partners. The package included a one-night stay in the executive deluxe room at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, a night tour for two on the Hop-On Hop-Off KL City of Lights, admission for two to the observation deck and buffet

ERL also marked another occasion by presenting a prize to its 13,000th KLIA Transit passenger of the day, Siti Azieyatul Elliya Azian, a student from Universiti Teknologi Mara Kampus Bandaraya Melaka. She received four standard one-way KLIA Ekspres tickets, a one-night stay at Capri by Fraser in Bukit Bintang, a KL City of Lights night tour for two, admission and lunch for two at Orbit Restaurant in Menara Kuala

NATIONAL 5 ON SUNDAY JUNE 1, 2025

‘No’ to regulating after hours engagement

‘Labour law falls short in protecting staff’ PETALING JAYA: While Malaysian labour laws provide clear guidelines on working hours and overtime pay, they fall short in protecting employees from work-related communications beyond office hours, said lawyer Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo. She told theSun that Section 60A of the Employment Act 1955 governs working hours and overtime, stating that employees should not work more than eight hours per day or 45 hours per week. “Any work beyond this is considered overtime and must be compensated,” she said. However, Kokila noted that the Act offers no explicit or even indirect protection against being contacted after working hours. “There is no statutory ‘right to disconnect’ in Malaysia. While Section 60A regulates working hours, it does not safeguard employees from after-hours communication,” she said. She pointed out that in certain roles, particularly those with a culture of after hours availability, employees may be vulnerable to warnings or disciplinary action if they fail to respond outside office hours. Legal action, however, is unlikely unless these expectations are clearly outlined in the employment contracts or internal company policies. “Unless there’s an express clause, courts are unlikely to uphold disciplinary action based solely on implied duties like loyalty or cooperation,” she said. Kokila advised employees to discuss and negotiate after-hours boundaries during hiring process, especially in industries that often require round-the clock availability. “These terms are enforceable if they are clearly drafted and mutually agreed upon. “Unfortunately, most employment contracts in Malaysia lack such provisions,” she said. For those who feel unfairly penalised for not responding after hours, Kokila suggested that they lodge complaints with the Labour Department or take the matter to the Industrial Court, particularly when no contractual obligation exists. To formally introduce a “right to disconnect,” Kokila said Malaysia would need to amend the Employment Act or introduce a separate law outlining employee rights and employer responsibilities regarding after-hours communication. “The law should define terms like ‘working hours’ and ‘reasonable contact’, and include dispute resolution mechanisms. “It could mirror laws from France, where companies with over 50 employees must negotiate disconnection policies, or from Spain, where digital disconnection is legislated across sectors,” she said. Kokila also recommended that such policies be supported by public awareness campaigns and proper enforcement mechanisms. She warned that the absence of a disconnection policy could create problems for Malaysian companies operating internationally. “Non-compliance with foreign labour laws that recognise the right to disconnect may result in legal, financial or reputational consequences,” she said. – By KIRTINEE RAMESH

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has weighed in on the rising debate around the need to regulate after-hours work-related communication. MEF president Datuk Syed Hussain Syed Husman emphasised that while employee well-being must be respected, rigid laws could negatively impact business flexibility and competitiveness. “While the Employment Act 1955 outlines clear parameters for working hours and overtime, it does not specifically address after-hours digital communication, especially with the rise of remote and flexible work arrangements. “Employers should cultivate a workplace culture that respects personal time, while also ensuring continuity in urgent situations,” he said. According to MEF, a one-size-fits-all “right to disconnect” policy is unsuitable for Malaysia’s diverse economic landscape. The federation supports flexible, company-specific policies crafted through mutual understanding between employers and employees. “The goal should be to promote well-being and productivity, not bureaucracy and disruption,” he added. Syed Hussain said many employers now realise frequent after-hours engagement can lead to burnout, low morale and reduced productivity. However, he acknowledged that certain roles, such as customer service, crisis response and international operations may require after-hours availability. Despite concerns, MEF does not support amending the Employment Act 1955 to include clauses restricting after-hours communication. “Such amendments would disrupt operational flexibility, particularly for sectors with global clients, 24/7 operations We support flexibility, as one-size-fits-all ‘right to disconnect’ policy unsuitable for Malaysia’s diverse economic landscape: MEF Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Syed Hussain emphasised that while employee well-being must be respected, rigid laws could negatively impact business flexibility and competitiveness. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA THESUN

Berkat Jaya. “A few monkeys were near the rubbish bins and one of them jumped at me suddenly. “I fell and hurt my shoulder, elbow and right hip. I had to have three stitches on my head,” he said. Kampung Batu Lada Federal Village Development and Security Committee secretary Ramdzan Yusoff said the Wildlife and National Parks Department had set up traps after receiving the villagers’ complaints. – Bernama to consider. Employers would need to revise employment contracts, implement tracking systems and invest in compliance infrastructure – a task especially challenging for micro, small and medium enterprises. Instead of legislation, MEF encourages organisations to adopt internal guidelines that clearly define urgent versus non urgent communication, set reasonable expectations and promote the use of scheduling tools to delay email dispatches after working hours. MEF firmly believes that any policy around after-hours communication should be tailored by sector, allowing critical industries like healthcare and logistics to retain operational flexibility. “We’re open to collaborating with the Human Resources Ministry, Malaysian Trade Union Congress and other stakeholders to develop sector-specific guidelines that ensure operational needs are met,” Syed Hussain said. He also recommended training for managers on respectful communication practices and promoting digital wellness without compromising productivity. Syed Hussain urged all stakeholders to strive for a fair and flexible approach. “The workforce is our greatest asset. “By fostering respect, flexibility, and clear communication, we can create a sustainable work culture,” he said.

or critical response needs.” He warned blanket legal provisions could lead to unintended consequences, such as reduced responsiveness, weakened client relationships and disrupted real-time coordination. Instead, MEF promotes internal policies, awareness-building and voluntary best practices as more practical solutions. It also outlined several challenges employers would face if a “right to disconnect” law were implemented. One significant concern is operational inflexibility, especially in healthcare, logistics, IT and finance sectors that operate beyond standard hours and rely heavily on timely communication. Another challenge is the potential reduction in global competitiveness. Delayed responses to international clients could harm business relationships and impact a company’s standing in the global market. He also said the mismatch between rigid laws and job functions where after hours engagement is often necessary, such as for senior executives or sales personnel. Additionally, legal ambiguity in defining what exactly constitutes “work related communication” could lead to disputes and confusion between employers and employees. There is also the administrative burden

Kuala Krai villagers in fear of wild monkey attacks KUALA KRAI: The peace and tranquillity of three villages here in Kelantan have been shattered since a group of wild monkeys started acting aggressively, attacking residents and damaging crops as well as intruding into residential areas. hypertension and diabetes, is still traumatised after facing an anxious moment on May 27 when she tried to chase away several monkeys on a soursop tree in front of her house.

“I fell when a huge monkey jumped from the tree towards me. I hit my head and hurt my knee. My son took me to the Sultan Ismail Petra Hospital here,” she said. Two days later, Muhammad Afif Mohd Affandi, 16, suffered injuries when he fell from his motorcycle while trying to dispose of garbage near his home in Taman

This has left about 300 residents from Kampung Kubang Lebur, Kampung Batu Lada and Taman Berkat Jaya fearful of stepping out of their homes, especially with two more residents falling victim to these wild monkeys in the past week. Zaiton Omar, 62, who suffers from

NATIONAL 6 ON SUNDAY JUNE 1, 2025

Veneers, more than a smile

‘Dental procedure classified as aesthetic treatment, primarily aimed at enhancing one’s appearance, self-confidence’

and gums. Candidates must have healthy oral structures and be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene,” said Adhwa Anis, who has over 13 years’ experience in dental care. “If a patient has severe decay, weak tooth roots or suffers from bleeding or swollen gums, we usually recommend addressing those issues first to avoid complications.” She acknowledged that the growing popularity of veneers has also given rise to imitation products, which pose significant risks, particularly when applied by unqualified individuals, Bernama reported. “Fake veneers merely cover the outer surface of the teeth without clinical oversight. They are temporary and unsafe and can potentially harm the natural structure of the teeth. “Proper veneer installation must follow a set of clinical procedures. For porcelain veneers, we begin by taking an X-ray of the patient’s teeth. Then, an impression is made and sent to a dental lab, where the porcelain is crafted to match the desired shape. “Before placement, we also thoroughly clean the teeth to ensure no tartar remains.”

KUALA LUMPUR: Beautiful, white and well-aligned teeth are often seen as a mark of good grooming and confidence, enhancing not only one’s smile but also signalling overall personal hygiene. Veneers are classified as aesthetic dental treatments, primarily aimed at enhancing one’s appearance and boosting self-confidence through an improved smile. The procedure involves bonding a thin layer, usually made of porcelain or composite, to the front surface of the teeth to conceal imperfections such as discoloration, chips and minor irregularities. Dental officer Dr Adhwa Anis Zulkarnain said the “Hollywood smile” trend that has emerged in recent times has driven many individuals to seek aesthetic dental treatments, particularly veneers. She said many seek these treatments to achieve white, symmetrical teeth resembling those of Western celebrities, adding that social media

influencers and local stars with flawless smiles have further fuelled public interest. “Dental veneers have become increasingly popular, likely due to their ability to transform one’s appearance. “This method is one of the fastest and most effective ways to achieve that goal. In just two clinic visits, they can deliver a dramatically improved smile.” Adhwa Anis said veneers not only provide long-lasting whiteness but also create a more symmetrical and aligned look, without the extended treatment time or discomfort of braces. She said veneers serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, helping to correct issues such as chipped, broken, decayed or widely spaced teeth. “There are two types of veneers commonly used in this treatment – composite and porcelain,” said the owner of Avisienna Dental Care. “Composite veneers, made from resin material, are more affordable and can typically be

Veneers serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, helping to correct issues such as chipped, broken, decayed or widely spaced teeth, says Adhwa Anis. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

veneers, which generally cost no more than RM500 per tooth.” Adhwa Anis, a specialist in veneer treatment, cautioned that the procedure is not suitable for everyone, as it depends on the condition and overall health of each individual’s teeth. She explained that those with dental or gum issues are generally advised against undergoing the treatment. “Before applying veneers, a dentist will typically assess the condition of a patient’s teeth

applied in a single dental visit. “Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are crafted from ceramic material, custom shaped and then bonded to the front of the teeth for a more natural and aesthetic finish.” She said porcelain veneers are more popular due to their superior aesthetic results and closer resemblance to natural teeth. “However, they are significantly more expensive, costing up to RM3,000 per tooth, compared with composite

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WORLD 7 ON SUNDAY JUNE 1, 2025 China bristles over Ukraine example SINGAPORE: China yesterday criticised as a “double standard” attempts to link the defence of Ukraine with the need to protect Taiwan from an invasion – a thinly veiled reference to a speech by French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday. As part of a broader address on the risks of division between China and the United States, Macron said that if Russia was allowed to take any part of Ukraine without constraint then “what could happen in Taiwan?” In a Facebook post, China’s embassy in Singapore said that comparing the Taiwan issue with the Ukraine issue is “unacceptable”. “The two are different in nature and not comparable at all,” the post said, saying that Taiwan was entirely an internal affair for China. “If one tries to denounce a ‘double standard’ with a double standard, the only result we can get is still a double standard,” the post said. The post did not mention Macron directly but it was accompanied by a photo of him. China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has stepped up military and political pressure to assert those claims, including increasing the intensity of war games, saying the island is one of its provinces with no right to be called a state. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying only the island’s people can decide their future. Regional diplomats said that Macron’s comments were far from isolated during the freewheeling, informal meeting and risks of a Russian victory emboldening a Chinese invasion of Taiwan had at times surfaced in sideline discussions. “The message from many backing Ukraine is that the line must be held if a message is to be sent,” said an East Asian envoy. – Reuters ‘Tough love on defence better than no love’ SINGAPORE: The European Union’s diplomatic chief Kaja Kallas said yesterday the continent was beefing up defence spending after “tough love” from the Trump administration, as she called for stronger ties with the Asia-Pacific region. Kallas was responding to comments by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who called President Donald Trump’s insistence on more military spending “tough love”. “It’s love nonetheless. So it’s better than no love,” Kallas said when asked later about Hegseth’s speech. Trump consistently pressed Nato countries to increase defence spending, asking for as much as 5% of GDP and saying Washington will no longer tolerate freeloaders. Kallas said: “There are different countries in Europe and some of us have realised a long time ago that we need to invest in defence. It is a good thing we are doing more, but what I want to stress is that the security of Europe and the security of the Pacific is interlinked.” Kallas pointed to Ukraine, where North Korean soldiers were operating and China was providing military hardware to Russia. “I think again, if you are worried about China, you should be worried about Russia,” she said. The EU wanted to build “partnerships in our mutual interest” in the Asia-Pacific, including in the field of defence. “The European Union has shifted gear and reimagined our own paradigm as a peace project backed up with hard defence,” Kallas said. “We are fast becoming a global security partner.” Speaking earlier, Hegseth told delegates “we’re pushing our allies in Europe to own more of their own security to invest in their defence”. “Thanks to President Trump they are stepping up.” – AFP

Lee-Trump comparison irks Singaporeans

SINGAPORE: US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth rankled Singaporeans yesterday by likening President Donald Trump to the city-state’s late founding premier Lee Kuan Yew. In a speech outlining US strategy in the Asia-Pacific region, Hegseth referred to both leaders as “historic men”. “Like the late prime minister, President Trump’s approach is grounded in common sense and national interests,” he said at the Shangri-La Dialogue which gathers key defence leaders from around the world. Lee, a British-trained lawyer, served as prime minister for three decades. Hegseth praised his “sage leadership and strategic vision”. “That’s what common sense policies can achieve, and that’s precisely what President Trump’s vision is all about.” Social media erupted with acerbic criticism of Hegseth’s comparison. “One is historic, the other is hysteric,” said one commenter, while another remarked: “Trump compared to Lee Kuan Yew? That’s like saying instant noodles are the same as fine dining.” “I felt a tremor just now. Must be LKY rolling hard in his grave,” said someone else on social media, using Lee’s initials. Hegseth in his speech also warned that China was “credibly preparing” to use military force to upend the balance of power in Asia, vowing the United States was “here to stay” in the Indo Pacific region. “The threat China poses is real and it could be imminent,” Hegseth said. Beijing is “credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo Pacific”, he said. He said the Chinese military was building capabilities to invade Taiwan US secretary of defence warns of threat Speaking on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Marles said that while China remains an important strategic partner to Australia, more open communication between the two nations is key to a “productive” relationship. “When you look at the growth in the Chinese military that has happened without a strategic reassurance, or a strategic transparency ... we would like to have a greater transparency in what China is seeking to do in not only its build up, but in exercises that it undertakes, said Marles. “We want to have the most productive relationship with China that we can have ... we hope that in the context of that productive relationship, we can see greater transparency and greater communication between our two countries in respect of our defence.” Both Australia and New Zealand raised concerns in February after three Chinese

Chinese military officials at the dialogue yesterday. – AFPPIC

Ministry officials to the summit, dispatching a delegation from the People’s Liberation Army National Defence University instead. Hegseth’s hard-hitting address drew a critical reaction from Chinese analysts at the conference. Da Wei, director of the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University told reporters the speech was “very unfriendly” and “very confrontational”, accusing Washington of double standards in demanding Beijing respect its neighbours while bullying its own, including Canada and Greenland. Former Senior Colonel Zhou Bo, from the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, said training drills did not mean China would invade Taiwan, saying the government wanted “peaceful reunification”. – AFP

warships conducted unprecedented live fire drills in the Tasman Sea. Both nations complained of late notice over the drills by China, which led to the diversion of 49 commercial flights. Marles said that while the drills were in accordance with international law, China should have been less disruptive. He also said Australia was able to closely scrutinise the Chinese task-force. “It’s fair to say that this was done in a bigger way than they have done before, but equally, that was meant from our point of view, by a much greater degree of surveillance than we’ve ever done. “From the moment that Chinese warships came within the vicinity of Australia, they were being tailed and tracked by Australian assets ... we were very clear about what exercises China was undertaking and what capability they were seeking to exercise and to build.” Chinese officials have signalled that more such exercises could be expected as it was routine naval activity in international waters. – Reuters and “rehearsing for the real deal”. Beijing has ramped up military pressure on Taiwan and held large-scale exercises around the island, often described as preparations for a blockade or invasion. The United States was “reorienting towards deterring aggression by communist China”, Hegseth said, calling on US allies and partners in Asia to swiftly upgrade their defences in the face of mounting threats. Hegseth described China’s conduct as a “wake-up call”, accusing Beijing of endangering lives with cyber attacks, harassing its neighbours, and “illegally seizing and militarising lands” in the South China Sea. “China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea has only increased in recent years,” said Casey Mace, charge d’affaires at the US embassy. Beijing has not sent any top Defence

Call for more transparency SINGAPORE: Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles yesterday urged greater transparency from China over its military modernisation and deployments.

Kallas (white dress) at a press conference with other EU officials. – AFPPIC