19/06/2025

THURSDAY | JUNE 19, 2025

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Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com Crackdown on online sale of banned products PETALING JAYA: The government is ramping up efforts to crack down on the online sale of banned products, including vape liquids laced with narcotics, with a high-level meeting set to take place soon, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Speaking at a weekly media conference yesterday, he said the meeting, involving the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Health and Communications ministries, reflects growing concern over illegal products being openly sold online without adequate control. “Following the meeting, we will present the outcomes to the Cabinet, which will be followed by appropriate action, either against the sellers or the platforms enabling such sales.” On updates to the Online Safety Bill, Fahmi said the next step is for the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to finalise a draft of the regulations that would be enforced under the Bill. “Once that is done, a regulatory committee will be established by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), who will have oversight powers over the Bill’s implementation. This process is expected to take place in the coming weeks.” Fahmi said there are no major updates regarding the Sales and Service Tax (SST), but the second finance minister is expected to provide further clarification soon. He said the government takes public feedback seriously, and that revenue from the expanded SST would be used to fund schools, hospitals and other public projects. “With stronger efforts to curb leakage and corruption, we believe SST collections would benefit more Malaysians.” Fahmi said ministers were briefed on the draft of the 13th Malaysia Plan by Economy Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Nor Azmie Diron. The plan is expected to be tabled in Parliament during the session beginning July 21, and presented on July 28. Amid escalating regional tensions involving Iran, Fahmi said the Foreign Ministry has made arrangements for registered Malaysians, including those working, studying or representing agencies to depart Iran, with visa preparations completed. He said their departure is expected by June 20. M’sia committed to expanding strategic ties with Russia KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia remains committed to expanding strategic ties with international partners, including Russia, in areas that could yield mutual benefit and contribute to sustainable development. This commitment was conveyed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof during a courtesy call by Russian Ambassador to Malaysia Naiyl M. Latypov at the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry in Putrajaya yesterday, Bernama reported. “This meeting provided an opportunity for constructive discussion on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of renewable energy, which is gaining global attention. “We also discussed preliminary preparations for my upcoming working visit to the Russian Federation, scheduled to take place in the near future,” he said in a post on his Facebook page.

RM4b needed annually for road maintenance nationwide KUALA LUMPUR: The government is prioritising repairs on the most critical roads due to budget constraints, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

He said an estimated RM4 billion is needed annually for full-scale road maintenance to maintain all federal roads, including the East-West Highway Gerik-Jeli stretch. “That is why, with whatever allocation is given year by year, we prioritise road maintenance based on urgency. “We handle the critical issues first. That is why some damaged roads that are not too critical are put on hold. “Actually, we already have information on all the roads. We also know some of the financial requirements. To properly fix all the roads, we would need almost RM4 billion,” Nanta said on the sidelines of the Hari Gawai Open House at his ministry yesterday. He added that the ministry has a database on the roads that are in need of urgent repairs. Also present at the event were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Works Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan. He added that the ministry has allocated RM55 million for repair works along the East-West Gerik–Jeli route, including the installation of 385 solar powered street lights. He said installation is scheduled to begin in July, and is expected to be completed by October. On June 12, a tragic bus crash along the East-West Highway Gerik–Jeli claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris

Anwar accompanied by (from left) Fadillah, Nanta and Ahmad at the Hari Gawai Open House yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

valued at RM80 million will commence once the PCA findings are complete. Meanwhile, non-pavement works, including the installation of guardrails and signage, are underway. The works have reached 10% completion and are expected to be finished by August. – by Ikhwan Zulkaflee

students

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Terengganu to their campus in Perak. Following the incident, a Pavement Condition Assessment (PCA) was conducted. The report, that is being finalised, will serve as a key reference for future pavement-related initiatives. A pavement improvement programme

‘Much needs to be done to adopt nuclear energy’

“We still have no long-term disposal infrastructure. Spent nuclear fuel remains hazardous for thousands of years, and managing that sustainably is a major hurdle.” He said while renewables such as solar and wind are not without environmental impacts, they generate far less dangerous waste. He added that small modular reactors could offer a safer and more adaptable nuclear option for Malaysia as these compact systems are well-suited to smaller grids and could help stabilise renewable output. He said at present, Malaysia lacks the full technical capability to build or operate a nuclear plant independently. “Agencies such as the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and the Department of Atomic Energy have expertise in research and radiation safety, but not in nuclear power generation. “That said, local universities are now offering nuclear-related programmes, and overseas training is helping to develop human capital.” As for who might lead a national nuclear rollout, he said Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is the most likely candidate. “TNB has the infrastructure, technical expertise and government backing. It’s already leading in renewables, so it makes sense for it to spearhead this as well.” On Tuesday, Energy Transition and Water Transformation Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said Malaysia may miss its 2050 net-zero emissions target without nuclear energy in the mix. He called nuclear energy the “elephant in the room”, saying it is vital for delivering reliable power as fossil fuels are phased out.

o Major hurdles remain, including addressing outdated laws, limited expertise and public distrust, says expert

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

of the country. However, safety concerns and radioactive waste continue to shape public perception. “Incidents such as Fukushima and Chernobyl have left deep scars. Even at home, backlash over the Lynas plant in Kuantan reflects widespread discomfort over anything involving radioactive material,” said Muhammad Ammirrul. He said public trust, built through education, transparency and genuine engagement, would be essential if the government proceeds with nuclear energy. Beyond public acceptance, the legal framework is also in need of urgent reform. “The country’s main nuclear law, the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984, is outdated. It predates modern safety standards and best practices. Malaysia needs a dedicated nuclear energy law that clearly defines institutional roles, regulatory protocols and liability mechanisms.” He called for the creation of an independent nuclear regulatory authority, separate from ministerial oversight, to enhance safety and governance. Muhammad Ammirrul urged Malaysia to adopt a nuclear liability and insurance framework, potentially through accession to the Vienna Convention, a global treaty that enables cross-border compensation for victims of nuclear accidents. He said radioactive waste remains one of the toughest challenges.

PETALING JAYA: Nuclear energy is back on the table as Malaysia eyes the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. First explored in the 1980s, nuclear power gained traction under ex-prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak but was shelved during former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s second term over safety and cost concerns. The idea resurfaced in 2023 under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) as a post-2050 option, pending regulatory, safety and public trust improvements. But major hurdles remain, including outdated laws, limited expertise and public distrust, said UKM renewable energy expert Dr Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi Mohd Zainuri. He said while nuclear power could play a critical role in the NETR, Malaysia must first lay solid groundwork to proceed safely. “The adoption of nuclear energy could help Malaysia achieve a sustainable and inclusive energy system. But serious challenges must be addressed, from obsolete laws and weak regulatory structures to deep-rooted public unease.” Unlike intermittent sources such as solar and wind, nuclear provides consistent power with zero operational emissions, making it a strong complement to the future energy mix