22/06/2025

RM1

SCAN ME on

Malaysian Paper

JUNE 22, 2025 | RM1.00 PER COPY | www.thesun.my

No. 8829 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

RAGING BLAZE ... Thick black smoke is seen billowing from Kampung Lembah Kinrara in Puchong as fire razes a paper manufacturing factory yesterday afternoon. – PIC COURTESY OF AEROSEEK FACEBOOK PAGE

Story on — page 6

Aerotrain back on July 1 back on July 1 Transport minister announces service resumption following successful trial run and inspection at KLIA Terminal 1, ending more than 12 months of suspension over safety concerns. Report on — page 2

INSIDE Fomca hails new electricity tariff structure as fair and transparent.

Research indicates link between acne and unhealthy gut: Dermatologist

page 3

page 4

READ OUR

HERE

NATIONAL 2 ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2025

Malaysian Paper

/thesun

KLIA aerotrain set to resume service on July 1

Ministry keeping tabs on Iran Israel conflict KOTA TINGGI: The Defence Ministry will continue to closely monitor developments in the Iran-Israel conflict, given its potential implications to national interests and regional security, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the situation is alarming as it could escalate into a broader conflict, including disrupting global supply chains, impacting the world economy and endangering the safety of Malaysians in the region. “When a war breaks out, all countries are affected. Oil prices surge, supply chains are disrupted, global trade is hampered and trading nations like Malaysia will also feel the impact.” The Kota Tinggi MP was speaking after officiating at a ceremony to harvest Bentong ginger in Kampung Gembut yesterday, Bernama reported. He said the Iran-Israel conflict offers insights into the use of technology, which in turn helps Malaysia fortify national defence preparedness. Mohamed Khaled said the Foreign Ministry is coordinating efforts to evacuate Malaysians in Iran via land routes, as there are no inbound and outbound flights from Iran. “The country that has been arranged to receive them is Turkmenistan. From there, they will likely be brought home using commercial flights,” he said, adding that there is still a small number of Malaysians in Iran. “The evacuation process will be carried out in an orderly manner, taking into account security considerations.” ‘New top cop not PKR member’ KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has clarified that the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail has never been a member of PKR, let alone held any position within the party. The party was responding to claims published on the social media page of a local news outlet on Friday, Bernama reported. PKR secretary-general Dr Fuziah Salleh said the circulation of an inaccurate profile linking the IGP to a political party could undermine his image and credibility. Fuziah said this could also fuel negative perceptions of PKR as the ruling party, if members of the public believe that Mohd Khalid’s appointment was politically motivated. She said such an error should never have occurred.

Following successful trial run, inspection at Terminal 1, final phase of testing to be carried out in coming days, says minister Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

which must meet stringent safety and performance standards set by the regulator.” He expressed gratitude to the Land Public Transport Agency and the Transport Ministry for their close oversight and support, and to contractor Alstom and its consortium partners for delivering the project within budget. The aerotrain replacement project began in 2022 as part of a three-year infrastructure upgrade at KLIA. The overhaul was deemed necessary after the original trains, in service since the airport’s opening in 1998, suffered frequent breakdowns.

three fully commissioned and the system’s built-in redundancy is ready for live operations. MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the airport is now in the final stretch of preparations. “This includes testing our emergency response plan to ensure that we are ready for any eventuality. “Our volunteer employees are also participating in live trial runs to simulate passenger movement and help us fine tune operations. “It’s a system that requires seamless integration across multiple components, all of trains are

simultaneously during peak hours, with a third train set on standby as backup. During non peak or engineering hours, between midnight and 5am, only one train will operate to allow for maintenance.” He said the aerotrain is designed to offer a more seamless, comfortable and efficient transit experience as part of ongoing efforts to elevate KLIA’s service standards. He added that although the aerotrain is returning, the shuttle bus service introduced during its suspension would remain in operation for now. “Until the aerotrain service fully stabilises, we will continue running the buses to ensure uninterrupted service.” The resumption of service comes at a pivotal time as Malaysia prepares to host a series of Asean meetings and summits. “It also aligns with preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which is expected to see a surge in international arrivals. “This upgrade is part of our broader plan to ensure KLIA remains a world-class gateway to Malaysia. We want to provide a positive first impression for international visitors.” The project is being implemented under strict oversight from the Land Public Transport Agency, which required the system to undergo a rigorous validation process. The first train was required to complete 2,000km of continuous fault-free operations while the other two trains logged 1,000km each. This testing ensured that all Mohd Khalid’s leadership, I believe that the police force will continue to be a trusted institution among the people, respected by both friend and foe,” Zahid said in a post on his Facebook page. He expressed appreciation to outgoing IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain for his dedication and contributions during his tenure. The leadership transition was formalised during a handover and insignia ceremony held at Dewan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Hashim. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who witnessed the ceremony, also congratulated Mohd Khalid on

SEPANG: The long-awaited aerotrain service at KL International Airport (KLIA) will resume on July 1 at 10am, more than a year after it was suspended due to aging infrastructure and safety concerns. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced its reopening yesterday following a successful trial run and inspection at KLIA Terminal 1. “We are now in the final phase of testing. Several more tests will be conducted in the coming days, including a major emergency response plan drill involving Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) staff and emergency services. “If all goes smoothly, the aerotrain service will resume as scheduled.” Loke acknowledged the frustrations faced by travellers but stressed that safety must take precedence. “As much as I wanted the service to restart earlier, all necessary tests had to be completed and approved by the Land Public Transport Agency.” Originally targeted for a Q1 2025 relaunch, the project was delayed to May, and eventually to July. Loke said the delay was due to extended safety testing and system fine-tuning, not any critical faults. The upgraded aerotrain, consisting of three connected compartments with a capacity of 90 passengers each, can carry 270 passengers per trip. “Two train sets will operate

Loke, accompanied by Mohd Izani (second from left), taking an aerotrain ride along with members of the media at KLIA Terminal 1 yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

DPM expresses confidence in newly appointed IGP

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

confidence.

his appointment. “I wish you well in shouldering this new responsibility. May you remain steadfast and resolute in continuing the police force’s leadership legacy in safeguarding the nation’s safety and wellbeing.” Saifuddin said police leadership must evolve in line with shifting national threats and public expectations. He emphasised that the handover of duty does not merely involve a change in leadership but also a shift in approach and responsibility to ensure that the force remains firm in upholding security, the rule of law and public

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil also congratulated the new IGP and thanked Razarudin for his contributions. “I pray that Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid can continue fulfilling this trust with distinction, for the safety and wellbeing of the country,” Fahmi said in a post on X. Mohd Khalid, 60, was named the 15th IGP with effect from June 23, 2025 until June 22, 2027. Prior to becoming Bukit Aman Special Branch principal assistant director on Sept 6, 2021, he served in a number of significant roles within the Special Branch.

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed confidence that the police force would maintain its credibility under the leadership of newly appointed Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail. Zahid said Mohd Khalid, who has served in several key national security positions since 2018, brings extensive experience in strategic policing, including his role as Special Branch director. “ Insya-Allah , under Datuk Seri

NATIONAL 3 ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2025

New power tariff fair and timely, says Fomca

4.8 million use MyKad to buy essential items GEORGE TOWN: A total of 4.8 million out of 5.4 million recipients of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid have used their MyKad to purchase basic necessities at registered outlets nationwide as of this month. Finance Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying said Perlis recorded the highest usage rate at 94%, followed by Sabah and Kedah at 93%, while Penang recorded 88%. She said the figures reflect the growing effectiveness of the initiative, supported by ongoing awareness and promotional efforts at both federal and state levels. “The ministry will continue to strengthen awareness campaigns to ensure more people benefit from this government aid, which is aimed at easing their financial burden. “We have also significantly expanded the number of recipients from 700,000 to 5.4 million since April,” she said during a Sara outreach programme at a hypermarket in Penang yesterday. During the event, Lim met 100 Sara recipients as part of the ministry’s efforts to engage directly with urban communities. To date, 3,700 retail outlets have registered under the programme nationwide, enabling recipients to shop closer to home. In Penang, 190 such outlets are available. Lim said the programme was enhanced on May 1 by expanding the list of eligible items to 14 categories, which now include household and personal hygiene products, over-the-counter medicines and school supplies such as uniforms and shoes. She added that the maximum Sara aid for this year has been raised to RM2,100 from RM1,200 – a 75% increase. In total, the combined allocation for the Sara and Rahmah Cash Aid programmes has been raised to RM13 billion this year, the highest cash aid provision in the country’s history. – Bernama TASHKENT: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof arrived in Tashkent, Uzbekistan early yesterday to begin his official working visit to the republic. He was received by Uzbekistan Deputy Minister of Energy Azizkhoja Qobilov. Also present were Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin and Malaysia’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Ilham Tuah Illias. During his visit, Fadillah is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and hold a meeting with Uzbekistan Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov. He will also deliver a keynote address at the United Nations Public Service Forum 2025 in Samarkand, at which he is expected to highlight Malaysia’s best practices and innovations in public service. Fadillah will be in Uzbekistan until June 24 before continuing his working visit to Russia, which will run until June 28. – Bernama DPM arrives in Uzbekistan for official visit

‘Revised regulatory structure lowers costs, rewards efficient use and protects vulnerable groups’

tariffs for the agriculture, water, sanitation and rail sectors. A 10% rebate will remain in place for educational institutions, places of worship and registered welfare homes. Saravanan said replacing the current Imbalance Cost Pass-Through mechanism with the new Automatic Fuel Adjustment system will improve price responsiveness to global fuel and currency fluctuations, but stressed the importance of clear communication on any resulting changes to consumer bills. He also urged the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to intensify enforcement against unjustified price increases in essential goods that may be linked to the tariff changes. “Fomca will continue to monitor the implementation closely and advocate ongoing consumer engagement, education and regulatory enforcement to maximise the impact of this policy reform,” he said. The Energy Commission announced that from July 1, over 23.6 million domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia will benefit from a fairer and more progressive electricity tariff structure under the RP4 schedule, which includes changes to the average base tariff, overall structure and fuel cost adjustment mechanism, implemented through the IBR framework.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has voiced full support for the new electricity tariff structure under Regulatory Period 4 (RP4), describing it as timely, progressive and beneficial for Malaysian households. Fomca CEO Dr T. Saravanan said the new tariff, which will be implemented from July 1 to Dec 31, 2027, under the Incentive-Based Regulation (IBR) framework, reflects a fairer and more transparent energy pricing system. “This initiative comes at a crucial time when many households are facing financial pressures due to inflation and the rising cost of living,” he told Bernama. The revised structure reduces the average base tariff from 45.62 sen per kilowatt hour (kWh) to 45.4 sen/kWh, contributing to an estimated 19% reduction in total average electricity costs compared with the previous regulatory period. Saravanan said although the reduction may appear marginal, it is backed by structural reforms that offer greater protection to domestic users, particularly those in the B40 and M40 income groups. PETALING JAYA: On this year’s World Refugee Day, the Malaysian Bar has reaffirmed its commitment to standing in solidarity with refugees in Malaysia and around the world. Observed annually on June 20, World Refugee Day 2025 carries the theme Solidarity with Refugees, underscoring the urgent need for compassion, protection and meaningful legal reform for displaced communities. “Globally, over 100 million people have been forcibly displaced due to war, persecution, violence and human rights violations,” said Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab. He said Malaysia hosts a significant refugee and asylum-seeker population, many of whom live without legal recognition or access to basic rights such as education, healthcare and employment. “Despite facing immense challenges, refugee communities in Malaysia continue to demonstrate resilience and strength. “Many contribute to local society through informal education programmes, community initiatives, skills development and humanitarian outreach – efforts that reflect the spirit of this year’s theme,” he said in a statement. However, legal and systemic barriers remain. Refugees in Malaysia are not formally recognised under domestic law, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, arbitrary arrest and detention. In light of these challenges, Mohamad Ezri called for urgent and meaningful reforms to uphold the rights and dignity of refugees and asylum-seekers. Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

He highlighted the introduction of the Energy Efficiency Incentive, which exempts households consuming 1,000 kWh or less per month from any tariff increase, rewarding energy efficiency and encouraging responsible consumption. “The updated structure also features a more detailed billing system, with breakdowns of energy generation, network usage, capacity charges and retail costs. “This level of transparency empowers consumers to understand their bills better and provides clarity on how costs are derived, thereby enhancing trust and encouraging more mindful energy use,” he said. The expanded Time of Use scheme now covers weekends and off-peak weekday hours from 10pm to 2pm the following day, allowing users to save more by shifting high-consumption activities to these periods. Fomca also welcomed continued protection for vulnerable groups, including the RM40 monthly rebate for hardcore poor households under the e-Kasih programme as well as dedicated

Malaysian Bar renews call for refugee rights

Refugees in Malaysia are not formally recognised under domestic law, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, arbitrary arrest and detention. – AFPPIC

that support integration and uphold the dignity of displaced persons. “As officers of the court and advocates for justice, the Malaysian Bar remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the rights of marginalised and vulnerable communities. “True solidarity with refugees goes beyond compassion. It demands the pursuit of meaningful, rights-based solutions that ensure protection, dignity and inclusion. “On this World Refugee Day, let us reaffirm our shared humanity and strive to build a society in which no one is left behind, regardless of their status or origin,” he said.

“Firstly, the Malaysian Bar urges the enactment of a clear legal and policy framework that recognises the rights of refugees and asylum-seekers in accordance with international standards. “Secondly, we call on the Malaysian government to accede to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.” He also stressed the importance of ensuring access to essential services, including legal protection, healthcare, education and lawful employment for all refugees and asylum-seekers. In addition, the Malaysian Bar advocates community engagement and partnerships

NATIONAL 4 ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2025

Holistic approach key to appropriate acne care

screen underserved communities and workers in industrial areas. “This is how we make lung health a shared responsibility across all sectors, addressing broader concerns holistically, from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to tuberculosis, occupational diseases, smoking and air pollution,” he said. The congress, which aims to tackle urgent cancer-related challenges across Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific, has welcomed more than 1,000 participants, including delegates from Europe and the Middle East. – Bernama Perak launches eKSPerk portal to streamline registrations IPOH: The Perak Syariah Judiciary Department has launched the Modul Awam Elektronik Kehakiman Syariah Perak (eKSPerk) website to streamline the preparation of registration forms for selected syariah court cases. Perak Chief Syariah Judge Datuk Ab Rahman Thobroni Mohd Mansor said the website, accessible via eksperk.perak.gov.my, has been operational since June 10. He said cases currently eligible for registration through eKSPerk include consensual divorce applications, confirmation of divorce pronouncements, underage marriage applications and appointments of wali hakim . “This public module was developed to assist individuals without legal representation, who often face difficulties preparing court documents. “Previously, the public found it challenging to engage document writers due to the high fees charged by some. With eKSPerk, users can now fill in the required case details and information more conveniently,” he said after officiating the 2024 Perak Syariah Judiciary Department Excellence Appreciation Ceremony on Friday. At present, users are required to print out the completed forms and submit them manually to the court. “We are working to enhance the website so that, in the future, documents completed via eKSPerk can be directly integrated into the e-Syariah system,” he said. Ab Rahman Thobroni added that registration forms prepared by third parties or individuals would still be accepted, provided they comply with the required format, content structure and language standards. He noted that Perak is currently the only state implementing such a module, though it may be adopted by other syariah judiciary departments in future. – Bernama

common self-treatment mistakes, such as over-cleansing, pimple popping and frequent product switching. “These habits worsen inflammation, damage the skin barrier and increase the risk of scarring. Patients should be educated to follow a consistent, gentle routine and apply treatments across the entire acne prone area, not just on visible spots.” She pointed out that social media has become a double-edged sword in acne management. “Teens are constantly exposed to filtered images and miracle-cure content, which creates unrealistic expectations. Some abandon effective treatments in favour of viral trends. We must teach patients to critically evaluate online content and follow credible sources.” While public awareness of acne in Malaysia is growing, stigma remains a persistent barrier. “Studies show that over 76% of people view acne negatively in photographs, associating it with poor hygiene or unattractiveness. We need greater public education to dismantle these harmful myths.” Ultimately, she said acne treatment must extend beyond prescriptions.

Dermatologist highlights role of gut health, diet, mental well-being in managing skin and emotional toll on the condition Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharides to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammatory responses in the skin.

Mental health is another critical yet often overlooked aspect of acne care. “Many patients experience depression, anxiety and social withdrawal due to acne. Some studies have found it to be more psychologically distressing than chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. “In Malaysia, adolescent surveys show acne is a common cause of emotional distress and social stigma.” Teeba called for routine mental health screening during dermatology consultations. “We should normalise checking in on patients’ emotional well being. Tools such as dermatology specific quality-of-life questionnaires can help identify those who need psychological support.” She recalled one case involving a 19-year-old male with severe nodulocystic acne. “After years of failed treatments, he was started on isotretinoin. In six months, not only did his skin improve dramatically, but his self-esteem and overall quality of life returned. It was a reminder that acne care can be life-changing when done right.” Teeba also warned against

PETALING JAYA: In conjunction with Acne Awareness Month, a leading dermatologist has urged Malaysians to move beyond creams and antibiotics, and adopt a more holistic approach that considers gut health, diet, mental well-being and the emotional toll of the condition. “Acne is a multifactorial skin condition that extends far beyond visible lesions. A holistic approach not only improves outcomes but also addresses the emotional burden carried by many patients,” said Consultant Dermatologist Dr Teeba Raja, who also serves as president of the Malaysian Allergic Contact Dermatitis Subcommittee. She explained that emerging research has drawn attention to the gut-skin axis, where imbalances in gut bacteria – known as gut dysbiosis – can drive skin inflammation. “Increased intestinal permeability, or ‘leaky gut’, allows

“While gut-directed therapies are not yet part of standard acne treatment, patients with both acne and gastrointestinal symptoms may benefit from addressing underlying gut issues,” she said. Teeba also highlighted the role of diet, noting that high-glycaemic foods and dairy have been linked to acne severity. “Low-glycaemic diets help by lowering insulin and IGF-1 levels – hormones that stimulate oil production and skin cell growth. “Dairy, especially skim milk and whey protein, can aggravate acne in some individuals due to its hormonal effects.” She added that probiotics, particularly strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, may help reduce skin inflammation, but should be seen as complementary rather than primary treatments.

Madani initiative lifts incomes with catfish products PASIR SALAK: The Sejahtera Komuniti Madani (Sejati Madani) programme has proven effective in strengthening the local economy, particularly for urban poor communities and residents in rural and remote areas. in canvas ponds. “The Kampung Makmur community now produces three main downstream products – catfish balls, catfish cakes, and butter garlic herb fillets – all created entirely by participants of the Sejati Madani programme.

Perak menteri besar’s special officer for the Kampung Gajah state constituency Khairul Azwan Harun said with a government grant of RM100,000 under the Sejati Madani initiative, the community of Kampung Makmur near Kampung Gajah has achieved notable success through the production of value added products from catfish farming

“This project not only generates income from fish farming but also imparts new skills and helps improve household income through downstream product development,” he said after launching the products under the programme at Pasir Salak Community College on Friday. – Bernama

Khairul Azwan (second from left) holding up the catfish products during the event. – BERNAMAPIC

Health Ministry enters final phase of cancer control plan KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has entered the final phase of its National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Programme 2021 to 2025, with renewed emphasis on strengthening cancer prevention, early detection and sustainable healthcare financing. Malaysia and Sunway University. “Cancer remains one of the most pressing and devastating challenges in our fight against the pandemic of non-communicable diseases. rising threat of lung cancer, the ministry introduced the Lung Health Initiative during last year’s congress. Lung cancer is now among the three most common cancers in Malaysia and remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. health – integrating prevention, digital innovation and people centred care.

“Implementation is already under way in six states – Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Pahang, Kelantan and Sabah – with artificial intelligence (AI) being deployed to interpret chest X-rays in selected government clinics and hospitals, improving diagnostic accuracy and speeding up early detection of lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses,” he said. Dzulkefly also commended the National Cancer Society Malaysia for extending the initiative through mobile AI X-ray units, which help

“According to the National Cancer Registry Report 2017 to 2021, Malaysia recorded over 169,000 cancer cases, a 47% increase from the previous cycle. “The lifetime risk of cancer has also risen, now affecting one in eight Malaysians,” he said at the opening ceremony at Sunway University in Petaling Jaya. Dzulkefly said in response to the

He added that Malaysia has taken a leading role globally with the adoption of the resolution “Promoting and Prioritising an Integrated Lung Health Approach” at the 78th World Health Assembly. “This is a historic milestone not just for Malaysia, but for global public health. It reflects our belief in a whole-of-planet approach to lung

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the three-day National Cancer Congress Malaysia (NCCM) 2025, which began on Friday, is aligned with the ministry’s efforts to chart the next phase of its cancer strategy. The event is jointly organised by the National Cancer Society

SUNDAY | JUNE 22, 2025 | 5

NATIONAL 6 ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2025

AGC denies flawed prosecution in SRC case

“I believe this selection is based on Mohd Khalid’s experience and credibility, which makes him a trusted leader to (guide the force) to even greater excellence. I pray that he would fulfil this responsibility entrusted to him.” Razarudin, who joined the force in 1982, was appointed the 14th IGP on a two-year contract after retirement, effective June 23, 2023 and will end his service today. – Bernama several villagers. “I only became aware of the incident when I saw many police officers and residents at the scene of the incident, which was about 100m from his house.” According to Solah, he rushed to the location and was shocked to see the victim dead with facial injuries. He also said the victim lived with his 78-year-old mother and has never caused any problems. “I understand the incident stemmed from a confrontation over noise created by a motorcyclist.” This led to a fight, during which the victim was beaten with a stick. – Bernama Massive blaze destroys paper factory Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com PETALING JAYA: A fire broke out at a paper manufacturing factory in Puchong yesterday afternoon, destroying a large portion of the premises. Videos of thick black smoke billowing from the factory, which is located in Kampung Lembah Kinrara, were shared on social media platforms. No casualties were reported in the incident. Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director Ahmad Mukhlis Mokhtar said the Puchong Fire and Rescue station received a distress call at 12.15pm and a team was despatched a few minutes later. “Firefighters arrived at the scene at 12.22pm, with personnel from the Subang Jaya, Seri Kembangan and Jalan Penchala stations also despatched to assist. “The factory was severely damaged in the blaze, with approximately 80% of the building gutted.” A spokesperson from the Puchong Fire and Rescue station said the cause of the fire and damages are being ascertained and investigations are ongoing.

the force and its personnel. “Compliance with the Inspector-General of Police Directive No. 191, Total Enforcement of Regulation 3C of the Public Servants (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 is necessary and should be taken seriously.” In his speech, Razarudin said Mohd Khalid would be able to lead the “Sang Saka Biru” (police flag) team towards greater success. confirmed the incident, adding that further investigations were underway and details of the incident that occurred on Friday would follow. “The victim’s body has been sent to the Tanah Merah Hospital for a post-mortem.” A villager, who only wanted to be known as Solah, said the incident took place following an argument. “Before the incident, I spoke to the victim because his house is right in front of mine. He had earlier reprimanded multiple postponements, which indicated that the prosecution was not ready to proceed with the trial. On Feb 3, 2019, Najib claimed trial to three charges of money laundering by accepting illegal proceeds amounting to RM27 million through his three AmPrivate Banking accounts at AmIslamic Bank Berhad, AmBank Group Building, Jalan Raja Chulan on July 8, 2014. The former Pekan MP was charged under Section 4 (1) (a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001, which is punishable by a maximum fine of RM5 million or imprisonment of up to five years or both upon conviction. Najib is currently serving a jail term in Kajang Prison for the misappropriation of RM42 million in the first SRC case. On Sept 2, 2022, he filed a petition for a royal pardon, which led to the Pardons Board halving his jail term from 12 to six years and reducing the fine from RM210 million to RM50 million on Jan 29, 2024.

“Both

cases

involved

‘Postponements due to Covid-19 pandemic and overlapping material documents in other trials involving Najib’

overlapping material documents required for the second SRC trial. “As these documents were critical to the second SRC case, the prosecution had no choice but to wait until they were available, which was until the 1MDB trial proceedings were completed. “It must be emphasised that the material documents are available but are currently being used as evidence in the ongoing 1MDB trial.” The AGC further stated that the prosecution had requested additional time to gather all relevant material documents to be presented as evidence in the second SRC trial. “This delay was not intentional but to ensure the integrity of the documents as evidence in the trial is preserved.” In granting Najib a DNAA on the three charges on Friday, Muniandy stated that the case had been pending for six years without any witness testimonies being presented, having faced

KUALA The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has dismissed as baseless allegations that it carried out a flawed prosecution in the second SRC International Sdn Bhd case involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak. In a statement, it reiterated its firm commitment to upholding the rule of law and stated that it would continue to fulfil its responsibilities under the Federal Constitution with integrity, fairness and respect for the judicial process. However, it acknowledged the decision by High Court Judge K. Muniandy to grant Najib a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) on three charges of money laundering involving RM27 million in funds from the company. LUMPUR:

“The case was registered in the High Court on Feb 7, 2019 and scheduled for trial on five occasions – June 2020, July to August 2021, March to April 2022, September 2024 and April to May this year. “All trial dates were postponed due to the Movement Control Order caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, requests by the defence or applications by the prosecution.” According to the statement, the prosecution’s requests for postponement were due to the ongoing trial of the first SRC case at the High Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court until its completion on March 31, 2023. The trial for the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case had also begun while the first SRC case was ongoing, Bernama reported.

Elderly man beaten to death TANAH MERAH: A 60-year-old local man in Kampung Buloh Ipoh died after he was allegedly assaulted. District police chief Supt Mohd Haki Hasbullah

CORDIAL CAUTION ... Traffic police officers speaking to street vendors during operations yesterday to ensure the safety of road users in Kota Tinggi, Johor. – PIC COURTESY OF ROYAL MALAYSIAN POLICE JOHOR Retiring IGP proposes cops be placed under dedicated ministry

KUALA LUMPUR: Outgoing Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain has proposed police be placed under a dedicated ministry to strengthen operations and management of the 130,000-strong force. He said the proposal has been submitted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Home Ministry, adding that it is an administrative structure common in other countries such as China, Brazil, Vietnam, South Korea and

Brunei, similar to key sectors such as health and defence. “I see this need as an important resolution to ensure (police) continue to be relevant, in line with the evolution of the globalisation and digital eras. “I am optimistic this (special ministry) would bring positive change and improvement in empowering public service for the common good,” he said at the handover of duties ceremony of the IGP at the Police

Training Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. Bukit Aman Special Branch director Datuk Mohd Khalid Ismail has been appointed the 15th IGP to replace Razarudin. The outgoing IGP, who served for 42 years, urged all personnel to continue upholding integrity and make good governance the core of service delivery. “The problems of integrity, corruption, misconduct and abuse of power still (affect) the image of

WORLD 7 ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2025

Prabowo reaffirms non-aligned stance

Suga discharged from military service SEOUL: K-pop group BTS member Suga was discharged from the South Korean military yesterday, the seventh and final member to complete the country’s mandatory national service amid expectations of the band’s comeback from a hiatus. Suga finished his military tenure as a social service agent yesterday with little fanfare as fans looked forward to his reunion with the rest of the band, a K-pop sensation since it started up in 2013. “We confirm that Suga effectively completed his alternative service on June 18 by using his remaining leave. His official discharge date is June 21,” BTS’ label, Big Hit Music, said in a statement. Unlike with his BTS bandmates, there was no public event planned to mark Suga’s release because of overcrowding concerns. The seven members of the group put their global music careers on hold in 2022 to begin their military service, starting with Jin in December that year. South Korea’s mandatory national service can be for terms of up to 18 months. Shortly after his official discharge, Suga posted a message on fan community platform Weverse, saying he was “sorry for the disappointment and concern caused by what happened last year”, and also apologising to his bandmates. Last year, Suga was fined 15 million won (RM48,913) by a court for drunk driving while on an electric scooter. The group is expected to hold its largest ever world tour next year, an NH Securities entertainment analyst said in a report. Entertainment group HYBE, which manages BTS, is closely monitored by securities companies. Details of a reunion have not been released. – Reuters Clash over control of Myanmar jade hub YANGON: Myanmar’s military and rebels battled over the country’s jade mining hub on Friday, a combatant and a local said, displacing desperate civilians as they vied for supplies of the precious stone. Myanmar has been consumed by a many-sided civil war since a 2021 coup toppled the democratic government, with the myriad of fighting factions plundering the nation’s vast natural resources to fill their coffers. Jade is considered auspicious in Chinese culture and high-quality stones can fetch astronomical sums in the neighbouring country. Fighting has raged during a Myanmar military offensive around villages and mining sites in the Hpakant township of northern Kachin state, according to Naw Bu, spokesman of the Kachin Independence Army battling the military in the area. “They came to the jade mining areas of some companies and they burned down trucks and destroyed other things. They intended to stop our income from jade mining,“ he said. Battles in the area began around three weeks ago but continued in the early hours of Friday, Naw Bu said. A local resident who asked to remain anonymous said about 15 civilians had been killed since May 28 and “some residents didn’t dare to stay in the combat zone and have been displaced”. As Myanmar’s civil war enters its fifth year, more than 3.5 million people in the Southeast Asian country of around 50 million are displaced, according to UN figures. – AFP

JAKARTA: President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia’s non-aligned foreign policy and praised its swift entry into the BRICS bloc, while setting out an ambitious economic strategy aimed at food security and inclusive growth. Speaking on Friday at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, he thanked Russia, China, South Africa and Brazil for supporting Indonesia’s admission into BRICS and the New Development Bank. “We were among the fastest to be accepted into BRICS,” he said. Indonesia officially joined BRICS on Jan 6. Prabowo voiced strong support for a shift towards a multipolar global order, saying “the era of unipolar dominance has passed”, and praised Russia and China for “consistently defending the Indonesian president hails BRICS entry

Since taking office last October, he said rice and corn production has grown by 50%, rice stocks reached a record 4.4 million tonnes, and the economy should grow almost 7% by the end of the year. Key reforms include deregulation, anti-corruption measures and the creation of Danantara, a sovereign wealth fund to attract investment and safeguard national assets. Prabowo’s appearance at the forum came a day after he and President Vladimir Putin witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements. At a joint press conference, the two leaders said the agreements reflect a shared commitment. “We respect the sovereignty of all nations, seek peaceful solutions to all problems and prefer collaboration over conflict,” Prabowo added. Putin said both countries hold “similar” views on issues. “We defend sovereignty and support peaceful development.”– Bernama

oppressed and fighting for justice”. He also dismissed speculation over his absence from the G7 summit in Canada, saying he had already committed to the Russian forum. “It’s not a political message. Indonesia remains non-aligned.” Prabowo expressed concern over rising global tensions and called for peaceful resolutions. On domestic policy, he said Indonesia is on course for strong growth and food self-sufficiency, citing a “middle way” approach that blends market-led innovation with government intervention. He criticised decades of neoliberal policies, saying they failed to deliver equitable development, and he now aims at achieving “the greatest good for the many”. “Over the past 30 years, Indonesian elite followed the free-market ideology, but we failed to create a level playing field. Wealth remained in the hands of less than 1%,” Prabowo said.

A fire-fighting drill held off Kagoshima in Japan on Friday wrapped up the joint exercises. – AFPPIC

Joint coast guard drills showcase unity ON BOARD THE ASANAGI : Helicopters buzzed in the shadow of a smouldering volcano and boats rescued dummies from the sea this week in a show of maritime cooperation by Japan, the United States and the Philippines. They included the BRP Teresa Magbanua , which was provided to the Philippines by Japan through a loan agreement. The 2,265-tonne vessel is normally used to monitor Chinese boats.

in the exercises by the cutter Stratton , which can carry up to 170 personnel, and Japan by the 6,000-tonne Asanagi . Friday’s drills began with a simulation of a person falling overboard. Once the dummy, wearing a bright red lifejacket, was in the water, a US drone was launched from the Stratton , circling high above as it scanned the area. A rescue boat then emerged from the Teresa Magbanua , zipping across the water before coast guard personnel fished the dummy out of the water. Other scenarios enacted included a Japanese helicopter racing from shore to pull a human subject from the sea. The exercises concluded with a simulated collision and fire, with all three coast guards blasting the stricken vessel with water cannons. – AFP

China and the Philippines have engaged in months of confrontations in the contested waters, which Beijing claims almost entirely, despite an international ruling that the assertion has no legal basis. Chinese and Japanese patrol vessels in the East China Sea also routinely face off around disputed islands. On Friday, Manila accused China of using a water cannon on two of its fisheries department boats as they attempted to resupply fishermen near the Scarborough Shoal. The US Coast Guard was represented

Tensions between China and other claimants to parts of the East and South China Seas have pushed Japan to deepen ties with the Philippines and the United States. This week marked the second time the countries’ coast guards have held training drills together, and the first in Japan. They took place over five days off the coast of Kagoshima, where Sakurajima volcano dominates the skyline. Dozens of personnel took part, with Friday’s final exercises featuring one vessel from each of the three countries.

WORLD 8 ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2025

‘Give peace a chance’

Pro-Palestinian activist walks free JENA: Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil walked out of a Louisiana immigrant detention centre on Friday, hours after a judge ordered his release, a major victory for rights groups that challenged what they called the US administration’s unlawful targeting of a pro-Palestinian activist. “Although justice prevailed,” he said upon his release in the rural town of Jena, “it’s long, very long overdue. And this shouldn’t have taken three months.” On March 8, Khalil was arrested by immigration agents in the lobby of his university residence in Manhattan. After hearing oral arguments from lawyers for Khalil and the Department of Homeland Security, District Judge Michael Farbiarz of Newark, New Jersey, ordered DHS to release him from custody at a jail for immigrants in rural Louisiana on Friday. In Gaza, Israeli fire killed at least 44 Palestinianson Friday, many who were seeking food aid, local officials said, while the United Nations’ children’s agency said the scarcity of drinking water was at a crisis point. At least 25 people awaiting aid trucks were killed by Israeli action south of Netzarim in central Gaza, the local health authority said. The Israeli military said troops fired warning shots at suspected gunmen who advanced in a crowd towards them. Israeli aircraft then fired a missile and “eliminated the suspects”, it said in a statement. The military said it was aware that people other than the suspected gunmen were hurt and it was conducting a review. – Reuters EU goes soft over greenwashing BRUSSELS: The European Commission said on Friday it intends to scrap new rules against greenwashing after they hit a roadblock in the final stretch from conservative lawmakers calling them too onerous for businesses. The “Green Claims Directive” would require companies to provide hard facts to back up claims that their products are carbon-neutral, biodegradable or “less polluting”. Businesses would need to submit evidence for environmental claims for approval by independent verifiers – with fines and other penalties for failure to comply. “The commission intends to withdraw the Green Claims proposal,” said Maciej Berestecki, the EU executive’s spokesperson on environmental matters. European lawmakers and the bloc’s 27 member states agreed last year to move ahead with the directive, which was being finalised in three-way negotiations with the commission with a final meeting set for tomorrow. But the European People’s Party – parliament’s biggest force – was not satisfied with the text, and asked the commission to withdraw it. Berestecki said the EU’s executive arm decided to do just that, because the “discussions around the proposal” went against its “simplification agenda”. Currently 30 million micro enterprises – or 96% of all firms – would be covered by the text, something the commission did not like, Berestecki explained. – AFP

NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that expansion of the Israel-Iran conflict could “ignite a fire no one can control” and called on both sides and potential parties to the conflict to “give peace a chance”. Representatives from Israel and Iran later traded angry accusations at the same UN Security Council meeting, with Israel vowing not to stop its attacks. The head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency warned that attacks on nuclear facilities could result in “radioactive releases with great consequences within and beyond boundaries” of the state attacked and called for maximum restraint. Guterres said there were “moments when the directions taken will shape not just the fate of nations, but potentially our collective future”. “This is such a moment,” he said. He said the conflict must not be allowed to expand. “To the parties to the conflict, the potential parties to the conflict, and to the Security Council as the representative of the international community, I have a simple and clear message: give peace a chance,” Guterres said. The Security Council session took place as European foreign ministers met their Iranian counterpart on Friday hoping to test Tehran’s readiness to negotiate a new nuclear deal despite there being scant prospect of Israel stopping its attacks. Israel has repeatedly bombed nuclear targets, which it sees as components of a weapons programme, and Iran has fired missiles and drones at Israel as a week-old air war escalated with no sign yet of an exit strategy. The White House said on Thursday President Donald Trump would make a decision within the next two weeks whether to get involved. Iran says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes. It said on Friday it would not discuss the future of the programme while under attack. Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said Iran would continue to defend itself from Israeli attacks, while his Israeli counterpart Danny Danon vowed: “We will not stop. Not until Iran’s nuclear threat is dismantled, not until its war machine is disarmed, not until our people and yours are safe.” UN secretary-general warns of consequences

a wave of attacks against missile storage and launch infrastructure sites in Iran. Shortly after 2.30am in Israel (7.30am in Malaysia), the Israeli military warned of an incoming missile barrage from Iran, triggering air raid sirens across parts of central Israel, including Tel Aviv, as well as in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Interceptions were visible in the sky over Tel Aviv, with explosions echoing across the metropolitan area as Israel’s air defence systems responded. Israel’s air attacks have killed 639 people in Iran, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, a US-based human rights organisation that tracks Iran. The dead include the military’s top echelon and nuclear scientists. In Israel, 24 civilians have been killed in Iranian missile attacks, according to authorities. Reuters could not independently verify casualty figures for either side. Israel said it had struck dozens of military targets on Friday, including missile production sites, a research body it said was involved in nuclear weapons development in Tehran and military facilities in western and central Iran. – Reuters

Iravani said Iran was “alarmed by credible reports that the United States ... may be joining this war”, and accused Israel of hitting five hospitals in its attacks, a charge for which Danon demanded he provide evidence. Danon said Israel sought genuine efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities from Friday’s meeting between European and Iranian ministers, not just another round of talks. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, outlined Israeli attacks on nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan and Arak. He said the level of radioactivity outside the Natanz site had remained unchanged and at normal levels, indicating no external radiological impact on the population or the environment. However, he said that within the facility there was radiological and chemical contamination. He said the IAEA was not aware of any damage at the Fordow plant. An attack on Iran’s Bushehr plant would be most serious, he said: “It is an operating nuclear power plant and hosts thousands of kilogrammes of nuclear material.” The Israeli military said it had launched

Prof Roee Ozeri of the Weizmann Institute speaking to the media surrounded by rubble at the campus in Rehovot, Israel. – REUTERSPIC

UK parliament passes Bill on assisted dying LONDON: Britain’s parliament voted on Friday in favour of a Bill to legalise assisted dying, paving the way for the country’s biggest social change in a generation. The vote puts Britain on course to follow Australia, Canada and other countries, as well as some US states, in permitting assisted dying.

favour of the legislation hugged, clapped and cheered. They shouted “victory”, “we won” and waved placards. Those opposed to it stood in silence. Emma Bray, who has motor neuron disease, said she hoped the result would help people in her condition. Bray, who is 42 and has two children, said she plans to starve herself to death next month to help relieve the pain after being told she only has six months to live. “This result will mean that people will not have to go through the same suffering I have faced,” she said. Opinion polls show that a majority of Britons back assisted dying. – Reuters

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government was neutral on the legislation, meaning politicians voted according to their conscience rather than along party lines. Starmer voted in favour. Supporters of the Bill say it will provide dignity and compassion to people suffering, but opponents worry that vulnerable people could be coerced into ending their lives. Hundreds of people gathered outside parliament to hear news of the vote. When the result was read out, those in

The Bill passed by a vote of 314-291, clearing its biggest parliamentary hurdle. The “Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life)” law would give mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales with six months or less left to live the right to choose to end their lives with medical help. The Bill now proceeds to the House of Lords, where it will undergo scrutiny. While there could be further amendments, the unelected Lords will be reluctant to block legislation that has been passed by elected members of the House of Commons.