04/07/2025

FRIDAY | JULY 4, 2025

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Tighten border control to stem drug smuggling: Pahang Sultan KUALA LUMPUR: The country’s borders must be further secured to address the increasingly alarming problem of drug smuggling, said the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. His Highness said tighter controls are needed at the nation’s entry points, including airports, ports and land borders, as these have been identified as the primary routes for drug trafficking into the country. “Where is the root of the problem? You need to strengthen the borders, boost security at the borders and fortify them. That’s where it starts. Whether at border crossings, airport terminals or ports, all these require strict and constant supervision.” Al-Sultan Abdullah was speaking on Wednesday at a meeting with members of the Malaysian Women Journalists Association, led by its president Sariha Mohd Ali. Also present were the association deputy president Nasriah Darus, secretary Nor Hasliza Abdullah, treasurer M. Saraswathi and other committee members. Al-Sultan Abdullah voiced concern over the growing problem of drug abuse among youth, and stressed that existing enforcement efforts must be strengthened to ensure that the laws in place truly deliver a meaningful impact. He highlighted a new trend in drug smuggling activities involving the use of fishing boats at sea, creating an urgent need for more comprehensive and coordinated surveillance, particularly along the east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. In November last year, Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed alarm over the worrying number of drug addicts in Pahang, with figures from the National Anti-Drug Agency indicating 11,750 active addicts in the state. His Highness also expressed support for the nationwide move to ban the use of electronic cigarettes, or vape. “Vaping should be banned completely. We must not be lenient, it will only cause further harm to our people.” Al-Sultan Abdullah said the implementation of the vape ban in Pahang would go through the proper process at the state legislative assembly for the drafting of a relevant law before being enforced by local authorities. “We are currently working to educate the public that vape is a prohibited substance. It is now only a matter of time before enforcement begins.”– Bernama Malaysian culture highlights in Osaka KUALA LUMPUR: The National Culture and Arts Department is using Expo 2025 Osaka as a platform to showcase Malaysian culture through traditional dance performances for international audiences. The department said its participation at the expo serves as a platform for cultural diplomacy, fostering connections between Malaysia and the global community while supporting the promotion of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. It said performances such as Joget Lambak and Magunatip (bamboo dance) as well as a special choreography set to the Visit Malaysia 2026 theme song have created a phenomenon of their own at the expo. “There are visitors who return daily to learn the dance steps. During the interactive segments, the entire audience joins in, dancing together. This clearly demonstrates that Malaysian art has the power to transcend language and cultural barriers,” it said in a statement. – Bernama

Tengku Permaisuri Selangor launches second LCS Sultan Sharafuddin and Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin (seated sixth and seventh from left) with other dignitaries at the event in Lumut yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

fully constructed by Lunas, a local company, Bernama reported. “The construction of this ship began with the keel-laying ceremony on Feb 28, 2017. This achievement indirectly reflects the capabilities of local talent in realising the country’s aspirations to compete in the global heavy industry and defence sector. “The role of the Lumut Naval Shipyard is also crucial in stimulating the growth of the national maritime industry not only in defence but also in shipbuilding and repair, technology transfer and upskilling of local subcontractors.” Previously, the first LCS was launched in accordance with the contractual schedule on May 23, 2024. It began its set-to-work phase in May 2025 and is expected to undergo its maiden sea trial in December. LCS 2 completed its downslip process (being lowered into the water) on May 8. As of May 25, the overall progress of the construction of all five LCS stood at 72.43%. economic cooperation at the global level. In 2024, total trade between Malaysia and Italy recorded a 2% increase to RM14.61 billion compared with 2023. Italy was Malaysia’s fifth-largest trading partner and the third-largest importer of Malaysian palm oil among European Union member states in 2024. Anwar is scheduled to depart for Paris, where he will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron during his two-day stay there. Subsequently, Anwar will attend the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro. – Bernama

o Vessel named Raja Muda Nala in honour of renowned national warrior who led state resistance of Dutch control

LUMUT: The Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin officiated at the naming and launching ceremony of the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) at the naval base here yesterday. The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah also graced the event. The vessel was named Raja Muda Nala , and as a symbolic gesture, a jar of water blessed with Surah Yasin recitation at nine mosques, representing Selangor’s nine districts, was poured onto the ship’s bow. The naming and launching of a ship before a new vessel is officially commissioned is a naval tradition dating back to the establishment of the royal navy. Defence Deputy Minister Adly Zahari, delivering the speech on behalf of Defence

Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, said the name Raja Muda Nala was chosen in honour of a renowned national warrior who led the people of Selangor in resisting Dutch control over the state. “In this context, the valour, struggle and bravery of Raja Muda Nala are seen as highly fitting and aligned with the capabilities of the LCS, which is designed to face a wide range of threats in modern warfare.” He said the procurement of five LCS is part of the RMN’s strategic plan to enhance fleet readiness through the acquisition of high-tech, combat-capable assets with multi-mission capabilities to safeguard the country’s maritime sovereignty. Adly said LCS 2 is a symbol of national pride as it is the first frigate-class ship to be

Anwar wraps up Italy visit after meeting counterpart ROME: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wrapped up his three-day working visit to Italy with a bilateral meeting with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni at Palazzo Chigi yesterday. cooperation, including education, cultural exchanges, tourism as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern, such as the situation in the Middle East.

Anwar was accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. Malaysia’s Ambassador to Italy Datuk Zahid Rastam was also present. Anwar arrived in the capital on Tuesday as part of his visits to Italy, France and Brazil to strengthen bilateral relations and promote

During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through more comprehensive cooperation. Both sides discussed a range of issues encompassing bilateral cooperation in sectors such as trade and investment, defence, digital, renewable energy, environment and agro-commodities. The discussions covered people-to-people