05/07/2025

I acted like a commando, says diver stranded at sea Mother of six recounts trauma of trying to stay strong alone for 12 hours after being left behind in open waters.

SATURDAY JULY 5, 2025

RM1

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY

Report on — page 5

SCAN ME No. 8842 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Foreigners funding IS operations

Apart from collecting money for extremists in Syria and Bangladesh, migrant workers also using social media platforms to recruit members across Malaysia: IGP

Report on — page 3

Report on h page 2 Minister advocates joint action to advance global green economy UN-Habitat Assembly president proposes shared sustainability standards in collaboration with UN Industrial Development Organisation ahead of World Cities Summit 2025. Willpower alone not enough for smokers to kick habit Structured aftercare that includes nicotine patches, counselling and support group crucial to overcome intense withdrawal symptoms: Expert

Without proper support, challenges and daily triggers could pull even the most determined quitters back into nicotine addiction within days. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN Without triggers c quitters b AMIRUL

Report on h page 4

SATURDAY | JULY 5, 2025

2

Call for joint action to advance global green economy

Conference on boosting unity

to be held in October

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Unity Ministry will organise a Nation Building Conference in October to further strengthen unity among Malaysians. Its minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the conference would pave the way for a new direction through the development of a nation building action plan as part of a comprehensive initiative to reinforce the foundations of national unity. “At present, we have yet to finalise things. We may invite neighbouring countries. But I see historical value in this. So, we will invite historians, professors from relevant fields to present papers for discussion at the conference,” he said after appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme titled “National-Level Unity Week 2025 celebration”. Aaron said the National-Level Unity Week 2025 celebration, to be held over four days from July 17 at Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang, is expected to serve as a platform for fostering unity among visitors through participation in a variety of activities. “Many events are planned, including a unity walk. There will also be various sales and cultural activities lasting into the night, longhouse themed activities and performances by diverse and unique ethnic groups.” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate at the celebration on July 19. It will feature several main segments reflecting the diversity and uniqueness of Malaysia’s ethnic groups. The main segments include an exhibition of 24 ethnic houses such as Siam, Chetti, Kerinci, Melayu Brunei, Baba Nyonya, Kedayan, Penan and Bisaya , as well as a historical timeline exhibition by the Museums Department and the National Archives. Also featured will be a Kadazan Dusun and Orang Asli village showcase. – Bernama ‘Reconsider visa exemptions for Malaysians’ KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has requested his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney to reconsider visa exemptions for Malaysians. Malaysian citizens will need visas for trips to Canada as a tourist, to study or to work. “This is in line with the treatment given to other Commonwealth countries to strengthen people-to people ties and expand multilateral exchanges,” he said in a post on X. Anwar, who is currently on an official visit to Paris, contacted Carney to congratulate him on the Liberal Party’s victory in the recent Canadian election, Bernama reported. Canada visa fees for Malaysians include a fee to the Canadian government, a biometric fee and additional fees for service from VFS Global, the third-party administrator for Canada visas in Malaysia.

sustainable development that delivers real-world benefits like job creation and inclusive economic growth, especially in rural areas. “Unido has a vital role in this transformation, particularly in the circular economy, green manufacturing and agro-industries. The time to act is now. We must create jobs, empower local councils and ensure that our progress is built on innovation and measurable results.” A joint agreement to reactivate the MoU signed between Unido and UN-Habitat in 2017, with renewed focus on climate-resilient development and rural council empowerment was taken at the meeting. Nga, accompanied by Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif and Malaysia’s Ambassador to Austria and Slovakia Ikram Mohammad Ibrahim, also paid a courtesy call on

the Lord Mayor of Vienna Dr Michael Ludwig. Nga congratulated Ludwig on his re-election and commended Vienna’s achievement of being named the world’s most liveable city for three consecutive years, a feat he attributed to strong leadership and smart urban planning. “Vienna’s urban success story proves that with vision and good governance, heritage and innovation can thrive side by side. “As UN-Habitat Assembly president, I look forward to bringing these insights home and inspiring transformative change,” said Nga. During the 14th Mayors Forum at the WCS 2025 in Vienna, Austria on Thursday, Nga called for stronger international collaboration anchored in local action, emphasising that city-to-city cooperation must move beyond dialogue and translate into concrete, results-driven partnerships with clear timelines. “We must institutionalise knowledge-sharing and back our intentions with innovation funding, technical hubs and measurable outcomes.” Nga proposed three key mechanisms for this, including joint innovation funds for shared urban challenges, regional hubs to address common issues and standardised metrics to track citywide progress globally. He said these strategies are drawn from Malaysia’s own experience and supported by platforms such as the Malaysia SDG Cities Roadmap, Asean Smart Cities Network and the Asia-Pacific New Urban Agenda Platform to encourage knowledge sharing and scalable solutions. Highlighting global best practices, Nga cited transformative urban innovations such as Barcelona’s Superblocks, Yokohama’s Zero Waste policy and Curitiba’s Bus Rapid Transit system. Following his visit to Seestadt Aspern, Vienna’s flagship smart district, Nga praised the city’s long term planning, heritage preservation and people-centric design. Anwar is on an official visit to France at the invitation of Macron. He is scheduled to hold a one-on one meeting with Macron at the Elysee Palace, with key agenda items including trade, investment, renewable energy, semiconductors, defence, education, digital economy and artificial intelligence. France remains one of Malaysia’s top five trading partners within the European Union. In 2024, bilateral trade totalled RM15.95 billion, with RM6.26 billion recorded between January and May this year.

o UN-Habitat Assembly president Nga Kor Ming proposes establishment of shared sustainability standards with Unido

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Summit (WCS) 2025. Nga, who is also Housing and Local Government minister, said guidelines would be developed under a partnership between UN Habitat and Unido, with each organisation playing a distinct role. “Under this framework, UN Habitat will advocate the adoption of green building standards among local councils globally, while Unido will act as the accrediting body for qualifying industrial buildings.” The goal is to cut emissions from industrial developments and promote low-carbon industrial parks worldwide. Nga emphasised the need for

PETALING UN-Habitat Assembly president Nga Kor Ming has called for bold, collaborative action to advance the global green economy, including joint international guidelines for green industrial buildings. His proposal during a bilateral meeting in Vienna recently with United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) director-general Gerd Muller seeks to establish shared sustainability standards ahead of the World Cities JAYA:

Nga with Muller at the bilateral meeting in Vienna recently. – PIC COURTESY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTRY

Malaysia to benefit from ties with France, says PM

PARIS: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed hope that continuous engagement with France will benefit Malaysia in the long run. He said the matter would be discussed during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. “We will find ways to explore this. In fact, we have expanded our ties over the years from not only buying products such as planes but also supplying parts for their manufacturing.” Speaking at a gathering with the

Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. Anwar said Malaysian students studying in France should take advantage of the growing number of high-tech industries back home and return after completing their studies, Bernama reported.

Malaysian in conjunction with his two-day visit to France, Anwar said Malaysia continues to be a top destination for high-tech industries such as electrical and electronics. “In the past, we bought a lot of planes from Airbus and Boeing. Now we have companies producing parts for these plane manufacturers in Malaysia.” Also present were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Agriculture and Food Security diaspora here

SATURDAY | JULY 5, 2025

3

PETALING JAYA: Experts have raised concerns over the increasingly covert and persuasive methods used by extremist groups to radicalise Malaysian youths, particularly university students, through digital platforms and religious manipulation. Universiti Utara Malaysia’s counter terrorism and violent extremism law specialist Dr Mukhriz Mat Rus highlighted statistics showing that youths are the most vulnerable demographic. “Between 2013 and 2023, 85% of individuals arrested for terrorism-related offences in Malaysia were under 40, with the majority aged between 18 and 29. “This represents a worrying trend. Radicalisation is not an event; it is a process often driven by emotional distress, social isolation and ideological grooming. “The path to violent extremism often starts with non-violent radical ideologies, believing that those who disagree with Selangor to brief lawmakers on gas explosion SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government has scheduled a briefing this Monday for parliamentary and state assembly members to explain the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the decision to hold the special briefing, which will be open to both government and opposition lawmakers, was made during the pre-council meeting with state assembly members on Thursday. “I have also requested the state assembly speaker to allow the state government to explain the matter at the upcoming Selangor State Legislative Assembly session. “The state government upholds the principles of responsibility, transparency and accountability, and fully honours the principles and mandate of the people,” he said in a Facebook post. The Second Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Selangor State Legislative Assembly will convene from July 7 to 18. On June 30, Selangor police announced at a special press conference that no elements of mischief, sabotage or negligence were identified that could have caused the damage to the gas pipeline and triggered the explosion on April 1. – Bernama New Appeals Court chief appointed PUTRAJAYA: Federal Court Judge Datuk Zabariah Mohd Yusof will assume the powers and responsibilities as Court of Appeal (COA) president following the retirement of Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim. In a letter dated June 3, Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim – who is currently carrying out the duties of chief justice – said Zabariah’s appointment, effective yesterday, was made under Section 9(3)(a) of the Court of Judicature Act 1964. Zabariah is to exercise the powers and duties of the Court of Appeal president until the position is permanently filled. A copy of the letter was also sent to Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli, Federal Court Chief Registrar Datuk Zamri Bakar and Court of Appeal Registrar Jumirah Marjuki. – Bernama Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Militant group funding IS operations in Syria, Bangladesh

o Police arrest 36 foreign nationals using Malaysia as base for recruitment and propaganda

KUALA LUMPUR: The Bangladeshi Radical Militant Group (BRMG), recently dismantled by police, is believed to have been raising funds and recruiting members for the Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Bangladesh. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the group collected funds by charging an annual membership fee of RM500 per person, along with other voluntary contributions based on members’ financial means. Initial investigations revealed the group had between 100 and 150 members, all Bangladeshi nationals working in sectors such as manufacturing, construction and

online were made cell leaders to expand the group’s influence. New members were recruited in stages, starting with screening and later forming elite groups,” he said. Investigations so far indicate no Malaysians were involved in the group, which is believed to have been active in the country for about a year. Although the group was not planning attacks in Malaysia, it used the country as a base to raise funds and recruit members. Investigations are ongoing with support from Bangladeshi authorities and Interpol. Mohd Khalid said police first detected the group’s activities through social media accounts operated by Bangladeshi nationals using Malaysian IP addresses to spread IS ideology. The first phase of the operation, conducted on April 28, led to the arrest of six individuals in Selangor and revealed the structure of BRMG, which was based in Johor. The second phase, carried out on May 7, resulted in 14 more arrests in Johor, including the group’s leader. The third and final phase, conducted from June 19 to 21, saw the arrest of another 16 individuals, effectively dismantling BRMG’s main network operating in Malaysia, Bernama reported. Of the 36 suspects aged between 25 and 35, five have been charged under Section 6A of the Penal Code, while 16 are still held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 for further investigation and prosecution. Mohd Khalid said suspects found to have minimal involvement in the group’s activities will be deported to their home countries. He added that national security remains the police’s top priority and urged Malaysians to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. likelihood model, which relies on emotional cues rather than solid arguments. “To counter this, universities must include digital literacy and critical thinking in curricula, and awareness campaigns should use relatable student influencers,” she advised. Meanwhile, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia cybersecurity expert Dr Zubaile Abdullah said extremist groups have adapted to technological surveillance by using mainstream platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, as well as encrypted channels on WhatsApp and Telegram. Zubaile called for cross-field collaborations between digitalisation experts, Islamic studies scholars and law enforcement agencies to increase the chances of curbing extremist influencers. “Blocking or deleting accounts isn’t enough. Only a broader approach can stop these subtle influences from reaching our youth through their screens,” he said.

Police are still investigating the total amount of funds channelled by the group to IS networks in Syria and Bangladesh. He said the group spread IS propaganda, conducted baiah (oaths of allegiance) and organised secret activities such as religious classes and members’ meetings using these platforms. “Those who pledged allegiance

petrol stations across Malaysia. “The funds collected were then transferred abroad using e-wallet applications and international money transfer services,” he said at a press conference yesterday. Mohd Khalid added that the group also used social media platforms and messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram to recruit members.

Mohd Khalid said investigations revealed the group had about 150 members, all Bangladeshi nationals, working in sectors such as manufacturing, construction and petrol stations across Malaysia. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Experts warn of covert tactics in radicalising youths online

you deserve to be punished or even eliminated. “This is what separates terrorism from ordinary crime. Extremist violence is rooted in belief systems that justify actions through warped ideologies,” Mukhriz said during a seminar at Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah on June 30. He noted three local cases involving university-age individuals: in one incident around 2014, a young woman was arrested at KL International Airport en route to Syria, recruited to marry a Malaysian man linked to Islamic State. The other cases included a 19-year old involved in an online group sharing bomb-making guides using harmful substances such as potassium nitrate and a postgraduate student in Islamic studies caught possessing extremist materials, with a radicalised lecturer acting as the supervisor. Echoing similar concerns, contemporary Islamic studies expert from Universiti Teknologi Mara Dr Faridah Mohd Sairi explained that

volunteering, organisation, servitude and religious understanding,” she said. She also encouraged dialogues among students from various backgrounds in an atmosphere of knowledge sharing, not divisive debate, involving parties such as the Home Ministry and Jakim to provide better clarification on legal frameworks and accurate religious knowledge. From a mass media perspective, a communications department specialist from International Islamic University Malaysia noted that social media’s algorithmic design makes it an ideal breeding ground for extremist propaganda. “Youths are more drawn to short form content such as reels and stories. When these messages come from attractive or seemingly credible sources, the lack of critical thinking skills among younger users makes them more vulnerable,” she said. She warned that extremist groups leverage persuasive communication models such as the elaboration

extremist recruiters often distort religious texts to appear legitimate. “Rhetoric such as ‘true jihad’ and ‘Islam in its purest form’ is used to emotionally provoke young minds. These narratives reject traditional scholars, painting them as outdated or weak. “This appeals to youths who are disillusioned or seeking purpose, especially when packaged in emotionally charged sermons or viral TikTok content,” she told theSun in a written statement. Faridah recommended an emphasis on affective domain values in higher education curricula for Muslim students. This domain focuses on how learners engage with emotions, values, appreciation, enthusiasm, motivation and attitudes. “It should not be limited only to social science subjects but also included in science and technology fields. The rubrics developed should emphasise student performance in demonstrating values such as cooperation, trust,

SATURDAY | JULY 5, 2025

FOLLOW

ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper

4

@thesundaily

Aftercare crucial to help smokers quit PETALING JAYA: For Malaysians trying to quit smoking, the battle does not end with stubbing out the final cigarette. In fact, that is only the beginning. Without proper aftercare, powerful o Counselling, support groups could sustain motivation as many fail to kick habit due to intense withdrawal symptoms, ingrained habits and environmental triggers Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com “Malaysia’s public health messaging is commendable in encouraging quitting as a first step towards a smoke-free life, but this is not a burden for the ministry alone.” Murallitharan stressed that public support is essential. “We implore the public to help smokers of any age stay quit.”

He also pointed to a widespread misconception that vaping is a safer alternative. “Vaping is not a better option,” he stressed, warning that experts have yet to fully understand its long-term impact. “Data shows that 3.9% of Malaysian adults are dual users of tobacco and e-cigarettes, which proves that many are failing to quit nicotine altogether. “A better alternative to quit smoking is to not smoke at all,” he said. Citing data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2025, Murallitharan noted that 49.3% of Malaysian smokers attempted to quit last year. “With proper aftercare, far more could succeed,” he said. He added that the ministry’s mQuit services, Klinik Kesihatan, hospitals and the MySejahtera app make these resources easier to access. He encouraged families, employers and the wider community to help reinforce these efforts. “Together, we can give every Malaysian a better chance to quit for good.”

surroundings.” He added that after the first consultation, follow-up appointments are recommended within a week of the quit date, then weekly during the first month, every two weeks in the second and third months and then monthly up to six months. “A quit rate is usually defined by how many people remain abstinent for at least six months after they attempt to quit.” He said NCSM has been working with the Health Ministry to expand access to support services. “Digital approaches such as JomQuit could help sustain engagement through virtual consultations.” He said the JomSihat initiative educates the public about smoking and vaping dangers, while JomLapor empowers the community to report tobacco-related violations. He also said while public health campaigns have effectively promoted the decision to quit, the focus on aftercare should be equally strong.

withdrawal symptoms and daily triggers could pull even the most determined quitters back into nicotine addiction within days. National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) managing director Dr Murallitharan M. said common withdrawal symptoms could overwhelm quitters. “These include cravings for cigarettes, insomnia, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, depressed mood, impatience, hunger and difficulty concentrating,” he said, adding that such symptoms could increase the probability of relapse and lower motivation. “These issues could disrupt daily functioning, strain personal relationships and even impact career prospects, while a relapse continues the financial burden.” Murallitharan said nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), such as nicotine patches, gums and sprays, help reduce the withdrawal effects by delivering nicotine safely. “Evidence shows that all forms of NRT increase the chances of a successful quit FRIM to supply 8m trees for Saudi reforestation drive KUALA LUMPUR: FRIM Incorporated (FRIM Inc) has signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) with DMELL Global and Arabian Peninsula Forests of Saudi Arabia to supply eight million trees annually in support of a reforestation initiative. The partnership aims to supply high-quality forest tree planting materials to bolster large-scale reforestation efforts in Saudi Arabia. Under the agreement, FRIM Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) will supply the trees annually, backed by decades of scientific research, tropical forest expertise and innovation developed by FRIM. FRIM director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Parlan expressed confidence that the collaboration would lead to impactful joint efforts in forest restoration, ecosystem resilience and sustainable green development. “This is more than just tree supply, it is the foundation for a broader partnership, including technical consultancy, knowledge sharing, capacity building and joint environmental planning. “Beyond providing planting materials, we are equipped to deliver end-to-end support, from technical consultancy to on-the-ground location guidance. Every tree we help plant will contribute meaningfully to resilient, biodiverse forests that fulfil both environmental and socio-economic objectives,” he said at the MoU signing ceremony that was held at the FRIM campus in Kepong on Thursday. Meanwhile, Arabian Peninsula Forest chief strategy officer Mohammed Sallam emphasised the importance in achieving Saudi Arabia’s environmental targets under its Vision 2030, which includes an ambitious goal of planting 10 billion trees and rehabilitating over 74 million hectares of land. “This is a massive undertaking, no single country can achieve it alone, and it’s not just about planting trees. In Saudi Arabia, about 95% of the land is desert soil, which cannot retain water. This collaboration could help address both challenges,” he said. – Bernama

attempt by 50% to 70%,” he said, recommending consistent daily use for at least three months. However, medication alone is not sufficient. “Many quit-smoking attempts fail because of intense withdrawal symptoms, deeply ingrained habits, strong environmental triggers like peer pressure and the use of smoking as a way to cope with stress,” he said, adding that structured aftercare is crucial in addressing such challenges. “Counselling, support groups and consistent follow-up sustain motivation and self-efficacy,” he said, stressing the importance of developing coping strategies and managing persistent challenges before relapse occurs. The Health Ministry, in collaboration with civil society groups, has introduced the STAR (Situation, Task, Actions, Result) method to guide quitting efforts, he said. “It involves setting a quit date, informing family and friends, anticipating challenges and removing tobacco products from

Obese officers will not be promoted: MACC chief

KOTA BHARU: Starting January 2026, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers or personnel who are obese or do not meet the required body mass index (BMI), will not be eligible for promotion, said MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki. He said the move was aimed at emphasising the importance of health among MACC personnel, while also ensuring their fitness remained at an optimal level. “Many civil servants are dealing with obesity or excessive weight. When we’re overweight, it affects our appearance, fitness and service delivery to the public. “Just imagine if a government officer is overweight, they won’t be able to perform well and they’ll be at risk of various health problems,” he said after the handing over of duties between Kelantan MACC new director Azmin Yusoff and former director Rosli Husain here on Thursday. Azam said a circular on the matter would be issued next week and all officers would be given six months to manage their health. “This especially applies to those with weight issues, they need to lose weight unless they have underlying medical conditions. It’s important because departments such as police have already set a BMI requirement for promotions. “I will implement this at MACC, as we are also an enforcement agency. I want to make sure our officers are always fit and able to do their job well.” Azam said MACC has set a maximum BMI limit of 27, with internal administrative directives to be issued soon. “I had earlier announced that (personnel) at each state would be required to undergo health check-ups at government hospitals every three months. “State and divisional MACC directors have acted on this. If you have a health issue, seek treatment and change your lifestyle,” he said. – Bernama

Rising concern over overweight teens JERTIH: Overweight and obesity among youth aged between 10 and 19 in Terengganu are becoming increasingly worrying issues. LEARNING EXPERIENCE ... A visitor to the Kuala Lumpur Craft Museum viewing exhibits on how the Labu Sayong, a traditional Malay water pitcher crafted from clay, is made. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

the launch of the Terengganu Healthy Teens Agenda Programme and the Strategic Plan for Adolescent Health 2026-2030 by the Terengganu Health Department here on Thursday. She also noted that the prevalence of vaping among teenagers aged 13 to 17 in the state increased to 16.1% in 2022, up from 9.2% in 2017, Bernama reported. However, she added that the number of teenage cigarette smokers had declined to 5.8% in 2022 from 15% in 2017. “Mental health issues, including depression, among teenagers must also not be taken lightly and should be given due attention by all parties,” she said. To enhance youth engagement, nine health clinics in the state have been recognised as “Best Practice” sites for adolescent-friendly health services.

State Health director Datuk Dr Kasemani Embong said of 13,613 teenagers who underwent health screenings last year, 664 were found to be obese, 1,689 were overweight, while 1,697 were underweight. “Dietary habits are among the factors identified as contributing to weight issues among teenagers, including excessive intake of sugary and fatty drinks beyond recommended levels. “As part of efforts to raise awareness and address this dietary issue, the Health Ministry has introduced the Healthy Meals in School Programme. “As of June this year, 18 schools in Terengganu have implemented it,” she said at

SATURDAY | JULY 5, 2025

5

Stranded diver recounts trauma of 12-hour ordeal

GEORGE TOWN: A part-time hotel worker pleaded guilty in the Sessions Court yesterday to charges of raping and committing unnatural sex on an Australian woman. S. Prasanth, 25, who made the plea before Judge Juraidah Abbas, requested time to appoint a lawyer to represent him. He is charged with raping the woman in a car and putting the victim in fear by pointing a pair of metal scissors at her at a cemetery in the Mount Erskine Estate between 5.20am and 6am on June 28. The charge, under Section 376(2)(b) of the Penal Code, provides imprisonment of up to 30 years and whipping upon conviction. He is also charged with committing unnatural sex on the woman at the same time and location under Section 377C of the Penal Code, which carries a prison sentence of between five and 20 years and whipping upon conviction. – Bernama Part-time hotel worker charged with rape Police sniff out yaba pills hidden in cow dung PASIR MAS: Police have busted a pil kuda (yaba pills) drug trafficking syndicate and seized more than 35kg of drugs valued at RM5.04 million through six raids in Pasir Mas and Tumpat last Friday. Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department acting director Datuk Mat Zani@Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali said five local suspects – comprising four men and one woman aged between 25 and 39 – were arrested in the operation. Yesterday, the remand of the five suspects, including a married couple, was extended from today until July 11. He said the success followed a year-long intelligence-gathering effort by Bukit Aman’s NCID in cooperation with the Kelantan contingent to combat the syndicate’s activities, believed to have been active since 2022. “In the first raid, NCID intercepted a hatchback on Jalan Gajah Mati, Banggol Chica in Pasir Mas and arrested a 34-year-old male suspect. A search of the vehicle uncovered 115g of yaba pillsand a subsequent search at his home in the same area revealed another 112g of the drug. “Further checks behind the suspect’s house led to a cattle shed containing six cows. Hidden in a pile of cow dung, officers discovered 20kg of yaba pills,” he said during a special press conference at the Pasir Mas district police headquarters on Thursday. Mat Zani added that in simultaneous raids, another male suspect was arrested along with his pickup truck and 15.4kg of yaba pills were seized. – Bernama

KUALA of unlicensed money lenders often find themselves so deeply trapped that they become obedient pawns, forced to commit crimes against other debtors. Some are even coerced into burning down the homes of borrowers who fail to repay their debts, all to protect their own lives and families. Darul Muttaqim Quran and Fardhu Ain Studies Centre head anti-loan shark unit Adam Mustapa revealed that beyond threats, victims are LUMPUR: Victims BATU PAHAT: Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) lecturer Dr Eliza M Yusup, who was stranded for over 12 hours in the middle of the sea during a diving activity on Saturday, said she had to “act like a commando” to survive. The mother of six from Simpang Renggam in Johor said her only lifeline during the ordeal was her buoyancy control device, which allowed her to float to an island called Pulau Tulai. “I am a lecturer, but that night I had to act like a commando. I fought back the panic and kept telling myself to stay strong, knowing I could get through it. All I could think about was my children,” she told Bernama. Eliza, 44, a certified diver, said she had been participating in a fun dive activity and was assisting a female diver who had panicked after swallowing water and was unable to equalise pressure. She took the woman to the surface and helped her onto the boat before continuing her dive after receiving the green light from the boat operator. “But I did not find anyone when I resurfaced. The boat was already far away. I waved and shouted, but no one saw me,” she said. Eliza said the incident happened at 11am and by 7.30pm she was commando’ to remain strong after being left behind in open waters o University lecturer forced to ‘act like a

Eliza after her rescue from the island. She hopes her experience would serve as a reminder to other divers to always adhere to safe diving procedures. – PIC COURTESY OF ROMPIN DISTRICT POLICE HEADQUARTERS

both foreign and local individuals, and often communicates in Indonesian. “Typically, borrowers are asked to repay their loans within four days. After two weeks of non-payment, these groups resort to violent actions, including locking victims inside their homes, splashing paint, circulating copies of their identity cards and in the most extreme cases, burning down houses,” he said. Adam urged the public not to be deceived by easy loan offers, which ultimately lead to severe consequences. – Bernama the investigation was completed. “Out of fear, the victim made 26 online fund transfers into five different bank accounts provided by the suspect between June 26 and June 30, amounting to RM1.24 million. “The woman only began to suspect she had been duped after sharing her predicament with family members, who told her it was a scam. She then lodged a police report to enable an investigation,” he said. – Bernama see was my diving instructor and I broke down in tears when I saw him. Not because of the trauma, but because I felt guilty for troubling everyone,” she said, adding that the experience has not discouraged her from diving again, with her next trip planned for September. She hopes her experience would serve as a lesson to other divers not to be overconfident and to always adhere to safe diving procedures.

recorded loan amount reaching RM70,000, with some cases initially starting with as little as RM150. He claimed these syndicates typically offer loans of RM300 to RM500 but borrowers often receive only about half the amount, with interest based on the full sum. The money is deposited online into the borrower’s account and they are required to periodically send videos of their home location and condition via WhatsApp. He alleged that the syndicate operates from Cambodia, involving The call was then allegedly redirected to a police station in Terengganu, and the victim spoke to another individual posing as a police officer. She was told that her bank account was suspected of involvement in a money laundering case. Mohd Alwi said the “police officer” instructed the woman to surrender all her money for auditing purposes and assured her it would be returned once mineral water bottles and sat under a tree, also looking for fruit but found none,” said Eliza, who has been serving at the UTHM Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering since 2008. At about 7.30am, she spotted a boat and waved and shouted, feeling relieved only once they pulled her aboard. “They gave me water and biscuits. But the one person I was waiting to

forced to carry out criminal acts such as splashing paint and harassing other borrowers who default. “If they are willing to do it, their debt will be reduced little by little. For example, burning down a house might clear RM1,500 from the debt. If the total debt, including interest, reaches RM9,000, how many houses would they need to burn?” he said in a statement. According to Adam, since 2022 his organisation has successfully resolved over 2,000 cases related to illegal money lending, with the highest exhausted and had vomited several times after being tossed about in the water. It was not until 11.30pm that she felt her feet hit something and realised she had reached an island. The next morning, while exploring the island, she came across the word “Tulai” and a bench, which confirmed her belief that the island was frequented by visitors. “I drank water from discarded

Loan shark victims forced to commit crimes against debtors

Stockbroker loses RM1.24 million in phone scam GEORGE TOWN: A female stockbroker has lost RM1.24 million to a phone scam syndicate that claimed she was under investigation for money laundering. was at her office in George Town on June 20, she received a phone call from an unknown number and spoke to a woman claiming to be from Pos Laju Malaysia.

Penang deputy police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said the Commercial Crime Investigation Division of the Northeast district police headquarters received a report from the 47-year-old local woman on Wednesday. “According to the victim, while she

“The caller informed her that a package containing an identity card, ATM card and cheque book had been sent under her name from Kuching, Sarawak to Terengganu, and the package had been detained by police,” he said in a statement.

SATURDAY | JULY 5, 2025

FOLLOW

ON FACEBOOK

6

Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Ice chewing may signal health issues

o Habit symptom of anaemia, which occurs when body lacks haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen: Expert

KUALA some individuals, ice is not just a beverage companion, but a daily “snack” that is eaten for its crunchy texture and cooling sensation. However, behind this habit lies a question – is it a preference or sign of an underlying health issue? Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences deputy dean of academics Prof Dr Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof said the habit of chewing ice is known as pagophagia, a type of pica (eating disorder), which is a compulsive craving to consume substances that are usually not considered food. “A systematic review of 89 studies in 33 countries found that 22.5% of pica cases involved chewing ice. The same study also reported that 81% of cases occurred alongside anaemia, indicating a strong correlation between the two conditions,” she told Bernama. Barakatun, who is also a dietetics expert at UPM, said many individuals with iron deficiency or anaemia develop a craving for chewing ice, a habit that stops once iron levels are restored. “What may seem like a harmless habit could actually be a sign of a nutritional disorder. While ice itself does not affect the digestive system, LUMPUR: For

its link to pica reflects a more serious underlying health concern.” She explained that pagophagia is one of the indirect symptoms of anaemia, which occurs when the body lacks sufficient haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen. “Symptoms of anaemia include fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, headaches and in some cases, a craving to chew ice.” She recommends that individuals with this habit undergo blood tests to check haemoglobin levels, serum ferritin, serum iron and total iron binding capacity to assess iron absorption levels. “Although there are no official statistics in Malaysia, chewing ice should not be dismissed. It may be an early sign of nutrient deficiency and should be screened or referred for further examination. “The most important step is to treat the root cause, not just to substitute the ice. Whether it stems from nutritional deficiency, emotional stress or compulsive behaviour, the treatment must be holistic,” she emphasised. Universiti Malaya Faculty of Dentistry associate professor Dr Nor Azlida Mohd Nor said pagophagia could pose risks to dental health.

Prolonged chewing of hard objects could lead to cracks in the teeth that affect the nerves and roots, potentially requiring complex dental treatment. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

meals, to the point she would order a glass of ice just to satisfy her craving. “If I couldn’t chew ice, I’d feel stressed and unsatisfied. But I’m grateful that I haven’t experienced any health issues,” said Nadhirah, who eventually decided to quit the habit after realising the potential risks.

the teeth that affect the nerves and roots, potentially requiring complex dental treatment. “In some cases, it may also affect the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, leading to pain, clicking sounds or difficulty moving the jaw.” For Nur Nadhirah Ali Imran, 26, ice used to be her must-have during

“If chewing ice is only done occasionally, it does not have serious effects on the teeth. But if it becomes habitual, it could cause tooth sensitivity, wear and micro-cracks or fractures in the teeth or existing fillings.” She also said prolonged chewing of hard objects could lead to cracks in

HoHoBus makes debut in Perlis KANGAR: The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus (HoHoBus) service is the latest attraction to boost tourism here, in line with promotions for Visit Perlis Year, which has been extended until 2026. State Tourism, Arts and Culture and Rural Development Committee chairman Abu Bakar Hamzah said the service facilitates showcasing the uniqueness of 10 locations to tourists. “This initiative aligns with the state desire to intensify the promotion of Visit Perlis Year and enhance existing attractions such as the decorated ‘Choley’ (a three-wheeled motorised

RM3, with the journey covering 10 destinations around Perlis. Tickets can be purchased at the Perlis Sentral Terminal. “This is a fresh initiative to provide a different experience for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the padi fields and village atmosphere.” – Bernama

State Local Government, Information and Digital Committee chairman Asrul Aimran Abd Jalil and Kangar Municipal Council president Affendi Rajini Kanth were also present. Asrul said the service is being offered at promotional fares as low as Housing and

taxi) in Kuala Perlis,” he said after the launch of the HoHoBus service. The event was officiated by the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail. Also in attendance was the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil.

SATURDAY | JULY 5, 2025

COMMUNITY 7

Scientific workshop for conservation area in Sabah

Perak exchange students benefit from programme in Medan The group had the opportunity to interact with peers during their time in Indonesia. IPOH: A group of nine students from six schools and colleges in Perak recently returned home from an excursion to Indonesia with heightened understanding about the people and culture of the neighbouring country. The students from SMK Pengkalan, Kolej Vokasional Lebuh Cator, Kolej Vokasional Gerik, Kolej Islam Antarabangsa, Sekolah Seni Perak and Sekolah Berasrama Penuh Integrasi Gopeng participated in the student exchange programme. The programme, a collaboration between the Ipoh City Council (MBI) and the Medan City Mayor’s Office, was held from June 23 to 29. Ipoh and Medan have been“Friendship Cities”since 2009. The Malaysian students were placed at Sekolah Menengah Agama Al Azhar in Medan and stayed with their adopted families who arranged activities for them to learn local cultures with greater depth. The students not only followed the lessons at the school but also participated in various social activities. The visitors also went on a study tour of the city of Medan, which is in northern Sumatra. The students, seven boys and two girls, expressed their gratitude that they had an opportunity to experience the life of the community while practising communication in a new environment and enhancing their friendship network with their peers. The visit also moulded them to respect others and raised their confidence in interacting at a foreign land. MBI Urban Community director Romzi Zamri said, “The success of the programme proved the commitment of the twin cities in the field of education and cultural exchange. “It achieved the objective of producing junior ambassadors which will enhance relationship with the two cities.“ Ű P. CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Roadmap formulated for certification of Sungai Pin by IUCN world body

the department’s Chief Conservator Datuk Frederick Kugan, alongside Sawit Kinabalu Group chief sustainability officer Nazlan Mohamad. The day’s agenda included nine cutting edge research presentations across three thematic sessions and interactive workshops generating actionable conservation strategies. Plenary discussions were also held, focusing on biodiversity monitoring protocols, threat reduction measures and multi-stakeholder collaboration models “This workshop marks a transformative approach to conservation in agricultural landscapes,“ said Indra Sunjoto. “By aligning scientific rigour with community engagement, we’re setting new benchmarks for sustainable land management.” The outcomes will support SPnCA’s application for IUCN Green List status, making Malaysia’s first oil palm company led conservation area while meeting global standards for a protected area.

elevate conservation standards in oil palm managed landscapes. Over 100 stakeholders, including community representatives, NGOs and government agencies, collaboratively addressed key environmental challenges. One of the objectives was to formulate a roadmap for Green List certification under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) by 2028, a first for oil palm associated conservation areas. The workshop also undertook a comparative analysis of the 2024 scientific findings against baseline data from 2019, revealing measurable ecological trends. It also integrated community perspectives from local stakeholders and conservation-linked NGOs, while developing a unified framework for biodiversity conservation and landscape management. The event was graced by Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (Planning and Management) Indra Sunjoto, representing

Ű BY JOSHUA CHANG newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KOTA KINABALU : In a significant step towards sustainable conservation, the Forest Research Centre of the Sabah Forestry Department, in partnership with Sawit Kinabalu Group’s Conservation and Biodiversity Unit, convened the second scientific expedition workshop for the Sungai Pin Conservation Area (SPnCA). Held at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sandakan, the gathering perused findings from the expedition to Sungai Pin in September last year. The workshop was also a pioneering public-private initiative to

Officials including Indra Sunjoto (4th right) and Nazlan Mohamad (3rd right) at the workshop opening.

Century-old cemetery to be revamped into memorial park KUCHING: To change a perception that cemeteries are eerie and scary, the Kuching Hokkien Association and Fairy Park Group signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to revamp a century-old cemetery based on the group’s “heritage city” concept. He disclosed that apart from a columbarium, the project will include a swimming pool, basketball court, cafeteria and a recreation hall, turning the cemetery located in the city into a go-to place for recreation.

“We aim to have a beautified (memorial) park, to give people an additional space for recreation, a place where they can stroll or jog.” Fairy Park Group managing director Koh Ko Tong said the project marks the group’s first “heritage city” in East Malaysia. The group will establish more such parks at suitable locations to spread the “heritage city” concept throughout the country, he said. “We hope that in the future, every city will have a place that fosters Chinese unity. We also hope to provide a platform to contribute to education.”

Association president Datuk Richard Wee Liang Chiat said one of its four cemeteries in Kuching is a hundred years old and needs to be beautified to make it easier for people to pay homage to the departed on Ching Ming, the traditional tomb-cleaning day. After some deliberation the association decided to work with Fairy Park Group to enhance the place into a memorial park. Works to transform the 15-acre cemetery are scheduled to begin next month, and are estimated to take five years, said Wee.

Wee (fifth left) and Koh (eighth left) with representatives of the association and the group at the MoU signing ceremony.

SATURDAY | JULY 5, 2025

FOLLOW

ON INSTAGRAM

8

Malaysian Paper

@thesundaily @t

North Korean detained after crossing land border

CLIMBER DIES ON PAKISTAN MOUNTAIN SKARDU: A Czech mountaineer fell to her death on the world’s ninth-highest peak, Pakistan officials said yesterday, becoming the first casualty of the summer climbing season in the country. Klara Kolouchova, 46, the first Czech woman to summit the world’s two highest mountains, died on Thursday after falling on the lower slopes of Nanga Parbat. Diamer district senior local government official Nizam-ud-Din said one of her team members reported the death. “The location of her body will be traced, then appropriate rescue operations will be initiated to retrieve the body by AFGHANISTAN KILLED ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s army said yesterday it has killed 30 militants attempting to cross the border from Afghanistan over the last three days. The militants belonged to the Pakistan Taliban or its affiliated groups, the military said, accusing India of backing them. “A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was recovered.“ Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces for “thwarting an infiltration attempt”. – AFP Myanmar rejects UN report on child soldiers PHNOM PENH: Myanmar has denied claims made in a United Nations (UN) report on the recruitment of child soldiers and the ill-treatment of minors in the country’s civil conflict. The UN Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict Report for 2024 said the number of violations against children inflicted by all groups involved in the war was worrying. The report, released in June, said the UN verified 2,138 grave violations against 1,762 children last year and 121 violations that occurred in previous years. The UN also received reports of some 1,200 grave violations that are pending verification. Myanmar’s Committee on Prevention of Grave Violations against Children in Armed Conflict said the accusations are misleading and false. “Myanmar rejects the distorted figures and baseless accusations in the report. Myanmar remains committed to exerting its utmost efforts to safeguard the rights and safety of children,” it said yesterday. Myanmar called on the UN to adopt a credible and constructive approach while issuing reports. The UN alleges that violations committed by military forces and militias include the denial of humanitarian access, the abduction of children to fight in the conflict, and attacks on schools and hospitals. However, the Myanmar commission said as of December, only 98 cases involving minors were reported to relevant authorities. Ninety-three minors were verified and have been discharged and returned to their guardians or parents, with financial support, while 18 suspected cases related to minors are under investigation. – Bernama helicopter service.” – AFP MILITANTS FROM

BR I E F S

making it to the South. Defections across the land border that divides the peninsula are relatively rare. The number of successful escapes dropped significantly from 2020 after the North sealed its borders, purportedly with shoot-on-sight orders along the land frontier with China, to prevent the spread of Covid-19. No unusual acitivities by the North Korean military have been detected, the JCS said yesterday. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who took office last month, has vowed a more dovish approach towards Pyongyang compared with his hawkish predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol. “Politics and diplomacy must be handled without emotion and approached with reason and logic,” he said on Thursday. “Completely cutting off dialogue is really a foolish thing to do.” – AFP

after they offered to guide him safely out of the DMZ, the JCS added. It said “relevant authorities” would investigate the detailed circumstances of the incident. North Koreans are typically handed to Seoul’s intelligence agency for screening when they arrive in the South. The incident comes after a North Korean soldier defected to the South by crossing the MDL in August last year. Another North Korean defected to the South last year across the de facto border in the Yellow Sea, arriving on Gyodong island off the peninsula’s west coast near the border between the Koreas. Tens of thousands of North Koreans have fled to South Korea since the peninsula was divided by war in the 1950s, with most going overland to neighbouring China first, then entering a third country, such as Thailand, before finally

o Military identified man near demarcation line and conducted tracking, surveillance: Seoul

Indonesian rescuers widened their search for dozens of missing people yesterday after a ferry sank in rough seas on the way to the resort island of Bali, with six bodies recovered. The ferry carrying at least 65 people, including passengers and crew, was making a 5km crossing from eastern Java island to Bali when it tilted and sank in bad weather on Wednesday, witnesses and officials said. As of yesterday morning, 30 people were missing after 29 were plucked from the water to safety. Rescuers said one of the six deceased who were found was a three-year-old boy. Tearful survivors described their horror when the ferry went down, including one man who lost his wife. “I was joking around with my wife, and then the ferry tilted. It all happened very fast,“ Febriani, 27, told AFP on Thursday. “I jumped with my wife. I managed to get hold of something SEOUL: A North Korean who crossed the heavily fortified land border into the South has been detained and taken into custody, Seoul’s military said yesterday. The North Korean, identified as a male civilian, managed to cross the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in the midwestern part of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) on Thursday, said Seoul’s joint chiefs of staff (JCS). The MDL is the de facto border that runs through the middle of the DMZ, the border area separating the two Koreas, which is one of the most heavily mined places on earth. “The military identified the individual near the MDL and conducted tracking and surveillance,”

but my wife slipped away.” Rescuers carried out searches by sea and air yesterday, expanding their efforts along the coastlines of eastern Java and Bali, said national search and rescue agency operations official Ribut Eko Suyatno. “The land search rescue unit was asked to comb through the Ketapang beach from north to south, likewise for Gilimanuk.“ But as of yesterday afternoon, no further victims had been found. The ferry passage from Java’s Ketapang port to Gilimanuk port in Bali, one of the busiest crossings in the country, takes around one hour and is often used by people travelling between the islands with a vehicle. Local rescue officials said the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank 25 minutes into its journey. At least 306 rescuers were deployed yesterday for the search effort, said the Java-based Surabaya search and rescue agency. the JCS said in a statement. It then “carried out a standard guiding operation to secure custody”, it added. The operation took about 20 hours, according to Seoul, after the man was detected by a military surveillance device sometime between 3am and 4am (1800 and 1900 GMT) on Thursday. The mission to safely guide him to the South involved a considerable number of South Korean troops and took place in an area difficult to navigate due to dense vegetation and landmine risks, the JCS said. The man stayed mostly still during the day and South Korea’s military approached him at night. He willingly followed the troops

Indonesia widens search for missing ferry passengers GILIMANUK: Hundreds of

police officers. At least four survivors were found on Thursday after saving themselves by climbing onto a lifeboat. Initial search efforts were hampered by bad weather, with waves as high as 2.5m and strong winds. – AFP

The search was temporarily halted overnight and resumed at 8am (0000 GMT) yesterday in Bali. Rescuers had deployed inflatable boats, larger rescue vessels and a helicopter to aid the search on Thursday, involving dozens of personnel, including navy and

The search was temporarily halted overnight and resumed at 8am (0000 GMT) yesterday in Bali. – AFPPIC

Chinese national missing in Thailand rescued BEIJING: A Chinese national who went missing in Thailand after accepting a photoshoot job has been rescued, according to China’s embassy in Bangkok, which cautioned Chinese citizens against accepting random job offers. The embassy said in a trafficked to Myanmar after arriving in Thailand for a magazine cover photoshoot in early June. His sister, who received a suspicious call from him weeks ago when he was at an unidentified location in Myanmar, had reported him missing to police in Guangzhou and Bangkok, said Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. concerns about human trafficking and fraudulent employment schemes targeting Chinese nationals abroad grow. Criminal networks have trafficked hundreds of thousands of people to scam compounds across Southeast Asia, many along the Thai-Myanmar border, where victims are forced to work in illegal online schemes, according to the United Nations.

scam compound in Myanmar to work. He was eventually freed by Thai police. After that case, China and Thailand agreed to set up a coordination centre in Bangkok to investigate and address the scam complexes. The Chinese embassy in Myanmar published a long notice on WeChat yesterday, addressing the “emergence of new telecommunication network fraud methods”. It listed tips and 20 key phrases to look out for, aimed at educating the public in identifying fraud. – Reuters

statement the rescue was a joint effort by various parties but did not release details. It did not provide the name or gender of the individual. China’s state-backed local media reported yesterday that a 23-year-old Chinese man with the surname Zhong had been tricked and

The embassy in Bangkok warned Chinese citizens to be vigilant against dubious “high-paying jobs” overseas, clarifying that Thailand requires foreign nationals to obtain appropriate permits to work there. The warning comes as

The latest incident echoes a similar case that caught national interest in January, when a 31-year-old Chinese actor was duped into a film job in Thailand, only to be kidnapped and taken to an online