08/07/2025

Govt urged to explore cultivation of temperate fruits Technological advances like

TUESDAY JULY 8, 2025

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indoor and controlled environment farming make growing non native fruits feasible: Academic

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Missing family of six found dead in submerged car Signs indicate victims had attempted to escape but failed, says Fire and Rescue chief. Call for RCI to probe concerns surrounding judicial appointments Nine PKR backbenchers led by Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli to petition Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Elections and Institutional Reform to initiate inquiry. Report on h page 3

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim meeting his Indian counterpart Narenda Modi in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday (Monday in Malaysia) on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit. – PIC COURTESY OF PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE

Report on — page 2 Two leaders discuss expanding strategic cooperation between Malaysia and India in various fields, including investment, digital technology and defence, as well as proposed establishment of Indian Institute of Technology campus in Malaysia. Anwar, Modi seek deeper trade ties Report on h page 5

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First astronomy module launched for visually impaired students

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

physical limitations. “With this module, students who are blind or visually impaired now have the chance to explore astronomy. I believe it will make a real difference. We also hope to see similar initiatives extended to students with other disabilities, such as hearing impairments.” Chang stressed the importance of ensuring equal access to learning across all fields, not just astronomy. “This is in line with Mosti’s mission to widen support for children with disabilities,” he added. The initiative also reflects the Madani government’s commitment to equitable education for all, including children with special needs, starting from early childhood. The module, which incorporates adaptive teaching methods, will be integrated into primary level science education. The ministry confirmed that it will be distributed to 12 selected schools nationwide that cater to visually impaired students. It will also feature outreach efforts under the Inclusive Astronomy Transit Programme, targeting schools involved in Special Education Integration and Inclusive Education programmes. In addition, the module will be shared internationally with member countries of the International Astronomical Union via its Working Group on Inclusive Outreach.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia now has its first Astronomy Module for Students with Visual Impairments, marking a milestone in inclusive education. The module was launched yesterday by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister (Mosti) Chang Lih Kang at the National Planetarium. Specifically tailored for students under the Special Education Needs programme, it was developed through a partnership between the government, corporate stakeholders and academic institutions. It forms part of the Space Insight #PlanetariumGoldenHeart initiative, which aims to increase the involvement of persons with disabilities in space science under the broader science, technology and innovation framework. “I personally see this as a very commendable initiative. We hope to see more efforts like this to support children with physical disabilities, who may not enjoy the same opportunities as others in their pursuit of knowledge, especially in astronomy,” Chang said. He noted that the module would have a meaningful impact on the education system by ensuring no student is left behind, regardless of

Chang said the module would have a meaningful impact on the education system by ensuring no student is left behind, regardless of physical limitations. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Anwar, Modi discuss trade boost and IIT campus plan o Leaders explore deeper ties in tech, defence and education on sidelines of summit

Malaysia backs BRICS call for ethical AI governance RIO DE JANEIRO: Malaysia has welcomed the BRICS Statement on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance, voicing strong support for a vision of AI that prioritises development over domination, embeds ethics, reduces inequality and respects human dignity. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s efforts, including the National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap and AI Governance Guidelines, reflect similar principles. “As Asean Chair, Malaysia is championing the establishment of an Asean AI Safety Network, a regional initiative to strengthen governance and capacity in this fast-moving domain,”he said during the Member State Intervention at the BRICS Leaders’ Summit yesterday. Anwar highlighted the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement as a vital platform. “With the right investment and standards, Asean’s digital economy could reach US$2 trillion by 2030. This is an opportunity we cannot afford to squander,”he said. Underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to inclusive growth, Anwar said the future will be shaped by collective resolve, Bernama reported. “Malaysia stands ready to work with BRICS and other partners for a fairer global economy, a more coherent digital future and a multilateralism that delivers.” He also reiterated Malaysia’s position on multilateralism as vital for global stability, shared prosperity and sovereign dignity. “For multilateralism to endure, it must do more than express common values. It must deliver tangible outcomes and respond to the realities of a world where markets are fragmenting faster than rules can adapt.” Anwar welcomed BRICS’ commitment to an inclusive, rules-based trading system. He added that Malaysia’s 2025 Asean Chairmanship theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” aligns closely with these priorities. The BRICS group, which serves as a political and diplomatic coordination forum for countries of the Global South with collaboration across diverse sectors, was initially established by Brazil, Russia, India and China. It later expanded to include South Africa in 2011, followed by Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in 2023, and Indonesia in 2024. Malaysia, along with Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda and Uzbekistan, was accepted as a BRICS partner country.

RIO DE JANEIRO: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, held on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil on Sunday, focused on trade and investment opportunities as well as the proposed establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in Malaysia. “We discussed the significant potential for expanding strategic cooperation between Malaysia and India in various fields, including trade, investment, digital technology and defence,” Anwar said in a statement following their meeting. He also welcomed the interest shown by Indian companies in investing in future oriented sectors in Malaysia, such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and the aerospace industry. “We are also committed to further strengthening people-to-people relations through cooperation in culture, tourism and education, which includes the proposal to set up an IIT campus in Malaysia,” he added. The IITs are a group of premier engineering and technology institutions in India. Both leaders also emphasised the importance of ensuring regional peace and stability, and expressed support for just and peaceful resolutions to international issues,

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Malaysia as vital to India, holding a key place in his country’s Vision Mahasagar and Act East Policy. In a post on his personal X account @narendramodi, Modi said he met Anwar on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Brazil, where they reviewed progress in bilateral relations, including developments since Anwar’s visit to India last year. “Bilateral ties are growing strongly in futuristic sectors like IT, renewable energy and infrastructure. We also discussed how to improve investment and trade relations between our nations,” he said. Modi announced Vision Mahasagar – “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions” – for the Global South during his visit to Mauritius on March 12. Anwar arrived in Brazil on Saturday to attend the BRICS Summit, hosted by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Malaysia officially became a BRICS Partner Country on Jan 1 this year. – Bernama Yesterday’s meeting was attended by secretaries-general and senior representatives from the foreign ministries of Asean member states, who discussed preparations for the AMM and related meetings. They also deliberated on key issues expected to be raised and highlighted during the upcoming sessions. The AMM and related meetings, to be held under Malaysia’s 2025 Asean Chairmanship themed ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’ will feature 24 ministerial-level meetings, including engagements with Asean Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners. – Bernama

including Palestine and Jammu-Kashmir. Anwar said Malaysia welcomed efforts to enhance Asean–India relations, with the Asean–India Summit scheduled for October, in line with the spirit of cooperation for mutual benefit. “May the strong ties between Malaysia and India continue to grow for the benefit and well-being of the people of both nations,” he said. Anwar described the meeting as brief but meaningful and substantial. The two leaders last met during the 21st Asean–India Summit in Laos last year. In this latest meeting, Anwar was accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. Also present was India’s Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar. Malaysia is India’s third-largest trading partner in Asean, with total trade valued at US$20.02 billion (RM84.4 billion) in 2023 to 2024, accounting for about 17% of India’s total trade with Asean. Retreat and the Asean Plus One Post-Ministerial Conference with Dialogue Partners,” he told reporters after the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty meeting, which was held immediately after the SOM on Monday. Amran added that Malaysia, as this year’s Asean chair, will also convene trilateral meetings involving the Asean Secretariat and four countries – Norway, Switzerland, Brazil and Turkiye. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Asean member states and dialogue partner countries.

Asean senior official talks set stage for ministers’ meeting KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) wrapped up yesterday, setting the stage for the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), which begins today.

Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin, who chaired the meeting, said discussions at the senior officials’ level went smoothly and preparations for the foreign ministers’ meeting were already underway. “Hopefully, we have four more days from Tuesday to Friday to complete the full series of meetings. This includes the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the Asean Foreign Ministers’

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Call for royal probe into judicial appointments

Committee to check on teacher workload: NUTP GEORGE TOWN: The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has urged the Education Ministry to establish a special committee to comprehensively resolve the long-standing issue of excessive teacher workloads. Its president Aminuddin Awang said about 418,000 teachers nationwide continue to face heavy workloads, often being assigned tasks unrelated to their core professional responsibilities. “We hope the ministry will take immediate action. This issue has persisted for years, yet many teachers, especially at the grassroots level, still feel the burden of having to carry out non teaching duties,” he told a press conference held in conjunction with NUTP’s Mid-Term Review for the 2023–2026 session in Teluk Bahang yesterday. The three-day meeting, which began last Saturday, also highlighted nine other key issues that will be submitted to the government, including the ministry and the Public Service Department for further consideration. Aminuddin said one of the major contributors to the workload is the user-unfriendly online data entry system, which complicates administrative tasks. He added that teaching assistants assigned to schools with over 1,500 students have not significantly eased the burden, as many teachers still handle administrative duties in the school office. NUTP also called for clear guidelines to prevent non-urgent disruptions outside official working hours. – Bernama Top official awaits findings on fake MCs MALACCA: Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said he is awaiting the results of an investigation into the alleged submission of fake medical certificates (MCs) by a civil servant in Sungai Petani, Kedah, as reported by the media on Sunday. He said the investigation is still ongoing and he has yet to receive a full report on the case. He told reporters this after attending the state-level Jelajah Taat Setia Madani Programme at the Malacca International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh yesterday. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh officiated the closing ceremony of the programme, which was also attended by state secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad. The media yesterday reported that three individuals had been arrested over their suspected involvement in the sale of fake MCs. The activities were uncovered following an internal probe of a policeman who frequently went on sick leave by submitting fake MCs without medical consultation or treatment. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has called for the formation of a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to investigate delays and unresolved concerns surrounding judicial appointments, emphasising the need for transparency and parliamentary accountability. Speaking on behalf of eight other PKR backbenchers, Rafizi said they would formally petition the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Elections and Institutional Reform to initiate the inquiry. The other MPs are Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa), Wong Chen (Subang), Rodziah Ismail (Ampang), Zahir Hassan (Wangsa Maju), Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (Balik Pulau), Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Ledang), S. Kesavan (Sungai Siput) and Onn Abu Bakar (Batu Pahat). Rafizi said the group will also propose inviting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to clarify the government’s position on recent judicial appointments. “The Parliament, as an independent legislative body, has a role to play in safeguarding the judiciary’s independence. “We believe a royal commission is the most suitable mechanism to look into these allegations and help restore public confidence,” Rafizi told a press conference at the Subang Parliamentary Constituency Service Centre in Puchong yesterday. o Rafizi, backed by PKR MPs, urges transparency and accountability amid claims of procedural lapses and unheeded recommendations Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Rafizi (centre, seated) and eight other MPs believe that an RCI is the most suitable mechanism to look into allegations of undue influence over judicial appointments and restore public confidence. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

“This isn’t just an issue for the legal community, it’s of national importance. “Governments come and go, but judges stay. Once judicial integrity is compromised, it takes decades to restore.” He called for a temporary halt to new judicial nominations until the proposed RCI and parliamentary inquiry are concluded. “In our view, any current vacancies should be filled based on nominations already submitted by the JAC. “If fresh nominations are needed, they should only proceed once these concerns are addressed through proper channels.” This is not the first time Rafizi has raised concerns about the judiciary. In a statement on June 30, he pointed to the upcoming retirement of seven Federal Court judges between July and November – an unprecedented development that could leave more than half of The 58th Asean Ministerial Meeting (AMM) will see foreign ministers from 10 member states – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – gather in Kuala Lumpur. Timor-Leste’s foreign minister will also attend as the country pushes for full Asean membership. On the Dapur Digital initiative, the minister said the five pilot digital kitchens launched last year had shown strong results. As of end-May, the combined sales of digital kitchens at the People’s Housing Projects in five sites – Intan Baiduri, Wangsa Sari, Kerinchi, Kampung Limau and Setapak Jaya – had surpassed RM1.08 million. “This is clear proof that when

claims that the government had failed to act on recommendations submitted by the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) for judges at the High Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court levels. Rafizi also noted that nominations for the posts of chief justice and Court of Appeal president were reportedly submitted before the retirement of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat as CJ, but appointments were only made after the positions became vacant. He further highlighted concerns over a JAC meeting allegedly convened without the required 10 day notice to discuss new nominations, and cited a police report involving a Federal Court judge in relation to claims of case interference and judge reassignment. “These are serious matters. While public discussion is ongoing, we need a formal process to determine the facts and protect trust in our institutions. “We’re not just welcoming high level delegates, we’re showcasing Kuala Lumpur to the region. “City Hall is working closely with multiple agencies to ensure everything runs smoothly, and that the city leaves a strong impression,” Zaliha told reporters after presenting keys to 10 Dapur Digital (cloud kitchen) entrepreneurs at Menara DBKL yesterday. Efforts to spruce up the city are already in full swing, but the minister stressed that maintaining cleanliness is not just the job of local authorities. “We’ve launched several initiatives involving City Hall, local communities, NGOs, hotels and student volunteers. Cleanliness is a shared responsibility – it’s not just up to the council.”

the apex bench vacant, which could disrupt the administration of justice. He noted that four of the judges had previously been granted six month extensions and questioned why similar consideration had not been extended to outgoing CJ Tengku Maimun and Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim. Rafizi stressed that the intention is not to politicise judicial appointments but to ensure institutional continuity and stability. He warned that inaction could erode public confidence and fuel perceptions of executive interference, especially if judicial seniority is overlooked in appointments. The MPs also plan to launch a nationwide campaign to raise public awareness. They added that it is important for Malaysians to be involved in the discourse, as judicial integrity is crucial to a functioning democracy. given the opportunity, our people can thrive. “Building on this success, Budget 2025 has allocated RM5 million to roll out 25 more digital kitchens nationwide. Ten of these will be in KL, positioning the Federal Territory as the frontrunner in this initiative,” said Zaliha. The 10 KL sites are: Seri Semarak, Hiliran Ampang, Seri Alam, Raya Permai, Kampung Muhibbah, Taman Mulia, Beringin, Pangsapuri Sentul Utara, PA Sri Kedah and PA Seri Perlis II. The Dapur Digital initiative serves, not only as modern community kitchens, but also as food processing hubs, e-commerce spaces, skills training centres and venues for community activities.

He said recent developments have raised serious concerns, including KL gears up for 58th Asean Ministerial Meeting

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: The metropolis is gearing up to impress as Asean foreign ministers descend on the country’s capital. Kuala Lumpur is rolling out the red carpet as it prepares to host Asean foreign ministers from July 8 to 11 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, with the city aiming to project a polished image as Malaysia holds this year’s Asean chairmanship. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said KL City Hall is spearheading logistics and city preparations for the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting – from safety to street-level cleanliness.

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Call to explore potential of temperate fruit farming

‘Over 1,000 school students at high risk of depression’ SHAH ALAM: A total of 1,020 out of 36,428 secondary school students in Selangor have shown early signs of being at high risk for depression, the Selangor State Legislative Assembly was told yesterday. State Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the students were identified through the Patient Health Questionnaire, making up 2.8% of those screened. She said the findings, based on the Minda Sihat (Healthy Mind) Mental Health Screening Analysis for the 2024/2025 school session, indicated that overall psychosocial behaviour among students remains under control. “To address mental health concerns, intervention programmes have been implemented and expanded to primary schools, especially for Year 5 and Year 6 pupils. The goal is to raise early awareness about mental health and build emotional resilience,” she said. The interventions focus on emotional and behavioral development, early prevention activities and capacity-building for school guidance and counselling teachers. These include workshops on mental health strategies such as relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, physical activities as well as shoulder and neck massages. Jamaliah was responding to a question from Azmizam Zaman Huri (PH–Port Klang) who wanted to know the immediate measures being taken by the Selangor Education Department to address depression and anxiety among students in the 2024/2025 session. She added that in addition to general interventions, the department is also running the Healthy Mind programme along with specialised modules. These cover counseling sessions, emotional awareness, coping skills, 10B stress management, breathing techniques, mindfulness, anger management, problem-solving, positive thinking and effective communication. “These initiatives serve as early preventive measures and aim to strengthen the school children’s mental well-being from the primary level,” she said. – Bernama has risen in stages – from 48 to 56 in 1985, 62 in 1995, 71 in 2005 and 82 in 2014.“ He added that the Election Commission will be responsible for determining the new electoral boundaries once the Bill is passed. The redelineation exercise and establishment of the new constituencies are expected to be completed in time for the upcoming Sarawak state election, which is due in June next year.

o Govt needs to study possibilities of growing such produce locally in response to SST on imports and for food

self-sufficiency, say agri experts

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: As the government moves to impose the Sales and Service Tax (SST) on most imported fruits, questions are being raised about Malaysia’s heavy reliance on foreign produce and whether the country should ramp up efforts to grow popular fruits like apples and oranges locally. While going fully self-sufficient may be unrealistic in the near term, agricultural experts believe Malaysia can make meaningful strides through technology-driven farming, particularly by cultivating select temperate fruits under controlled environments. Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak Studies for Plantation and Agrotechnology head Prof Dr Abdul Rahman Salli said the SST move is a timely wake-up call for Malaysia to rethink its food security strategy by exploring the potential of growing more of what it imports. “Yes, Malaysia should explore local cultivation of temperate fruits, especially in response to the SST on imports and the need for food self sufficiency,” he said. “Technological advances like indoor and controlled-environment farming make this feasible. However, rising temperatures in highland areas and the high resource demands of such systems pose challenges.” He cautioned that efforts to cultivate temperate fruits must not compromise the country’s core food priorities. “Malaysia must prioritise basic food production first. Temperate fruit farming should be pursued as a complementary niche effort, not at

Shamsiah said innovations such as greenhouses, hydroponics and plant breeding could help Malaysia gradually build capacity to grow temperate crops. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Sarawak was in 2015, and since then, we have seen a significant increase in population and number of voters, especially after the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18,” he added. Abdul Karim said the proposed amendment would repeal the current Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Ordinance 2014 (Cap. 70), which fixed the number of seats at 82. “Since 1969, the number of elected representatives in the state assembly breeding programmes for apples are not yet in place, interest in this area is growing among research institutions. “Several approaches can support this adaptation, including rootstock selection, grafting, marker-assisted breeding, mutation breeding and tissue culture,” she said. “These are actively discussed in research stations and universities focused on crop diversification.” However, she acknowledged that significant scientific and technical hurdles remain. “Key challenges include climate suitability, pest and disease pressures, soil and water management and the high costs of controlled-environment systems.” Shamsiah stressed that to reduce its reliance on imported fruits, Malaysia must invest more in plant biotechnology research and the commercialisation of homegrown solutions. “Food security isn’t just about rice or basic staples. It also includes fruits and other horticultural crops. Investing in local R&D will help Malaysia become more resilient to global supply chain disruptions, price shocks and climate change.”

and concerns of the rakyat are more efficiently and more effectively addressed and improve service delivery through leadership that is more responsive to the rakyat.” Abdul Karim said the move aligns with provisions under the Federal Constitution. “Article 113(2) of the Federal Constitution allows for a review of electoral boundaries in a state every eight years. “The last delineation exercise in From a sustainability standpoint, Abdul Rahman said any future expansion must include energy efficient systems, water-saving technologies and emission-reducing practices to ensure alignment with climate-smart agriculture principles. Sharing similar views, UiTM Jasin Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology dean Assoc Prof Dr Shamsiah Abdullah said innovations such as greenhouses, hydroponics and plant breeding could help Malaysia gradually build capacity to grow temperate crops. “To introduce new fruit crops, methods such as controlled environments and plant breeding can help make this feasible,” she said. “Of course, it depends on cost, market demand and sustainability. We may not replace all imports but we can aim to boost local production in certain areas. It’s worth exploring, especially with the new SST.” On the scientific front, Shamsiah said breeding techniques and biotechnology are increasingly being explored to adapt fruits like grapes and strawberries to Malaysia’s tropical conditions. She added that while large-scale

2025, said the proposed increase is both timely and necessary in light of Sarawak’s demographic changes, urban expansion and the growing need for equitable representation in the state. “In view of the growing number of voters and the geographically complex nature of Sarawak, we need more elected representatives to better serve the rakyat . “It will enhance accessibility to governance. It will ensure the needs the expense of core food security goals.” Abdul Rahman said various pilot projects over the years have proven it is technically possible to grow non-native fruits such as strawberries, apples and berries in highland areas including Cameron Highlands, Kundasang and Ba’Kelalan. “Research by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, universities and private farms supports this potential,” he said. “But climate change is real – rising temperatures in these areas make controlled-environment farming more necessary, but also more costly.” To overcome Malaysia’s tropical climate and soil conditions, he said farmers can turn to agrotechnology such as greenhouses, soilless systems, smart sensors and heat-tolerant rootstocks. “These technologies help simulate temperate conditions and optimise resource use, but they require significant investment, technical know-how and ongoing support.”

Sarawak set to increase state constituencies from 82 to 99

Ű BY JOSEPH PETER newsdesk@thesundaily.com

SARAWAK: Sarawak is set to increase its state constituencies from 82 to 99 following the tabling of a new Bill during a special sitting of the State Legislative Assembly yesterday. State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who tabled the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill

TUESDAY | JULY 8, 2025 5 All bodies discovered after boat capsizes SIBU: All six individuals who went missing after a boat capsized off the coast of Pantai Belawai in central Sarawak have been found drowned. The bodies of five men and a boy were discovered by search and rescue teams along with local villagers along the shoreline, the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department confirmed yesterday. “All the bodies have been found,“ the department said in an update. The incident occurred at around 2pm on Saturday when a fibreglass boat carrying 17 Indonesian nationals capsized while en route from the Kampung Belawai fishermen’s jetty to the Zion Pelita Coconut Plantation jetty. Among the 17 onboard, four men, two women and a boy survived, having been rescued on Saturday afternoon. They had departed from Kampung Belawai, a Malay village located about 22km from Sibu, after purchasing groceries and essential supplies. All were family members of plantation workers residing at the Zion Pelita Coconut Plantation. An initial investigation by the department revealed that the vessel was heavily loaded with other cargo when it overturned. By Saturday evening, the bodies of two women, a boy and a girl were recovered. – By JOSEPH PETER Woman denies rude posts about king SHAH ALAM: A housewife pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here yesterday to a charge of improper use of network facilities by knowingly making and initiating the transmission of offensive comments against His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim via Facebook, using the profile name Suhaila Halim. Suhaila Abd Halim, 39, is charged with committing the offence with intent to annoy others at the Sungai Buloh Hospital in Petaling district at 8.30am on Jan 5. The mother of six is charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which provides a maximum fine of RM50,000, up to one year’s prison or both, and may be fined a further RM1,000 for each day the offence continues after conviction. Judge Norazlin Othman granted the woman, who was unrepresented, bail at RM10,000 in one surety, and ordered her to report to a nearby police station once a month and not to disturb prosecution witnesses. The court set Sept 17 for mention for the submission of documents and the appointment of a lawyer. – Bernama Pakistani child molester still at large SHAH ALAM: A Pakistani man believed to be a suspect in four cases of sodomy and molestation, involving three children and a teenage boy in Section 27 and Section 28 here, is believed to still be in the country. Shah Alam police chief ACP Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the 25-year-old, who reportedly assaulted the victims in separate incidents between April and now. He said investigations revealed that the suspect would approach victims by asking them to pick up items or assist him with booking an e-hailing ride, then hug them from behind and choke them if they resisted, Bernama reported. “When the victims were distracted, he would punch and drag them to a location where he would allegedly attempt to commit sodomy.” The case is being probed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 and Section 377C of the Penal Code.

Missing family of six found dead in submerged car

o Signs indicate they had attempted to escape but failed: Fire and Rescue chief

report, prompting a search effort that ended in tragedy. Nur Adliah Shuhada Ishak, in her 20s, said her brother Mohamad Azim, who lives in Jerlun, had come to spend the night at her house last Friday, along with his wife and their children. She said the family would often stay over and usually leave early in the morning before her brother, who works as a security guard, began his shift. Adliah noticed that the family had left her home on Sunday at around 5.30am and assumed that they had returned to Jerlun, where Azim and his family live with his in-laws. She added that her brother had five children but this time, the eldest daughter, aged 12, had stayed behind with her grandmother in Jerlun. “The night before, we chatted as usual. My brother and sister-in-law never mentioned having any problems. “At first, I thought they had returned to Jerlun, but later my brother’s mother-in-law called to inform me that they had not arrived. That is when I started to worry about their safety.”

by our team during the recovery process.” The victims were identified as Mohamad Azim Izat Ishak, 32, his wife Nurul Hidayah Khadijah Razman Efendi, 31, and their children Putra Rayyan Nur, nine, Hawa Adriana Nur, eight, Annayla Humaira Nur, seven, and six-month-old Tuah Haydar. The discovery followed a tip-off about a submerged vehicle matching the description of one linked to a family reported missing after a weekend visit to Taman Aman. A patrol unit later spotted the car about 1m from the edge of the river, which is roughly 6m deep and 7.6m wide. “All were confirmed dead at the scene and handed over to police for further investigation,” said Aminuddin. Rescue personnel had to break the rear windshield and cut open the vehicle to retrieve the bodies, which had bloated due to prolonged submersion. Authorities also found skid marks near the riverbank, indicating that the car may have veered off the road before plunging into the river. The case drew public attention after the driver’s sister lodged a missing persons

Ű BY THE SUN DAILY TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: A family of six reported missing after a weekend outing was found dead inside a submerged car in Sungai Korok, Kedah yesterday. Rescuers from the Kedah Fire and Rescue Department recovered the bodies of a man, his wife and their four children from a car that was discovered underwater near the riverbank, a local Malay daily reported. Zone One Fire and Rescue chief Ahmad Aminuddin Abd Rahim said the victims were found huddled at the back left side of the vehicle, indicating that they had attempted to escape but failed. “There were no signs of broken windows when we arrived. The glass was only shattered

Authorities found skid marks near the riverbank, indicating that the car may have veered off the road. – PIC COURTESY OF UTUSAN MALAYSIA

Retiree loses RM680,000 in phone scam GEORGE TOWN: An elderly retired bank manager has lost RM680,781 after falling victim to a phone scam syndicate posing as cybersecurity officers and police. Putrajaya”, who said his phone number had been blacklisted for allegedly spreading false information.

“The scammers also told him to place his ATM and credit cards, along with bank documents, into an envelope and leave it on a Tenaga Nasional Berhad electrical box near a bank in Tanjung Bungah.” On June 26, after checking his accounts, the victim discovered that all the money had been transferred to unknown third-party accounts. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for fraud. – Bernama

The call was transferred to a supposed police officer from the Alor Setar police station, who claimed that the victim’s bank account was involved in money laundering. “To clear his name and avoid arrest, the victim was instructed to open two new bank accounts. Between June 19 and 23, he transferred money into those accounts.

Penang deputy police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said the 80-year-old lodged a report at the Northeast Commercial Crime Investigation Division after realising he had been scammed. On June 12, the victim received a call from someone claiming to be from “Cyber Security

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Delicious food sold at cheap prices KUALA NERUS: Although the prices of essentials have gone up, a husband-and-wife team running a food stall continues to serve a variety of dishes at affordable rahmah prices. Driven by a desire to ease the burden of the less fortunate, Sabarudin Ramli, 42, and his wife Ajuma’ Arasikim Din, 41, are determined to sell nasi campur (mixed rice) with various dishes at just RM5 per serving at their eatery Nasi Berlauk Juedin. o Couple reduces charge after customers shared their struggles with rising cost of living RM2.50 from a small stall in Kuala Nerus before we moved to our current location in Kampung Tok Jiring six years ago. “The rahmah concept was introduced three weeks ago. assisted by four employees. Among popular items on the are ikan patin masak tempoyak, ayam berempah, udang masak lemak cili api, ikan tiga rasa and kerabu pegaga . customers. They arrive as early as 10am to dine in and many also pack various dishes to take home. “Alhamdulillah , all our customers are satisfied. Despite the low prices, we never compromise on quality. Many are surprised that seafood dishes such as prawns in gravy are priced at just RM4 a plate,” said the father of three. Sabarudin said their business operates from 10am to 5pm from Sunday to Thursday. food to avoid

disappointing customers,” he said, adding that iced tea and syrup drinks are sold at 50 sen per glass. Customer Muhammad Asyraf Haniff Zaki, 35, from Manir said he was surprised to find a place still selling mixed rice at RM5, and expressed hope that other traders would emulate such an initiative. “Today, I came with my wife. We had two pieces of ayam percik, fried beef, patin tempoyak and ulam-ulaman . We also packed two pieces of chicken in gravy and prawns for our kids. “I paid only RM30. Usually, for this amount of food, it would cost no less than RM50. Definitely worth it.”

For the past three weeks, the eatery has been frequented by customers from Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Nerus and Marang. “Ever since news of my eatery was widely shared on TikTok, we have been getting a non-stop stream of

Previously, our prices were like any regular eatery. But after many customers shared about their struggles with the rising cost of living, we decided to make a change.” Every day, the couple rises at 4am to prepare more than 30 dishes,

“These days, our food runs out fast. By around 1.30pm, most dishes are gone, so we have to close early. “In the past three weeks, we have served about 300 customers a day and had to prepare larger batches of

Sabarudin said although their profit margin is small, he is content knowing that he is able to help his customers, Bernama reported. “I started this business in 2014 with a budget rice menu priced at

74-year-old teaches aerobics with energy and humour

JOHOR BAHRU: While many his age prefer a quiet morning at home, 74-year-old Syed Abdul Rahman Syed Jaafar, fondly known as Pak Habib, can be found leading energetic aerobics sessions at Taman Merdeka here. Pak Habib teaches free aerobics classes from Thursday to Sunday, starting at as early as 8am and drawing a loyal following from people of all ages and backgrounds. Armed with a playlist of over 2,000 songs from various genres, he blends fitness with fun, mixing everything from silat and tai chi to yoga, dangdut and zapin to keep things lively. His workouts are light and

now, but that does not mean we stop. We adapt to our abilities. The one gift Allah has given me is that I can speak well. That is what makes my class vibrant,” he added. Among his regular participants is 48-year-old Suhaila Abd Talib, who has been attending his sessions for more than a decade. “He gives motivation, shares health tips and makes it fun. I have learned so much from him,” said the mother of two. With humour and a whole lot of energy, Pak Habib continues to defy age and inspire many, one dance move at a time. – Bernama

accessible, focusing on balance, blood circulation, muscle flexibility and breathing, making them suitable for all ages. Pak Habib’s journey into aerobics began in the 1990s when a friend was searching for a male instructor. “Back then, aerobics was usually taught by women, so I declined. But with a bit of encouragement and some sports knowledge, I gave it a shot and here I am, still needed by the community even as age catches up.” Pak Habib remains steadfast in his belief that age should never be an excuse to stop moving. “I may have physical limitations

Pak Habib’s workouts are light and accessible, focusing on balance, blood circulation, muscle flexibility and breathing. – BERNAMAPIC

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TUESDAY | JULY 8, 2025

7

Reuters X account restored in India after suspension

VIETNAM APARTMENT BLOCK FIRE KILLS EIGHT HANOI: A blaze that tore through an apartment block in Ho Chi Minh City killed eight people, including two children, local authorities said yesterday. The fire was sparked late on Sunday on the ground floor of a five-storey apartment block, with all eight fatalities due to smoke inhalation, Ho Chi Minh City authorities said. Residents battled the flames with fire extinguishers as blasts were heard from inside the property, before emergency service crews arrived, according to media reports. “There were shouts for help from the apartment. Several residents on higher floors had to jump down to escape. It was terrible,” a neighbour said. – AFP 33 THAI PROVINCES ON ALERT FOR FLOODS, LANDSLIDES BANGKOK: The Thai government has placed 33 provinces on high alert this week, bracing for flash floods and landslides amid forecasts of continued heavy rainfall. Deputy government spokesperson Sasikan Watthanachan said the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has issued warnings for provinces in the northern, northeastern, central and southern regions to monitor for flash floods, forest runoff, landslides and flooding in low-lying areas. “Relevant agencies in high-risk zones have been instructed to remain on standby and be ready to respond to any emergency,” she said. – Bernama

BR I E F S

o Govt spokesperson says no block request issued

its removal was sought or the entity that had lodged the complaint. While the email did not specify which entity had made the request or what content they sought to remove, it said X had been advised that in such cases, a user could contact the Information and Broadcasting Ministry secretary. The secretary, Sanjay Jaju, did not respond to requests seeking comment. The 2000 law allows designated government officials to demand the takedown of content from social media platforms they deem to violate local laws, including on the grounds of national security or if a post threatens public order. X has long been at odds with India’s government over content-removal requests. In March, the company sued the federal government over a new government website the company says expands takedown powers to “countless” government officials. The case is continuing. India has said X wrongly labelled an official website a “censorship portal”, as the website only allows tech companies to be notified about harmful online content. – Reuters

matter and get the Reuters account reinstated in India as soon as possible. Reuters World, another X account operated by the agency which was blocked in India, was also restored late Sunday night. The main Reuters account, which has more than 25 million followers globally, had been blocked in India since Saturday night. A notice told X users that “@Reuters has been withheld in IN (India) in response to a legal demand”. In an email to the Reuters social media team on May 16, X said: “It is our policy to notify account holders if we receive a legal request from an authorised entity (such as law enforcement or a government agency) to remove content from their account. “In order to comply with X obligations under India’s local laws, we have withheld your X account in India under the country’s Information Technology Act, 2000; the content remains available elsewhere.” Reuters could not ascertain if the May 16 email was linked to Saturday’s account suspension nor could it determine what specific content the demand referred to, why

NEW DELHI: The Reuters News account on X was restored in India on Sunday, a day after the social media platform suspended it, citing a legal demand. “At this time, we are no longer withholding access in India to your account,” X said in an email to the Reuters social media team, without elaborating. Representatives for X, Reuters and the Indian government did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the restoration of the account. Earlier on Sunday, a Press Information Bureau spokesperson told Reuters that no Indian government agency had required withholding the Reuters handle, adding that officials were working with X to resolve the problem. A Reuters spokesperson had said the agency was working with X to resolve this

Bali flights nixed by eruption JAKARTA: Dozens of flights to and from Bali were cancelled yesterday after a volcano belched a colossal ash tower 18km into the sky.

Despite some carriers cancelling flights, the airport manager said “the spread of volcanic ash has not affected the Bali airspace”” The volcanology agency warned of the possibility of hazardous lahar floods – a type of mud or debris flow of volcanic materials – if heavy rain occurs, particularly for communities near rivers. There were no immediate reports of damages or casualties. The activity level at the volcano was “very high, marked by explosive eruptions and tremors”, geology agency head Muhammad Wafid said in a statement. He urged residents to stay at least 6km away from the volcano and to wear face masks. – AFP

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores erupted at 11.05am (same time in Malaysia), the volcanology agency said. It forced the cancellation of 24 flights at Bali’s international airport, general manager Ahmad Syaugi Shahab said. “Several airlines serving the routes to Labuan Bajo (on Flores), Australia, Singapore, and South Korea have confirmed cancellations and delays,” he said in a statement. He said the airlines included Virgin Australia, Jetstar Airways and AirAsia Indonesia.

The collapsed archway of Nankunshen Daitian temple and the flooded courtyard in Tainan. – AFPPIC

Typhoon Danas lashes southern Taiwan TAIPEI: Typhoon Danas lashed southern Taiwan with record winds and strong rain early yesterday, killing two people and injuring more than 330 in a rare hit to the island’s densely populated west coast, where businesses and schools were shut. whole of Taiwan will be affected by the wind and rain one after another,” President Lai Ching-te said in a post on Facebook, urging citizens to make preparations. There was no major report of damage in the Tainan Science Park that houses tech giants such as TSMC. Maritime officials in eastern China’s Zhejiang province raised their emergency response to the second highest level yesterday, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Power to more than half a million homes was cut and over 300 domestic and international flights were cancelled, government data showed. The north-south high-speed rail line scaled back services. The National Fire Agency said one person was killed by a falling tree while driving and another died after their respirator malfunctioned due to a power cut. Record winds of around 220kph were recorded in the southwestern county of Yunlin, while more than 700 trees and street signs were blown over across western cities and towns, government data showed.

Taiwan is regularly struck by typhoons but they generally land along the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast facing the Pacific. Typhoon Danas , at one point listed by Taiwan’s weather authority at the second-strongest level, headed north towards the Taiwan Strait after making landfall along its southwestern coast late on Sunday. It has greatly weakened since and was forecast to hit eastern China later this week. “The typhoon track is rare ... the

As of 10am (10am in Malaysia), 121 passenger vessels and 64 ferry routes had been suspended across the province, CCTV reported. Authorities also halted 181 construction projects, including wind farms, as a precaution. Danas is expected to gradually approach the coastal areas between Zhejiang’s city of Taizhou and Fuzhou city in neighbouring Fujian province, according to the China Meteorological Administration. The typhoon is forecast to make landfall late today. – Reuters

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki belching ash 18km into the sky. – AFPPIC