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No. 8850 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

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Even the most basic meals often exceed RM3 per serving, making it difficult to stretch RM10 across an entire day. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

Frugal fare

Squeezing three meals per day out of just RM10 may not be impossible, but respondents polled by theSun say such bare budget unrealistic and does not allow for balanced diet.

INSIDE

Nitrogen-based airborne pollutants damaging lungs of children in cities.

Ministry explains decision to send ketum users to rehabilitation centres.

Unchecked island tourism threatening fragile coral ecosystems: Expert

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NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday JULY 13, 2025

Amended laws against bullying in force now KUALA LUMPUR: Amendments passed by Parliament last year to the Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 2025, aimed at addressing physical and cyber bullying, came into force on Friday. The Prime Minister’s Department’s Legal Affairs Division said both Acts were passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 10, 2024 and in the Dewan Negara on Dec 16, 2024 with majority support from MPs. It said the enforcement of both Acts is an ongoing effort by the Madani government to strengthen the country’s legal system to keep pace with current needs and new challenges in the modern criminal landscape. “The implementation of these two Acts is to streamline legal procedures, improve the efficiency of the criminal justice process and allow for faster and stricter action against those who break the law,” the division said in a statement. The amendments to both Acts introduce specific provisions that allow for stricter legal action against bullies in line with the government’s commitment to protecting society, especially vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents and individuals put under mental harassment by bullies. The amendments also introduce new sections such as Sections 507B to 507G, which specifically provide for proportionate punishment for offences of threatening, insulting or defamatory communications intended to cause emotional distress or fear to victims. “It also includes the offence of distributing personal information without permission or doxing, which is now classified as a serious crime and punishable by up to three years’ in prison.” The introduction of the special provision stems from a review of shortcomings in existing laws which were found to be insufficient to address various forms of psychological and emotional threats in the increasingly challenging digital environment, Bernama reported. The government will also continue to ensure that the enforcement of this law is implemented fairly and equitably.

‘Nation’s foreign policy in line with Zopfan principles’

Malaysia as trading country cannot be seen as leaning towards any bloc but must maintain neutral stance for sake of stability and interests: Minister

Singapore and Thailand – on Nov 27, 1971 in Kuala Lumpur. Its goal is to ensure Southeast Asia remains free from any form of interference by external powers, a strategically neutral approach that was very important during the Cold War era. It is described as a doctrine highly relevant in the current geopolitical context, where Asean countries maintain the principle of neutrality while encouraging dialogue and the participation of major powers such as the US, China and Russia, without compromising regional sovereignty and autonomy. The 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held over four days in Kuala Lumpur, focused on strengthening regional cooperation and jointly addressing global geopolitical and economic challenges.

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major powers.” On the Asean-US meeting on Thursday, Mohamad said no specific list of demands was presented by either party, and discussions focused more on regional security issues and long-term cooperation. “In the Post-Ministerial Conference with the US, we discussed the South China Sea issue and how the US, as a major power, needs to play a discerning role in this region.” He said the matter of tariffs imposed by the US on several Asean countries would be discussed bilaterally, including during upcoming meetings with partners such as the United Kingdom and the US, Bernama reported. Zopfan is a declaration signed by the foreign ministers of the five founding Asean countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,

Eye on illegal ship to-ship transfers KUALA LUMPUR: A new regulation aimed at tightening enforcement against illegal ship to-ship oil transfers in Malaysian waters is expected to come into force by the end of this month, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He said the move reflects Malaysia’s commitment as a coastal nation to safeguard its maritime sovereignty and prevent the country’s image from being tarnished by baseless accusations. “This ship-to-ship issue has become a thorn in our side because we are often accused of practising or allowing illegal oil transfers to take place in our waters. This is our territory, and we will guard and control it more strictly,” he said during a media conference at the close of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Friday. He said under the new regulation, which is currently being finalised, any vessel found conducting unauthorised oil transfers would be detained. – Bernama (Zopfan), said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He said as a trading nation Malaysia cannot be seen as leaning towards any bloc but must maintain a neutral stance for the sake of the country’s stability and interests. “The US is the biggest investor in our country while KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia maintains a balanced and neutral foreign policy approach in managing strategic relations with major powers such as the United States (US) and China in line with the principles of the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality

China is Malaysia’s largest trading partner,” he said at a media conference following the conclusion of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings on Friday. Mohamad said the neutral policy aligns with Malaysia’s commitments under Zopfan and Asean, which aim to maintain the region as a peaceful and stable zone. “Zopfan is very important for Malaysia and Asean. We are in a zone of peace. Therefore, we cannot be seen to lean towards any side, and that is our approach in balancing

MARKING A MILESTONE ... Communications Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching with Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio, its founder Tan Sri Datuk Danny Ooi (right) and CEO Christopher Wong (foreground) at the 30th anniversary of MBR in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Madani tuition programme to kick off in Terengganu KUALA TERENGGANU: “I appreciate and

programmes and projects with an allocation of RM1.836 billion have been approved in Terengganu under the 12th Malaysia Plan’s Fifth Rolling Plan Development Programmes/Projects. He said this is an increase of RM239 million compared with last year. – Bernama

Alexander Nanta Linggi and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. Anwar also asked the people of the state not to be influenced by baseless claims that the federal government is not carrying out any development programmes for their welfare. He said in fact a total of 445

when officiating at the closing ceremony of the Terengganu People’s Madani Programme 2025 at Pasar Kedai Payang yesterday. The event was attended by Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Works Minister Datuk Seri

see Terengganu recording excellent results and I am also proud as a father and grandfather. (Therefore) I would like to announce specifically Madani tuition for Terengganu first. “This is the first such programme in Malaysia,” he said

Terengganu has been chosen to be the first state to implement the Madani tuition programme, with an allocation of RM5.27 million which will benefit 9,408 students and involve the assistance of 614 school teachers, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday JULY 13, 2025

Rising costs make RM10 daily meal budget unfeasible

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: With the Sabah election on the horizon, political analysts believe the contest will be shaped more by local dynamics, regional sentiment and economic grievances than by federal political narratives from the peninsula. The state political landscape is said to be “too fluid” for predictions, but analysts agree that Sabah politics follow a different rhythm than the rest of the country. International Islamic University Malaysia associate professor Dr Syaza Shukri described the Sabah political environment as “very fluid”, in which Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) could still hold ground, but only with strategic cooperation. “GRS’s main challengers are Parti Warisan and Umno. If there is a way to work with Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan (PH), it would make things easier for GRS.” Syaza said using Sabah as a political barometer for other states would not be accurate, adding that its unique demographic and the central issue of state autonomy make it incomparable to peninsular states. Independent analyst Dr Lim Teck Ghee shared the view that the outcome in Sabah would likely have little impact on politics in the peninsula. “A new state-oriented political consciousness has emerged in East Malaysia. “The outcome would depend on the ability of parties to forge PETALING JAYA: While surviving on RM10 for three meals a day is not entirely impossible, the majority of Malaysians polled by theSun believe such a budget is unrealistic in today’s economic climate. Respondents highlighted rising food prices, especially in urban areas, as a major obstacle to keeping meal costs low. Many said even the most basic meals often exceed RM3 per serving, making it difficult to stretch RM10 across an entire day. Some acknowledged that it might be achievable under specific circumstances such as cooking at home using bulk ingredients, but noted that this option is not practical for everyone, particularly those with demanding work schedules or limited access to kitchen facilities. In Petaling Jaya, local company manager David Loo said his breakfast alone would surpass the RM10 budget. “A bowl of wantan mee, for example, costs about RM8 in Petaling Jaya. If you add a kopi cham (a mix of coffee and milk tea), it typically costs RM3.50. “Of course, if you are on a budget, you can choose cheaper alternatives such as bread with

RM30 daily on food. “Even if I only eat two meals outside, breakfast and lunch still cost at least RM20. That is in Klang. In larger cities, it is probably even more expensive,” he said. In Penang, nurse Nur Latifah Abdul Razak, 37, said to keep to a RM10 food budget, she would need to make major compromises. “I would have to buy three packets of rice and vegetables and eat just one piece of chicken a day. I might manage for a short period, but it is not sustainable in the long term,” she said. Similarly, teacher Nur Shamilah Mat Said, who lives in Jerlun, Kedah, said the cost of living even in rural areas makes such a tight food budget difficult to maintain. “Even outside urban areas, RM10 for three meals is no longer sufficient.”

vegetarian options, which she chooses on auspicious days, are not necessarily more affordable. “I sometimes eat vegetarian meals but they are not easily available and are often quite expensive. I am from Bidor in Perak and even there, RM10 a day would not be sufficient,” she said. Rahmadi Shahrul Aznur, 50, a technician at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur, shared a similar perspective. “Breakfast with drinks costs me RM5 to RM6, and lunch can reach RM10. So, RM10 for the entire day is not realistic. “My workplace canteen offers food at a lower price for staff, but how long can one eat the same food every day?” he said. Even outside major cities, the situation does not improve significantly. Civil servant Aizuddin Abdullah, 37, who works in Klang, said he usually spends about

Poll respondents highlight soaring food prices, impracticality of strict spending and difficulty maintaining balanced diet

adding that a RM10 daily budget may have been feasible in the past, but not under the current economic circumstances. “It has been years since one could have balanced meals for RM10 a day,” she added. Friends Annaletchumy Selvarajan, 36, and Shubathra Punathan, 39, shared similar views, saying that obtaining a proper, balanced meal within that budget is nearly impossible. “Typically, you would want rice, a piece of chicken or fish, and a side of vegetables. That already costs at least RM6 per meal. If you eat twice a day, that is already RM12,” said Shubathra. Annaletchumy added that even

plain water in the morning. However, I need a substantial meal to start the day and two to three buns per serving, depending on the type, can also exceed RM10,” said the 59-year old, adding that he usually spends RM1,500 a month on food. Liana Ali, 40, a manager at a Petaling Jaya-based company said although she often skips breakfast, RM10 is simply not enough to cover her daily food expenses. “I would estimate my lunch costs between RM6 and RM8. It is possible to spend less perhaps by limiting rice dishes to a fried egg or vegetables but can one really eat like that every day?” she said,

‘Sabah election hinges on local sentiment, not federal narratives’

peninsula parties such as PH and Umno, Sabah-based parties such as GRS and Warisan remain dominant due to grassroots strength and local sentiment. On the performance of the Madani government, he acknowledged visible efforts in infrastructure and welfare but noted significant gaps in rural connectivity and service delivery. “There is still a trust deficit, particularly in remote areas of Sabah, that must be addressed,” he said. All the analysts agreed that economic issues, especially the rising cost of living, Sales and Service Tax expansion and tariff hikes, are weighing heavily on the electorate and could prove decisive in how Sabahans vote. “The government’s ability to control the narrative around economic issues will be crucial,” Syaza said. Sivamurugan also highlighted the growing role of Sabahans living in the peninsula, who may influence the direction of the campaign, especially on issues such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963. In June, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor confirmed that the state election would be held earlier than expected, possibly as early as this month. However, there is no indication yet that the state legislative assembly would be dissolved soon, with automatic dissolution set to take effect in November. – by Ikhwan Zulkaflee

strong alliances that appeal to Kadazandusun voters, young voters and Sabah’s diverse electorate,” he said, adding that no single coalition or party has a clear advantage in the fragmented field. Lim believes the contest would centre on who can best address local concerns and economic grievances, especially amid the rising cost of living. Universiti Malaya political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said Sabah cannot be used as a benchmark for political trends elsewhere in Malaysia. “Its politics are shaped by family ties, powerful local figures and a strong ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ sentiment. Sabah is unique and cannot serve as a template for other state elections,” he said. Tawfik added that PH may find relative safety in Sabah, not through direct dominance but due to federal alignment. “The ruling party in Sabah tends to align with the federal government. With PH now leading the unity government, that gives it an advantage going into GE16,” he said, adding that national and global issues are unlikely to sway voters in Sabah. “Previous elections have shown that external narratives don’t sell well in Sabah. The campaign should focus on local issues.” Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said despite the involvement of

Health minister welcomes exemption from 45-hour work week CULTURAL SHOWCASE ... Representatives from the Sabah and Sarawak communities living in the Klang Valley showcasing their traditional items during the Hari Gawai and Tadau Kaamatan celebration at Pasar Borneo, Seri Kembangan in Selangor yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

week for its five critical service schemes. It is recognition for the dedication and spirit of healthcare workers who assist patients fighting for their lives every day and at all hours,” he said. On Thursday, the government agreed to exempt five critical service schemes under the ministry from the implementation of the 45-hour shift work week, involving 82,637 healthcare personnel, social nurses, medical officers in emergency departments, assistant medical officers and healthcare assistants. Malayan Nurses Union president Saaidah Athman welcomed the move, calling it a reflection of government concern for the welfare of healthcare civil servants. – Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has praised the government decision to exempt five critical service schemes under the Health Ministry from a weekly 45-hour shift, allowing them to maintain the current 42-hour work week. On behalf of the ministry’s workforce, he expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the exemption. In a statement, he said the decision is clear evidence of the government commitment to understanding and valuing the sacrifices of healthcare workers physically, mentally and emotionally. “The ministry welcomes the decision to maintain the current 42-hour work

NATIONAL 4 theSun on Sunday JULY 13, 2025

Nitrogen-based pollutants affecting health of M’sians

Children get chance to fly drones KUALA TERENGGANU: Flying a drone may be out of reach for many children, but at a Madani Rakyat event in Terengganu, they were given the chance to take the controls for the first time in the Drone JuniorSkills competition. Despite having no prior experience in flying drones, Ammar Rayyan Nur Fahrurozi, 12, from SK Sultan Sulaiman 1 in Kuala Terengganu was thrilled to participate in the competition as he dreams of becoming a professional drone pilot one day. Ammar Rayyan said usually, he only participated in drone-related quizzes at school, but this was his first time handling the real craft. “I want to learn how to capture videos with drones because I’ve seen people shoot beautiful, cinematic footage while on holiday. “Flying a drone is quite challenging. It’s hard to control the speed and balance when it turns. Still, with practice, I think I can be good at it,” he said on Friday. Another participant, Wan Azza Nathifa Wan Nor Azam, 11, from SK Padang Hiliran in Kuala Terengganu, said the competition was a golden opportunity, although she felt nervous when first given the task. “The organiser said I had to complete get past obstacles in under two minutes. At first, it seemed impossible, but once I tried it, it was actually fun.” Wan Azza Nathifa said her interest in drones began about a year ago when her father bought one for the family to play with at home. “I’ve always liked high-tech stuff. At school, I regularly take part in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programmes.” Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training Automotive and Drone Technology Unit head Zuraidy Shamsudin said the competition was organised to provide exposure to students on drone technology and help them understand the basics. – Bernama We suspect they were dumped into Sungai Kinta, and did not die due to pollution (in the river). “Water quality test results carried out by the Environment Department showed readings within a good range, with no signs of pollution that could have caused the sudden death of aquatic life.” Perak Fisheries Department director Mohd Ghazali Manap said immediate action had been taken to remove all the dead fish from the affected area. – Bernama

Studies in Klang Valley show higher rates of asthma, poor lung function and genetic damage among children who attend schools near busy roads Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com Rudiaswady Abdul Rahim.

“Nitrogen dioxide levels spike during traffic jams and along major roads, worsening air quality and making it harder for people to breathe.” He said the country’s air quality monitoring still has major blind spots. “Many smaller towns and rural areas are not properly covered, and we are not tracking other harmful nitrogen compounds such as ammonia. Pollution peaks during rush hour could be slipping under the radar.” He called for better tools, including satellite data and advanced modelling, to track nitrogen pollution more accurately. “We need to monitor all nitrogen-based gases, not just a few, and this data should be made public.” Malaysia currently tracks air quality through 65 monitoring stations nationwide, feeding data into the Air Pollutant Index and to global bodies such as the World Meteorological Organisation. Both experts agree that monitoring alone is not enough. “We must link this data to real health policies. That means banning engine idling near schools and expanding green spaces in our cities,” said Juliana. Rudiaswady recommends introducing air pollution education in schools, launching community-based projects and using mobile apps to show how emissions from vehicles, farms and waste systems affect air,

PETALING JAYA: Nitrogen based pollutants in the city air are silently damaging the health of Malaysians, especially the lungs of children and even altering their DNA. The harm goes far deeper than a cough or wheeze, said Universiti Putra Malaysia environmental health expert Professor Dr Juliana Jalaludin. “Studies in the Klang Valley show higher rates of asthma, poor lung function and genetic damage among children who attend schools near busy roads,” she told theSun A 2024 study in Kuala Lumpur found that fine dust particles are a major threat to children’s lung health. Other research in Kajang and across the Klang Valley links nitrogen dioxide, coarse dust, carbon monoxide and toxic fumes from household and industrial products to asthma, reduced lung capacity and cellular-level harm. “The damage starts early and can last a lifetime. It’s not just about breathing problems. This is about long term health and development,” said Juliana. Across Malaysia’s major cities Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Johor Bahru and Penang, residents are exposed daily to nitrogen oxide from traffic and industrial activity. “These gases make up a large part of urban air pollution,” said Malaysian Association of Environmental Health honourary secretary

the food we eat and the water we drink. It harms our health and contributes to climate change through nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas.”

water and food. Juliana added that nitrogen pollution is more than an environmental issue. “It’s in the air we breathe,

Fifty-two tonnes of invasive ikan bandaraya caught IPOH: Skuad Pemburu Ikan Asing Malaysia, an invasive fish hunting group, has caught 52 tonnes of ikan bandaraya across Peninsular Malaysia since its inception in 2022. posing serious threats to native aquatic species and disrupting the ecosystem. “To date, we have not extended our fish-catching efforts to the East Coast states,” he said at the Grand Prix Invasive Fish Hunting Programme

Pollution ruled out as cause of black tilapia deaths

Mohamad Haziq said despite consistent efforts over the past two years, the population of the species remains alarmingly high in many major rivers. Perak Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim reminded the public that the State Fisheries Department must approve the release of freshwater fish into public waterways. He said such measures are necessary to avoid ecological disruption and protect communities, particularly local fisheries and eco-tourism operators. – Bernama

IPOH: Thousands of dead black tilapia fish found in Sungai Kinta on June 30 are believed to have been dumped into the river by irresponsible parties. Perak Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said an investigation conducted by the Environment Department and the state Fisheries Department found that the fish most likely came from a fish farm. “The dead fish appeared uniform and were not river fish.

Its founder Mohamad Haziq A. Rahman said of the total, about 30 tonnes were caught in the Klang Valley, particularly in Selangor, while the remaining 22 tonnes were from other states, including Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Malacca, Penang and Kedah. “This data confirms that ikan bandaraya is one of the dominant invasive species in our rivers,

organised by the Perak Fisheries Department at Taman Dr Seevinisagam yesterday. The organisation is founded by anglers and inland fishermen operating voluntarily to control the spread of foreign species. The group now has more than 1,000 active members across the peninsular.

NATIONAL 5 theSun on Sunday JULY 13, 2025

Ministry backs move to send ketum users for rehab

SHAH ALAM: Police have launched an investigation into allegations of immoral activities during a marital motivation programme held at a convention centre in Shah Alam. Shah Alam district police chief ACP Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim said the complaint was filed by the husband of a programme participant in late February. “We have summoned the complainant’s wife along with other witnesses who attended the event to record their statements. We have also invited the Selangor Islamic Religious Department to attend the scheduled proceedings,” he said in a statement. He urged anyone with relevant information to come forward and contact the Shah Alam district police headquarters or investigating officer ASP Anuar Amilah at 019-2255597. Department of Islamic Development Malaysia director general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee confirmed that the department will also investigate the programme, which was held last September and has been linked to acts of indecency and polytheism. Meanwhile, Selangor Islamic Religious Department director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad said the organiser was summoned by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council three years ago over concerns with its modules. He said a former participant lodged a report in 2022 regarding inappropriate content used in the programme. “The organiser was called in by the hearing panel under the council’s Aqidah Control Committee and was instructed to revise several modules to ensure compliance with Islamic principles,” he said in a statement. Mohd Shahzihan said Selangor Islamic Religious Department did not receive any report about the alleged immoral activities during the session in September last year, which was later widely shared online. However, he said the department will summon several individuals on Tuesday to assist in the investigation and will work closely with police. He said Selangor Islamic Religious Department will investigate under Section 7 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995 (false doctrine), on suspicion that a ceremony or act related to Islam had taken place which is contrary to Islamic law. – Bernama Police probe alleged immoral acts at marital motivation programme

Experts stress need for recovery initiatives to address dependence, health risks

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Biology principal research fellow Professor Datuk Dr Ibrahim Jantan said besides mitragynine, ketum leaves contain two other psychoactive compounds: 7-hydroxymitragynine and speciogynine. He explained that these compounds are also regulated under the Poisons Act due to their potential to alter behaviour, mood and cognition. “These compounds do not just alter mood, they interact with the brain in ways similar to opioids. That’s why they’re regulated. Because they pose a risk of dependence and can lead to serious behavioural or physiological outcomes if misused, including overdoses, severe withdrawal symptoms and other serious health issues,” he said. Ibrahim cautioned that processed products from ketum , such as powders and extracts, may carry more concentrated and unpredictable chemical compositions compared with raw leaves. “Once ketum is turned into powder or extract, the levels of alkaloids can vary significantly, especially when mixed with other substances,” he added. This inconsistency can alter potency and increase the risk of unintended effects, particularly among younger or services, with prices ranging from RM160 to RM480. “The syndicate’s modus operandi involved promoting services through websites, where clients would make bookings via WhatsApp and Telegram before being directed to the selected location,” he said in a statement. He added that the websites displayed information such as available locations, photographs of the women and subscription prices. “Bookings were made based on the chosen location, the woman and the time slot via the provided WhatsApp or Telegram numbers,” he said. Zakaria said two of the premises were raided at 3pm on

PETALING JAYA: A prostitution ring using WhatsApp and Telegram was dismantled following the arrest of 89 individuals, including foreign nationals and four locals, in three separate operations across the Klang Valley on July 9. Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the arrests were made under Op Gegar, with raids conducted at three premises in Kuchai, Sri Petaling and Cheras. He said the syndicate operated out of budget hotels, offering Thai, Vietnamese, Myanmar and Indonesian women for sexual PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has reaffirmed the National Anti-Drugs Agency’s decision to send ketum or kratom users to rehabilitation centres, even if they do not show physical symptoms of addiction. In a written statement to theSun , the ministry explained that this authorisation is due to the psychoactive compounds found in ketum leaves. “Mitragynine is a substance controlled under the Poisons Act 1952. Section 8 of the Drug Addicts (Treatment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) Act 2024 allows drug or substance abusers to apply for treatment and rehabilitation through a rehabilitation officer. “The officer may certify the individual and prescribe the necessary rehabilitation,” the statement read. Currently, there are 111 One Stop Centres for Addiction operating throughout Malaysia to treat various forms of drug addiction, including ketum abuse. In response to the statement, the daily sought further insight on ketum’s composition from experts. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Institute of Systems

Shazali said psychological addiction happens when a person feels they cannot function without ketum , whether to calm down, manage emotions or get through the day. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

uninformed users. Ibrahim also warned that it can cause liver toxicity, which may be identified through symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, light coloured stools, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and itching. “There have been reports of liver damage associated with ketum use, especially in high doses or when combined with other substances,” he said. Malaysian Psychological Association president Associate Professor Dr Shazli Ezzat Ghazali said ketum dependence may exist even without physical withdrawal symptoms and is often rooted in the same day. “During the raid, a total of 26 foreign women were detained, including six Thai, eight Indonesian, 11 Vietnamese and one Myanmar national, all suspected of offering sexual services. Additionally, two male individuals from Bangladesh and Pakistan were arrested for allegedly working at the premises. Four local men believed to be acting as ‘captains’ or supervisors were also detained,” he said. A third premises, an entertainment centre, was raided at 10.55pm after it was suspected of employing foreign guest relations officers (GRO). “During this raid, 96 individuals were screened and 61 foreign

psychological reliance. “Psychological addiction happens when a person feels they cannot function without ketum , whether to calm down, manage emotions or get through the day,” he said. He added that this can lead to compulsive behaviours such as continued use despite knowing the harm, emotional withdrawal and declining motivation. Shazli explained that interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy can help identify stressors and guide users towards healthier alternatives. However, he stressed that not every ketum user should be labelled an addict. nationals were detained. They included 44 Thai women, two Vietnamese, four Laotians and two Myanmar nationals suspected of working as GRO, as well as five Bangladeshi men and four Thai men believed to be working at the premises,” he said. All detainees were taken to the Putrajaya Immigration Depot under Section 51(5)(b) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for further investigation. “They are suspected of committing offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Immigration Regulations 1963 and the Passport Act 1966. Additionally, seven local citizens were issued notices to appear and assist in the investigation.”

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com Prostitution ring using WhatsApp, Telegram busted

Four held over crude palm oil theft in Sandakan SANDAKAN: The Marine Police Force, in collaboration with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, arrested four men believed to be involved in the misappropriation of crude palm oil during two separate raids in Sandakan. Sabah Region 4 Marine Police commander ACP Mohd Nazri Ibrahim said the integrated operation began with a raid along Jalan Sandakan-Kinabatangan at 3.30pm on Thursday, which led to

media statement. Mohd Nazri said the seized goods, comprising about 75,000 litres of crude and processed palm oil, were estimated to be worth RM2.96 million. – Bernama

“The was conducted at a premises in Bandar Ramai-Ramai, where a tanker and several storage tanks containing crude and processed palm oil were found,” he said in a second raid

the arrest of four men aged between 20 and 45. “All of them were arrested while transferring crude palm oil from a tanker into another tank for delivery to a separate location.

NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday JULY 13, 2025

Ugly side to island tourism

PETALING JAYA: As island getaways in Malaysia grow in popularity, marine conservationists are raising red flags over the environmental toll, warning that unchecked tourism is placing coral ecosystems at serious risk. Popular spots such as Perhentian, Redang and Tioman islands are facing mounting pressure from overcrowding, anchor damage and harmful tourist behavior, all of which are threatening the fragile marine ecosystems. Fuze Ecoteer Outdoor Adventures co-founder Daniel Quilter said official monitoring in 2024 showed Perhentian experienced heavy coral bleaching, with over 50% of reefs affected. “During school holidays, the Overwhelming visitors impacting coral reefs and marine ecosystems Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

harms the ecosystem. But as long as it gets likes on social media, it continues. “These might seem like small issues on their own, but when you multiply them across thousands of visitors, the impact on the reef becomes significant.” Quilter said while various reef monitoring initiatives run year-round, efforts become more focused during bleaching events, adding that a weekly coral bleaching monitoring programme was activated by DOF during the 2024 incident in Perhentian. He said during previous coral bleaching events, no official reef closures were enforced. But in 2010, the Marine Parks Department closed several reef sites to tourists due to the severity of bleaching. “Typically, when bleaching levels reach around 80%, DOF will start considering temporary site closures to allow the reefs time to recover. However, I believe action should be taken earlier. Sites should be closed once bleaching reaches 50% because that level is already very high and significant. We should not wait

number of local tourists in Perhentian, Redang and Tioman skyrockets. “Without a cap on tourist numbers, the situation will keep worsening. In Redang, there are multiple jetties and many are not under the Fisheries Department’s (DOF) control, so there is no coordinated way to manage visitor flow,” he told theSun . Quilter said beyond physical damage, there are also less visible but equally harmful threats to reef health, including sunscreen washing off into the water, sewage issues and small oil leaks from boats. He said in Peninsular Malaysia, marine parks are managed by DOF, but its jurisdiction only extends up to the high-tide mark. “Many of the threats to reefs actually originate on land, from poor tourism planning to sewage discharge and DOF has no authority to control these. “We are seeing troubling behaviour being posted online, such as tourists swimming with turtles that were fed by boat operators to attract them. Feeding marine wildlife disturbs natural behaviour and

Coral bleaching occurs when sea temperatures rise above the tolerance of corals. – PIC COURTESY OF PERHENTIAN MARINE RESEARCH STATION

tourists, even if it means increasing prices, and promote community-led conservation efforts such as the Anak Pulau initiative in Perhentian and the Redang Marine Conservation Group to ensure long-term reef protection. “Sabah has already shown that it can be done. They have implemented diver limits at Sipadan Island and it works.”

until the damage becomes too severe before responding.” Quilter added that coral bleaching occurs when sea temperatures exceed the tolerance of corals, causing them to expel their symbiotic zooxanthellae, a process triggered by prolonged heat stress linked to climate change. Quilter said Malaysia should focus on limiting the number of

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theSun on Sunday JULY 13, 2025

WORLD 7

Asean must double down on integration, says S’pore

MANILA: The Philippines, United States and Japan are focused on developing their trilateral economic partnership to complement their growing security ties, the US State Department said yesterday. Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi discussed the plan and the need to unlock more private sector investments in their flagship Luzon Economic Corridor. They met on the sidelines of the Asean foreign ministers’ meeting in Malaysia. The State Department said Rubio highlighted Manila’s wealth in critical minerals and stressed the need to diversify critical mineral supply chains. The officials proposed advancing trilateral cooperation in the Philippines on cyber security, energy (including civil nuclear energy), and investments in reliable and secure telecommunications networks. They concluded with an agreement to hold trilateral discussions at the senior officials’ level in the coming months to advance their shared desire for peace and security in the region. The officials reaffirmed their interest in advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific and agreed to coordinate cooperation on maritime security, including through Maritime Cooperative Activities, trilateral military exercises, and capacity building and assistance for the Philippine Coast Guard and other Philippine maritime authorities. – Bernama Trilateral push to advance ties

sensitive through excessive publicity or public responses via media conferences or social media. “I am not in a position to reveal the sensitive nature of the discussions which went on here, but I would make this point. It calls for quiet, discreet, constructive, effective diplomacy. “Based on my interactions with all of them and my colleagues in Asean, everyone hopes for an amicable resolution,” he said, adding that it is very unfortunate that the dispute has led to loss of life. Thailand-Cambodia diplomatic relations were strained following the May 28 brief exchange of gunfire between soldiers stationed near the Preah Vihear province in northern Cambodia. – Bernama issues Boeing victims joined litigation charging the aviation giant with wrongful death and negligence. Boeing has accepted responsibility for the crash, blaming the design of the Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System, a flight handling system. The system was also implicated in the Lion Air crash in 2018, when the 737 fell into the sea after taking off from Jakarta, killing all 189 on board. – AFP

ability. Balakrishnan noted that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link could serve as positive models for future bilateral or multilateral integration within Asean. “From an Asean perspective, this (JS-SEZ) also may have relevant lessons for how to do cross-border collaboration that provides competitive advantage by pooling complementary strengths,” he said. On the Thailand-Cambodia border issue, Balakrishnan said both parties need time and secure, quiet channels to allow diplomacy to work in resolving the issue. He said that, in his personal experience, it has never been effective to resolve difficult and

related meetings in Kuala Lumpur. Balakrishnan said the focus of the meetings in Kuala Lumpur was to increase resilience within Asean amid uncertainty, volatility and economic challenges by deepening Asean integration and strengthening external relations with its partners. “In a way, you can

SINGAPORE: Asean must double down on its integration against the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and US tariffs, said Singapore Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan (pic) . He said the grouping ‘Path of no regret’

must ensure that it truly removes every tariff and non-tariff barriers, and optimises its competitive position. “Because that is under our control. That is a path of no regret, and I would say the urgency and the salience of doing it now, it is so much more

think of this as an attempt to increase resilience by increasing the stability of Asean’s economic ties across the world,” he said. The minister noted that he was pleasantly surprised at the very high attendance at

senior levels from the external partners, which is a good reflection of Asean’s convening

obvious,” he told the media on the sidelines of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and

Boeing evades MAX trial with last-minute settlement NEW YORK: Boeing has reached a settlement with a man whose family died in a 737 MAX crash in 2019, a law firm told AFP on Friday, meaning the US aviation giant will avoid a federal trial slated for tomorrow. spokesperson for Clifford Law, the firm representing Njoroge, sometimes only hours before trials were set to begin. The crash of Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 on March 10, 2019 took place six minutes after departing Addis Ababa for Nairobi.

“The aviation team at Clifford Law Offices has been working round-the-clock in preparation for trial, but the mediator was able to help the parties come to an agreement on behalf of Njoroge,” said Robert Clifford, a senior partner at Clifford, in a statement. Boeing has succeeded in avoiding civil trials connected to the 737 MAX crashes of 2018 and 2019, reaching settlements,

Njoroge lost his wife Carolyne, who was 33, his mother-in-law Ann Karanja, and the couple’s three children: six-year-old Ryan; Kelli, who was four; and nine month-old Rubi. Between April 2019 and March 2021, family members of 155

Paul Njoroge, who lost his wife and three children in the Ethiopian Airlines disaster in which 157 people died, was to seek damages in a case in Chicago. “The case has settled for a confidential amount,” said a

Fuel to Air India jet engines cut off moments before crash: Probe

one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff. The other pilot responded that he did not do so,” it said. The aircraft quickly began to lose altitude. The switches then returned to the “RUN” position and the engines appeared to be gathering power, but “one of the pilots transmitted ‘Mayday Mayday Mayday’”, the report said. Air traffic controllers asked the pilots what was wrong, but then saw the plane crashing and called emergency personnel to the scene. Earlier this week, specialist website The Air Current , citing sources familiar with the investigation, reported it had “narrowed its focus to the movement of the engine fuel switches”, while noting that full analysis will “take months – if not longer”. It added that “the focus of the investigators could change during that time”. The Indian agency’s report said that the US Federal Aviation Administration had issued an

NEW DELHI: Fuel control switches to the engines of an Air India flight that crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 260 people, were moved from the “run” to the “cutoff” position moments before impact, a preliminary investigation report said early yesterday. The report, issued by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, did not offer any conclusions or apportion blame for the June 12 disaster, but indicated that one pilot asked the other why he cut off fuel, and the second pilot responded that he had not. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was headed from Ahmedabad to London when it crashed, killing all but one of the 242 people on board as well as 19 people on the ground. In its 15-page report, the investigation bureau said that once the aircraft achieved its top recorded speed, “the Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another with a time gap of 01 sec”. “In the cockpit voice recording,

Participants at a memorial for the crash victims held in Mumbai yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

were

“advisory

and

not

considered an “unsafe condition” that would warrant a more serious directive, Air India told investigators it did not carry out suggested inspections as they

information bulletin in 2018 about “the potential disengagement of the fuel control switch locking feature”. Though the concern was not

mandatory”. Air India was compliant with all directives and alert service bulletins, the report said. – AFP

theSun on Sunday JULY 13, 2025

WORLD 8

Backpacker escapes bush ordeal by ‘sheer luck’

Truce talks held up by withdrawal plans GAZA CITY: Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel for a ceasefire in Gaza are being held up by Israel’s proposals to keep troops in the territory, said two Palestinian sources with knowledge of the discussions. Delegations from both sides began discussions in Qatar last Sunday to try to agree on a halt to the 21-month conflict. Both Hamas and Israel have said that 10 living hostages would be released if an agreement for a 60-day ceasefire were reached. But one well-informed Palestinian source said Israel’s refusal to withdraw all of its troops from Gaza was holding back progress on securing a deal. “The negotiations are facing a setback and complex difficulties due to Israel’s insistence, as of Friday, on presenting a map of withdrawal, which is actually a map of redeployment and repositioning of the Israeli army,” the source said. Hamas has said it wants the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The source said, however, that the Israeli delegation presented a map at the talks which proposed maintaining military forces in more than 40% of the Palestinian territory. “Hamas’ delegation will not accept the Israeli maps ... as they essentially legitimise the reoccupation of approximately half of the Gaza Strip and turn Gaza into isolated zones with no crossings or freedom of movement,” the source said. Mediators have asked both sides to postpone the talks until the arrival of US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Doha, they added. A second Palestinian source said “some progress” had been made on plans for releasing Palestinian prisoners and getting more aid to Gaza. But they accused the Israeli delegation of having no authority, and “stalling and obstructing the agreement”. – AFP No more red lines, says UN expert GENEVA: The top UN expert on Palestinian rights said on Friday that the US decision to place her under sanctions could have a “chilling effect” on people who engage with her and restrict her movements, but that she planned to continue her work. On Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Francesca Albanese would be added to the sanctions list for her actions, which he described as prompting illegitimate prosecutions of Israelis at the International Criminal Court. Albanese said she now faces asset freezes and potential travel restrictions, warning that the US decision could set a “dangerous” precedent. “There are no red lines anymore ... It is scary,” she said via video link from Bosnia, where she was at events for the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. “It might block me from moving around. It will have a chilling effect on people normally engaging with me. My plans are to continue what I’ve been doing.” The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories is one of dozens of experts appointed by the 47-member UN Human Rights Council to report on specific global issues. Albanese, an Italian lawyer and academic, has been a vocal critic of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. She recently published a report calling on states at the UN Council to impose an arms embargo and cut off trade and financial ties with Israel, while accusing the US ally of waging a “genocidal campaign” in Gaza. – Reuters

administration to temporarily halt some of its most aggressive tactics in rounding up undocumented immigrants. Dozens of migrant-rights activists faced off with federal agents in rural Southern California on Thursday. It was the latest escalation of President Donald Trump’s campaign for mass deportations of immigrants. His administration has made conflicting statements about whether immigration agents will target the farm labour workforce, about half of which is unauthorised to work in the US. The Department of Homeland Security said about 200 people were arrested in the raid, which targeted two locations of Glass House Farms. Agents also found 10 minors at the farm, the department said in an emailed statement. The facility is under investigation for child labour violations, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott posted on X. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The scene at the farm on Thursday was chaotic, with federal agents in helmets and face masks using tear gas and smoke canisters on angry protesters, according to photos and videos of the scene. Several farm workers were injured and one died on Friday from injuries sustained after a 9m fall from a building during the raid, said Elizabeth Strater, national vice president of the United Farm Workers. SYDNEY: German backpacker Carolina Wilga (pic) lost hope of rescue after 11 nights in the Australian bush, and only made it out by “sheer luck”, police said yesterday. The 26-year-old walked “confused and disorientated” 24km away from her van after it got stuck in remote bushland in Western Australia. As police searched for her by air, the backpacker’s ordeal ended on Friday when she managed to flag down a woman driving by who took her to police. She was airlifted to a Perth hospital for treatment. “She is still in disbelief that she was able to survive. In her mind, she had convinced herself that she was not going to be located,” said Jessica Securo, acting inspector for the Western Australia police. The rescue was down to “sheer luck”. “I actually spoke to Carolina this morning, so she confirmed that she was Woman recovering in Perth hospital

said she could have planned better.” The terrain “can be quite dangerous”, Securo said. Wilga remained in a Perth hospital, still needing “emotional support” and treatment for some injuries. “She’s had a good night’s sleep. She’s had a shower. We’ve got her some food, which was a massive relief for her. So she’s just taking it one day at a time at the moment.” The backpacker is now in “frequent communication” with her family who are relieved and thankful the Western Australian community came together to “throw every resource at locating their daughter”, Securo said. The family had no plans at this stage to travel to Australia. Police say Wilga had spent two years backpacking around the country, and was working at mine sites in Western Australia while staying mostly at hostels. “Carolina has told me that she loves Australia. She still has so much travel to do here. She hasn’t made it over to the east coast yet, so that’s still on her bucket list.” – AFP

very confused and disorientated,” Securo told a news conference. “She basically looked at the direction of the sun and tried to head west, thinking that that would be her best bet of coming across someone or a road.” Wilga had been last seen on June 29 arriving in the van at a general store in the small agricultural community of Beacon, northeast of Perth. Police found the van on Thursday, abandoned after getting stuck in dense bushland north of Beacon, with plastic orange traction tracks placed beneath the rear wheels. “It appears that she had somewhat lost control of the vehicle, and then it had become mechanically unsound, and bogged,” Securo said. She stayed with the van for one day before leaving the vehicle through “panic”, hoping to find help. Wilga was found “exhausted, dehydrated and hungry”, suffering from cuts and bruises, but “overwhelmed” to have found someone to help her. “She had minimal food and minimal water. From speaking to her, she has

Farm worker dead, hundreds arrested after raid WASHINGTON: A California farm worker died on Friday from injuries sustained a day earlier when US immigration agents raided a cannabis operation and arrested hundreds of workers, according to a farm worker advocacy group. Separately, a federal judge in California ordered the Trump

Protesters gathering in front of federal agents on a road leading to the farm in Camarillo, California on Friday. – REUTERSPIC

raid and some are still unaccounted for, Strater said. DHS said its agents were not responsible for the man’s death, saying that “although he was not being pursued by law enforcement, this individual climbed up to the roof of a green house and fell 30 feet.” Agents immediately called for a medical evacuation, DHS said. – Reuters

The dead worker was identified as Jaime Alanis on a verified GoFundMe page created by his family, who said they were raising money to help his family and for his burial in Mexico. “He was his family’s provider. They took one of our family members. We need justice,” Alanis’ family wrote on the GoFundMe page. US citizens were detained during the