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RM125m funds bring relief to homeowners of delayed housing project Govt takes hands-on approach to rehabilitate stalled development and liaises with financiers to assist 2,400 buyers of affordable units. Report on — page 4

THURSDAY JULY 31, 2025

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Report on — page 5

A firefighter dousing underground peatland fires at Marudi district in northern Sarawak. – SARAWAK FIRE DEPARTMENT PIC

Move to be presented to Cabinet for approval marks key milestone in addressing land scarcity in high density cities: Deputy minister Development guidelines finalised for high-rise vertical schools in urban areas

Communities in northern border region adjoining Kalimantan critically impacted by inadequate water supply for basic consumption. Sarawak facing crisis due to prolonged drought and widespread wildfires

Report on — page 3

Eye on sedative in vape Report on h page 2 Health Ministry to conduct extensive review to decide on reclassifying etomidate as dangerous drug following reported misuse of hospital grade anaesthetic in e-cigarette liquid.

THURSDAY | JULY 31, 2025

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Federal, state govts collaborate to resolve border issues KUALA LUMPUR: The participation of Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to involving state governments, particularly on border issues such as those related to the Sulawesi Sea. Foreign Deputy Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin told he Dewan Rakyat the participation of state governments and relevant agencies in the negotiation process reflects the federal government’s “whole of government” approach. “Discussions on maritime borders are based on legal and technical principles. The government always conducts detailed assessments of any proposed solution,”he said. He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (BN Kinabatangan) on whether the Sabah government would be included in discussions on the Sulawesi Sea to safeguard the state’s interests and ensure economic opportunities for the people of Sabah. In reply to a supplementary question from Bung Moktar on the outcomes and impacts of these discussions, Mohamad said the talks cover not only maritime economic matters but also issues important to both Indonesia and Sabah. In reply to Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) about Indonesian businessman Mohd Riza Chalid, who is under investigation for corruption related to PT Pertamina’s crude oil management between 2018 and 2023, Mohamad reiterated Malaysia’s stance that no individual would be protected in the legal process. “The key point is maintaining Malaysia’s integrity and strengthening our cooperation with Indonesia. The issue involving him is strictly a legal matter.” – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 2,400 tonnes of humanitarian aid from Malaysia successfully entered Gaza on Tuesday via the King Hussein Bridge border crossing in Jordan. This marks the first cross-border delivery success by a Malaysian NGO since Israel closed all entry points to Palestine on March 2. Karisma Humanitarian Aid Mission (KHOM) director Nik Marina Hussin said the supplies, comprising food boxes and infant formula funded by public donations, were transported on four trucks that joined a 60 vehicle convoy coordinated by the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF), with support from the World Food Programme and World Central Kitchen. “The aid had been stored in Jordan since February due to the closure but was immediately handed to JAF once clearance was granted. We were informed that the convoy has now reached Gaza, with the aid among the first to reach starving residents,” she said in a statement. Nik Marina said the breakthrough followed confirmation from Jordanian authorities on July 26 that KHOM aid had been approved for entry, making it the first Malaysian NGO to deliver external aid to Gaza in almost six months. She thanked Jordan’s King Abdullah II for issuing a royal decree that enabled the mission, JAF, the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation and other agencies for prioritising KHOM supplies in Jordan’s sixth aid mission to Gaza. “The political truce in Gaza announced by Israel remains fragile. Even before the war, Gaza needed no less than 1,000 truckloads of food.” Donations to KHOM can be made via its official website at www.khom.org.my. – Bernama Malaysian aid delivered to Gaza

In Singapore, authorities are moving to classify etomidate as a Class C substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act following concerns over its recreational use. Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung recently said random testing on confiscated vape devices showed that roughly one-third of 100 samples contained etomidate. Dzulkefly also said the Health Ministry is continuing its review on the possibility of a national vape ban. “We are studying this seriously, but we will proceed based on evidence and legal considerations.” At the National Health Technology Assessment Conference, which also marked the 30th anniversary of the Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section, he announced plans to elevate the section to a full-fledged division. Dzulkefly cited how countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Thailand have formally institutionalised health technology assessment within their health systems. Several initiatives were also unveiled at the conference to deepen the use of evidence in health service delivery and policy.

o Detailed study aimed at establishing need to list hospital grade anaesthetic under Dangerous Drugs Act: Minister

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Dzulkefly said its work ensures that government health decisions are grounded in data, cost-effectiveness and long-term public health outcomes. “At the moment, etomidate is listed under the Second Part of the Poisons Act under Category B as ‘intravenous sedatives and anaesthesia’ used in clinical practice. “It is not an issue as it is already listed under the Poisons Act but not under the Dangerous Drugs Act,” he told a media conference after launching the National Health Technology Assessment Conference yesterday. The issue of etomidate misuse gained attention after Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii (PH-DAP) urged the government in Parliament on July 28 to classify the substance under both the Poisons Act and the Dangerous Drugs Act. Yii said the K-pods brand, often laced with etomidate, appears to be targeted at young consumers.

PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry will carry out a detailed review before deciding whether to reclassify etomidate as a dangerous drug, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Acknowledging recent calls to tighten control over the hospital-grade sedative following its reported misuse in illicit vape products, he said any move to list it under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 must be guided by evidence and not made in haste. He said the Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section would be central to the process. He added that the section plays a key role in supporting evidence-based policymaking through health technology assessments, clinical practice guidelines, economic evaluations and horizon scanning.

Dzulkefly being greeted by participants at the conference held in Putrajaya yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Strategic plan to drive growth in northern border area

Ű BY HASHINI KAVISHTRI KANNAN newdesk@thesundaily.com

opportunities in sectors such as halal industries, rubber processing, logistics and tourism. He said while there is growing interest in formalising border-based economic activity, no specific plans are currently in place to establish a “Special Economic Zone” or “Financial Free Zone” along the Malaysia-Thai border. “We are open to exploring such proposals in the future should the need arise and if it promises mutual benefit.” He said a feasibility study is currently being conducted to assess the potential of Kedah for a dedicated economic zone, including evaluation of investment prospects, infrastructure integration and social linkages with southern Thailand.

sectors, namely advanced services, high-value manufacturing and modern agriculture, to support balanced regional development. “These efforts reflect our commitment to nurturing local talent, spurring technological innovation and attracting quality private investments,” he said in a written parliamentary reply to Padang Terap MP Nurul Amin Hamid. He said several initiatives are already underway to stimulate economic activity in northern Kedah, including the Kedah Science and Technology Park in Bukit Kayu Hitam and the Kedah Rubber City in Padang Terap. Amir Hamzah said Malaysia is also leveraging on regional cooperation under the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle to explore cross-border economic

PUTRAJAYA: The federal government is targeting RM367.8 billion in investments and over 412,000 job opportunities through the Strategic Development Plan for the Northern Corridor Economic Region 2024-2030, said Economy Acting Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. He said the plan, to be carried out by the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), aims to drive economic growth in the northern border region, particularly at the Bukit Kayu Hitam and Padang Terap districts in Kedah. Amir Hamzah said it focuses on three key

THURSDAY | JULY 31, 2025

3 Vertical schools in pipeline for KL and other cities

Malaysia to table Atomic Bill amendments

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is stepping up its push into nuclear energy, as the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) prepares to propose key amendments to the Atomic Energy Bill — a move aimed at reinforcing the nation’s nuclear regulatory framework. Minister Chang Lih Kang said the move reflects Malaysia’s commitment to exploring nuclear as a future energy source, alongside early progress in thorium (a radioactive metallic element) extraction. “A pre-feasibility study on nuclear energy has been completed. Initial findings show strong potential for Malaysia to pursue this path,” he said in response to Kuala Terengganu MP Datuk Haji Ahmad Amzad Mohamed @ Hashim (PN). Following the study, six technical task forces were proposed – three of which are led by Mosti. They focus on technology and industrial development, nuclear skills and expertise and the legal-regulatory structure. Chang also previously confirmed that the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 will be amended to support the next phase of development. Malaysia currently has 323 research officers at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and 36 science officers at the Atomic Energy Department. Of these, 61 hold qualifications in nuclear science or engineering. “This reflects our commitment to developing local talent to support safe and responsible use of nuclear technology.” Chang said international cooperation is also a core strategy. He said Malaysia is working closely with global agencies on technical training, joint research, technology transfer and capacity building nuclear science. “On July 10, we signed a strategic civil nuclear agreement with the United States. This is a major catalyst for long-term collaboration on Malaysia’s civil nuclear ambitions.” Malaysia is also pursuing similar partnerships with China and Russia to build capacity in nuclear power generation. “The partnerships will give us access to cutting-edge expertise, proven technologies and best practices, which are critical for building our infrastructure and local industry.” Chang added that Malaysia collaborates with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation to detect nuclear weapons tests and use scientific data for natural disaster monitoring, including earthquakes and tsunamis. Malaysia also maintains strong ties with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through technical cooperation, regional agreements and research collaborations under the Asian Nuclear Cooperation Forum. Beyond power generation, Chang said nuclear technology is already being used to tackle environmental and climate challenges.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Education Ministry unveils design blueprint for multi-storey facilities in high-density areas to address land shortages and growing student needs

general public. This would make it easier to monitor and respond to potential threats. Other measures include improving lighting in high-risk areas, increasing the number of CCTVs, hiring more security personnel and mapping out accommodation zones with elevated safety risks. “Student welfare is a shared responsibility involving the ministry, campus administrators, enforcement agencies and local communities. The government will not compromise on student safety.” – By Harith Kamal “The ministry is giving serious attention to three main aspects – student-related needs, technical design considerations and, in some cases, strata management. “Technical priorities include soundproofing, natural lighting and ventilation, emergency exit routes, structural resilience and effective building maintenance. “For integrated models, strata management will be handled on a case-by-case basis.” Wong also responded to concerns by Muslimin on whether the ministry is prepared for a potential surge in demand over the next five to 10 years and whether standard operating procedures are already in place – not only for safety but also for student comfort and daily school operations. He said comprehensive planning and operational guidelines had already been developed. “The guidelines are not just about constructing buildings. They are anchored on principles of naturalness, individualism, accessibility, safety and effective student supervision. “This includes ensuring school designs are curriculum-friendly, green-certified, sustainable and flexible enough to adapt to future needs.” Wong also stated that vertical schools would only be considered in areas with populations exceeding one million, where traditional land-based school construction is no longer viable. “The Education Ministry remains proactive and committed to working with local authorities and various government agencies to address the challenges of education development in urban areas. “Our priority is to ensure access to quality education is never compromised – even in space-constrained environments.” In March, the ministry announced plans to pilot the vertical school concept in Putrajaya, Penang and Kuala Lumpur by the end of the year. KL City Hall had also previously proposed the construction of additional vertical schools in the capital as part of efforts to address land shortages and a growing student population.

PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry has finalised development guidelines for high-rise or vertical schools in urban areas and will soon present them to the Cabinet for approval, Education Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh told Parliament yesterday. Responding to a question from Sungai Besar MP Datuk Muslimin Yahaya, Wong said the move marks a key milestone in tackling land scarcity in high-density cities such as Kuala Lumpur, where demand for public education continues to rise. He said the guidelines have been approved at ministerial level and will be submitted to the Cabinet through a formal memorandum. Wong noted that Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s proposal to build vertical schools – consisting of two blocks ranging from 10 to 17 storeys – had been welcomed by the ministry as

teachers, to fine-tune the design requirements for vertical schools. The proposed concept features three development models: schools on designated education land, schools integrated with community facilities such as clinics and libraries and schools incorporated within residential or commercial developments. Wong stressed that student safety and well-being remain central to planning, covering aspects such as vertical movement, accessibility for students with special needs, emotional and social welfare and access to recreational space.

an innovative solution to urban land constraints. “This is an innovative approach to developing educational institutions, especially in densely populated areas. “It’s not just about building upwards. It’s about ensuring safety, comfort, accessibility and sustainability within limited space.” He said the ministry had consulted with various stakeholders, including the Housing and Local Government Ministry, Town and Country Planning Department (PlanMalaysia), Public Works Department, Fire and Rescue Department, as well as parents and

UNITY IN MOTION ... Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (centre) waving the Jalur Gemilang during the ministry’s monthly assembly at Menara Komunikasi in Putrajaya yesterday. Also present was Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching (third from left). – BERNAMAPIC

Universities told to enhance safety rules following dorm murder PETALING JAYA: The Higher Education Ministry has moved to tighten safety regulations across all public and private universities nationwide following the murder of a female student at a private university dormitory in Cyberjaya. Zambry said under the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555), the chief executive of every private university is responsible for overseeing student welfare, discipline, administration and academic affairs in an orderly and accountable manner. Standards and Guidelines issued in 2023. “They serve as references for all institutions to improve the safety and comfort of student accommodation, particularly for those residing off campus.” appointment of dedicated officers to handle student housing matters on smaller campuses.

In addition, institutions are encouraged to engage regularly with community stakeholders such as the Rukun Tetangga , community crime watch groups, joint management bodies and the police to strengthen monitoring and security efforts. Zambry said the ministry also recommends that off-campus student housing be managed on a block basis to avoid mixed occupancy with the

In a written parliamentary reply on Tuesday, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry remained committed to ensuring institutions of higher learning provide a safe and conducive environment for students, both on and off campus.

Following the incident, the ministry has instructed all institutions to fully implement the guidelines. It has also proposed the establishment of structured Off-Campus Student Management units at larger institutions or the

“To enhance safety standards, the ministry has begun enforcing two existing guidelines – the Off-Campus Student Management Guidelines introduced in 2021 and the Private Higher Education Institutions Premises

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RM125m secured to revive affordable housing project

“The community-based museum approach not only strengthens the relationship between cultural institutions and the public, but also helps preserve the identity of communities often sidelined from the mainstream,” she said, emphasising that the concept reflects the transformation of museums into more inclusive entities that foster greater awareness of identity and history. Initiative to boost groundwater resource management KUALA LUMPUR: The National Integrated Groundwater Network 2025 programme is an integrated strategic initiative to strengthen the management and development of the country’s groundwater resources sustainably based on scientific data. Minerals and Geosciences Department director-general Datuk Zamri Ramli said the effort is in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani, ensuring the security of the country’s water supply and environmental sustainability. He said the programme, led by the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry through the department, is a strategic engagement platform that brings together stakeholders from the groundwater-related industry to foster collaboration. “The programme is also a space for knowledge transfer, sharing of advanced monitoring technology and reporting on the progress of the pilot project for pioneering groundwater mapping and development projects in Kedah.” He said the implementation of the programme supports the principles of inclusiveness, good governance and sustainability. He also said the programme is in line with the National Water Resources Policy and the Integrated Water Resources Management approach, which emphasise the use of scientific data and digital technology in addition to supporting the Public Service Digitalisation Agenda through the use of MyGovCloud in the groundwater monitoring system. “With the participation of international hydrogeological experts, the programme opens up opportunities to share best practices in groundwater resource management at the global and local levels,” he said. Zamri added that some of the key impacts targeted through the programme are to expand the national monitoring network of groundwater resources and provide high-quality data to support the country’s water security policy. He said it aims to improve preparedness against climate change and weather uncertainty, guarantee access to clean and sufficient water in rural areas, and strengthen the technical capacity and innovation in the country’s hydrogeological field. – Bernama

media to see if it was really true. Now, there is real hope,” he said. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Madani government, through the ministry, has made it a priority to revive stalled and problematic housing projects, especially those affecting the low and middle-income groups. Among its key milestones was the restoration of Taman PRR Putera Kiansom in Sabah, which had been delayed for 22 years. Another major breakthrough was the launch of PRR Harmoni Madani in Bestari Jaya, Selangor, resolving a 27-year housing struggle for 247 estate workers. Since the formation of its task force in December 2022, the ministry has managed to revive 1,127 abandoned housing projects, covering 135,211 units valued at RM106.48 billion as of May.

while still paying her mortgage, said: “It has been very hard. We have been paying for two homes, one we live in and another that still is not ready. The unit cost RM260,000 and we have been paying since day one. That is why I am truly grateful to the ministry and the Madani government. “This is amazing news for us, especially as first-time homeowners who have waited over five years.” Civil servant Iskandar Zulkarnain, 34, echoed similar sentiments. “Most of us civil servants buy homes for retirement. Once we leave government quarters, we are on our own. But how do we manage when the house still is not ready? “I bought mine in 2018. It was supposed to be done by 2022. We have been pushing for answers ever since. Even with this new announcement, many of us had doubts. We kept checking social

“When we say the city is for everyone, that includes heritage development. We have included heritage trail routes in the plan, highlighting areas that have been identified as part of Kuala Lumpur’s cultural footprint. “We are continuing efforts to identify and incorporate more of these heritage trails into the plan.” Maimunah added that the plan identifies several heritage villages that would be preserved and gazetted as Sick and Abandoned Projects, the ministry has taken a hands-on approach to rehabilitate the stalled development. After months of technical and financial negotiations, the funding marks a turning point. “With this capital injection, construction would begin immediately under a new main contractor, Bina Permai Sdn Bhd,” said Nga. “This is a vital milestone for a project that has been stalled for far too long. It brings renewed hope to the thousands of buyers who have waited with great uncertainty.” He stressed that this is the project’s last shot at redemption. “This is the final chance. If the project fails again, we will blacklist the developer and all parties involved. “I will use my full ministerial powers, including action against its board of directors. There will be no second chance. “The funds are here, the KPI is set, keys must be handed over by 2027. Enough is enough,” he warned. He urged affected buyers to remain patient just a little longer, assuring them that the government is doing everything possible to ensure completion. For buyers such as private sector employee Suriyanni Rahman, 34, the announcement was long overdue. “I was one of the first to buy a unit back in 2018. My child was five years old then, now my child is in Standard Five. “We never received any formal notification when construction stopped. We found out through our buyer representative, who kept pushing the ministry for updates.” Suriyanni, who rents in Setapak

GOMBAK: The Housing and Local Government Ministry has secured a RM125 million funding injection to revive the long-delayed Residensi Hektar Gombak project, a major breakthrough for the 2,400 homeowners who have waited years for their affordable homes. Launched in 2018 under the Residensi Wilayah programme, the project was developed by Hektar Aneka Sdn Bhd but ground to a halt, missing its promised completion date of May 2022 as stated in the Sale and Purchase Agreement. Minister Nga Kor Ming said: “This delay has deeply affected 2,400 buyers, many of whom are still paying loans for incomplete homes while also covering rent elsewhere. We understand the pressure they are under and that is why this recovery effort is critical.” To ease the financial burden on affected buyers, the ministry has actively engaged with financial institutions to negotiate lower repayment terms and restructure existing loans. Through the National Housing Department and the Task Force for o Funding brings renewed hope to thousands of buyers who have waited years with uncertainty, says minister Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Nga speaking with residents who bought units at Residensi Hektar Gombak at the site of the project. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Plan to balance development with heritage preservation KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 aims to strike a balance between physical protected zones, in line with efforts to retain Kuala Lumpur’s historical and cultural character. wellbeing and safety. In a related

development, Maimunah said city hall has applied to join the Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in March, with confirmation of receipt issued in April. The application is under review by Unesco, with a decision expected in October, Bernama reported. The UCCN recognises cities that prioritise innovation, good governance and community engagement through creativity. museum concept, public involvement in safeguarding cultural heritage could be strengthened as they feel their heritage, culture and history are valued and protected.” She stressed that intergenerational knowledge exchange could also be fostered, providing communities with the space to voice their views in the development of museum programmes and activities.

“If a site is gazetted as heritage, it will remain so. It cannot be altered. This ensures better oversight for all developers in Kuala Lumpur.” She also said the plan adopts a balanced approach to development, incorporating key elements such as economic growth, physical planning, environmental sustainability, heritage preservation, creativity, mental

development and the preservation of the city’s cultural heritage, said Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif. She said Kuala Lumpur City Hall is working closely with the National Heritage Department to ensure a dedicated framework is in place to safeguard heritage buildings across the capital.

Museums evolving into hubs for learning, social engagement BALING: Evolving with the times, the role of museums has gone beyond storing and displaying artefacts to becoming centres for learning and social engagement, said National Unity Deputy Minister K. Saraswathy. She said the “museum within the community” concept emphasises active public involvement in various aspects of museum management and activities. “Through this approach, the community is not merely visitors, but also strategic partners in the research, preservation, conservation and development of exhibition content and museum activities,”she said at the opening of the Kembara Ilmu Jom Gi Baling community outreach in conjunction with the national-level International Museum Day Festival at Dusun Tok Wak near here on Tuesday. Also present were Museums Department director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A Kassim, Kedah Museum director Suhaidi Syukri and Baling district officer Yazlan Sunardie Che Yahaya, Bernama reported. Saraswathy said: “History, heritage and culture are powerful tools in shaping national identity and strengthening unity. “Through this community-based

THURSDAY | JULY 31, 2025 5 ‘Boy found buried died from strangulation’ REMBAU: Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yussof confirmed that a six-year-old boy, whose body was discovered buried in a remote area in Rompin, Jempol, was killed by strangulation with a cable tie, following a post-mortem at Rembau Hospital. “The autopsy revealed the boy died due to pressure from a cable tie around his neck,“ he said, adding that the case is now being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. The investigation first began under Johor police jurisdiction, classified under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 and Section 323/18 of the Domestic Violence Act and Missing Persons procedures. Ahmad Dzaffir said a suspect is still in remand in Johor, but will be taken to Jempol for further questioning. “We will also be recording statements from witnesses, particularly the victim’s mother,” he added. Meanwhile, Jempol police chief Supt Norhisham Mustapar said a hoe, believed to have been used by the suspect to dig the boy’s grave, was recovered from a secluded area near Jalan Bahau–Rompin. Police discovered the victim’s body at about 4.30pm on Monday, after a tip-off led them to the burial site. – Bernama Student detained for punching teacher KUALA LUMPUR: A 14-year-old male student has been detained for allegedly punching and threatening his schoolteacher after he was reprimanded for skipping a physical education class on Tuesday. Kajang police chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof said the 29-year-old secondary school teacher lodged a report at 7.15pm on Tuesday, and the student was detained shortly afterwards in the Kajang area. “The suspect was unhappy with the reprimand, which led to a scuffle with the teacher. He then punched the teacher in the face and threatened him. The incident, which occurred within the school compound, was witnessed by several teachers and students,” he said in a statement. Naazron said the student was remanded for two days and the case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt. - Bernama Fake vape liquid seized, four nabbed KUALA TERENGGANU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry in Terengganu seized 1,405 units of counterfeit electronic cigarette refill liquid worth RM21,094 during an operation. State ministry director Mohd Mufsi Lat said the seizures followed raids on four business premises in the Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Nerus districts on Tuesday. Four men in their 40s, believed to be shop owners and employees, were detained to assist investigations. The operation involved 46 enforcement personnel from the ministry, Kuala Terengganu City Council and the district health offices of Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Nerus. “The raids were conducted following complaints from a registered trademark holder, and the products were found to violate the Trademarks Act 2019,” he said in a statement. He added that offenders could face a fine of up to RM15,000 for companies, while individuals may be fined up to RM10,000, jailed up to three years, or both. He urged the public to report trademark violations through WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, hotline 1-800-886-800 or the Ez Aduan KPDN app. – Bernama

Sarawak drought, wildfire crisis pose threat to lives

o Affected communities struggling with shortage of drinking water due to dry weather while widespread blaze compounds environmental risks

200 football fields. “This is the fifth day we have deployed more firefighting teams from Marudi town to the site. “Accessibility is difficult as the fire had spread into a forest and peatland. The area on fire is still more than 80.15ha,” the department said. The fire reportedly started at an oil palm and pineapple plantation before spreading into surrounding forest and peatland areas, fuelled by dry and windy conditions. In Mukah district, firefighters continue to battle a stubborn forest fire that began six days ago. Although they have successfully extinguished over 2ha, another 2ha remain ablaze, equivalent to around five football fields. In southern Sarawak, a landfill fire in Kota Samarahan has covered at least 4ha, posing health hazards due to smoke and airborne pollutants. In Sibu district, the Tanjung Manis landfill is also burning. Firefighters are trying to control flames across 2ha of waste. The Sarawak government has placed the entire state on alert for wildfires and haze since last week, bracing for more hotspots to emerge if dry conditions persist. While the dry spell shows little sign of easing, coordinated efforts are underway to manage the impact.

Ű BY JOSEPH PETER newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“The communities have no adequate water for their basic consumption.” The former works minister said he has alerted state authorities to prepare for emergency water supply deployment but logistical challenges persist as the nearest major water treatment plant is located in Lawas town, a gruelling seven-hour journey across rugged and mountainous terrain. As water scarcity worsens, wildfires continue to flare across Sarawak, compounding environmental and public health risks. The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department yesterday confirmed that four major fires were still burning across various districts, including Marudi in the north, Mukah and Sibu in central Sarawak and Samarahan in the south. In Marudi, the largest of the wildfires, first reported four days ago, has grown exponentially. What began as a blaze across 4.04ha of plantation and forest in Logan Unga has now spread to more than 82ha, roughly the size of

MIRI: Sarawak is now facing a deepening crisis as prolonged drought conditions and widespread wildfires continue, threatening lives and livelihoods across the northern border region adjoining Kalimantan. In Bakelalan, along the Sarawak Kalimantan mountain range, communities are struggling with severe shortage of drinking water, said state assemblyman Baru Bian. “Clean water sources from underground wells have run dry, while gravity feed systems have also dried up as the drought worsen in populated areas without water treatment plants. “Even in localities with water treatment plants, the supply is depleting due to the extreme dry weather. “I have visited some of the affected communities and the ground situation is indeed critical as drinking water is depleting to crisis levels.

New top cop of Selangor to enhance police image SHAH ALAM: Newly appointed Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar is determined to focus efforts on improving public perception of police services in the state. Shazeli takes over from Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, who was appointed as Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department director at Bukit Aman on July 21. STILL AT IT ... A ‘pay-per-photo’ street photographer taking a picture of a visitor at KLCC despite some of them being recently hauled up and fined RM2,000 each for offering their services without permits. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

of police among the Selangor community. That is my main focus. Insya-Allah , we will collaborate towards achieving that objective. “This positive perception is closely linked to various issues that can be managed, and from there we will plan our next steps based on necessity,” he said after a rank conferment and handing over of duties ceremony for the Selangor police chief yesterday. The ceremony was held at the Selangor Police Contingent headquarters, witnessed by Bukit Aman Logistics and Technology Department director CP Gilberd Philip Layang.

Prior to Shazeli’s appointment, the role was temporarily held by Selangor police deputy chief Mohd Zaini Abu Hassan. Shazeli, 50, who has served nearly 25 years in the force, began his career in the Criminal Investigation Department at the Ipoh district police headquarters in Perak. He has held various strategic roles at Bukit Aman and has led the Special Branch in Perak. – Bernama

Commencing his duties officially yesterday, he said the effort would facilitate the tasks of his team in more effectively managing issues relating to crime and public order. He added that to achieve this, his team would also work closely with the state government to ensure the well-being of residents is maintained at the highest level. “My first responsibility is to work alongside the team in enhancing the positive perception

THURSDAY | JULY 31, 2025

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Local photographer snaps up National Geographic project

KTMB to add extra ETS trips for holidays KUALA LUMPUR: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd would provide two additional Electric Train Service trips on the KL Sentral – Padang Besar route and vice versa , in conjunction with the second-term school holidays and upcoming public holidays, including National Day, Maulidur Rasul and Malaysia Day. In a statement, KTMB said the extra services would operate for 18 days across three periods, Aug 28 to Sept 1, Sept 5 to 7 and Sept 12 to 21. Tickets would go on sale at 10am today. “These additional trains would offer 630 seats daily, including business class, for a total of 11,340 seats throughout the 18-day period.” The southbound train would leave Padang Besar at 11.05am and reach KL Sentral by 4.30pm, while the northbound ETS would depart KL Sentral at 5pm and arrive in Padang Besar at 10.20pm. KTMB said the initiative aims to meet increased travel demand during the holiday season and encourage travellers returning to their hometowns to opt for public transport instead of private vehicles to avoid traffic congestion. “This move aligns with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement on July 24 of an additional public holiday on Sept 15. It also reflects (our) commitment to providing top-quality service for a comfortable travel experience.” KTMB urged travellers to plan ahead and purchase tickets early to receive affordable, flexible fares and avoid last-minute rushes. Passengers are advised to arrive at stations at least 30 minutes before departure, as ticket gates would close five minutes prior to train departure, the statement said. Travellers could purchase tickets online via the KITS Style app, which offers a range of services on one platform. – Bernama

o Mission to capture worlds’ largest annual land animal migration to begin on Aug 10

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian photographer Tinesh Sritharan has been named a National Geographic Explorer for a wildlife conservation project at the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, where he would document the Great Migration, the world’s largest annual movement of terrestrial wildlife such as wildebeest, zebras and gazelles, from Serengeti in Tanzania to the grasslands of Masai Mara. His pitch to the National Geographic Society to document the Great Migration was approved in April and he is set to begin fieldwork at the reserve on Aug 10, which coincides with the peak migration period. “Masai Mara is the heart of the Great Migration. It is not just a visual spectacle but a symbol of balance between nature and people,” he told Bernama. He said his assignment, titled “Echoes of the Savannah”, would be a still photography project, with no video, drone or multimedia formats. “My intent is to tell the story of the migration, not just the river crossings, but the ecological dynamics, predator-prey tension, indigenous perspectives and the conservation challenges that surround it.” His proposal stood out for its emphasis on ecosystem dynamics, including human wildlife conflict, habitat loss and the effects of climate change on animal behaviour and migration patterns.

“This is a story of coexistence, disruption and hope.” To ensure cultural and ecological sensitivity, Tinesh would collaborate with local conservationists, ecologists and indigenous Maasai communities. “Before photographing, I would be consulting guides and researchers who know the land. Their insights would ground my visuals in lived experience.” He added that he had spent months preparing mentally, physically and technically for the fieldwork. Supported by Sony Malaysia, Tinesh would be using a 400mm to 800mm telephoto lens to capture wildlife from a distance without disturbing their behaviour. He said the brand extended its support to his project following a proposal from Wedding Professionals Alliance Malaysia. “The support from Sony Malaysia is not just technical, it is a belief in the mission.” He said he would spend up to 10 days at the reserve capturing the migration, predator-prey dynamics, conservation patrols and indigenous narratives. His deliverables include high resolution images for publication and archiving under the National Geographic editorial platform. “I hope my work would help people realise that these animals are sentient beings in a living system, one that we are part of. “A photograph, when done right, could shift perspectives and lead to change.”

Tinesh said he would spend up to 10 days capturing the migration, predator-prey dynamics, conservation patrols and indigenous narratives.

THURSDAY | JULY 31, 2025

7 Thailand reports second truce violation

abandoned their jobs in Thailand and headed back to their Cambodian homeland last week amid fears that vicious border fighting between the two countries would spill over into violence against Cambodian citizens. “They all worked in Thailand before the fighting broke out,” he said from a campsite consisting of several rows of tents hitched up in a field. “I asked them that we all go back home because of the fighting between the two countries to avoid an attack on us there (in Thailand).” He said he saw social media videos depicting attacks on Cambodian citizens by Thai nationalists and feared that the situation could escalate. Luot, who spent 15 years as a construction worker in Thailand, said he is worried about his family’s prospects, since they now have no jobs or homes, and still owe money to the bank. “If the situation improves, they could return to work in Thailand or find jobs in Phnom Penh,” he said. “But right now, we don’t even have the money to travel to Phnom Penh to look for work.” Luot and his family were among thousands of Cambodian migrant workers to return home from Thailand as a result of the fighting. Before the conflict began, over 520,000 Cambodians worked in Thailand yesterday Cambodian forces fired on positions in northeastern Thailand’s Sisaket province on Cambodia’s northern border. “Cambodian forces used small arms and grenade launchers, prompting Thailand to respond in self-defence,” Thai army spokesman Major-General Winthai Suvaree told reporters. “This was the second incident since the agreement and reflects a behaviour that does not respect agreements, destroys de-escalation efforts and hampers trust between the two countries.” Cambodia rejected the allegations, saying it was committed to the ceasefire and called for observers. “Cambodia strongly rejects the ceasefire accusations as false, misleading and harmful to the fragile trust-building process,” Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Chum Sounry told reporters at a press conference, adding the government supports a monitoring mechanism and independent observation. The ceasefire, which also agreed to halt troop movement, paves the way for a high-level military meeting that includes defence ministers on Aug 4 in Cambodia. There have been no reports of any exchange of heavy artillery fire but also no reports of troop withdrawals by either side. – Reuters said

BANGKOK: Thailand’s military accused Cambodian forces yesterday of breaching a ceasefire agreement at three locations along the disputed border, warning that continued aggression could compel Thai forces to respond more decisively. The allegations come less than two days after both governments agreed to a ceasefire brokered in Malaysia, which came into effect at midnight on Monday, aimed to stop fighting and prevent escalation of their deadliest conflict in more than a decade following five days of intense fighting that has killed at least 43 people and displaced over 300,000 civilians on either side. The truce came after a sustained push from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump, with the latter warning Thai and Cambodian leaders that trade negotiations would not progress if fighting continued. Thailand and Cambodia face a tariff of 36% on their goods in the US, their biggest export market, unless a reduction can be negotiated. After the ceasefire deal was reached, Trump said he had spoken to both leaders and instructed his trade team to restart tariff talks. o Cambodia rejects allegations SEPT 9 VERDICT IN THAKSIN CASE BANGKOK: A Thai court will issue its verdict on Sept 9 in a case over the legitimacy of the prolonged hospitalisation of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra in lieu of prison, his lawyer Winyat Chatmontree said yesterday. The former prime minister, who still wields tremendous influence in Thai politics, could potentially be sent back to jail as a result of the case. – Reuters SUSPENDED PM TO SUBMIT DEFENCE BANGKOK: Thailand’s Constitutional Court yesterday said suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra would have until Monday to submit her defence in a case seeking her removal from office. The case stems from a leaked audio recording of a call in June between her and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen about the border dispute between the two countries. – Reuters FIREWORKS FACTORY BLAST KILLS NINE BANGKOK: At least nine people died and two others were injured in a fireworks factory explosion in central Thailand yesterday. The factory ignited around 11am (noon in Malaysia) in Mueang district of Suphan Buri province, north of Bangkok. Thai police said nine people were confirmed dead and two others were being treated at a nearby hospital. “We are trying to identify the cause,” police chief Wanchai Khaoram told AFP.

Foreign military attaches and diplomats from 13 countries inspecting the An Ses border checkpoint, also known as Chong Arn Ma in Thailand yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

Displaced Cambodians return home

Migrant workers count costs of conflict SAMROANG (Cambodia): In a makeshift refugee camp in the northwestern Cambodian province of Oddar Meanchey, a father and his extended family are now counting the costs of a five-day border conflict with Thailand that ended in an uneasy ceasefire on Monday. Yen Luot, 59, together with his four children and their spouses,

BR I E F S

KOUK KHPOS: As Cambodia and Thailand’s ceasefire held on Tuesday, farmer Lat Laem headed back home. Back in his Cambodian village of Kouk Khpos, about 10km from the Thai border, 30-year-old Lat Laem is grateful for his homecoming. “I feel happy to be back to my newly built home,” he said, after a two-hour trip on a tractor through shuttered villages. Lat Laem said he was working in his rice field when the first blasts broke out, heralding the start of fighting. When the strikes started raining down around his home, Lat Laem says he took refuge in his brother’s bunker. He was initially reluctant to abandon his recently constructed home. When the blasts became too much to bear, he fled with his wife and daughter, his sister-in-law and her children on a tractor-drawn wagon known locally as an “iron cow” – piled with a few scant belongings including cooking gear and a fan – and headed to a shelter 50km away. “I was worried that my house that I spent all my money to build might be damaged,” said Lat Laem. But pacing the perimeter of his own patch of land back near the contested frontier he confirms it is free of shrapnel scars – undamaged by the turmoil. “It was not hit, it is intact,” he marvelled. “Now I am happy that it is all good.” – AFP

Komsan Prachan (left), 40, who lost his wife and two children when an artillery shell slammed into a petrol station, stands in front of an destroyed store during a religious ceremony in Sisaket province, Thailand, yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

hostilities between the two countries could have put her in danger. She said she didn’t know what she would do next. “If I had the opportunity to find work in the country (Cambodia), I would stay, rather than returning to Thailand.” – Reuters

Thailand, accounting for 12% of the country’s foreign workforce, according to official data. Luot’s daughter Chharn Sarou, who worked in a Thai factory before fleeing across the border last week, said her manager wanted her to stay in Thailand but she was afraid the

THURSDAY | JULY 31, 2025

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Quake off Russia sparks Pacific tsunami warnings

Australia widens teen social media ban to YouTube

SYDNEY: Australia said yesterday it will add YouTube to sites covered by its world-first ban on social media for teenagers, reversing an earlier decision to exempt the Alphabet-owned video sharing site and potentially setting up a legal challenge. The decision came after the internet regulator urged the government last month to overturn the YouTube carve-out, citing a survey that found 37% of minors reported harmful content on the site, the worst showing for a social media platform. “I’m calling time on it,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement highlighting that children were being negatively affected by online platforms, and reminding social media of their social responsibility. The decision broadens the ban set to take effect in December. YouTube says it is used by nearly three-quarters of Australians aged 13 to 15, and should not be classified as social media because its main activity is hosting videos. “Our position remains clear, YouTube is a video sharing platform with a library of free, high-quality content, increasingly viewed on TV screens. It’s not social media,” a YouTube spokesperson said by email. Since the government said last year it would exempt YouTube due to its popularity with teachers, platforms covered by the ban, such as Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, have complained. They say YouTube has key similarities to their products, including letting users interact and recommending content through an algorithm based on activity. The ban outlaws YouTube accounts for those younger than 16, allowing parents and teachers to show videos on it to minors. “Teachers are always curators of any resource for appropriateness (and) will be judicious,” said Angela Falkenberg, president of the Australian Primary Principals Association. Artificial intelligence has supercharged the spread of misinformation on social media platforms such as YouTube, said Adam Marre, chief information security officer at cyber security firm Arctic Wolf. “The government’s move to regulate YouTube is an important step in pushing back against the unchecked power of big tech and protecting kids,” he added in an email. Last week, YouTube told Reuters it had written to the government urging it “to uphold the integrity of the legislative process”. Australian media said YouTube threatened a court challenge, but YouTube did not confirm that. “I will not be intimidated by legal threats when this is a genuine fight for the well-being of Australian kids,” Communications Minister Anika Wells told parliament yesterday. The law passed in November only requires “reasonable steps” by social media platforms to keep out Australians younger than 16, or face a fine of up to A$49.5 million (RM136 million). – Reuters

TOKYO: A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami waves of up to 5m and sparked evacuation orders in Hawaii and across the Pacific yesterday. The shallow earthquake damaged buildings and injured several people in the remote Russian region, while much of Japan’s eastern seaboard was ordered to evacuate. A resident in the city of Petropavlovsk Kamchatsky said the shaking rumbled for several minutes. “I decided to leave the building. It felt like the walls could collapse at any moment. The shaking lasted continuously for at least three minutes,” said Yaroslav, 25. Tsunami waves struck parts of Kamchatka, partially flooding the port and a fish processing plant in the town of Severo-Kurilsk and sweeping vessels from their moorings, regional officials and Russia’s Emergency Ministry said. o Largest temblor in region since 1952, say scientists

Three tsunami waves had been recorded in Japan, the largest of 1.3m, officials said. Russia’s Ministry for Emergency Services said on Telegram that a kindergarten was damaged but most buildings withstood the quake. No serious injuries or fatalities have been reported. Several people in Kamchatka sought medical assistance following the quake, said Regional Health Minister Oleg Melnikov. In Severo-Kurilsk in the northern Kuril islands, south of Kamchatka, tsunami waves exceeded 3m, with the largest up to 5m. Alexander Ovsyannikov, the town’s mayor, said four tsunami waves had passed. Kamchatka and Russia’s Far East sit on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a geologically active region that is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. “However, due to certain characteristics of the epicentre, the shaking intensity was not as high as one might expect from such a magnitude,” said Danila Chebrov, director of the Kamchatka Branch of the Geophysical Service, on Telegram. “Aftershocks are ongoing. Their intensity will remain fairly high. However, stronger tremors are not expected in the near future. The situation is under control.” – Reuters

“Today’s earthquake was serious and the strongest in decades of tremors,” Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov said in a video posted on the Telegram messaging app. Russian scientists said it was the most powerful quake to hit the region since 1952. In Hawaii, coastal residents were told to get to high ground and the US Coast Guard ordered ships out of harbours. Shortly after 0730 GMT (1.30pm in Malaysia), the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said waves of up to 1.7m were impacting the Hawaiian islands. The US Geological Survey said the earthquake was shallow, at a depth of 19.3km and centred 119km east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city of 165,000. It revised the magnitude up from 8.0 earlier, and reported a series of strong aftershocks up to a magnitude of 6.9. Tsunami alarms sounded in coastal towns across Japan’s Pacific coast and evacuation orders were issued. Workers evacuated the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant, its operator Tepco said. Broadcaster Asahi TV reported a 58-year old woman died when her car fell off a cliff while she was evacuating in central Japan’s Mie prefecture.

A tsunami hits Severo-Kurilsk on Paramushir Island of Russia’s northern Kuril islands. – GEOPHYSICAL SERVICE OF THE RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES /AFPPIC

Shanghai evacuates 283,000 residents as typhoon hits SHANGHAI: Authorities here have evacuated almost 283,000 people from vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas as Typhoon Co-May approaches, bringing lashing rains and high winds, state media reported yesterday. eastern Zhejiang Province at about 4.30am yesterday (same time in Malaysia), with winds of 83kph near its centre. Sheets of rain inundated the city without pause yesterday, with pedestrians bracing their umbrellas against gusts and delivery drivers splashing through huge puddles as they made their way through sodden streets.

Its passage has had an indirect link to extreme weather in China’s north, Chen Tao, chief forecaster at the National Meteorological Centre, told China Daily . Heavy rain there has killed more than 30 people and forced authorities to evacuate tens of thousands, state media reported on Tuesday. “Typhoon activity can influence atmospheric circulation, altering the northward transport of moisture,” Chen said. Natural disasters are common across China, particularly in the summer. – AFP

after making landfall in the morning, live shots from China’s east coast showed waves overrunning seaside walkways, while broadcasts from the city of Ningbo showed residents walking through ankle-deep water. China also issued a tsunami warning for parts of the eastern seaboard after an earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. However, the warning was later lifted, according to CCTV. Co-May was downgraded to a tropical storm before leaving the Philippines and then strengthened again over the South China Sea.

It was expected to make a second landfall in financial hub of Shanghai in the evening. From Tuesday night to 10am yesterday, 282,800 people have been evacuated and relocated, basically achieving the goal of evacuating all those who needed to be evacuated, state broadcaster CCTV reported. More than 1,900 temporary shelters have been set up across the city, authorities said.

Almost a third of flights from Shanghai’s two international airports have been cancelled, the city’s news service said, totalling about 640. The Shanghai Meteorological Observatory yesterday afternoon upgraded an earlier yellow rainstorm alert to orange, the second-highest warning level. Typhoon Co-May made landfall in

Ferry services have been cancelled, additional speed limits are in place on highways, and there has been some disruption to metro and train services in the city. However, Shanghai’s Legoland and Disneyland remained open yesterday morning. As the typhoon tracked northwest