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Malaysia to push for local action on global environmental policies Integration of New Urban Agenda into UN Framework Convention on Climate Change ensures none left behind in urbanising world. Report on — page 4

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They want to shut me up Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli expresses belief attack on son and threats sent to wife meant as ‘persuasion’ to stop investigation on scandal exposed by whistleblowers.

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Rafizi said he has submitted all relevant information to police and would leave it to investigators to conduct a thorough probe. – BERNAMAPIC

Access to savings before age of 55 contradicts objective of retirement financial support for members in old age: PM RM14.7 billion withdrawn through EPF Account 3 since May last year

‘Reactive move alone insufficient without sustainable plan that builds culture in which students understand wrongdoing.’ Experts sceptical on introduction of anti-bullying chant in schools

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RM14 billion withdrawn from EPF Account 3 since last year o Figure represents transactions by 35.1% of fund’s 13.2m contributors under age of 55 as of June, says PM Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Anwar: MCMC not instructed to investigate Muhyiddin KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has clarified that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) was not instructed to investigate Pagoh MP Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin over the recent RON95 targeted subsidy issue. He said MCMC was instead asked to verify the authenticity of the sources that were referred to in relation to the matter. “I asked MCMC for clarification. Some misunderstood and claimed that MCMC is being asked to investigate Pagoh. No. Let me clarify. I said the information came from one, two or three sources. I told them (MCMC), please investigate these sources. “If the sources are found to be unreliable, then the statement (based on them) is not valid. But let’s wait for MCMC’s findings first.” He was replying in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday to a supplementary question by Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) on whether he would apologise to Muhyiddin pertaining to the issue. In the Dewan Rakyat last week, Muhyiddin, who is also Perikatan Nasional chairman, demanded an apology from Anwar for accusing him of defending foreigners over the RON95 targeted subsidy initiative. “I have no issue with apologising. But we’re still waiting for confirmation. One source has already been found to be inaccurate. If the remaining two are also found to be false, I have no problem apologising. “If MCMC confirms it, I will clarify and apologise to Pagoh MP, but let’s wait for it first.” Meanwhile, on the issue of legal immunity, Anwar explained that his application to refer eight legal questions to the Federal Court was regarding the interpretation of whether an action against the prime minister could be considered frivolous, vexatious or an abuse of process. “Immunity means that it cannot be disputed. The application is for the court to decide whether it is possible for anyone to attack the prime minister in a frivolous and vexatious manner that interferes with our field of work. “That is what the application is all about, and it is up to the court. The court makes the decision, not the prime minister,” he said in reply to Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah), who asked Anwar to clarify the allegation that he was applying for legal immunity from civil and criminal cases in court. – Bernama No interference on Petronas decisions: PM KUALA LUMPUR: Any decision on and review of upstream assets will be left entirely to Petronas, without political interference, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said Petronas is a corporate body recognised as one of the best companies in the world, and a long-term perspective must be considered, given the uncertainties in the global oil and gas market. “Nonetheless, Petronas should take into account its asset portfolio. We see (Petronas has assets) in several countries, such as Brazil, where it has seven upstream, three development and four exploration blocks.” He said its operation in Canada, which is a strategic market, is due to its strength in a large natural gas reserve of around 50 trillion cubic feet. Anwar was replying to a question from Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (PH-Balik Pulau) in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday regarding the rationale for implementing the rationalisation of Petronas’s asset portfolio and its strategy to deal with global market uncertainties involving the sale of assets, such as in Canada and Brazil. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Since the launch of the EPF Flexible Account (Account 3) in May 2024, 4.63 million members have withdrawn a total of RM14.79 billion, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the amount represents 35.1% of the fund’s 13.2 million members under the age of 55 as of June. He added that the current total balance in Account 3 stands at RM10.16 billion. “Previous EPF special withdrawals, particularly from Account 1, were temporary measures to address the exceptional circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic. “The EPF’s core mandate as a social protection institution is to ensure adequate retirement savings to support members in old age,” he said in a written reply to Parliament. He was responding to Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (PN–Arau), who asked about the possibility of allowing 30% of Retirement Account (Account 1) savings to be transferred into Account 3 to help low-income citizens cope with rising living costs. Anwar, who is also Finance minister, said withdrawals from Account 1 would contradict the EPF’s role as trustee of retirement savings, and are inconsistent with international standards, which recommend providing nine fundamental branches of social protection to guard against vulnerabilities at various life stages, including old age. “To balance members’ long, medium and short-term financial needs, the EPF restructured its accounts in May 2024 into three categories – the Retirement Account (Account 1), the Sejahtera Account (Account 2) and the Flexible Account (Account 3), with contribution ratios of 75%, 15% and 10% respectively. “Account 1 is dedicated to retirement savings, Account 2 allows pre-retirement withdrawals for education, healthcare and housing while Account 3 enables members to access savings at any time, particularly in emergencies.” Anwar said EPF savings, particularly in Account 1, are intended for retirement and are not a long-term solution to cost-of-living pressures or temporary employment issues. He said the government has introduced various forms of assistance, including direct cash aid, targeted subsidies and special incentives to ease the people’s burden and safeguard their well-being. In a separate reply to Datuk Dr Alias Razak (PN–Kuala Nerus) on the use of EPF Account 2 savings for health insurance premiums, Anwar said the government, through Bank Negara Malaysia, the Health Ministry and the Finance Ministry, has launched the “Reset” strategy to address rising healthcare costs and private

Anwar said EPF savings, particularly in Account 1, are intended for retirement and are not a long-term solution to cost-of-living pressures or temporary employment issues. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

transition, carbon pricing, strengthening coastal resilience and addressing the challenges of an ageing society. On her meeting with Bima Arya, Zaliha said they spoke about bold ideas for the future, of the region, including the vision of Asean 2045, with easier travel across borders, smarter waste and logistics systems and stronger digital connections between cities. “I also shared the Federal Territories’ role as a pioneer of the CHASE city concept under Malaysia Madani and extended an invitation for Jakarta to join this journey.” – Bernama “However, the government emphasises that purchasing the basic MHIT product will be voluntary and based on individual choice. As with other insurance and takaful products, policyholders are expected to pay MHIT premiums from any financial source they have. “Using EPF Account 2 funds is just one of the options available to members to purchase MHIT coverage.” Anwar said once the basic MHIT policy is finalised, the EPF is prepared to enhance its i-Lindung facility to allow the use of Account 2 funds for purchasing the product. He added that the structure and design of the MHIT product are still being finalised, with the concept expected to be completed by December and implementation targeted for the end of 2026.

insurance premiums. “One of Reset’s key pillars involves improving Medical and Health Insurance and Takaful (MHIT) by developing basic products that offer more sustainable and stable premiums in the long term. “The initiative also aims to help users better understand and choose their MHIT coverage. The revamped MHIT programme has three main goals – to provide broad, affordable protection for major healthcare costs, use private healthcare funding efficiently and promote value-based health outcomes.” He said engagement sessions with key stakeholders are ongoing to ensure that all views on MHIT product design are considered and aligned with affordability and long-term sustainability principles.

Discussions on cooperation with Singapore, Indonesia KUALA LUMPUR: Close cooperation of the Federal Territories with Singapore and Indonesia is expected to bring significant benefits to all three parties in realising the Asean Vision 2045, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Zaliha said during her meeting with Low, who is also the Mayor of Singapore’s South West district, discussions centred on the experiences and best practices of Asean cities, including the CHASE (clean, healthy, advanced, safe and eco-friendly) city concept adopted in the Federal Territories. “I also shared how this initiative began by listening to the voices of the people and integrating those aspirations into developments such as Kota Madani,” she said in a post on her Facebook page. She said cooperation with both countries was discussed during a courtesy call by Singapore Trade and Industry Ministry and Culture, Community and Youth Ministry Senior Minister of State Low Yen Ling and Indonesian Home Affairs Deputy Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto on Wednesday. Zaliha and Low also exchanged views on women-led urban leadership, clean energy

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‘Symbolic gestures not enough to tackle bully issues’

More than 82,000 immoral social media content removed KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 82,076 postings of immoral content on social media were taken down by platform providers between Jan 1, 2022 and July 1 this year following requests by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). The Communications Ministry, in a written reply to Muhammad Ismi Mat Taib (PN-Parit) posted on the Parliament website, said the removed content violated the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) as well as other existing laws. Other action taken include the blocking of the Facebook page named Grup Budak-Budak Sekolah Rendah, which was found to contain elements that violated Section 233 of Act 588, including child sexual abuse material. In response to Muhammad Ismi’s question on the existence of immoral service offerings on social media apps, the ministry said the actions were part of joint anti-vice enforcement operations under Ops Pedo and Ops Noda, aimed at curbing the spread of inappropriate content on digital and social media platforms. The ministry clarified that content removals are subject to the assessment and discretion of social media platforms, based on their respective community guidelines and the application of relevant local laws. “In addition to social media filtering, the government, through MCMC, has also implemented blocks and restrictions on applications offering immoral services on platforms such as Google Play and Apple Store,” the reply stated. However, the ministry added that control over content on such platforms remains under the policies of their respective providers, which are foreign owned and operated outside Malaysia. During the same period, social media platforms also removed 37,845 postings of false information and 7,846 posts linked to 3R issues (race, religion and royalty) upon request by MCMC. In a separate response to Chong Zhemin (PH–Kampar), the ministry said the actions included the shutting down of politically driven troll accounts that manipulated information to provoke racial and religious tensions. “All actions are executed in accordance with existing legislation, regardless of an individual’s political affiliation or beliefs, to ensure that freedom of expression is not abused.” The ministry also confirmed that MCMC works closely with police in enforcing Act 588 and related laws.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Experts say move to chant ‘Kami Benci Buli’ in schools counterproductive, with need to address underlying causes and implement sustainable action to curb problem

psychological harm. “It may serve as a symbolic kickstart or a daily reminder, but chants alone rarely solve entrenched bullying problems or extreme individual behaviour,” she said. She warned that without strong messaging and proper systems to address or punish actual bullying, chants could even have unintended consequences. “There is a possibility that chants can turn into teasing or mockery, especially if not backed by strong measures,” she said. On whether repetitive chanting could cause “compassion fatigue” or desensitisation, she said it depends on how well the message is reinforced. Siti Khadijah stressed that anti-bullying efforts must address underlying causes such as family environment, peer influence and self-esteem rather than relying on public declarations. She called for stronger policies, accessible interventions for those showing early signs of bullying tendencies, clear reporting and handling procedures, and harsher consequences for offenders. The Education Ministry has yet to outline how chants will be integrated with other anti-bullying measures. compared with 44,991, resulting in a sex ratio of 108 males for every 100 females. “On average, one baby was born every minute, 43 babies every hour and 1,027 babies each day in the second quarter.” Selangor recorded the highest number of live births at 17,605, while the Federal Territory of Labuan recorded the lowest with 274. “Mothers aged 30 to 39 recorded the highest live births with 48,503, which is 51.9%, followed by mothers aged 20 to 29 years at 40.8%, 40 years and over at 5.6% and less than 20 years at 1.6%.“ A total of 48,408 deaths were recorded in the second quarter of the year, a decrease of 3% compared with 49,906 in the second quarter of 2024. Despite the decline in births, Malaysia’s population was estimated at 34.2 million in the second quarter, up from 34.1 million in the same period of 2024, reflecting a slower growth of 0.5% compared with 1.9% previously. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry directive for schools to recite daily chants of “Kami Benci Buli” (We Hate Bullying) has drawn mixed reactions from experts, who warn that symbolic gestures alone may not be enough to address the deep-rooted problem. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia education expert Dr Anuar Ahmad described the move as reactive. “From an educational perspective, this is not effective. We’re not talking about chanting after a bullying incident and then forgetting about it. “Will these chants continue for years? If bullying is not managed properly, it will persist. Chanting is not a sustainable approach,” he said. Anuar added that chants may serve as an immediate, visible action but cannot replace comprehensive measures. He said weak enforcement and inconsistent monitoring often allow bullying to continue. “I prefer sustainable action that builds a culture in which students truly understand bullying is wrong, not just because of a chant,” he said. He recommended installing CCTVs at all schools, especially in

adults are ‘doing something’ while nothing changes. “Mandated moral messaging can provoke resistance, especially among older students,” she said. Instead of symbolic gestures, she urged schools to have clear playbooks for staff, students and parents, activate bystanders and embed routines to encourage intervention and ensure safe reporting systems with rapid response. She also called for targeted measures in boarding schools, such as audits, wardens and hotspot mapping, as well as coaching for staff to better detect and respond to bullying. University of Nottingham Malaysia associate professor Dr Siti Khadijah Zainal Badri said from a psychological perspective, chants have very limited effect in preventing or changing student behaviour, particularly in extreme cases causing serious physical or

hidden areas, hiring full-time wardens in hostels and creating a School Well-Being Index to track safety, student health and facilities. Malaysia could learn from Australia’s evidence-based approach, which combines clear rules, guidelines and modules to reduce bullying rates, he added. Parents Action Group for Education chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim agreed chants alone could be counterproductive. “A daily chant on its own won’t reduce bullying in a durable way. Done clumsily, it can trivialise the problem or trigger pushback,” she said. Noor Azimah added that slogans and pledges rarely work unless they are part of a whole school programme with trained staff, clear procedures and data tracking. “A rote call-and-response can become a joke, signalling that the

Number of births decrease in second quarter PUTRAJAYA: The number of live births in Malaysia fell by 7.1% to 93,435 in the second quarter, compared with 100,558 during the corresponding period last year, according to the Statistics Department Demographic Statistics report released yesterday.

Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said male babies continued to outnumber females, with 48,444 births

“Action may be taken against any individual under Section 233 of Act 588 for misusing applications or social media services to create and disseminate false or offensive content, with the intent to annoy, harass or harm others.” – Bernama RM42 billion disbursed to 1MDB for debt repayments: Ministry

Mohd Uzir said despite the decline in births, Malaysia’s population was estimated at 34.2 million in the second quarter of this year, up from 34.1 million in the same period last year. – BERNAMAPIC

KUALA LUMPUR: A total net fund of RM42.17 billion has been channeled to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) to finance its debt repayments and meet its financial commitments as of July 31. The Finance Ministry said of the amount, RM15.44 billion came from the ministry’s fund and Minister of

“The present government is highly committed to continuing efforts to recover all misappropriated funds related to 1MDB and SRC, with the primary objective of maximising returns to settle debts and meet the commitments of 1MDB and SRC within the stipulated timeframe,” the ministry said. – Bernama

the return of assets linked to high profile cases such as 1MDB. The ministry said to date, 1MDB’s outstanding debt, comprising Islamic medium-term notes principal and interest payments up to 2039, amounts to RM9.02 billion – RM5 billion in principal amount and RM4.02 billion for interest.

for interest payments and company commitments,” the ministry said in a parliamentary reply on the Dewan Rakyat portal. This was in response to a query from Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PH-Bandar Tun Razak), who wanted to know the amount of public funds recovered since 2022, including

Finance Inc, which was channeled in the form of shareholder advances or loans. The remaining RM26.73 billion was from funds resulting from 1MDB asset recovery. “Of the total, RM28.93 billion was used for 1MDB principal debt repayment while RM13.24 billion was

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Push for local action on global environmental policies

Call for boost in safety measures for water transport KUALA LUMPUR: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has called for enhanced safety measures in water transport and related activities, particularly in the tourism sector, in line with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM 2026). In a statement, NIOSH said tourism boat operators and handlers must comply with laws and safety standards. This includes technical requirements under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 and tourism safety guidelines issued by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry. “Various incidents involving water transport, including the capsizing tragedy in Pulau Perhentian that claimed lives and injured several victims on June 28, should serve as a reminder to all parties of the importance of adhering to safety procedures for the well-being of passengers, workers and tourism operators.” To this end, the agency expressed its readiness to assist relevant parties in complying with related laws and regulations through safety training, compliance audits and the strengthening of risk management systems. NIOSH added that the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022, enforced since June 1 last year, requires employers with five or more workers to appoint an occupational safety and health (OSH) coordinator. These coordinators are responsible for assisting employers in complying with OSH legislation and implementing OSH programmes in the workplace. “In this regard, NIOSH also offers the OSH coordinator course and various other programmes to help operators meet legal requirements, such as basic OSH and first aid training, which also includes water rescue skills. “In addition, NIOSH offers an internationally recognised management system known as the ‘Adventure Tourism Safety Management Systems’ . “This system is designed to help operators identify risks, plan safety controls and provide requirements for participants.” The agency also said through the implementation of the system, safety audits and evaluations should be conducted to ensure that the operations of the parties involved comply with standards and regulations. – Bernama

“These milestones are not just agreements on paper, but living commitments to build cities that are sustainable, people-centred and climate-resilient.” On behalf of the participants, Nga also formally submitted the Kuala Lumpur Sustainable Declaration on Localising Asean Community Vision 2045 as an official input to the 47th Asean Leaders’ Summit in October. “This declaration sends a message that without action, we risk fracturing our cities and increasing disparity in equity distribution.” His proposal to integrate the New Urban Agenda into UNFCCC would mark the first time urban priorities are formally embedded within the climate change framework, ensuring that global environmental policies translate into actionable measures for local governments. He said the Kuala Lumpur Call to

Action for COP30 would drive this mission forward and serve as a rallying point for governments, cities and communities ahead of the UN climate talks in Brazil. The next AGMF and MGMAC would be held in Manila in 2026, while Kuala Lumpur would welcome international visitors for Visit Malaysia 2026. He also said the gatherings this week are “a testament to the strength of Asean cooperation” and a step toward shaping cities that are “inclusive, innovative, sustainable and united in purpose.” He added that Malaysia would continue to mobilise its 156 local governments to align climate policies with local development plans, budgeting and on-ground projects, reinforcing its position as a global best practice in multi-level governance.

inclusive and climate-resilient cities. Nga, who also serves as UN-Habitat Assembly president, said the meetings were proof of Asean’s shared recognition that urbanisation is no longer just the backdrop to development, but “the driving engine of our future.” “Urban leadership is not a choice, it is a necessity. Local voices are not peripheral, they are pivotal. “The future of Asean must not be written from the top down, but co-authored by our cities, our communities and our people.” He added that the region’s collective commitment safeguards the well-being of nearly 700 million people in Asia against challenges such as climate change, housing affordability and urban sprawl. The following are key outcomes from the forum. Asuf – Reaffirmed alignment with the Asean Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy and Asean Community Vision 2045. Malaysia will establish an Asean Smart and Sustainable Centre, led by Urbanice Malaysia, to support innovative, scalable projects and facilitate city-to-city partnerships under the Asean Smart Cities Network. AGMF – Adopted shared commitments to promote greater inclusion of women and youth in urban governance, reinforcing the importance of bottom-up approaches to sustainability. MGMAC – Adopted the Joint Communique of MGMAC 2025, agreed to establish a permanent secretariat in Jakarta, formalised the MGMAC City Network, advanced Voluntary Local Reviews and issued a call for international investment at the local level, including from the UN and World Bank. life-threatening health risks. “The chemicals used in the production of plastic could cause breathing problems, deformities and stunted brain development. “Plastic factories are also prone to fires, which could endanger lives and cause damage.” RCM added that microplastics have been found in human tissue, which could lead to health problems such as increased risk of breathing ailments, disruptions to reproductive and gastrointestinal health and cancer. RCM said the plastic industry is the fastest growing producer of industrial greenhouse gases in the world.

o Move ensures no one and no place left behind in urbanising world: Minister

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will, for the first time, push to integrate the New Urban Agenda into the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a landmark move aimed at ensuring that global environmental policies translate into action at the local level. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming yesterday launched the Kuala Lumpur Call to Action for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), to be presented at the UN climate summit in Belem, Brazil in November. “This initiative will be the central engine driving our collective efforts. “I urge everyone to not just participate, but to actively lead and champion this cause. We must ensure that no one and no place is left behind in our urbanising world,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Asean Sustainable Urbanisation Forum (Asuf), Asean Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF) and Meeting of Governors and Mayors of Asean Capitals (MGMAC) 2025. The week-long gatherings brought together more than 9,000 participants from across Asean and beyond, culminating in commitments to strengthen cooperation in building sustainable,

Nga (fourth from left) during the closing ceremony of the Asuf, AGMF and MGMAC 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

NGO calls for govt to address plastic pollution

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

The group also called for better product design to promote reusability, stricter control of plastic-related chemicals and waste prevention through reuse and refill systems. It cautioned against alternatives such as certain biodegradable plastics and chemical recycling, that it said could harm both people and the environment. “RCM hopes that the government would commit to these (goals). “We believe that sustainable development depends on a healthy population. “This could be a turning point to end plastic pollution.”

“This growth is due to the production, usage and disposal of plastic, that is expected to contribute up to 13% of the total remaining carbon budget by 2050.” RCM urged measures to protect human health from the hazards of plastic production, use and disposal, including stronger research, monitoring and compensation for affected communities. It said global action should replace ineffective voluntary measures, with binding targets to cut plastic production, eliminate hazardous chemicals and phase out unnecessary products.

PETALING JAYA: Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) has called on the government to commit to a global plastic treaty, adding that the problem is serious. “Single-use plastic contributes to 50% of plastic production. Even with the increase in recycling efforts, 70% of plastic waste would still be burned or burried in landfills,” RCM said in a statement on Wednesday. It also said plastic exacerbates the dangers of climate change and explained how the chemicals used to manufacture plastic could cause

RM10 million for Negeri Sembilan tourism, heritage preservation efforts

SEREMBAN: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry has allocated RM10.14 million to Negeri Sembilan this year as part of efforts to preserve heritage and strengthen its tourism sector. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri

gateway (as well as) development of ecotourism at the Gunung Datuk Eco Forest Park, Kenaboi State Park and Ulu Bendul Eco Forest Park.” He also said the state saw a 35.1% rise in international tourist arrivals last year. – Bernama

to the Masjid Tanjung Beringin area, aimed at preserving Islamic history and traditional Malay architecture. “(Other projects include) the maintenance of landmarks at the Sunggala roundabout, Lukut-Sepang junction and the Port Dickson

destinations and reinforce the Visit Negeri Sembilan Year 2026 campaign,” he told reporters on Wednesday. He said one of the key projects is the RM1.2 million preservation and relocation of Masjid Lama Parit Istana

Aminuddin Harun said 18 tourism and preservation projects have been approved in districts, including Port Dickson, Kuala Pilah, Rembau, Jelebu and Tampin. “All these projects would breathe new life into state tourism

FRIDAY | AUG 15, 2025 5 Couple arrested over Segamat house fire JOHOR BAHRU: A couple, believed to have been hired by a Singapore-based loan shark, was arrested over a house fire that killed a 72-year-old woman in Kampung Bukit Siput, Segamat on Jul 25. Johor police chief Commissioner Ab Rahaman Arsad said the Segamat district police headquarters operations centre received an emergency call regarding a fire involving five houses at about 4.30am on Wednesday. “Investigations by police and the Fire and Rescue Department found elements of arson. “Police formed a special task force for the investigation and arrested the couple, a 21-year-old man and his 19-year-old girlfriend, in Subang Jaya, Selangor, a week after the incident. “Interrogation of both suspects revealed that an Ah Long (loan shark) syndicate in Singapore hired them to carry out criminal intimidation by setting fire to the house of a borrower who failed to repay a loan,” he said in a press conference at the Johor police contingent headquarters. Ab Rahaman said investigations found that the couple was suspected of committing crimes in Johor and Selangor since July, receiving RM1,000 for each job. “At the time of the incident, the elderly woman was alone. She never received any threat and it is believed that the suspected loan was taken out by a family member of the victim.” He added that the man will be charged while his girlfriend was released on police bail to serve as a prosecution witness. – Bernama Boy drowns after being chased by cattle KOTA BHARU: A seven-year-old boy drowned, after he is believed to have been chased by a herd of cattle before falling into Sungai Kaabah in Kampung Kelaweh, Machang in Kelantan. Machang Fire and Rescue station operations commander Senior Fire Officer II Muhamad Osman said a call about the incident was received at 4.22pm on Wednesday. “The team searched the area mentioned. The victim was found at 5.07pm, about 500m from the reported location, and was pronounced dead by Health Ministry personnel,” he said, adding that the body has been handed to police. He said the victim was reportedly playing with three friends before being chased by the cattle and falling into the river, located about 500m from his home. Muhamad Osman said the victim’s friends managed to save themselves by clinging to bushes on the riverbank. – Bernama Wedding feast food poisoning kills two TAWAU: Police have confirmed receiving a report regarding the deaths of a woman and her son yesterday due to food poisoning after a wedding feast at Kampung Batu 4 in Jalan Apas here. Tawau deputy police chief Supt Champin Piuh said the report lodged at 10.30am was made by a 24-year-old woman, the niece of the deceased woman. The complainant said her 36-year-old aunt and her nine-year-old eldest son are believed to have suffered from food poisoning after attending the wedding feast in the village last Saturday. “Based on the husband’s statement, his wife had also brought home some food from the feast, and after consuming it, he experienced diarrhoea and vomiting.” Champin said the Health Ministry is still probing the cause of the food poisoning, while a police forensic team is also conducting a probe. “The case has been classified as sudden death.” – Bernama

Attack on son attempt to silence me: Rafizi

o Ex-PKR deputy president says move aims to apply pressure through family

Fadzil said police are investigating all possibilities and reminded the public not to speculate until official information is released. “I believe police will investigate to confirm what really happened, and it is too early for me to comment. We leave it to them to conduct a full investigation. I do not think someone such as Rafizi would be cowed into silence by this, as he has faced court cases before and is used to pressure. The more he is pressured, the more he fights back,” he told reporters after officiating at an event in Kampung Kerinchi yesterday. He was responding to a question on whether the incident at a Putrajaya shopping mall was politically motivated. Meanwhile, Selangor police have confirmed they have launched a probe into the assault on Rafizi’s son, who was allegedly approached, grabbed and threatened with an unidentified object by an unknown individual outside Symphony 2, IOI City Mall in Putrajaya. He said the case is being handled by Selangor police with assistance from the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department. Anyone with information is urged to contact investigating officer ASP Mahafiz Mat Law at 010-239 6533 or Sepang district police chief ACP Norhizam Bahaman at 012-215 3239.

threats marked an escalation from the political pressures he previously faced. “Before this, I never received any threats. This time, it came through my wife. The media also knows I have been vocal on certain issues in the past two months. “When I start speaking about something, whistleblowers will come forward. Before I met them, there was nothing. After that meeting, this happened. Whether it is coincidence or causation, that is for the police to determine but in my view, there is a correlation.” He said the threats were designed to pressure him through his family, due to his past resilience despite legal challenges. “I’ve been sued, detained and lost my position before, but it did not change me. “Perhaps they think it is easier to influence me through my wife and son. If you put pressure on my son, it will affect my wife, and that could influence my decisions. This is basic psychology. “I have passed this information to the police and I hope the investigation will run smoothly.” He urged the media to refrain from speculation and give police time to complete their investigations, adding that premature disclosures could jeopardise future prosecution. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newskdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli believes the attack on his son was an attempt to silence him over a scandal recently exposed by whistleblowers. The former PKR deputy president said a group of whistleblowers met him last Wednesday to share information on a case he is investigating. “In my opinion, this is an attempt to shut me up, there is something I am currently investigating, and the message is ‘hands off,’” he told the press at Parliament yesterday. “The parties involved know that once I start investigating, I will dig and dig. This may be their way to get me to move on and drop the matter.” In addition to the attack on his son, his wife has also received threatening messages ( see accompanying story ). Rafizi did not provide details, citing the ongoing police investigation, but said the

Threatening messages sent to wife of Pandan MP PETALING JAYA: “Diam. Andai teruskan, AIDS!” (“Keep quiet. If you continue, AIDS!”) That was the text sent to the wife of Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli just hours after an unidentified assailant attacked their teenage son at a shopping mall in Putrajaya, an act the former economy minister believes was meant to intimidate him into dropping an ongoing investigation. shopping mall. His son was taken to the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Hospital for immediate checks, including blood tests and observation. “At this stage, there are three possibilities, that he was injected with drugs or poison, with a virus such as hepatitis or HIV or with a blank.” many people knew my address or my family’s movements. “For it to happen at that precise moment, it would have required days of surveillance.” CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts from his wife, son, driver and others have been handed to police. He said his family’s security has since been tightened following police assessments.

Initial tests found no signs of drugs or toxins but his son will undergo repeated blood tests every six weeks for six months to rule out viral infections. “In the best-case scenario, it’s a blank. So far, my son is recovering well and in good spirits.” Rafizi said the attack appeared professionally planned, with the perpetrators likely monitoring his family’s movements. “I had just moved to a new house and not

Speaking at a press conference in Parliament yesterday, Rafizi said his wife received the first threat at 1.12am, about 12 hours after the attack, from an unknown number. A second message arrived at 11.02am from the same number, repeating the warning and adding syringe emojis. “I have given these messages to police. I believe this will not stop.” The attack occurred at about 1.45pm on Tuesday at the parking lot of the

“I have always insisted my family live (as) ordinary people. But after this, certain things will have to change. “We have been through many challenges, but this time it is different because it involves our child. “To those who planned this, I hope they reflect on their actions.” Despite the incident, Rafizi vowed to continue his political work. – By HARITH KAMAL

FACTORY FORAY ... An Immigration officer escorting some of the 30 foreign workers detained during a raid on a plastic processing plant in Padang Serai, Kedah yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

FRIDAY | AUG 15, 2025

6

‘Sea guardians’ risk lives to safeguard sovereignty

Penang to host three major Asean naval events GEORGE TOWN: Penang will take centre stage in regional maritime defence as the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) hosts three key Asean naval events from today until Aug 22 under Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship. The week-long programme includes the 19th Asean Navy Chiefs’ Meeting (ANCM), Third Asean Multilateral Naval Exercise (Amnex) and the Asean Fleet Review, with activities across George Town and Batu Ferringhi. ANCM Working Committee deputy chairman Rear Admiral Datuk Mohd Fadzli Kamal Mohd Mohaldin told Bernama that the events will feature 10 warships, seven from Asean countries and three from RMN, bringing about 1,600 naval personnel to Penang’s Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal. He said the programme begins with the arrival of the vessels today. It will be followed by the Amnex Opening Ceremony and its Port Phase tomorrow, which allows naval officers to finalise plans for the joint sea exercises. RMN will also host the Naval Engineering Conference themed “Innovation and Technology Towards Improving Ship Survivability at Sea”. A highlight open to the public is the Asean Navies’ City Parade on Sunday at the Esplanade in Padang Kota Lama, held alongside Penang’s Hari Buletin 4.0 event. The parade commemorates the historic 1990 International Royal Fleet Review, which saw 59 warships and over 11,000 naval personnel visit Penang. Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to tour the docked warships at Swettenham Pier, gaining insights into the latest naval technologies. The programme includes parades by the various contingents, local agency display, cultural performances, maritime asset salutes and RMN helicopter flypasts. The 19th ANCM, a high-level meeting of Asean naval commanders to strengthen maritime cooperation and trust, will convene on Aug 19 at Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort in Batu Ferringhi. Delegates will then attend the Asean Chief Navy Interaction Programme at Penang Hill on Aug 20. The grand finale, the Asean Fleet Review on Aug 21, will see all participating warships sail in formation through the northern strait, a spectacle visible from Butterworth and George Town.

sabotaged in such cases. Given that a boat could cost tens of thousands of ringgit, these risks understandably cause great concern among fishermen,” he added. In Perak, which has a maritime area of about 12,000sq km, Mohamad Shukri said MMEA often receives reports of violations under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 from the maritime surveillance system and the state Marine Department. He said there have been cases of merchant ships anchoring without Marine Department permission and refusing to cooperate during inspections, prompting the state maritime operations centre to request helicopter support and deploy a special task and rescue team from Putrajaya to carry out force boarding operations. Mohamad Shukri also recounted an incident during a sea patrol at dusk, when his team was in pursuit of a Thai fishing vessel and their patrol boat became entangled in fishing net ropes at the scene. “This forced me to halt the boat immediately. The rope had to be cut and our crew had to dive into the sea in the fading light, just before Maghrib. “ Had we not gone into the water, we might not have made it back and could have been stranded, as the incident happened more than 100 nautical miles out in the middle of the sea,” he said, adding that the incident occurred about 15 years ago. In conjunction with the upcoming National Day celebrations, he urged the maritime community to fulfil their responsibility in safeguarding maritime safety with dedication, transparency and adherence to the law. “Independence is not just a celebration – it is a responsibility. All parties must obey the law, share information and refrain from protecting criminals.” This year’s National Day celebration will be held at Dataran Putrajaya on Aug 31, while Malaysia Day will be celebrated on Sept 16 in Penang. Further details on the National Day and Malaysia Day programmes are available on the official portal www.merdeka360.my or via the Merdeka360 social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and X.

o MMEA personnel go through daily vigil to curb maritime crime that could threaten national security, says Perak chief

LUMUT: Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) personnel, the sea is more than a workplace. It is a daily “battlefield” that calls for courage, sacrifice and enduring time apart from loved ones in safeguarding the country’s security and sovereignty. The unwavering struggle of Malaysia’s “sea guardians” along its waters stands as a testament to their patriotism and determination to keep the country peaceful and prosperous. “All these efforts are to ensure that no party can easily encroach into our waters or commit maritime crimes, which could ultimately threaten national security,” Perak MMEA director Maritime Captain Mohamad Shukri Khotob told Bernama recently. With nearly 20 years of service, For Malaysian

Mohamad Shukri said MMEA constantly faces a range of threats, including extortion, human smuggling, illegal fishing by foreign vessels, theft of marine resources and encroachment into fishing zones. He added that efforts to apprehend maritime criminals or investigate offences are often hampered when members of the local fishing community choose to remain silent, either to protect their livelihoods or out of fear that their boats may be seized by influential figures operating at sea. “We have sought assistance from fishing boat operators to disguise themselves as ordinary fishermen, with enforcement officers on board to carry out operations. However, cooperation is rare, as fishermen fear that if criminals identify them, their vessels could be targeted,” he said. “Boats are often stolen, damaged or

Mohamad Shukri said the MMEA faces a range of threats that include extortion, human smuggling, illegal fishing by foreign vessels, theft of marine resources and encroachment into fishing zones. – BERNAMAPIC

FRIDAY | AUG 15, 2025

7

Thai-Cambodia reconciliation moves win China support

Rakhine facing food shortage PHNOM PENH: Half of the population of Rakhine State in Myanmar is facing severe food shortages due to civil conflict. The World Food Programme (WFP) has made an urgent call to the global community for increased humanitarian assistance. WFP said a combination of conflict, blockades and funding cuts is driving a dramatic rise in hunger and malnutrition. “People are trapped in a vicious cycle, cut off by conflict, stripped of livelihoods and left with no humanitarian safety net. “We are hearing heartbreaking stories of children crying from hunger and mothers skipping meals. “Families are doing everything they can but they cannot survive this alone,” said WFP representative and country director Michael Dunford. The western state, with a population of about three million, has been mired in the bloody conflict for years. A military coup in February 2021 exacerbated the situation. Rakhine, bordering Bangladesh, has also been caught in sectarian violence, which has caused the displacement of its Rohingya minority. According to WFP, the number of families unable to afford basic needs such as food has reached 57% in Rakhine, up from 33% last December. Families have resorted to desperate measures to survive, such as taking on mounting debts and begging. The conflict has also given rise to domestic violence, school dropouts, social tensions and human trafficking. The agency requires US$30 million (RM126 million) to assist 270,000 people in Rakhine over the next six months. – Bernama INDIA WANTS TO HOST C’WEALTH GAMES NEW DELHI: India says it will bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. “Our preparations will go ahead,” Indian Olympic Association president P.T. Usha said on Wednesday. New Delhi, which hosted the 2010 Commonwealth Games, an event marked by construction delays, substandard infrastructure and accusations of corruption, is being considered as host city. Bhubaneswar in Odisha is another option. But media are tipping Ahmedabad, the key city in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat. The city is home to a 130,000-seat arena, the world’s biggest cricket stadium, which was the venue of the 2023 Cricket World Cup final. – AFP PAKISTAN TO SET UP ROCKET FORCE ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will create a new force in the military to supervise missile combat capabilities in a conventional conflict. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the creation of the Army Rocket Force on Wednesday. “It will be equipped with modern technology,” Sharif said in a statement. He did not provide more details. A senior security official said the force will have its own command in the military dedicated to handling and deployment of missiles in any event of a conventional war. “It is obvious that it is meant for India,” he said. – Reuters

online gambling and wire fraud. He also expressed hope that Cambodia would continue strong measures for joint efforts in the region against cross-border criminal activities. For years, criminal networks have trafficked hundreds of thousands of people to scam compounds across Southeast Asia, including many along the Thai-Myanmar border, where victims are forced to work in illegal online schemes, according to the United Nations. China this year has stepped up efforts with the region to stymie the scam operations after cases involving Chinese victims blew up on domestic social media. – Reuters

Wang spoke about China’s readiness to accelerate the China Thailand railway construction, encourage more investments from Chinese enterprises in Thailand, and to ensure the stability of regional production and supply chain. It is hoped that Thailand will provide more policy support and facilitation for Chinese enterprises, he said to Thailand’s Maris Sangiampongsa. In his meeting with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, Wang expressed support for Cambodia maintaining political stability. Wang said China is appreciative of the country’s crackdown on

friendship, according to two statements from his ministry. He met his Thai and Cambodian counterparts separately on the sidelines of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in China’s southwestern Yunnan province, meeting reports showed. Thailand and Cambodia have wrangled for decades over border territory and have been on a conflict footing since the killing of a Cambodian soldier in a skirmish in late May. Clashes had turned deadly in the worst fighting in more than a decade before a ceasefire was struck in late July.

BEIJING: China expressed support for Thailand and Cambodia in resolving their border dispute and offered to provide assistance based on the wishes of both nations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said yesterday. Wang said China supports the Southeast Asian countries in strengthening dialogue, and hopes they rebuild mutual trust and restore o Foreign minister urges parties to strengthen dialogue

BR I E F S

CALL FOR REDRESS ... Concerned residents of Central Java protest in Pati on Wednesday over issues including the regent’s resignation and local government transparency, following a now-revoked plan to raise local land and building taxes by 250%. – AFPPIC

Tropical storm disrupts travel, classes in south China HONG KONG: Tropical storm Podul yesterday dumped torrential rain on southern China, still reeling from record downpours last week, and disrupted hospitals, schools and law courts in Hong Kong after tearing through Taiwan and leaving 143 people injured. The hearing of Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy Quanzhou – a key textile, footwear and apparel export hub – were cancelled, with analysts warning extreme weather events increasingly pose a threat to growth in the world’s second-largest economy. Podul made landfall on the coast of China’s southeastern province of Fujian just after midnight, having weakened from a typhoon to a tropical storm after lashing Taiwan on Wednesday, where winds of up to 191kph left one person missing and scores injured. “China’s southern coast is set for economic disruptions of all kinds. Most institutions in the region are fairly well prepared, but there also seems to be a subtle northward shift in where cyclones reach their peak intensity – these places need to keep a sharper eye out.” “There’s growing evidence that we’re seeing more intense and slower-moving tropical cyclones.

China has been battling with record rainfall in its north and south as well as prolonged heatwaves in its interior. The government yesterday announced 430 million yuan (RM252 million) in fresh funding for disaster relief, taking the total allocated since April to at least 5.8 billion yuan. “It’s been raining constantly, and raining really heavily,” said Cara Liang, a 25-year-old visitor to Hong Kong from China’s neighbouring Guangdong province. “Many places in mainland China have experienced flooding, which hasn’t been good for anyone. My trip to Hong Kong this time has been disrupted,” she told Reuters in the Asian financial centre’s business district.

But its residual vortex stands to wreak havoc in southern China, still reeling from the heaviest rains in generations last week, as it moves northwest at a speed of 30-35kph. Hong Kong saw its heaviest August rainfall since 1884 last week while in Guangdong, 75,000 people were evacuated as 622.6mm of rain fell on the provincial capital Guangzhou between Aug 2 and 6 – nearly three times the city’s August average – leaving at least seven dead. “Authorities need to be extra ready,” said Chim Lee, a senior analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit.

advocate Jimmy Lai was cancelled after authorities put in place their highest-level “black” rainstorm warning, as supporters queued under umbrellas outside the court. Outpatient clinics also shut until 2pm and schools closed for the day. Meanwhile, airports across the region reported cancellation rates for the morning of about 20%, according to data from Flightmaster, as Podul pelted parts of the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Hunan and Jiangxi with more than 70mm of rain an hour. Over a third of flights to

Over one million cubic metres of water, the equivalent of 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools, was discharged from a reservoir in eastern Guangdong on Wednesday to free up space in anticipation of further heavy rain, state media reported. Authorities in Guangdong’s Meizhou closed all the highways yesterday due to the downpour, and the high-speed railway linking Shenzhen and Hangzhou in eastern Zhejiang province, some 1,200km away, was suspended. – Reuters