17/08/2025

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday AUG 17, 2025

Bangladesh seeks M’sia’s help to address Rohingya crisis KUALA LUMPUR: Bangladesh is seeking Malaysia’s influence, particularly in its role as Asean chair, to rally international efforts to address the prolonged Rohingya refugee crisis in the country. Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s government Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus said Malaysia’s experience in hosting Rohingya refugees, coupled with its leadership position in Asean, places it in a unique position to push for a comprehensive regional solution. “We are hoping Malaysia would put its influence in the whole negotiation to make sure that we can overcome this problem.” Yunus said the refugee crisis has deepened amid ongoing fighting in Myanmar’s Rakhine State between the Arakan Army and government forces, forcing fresh waves of Rohingyas to flee across the border into Bangladesh. “In the last 18 months alone, 150,000 new Rohingyas have arrived, in addition to the 1.2 million already in Bangladesh. “It becomes more and more acute. And worse still, the US cut off all funds to maintain them.” He said three international conferences on the crisis would be convened in the coming months to seek a sustainable solution, Bernama reported. The protracted humanitarian crisis continues to affect not only Bangladesh but also several Asean member states, including Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Malaysia, although not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, continues to temporarily host nearly 150,000 Rohingya refugees. The King also expressed pride in the achievements of the elite regiment since its establishment in 1965. –Bernama MERSING: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim has reminded military personnel to wear honorary berets and badges properly, stressing that they should not be worn arbitrarily at any event. Sultan Ibrahim added that they should not be treated merely as decorations or fashion statements. “Every beret and badge worn reflects the skills and qualifications of the individual, and should not be used merely for ‘showing off’. For example, I have completed Special Forces and parachute training at Fort Bragg, the United States, which qualifies me to wear the badge on my uniform,” said His Majesty. “However, if a badge is awarded on an honorary basis, it should only be worn during the relevant event and not on a daily basis. “So, to those who are not qualified to wear them, you know what needs to be done,” said the King at the 60th Anniversary Parade of Rejimen Gerak Khas at Kem Iskandar. Sultan Ibrahim, who is also Colonel Commandant of Gerup Gerak Khas, reminded all personnel to uphold discipline and dedication, preserve the dignity of the regiment and embody its motto of being Cepat dan Cergas (fast and agile) so that they continue to be respected by allies and feared by adversaries. Royal advice on proper use of honorary berets, badges

The King and the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail leaving after attending the parade at Kem Iskandar in Mersing yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Warning against buying aged military assets

textile traders trying to sell drones.” The Royal Malaysian Air Force had acquired 80 units of the A-4 Skyhawk, developed by McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing), from the United States in 1982 at US$1 million each. His Majesty emphasised the need for transparency and cost-efficiency in all defence acquisitions, while calling out past purchases made at inflated prices. He cited the example of a rigid raiding craft bought for RM5 million, saying a better vessel could have been sourced for under RM2 million. “Do not waste money on items that don’t meet military needs. If you don’t know the market price, ask me.” The King also criticised the delay in completing Rejimen Gerak Khas’ combat diving pool and urged the government to prioritise operational readiness with appropriate and timely equipment upgrades. highest rate (40.2%), followed by Sarawak (39.9%) and Perlis (39.1%). As for hypercholesterolaemia, 33.3% of Malaysians suffer from it, with Perak accounting for the highest rate (41.3%), followed by Perlis (41.0%) and Sarawak (38.9%). To address the alarming rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, Reset Health, in collaboration with the Health Ministry and the National Cancer Society Malaysia, launched Roczen Universal Malaysia, a free digital health programme. The programme, launched yesterday by Dzulkefly at the Rail & River Event Space in Batu Caves, is a digital health platform designed to help individuals manage their weight and blood sugar levels. It is offered free of charge to all Malaysians for up to one year per person. Anyone can join via the Roczen Universal website as a self-directed participant and follow the health educational materials.

military personnel. Speaking at the 60th Anniversary Parade of Rejimen Gerak Khas at Kem Iskandar in Mersing yesterday, Sultan Ibrahim cited the country’s purchase of second-hand A-4 Skyhawk jets from the United States in the 1980s, which were eventually retired due to a high accident rate. “Don’t make the same mistake. Are we going to put our pilots in ‘flying coffins’? Think for yourselves.” The King urged Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin to cancel a proposed procurement of more than 30-year-old Black Hawk helicopters, warning that decisions based on the influence of agents or vested interests could endanger lives and waste public funds. “I believe this keeps happening because the ministry is full of agents or ex-generals turned salesmen, even “Obesity and diabetes are not just individual health concerns, they are a national challenge that requires a united effort,“ said Dzulkefly. The three areas with the highest rates of overweight people are Kuala Lumpur (40.6%), Putrajaya (35.5%) and Labuan (34.8%) while those with the lowest rates are Sarawak (29.7%), Kelantan (28.2%) and Perlis (27%). The three areas with the highest rates of obesity include Perlis (32.8%), Negeri Sembilan (28.9%) and Putrajaya (25.8%) while the three with the lowest rates are Sabah (19.5%), Selangor (19.1%) and Kuala Lumpur (18.2%). A total of 15.6% of Malaysians suffer from diabetes, with the highest rates being in Perak (21.7%), Pahang (21.5%) and Perlis (20.6%). Those suffering form hypertension total 29.2%, with Perak being the state with the

King cites purchase of second-hand A-4 Skyhawk jets from US in the 1980s, which were retired due to high accident rate

BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to the Defence Ministry not to repeat past mistakes in procuring used military assets that may compromise the safety of

Obesity represents critical public health crisis overweight or obesity issues.

BY MAHADHIR MONIHULDIN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

GOMBAK: Malaysia is facing a critical public health crisis, with more than half of the adult population living with obesity or being overweight, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said 32.6% of the population is overweight, while 21.8% suffers from obesity, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023. This places Malaysia among Southeast Asian countries with the highest prevalence of obesity among adults. The rise of childhood obesity is also a cause for concern as it is a significant risk factor for developing chronic diseases in adulthood. The NHMS 2023 reports that approximately one in three children aged between 13 and 17 are affected by