25/08/2025

MONDAY | AUG 25, 2025

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No compromise on national security

o Minister says govt closely monitoring movements of foreign agents amid prime minister’s firm stance on Palestine

crash of a Royal Malaysian Air Force F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet at the Kuantan Air Base, Mohamed Khaled said a special investigation board has been established to determine the cause of the incident. He said an aircraft of the same type has been temporarily grounded until the investigation is completed to ensure such incidents do not recur. “Out of eight Hornets, only seven are operational now. We want to ensure that all aspects of safety are given full attention,” he said, adding that the ministry was grateful the pilot and co-pilot survived. He also urged all parties to give space to the investigation team to conduct its work thoroughly. – Bernama shift. When we tighten the border on the Kelantan side, smuggling routes move to Kedah, leading to an increase in arrests. “This is a fluid situation, in which when we clamp down on one area, the syndicates move to another.” He added that security forces would remain vigilant and committed, with no tolerance for immoral activities. – Bernama prime minister has successfully influenced the positions of several world leaders in a very positive way. For example, former Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida and Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte changed their stance after meeting our prime minister. “The Japanese government, for instance, remains committed to working with Malaysia and other nations to rebuild Gaza. They are keen to hold immediate discussions on the matter and there has been no shift in their commitment,” he said. On the Gaza Time Tunnel VR project developed by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations, Fahmi said it offers visitors an immersive experience of life in Palestine, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza. “I was very moved because they not only recreated the geography and architecture but also depicted specific incidents such as Apache helicopter strikes, tank attacks and recent heartbreaking tragedies. “This is why we continue to give our full support and urge for the unconditional independence of Palestine. This is Malaysia’s principled position.”

KOTA TINGGI: The Defence Ministry has opened a new tender for the leasing of four helicopters for the Army Aviation Unit after cancelling the previous award to a company that failed to deliver four Black Hawk helicopters. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the new tender, which closes in September, would take into account several aspects, including the type of helicopter, the age of the asset, leasing costs, operational lifespan and flight safety before a decision is made. “The tender for the leasing of four helicopters for army use has been opened and during the evaluation, we will consider the views decreed by His Majesty KUALA The government will not compromise on national security following the detection of increased activities by foreign agents in the country, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He added that the movements of such agents were being continuously monitored by police, with appropriate action to be taken to safeguard the nation. He said Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail has recently confirmed heightened movements of foreign agents in response to the strong stance of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and that of the government in championing the Palestinian cause. “There is no denying that since the government and the prime minister’s strong position on Gaza and Palestine, he has become one of the most closely monitored leaders in Southeast LUMPUR:

the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim,” he said yesterday. Last November, the ministry announced the cancellation of the leasing contract for the Black Hawk helicopters after the company that had won the tender failed to meet the delivery deadline, despite an extension until the end of October. Mohamed Khaled said stern action had been taken against the company, including imposing penalties and withdrawing the performance bond. Sultan Ibrahim had earlier decreed that the proposal to acquire the more than 30-year old Black Hawk helicopters be cancelled, citing age and safety concerns that could endanger the lives of pilots. Meanwhile, on the recent Asia by these elements. “Security is non-negotiable and police are constantly monitoring the situation. We are also regularly briefed, including through the National Security Council meetings,” he said after launching the Gaza Humanitarian Virtual Reality (VR) Exhibition in conjunction with the Sumud Nusantara Carnival at Dataran Merdeka yesterday. Although the security situation remains under control, Fahmi stressed that potential risks should not be underestimated as Malaysia’s position on Palestine was rooted in humanitarian principles rather than emotions, Bernama reported. He said Malaysia has long been consistent in demanding an end to the war and atrocities of the Zionist regime in Gaza, while recognising the Palestinian right to statehood. “The difference now is that our stepped up operations to counter the rise of syndicates in the area. Saifuddin Nasution acknowledged that while there had been successes through arrests and drug seizures, smuggling activities at the border remained dynamic and were constantly shifting. “We have had success in controlling certain points of entry and illegal supply routes, but the activities

‘Bullying threatens respect, courtesy’ MALACCA: The culture of bullying poses the risk of producing a generation that lacks respect and compassion for others, said Malacca Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam. values among the younger generation. “As Malaysians, the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara must truly be embraced and practised in daily life across all levels of society. Mohd Ali conferring the Darjah Pangkuan Seri Melaka award , which carries the title ‘Datuk’, on Chinese actress Fan Bingbing during the investiture. – BERNAMAPIC

Defence Ministry opens new tender for leasing of four military helicopters

“Before doing something, we must ask ourselves whether it is courteous and moral. May Allah SWT bless our lives in this temporary world with good deeds and protect us from wrongdoings,” he said. Mohd Ali added that the family institution also plays a vital role in cultivating courtesy and morality from childhood, in line with Islamic teachings and the guidance of Prophet Muhammad. He stressed that other religions also emphasise the same values of respect and compassion. “I would like to take this opportunity to extend condolences to the family of Zara Qairina Mahathir, who died on July 17 in a suspected bullying incident at the hostel of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Tun Datu Mustapha Limauan, Sabah.” – Bernama

He added that bullying not only harmed the mental and emotional well-being of victims but could also lead to tragic consequences. “Can bullying and the act of oppressing others be left unchecked without firm action from all of us?” he said at the Malacca awards investiture at Seri Negeri yesterday. In line with the call by His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim for a comprehensive anti-bullying campaign, Mohd Ali proposed the introduction of an education and competition-based programme under the theme “Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan” (courtesy and morality), the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara . He said the programme should begin from primary school level up to universities and training centres, both public and private, to foster noble

Malaysia, Thailand unite against cross-border drug menace TAIPING: Malaysia is strengthening its cooperation with Thailand to intensify efforts against drug syndicates, following reports of lower drug prices in Sungai Golok, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. “The report from Thailand has been duly noted. On our end, we have tightened border controls, resulting in the closure of 212 illegal bases. documentation,” he said after launching the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Madani Adopted Village programme yesterday.

“We have also increased our personnel by deploying additional General Operation Force units to the region. In addition, we have enhanced the enforcement of the Immigration Act, particularly against illegal border crossings without valid

Earlier, Bernama reported that Sungai Golok had become a hotspot for drug users, including Malaysians from Kelantan, due to significantly lower drug prices. Thai authorities have since

He added that the collaboration would cover closer intelligence sharing, joint operations and capacity-building initiatives.