28/08/2025

Govt mulls new law to help buyers of abandoned commercial projects Currently, shop units are not

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covered under Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966, says minister.

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY

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SCAN ME No. 8896 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

School staff among those quizzed over student’s fall from dorm Police investigate incident from multiple angles, while Education Ministry conducts internal probe taking into account possible elements of bullying.

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Call to bring back the rotan

PAS MP urges government to

reintroduce caning in schools to curb rising cases of bullying but experts deem corporal punishment outdated and harmful.

In calling for the reintroduction of caning in schools, Hulu Terengganu MP Datuk Rosol Wahid says it should be seen as corrective education rather than punishment. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

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Sequence of quakes in southern state may be small aftershocks quietly releasing stress underground or they may be foreshocks, warning taps before bigger temblor, warns expert. ‘Johor tremors not to be ignored’ Report on h page 2

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Embracing dependence on one another vital for Asian nations: PM KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged Asian nations to embrace a new approach of “sovereign interdependence” to withstand global economic turbulence, technological disruption and the weaponisation of trade. He said the model recognises interdependence as unavoidable, and stressed that it must be built on resilience, mutual respect and national choice while rejecting both forced dependence and enforced decoupling. Speaking at the Kuala Lumpur Roundtable on Asia-Pacific Regional Cooperation of the Boao Forum for Asia, Anwar warned that the global trading order was breaking down, with major economies now acting as disruptors. “The global trading system is in distress. The World Trade Organisation has been left in near-paralysis. “Tariffs swing wildly, export controls are imposed and lifted without warning, and financial sanctions reach far beyond their targets. ‘’What was once a web of mutual gain is now a network of vulnerabilities.” He cautioned that instead of fostering cooperation, critical systems such as energy pipelines, shipping routes, semiconductors, payment networks and capital flows are increasingly being used as tools of leverage. Anwar said history shows that prosperity declines when nations build barriers. He said Asia’s rise as a centre of growth could only be sustained through stronger regional cohesion, coordinated policies and shared resilience. “Asean offers a model, as one of the few groupings where rivals sit together in dialogue. “As this year’s Asean chair, Malaysia is determined to preserve that centrality, not as rhetoric but as practice.” He highlighted the recent conclusion of negotiations on the Asean-China Free Trade Area 3.0, which would be presented to leaders in October. He said the upgraded agreement now covers digital economy, green growth, supply-chain connectivity, technical standards and SME support. Anwar called for the revitalisation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest free-trade pact covering 30% of global GDP. He said Malaysia intends to convene an RCEP Summit in October to accelerate implementation. – By Harith Kamal

WARM RECEPTION ...

The Sultan of Brunei Sultan

Hassanal Bolkiah, who is on a state visit to Malaysia, being welcomed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Seri Perdana Complex yesterday. – PIC COURTESY OF PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE

Take Johor tremors seriously, says expert o ‘Three incidents in a week show Malaysia not as sheltered from seismic forces as many believe’

power plants and high-end private developments are designed with earthquakes in mind. “But ordinary buildings, old shoplots, schools, low-cost flats and older apartment blocks will be the first to show damage if a stronger quake strikes.” He urged the authorities to respond with greater urgency without causing panic. “When we get three quakes in the same area within a week, that’s nature waving a big yellow flag. A magnitude 5 or higher event on Peninsular Malaysia’s old faults is a real possibility, and our buildings are simply not ready.” He said urgency means keeping seismic monitoring active around the clock, inspecting critical facilities after each tremor and carrying out evacuation drills in schools and offices. Azlan highlighted the need to start a genuine national conversation on strengthening building codes and upgrading vulnerable structures. “Better to face the risk now than to be caught off guard later. We must expect more such events, possibly stronger ones, and we should prepare as though they will come.” The first quake was a 4.1-magnitude one recorded at 6.13am on Aug 24, with its epicentre 5km west of Segamat at a depth of 10km. Tremors were felt in Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca and southern Pahang. A second, weaker quake measuring 2.8 struck at 9am the same day, about 28km north-west of Kluang, Johor.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Segamat, the third recorded in Johor within a week, struck at 8.59am, with tremors felt in several parts of Johor and southern Pahang. Meteorological Department director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said in a statement yesterday that it was a weak event. Azlan cautioned that the tremors should not be dismissed. “When tremors repeat within days, it means the ground beneath us is not calm. The stress is active. Malaysia may not sit directly on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ but we are far from stable. “We are squeezed between the Sumatran subduction zone to the west and the Philippine plate boundary to the east. That constant pressure can creep into our crust, shaking old faults we thought were asleep.” Azlan said Malaysia’s real vulnerability lies in its infrastructure readiness. “The reality is that most buildings in Johor and across Malaysia were not designed with earthquakes in mind before 2017 when the country introduced its first seismic design code, although compliance was largely optional, especially for privately-owned structures. “Only a handful of critical facilities like dams,

PETALING JAYA: Earthquakes in Johor are neither a passing curiosity nor a coincidence but a warning sign that Malaysia must take seriously, said a structural earthquake expert. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Engineering Seismology and Earthquake Engineering Research head Prof Dr Azlan Adnan said the recent tremors show that the country is not as sheltered from seismic forces as many believe. “Three quakes in a week are not a coincidence. They are a warning sign, and if we ignore it, we do so at our own risk,” he told theSun. Azlan said in earthquake science, tremors usually fall into three categories – foreshocks, mainshocks and aftershocks. “The sequence of quakes in Johor since Aug 24 could fit any of these storylines. They may be small aftershocks quietly releasing stress underground or they may be foreshocks, the warning taps before a bigger quake. “And that’s the scary truth. Science cannot say for sure which it is until a bigger one happens.” Yesterday’s 3.2-magnitude quake near

‘Court approval needed for live broadcast of high-profile graft cases’ PUTRAJAYA: The proposal to broadcast live proceedings of high-profile corruption trials must first be examined against existing legal provisions before it is implemented, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. audio form, which is already being done in many cases. “However, if this matter is to be taken seriously, it has to be discussed with the Chief Justice,” she said after attending the ministry’s monthly assembly and a Jalur Gemilang flag raising ceremony yesterday. Recently, Malaysian Anti-Corruption proceedings could help boost public confidence in the judicial process. Azam said the move was necessary as some parties had been using social media to distort court facts, leading to baseless allegations. Separately, Azalina expressed her

country’s

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coordinated and integrated. “That was the prime minister’s suggestion, and I thank him for it. He will evaluate the matter and make the decision.” Anwar had raised the idea on Aug 21, stressing that such a ministry would enable Malaysia to engage more meaningfully with regional partners in advancing the rule of law, particularly within Asean. – Bernama

appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for proposing the creation of a dedicated Law Ministry to ensure that the

“I am not sure what the legal regulations are but court approval will be required. Normally, proceedings are recorded, mostly in

Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki suggested that live telecasts of such

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Ű BY AZURA ABAS, QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI, IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE AND FAIZ RUZMAN

Bullying sparks renewed debate on caning in schools

Student violence surges across learning institutions KUALA LUMPUR: Bullying cases have emerged as the hot topic of late due to incidents resulting in the deaths of students, from secondary schools right up to universities. On Tuesday, the Education Ministry disclosed that bullying cases in schools have continued to rise, with 7,681 incidents throughout last year, up from the 6,528 cases in 2023. In a written reply to Klang MP Ganabatirau Veraman, the ministry said the data was obtained from its student self-discipline system which tracks student discipline across all government schools. Of all the cases reported last year, 1,992 involved primary schools while 5,689 occurred in secondary schools. Ganabatirau had also asked the ministry to explain measures taken to prevent the issue from spreading and becoming a harmful culture. One recent case is the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, who was a victim of alleged bullying. The case was first reported on July 16 when she was found unconscious in a drain near a school hostel in Papar, Sabah, at about 3am. The case continues to draw national attention as a coroner’s inquest is scheduled to begin on Sept 3. Five teenagers have been charged with verbally abusing the victim. The ministry claimed that it has adopted a strict no-compromise stance on bullying in schools, adding that continuous efforts are required to eliminate such misconduct. It noted that mechanisms have long been in place, such as the safe school programme, implemented in 2002, which sought to create a secure school environment free from internal or external disruptions. This was later strengthened by the standard operating procedure, introduced in 2011, which requires immediate reporting of disciplinary offences to the ministry’s top management to ensure swift action. The ministry has also issued comprehensive guidelines on the management of bullying in schools, setting out definitions, procedures and consequences for perpetrators and victims. It also said legal awareness programmes have been introduced to educate school leaders about their responsibilities under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792) and that the Prime Minister’s Department’s legal affairs division is studying an anti-bullying law to be presented to the Cabinet soon.

PETALING JAYA: Hulu Terengganu MP Datuk Rosol Wahid has urged the government to reintroduce caning in schools to curb rising cases of bullying, arguing that it should be seen as corrective education rather than punishment. Rosol said Islamic teachings emphasise corrective discipline, provided it does not cause harm. “In the past, we were often caned and it taught us discipline. But today, whenever parents complain, the ministry sides with them. Teachers are losing their authority to educate,” he told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He expressed concern over the

o MP pushes for corrective discipline, while educators and psychologists caution against lasting harm as the rotan fuels fear, violence and trauma

“Slogans rarely change behaviour. Real progress depends on nurturing positive school climates, closer teacher-student ties, peer intervention, counselling and active parental involvement.” Today’s tabling sets the stage for a charged debate in the Dewan Rakyat. MPs will press the government on whether it is ready to treat bullying, not as adolescent mischief to be punished, but as a child-protection crisis demanding urgent, systemic solutions. For grieving families and anxious parents, the stakes are high – whether Parliament finally acts to break the cycle or risks yet more preventable tragedies in Malaysia’s schools. teachers need different approaches, adding: “Islam itself stresses educating without causing harm.” He also linked bullying to violent content in films and series on streaming platforms such as Netflix. The debate over corporal punishment is not new. For decades, the cane symbolised the proverb – spare the rod, spoil the child – but critics say its time has passed. Experts, including Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia senior lecturer Dr Anuar Ahmad had told theSun in February that caning is outdated and harmful. Corporal punishment, he said, does not instil discipline, adding that it will only create fear that can lead to stress, depression and long-term psychological issues. Students who are frequently caned may grow up believing physical violence is the answer to their problems, he said. He also noted that many misbehave despite repeated caning and research shows children exposed to frequent beatings are more likely to use violence as adults. Instead, he urged early intervention and guidance. A teacher from SJK (T) Vivekananda, Thenmoly Rajan shared a more nuanced view with theSun earlier this year. While she acknowledged caning once worked for some students, she said its effects today are largely negative. She said for some it works, but for others it creates fear and resentment, adding that firm instructions and consistent interaction with students usually suffice. She regularly checks on her students’ well-being, believing emotional support is key. While she sees counselling as useful for secondary students, she is less convinced of its effectiveness for younger children. Still, she noted that even parents who oppose caning expect teachers to maintain discipline.

practice already being in place at Mara junior science colleges. “Our children are the nation’s future leaders. If we fail to address this now, the country’s future is at risk.” Rosol stressed that not all students learn the same way and

Education Ministry’s handling of bullying, pointing to recent student deaths and accused it of appearing closed to outside views. The law maker also criticised the government’s initial resistance to appointing retired soldiers and policemen as wardens, despite the

Parliament is once again debating the maxim ‘spare the rod, spoil the child’, although critics believe its time has run out. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Parliamentarians to push for stronger safeguards against peer intimidation PETALING JAYA: School bullying in Malaysia has too often ended in tragedy – from the 2017 torture and death of naval cadet Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain to last year’s fatal dormitory assault of a 17-year-old boy. Kasih have been criticised as intimidating and inaccessible for children. Many victims fear their reports will be dismissed or worse, that schools will retaliate once complaints surface. boost school safety, including closed circuit television (CCTV) installation in selected boarding schools. Universiti Sains Malaysia’s criminologist Datuk Dr P. live on campus or go home daily.” On the ministry’s new “We Hate Bullying” pledge, recited nationwide, Sundramoorthy was sceptical.

repeated assaults, some filmed and circulated online, raising doubts over whether students are safe in hostels. Parents in several cases accused school authorities of being slow to act, deepening the trauma for victims. Civil society groups say the problem is structural. Parents’ associations argue that bullying is too often dismissed as “rough play” until disaster strikes. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has urged schools to stop burdening teachers with warden duties, saying the double workload weakens both classroom teaching and hostel supervision. It recommends trained external wardens, screened through strict background checks and psychometric tests. The Education Ministry has, meanwhile, approved RM3 million to

Sundramoorthy welcomed the move, saying cameras can deter bullies and provide crucial evidence. “Installing CCTV shows intent to protect students, especially in dormitories and common areas where bullying goes unreported,” he told theSun . He. however, said surveillance is not a cure-all. “Without clear policies on placement, access to footage and data storage, CCTV risks eroding trust. And without proper upkeep, cameras quickly become useless.” He added that safety should not be limited to hostels: “Every child deserves protection, whether they

The committee is also considering the proposed Anti-Bullying Act, which could create a dedicated tribunal to handle student cases. Such a tribunal would mark a clear shift – treating bullying not merely as a disciplinary lapse but as a child protection issue requiring legal and institutional safeguards. Yeo, however, has cautioned against relying on punishment alone. Without counselling and support, she warned, victims often become perpetrators themselves, fuelling a cycle of violence. The urgency is clear. Boarding schools in particular have seen

Parliament will today confront the issue when the Select Committee on Women, Children and Community Development tables a statement expected to push the government into systemic reform. Committee chairperson Yeo Bee Yin will present recommendations drawn from weeks of hearings with ministries, NGOs and child-rights groups. Central to the proposals is a national, child-friendly portal for bullying complaints, designed to give students a safe, direct channel to seek help. Existing platforms such as Talian

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Govt mulls new Bill to safeguard shop lot buyers

UPM developing AI software to interpret slang terms GEORGE TOWN: Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is developing artificial intelligence (AI) software that can interpret the communication style of young people, especially their use of abbreviations and short forms. Its deputy vice-chancellor (Industry and Community Network) Prof Dr Hang Tuah Baharudin said young people are more inclined to communicate using abbreviations and contemporary expressions. He said the initiative was part of the university’s efforts to maintain proper language use while safeguarding its authenticity amid digital communication trends. “We have linguistic experts conducting research on how to process and interpret language so it can be used correctly. For example, if grandchildren use abbreviations when texting their grandparents, this AI can translate the message into simpler language that is easier to understand,” he said after attending the 13th Malaysia International Conference on Languages, Literatures and Cultures on Tuesday He said the project is still at the data collection stage, as tens of thousands of contemporary terms are used by young people today. He described the initiative as a step to utilise AI as a tool to support communication rather than substitute human thinking. “For example, abbreviations such as IDK (I don’t know), IMO (in my opinion), LOL (laugh out loud) and G2G (got to go). If people do not understand them, they could cause confusion, but once the database is ready, this AI will be able to translate (slang terms) into more formal language.” – Bernama Sarawak allocates RM10b for state water grid system KUCHING: The Sarawak government has allocated about RM10 billion for piping systems and water treatment plants throughout the state to provide clean and sustainable water to the people and support the needs of foreign investors. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg said the allocation covers the replacement of old and leaking pipes, the development and upgrading of water treatment plants and the implementation of a water grid system in the state. “We are targeting all these projects to be fully completed by 2030. The allocation will be channelled in stages, with priority given to densely populated areas and remote areas that previously faced difficulties in obtaining clean water supplies,” he said at a press conference after launching Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd. He also said apart from water supply, the state government also places emphasis on the development of other strategic infrastructure such as coastal highways, rural link roads and a network of major highways connecting the whole of Sarawak by 2030. He expressed optimism that Sarawak would achieve full water supply coverage by that year, thus boosting the state’s progress with modern and investor-friendly infrastructure. Meanwhile, Sarawak Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the establishment of Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd is aimed at strengthening the state’s water management system. The state government approved the establishment of a water supply service company under the Companies Act 2016 in 2024, which merged three agencies, the Kuching Water Authority, Sibu Water Authority and the Northern Region Water Board. – Bernama

o Study being conducted to ensure commercial premises protected under law: Minister

Department director-general Datuk Dr Alias Rameli said the agency engaged stakeholders through the National Council for Local Government to gather feedback from state authorities on the Bill, including the four SG4 states: Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis. “Under Article 95A of the Federal Constitution, the federal government must consult state governments on local government policies. Some of these views have been acknowledged and incorporated into the Bill, including responsibilities on identifying redevelopment sites, which fall under state authority with support from local councils,” he said in Parliament. Alias added that state governments hold the power to declare and gazette sites for urban renewal projects, except in the Federal Territories. The Urban Renewal Bill, due for its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat today, aims to redevelop dilapidated housing areas in a systematic, fair and inclusive way to support community well-being and sustainable urban growth.

response to a supplementary question from Maran MP Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib. Nga also reported progress on abandoned housing projects, saying the ministry’s special task force has revived 1,171 developments since 2023, restoring nearly 140,000 homes worth RM113.55 billion in gross development value (GDV). For the first half of 2025, 244 projects comprising 27,101 units were revived, with a GDV of RM21.07 billion. On a separate matter, Nga received a memorandum of support from residents for the Urban Renewal Bill outside Parliament. Nearly 100 residents, including from Desa Bakti in Selayang and the Taman Maluri flats in Cheras, urged the government to fast track the legislation. “They asked the government to speed up the Bill, and many also suggested that the Opposition should live in dilapidated flats to experience the hardship faced by the people. Do not politicise initiatives that are sincerely meant to help the people,” he said in a post on X. Meanwhile, Town and Country Planning

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The Housing and Local Government Ministry is considering drafting a new Bill to safeguard buyers of abandoned commercial shop lot projects, which currently fall outside housing protection laws. Minister Nga Kor Ming said shop units are classified as commercial premises and not covered under the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966 (Act 118). “The ministry is conducting a study so that we can propose a new Bill to ensure shop buyers are also protected under the law,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, in

M’sian consumers embracing international e-commerce

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian consumers are emerging as confident and frequent participants in cross-border e-commerce activity, according to a recent study by Airwallex. Its Malaysia manager Aren Yip advised merchants to prioritise seamless and secure checkout experiences to meet rising expectations. Yip said both Malaysian and global consumers are increasingly confident shopping internationally, particularly from well-known brands. “The key takeaway is that shoppers are comfortable buying from international merchants. But there are three top-of-mind concerns: payment security, stability of payment methods and transparent pricing, especially in local currencies without hidden fees.” The study showed that 94% of Malaysian shoppers are confident buying internationally, with 72% doing so at least once a month, compared with 56% globally. “Marketplaces such as Shopee, Lazada and Taobao remain the preferred platforms in Malaysia, while social commerce is also gaining traction.” Yip added that influencers matter more in Malaysia, with 76% of Malaysian shoppers saying influencer recommendations impact their purchasing decisions, higher than the global average of 53%. He also said consumers dislike encountering obstacles during payment, particularly when they are redirected to unfamiliar platforms or faced with unclear fees and exchange rates, which often leads to cart abandonment. On the question of how Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) could scale globally, Yip said online shopping platforms such as Shopee remain an important sales channel. “I recommend that SMEs invest in their own branded e-commerce websites. When you have your own store, you own the customer experience. It allows you to build brand loyalty, attract repeat customers and create a long

Yip said while physical cards remain the top payment method, Malaysians favour digital wallets and local bank transfer systems such as FPX and DuitNow. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

expand across the regional Asean markets. “You cannot just rely on card payments when selling in countries such as Indonesia or Thailand. You need to support local methods, such as PromptPay in Thailand, which is their version of DuitNow, if you want to succeed regionally.” The growing demand for affordability and flexibility in spending is also driving the popularity of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions, both in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia. “The more payment methods a business offers, whether it’s digital wallets, BNPL or local transfer systems, the greater the likelihood of completing a sale.”

term relationship with your buyers.” He also said 93% of Malaysian shoppers plan their purchases around occasions such as double digit Sales, Hari Raya and the Lunar New Year. On the local digital payment landscape, Yip said while physical cards remain the top payment method in many markets, Malaysian consumers favour digital wallets and local bank transfer systems such as FPX and DuitNow. “This is a consumer trend that sets Malaysia apart. For businesses operating here, offering a broad range of local payment options is essential to drive conversions.” Yip said payment diversity becomes more critical when Malaysian businesses look to

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School staff provide statements on fall of student

Police dialogue to focus on road safety KUALA LUMPUR: The fourth edition of the Police Special Dialogue, scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year, is expected to focus on road safety and traffic management, particularly issues related to motorcycle convoys. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the matter requires serious attention and a strategic approach to prevent problems such as law violations and untoward incidents, including collisions. “We will discuss many aspects, including convoy issues. There are SOPs in place. We also have the inspector-general of police’s standing orders, which clearly outline the do’s and don’ts. “For example, marshals appointed by organisers have their limitations. They are not allowed to control other vehicles or run red lights, among other things.” The media reported recently that five fatalities were recorded during the RXZ Members 7.0 gathering in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu on Saturday. – Bernama PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court has dismissed an application to file a late appeal petition by a hearing and speech-impaired factory worker who was ordered to enter his defence on charges of murdering and setting a family of four on fire in Tanjung Sepat, Kuala Langat. A three-judge panel led by Court of Appeal president Datuk Abu Bakar Jais ruled that the earlier Court of Appeal decision directing Kang Chang Heng, 46, to enter his defence was not a final judgment but an interlocutory order that did not extinguish his rights. “The appellant retains the right to defend himself, and if convicted at the conclusion of his defence, he would still have the right to appeal. “We find the appellant’s appeal incompetent. Accordingly, we dismiss the application and set the matter for case management at the Shah Alam High Court.” Also on the bench were Malaya chief judge Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim and Federal Court judge Datuk Zabariah Mohd Yusof. A sign language interpreter was present at Tuesday’s proceedings to convey the court proceedings to the

“Police personnel who arrived at the scene conducted an investigation on the body and discovered no signs of criminal activity.” Checks around the area revealed a modified pole for bird trapping that was stuck to a high-voltage electricity cable. “The victim’s wife informed that he had left the house at 8.30am to trap birds on his motorcycle. “The case is classified as sudden death and the victim has been sent to the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar for autopsy.” – Bernama appellant. DPP How May Ling appeared for the prosecution while Kang was represented by counsel Lim Chin Huat. On Sept 2, 2024, the Court of Appeal set aside the Shah Alam High Court’s decision acquitting Kang and ordered him to enter his defence after the prosecution established a prima facie case against him. On Oct 19, 2022, the Shah Alam High Court discharged and acquitted Kang of all charges without requiring him to enter a defence. Kang is accused of murdering Chia Tee Nang, 73, his wife Lim Mai Shak, 68, and their grandsons, Chia Yuan Bin, three, and Chia Zeng Xi, nine, at a house in Tanjung Sepat, Kuala Langat, Selangor between 4am and 5am on Dec 13, 2017. He is also charged with causing injury to Andrew Chia Zeng Haol, 11, who survived the fire allegedly set by Kang at the same time and place. Kang was arrested on Dec 15, 2017. He is believed to have been the boyfriend of the youngest daughter of the deceased couple, who is also hearing and speech impaired. – Bernama SHAH ALAM: School staff were among those called by police to provide statements regarding the case of a Form Three student who fell from a school dormitory in Sabak Bernam on Tuesday. Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the investigation is ongoing. “Statements have been recorded from various individuals, including school staff,” he said yesterday. On Tuesday, police confirmed receiving a report involving a male Form Three student who is believed o Ministry not jumping to conclusions about bullying, looking into other aspects : Director-general

under sedation, Bernama reported. “I have visited the student personally and was briefed by attending specialists that a medical team is focusing on treating his injuries.” He said to facilitate a smoother investigation and ease emotional strain, the school principal, student affairs senior assistant and all wardens have been temporarily reassigned to the Selangor Education Department. “This is to reduce emotional pressure on the staff and allow the investigation team to assess the school’s compliance with safe school protocols.” Earlier, media reports stated that a male student was critically injured after allegedly falling from a dormitory at around 2am. The student is believed to be a victim of bullying, with family members citing he suffered multiple injuries.

ministry would check the school’s level of compliance with Safe School Guidelines, including procedures for managing bullying and sexual harassment cases. Responding to allegations that the school was late in informing the student’s guardians, Mohd Azam defended the school’s emergency response, stating that student safety was the immediate priority. “We were informed that the ambulance arrived at 3.20am and the student reached the Sabak Bernam Hospital within 20 minutes. It was only at the hospital that the student’s father was contacted. “In emergency situations, the focus is always on saving lives first. While some may view the delay as negligence, others see it as sound judgment. According to our guidelines, safety comes first,” he explained. The student has been transferred to the Sungai Buloh Hospital and is

to have fallen from the third floor of the school dormitory. Shazeli said an investigation paper has been opened under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001, with the case being investigated from multiple angles. The Education Ministry is conducting an internal probe into the incident, taking into account possible elements of bullying, fighting and other contributing factors. Education Director-General Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said the ministry is fully cooperating with police in the investigations. “We are not jumping to conclusions about bullying. We are looking into other aspects, whether there was a fight, signs of bullying or any other elements involved. Everything is being considered,” he said during a special press conference on Tuesday. He also confirmed that the

Court dismisses late appeal of murder suspect

SURVEYING DAMAGE... Pontian police station chief ASP Ahmad Shah Abdul Rasheed (second, left) yesterday at a house that burned down at Km36 in Jalan Pontian, resulting in two deaths and four injured. – BERNAMAPIC

11,864 nabbed in fraud cases this year KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested 11,864 individuals believed to be involved in 31,949 cases of fraud incurring losses of RM1.5 billion this year. the country’s economy, but also increases the people’s trust in security institutions.

protection, digital sovereignty and collective cyber awareness. “Among the main messages highlighted was the need to strengthen cooperation between agencies in facing increasingly complex cybercrime. “Emphasis was also given to the role of the department, which is at the forefront of addressing commercial crime.” The dialogue, organised by the department in collaboration with the ministry, Alpine Integrated Solutions and Koperasi Polis Diraja Malaysia Bhd, brought together security agencies, technology experts, academics and the private sector. – Bernama

Man dies while bird trapping ALOR SETAR: A man has been found dead after he is believed to have been electrocuted while bird trapping in Kampung Bukit Tok Chom near Pendang.

He also reminded police members and officers to continue to improve their capabilities and competencies as the country’s main enforcement agency, including mastering the use of artificial intelligence in efforts to address crime, especially cybercrime. “The Home Ministry is committed to further strengthening the police force through modernisation of infrastructure, capacity expansion and cross-sector support.” Saifuddin said the discussion focused on national security issues that are no longer limited to physical borders, but also include data

Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the arrests were made as a result of nearly 10,000 operations carried out by the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department. “This is not an easy job. It is a heavy responsibility. However, it was conducted brilliantly by the police force. I stand here to respect your courage in carrying out this responsibility.” He emphasised that the expertise of the department not only protects

Pendang district police chief Supt Rodzi Abu Hassan said the body of Sahrulnizam Ramli, 53, from Kampung Hujung Ketun was found by passers-by on Tuesday. “Police received a report from the public at 9.55am after the body of a man believed to have died due to electrocution while using a pole to trap birds in the area was discovered.

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Combining tradition and creativity

KOTA BHARU: While Malaysians across the nation celebrate National Month in their own ways, a young artist from Kampung Pulau Panjang here has chosen a uniquely creative path, stitching together the Jalur Gemilang from pieces of kain pelikat. For Muhammad Darwisy Mustafani, 24, the work is more than art. It is his heartfelt tribute to the nation, blending cultural heritage with the Merdeka spirit. “I chose kain pelikat because it is close to our community, especially Malays. It symbolises our culture. Through it, I wanted to express my love for the country in my own creative way.” o Young artist crafts Jalur Gemilang from pieces of kain pelikat for National Month

Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, embellished with Swarovski crystals. He shares his journey through TikTok under the account name wisyilukis, attracting followers inspired by his unique blend of tradition and creativity. Darwisy expressed hope that his Jalur Gemilang project would inspire young Malaysians to cherish independence and express patriotism in their own creative ways. “Every generation should find their own way to celebrate our freedom. For me, it is through art. I hope this flag would remind others that our culture and independence are treasures worth protecting,” he said. Soon, Darwisy’s brush will turn to royalty as he crafts songket portraits for the Sultan of Kedah Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah and the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, a proud recognition of his growing legacy in Malaysian art.

More than 30 participants, ranging from children to senior citizens, pedalled joyfully on nostalgic vintage bicycles and modern ones, filling the neighbourhood with cheers, laughter, ringing bells and chants of “Bangkit Rakyat! Merdeka!”. The community event was spearheaded by Azhan Taib, 67, who has never failed in the past 17 years to fly the Jalur Gemilang at every corner of Taman Sri Stulang as a symbol of his unwavering love for Malaysia. “These antique bicycles carry history. Some are inherited from our fathers, some have been repaired countless times. We want the younger generation to know this heritage, and at the same time ignite the Merdeka spirit,” said Azhan, who despite battling high cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes, remains spirited in organising the programme. More than just leisure, the cycling event connected residents with outsiders while evoking nostalgia through the sight of the classic bicycles that were once an essential After a brief stint working as an artist at a private company in Kuala Lumpur, he returned to his hometown last year to pursue art full time, Bernama reported. He has since carved out a niche with his distinctive paintings on songket , a medium rarely explored in Malaysia. His works include portraits of His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty the Queen of Malaysia Raja Zarith Sofiah, which were exhibited at Istana Negara in October last year. He has completed more than 50 songket paintings, with prices ranging between RM700 and RM15,000 depending on the complexity and fabric type, from handwoven silk to cotton. His clients include members of royalty, dignitaries and art collectors. Among his prized works is a painting of Selangor’s official flower, the Bunga Tanjung, for Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor

He spent nearly two weeks piecing together a 1.2m by 0.8m flag from four kain pelikat in red, white, blue and yellow. Careful attention went into matching the colours with the original tones of the national flag. “One of the most challenging parts was the star. I spent about two days on that alone, making sure the corners and size were precise. There were times I almost gave up but my determination to finish it kept me going,” said Darwisy, the fifth of eight siblings. To make the flag even more special, he painted the figure of Malaysia’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj raising his hand in the iconic Merdeka proclamation on Aug 31, 1957. “I wanted it to look alive, a symbol of freedom and the moment our country broke free from colonial rule,” he said. A graduate in architecture from Universiti Teknologi Mara, Darwisy has been passionate about drawing since his school days.

Antique bicycles ignite patriotic spirit JOHOR BAHRU: A row of 15 antique bicycles adorned with the Jalur Gemilang , some dating back decades, became a colourful display of patriotism at Taman Sri Stulang here when residents held a lively cycling event recently to mark the National Day celebrations. mode of transport. Along the 300m route, residents waved flags from their windows, cheered the cyclists on and captured the moments with their phones. For Chen Oon, 71, who rode his late father’s antique bicycle, the event carried a deep message of togetherness.

“We want the younger generation to understand that Merdeka is not only about hanging flags, but also appreciating the unity we have inherited since the early days. That is the true spirit of independence,” he said. The excitement was also shared by SK Tebrau Bakar Batu student Rayyan Abdullah, 11, who eagerly awaits the event every year. “This event is really fun. I enjoy cycling with my friends while carrying the flag. I hope ‘Uncle Poison’ (Azhan’s popular nickname in the area) will keep organising it,” he said. Over 300 Jalur Gemilang and Johor state flags were seen fluttering at every corner of Taman Sri Stulang, intensifying the patriotic spirit ahead of the National Day celebrations. From energetic children pedalling with small flags in hand to elderly residents watching while humming patriotic songs, the entire neighbourhood came alive, embodying the true meaning of Merdeka through community spirit. – Bernama

Over 300 Jalur Gemilang and Johor state flags were seen fluttering at every corner of Taman Sri Stulang, intensifying the patriotic spirit ahead of the National Day celebrations. – BERNAMAPIC

THURSDAY | AUG 28, 2025

7

Thai woman jailed for lese-majeste freed

India releases dam water, warns Pakistan of flooding NEW DELHI: India yesterday opened all gates of major dams on rivers in its part of Kashmir following heavy rains, and warned Pakistan of the possibility of downstream flooding. Pakistan said Islamabad received the warning, and subsequently issued an alert for flooding on three rivers which flow into the country from India. India and Pakistan have been ravaged by intense monsoon rains and flooding in recent weeks. Punjab province in Pakistan faces an “exceptionally high” risk of flooding due to a combination of heavy rains and the excess water India is releasing from the dams, which then flows across the border, according to Pakistani officials. Pakistani Punjab serves as the country’s breadbasket and is home to half of its 240 million people. An Indian source said that some 200,000 cusecs of water is likely to be released. A cusec is a volume equivalent to one cubic foot, or 28 cubic litres per second. A Pakistani disaster management official had warned on Tuesday that India would be releasing controlled volumes of water in coming days. Pakistan says New Delhi had passed on two earlier flood warnings since Sunday. India routinely releases water from its dams, with the excess flowing into Pakistan, as the two nations share rivers. Pakistani authorities yesterday called in army troops to help rescue people from already flooded areas in the Punjab province. – Reuters

BANGKOK: A Thai woman who received one of the kingdom’s longest ever royal insult sentences was freed from prison yesterday under a mass pardon marking the king’s birthday. Anchan Preelert, 69, was jailed for 43 years in 2021 after sharing online audio clips on YouTube of an underground podcast host known as “DJ Banpodj”, a fierce critic of the monarchy. She was initially sentenced to 87 years, three for each of the 29 counts of lese-majeste she faced, but the court halved it because she confessed. Anchan, a former civil servant, was first arrested in 2015 under the military government ruling Thailand at the time. After around eight years behind bars, Anchan walked free yesterday morning along with 84 other inmates granted clemency from the Central Women’s Correctional Institution in Bangkok. Wearing a white T-shirt and a purple scarf, she bowed to supporters who gave her flowers and held signs reading “Welcome Home”. “Eight years I was in there ... it’s a bitter feeling for me,” she told reporters. Thailand’s lese majeste law, known as Article 112, shields the king and his family from any criticism, with each offence punishable by up o Former civil servant granted clemency

Anchan greeting her supporters after her release yesterday. – AFPPIC

Jammu, which weather officials said was deluged with 368mm of rain on Tuesday. The rivers Tawi, Chenab and Basantar overflowed beyond their alert levels, causing floods in low lying areas, Jammu district official Rakesh Kumar told reporters. Television images showed vehicles falling into a big hole after a bridge collapsed on the Tawi river, while some highways linking Jammu to the rest of India were also damaged. – Reuters by rights groups as a setback. More than 280 people have been prosecuted under section 112 in the last five years, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, a group that provides legal services in many lese-majeste cases. Prosecutions soared in the wake of mass street protests led by students in 2020, some of which made unprecedented public criticism of the king. – AFP

It was overtaken last year when Mongkol Thirakot, a 32-year-old online seller, was sentenced to at least 50 years over Facebook posts deemed insulting the monarchy. Several rights groups including Amnesty International welcomed Anchan’s release as a rare reprieve for political prisoners in Thailand. Last month, Thai lawmakers rejected an amnesty Bill for royal insult convicts, a move condemned

to 15 years in jail. Rights groups and critics say the law is overused, and interpreted so broadly that legitimate debate is stifled. Anchan posted the offending clips 29 times, and under the law each one was treated as a separate offence, so she was hit with 29 counts. When it was passed, Anchan’s sentence was the longest ever imposed for lese-majeste.

Landslide kills 30 on pilgrimage NEW DELHI: Heavy rain set off a landslide on a Hindu pilgrimage route in India’s northern region of Jammu, killing at least 30 people, the ANI news agency said yesterday, while floods prompted official warnings for people to stay indoors at night. Authorities were battling to restore telecom services, said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Tuesday’s landslide near the shrine of Vaishno Devi on the pilgrims’ route killed at least 30 people, said ANI.

It was the latest havoc from downpours in the Himalayan region that have killed 60 people, with 200 missing in Kishtwar in Indian Kashmir last week. Authorities also ordered the closure of educational institutions in

Weather officials forecast more rain and thunderstorms with gusty winds for the mountainous region of Ladakh, while heavy rain is set to lash the federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Wickremesinghe supporters rallying near the court on Tuesday. – REUTERSPIC

Wickremesinghe gets bail COLOMBO: A Sri Lankan court granted bail on Tuesday to former president Ranil Wickremesinghe who was arrested last week over allegations that he misused state funds while in office.

“We came out in support of democracy and due process. The government should continue measures to fight against corruption. We have no objection to that.” The UNP has said Wickremesinghe, who lost power in a presidential election last year, is innocent and suggested that the case against him is politically motivated, which Sri Lanka’s ruling party, headed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, denies. The case against him is based on an investigation made into a visit he made to Britain in 2023 to attend a special graduation lunch as part of celebrations of his wife’s honorary professorship at a university. – Reuters

Wickremesinghe, 76, joined the court hearing via Zoom from hospital. His United National Party (UNP) said he was admitted over the weekend on doctor’s advice to monitor his health. Hundreds of supporters, including opposition politicians, gathered outside the court in central Colombo ahead of the hearing. “This is a sign of the independence of our judiciary,” said UNP Deputy Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam.

A damaged car lies in the rubble after part of a bridge collapsed along the Tawi River yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

THURSDAY | AUG 28, 2025

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

8

Iran link to arson attack uncovered via funding trail

Starship passes development rut WASHINGTON: SpaceX’s Starship rocket on Tuesday deployed its first batch of mock Starlink satellites in space and tested new heat shield tiles on its plunge through Earth’s atmosphere. The giant 123m Starship system in its 10th test flight lifted off from SpaceX’s Starbase facilities in south Texas, followed by its towering Super Heavy booster releasing the Starship upper stage into space three minutes later, dozens of miles above ground. Cruising in space some 30 minutes into the flight, Starship’s “Pez”-like satellite deployment system dispensed eight dummy Starlink satellites for the first time, a key demonstration for a rocket that represents the future of SpaceX’s dominant launch business. Much is riding on the rocket’s success. Nasa picked Starship to put its first astronauts on the Moon’s surface since the Apollo programme. And Musk sees Starship, designed to be fully reusable, as core to fulfilling his goal of routinely ferrying humans to Mars. Starship’s blazing-hot supersonic reentry through Earth’s atmosphere over the Indian Ocean roughly an hour into the mission put a variety of hexagonal heat shield tiles to the test as billionaire Elon Musk’s space company tries to create an exterior shield that requires little to no refurbishment after each use. Spacecraft that return to Earth have historically required new heat shields or repairs after each mission given the destructive and brutal erosion that occurs from high-speed atmospheric friction. The heat shield tiles on Nasa’s retired Space Shuttle were fit for dozens of missions, though some had to be replaced. “There are thousands of engineering challenges that remain, for both the ship and the booster, but maybe the single biggest one is the reusable orbital heat shield,” Musk said on Monday. The mission concluded with a steady, engine guided vertical landing on the ocean’s surface west of Australia. The Starship then toppled over before exploding into a fireball, likely triggered by its termination system. – Reuters Statue of feudal warlord beheaded TOKYO: A statue of a powerful 16th-century warlord and samurai outside a shopping arcade in Japan has been beheaded, a shop official and media reports said yesterday. The statue is of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who completed the unification of Japan in the 16th century, and is also known for his failed attempts to invade the Korean peninsula. The association of the Endoji shopping arcade in Nagoya regards the statue as a symbolic figure of the mall, and “is considering filing a damage report with police”, a member said. There was no information about who damaged the statue for what reasons, he said. The vandalism came after similar damages to other warlord sculptures outside the same shopping arcade in central Japan that were reportedly donated by a real estate company in 2013. In 2022, the one of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Toyotomi’s rival and the first shogun of Tokugawa’s Edo period that lasted until the late 19th century, was knocked down and had a hole made in its back. The figure of Oda Nobunaga was found without an arm in 2019. The three are Japan’s most famous warlords who fought to unify Japan to end around 100 years of warring states period. In other countries, statues of historical figures have become the subject of fierce debate in recent years, especially of figures related to colonialism and slavery. – AFP

o Tehran denies involvement

SYDNEY: Australia’s intelligence agency traced the funding of hooded criminals who allegedly set fire to a Melbourne synagogue, linking the attack to Iran, officials said, even as those charged with the crime were likely unaware Tehran was their puppet master. A 20-year-old man, Younes Ali Younes, appeared in Melbourne’s Magistrates Court yesterday charged with the Dec 6 arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue and theft of a car. He did not enter a plea and did not seek bail. His lawyer declined to comment. A day earlier Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia’s intelligence agencies had shown the attack, and another in Sydney last year, were directed by the Iranian government, and expelled Tehran’s ambassador, becoming the latest Western government to accuse Iran of carrying out hostile covert activities on its soil. Security services in Britain and Sweden warned last year that Tehran was using criminal proxies to carry out its violent attacks in those countries, with London saying it had disrupted 20 Iran-linked plots since 2022. A dozen other countries have condemned what they called a surge in assassination, kidnapping, and harassment plots by Iranian intelligence services. Australia’s spy chief Mike Burgess said a series of “cut outs”, an intelligence term for intermediaries, were used to conceal Iran’s involvement in the attacks, and warned that it may have orchestrated others. Security forces “have done rather extraordinary work to trace the source of the funding of these criminal elements who’ve been used as tools”, Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Tuesday. The investigation worked backwards through payments made onshore and offshore to “petty and sometimes not so petty criminals”, he said in parliament yesterday. Albanese was briefed by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation on Monday on evidence of a “supply chain” that he said linked the attacks to offshore individuals and Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Australia’s diplomats in Iran were discreetly told to leave, making it out of Iranian airspace just after midnight, he said. A public announcement, with Albanese flanked by his spy chief and foreign and home affairs ministers, came on Tuesday, prompting accolades from Israel. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said it “absolutely rejected” Australia’s accusation.

Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi entering the embassy in Canberra yesterday. – AFPPIC

speculation they had been taken hostage. Porepunkah is home to around 1,000 residents and is at the base of Australia’s alpine ranges. Bush said that winter weather made search conditions “tough going” for police and that Freeman “will know the area better than us”. “He understands bushcraft well, which provides a challenge for us,” Bush said, adding Freeman was “heavily armed” with firearms. Local media outlets reported that police believed Freeman was a “sovereign citizen” who believes the government is illegitimate. – Reuters alight before speeding away. Victoria’s Joint Counter Terrorism Team alleged Younes stole the car to carry out the attack and recklessly endangered lives by setting fire to the synagogue when people were inside, a charge sheet shows. No one was wounded in the attack. A co-accused, Giovanni Laulu, 21, appeared in court last month on the same charges. Police have referred to the sedan as a “communal crime car” linked to other attacks that were not politically motivated. – Reuters

The turning point in the investigation came weeks earlier, as Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation seized mobile phones and digital devices from suspects arrested in Victoria state over the attack – and highlighted a stolen blue Volkswagen Golf sedan used in unrelated attacks. CTV footage of the night of Dec 6 released by police shows three hooded figures unloading red jerry cans of fuel from the boot of the car, one of whom was wielding an axe, at the entrance of the synagogue and setting it

Suspected shooter flees into dense bushland SYDNEY: A police manhunt in Australia’s rugged alpine bushland entered a second day yesterday after a “heavily armed” gunman allegedly shot dead two officers and injured another as they served a warrant at his rural property in the state of Victoria. “The hunt will continue until we find him.” On Tuesday, a team of 10 police officers, including members of the sexual offences and child investigation team, arrived at Freeman’s property in Porepunkah, about 300km northeast of Melbourne, to execute a search warrant.

Police said the suspected gunman, identified as 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, was a local man with expert knowledge of bushcraft and in possession of powerful firearms. “I can confirm that the suspect for this horrific event is still at large,” Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said at a news conference yesterday.

Freeman, also known as “Filby”, is alleged to have fired on the group, killing a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable and seriously injuring a detective before fleeing on foot into dense bushland, police said. Police said Freeman’s partner and children had been located safely overnight amid