27/09/2025

SATURDAY | SEPT 27, 2025

3 All eyes on enforcement of tobacco, vape display ban

Cause of power outage at KLIA2 identified

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said Malaysia’s first satellite launch pad would be a privately driven project, with the government serving as regulator. He pointed to the country’s geographical advantage, being close to the equator, which allows for more efficient launches with lower fuel requirements. “At present, most launch facilities are located far from the equator. The nearest one is in French Guiana. A facility near the equator would reduce rocket fuel requirements, which translates into cost savings. PETALING JAYA: A “circulating current” has been identified as the cause of the blackout at the KL International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA2) on Aug 28. The Transport Ministry said in a statement yesterday the finding was based on a technical investigation by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), which was presented to the Cabinet on Sept 24. The probe revealed that circulating current along the 33kV and 11kV substation cables supplying power to KLIA2 generated localised heating, triggering a “flashover”, a sudden electrical discharge across an insulator or air gap that produces intense heat and light. It also found that high soil resistivity at the site hampered the safe discharge of excess current into the ground, further stressing protective cables. MAHB said it has taken immediate measures to address the problem. “Our technical teams have repaired all cable terminations, installed sheath voltage limiters to cut circulating currents, reconfigured earthing systems and enhanced maintenance with partial discharge testing and thermographic inspections. “We are also studying the feasibility of installing an automatic transfer switch system to speed up backup power, optimising generator use to cover more critical services, shortening generator test schedules from three to two months and conducting a comprehensive soil resistivity study to reduce the risk of recurring flashovers.” The ministry added that no critical airport operations were disrupted during the outage but said MAHB’s follow-up measures would be closely monitored to protect passenger confidence and Malaysia’s position as a regional aviation hub. The incident drew immediate concern from Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who was at KLIA2 that day for the Tap, Travel and Discover programme by gateway@klia2. Loke ordered MAHB and gateway@klia2 to provide a full report within 24 hours and demanded assurances that such incidents would not recur. MAHB later confirmed that power was fully restored within 28 minutes, with critical systems such as baggage handling and flight information remaining unaffected.

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Inaction after earlier implementation postponement may send wrong signal and create undesirable consequences

Free MyKad replacement until Oct 7 Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com PETALING JAYA: The Home Ministry will bear all costs related to replacement of MyKad due to damaged chips. Its minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry is determined to ensure the Budi95 subsidy reaches only Malaysians. “The usual replacement figure is about 30,000 cards per month. After my announcement (on the matter), the replacement of MyKad with a damaged chip will be free from now until Oct 7. “By waiving the (RM10) fee, the ministry loses approximately RM714,000. However, we are proud to be an agency enabling the success of Budi95,” he said at a press conference at the Sabah police headquarters yesterday. “In Sabah, nearly 800 MyKad replacements have been completed, highlighting public recognition of its role in ensuring (the success of the) targeted subsidy. “While visiting flood (areas) and providing aid, I highlighted the role of (agencies under the ministry) through initiatives such as MyKad and identification document replacements. “Important documents such as MyKad, birth certificates and marriage certificates may be lost during floods. Affected individuals can obtain free replacements at National Registration Department offices.” and health campaigns. “People judge the seriousness of a policy not by its announcement, but by its enforcement. “Consistency signals commitment and builds trust. This is about protecting the next generation. We have the law. We have the rationale. Now, we need enforcement.” While some smaller retailers remain concerned, larger chains have implemented the required changes, showing that enforcement is achievable. A check at a FamilyMart outlet showed compliance. “There have been no major challenges. Customers do ask why the shelves are covered, but once we explain that it is due to a government notice, they understand,” said a store supervisor. From Oct 1, Rule 6 of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health (Control of Sale) Regulations 2024 will take effect. Penalties range from RM500 to RM30,000 for individuals, and up to RM300,000 or imprisonment for organisations that fail to comply.

PETALING JAYA: With the retail display ban on tobacco and vape products set for enforcement on Oct 1, attention is turning to whether retailers are truly ready and whether authorities would act without further delay. The ban, which requires all tobacco and vape products to be kept behind closed cabinets or blinds, makes any visible display a breach of the law. Originally scheduled for April 1, 2024, the ban was postponed after requests from industry stakeholders. Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy CEO Azrul Khalib said despite the extended grace period, compliance remains patchy, adding that inconsistencies persist even after retailers were given more than a year to prepare. “Many retailers are prepared, having had ample time. But at KK Mart, MyNews.Com and FamilyMart, some products and advertising materials remain visible although enclosed cabinets have

displays are not neutral. “They shape perceptions. By reducing visibility, we make tobacco less accessible and less desirable, especially to impressionable youth. The (ban) is not just about restricting access, but also about reshaping attitudes and curbing subtle promotion in everyday retail settings.” He said weak enforcement undermines public trust. “When regulations are delayed or inconsistently applied, it creates loopholes for the tobacco industry to exploit. It slows behaviour change and erodes confidence in health policies,” he told theSun . He said timely enforcement would strengthen government credibility and complement other tobacco control measures, including taxation, packaging rules

been installed.” He said there has been more than enough time to prepare, adding that enforcement should begin with major retail chains, and failure to ensure their compliance would send the wrong signal and set a precedent. Pantai Hospital Kl respiratory physician Dr Helmy Haja Mydin said further postponements would have undesirable consequences, as visibility of tobacco and vape products directly fuels smoking and vaping, especially among youth. “Every delay prolongs young people’s exposure to tobacco marketing at the point of sale. It normalises smoking, encourages experimentation and drives impulse purchases. This visibility contributes to preventable diseases and death,” he said, adding that

CHOICE PRODUCE ... A shopper selecting bananas from the fresh fruit section at the Putrajaya Farmers Market yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Govt to act as regulator in satellite launch pad project KUALA LUMPUR: Science,

other aspects such as wind conditions and weather. For instance, if it is constantly sunny, that would be good. International waters and other countries’ territories also need to be taken into consideration.” The Malaysian Space Agency previously said the country could become Southeast Asia’s first nation with its own launch pad by 2029. The project, under the National Space Policy 2030, is expected to generate over RM10 billion in GDP if Malaysia establishes itself as a regional space industry leader. – Bernama

safety from natural disasters, as factors that strengthen its appeal as a launch hub. “We have the right recipe for a satellite launching pad.” He declined to name the interested parties tied to the project, but revealed that two foreign companies and a state government have submitted feasibility studies. On whether Sabah or Pahang had stronger prospects to host the site, he said assessments were ongoing. “It is not only about the suitability of the location, but also

“This is one of our advantages, although we need to compete with other countries, especially in Asean,” he said after a dialogue with the Concorde Club at Wisma Bernama yesterday. The session, themed “Powering Malaysia, Tanjung Malim and PKR”, was overseen by Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai. The Concorde Club is an informal group of senior editors from local and international media. Chang also cited Malaysia’s established electrical and electronics and semiconductor industries, as well as its relative