30/09/2025

TUESDAY | SEPT 30, 2025

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Attempt to smuggle wildlife worth RM20,000 foiled

MP to pay less damages in defamation suit PUTRAJAYA: Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has been ordered to pay RM75,000 instead of the RM2 million in damages originally awarded to MonSpace (M) Sdn Bhd and its founder Datuk Seri Jessy Lai Cha Suang for defamation. However, a three-member bench of the Court of Appeal comprising Judges Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim, Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah and Datuk Faizah Jamaludin, in a unanimous decision, upheld the High Court’s finding that Lim had defamed both parties. Sequerah, when delivering the decision yesterday, said the RM2 million in damages imposed by the Kuala Lumpur High Court was excessive. The appeals court also reduced the costs awarded from RM250,000 to RM50,000, Bernama reported. On March 16, 2023, the High Court had ordered Lim to pay RM2 million to the e-commerce company and Lai after ruling in favour of their defamation suit. Lim filed an appeal on the same day. Cops take statements in sewage pit case SEREMBAN: Police have recorded statements from nine individuals so far in connection with the tragic death of a pupil who fell into a sewage pit at a school in Lenggeng, Nilai over the weekend. Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said those questioned included the complainant, teachers and pupils from the school. “We will also record four more statements from representatives of the Public Works Department, Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd and the National Water Services Commission. “The investigation is being carried out under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 (Act 611). We urge the public not to speculate, as it may disrupt the process.” Alzafny confirmed there was no CCTV footage at the scene. On Sunday, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry, together with the Negeri Sembilan Education Department, was fully responsible for conducting a thorough investigation. She gave an assurance a report would be submitted soon to determine further action and prevent similar incidents in the future. – Bernama

o Authorities intercept local with three animals concealed in luggage

Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to curb the trade in endangered species. “This operation reflects our commitment to preventing KLIA from being exploited as a gateway for cross-border wildlife crime.” The latest arrest adds to a troubling pattern. Between 2024 and September 2025, authorities seized more than RM6.18 million worth of endangered wildlife in just 18 cases at KLIA, involving over 5,000 live animals. Wildlife and National Parks Department director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said investigations show international syndicates frequently use paid couriers, known as “mules”, to hide reptiles, birds and primates inside checked baggage, offering up to RM1,000 per trip along with travel and lodging. India has emerged as the primary destination before the animals are funnelled to markets as far as China. Among the species recovered in past cases are red-eared sliders, African spurred tortoises, pig-nose turtles, green iguanas, green tree pythons, Asian koels, siamangs and white-handed gibbons. In case in March 2025, three baby siamang gibbons were found dead during an attempt to smuggle them to Chennai. Despite tighter baggage checks, K9 patrols and joint operations with Interpol and the World Customs Organisation, the department acknowledges KLIA’s high passenger traffic and strategic location make it a high-risk transit hub. Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activity via the department’s hotline or website, warning that anyone involved faces prosecution under Malaysia’s wildlife protection laws. driver has been remanded under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving causing death. He faces five to 10 years in jail, a fine of up to RM50,000 and a licence suspension of at least five years. Police have also recorded statements from the lorry owner. The Malaysian Highway Authority extended condolences to the family and said it would work with highway concessionaire SILK to support victims’ families. It also reminded motorists to slow down at toll plazas and observe safety signs.

at 8.10pm. A search revealed one suspected gibbon and two suspected cuscuses concealed in his bags. The man was arrested and taken to the Aeropolis police station for questioning. He is being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Act 686). The seized animals have since been handed to the wildlife department for veterinary checks and further action. Officials said the bust highlights

International (KLIA), underscoring the airport’s status as a prime target for international traffickers. In a joint operation on Monday evening, officers from the Border Control and Protection Agency, the Wildlife and National Parks Department and KLIA Auxiliary Police intercepted a 46-year-old Malaysian man at Terminal 1. He was preparing to board Malaysia Airlines flight MH194 bound for Mumbai when enforcement personnel flagged his luggage for inspection at Airport

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle protected wildlife worth about RM20,000 through the KL

A search revealed one suspected gibbon and two suspected cuscuses concealed in bags belonging the suspect. – PIC COURTESY OF BORDER CONTROL AND PROTECTIONAGENCY

Toddler killed in toll crash not in child seat: Transport minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Anthony Loke confimed the 12-month-old toddler killed in a four vehicle crash at the Bukit Kajang Toll Plaza on Saturday was not secured in a child seat. “We cross-checked with police and it was confirmed that the child was not secured in a child seat at the time of the accident. As a result, the baby was ejected from the vehicle,” he said after the launch of Ű BY HARITH KAMAL AND KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

adding that transport firms cannot rely only on mandatory six-month inspections. “In this case, the braking system clearly failed. Companies cannot wait for scheduled checks. They must maintain their vehicles regularly.” He also reminded parents that child restraint seats are essential. “At the very least, a child seat provides an extra layer of protection that could save lives. This case shows how the absence of one puts children at far greater risk.” Kajang police chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof said the 42-year-old lorry

the Terminal Bersepadu Gombak yesterday. The crash at 10.50am on Saturday involved a lorry carrying scrap, a vehicle belonging to the Public Works Department and two other vehicles. The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department said the toddler was found trapped under one of the vehicles and pronounced dead at the scene. Eight others were injured. Police said the lorry driver jumped from his vehicle, claiming brake failure, before it rammed into the three cars. Loke said the case was a tragedy,

Man dies while sending younger sister to university IPOH: A man died on Sunday while sending his younger sister to register as a new student at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Upsi) in Tanjong Malim. university, lost consciousness while driving near the Sungai Besi toll plaza from Seremban en route to Tanjong Malim. another sister travelling with them escaped unhurt.” Seremban and laid to rest at the Forest High Muslim Cemetery, attended by family members, friends and former university acquaintances. Upsi deputy vice-chancellor

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Nik Mohamad Syahrul. Upsi not only prioritises academic excellence but also cares deeply for student welfare and emotional well-being. “This tragedy has left sorrow not only with the family but also within the Upsi community.” – Bernama

Nik Mohamad Syahrul was pronounced dead upon arrival at Serdang Hospital. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as a sudden cardiac arrest, with no prior symptoms. His body was brought back to

“At that moment, his sister Nik Nur Maisarah, 18, managed to hold the steering wheel to prevent their car from crashing into the toll plaza. Although the vehicle skidded, she and

(Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof Dr Norkhalid Salimin, who visited the family, conveyed the university’s condolences.

Upsi said in a statement the incident happened around 6.30am when Nik Mohamad Syahrul Azzim Nik Yusoff, 29, an alumnus of the