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Rapid KL upgrades to enhance reliability, safety Improvements cover fleet modernisation, signalling, maintenance reform and commuter security enhancements.

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A total of 1,784,843 voters eligible to cast ballots in state election, says EC chairman. Sabah polls set for Nov 29, nominations on Nov 15

Latest spate of cases puts spotlight on adolescents struggling to navigate overstimulated, hyperconnected world that overwhelms their emotional growth. Rise in school violence signals brewing psychological crisis among students

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A psychologist said feelings of rejection, shame or confusion about one’s identity during adolescence can become overwhelming, especially when combined with poor coping skills and limited emotional support. – AI-GENERATED IMAGE BY AZURA ABAS/THESUN A psychologist said feelings of rejection shame or confusion about one’s

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Sexual misconduct comes to light after father of 15-year-old boarding school student lodges police report after discovering nude video of her circulating on social media. 4 teens held over statutory rape Report on h page 2

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Respect must be earned: Youth groups Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com PUTRAJAYA: Respect is not handed out like report cards—it has to be earned. That was the blunt message from youth groups, reflecting a generational reality that Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said Malaysia cannot ignore. She added that parent-teacher associations (PTA) have voiced concern about restoring the authority of teachers in schools, stressing that respect for educators must come first if discipline is to mean anything. “If parents do not show respect to teachers, it becomes difficult for them to enforce discipline. “But youth groups told us something equally important. Respect is not automatic, it must be earned,” she said. The contrasting views show how the meaning of respect has evolved with each generation, she added. “It is clear that different generations see respect differently, and that is exactly why we need to keep talking about it,” she told reporters after the Youth Roundtable Conference on Ending the Culture of Bullying and Building a Caring Generation yesterday. Yeoh said the Youth and Sports Ministry is reviewing feedback gathered from the roundtable to identify suitable interventions under the Rakan Muda programme. She added that the ministry would prepare a Cabinet paper containing recommendations for other ministries to consider and collaborate on, as part of a whole-of-government approach to address bullying among youth. “All forms of bullying, whether occurring in schools or outside involving young people, require a whole-of-government approach that engages all agencies and stakeholders. “So, what is important now is that we must move quickly. The memorandum is expected to be presented within three weeks.” Yeoh also said the roundtable served as a platform to hear the views of young people and their families on ways to end the culture of bullying and promote youth wellbeing to build a more caring generation. The programme was attended by 200 participants comprising experts, panel members, senior officers from ministries and departments, academics, NGOs and youth representatives. She added that the findings, contributing factors and recommendations collected would serve as key references for the ministry in formulating youth-related policies and development plans. Yeoh said one of the most interesting proposals raised by NGOs was the importance of establishing a mentoring system involving older youth, such as a “big brother, big sister” approach, as well as introducing professional youth workers. “We need more mentoring systems because they allow other groups to step in and help. Teachers and PTA members have core responsibilities and may not have time to address specific cases. “There are many young people and NGOs who are willing to help, and there is space for them to do so. But all mentoring and volunteer systems must include proper training to prevent untrained individuals from offering unprofessional or inaccurate advice,” she said. She added that scientific findings from the Health Ministry and expert insights should be considered to ensure interventions are informed, professional and effective. Yeoh also said under Budget 2026, the Finance Ministry has approved an allocation of RM5 million for her ministry to implement the Lawan Buli (Anti-Bullying) initiative. She said the ministry’s overall budget for the Rakan Muda programme would see a 60% increase, from RM25 million this year to RM40 million next year, with the Finance Ministry identifying specific programmes for her ministry to prioritise, including anti-bullying efforts.

Yeoh listening to a participant during the roundtable conference yesterday at the Youth and Sports Ministry in Putrajaya. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

‘Boarding school misconduct case involves statutory rape’

of the Penal Code for gang rape and Section 8 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 for distributing child pornography. In a statement, the Kedah Education Department said the students involved would be expelled, adding that an internal investigation has been launched. “The department views this incident seriously and has taken immediate steps to assist the victim. Her wellbeing remains our top priority,” it said. The case has reignited public concern over sexual misconduct and student safety, coming just weeks after a similar case in Malacca in which four male students were charged with gang-raping a Form Three girl in a classroom in Alor Gajah. Education activists and psychologists say the back-to-back cases are a wake-up call, warning that the problem goes beyond student discipline to a deeper crisis of consent, culture and accountability within schools. They have urged authorities to strengthen safeguards, introduce comprehensive sex education and ensure schools remain safe spaces for learning. scams using fake QR codes to collect donations purportedly on behalf of the family. “Please do not donate through those links. If you truly care, just come here to pay your respects to my daughter,” she said. The victim’s stepfather How Boon Chin, 60, expressed frustration over the wave of misleading posts spreading online. He also questioned the school’s security measures, saying the incident raised serious concerns about safety enforcement. “Phones are not allowed, but somehow a knife could get in. The school must look into this.” Police confirmed that Yap, a Form Three student, was attacked by a 14-year-old schoolmate at 9.30am on Tuesday. The suspect has been remanded for seven days to assist investigations.

o Acts were consensual, but victim is underage and cannot be considered capable of giving consent: Police

Ű BY HASHINI KAVISHTRI KANNAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Adzli said videos retrieved from phones seized during the investigation did not show the sexual acts but contained other immoral material involving the victim. “The case has been classified as statutory rape under Section 376 of the Penal Code,” he said, adding that one of the suspects, aged 17, is the victim’s boyfriend. The suspects, aged between 15 and 17, comprise three students and a former student of the same secondary school. They were arrested on Sunday night after the victim’s father lodged a police report upon discovering a nude video of his daughter circulating on social media. Police also seized six phones for examination. Earlier, Baling acting district police chief DSP Ahmad Salimi Md Ali said the suspects were initially investigated under Section 375B “After stabbing her, the boy ran off, leaving my daughter locked inside. When the teachers broke open the door, she was already gone,” she said. Wong also denied online rumours linking her brother to the suspect. “My brother Wong Yoon Lim accompanied me to claim my daughter’s body. But some websites said he was the father of the suspect. That is not true, and he has lodged a police report. “My daughter is already a victim. Please stop circulating fake stories about how she died. She did not know the boy, had never spoken to him and was not in any relationship with him,”she said, describing her daughter as bright and disciplined. Wong also warned the public about online

PETALING JAYA: Police have confirmed that a recent sexual misconduct case at a Baling boarding school involves statutory rape, not gang rape, following evidence that the 15-year-old victim had separate sexual encounters with the suspects. Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said investigations revealed that the victim had sexual intercourse with each of the four suspects on different occasions, including in an empty classroom, a oil palm estate and at her home. “The acts were carried out on a consensual basis, but as the victim is underage, she cannot be considered capable of giving consent or understanding the consequences,” he told an English daily yesterday. PETALING JAYA: Grief has turned to anguish for a mother who lost her teenage daughter in a brutal school stabbing, and now faces a wave of false claims spreading online. Wong Lee Ping, mother of 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen, pleaded for an end to the misinformation surrounding her daughter’s death at SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4). “Some websites said my daughter was stabbed 50 times. But the truth is she was stabbed 200 times, from the neck to the lungs and also on her legs,” said Wong, 44, yesterday. She said her daughter was attacked in the school washroom. “Police told us that the boy jumped down

Mother of stabbing victim decries false claims from the top of the cubicle because the door was locked. My daughter screamed for help and people heard her. Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

FRIDAY | OCT 17, 2025

3 ‘Rise in school violence shows growing psychological crisis’

Education Ministry implements safety reform measures KUALA LUMPUR: Mental health, a strict ban on dangerous and prohibited substances, and three other key components form part of immediate education reforms aimed at ensuring schools are safer for all, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She added that the other focus areas include reproductive and social health education, the Child Protection Policy (CPP), and enhanced guidance and support for teachers. She also said all state Education Departments and district Education Offices have been directed to implement the reforms across 10,243 schools nationwide, with progress to be monitored and evaluated every 15 days. “In terms of mental health, strengthening and intervention efforts would be prioritised, including enhancing the support ecosystem for counsellors, teachers and students.” Fadhlina was responding to a question from Salamiah Mohd Nor (PN–Temerloh) during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday on measures being taken to prevent a recurrence of tragic incidents such as the recent classroom rape case. She said periodic and surprise inspections involving schools and government agencies are being conducted to ensure no prohibited or dangerous substances enter school premises. She added that reproductive and social health education focuses on addressing sexual violence against children through awareness programmes and targeted interventions. “The CPP involves all stakeholders to strengthen awareness and accountability for student safety, while the teacher care and support component enhances psychosocial support systems for educators,” she said. The Education Ministry would also emphasise the student voice approach to gather students’ views and aspirations in ensuring safety within schools, she said. Fadhlina added that character education would serve as the foundation of the 2027 school curriculum, which would begin next year at the preschool level to strengthen pupils’ personal development and moral character. Responding to a supplementary question from Howard Lee (PH–Ipoh Timur) on whether the ministry intends to conduct physical safety audits on all its assets, she said the process is underway. – Bernama

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

young people feel unseen or dehumanised, their ability to empathise weakens, creating space for anger and aggression to grow. Environmental factors also play a significant role. She warned that easy access to violent or extremist content online has made aggression seem more acceptable or even glorified. “When violence or revenge is repeatedly shown online, and even praised by peers, it could start to feel normal or justified. “Many adolescents spend hours watching or playing violent material, which could dull their sensitivity to real suffering.” However, she emphasised that not all children are affected in the same way. Those who have family support, emotional awareness and open communication are more likely to recognise that what they see online is not acceptable in real life. She said to prevent youth violence, early intervention in schools is critical. “Every school should have access to a trained psychologist or counsellor who could identify students showing early signs of distress, aggression or emotional difficulties. “Regular mental health screenings, wellbeing programmes and teacher training are essential to ensure potential warning signs are not missed. “Building a supportive school culture in which students feel heard, connected and cared for is the most effective way to prevent future acts of violence.” Noor Aishah said violence among youth rarely happens overnight. Instead, it grows when emotional pain, isolation and lack of support go unnoticed. Her message to parents, teachers and communities is simple yet powerful. “Listen early, connect deeply and respond with care. “Every child who feels seen and supported is one step further from choosing violence as a solution.” among adolescents. Algorithms prioritise engagement, so content that provokes strong reactions spreads fastest, reinforcing harmful behaviour online and offline.” Hamizah said neuroscience research reveals that chronic exposure to violent media could disrupt brain regions responsible for emotion regulation and decision-making, leading to increased impulsivity. “Violence is becoming increasingly normal and even glamourised on social media and online entertainment. Violent videos spread quickly, making aggressive behaviour seem ordinary, while movies, music videos and even some pornography link violence to power and status. “This trend is shaping a generation more tolerant of aggression and desensitised to harm.”

o Teens may be capable of sophisticated planning but struggle to regulate emotions and control impulses: Clinical specialist

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s growing wave of school violence is not just a law enforcement issue, but also a psychological crisis in the making, fuelled by a generation struggling to navigate an overstimulated, hyperconnected world that is overwhelming their emotional growth, warned psychological services provider CPC International managing director and child clinical psychologist Dr Noor Aishah Rosli. She said today’s adolescents are developing in a different social and sensory environment that deeply shapes how they think, feel and respond to conflict or distress. “While most adolescents understand the difference between right and wrong, their ability to manage emotions and impulses is still developing. This makes them more prone to acting out in moments of stress or anger.

“In the heat of the moment, emotions often override logic, so even if they understand the risks, they may act impulsively without realising the long-term impact.” She said several interconnected factors increase the risk of extreme behaviour, adding that one key issue lies in neurodevelopment as the prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making, impulse control and planning, continues to mature well into the mid-20s. “As a result, teenagers may be capable of sophisticated planning but still struggle to regulate their emotions and control impulses. “Adolescence is a period of intense identity formation. Feelings

of rejection, shame or confusion about one’s identity could easily become overwhelming, especially when combined with poor coping skills or limited emotional support.” She added that untreated mental health conditions, such as depression, conduct disorders, trauma, psychosis or severe ADHD, could further increase vulnerability. “Many young people never receive the professional care they need, leaving their distress to fester unchecked. “Prolonged social isolation, bullying and feelings of exclusion could also breed resentment and a sense of moral disengagement.” Noor Aishah added that when

Noor Aishah said prolonged social isolation, bullying and feelings of exclusion could breed resentment and a sense of moral disengagement. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Blurred virtual-reality lines may fuel youth aggression, says expert

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Citing a case at a school in Selangor, she said: “Police have confirmed that ‘emotional factors and social media influence’ may have contributed to a 14-year-old suspect’s actions and the note he left behind saying ‘ Dunia ni palsu. Saya sudah menang ’ (The world is fake. I have won).” “Such language reflects digital narratives that glorify despair, revenge or ‘winning’ through destruction. While social media is not the sole cause, it could act as an accelerant, magnifying loneliness, heartbreak and anger until they erupt offline,” she said. She urged a combination of digital literacy and emotional resilience education to help young people pause, reflect and seek help before acting impulsively. Hamizah said most young people

can tell the difference between movie violence and real-life harm, but that ability is not equal across the board. “Studies show teens often dismiss violent scenes in cartoons or fantasy films as exaggerated and unrealistic, but they react more strongly to violence portrayed in realistic settings, such as dramas or news clips. “Those with higher empathy and media literacy are better at recognising the real-world consequences of violence, yet not all youths have these protective skills, and empathy alone does not fully shield them from its influence. “Repeated exposure could dull emotional responses and increase identification with violent characters, especially among those who have witnessed real-life aggression,” she said, adding that younger adolescents

are particularly at risk as their cognitive and emotional maturity are still developing, making it harder to separate fiction from reality. Hamizah said algorithms on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram shape how young people perceive aggression and revenge. “They feed users more of the same attention-grabbing content, creating a cycle that normalises hostile behaviour,” she said, adding that research shows such algorithms often fail to protect minors, exposing vulnerable teens to up to 30% more problematic and 70% more distressing content than their peers, including revenge-themed and violent material. “Repeated exposure to violent media could shape real-world attitudes, increasing aggression

PETALING JAYA: A generation raised on screens and scrolling through emotion is increasingly struggling to distinguish between online fantasy and real-world consequences, a distortion that may be fuelling youth aggression, said Universiti Teknologi Mara Communication and Media Studies Faculty senior lecturer Dr Hamizah Sahharon. She said social media plays a powerful role in shaping how young people process conflict, rejection and distress, adding that algorithm-driven feeds amplify sensational and emotionally charged content that heightens impulsivity and blurs the line between expression and action.

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Spain top court upholds conviction of Sulu case arbitrator

centres,” he said. “The voting process will be held on a Saturday, so it will not disrupt the SPM examination.” The campaign period will run for 14 days, from Nov 15 until 11.59pm on Nov 28. Commenting on proposals to allow Sabah voters in Peninsular Malaysia to cast postal votes, Ramlan said the matter has not been finalised. “For now, Sabah voters who are not in the state will have to return home to vote.” – Bernama Penang hopeful of positive outcome in US tariff talks GEORGE TOWN: Penang is hopeful that next week’s talks on sectoral tariffs, including those involving semiconductors, between Malaysia and the US will yield a positive outcome, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. He said InvestPenang has conveyed feedback from Penang’s industry players to the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI). “We are looking forward to the upcoming Asean Summit, where US President Donald Trump is expected to attend. “We hope there will be a positive outcome in reaching an agreement on the tariffs imposed on Malaysia,” he said after delivering a speech at the “Penang Dialogue 2025: Recalibrating Malaysia” event organised by the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce yesterday. Chow expressed confidence that the Malaysian government has been working hard to convey the country’s position, emphasising that Malaysia remains a close partner of the US. He said multinational companies operating in Penang form an integral part of the US supply chain, while several Malaysian firms have also begun investing in the US. “We hope this positive narrative will help convince the US that we can achieve a win-win solution in these negotiations,” he said. Chow added that Malaysia’s role is complementary rather than competitive to that of American companies and voiced optimism that an agreement could be reached in the coming weeks. The chief minister noted that Penang’s partnership with the US continues to play a vital role in the state’s industrial development. In the first half of 2025 alone, Penang attracted RM2.6 billion in approved manufacturing foreign direct investment (FDI) from the US, representing 81% of total US manufacturing FDI in Malaysia. He said about 120 American companies are currently operating in Penang, contributing not only capital and jobs but also technology, innovation and community development. Between January and August, Penang exported RM79 billion worth of goods to the US, accounting for 79% of Malaysia’s total electrical and electronics exports to the US. – Bernama

o Stampa’s appeal dismissed, six-month jail sentence and one-year ban from arbitration affirmed

KUALA LUMPUR: The Spanish Supreme Court has dismissed the cassation appeal filed by arbitrator Gonzalo Stampa in the Sulu claimants’ case against Malaysia, thereby upholding his conviction for contempt of court. In a statement yesterday, the Sulu Special Secretariat War Room said in a unanimous decision delivered on Oct 8 the court affirmed the six month prison sentence and one-year prohibition from acting as an arbitrator imposed by the Madrid Criminal Court on Dec 22, 2023. This ruling is final and marks the conclusion of all criminal proceedings against Stampa in Spain. According to the statement, the decision was received by the government of Malaysia yesterday. “This final judgment reaffirms that adherence to lawful orders remains the cornerstone of both justice and the integrity of dispute resolution,” 756 students join safe internet campaign in Kota Kinabalu KOTA KINABALU: A total of 756 students from Kolej Tingkatan Enam (Prauniversiti) Kota Kinabalu took part in the Safe Internet Campaign held at the college yesterday, aimed at strengthening cyber safety awareness among the younger generation. Organised by the Communications Ministry through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the programme was attended by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and sought to cultivate a culture of ethical and responsible internet use among youths. Also present were the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, MCMC deputy managing director (Regulatory and Corporate) Datuk Zurkarnain Mohd Yasin and college principal Suhaibul Kassim. The campaign highlighted key cyber issues such as online scams, cyberbullying, misuse of personal

Secretariat War Room, the National Security Council and Malaysia’s international legal counsel. “The government of Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defend Malaysia’s sovereignty, immunity and national interests against the baseless claims made in the Sulu fraud,” the statement said. Previously, eight citizens of the Philippines claiming to be heirs of the defunct Sulu sultanate filed arbitration proceedings in Spain seeking billions of dollars from Malaysia over Sabah. In March 2019, a Madrid court appointed Stampa as the arbitrator for their claims. Malaysia has since secured a series of decisive victories in the long running dispute, including favourable rulings from courts in Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France and Spain.

the statement read. Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said Malaysia welcomes the landmark ruling from Spain’s highest court as a definitive affirmation of the rule of law. “It demonstrates beyond doubt that the purported Sulu arbitration was the product of the unlawful and criminal conduct of a rogue arbitrator and vindicates the government of Malaysia’s consistent position that the so-called award obtained by the Sulu claimants is null and void,” she said.

The courts of Spain, France and the Netherlands have now all confirmed Malaysia’s position on the Sulu case, Bernama reported. Following the decision, the government extended its appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Cabinet, the Ministers of Law and Foreign Affairs, the Attorney-General and the Legal Affairs Division director-general for their unwavering support and coordination in defending Malaysia’s sovereignty and national interests throughout the complex international legal battle. It also thanked the Sulu Special

Fahmi (centre) posing with Form Six students during the campaign yesterday. – BERNAMPIC

information and the spread of fake content. Through interactive sessions, students were taught how to identify online risks, recognise scam tactics and verify the authenticity of information before sharing it. Emphasis was also placed on

practising caution and moderation on social media, including avoiding excessive disclosure of personal details to reduce data misuse and security risks. The Safe Internet Campaign reflects MCMC’s continued effort to foster a digitally literate, ethical and

secure online community, with the initiative now being actively extended to educational institutions across Sabah. As of October, a total of 4,734 educational institutions nationwide have participated in the campaign, including 434 in Sabah. – Bernama

Sabah goes to polls on Nov 29, nominations on Nov 15 KOTA KINABALU: The 17th Sabah state election will be held on Nov 29, announced the Election Commission (EC) yesterday. centres with 87 streams. “The state election will require an estimated allocation of RM116.8 million,” he said. Ramlan said the

On Oct 6, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced the dissolution of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly to pave the way for the state election. The assembly comprises 79 seats – 73 elected and six appointed members. Ramlan said the EC will mobilise 33,000 personnel to facilitate the election. A total of 940 polling centres with 3,645 voting streams will be used, including 882 regular polling centres with 3,558 streams and 58 early voting

August Supplementary Electoral Roll – updated up to Oct 5 – will be used, involving 1,784,843 voters comprising 1,760,417 ordinary voters, 11,697 military personnel and spouses, and 12,729 police personnel and spouses. He gave an assurance that the state election on Nov 29 will not disrupt the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, which begins on Nov 25. “All logistical aspects have been taken into account to avoid overlap between polling and examination

EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said nomination will be on Nov 15 and early voting on Nov 25. “A total of 1,784,843 eligible voters will carry out their responsibilities in the 17th Sabah state election,” he said at a press conference after chairing a special meeting for the polls at the Sabah Federal Government Administrative Complex.

The EC will appoint 25 returning officers with the support of 196 assistant returning officers and 86 election campaign enforcement teams comprising police, local authorities and candidates’ representatives to monitor campaigning throughout the campaign period. A total of 25 nomination and vote tallying centres will also be used.

FRIDAY | OCT 17, 2025

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Rapid KL launches major rail upgrades after disruptions

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is seeing a sharp rise in influenza cases, with hundreds of schools and kindergartens nationwide hit by cluster outbreaks since September, the Health Ministry revealed. Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said although the situation remains under control, the rapid spread of infections through educational institutions – from preschools to universities – warrants close attention. He was replying to Suhaizan Kaiat (Pulai), who asked about the severity of the influenza situation, its impact on schools and measures to curb the spread. Dzulkefly explained that influenza, or seasonal flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, mainly types A and B. “Most individuals recover within a week, but high-risk groups such as children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses are vulnerable to serious complications such as pneumonia or encephalopathy,” he said. He added that the ministry monitors influenza through its Influenza-Like Illness and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections surveillance systems, with outbreaks managed by the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre. In 2025, consultation rates have climbed from 7.4% in Epidemiological Week 40 (Sept 28 to Oct 4) to 9.2% in Week 41 (Oct 5 to Oct 11), a moderate rise compared with 2024, when cases peaked at 9.6% in late July and early August before stabilising at about 8%. Although the current figures remain slightly below last year’s peak, Dzulkefly said the upward trend since late September indicates the need for continued vigilance. From Epidemiological Week 1 to 41, influenza cluster outbreaks have Drug ring busted, 49kg cannabis seized BALIK PULAU: Police believe they have crippled a drug trafficking syndicate following the arrest of three men, two of whom are brothers, and the seizure of 49.38kg of cannabis worth RM153,078 in two raids in Pantai Jerejak, Penang, and Sungai Petani, in Kedah last Friday. Southwest district police chief ACP Sazalee Adam said acting on intelligence and surveillance, a team from the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department carried out the first raid in Pantai Jerejak at about 9pm. “During the raid, two men aged 33 and 43 were inside a vehicle suspected to be involved in a drug deal. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 65 cannabis slabs weighing 49.38kg and worth RM153,078,” he told a press conference yesterday. He said a brief struggle ensued during the arrest of the two suspects but police managed to apprehend them swiftly. The arrest led to a second raid at a house in Sungai Petani, where the third suspect, the elder brother of one of the men and believed to be the mastermind behind the operation, was detained. – Bernama Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o RM1b project includes new trains, signalling works and safety features to improve reliability across Klang Valley network

Rapid Rail acting CEO Nor Azmi Mohd Yusof said the improvements cover fleet modernisation, signalling upgrades, maintenance reform and commuter safety enhancements. He said the company has completed the delivery of 27 new train sets for the Kelana Jaya Line, with another 26 to be procured to replace ageing units that have reached the end of their service life. “The government has approved an allocation of RM1 billion for this project. These 26 new train sets will replace older ones that have reached their full life cycle, ensuring smoother operations and better reliability for years to come.” Rapid KL is also upgrading the signalling system across 27 stations on the Kelana Jaya Line under Phase 3 of ongoing works, scheduled to continue until November.

“The upgrades will require temporary morning service suspensions on selected weekends for testing and installation,” Nor Azmi said, adding that the goal is to strengthen system resilience and prevent recurring faults. He acknowledged several incidents in recent months, including a Sept 23 outage on the Putrajaya Line caused by a high voltage cable failure and an Oct 9 short circuit on the Kelana Jaya Line triggered by a foreign object, which halted services for two hours. “To prevent recurrence, we have adopted condition-based maintenance, monitoring system health and taking early intervention before failures occur. “We have also set up a Failure Review Panel to identify root causes and ensure corrective action is taken swiftly.”

Rapid KL is also establishing a system analytics centre for real-time performance monitoring and a centralised calibration and repair centre to reduce reliance on external servicing. On safety, Nor Azmi said temporary platform barriers will soon be installed at the Ampang and Kelana Jaya stations, to be followed by full platform screen doors. “These lines still lack platform gates, so we are addressing that gap to enhance safety, especially during peak hours,” he said. Rapid KL recorded an 11% rise in weekday ridership to 1.03 million passengers as of September, with the highest daily record at 1.17 million in August. The company aims to reach 1.35 million daily riders by December through ongoing system upgrades and reforms.

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Rapid KL is rolling out sweeping upgrades of its rail network to boost reliability and safety, following a series of service disruptions that left commuters stranded across the Klang Valley.

Influenza cases surge, schools hit by cluster outbreaks

been reported across 535 institutions, with schools accounting for the majority. Breakdown of clusters: 0 schools at 352 (65.8%); 0 kindergartens at 96 (17.9%); 0 colleges/institutions at 35 (6.5%); 0 private homes at 33 (6.2%); 0 workplaces at 10 (1.9%); 0 care centres at six (1.1%); and 0 prisons/rehabilitation centres at three (0.6%). He said the number of school clusters surged from eight in Week 39 to 111 in Week 40, peaking at 202 in Week 41 before easing to 56 in Week 42. He added that secondary schools recorded the steepest increase, from one cluster in Week 39 to 47 in Week 40 and 65 in Week 41. “Primary schools showed a similar trend, rising from three to 26 (clusters) and then 72 clusters during the same period. Vocational colleges, private schools and childcare centres also reported smaller but notable spikes.” To prevent further transmission, the Health Ministry has issued several guidelines for parents, teachers and schools. Among the key measures are: 0 parents should keep children with fever, cough or cold at home and seek medical attention; 0 teachers should advise symptomatic students to avoid classes and obtain treatment promptly; and 0 schools must reinforce health education, encourage mask-wearing and hand hygiene, and report suspected outbreaks early to the district health office. Temporary school closures may be considered in consultation with the health office if clusters become widespread. “The cooperation of parents, teachers and health authorities is essential in preventing further spread of the influenza virus,” he said, adding that the ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely.

NATURE’S FURY ... The aftermath of a storm that severely damaged a school in Sijangkang, Kuala Langat, Selangor after it was battered by strong winds. – BERNAMAPIC RM146,000 worth of seized sex toys disposed

PETALING JAYA: The Home Ministry has destroyed 4,667 sex toys worth RM146,000, turning seized pleasure products into piles of scrap in a large-scale disposal operation across Selangor. The items were confiscated in enforcement operations conducted between July 2023 and June 2024. In a statement yesterday, the ministry said the disposal process was carried out in line with official guidelines set by its Enforcement and Control Division to ensure the items were completely destroyed

and could not be recognised or reused. The action followed a court order for the goods to be forfeited under Section 19(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984. “The Enforcement and Control Division remains firm in enforcing the law to prevent materials or publications that could harm morality, public order and Malaysia’s social and cultural values.” It added that such activities are not only immoral but also threaten the moral values and norms

of society. The ministry said it will continue to act firmly against anyone involved in printing, importing, producing, publishing, selling or distributing banned materials that endanger morality, national security or public interest. The public are encouraged to report such activities via phone at 03-8000 8000 or 8889 3909, by email at aduanpk@moha.gov.my or through the official website www.moha.gov.my – by Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi

FRIDAY | OCT 17, 2025

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Modern twist to Indian snack o Deepavali bazaar trader reinvents traditional ‘pani puri’ with infusion of creative flavours

JOHOR BAHRU: For most people, pani puri is an Indian street snack. But for S. Nagarajan, it is much more – a symbol of resilience, creativity and hope in the face of adversity. The 47-year-old entrepreneur, who is differently-abled, has turned his struggles into strength, reinventing the traditional pani puri with a modern touch in the spirit of Deepavali. Despite years of physical challenges, a stroke two years ago that affected the left side of his body and a paralysed right hand since his 30s following an accident, Nagarajan has never given up. Channelling his determination into his business, NSS Gana Pani Puri & Kunafa, he has reinvented the popular snack with creative flavours such as chocolate, cheese, pistachio, yoghurt and even ice cream. “Everyone loves pani puri, not just Indians. That’s why I decided to experiment with modern flavours so that everyone can enjoy it,” he told Bernama when met at the Little India Deepavali Bazaar here recently. His wife K. Tamil Selvi, 48, has been his strongest supporter, preparing the flavoured water and special potato fillings that make their pani puri stand out. Together, the couple has turned their stall into one of the busiest at the bazaar. “I get the puri from Kuala Lumpur, but the real secret lies in the flavoured water and fillings my wife makes. My

Rajendran presenting the gifts to the children during the event. – P. CHANDRA SAGARAN/THESUN

children also help out, and I’m proud they’re following in my footsteps,” said the father of four. Each set of eight pani puri sells for between RM12 and RM23, featuring inventive flavours such as cheesy wedges, blueberry, chicken floss and chocolate cheese, all while keeping the essence of the traditional Indian snack alive. Beyond his signature pani puri , Nagarajan also sells kunafa, sambal belacan, sambal petai, murukku and prayer items. He even helps promote the products of other traders. Nagarajan offers pani puri in flavours such as cheesy wedges, blueberry, chicken floss and chocolate cheese. – BERNAMAPIC

Ű P.CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com B40 children get new outfits for Deepavali

sarees and outfits to the children, who beamed with joy as they received their gifts. The event was organised by Persatuan Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti Buntong, which helped identify families in need. Its chairman S. Jayagopi expressed gratitude to Rajendran for his generosity and community spirit. Meanwhile, traders in Little India have lamented a quieter festive season this year. “The number of stalls has dropped compared with 2024,” said Little India Traders Association chairman T. Vignes Thillai.

“This is due to earlier sales held at expos and malls, as well as more people shopping online.” He added that shoppers today prefer to avoid the festive rush and parking hassles, choosing instead to buy in air-conditioned venues that also feature celebrity appearances and entertainment. Still, the festive atmosphere remains vibrant. A total of 85 stalls have been set up from Oct 6 to 19, offering traditional clothing, festive cookies, food and decorations. From Oct 14 to 18, visitors would also be treated to daily dance and song performances.

IPOH: The spirit of Deepavali shone brightly at Little India here when a local saree shop stepped forward to bring joy to 15 children from B40 families by presenting them with new festive attire on Oct 8. For the past 18 years, Priyanka Saree Centre has carried out this initiative, ensuring that children from underprivileged backgrounds get to experience the happiness of wearing new clothes for the Festival of Lights. Its proprietor S. Rajendran personally presented the colourful

FRIDAY | OCT 17, 2025

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China authorities seize 60,000 ‘problematic’ maps

New Zealand ex-PM dies

WELLINGTON: Jim Bolger, New Zealand’s prime minister from 1990 to 1997 who helped usher in a new era of reconciliation with indigenous Maori, died on Wednesday aged 90, his family said in a statement. Bolger suffered kidney failure last year and had been undergoing dialysis. The statement said he died surrounded by his wife Joan, nine children and 18 grandchildren. He entered parliament in 1972 and became leader of the National Party in 1986 before becoming prime minister in 1990 when the party took power. He retired from politics in 1998 and served as New Zealand’s ambassador to the United States from 1998 to 2002. “To those who worked alongside him, he was a principled and formidable colleague. To his political opponents, he was a worthy adversary who never allowed disagreement to become personal,“ New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in a statement following his death. Bolger ushered in the Mixed Member Proportional electoral system that New Zealand still uses today. His government also concluded the first compensation payments between New Zealand Maori tribes and the government. – Reuters S. Korea partially overturns US$1b divorce ruling SEOUL: The South Korea Supreme Court yesterday partially overturned a previous ruling on SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won’s divorce and division of property after the businessman contested an order for him to pay the country’s largest divorce settlement. Last year, the Seoul High Court ruled that Chey must pay about USD$1 billion (RM4.23 billion) to his estranged wife Roh So-yeong as part of their planned divorce. The decision overturned the Appeals Court ruling ordering Chey to pay 1.38 trillion won (RM4.1 billion) to his estranged wife as part of their divorce settlement. SK Group is South Korea’s second-largest conglomerate according to Korea Fair Trade Commission data, with affiliates such as chipmaker SK Hynix. – Reuters

The statement did not specify when the maps were confiscated or where they were printed. It said some of the maps mislabelled Taiwan and omitted “important” islands as well as the “nine-dash line”, which China uses to justify its maritime claims in the South China Sea. Other maps seized did not contain the boundary line between the maritime islands of China and Japan. It also said the maps “endanger national unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity” and are

prohibited from being imported or exported. Maps have long been a sensitive topic for China and other countries in the region due to competing territorial claims. Vietnamese police investigated in March Chinese tea brand Chagee over an online map featuring Beijing’s “nine-dash line”. That same month, Chinese-made “Baby Three dolls” were pulled from shops in Vietnam over a facial mark supposedly resembling the “nine-dash line”. – AFP

o Beijing says items ‘endanger national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity’

BEIJING: Chinese authorities said its Customs agency has seized 60,000 maps it deemed “problematic” over the labelling of Taiwan and omission of territory claimed in the South China Sea. China claims the self-ruled island of Taiwan as part of its territory and has said it would not renounce using

force to bring it under its control. Beijing also lays claim to most of the South China Sea, despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. Customs authorities said the maps were seized during an inspection of a batch of export goods in the eastern province of Shandong.

Landmines in border dispute likely laid recently: Experts BANGKOK: Thai Army Second Lieutenant Baramee Sricha was on patrol near a disputed stretch of the border between Thailand and Cambodia on July 16 when a member of his team stepped on a land mine. The incident sparked

five days of hostilities between the neighbours, which ended with a ceasefire. It also incited a diplomatic row over PMN-2s, a Soviet-origin anti-personnel mine that litters parts of Cambodia and which Phnom Penh and Bangkok have pledged by treaty not to use. NGO Landmine Monitor spokesperson Yeshua Moser Puangsuwan said any use of anti personnel mines by Cambodia, that has caused tens of thousands to be killed or maimed since 1979, would mark a disappointing reversal in decades of public commitments. Thailand’s military provided Reuters with access to videos and photographs of what it said were subsequent PMN-2 demining operations carried out by its troops around the site of the July 16 incident, as well as another border-area mine blast on July 23. Four independent landmine experts, asked by Reuters to evaluate the material, said the images showed PMN-2s that had been freshly laid. However, the analysts were not able to determine who placed the ordnances. The Cambodia Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, a government agency that oversees demining activities, said a determination on the incidents could only be made after an impartial third-party investigation.

Landmine search and destroy team commander Lt-Col Supawat Nammong and Thai Army 3rd Humanitarian Mine Action Unit Sgt-Major First Class Charoen Srinongyang examine old and new PMN-2 landmines during an interview about incidents near the disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia, in Surin province, Thailand. – REUTERSPIC

It added that Cambodia’s military does not have stockpiles of live anti-personnel mines. A Thai foreign ministry spokesperson said Bangkok’s investigations had determined that the landmines that injured its soldiers were newly planted PMN-2s, adding that “they were found in new condition, still with clearly visible markings”. Bangkok is a longtime US ally that

does not have widespread access to Soviet-origin munitions and says it has never deployed PMN-2s. The Russian Defence Ministry, which previously said it stopped manufacturing PMN-2-type mines in the late 1990s, did not provide any comment. Meanwhile, independent expert Andrew Vian Smith said the condition of the mines in the visuals taken by the Thai military and Reuters indicates

A 2017 indictment in the US said Duggan’s alleged violation of an arms embargo imposed on China by the United States also included providing aviation services in China in 2010, and providing an assessment of China’s aircraft carrier training. Duggan, who has six children in Australia, has been held in prison since his arrest. The Australian government is expected to dispute the appeal as the hearing continues. – Reuters they had been in the ground for no longer than a few months. He said there are tell-tale signs on older PMN-2s – their pliant plastic casing becomes brittle over time and they also have a rubber disc that in most soil conditions quickly becomes dull, collecting dirt in the gaps. “The mines I was shown had nothing in those gaps,“ said Smith, who has worked on operations in Cambodia. – Reuters

Former US Marine pilot appeals extradition from Australia CANBERRA: Former US Marine Corps pilot Daniel Duggan appealed in an Australian court yesterday against extradition to the United States on charges of violating US arms control laws related to China, with his lawyer arguing his conduct was not an offence in Australia at the time. Chinese military pilots to land on aircraft carriers. Duggan, 57, a naturalised Australian citizen, was arrested by the Australian Federal Police in a rural town in the state of New South Wales in October 2022, shortly after returning from China, where he had lived since 2014. offence in Australia at the time, nor when the US requested extradition, so did not meet the requirement for dual criminality in Australia’s extradition treaty with the United States. “This is a fairly extraordinary case,“ Parkin said. someone in this country for something they did 10 years ago that was not an offence at the time”.

Duggan’s lawyers previously argued in court that there is no evidence the Chinese pilots he trained in South Africa between 2010 and 2012 were military, and he was no longer a US citizen at the time of the alleged offences. They added that he renounced his US citizenship in 2016 at the US embassy in Beijing, backdated to 2012 on a certificate.

In December 2024, Australia’s then attorney-general Mark Dreyfus approved a US extradition request for Duggan, who faces US charges, including that he trained

“The offences must be punishable under the laws of both parties at the time when the relevant conduct occurred,“ he said, adding that it should not be possible to “punish

His lawyer Christopher Parkin told the court the extradition was “uncharted territory” for Australia, arguing his conduct was not an