05/11/2025

WEDNESDAY | NOV 5, 2025 5 RM1.63m contraband cigarettes seized KUANTAN: The Customs Department foiled an attempt to distribute contraband cigarettes, with the seized items valued at approximately RM1.63 million. Pahang Customs director Mohd Asri Seman said a raid was mounted on an unoccupied house in Indera Mahkota 21 on Oct 2. “The inspection uncovered 1,586,660 sticks of white cigarettes of various types and brands, believed to be prohibited items worth RM261,758. The duties and taxes are estimated at RM1,366,965.80,” he said at a press conference at Wisma Kastam yesterday. He said preliminary investigations found that the suspects used the secluded house as a storage facility for the contraband. “The house was not used solely as a storage facility, as evidence indicated the presence of occupants. Further investigations revealed that the occupants were foreign nationals.” “We have also launched an investigation into the homeowner who rented the property to them,” he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for harbouring, storing, concealing or possessing untaxed or prohibited goods. “They may be fined not less than 10 times the value of goods or RM100,000, whichever is higher, and not more than 20 times the value of goods or RM500,000, whichever is higher, or face imprisonment of between six months and five years or both.” – Bernama Cops hunt accomplice in Sg Golok shooting KOTA BHARU: The suspect in the fatal shooting of a Malaysian citizen in Sungai Golok, Thailand, last Saturday is alleged to have carried out the attack with his younger brother. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the suspect’s brother fled following the attack and remains at large. “We received information from the Thai police that the main suspect surrendered and was arrested at around 6pm local time (7pm in Malaysia) on Sunday. “Police are also investigating claims that the suspect holds dual citizenship.” Mohd Yusoff said the suspect had no prior criminal record in Malaysia, but police would conduct further investigations based on information received. “We are currently awaiting details from the Thai police, including the suspect’s background.” He said police have tightened security at the Malaysia-Thailand border, setting up roadblocks to track down the suspect’s younger brother. – Bernama Death of influencer reclassified as murder KUALA LUMPUR: Police have reclassified the case involving a female Taiwanese influencer who was found dead in a hotel room on Oct 22 as murder. Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said the case was initially investigated as a sudden death. “Further investigations into the case are ongoing, and arrests will be made soon.” On Oct 22, police have arrested and charged director and musician Wee Meng Chee, known as “Namewee”, for drug possession and abuse following a hotel raid. Fadil confirmed the arrest occurred during a 4.30pm operation at a hotel in the city. Officers discovered nine blue pills believed to be ecstasy weighing approximately 5.12g. The 42-year-old was taken to the Dang Wangi Police Headquarters for further investigation. Namewee tested positive for amphetamine, methamphetamine, ketamine and THC. – Bernama

Traders take precautions ahead of monsoon

PASIR MAS: As the Northeast Monsoon is expected to hit this month, traders in the Rantau Panjang Duty Free Zone have started taking precautions by arranging their goods on high shelves and specially built platforms to prevent losses from potential floods. These preparations are not only aimed at protecting their stock but also at ensuring business continuity. Having faced floods almost every year, many traders have grown more cautious and creative in safeguarding their goods. From installing elevated shelves to using wheeled racks, every measure is carefully planned to minimise the heavy losses they previously suffered. For hardware trader Mohamad Othman, 69, who has been selling kitchenware, baby products and household items for more than 30 years, past experiences have made him more vigilant. o Every measure carefully planned to minimise potential losses

Although he has handed over the business to his daughter, Noriha Mohamad, 40, he still personally monitors flood preparations, especially with heavy rains beginning last week. “I bought a three-metre-high iron shelf and hired an installer for RM30,000 because I’m worried the water would rise as high as last year. Now, we have placed all our stock upstairs,” he told Bernama. He added that his determination to continue the business remains strong, as it supports his family of nine. He also urged the Department of Irrigation and Drainage and the Public Works Department to engage with the community to address blocked drainage issues, which often worsen flooding. “The villagers know the waterways better. So when building new drains or ditches, please consider the actual situation and do not block the water outlets,” he said, adding that each flood forces him to shut down operations for at least a week due to thick mud that must be cleaned up, resulting in major financial losses. “Last year, I had to auction off more than RM40,000 worth of stock because the items, including blankets and carpets, became

musty and unsellable.” Clothing merchant Darukni Zulkifli, 40, who has operated Kedai Aida Qistina for the past 11 years, also took creative measures by fitting wheels on 50 display racks to make it easier to move goods when floodwaters rise. “Since floods occur every year, I called a technician to replace the rusty wheels on my racks. The movable racks can be pushed to higher ground. This year, I raised them to chest level because last year, waist level was not enough.” She recalled that last year’s floods were particularly traumatic after her sewing machine and cash register, worth nearly RM2,000, were destroyed by floodwaters. “Last year, I had to auction off scarves worth RM150 each for just RM35, and even my bawal headscarves were sold for only RM5.” Meanwhile, food trader Rahmah Abdullah, 74, who runs the Ma-Kita noodle shop, has also made early preparations by stacking her supplies on tables and building a platform. “In the event of a flood, we know what to do. In previous years, the water rose suddenly at night, leaving us no time to move our goods. “Last year, I lost nearly RM10,000 when my water pump and kitchen equipment were damaged.”

Mohamad Othman pointing out stock that has been placed on high shelves in preparation for the monsoon season. – BERNAMAPIC

Johor river pollution continues to affect fishermen KOTA TINGGI: The effects of the Sungai Johor pollution affecting the livelihoods of fishermen, especially the Orang Asli community, are expected to take a long time to recover. their lost income, and hopes the government could provide appropriate assistance. “I hope the government would be more firm and proactive by conducting more frequent monitoring at pollution sites.” including the Orang Asli community, along the upper reaches of Sungai Johor.

A total of 455,757 consumer account holders were affected in stages due to the pollution that caused water disruptions last Friday. State Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communication Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh was quoted saying the pollution occurred after a sand-washing pond at a land-based sand mining site broke. He said the incident was caused by ground movement that caused the sixth sand washing pond owned by a local company to break, contaminating the flow of Sungai Johor. – Bernama

Fisherman Azman Inam, 48, from Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang, said the community is now only hoping that the rainy season would help save them. “It feels like this river would recover in six months, because the flood season is approaching. “We hope it could be restored as soon as possible and the fish could return to the waters, as they are starting to lay eggs now. “This is what is frustrating, as this is our source of income.” He said the community is worried about

Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang village chief Majid Jantan, 63, said the fishing community was forced to fish in more distant areas as well as seek additional income by tapping rubber. “We see that even heavy rain does not help that much. Our water level is getting lower. If we want to fish, we have to go further out.” He expressed hope that fishermen who earn about RM60 to RM100 a day would receive assistance. The pollution incident has affected the livelihoods of more than 150 fishermen,