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Tough fight

NOV 30, 2025 | RM1.00 PER COPY | www.thesun.my

No. 8989 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Initial results of Sabah polls as of 9.40pm last night show GRS in the lead with 26 seats in hand, allowing it to set sights on forming state govt. Report on h page 2

BERNAMAPIC

INSIDE Sabahans vote amid anticipation, cautious hope to shape future of state.

100 house buyers left in the lurch after project in Perak grinds to halt.

Once lauded hope of dating apps slides down to point of ‘whatever-lah’.

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NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday NOV 30, 2025

Caretaker CM Hajiji likely to form Sabah govt

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor was leading the race to form Sabah’s next government, based on unofficial results as of 9.40pm yesterday. The Hajiji-led Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) was stated to have secured 26 seats, placing the coalition ahead of its rivals and strengthening Hajiji’s position to return as chief minister. Hajiji, who is also president of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, successfully defended his Sulaman seat in a five-cornered contest, defeating Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Dr Shahnon Rizal, Parti Warisan’s (Warisan)

jump parties.” He said turnout figures could reflect Sabahans’ confidence or lack thereof in the political system. “The difference in the number of voters in 2020 and 2025 makes a direct comparison difficult. “However, low participation among some groups could indicate a degree of disillusionment with democracy in Sabah.” He said the participation of young and first-time voters was another critical factor. “The involvement of young voters is very important for the future of Sabah politics. “However, automatic registration for 18-year-olds does not necessarily translate to enthusiasm or interest as they are not required to take the effort to register themselves.” Mazlan also highlighted logistical challenges affecting turnout. “Around 200,000 Sabahans work outside the state, mainly in the peninsula, and cannot return to vote. “This significantly impacts overall participation. The EC needs to consider in future ways to enable these voters to exercise their rights without having to travel to their hometowns.” – By Harith Kamal However, GRS component parties reaffirmed their backing for Hajiji, asserting that under the Sabah Constitution, a chief minister’s legitimacy rests on the support of a majority of assembly members regardless of party label. The state government subsequently continued under GRS. The 17th state election saw one of Sabah’s fiercest contests, with 596 candidates vying for 73 seats. Independent candidates (74) topped the field, followed by Warisan (73), PIS (72), GRS (55), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (46), BN (45), PN (42), Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (40), United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (25) and PH (22), according to Bernama. The election also produced some of the most crowded contests in Sabah’s history. Tulid recorded a 14-cornered fight while Bandau, Tamparuli and Inanam each saw 13 cornered contests. Banggi featured 12 candidates, underscoring the deepening fragmentation and intense competition across the state.

GRS stated to have secured 26 seats, placing coalition ahead of rivals after former chief minister wins Sulaman seat

two

parliamentary

Harapan (PH) took two while four independents also clinched victories. GRS needs 37 seats to secure a simple majority to form the next state government. However, Sabah DAP suffered a complete wipeout, failing to retain any of the seats it previously held across the eight constituencies it contested. Party secretary

Mokhtar Hussin, Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Tiaminah @ Siti Aminah Ele and Parti Impian Sabah’s (PIS) Pajudin Nordin. Warisan, led by Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, secured 13 seats, BN won nine, Pakatan

PETALING JAYA: Sabahans went to the polls in force yesterday, with 60.94% of voters casting their ballots by 4pm, meeting the Election Commission’s (EC) target. Yet, experts caution that the headline figure may mask deeper voter disillusionment and the persistent uncertainty of the state’s volatile politics. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali said the figure, while respectable, does not tell the full story of voter engagement. “Although voter turnout until noon appeared lower than in 2020, it does not necessarily indicate a decrease in engagement. “The 2020 election involved only registered voters aged 21 and above, whereas in 2025 automatic registration of 18-year olds added a significant number of new voters.” Mazlan pointed out Sabah’s history of frequent party switching and coalition reshuffles as a factor shaping voter sentiment. “Political instability and the often conflicting attitudes of politicians may contribute to boredom and apathy towards political matters. Voters are also worried that elected representatives may severing ties with PN at the state level after the formation of the Pakatan Harapan-led federal government. This move triggered a political crisis in January 2023 when the Sabah chapter of BN led by Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin withdrew its support, saying that Hajiji had lost legitimacy as chief minister under the original PN-BN pact. representatives will intensify their efforts in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. Hajiji first became chief minister after GRS, then aligned with PN, secured a simple majority in the 2020 state election when he served as Sabah PN chairman. But in 2022, the then Sabah Bersatu chief left the party and repositioned his who administration under the GRS b a n n e r , effectively

general Anthony Loke said in a statement that he takes full responsibility for the setback. He said the party accepts and respects the decision of voters and extends

its congratulations to all winning parties and candidates. He added that the leadership would “take lessons from this outcome”, reassess its shortcomings and work towards rebuilding support ahead of the next election. Despite the defeat at the state level, Sabah DAP said it still has chronic underinvestment, weak monitoring and sluggish bureaucratic processes.” He said seamless state-federal cooperation would be critical for timely and effective delivery. “State-federal cooperation will determine funding reliability, project approval speed, institutional alignment and the technical capacity essential for implementing Sabah’s development priorities. “Administrative structure contributes more as overlapping mandates and procedural complexity consistently impede execution regardless of shifting political alliances.” Romzi said realistic progress is achievable if the government strengthens delivery capacity and enforces clear milestones. International Islamic University Malaysia and Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said people are tired of political rhetoric. “They want to see clear, tangible benefits. But before that benefit can come, in order to regain public trust, we also need stability. “Politicians in Sabah and the next government need to be serious and not engage in any party-hopping attempts that could destabilise the state. If the politics is unstable, it’s hard to talk about the other things like water and electricity.”

Hajiji and his wife Datin Seri Juliah Salag after casting their ballots at the Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Serusup polling centre for the Sulaman state seat yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

First 100 days vital for new govt: Analysts

Voter turnout of almost 61% meets Election Commission target

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

government they elected to show that they are taking the basic infrastructure issue as seriously as the MA63 issue.” Azmi said Sabah’s fragmented political landscape would complicate any attempt to emulate Sarawak’s approach, adding that diverse coalitions with differing ideologies could weaken the state’s negotiating leverage with Putrajaya. “The next government must follow through on what it promised during the campaign. Realistically, they cannot achieve it on their own. “Whether Sabah, Sarawak or the Peninsular states, they need federal support because infrastructure costs a lot of money.” Universiti Malaysia Sabah political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Romzi Ationg said Sabah’s development hurdles stem from deep-rooted implementation bottlenecks rather than political shifts alone. “The new government must prioritise essential infrastructure delivery, transparent public procurement and stronger institutional coordination to address longstanding development gaps statewide. “Basic services remain unresolved despite repeated commitments, held back by fragmented agencies, inconsistent political will,

PETALING JAYA: Sabah’s new government faces an immediate credibility test as analysts warn that in the first 100 days, it must show concrete progress on long-neglected infrastructure development instead of reverting to prolonged Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) debates or political manoeuvring. They say the focus must shift swiftly from campaign rhetoric to tangible delivery, particularly on basic amenities that have remained unresolved for decades despite repeated pledges. For a state long frustrated by stalled development, patchy public services and chronic political fragmentation, the ability to turn promises into visible progress will define the new administration’s standing from the outset. Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said the most urgent challenge is resolving fundamental infrastructure deficits which now serve as a litmus test of performance and political seriousness. “For the first 100 days, priorities are basic infrastructure. Yes, the 40% royalty plus MA63 is appealing to voters but what they need right now is to see progress. “Sabahans want the state

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday NOV 30, 2025

Sabah polls see heavy turnout, tense mood

KOTA KINABALU: A broken leg from a road accident did not stop a young man from fulfilling his responsibility as a voter in the state election yesterday. Still recovering from a collision with a lorry five months ago, 32-year-old Khalid Tahar arrived at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bahang, Penampang – one of the polling centres in the Kepayan constituency – on crutches. Khalid, a construction worker, said the June 1 accident occurred while he was travelling back to his hometown in Kudat, leaving him with a fractured right leg that required surgery and a cast. “Even in this condition, I feel physically capable of coming out to vote. This is my responsibility as a Sabahan. If we are healthy and able, we should do what we can – no one can force us to do otherwise.” – Bernama Voter with broken leg casts ballot in crutches

Voters speak of frustration, persistent issues, hope and desire for real change across Petagas, Tulid and Inanam

PETALING JAYA: Sabahans went to the polls yesterday amid a tense, crowded and unpredictable state election – with voters enduring long queues, sweltering heat and heavy traffic for their chance to help shape the state’s future. From Petagas to Inanam, the mood ranged from anticipation and frustration to cautious hope, reflecting the state’s longstanding challenges and the high stakes of this election. Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN & IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

and responsibility. “I voted late, so there was no queue. Walking in, I felt nervous – it was my first time, and I wanted to make the best choice for Sabah. The worst part was the traffic jam – it took about 20 minutes to reach the school. Once inside, everything went smoothly.” Yan admitted he

voting at SK Kokol, Inanam. Bernama Johor Bureau chief Hasnah Jusid, 34, returned to Kota Marudu to cast her vote for the first time. “This vote is valuable – it will help shape the future of Sabah.”

In Petagas, trader Sulaiman Makbul, 41, said this year’s contest felt more intense than ever. “If we look at this state election, there are more candidates, including independents, even though the number of state seats hasn’t increased.

struggled to choose a candidate who aligned with his hopes for the constituency. “Honestly, I wasn’t sure whom to choose. Maybe I haven’t followed developments

ȿɅƇĩ ¤ÝùÝĩ ¤ƇÝƇĈ 1ńĈûƇĭŕō ŕƇÝń žĈÝƇžɔ ɅɁ

Another young voter, Muhammad Noh Ibrahim, 18, from Kampung Danau Ria, said he hoped his first vote would spur faster development in the Kinabatangan area, particularly in the Lamag state constituency. He also hoped the new government would attract more industries to the district to create wider job opportunities for locals. In Tawau, 18-year-old Auni Raihah Ruji also embraced the spirit of voting in her first election – made more meaningful as her father, Datuk Ruji Ubi, was contesting as a PH candidate for the Merotai seat. She said the responsibility of voting is crucial in shaping the future of both Sabah and Malaysia. Meanwhile, Mohd Hilmi Bahrun, 20, said he hoped the new state government would introduce more initiatives that directly benefit Sabah’s youth. – Bernama closely, or maybe the performance of elected reps hasn’t met expectations. After some quick research, I just hope my vote counts,” he said. The determination to vote extended to Sabah’s journalists, who made sure to fulfil their duty despite their packed election-day schedules. Sabah Journalists Association president Mariah Doksil travelled 180km from Kota Kinabalu to her hometown in Pitas to vote at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Pitas, Bernama reported. “Although media practitioners usually vote by post, I made the four-hour journey because I wanted the experience of voting in person – and to have the indelible ink on my finger as a symbol of fulfilling my responsibility.” New Straits Times senior reporter Olivial Miwil, 37, from Penampang, cast her ballot at SJK (C) Yue Min after her postal application was rejected. “Polling day is busy for journalists, but fulfilling my duty as a voter comes first,” she said. Daily Express journalist Cynthia Duris Baga, 40, emphasised the importance of participating despite a heavy workload. “Even on a busy day, five minutes at the polling station can shape the next five years. Voting is not merely an act – it is an investment in a better future,” she said after

KINABATANGAN: Young voters in Sabah, especially first-timers, turned out enthusiastically yesterday, many experiencing their first-ever state election since the implementation of Undi18 and automatic voter registration. Although Undi18 was first applied during the 2022 general election, Sabahans then voted only for parliamentary seats, as the state election had already been held in 2020. A survey at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Bukit Garam here found many first-time voters arriving early, eager not to miss the historic moment of choosing their state representative for the first time. One of them, supermarket worker Siti Syafikah Gem@Gemrus, 18, admitted she felt nervous stepping into the polling booth, as this was her first time taking part in shaping Sabah’s future. “I hope my vote today can contribute to Sabah’s continued development,” she said. “This is because many feel the need to ‘save Sabah’ after seeing almost every major party form the government over the years, yet the same problems – poverty, water shortages – persist,” he said. Petagas saw a 10-cornered contest, which Sulaiman described as typical for Sabah. “Many independent candidates are contesting. I wasn’t confused when voting – I just took my time to decide who was the lesser evil for me,” he added. In Tulid, fresh law graduate Einstein Richard, 25, said the long wait and crowded polling centre made the day feel heavy. “Queueing and entering the polling centre, I felt both exhausted and excited. The wait was long, but approaching the voting stream, I felt relieved – I could finally fulfil this responsibility.” He said the lack of facilities, combined with the hot, humid weather, was challenging, although polling staff were helpful and queues moved steadily. “We could see party flags lining the roads. I was disappointed to see villagers being used as party ‘machinery’ for promotion. Some flags were placed so close to the roadside they blocked visibility – several motorists nearly skidded!” In Inanam, first-time voter “Yan”, a 25-year-old occupational therapist, described his experience as a mix of nerves

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NATIONAL 4 theSun on Sunday NOV 30, 2025

17th Sabah State Election Picture Gallery

TIRELESS TASK ... Election Commission officers unloading a ballot box from Pulau Sepanggar to a vote counting centre. – BERNAMAPIC

BALLOT BEAUTIES ... Young voters (from left) Nur Farhana Norzaim, Nur Azmina Irdina Jamlin and Saidatul Naziha Rahman show their inked fingers after casting their votes at Sekolah Kebangsaan Serusup. – BERNAMAPIC

PATIENCE PAYS ... Senior citizens taking a seat while waiting for their turn to cast their votes. – BERNAMAPIC

MEANINGFUL MOMENT ... A senior citizen casting her vote at Sekolah Kebangsaan Serusup. – BERNAMAPIC

HELPING HAND ... A wheelchair bound voter being assisted as he casts his ballot. – BERNAMAPIC

NATIONAL 5 theSun on Sunday NOV 30, 2025

Buyers in limbo as Perak housing project stalls

KUALA LUMPUR: The Customs Department has foiled an attempt by three Japanese nationals to smuggle 43.36kg of cannabis buds worth RM4.2 million at the KL International Airport (KLIA). KLIA Customs director Zulkifli Muhammad said the three men, aged between 19 and 42, were detained on Nov 18 after scans of six pieces of luggage revealed plastic packages containing plants, believed to be cannabis. “The cannabis buds were hidden inside packets of dried food in the suspects’ luggage. The seized items have been handed to the KLIA Customs Enforcement Division for further investigation,” he said in a statement yesterday. Zulkifli added that the case is being investigated under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane if the death penalty is not imposed. He also said drug smuggling not only results in revenue losses but also poses a threat to national security and the wellbeing of the people. Zulkifli urged anyone with information on smuggling activities to contact the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office. – Bernama Kindergarten owner loses RM1.3m in scam private kindergarten owner has lost RM1.3 million after falling victim to a fake online share investment scheme, said Johor police chief CP Datuk Ab Rahman Arsad. In a statement, he said the 42-year-old woman had seen a social media advertisement in September promising high returns and contacted an individual for more details. “She was promised profits of up to 41% and made transactions into several bank accounts between Nov 6 and 21,” he said. Ab Rahman added that the individual continued to pressure her to deposit more funds, supposedly to withdraw the profit. “When the promised returns did not materialise, the victim realised she had been scammed and lodged a police report at the Batu Pahat district police headquarters,” he said. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a jail term of one to 10 years, whipping and a possible fine. Ab Rahman urged the public to be cautious and avoid online investment schemes promising high and unrealistic returns, especially those advertised on social media. – Bernama Japanese trio held over drug smuggling attempt JOHOR BAHRU: A

PUTRAJAYA: Former senior political secretary to the prime minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin and businessman Albert Tei Jiann Cheing have been remanded until Dec 4. The six-day remand order was granted by Magistrate Fatin Muneerah Sofian following an application by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) yesterday. This was confirmed by lawyers Yusmadi Yusoff and Mahajoth Singh, who represent Shamsul Iskandar and Tei respectively. Both lawyers also confirmed that IPOH: About 100 buyers of a housing project in Bandar Baru Lahat who were hoping for a roof over their heads are now in the lurch as the project has stalled. The group has sought assistance from the Perak MCA public services and complaints bureau to help find a solution. Bureau chief Charles Yuen urged the state government, local council and the Housing and Local Government Ministry to step in and mediate. “The buyers need to know whether the project will continue under the same developer or a third party,” he said during a press conference at the Perak MCA office on Thursday. Several buyers at the press conference voiced dissatisfaction and asked for temporary reductions or a suspension of interest on their housing loans. MCA calls for state and federal intervention to resolve dispute between developer and landowner Ű BY P. CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Affected house buyers expressing their grievances during the press conference . – P. CHANDRA SAGARAN/THESUN

various stages of construction, with no work carried out at certain parts of the site. Tan Yeng Kwai, 60, from nearby Taman Kledang, expressed disappointment that the developer has not provided a clear explanation on the fate of the project. “When I approached the developer for a response, they only told me to wait. I kept asking the same questions repeatedly but hit a wall. “The developers do not answer our calls. We want to know what plans they have to complete the project. “The state government should intervene and take over the project if no solution is in sight,” he said. heart disease, when determining the duration of the order. “We have submitted all medical reports from the National Heart Institute and we hope the investigation can be completed quickly,” he said at the Palace of Justice yesterday. Meanwhile, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the probe into the trio was carried out immediately as it is of public importance. He also denied claims that his officers pointed their weapons at Tei’s head during the arrest at the businessman’s home. – Bernama the police headquarters for urine screening and further investigations. The case is being investigated under Section 377B of the Penal Code. A check by Bernama at the scene found that visitors came from various backgrounds, including professionals, students and foreign tourists, with most admitting they learnt about the premises through social media. Dang Wangi

payment totalling RM18,000. “I will collect all data and information such as interest paid, loans taken, banks involved and other relevant details to submit to the Housing and Local Government Ministry and other authorities for further action,” he added. The project comprises 1,465 units, including low-cost flats, medium-cost flats and single storey terrace houses. The affected buyers had booked the terrace houses, which were scheduled for completion in April this year. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in January 2023. Some units are only 50% completed while others are at confirmed that he had submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This followed the exposure of a support letter he had issued in 2024 recommending six contractors for a government hospital project, as reported in the media, The matter was raised in the Dewan Rakyat on Nov 18 when opposition MPs alleged that he had improperly endorsed the contractors. Commenting on the remand, Yusmadi said the court considered his client’s health conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure and

Yuen added that buyers are also worried that continued payments will affect their Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS) records and other housing loan applications in the future. CCRIS is operated by Bank Negara Malaysia and compiles credit information from financial institutions to produce standardised credit reports. Yuen claimed the buyers were informed that a dispute over payments between the developer and landowner led to the halt in construction. “The buyers were attracted as the cost of RM180,000 per unit was affordable. They paid a booking fee of RM3,600 based on 2% and later a 10% down their clients were remanded to assist investigations under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009. On Friday, Shamsul Iskandar, Tei and Sofia Rini Buyong were detained in connection with an alleged corruption case involving Tei, who is suspected of paying bribes to Shamsul Iskandar to recover funds said to have been distributed to Sabah assemblymen. Shamsul Iskandar and Sofia Rini were detained at the MACC headquarters after giving their statements while Tei was arrested at his home in Puchong. On Tuesday, Shamsul Iskandar

Ex-senior political secretary, businessman remanded

Seventeen civil servants held during health club raid KUALA LUMPUR: Seventeen civil servants were among 208 people arrested by police on Friday night in a raid on a health club believed to have been used for unnatural sexual activities. Hall after two weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance. 5pm to 11pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 11pm on weekends. According to Mohd Azani, the health centre promoted its services on social media platforms such as TikTok and through word-of-mouth from regular customers.

“We detained 201 patrons and seven employees aged between 19 and 60, including 24 foreigners. We also seized condoms and several other items believed to have been used for immoral purposes,” he said at the scene after the four-hour operation. He explained that the two-storey premises had been operating for the past eight to 10 months, from

Kuala Lumpur police deputy chief Datuk Mohd Azani Omar said the 8pm operation in Chow Kit was carried out by the KL Strike Force with the cooperation of the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department and Kuala Lumpur City

“Visitors were charged RM35 per entry while new customers had to pay RM10 as a registration fee before receiving a membership card,” he added. All those arrested were taken to

NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday NOV 30, 2025

Young Malaysians caught in dating app loop

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: For many young Malaysians, dating apps have become less of a deliberate choice and more of a background habit. They told theSun it is something they switch on and off depending on mood, energy and how their week looks. Some describe it as convenience. Others call it boredom. A few admit it feels like an emotional loop they cannot fully escape. Public relations executive Deena Azuar, 26, remembers downloading the Coffee Meets Bagel app in January with almost no expectations. “I downloaded the app mostly out of curiosity and not really expecting much. It was more of a ‘let’s see what happens’ kind of thing but I was still a little hopeful something could come out of it. “I do go through phases where I delete and reinstall apps. Sometimes it’s because I want a break or I feel overwhelmed, and other times I reinstall apps when I’m curious or open to meeting someone new. “Apps make it easier to meet people I wouldn’t normally encounter. On the other hand, the constant swiping and ghosting can be draining and a little discouraging emotionally. “I also feel it depends on the app. I’ve heard that Tinder or Bumble can make it harder to find real connections though I’ve never used them myself. “In the modern age dating apps feel like the way most people meet.

Casual swiping, ghosting and occasional success story reveal complex landscape of modern online relationships

expectation in the people you meet you won’t be disappointed. “I’d say the biggest frustration of these apps today is dry texters but honestly I’d run out of ideas for conversations too,” he said. He has yet to meet someone long-term but added that the people he has encountered “made life interesting”. Meanwhile, others explained that their relationship with dating apps has become tied to phases of loneliness, vulnerability or emotional burnout. Branding associate Azim, 26, said his use of dating apps began in 2018 and tends to spike during emotionally vulnerable periods. “Most of the time I reinstall them when I’m bored or want affection. Usually it happens after a breakup and you’re looking for something to fill the void. “It’s worse emotionally because the app gives you cheap validation. You start thinking a few matches show your worth.”. For him the draining part is

Real-life meet-cutes aren’t as realistic as I’d hoped,” she said. Still, her story ended in a way she never expected. “I did find ‘the one’. It’s November now since I downloaded the app in January and we’re planning our wedding. “It’s been incredible to see how something that started so casually turned into a serious, life-changing connection,” she added. For others the experience tends to be more ambivalent. Campaign coordinator Syauqi Shuhaimi, 26, first used dating apps in his early twenties after his friends recommended them. “With the busy schedule of balancing work and free time you don’t have time to meet new people so dating apps benefit you from there.” He approaches the platforms with low expectations, not out of pessimism but self-protection. “If you view it as an app and nothing more it wouldn’t affect you negatively. If you put no

Many young Malaysians say their relationship with dating apps has become tied to phases of loneliness, vulnerability or emotional burnout. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

apps but after breaking up I downloaded them again. “After years of putting myself out there it burnt me out mentally and emotionally. Talking to multiple people at once and dealing with the idea of being – or having – a choice became overwhelming.” Despite the strain she does not regret the friendships she formed through dating apps. “There were good and bad ones, but I did make a few genuine friendships. I still haven’t found the one.”

the repetition. “The energy of getting to know someone, opening up and repeating it gets tiring. If a match doesn’t fit you move to another. If one fits you ignore the others that you connected with. Somehow it’s promoting cheating,” he added. A 26-year-old marketing executive, who declined to be named, said she has been on dating apps since 2019 and has repeatedly deleted and reinstalled them throughout several relationships. “When I formed a significant relationship I would delete the

Former Bernama chairman appointed UM pro-chancellor KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah has announced the appointment of Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini as pro-chancellor of Universiti Malaya (UM). The announcement was made at the university’s 65th convocation ceremony yesterday. Mohd Annuar, who is Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council president, described the appointment – effective from Sept 1 to Aug 31, 2028 – as a great honour for himself and his family. “I am grateful to Allah for this high recognition in the nation’s academic sphere. I also extend my utmost gratitude to the Chancellor, His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin, for entrusting me with this responsibility,” he told Bernama when met at the ceremony. He also shared his views on UM’s future direction, emphasising the need to strengthen the university’s financial resources through greater alumni involvement. Mohd Annuar is a former chairman of Bernama and currently holds several key positions, including UDA Holdings Berhad chairman and 7-Eleven

Malaysia

Holdings

Bhd

independent chairman. During the ceremony, Sultan Nazrin also conferred an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree on former chief justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat in recognition of her service and contributions.

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Malaysian Paper

theSun on Sunday NOV 30, 2025

WORLD 7

Thailand, Indonesia start massive clean-up operations

HONG KONG: An outpouring of grief swept Hong Kong yesterday as crowds paid their respects and laid flowers for the 128 people killed in one of the city’s deadliest fires, marking the start of a three day mourning period. A growing number of people arrived at a park near the charred shell of Wang Fuk Court, the residential complex that burned for more than 40 hours, to place white and yellow flowers and handwritten messages. “May your spirits in heaven always keep the joy alive,” one note read. A woman surnamed Wong, who lived in the estate for more than four decades, sat dazed nearby as she counted off a list of deceased neighbours and friends. “It was a grandmother with a 18 month-old baby. I was very close with them,” Wong, 69, said, adding that many of the elderly homeowners had a tight bond. “Yesterday it was confirmed they died.” Elsewhere in the Tai Po neighbourhood, a hall in a community centre was turned into a “condolence point” for the public, one of 18 across the city. A man surnamed Ki, 52, was among the dozens who queued to sign the condolence book in silence, which was only broken by sounds of sobbing. “I can’t do anything. I can only hope they rest in peace,” he said. City leader John Lee and top ministers stood in silence for three minutes in the morning before work outside the government headquarters, where the flags of China and Hong Kong were flown at half-mast. – AFP HK begins mourning period Sri Lanka flood toll rises to 123 COLOMBO: Torrential rains and floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah have killed 123 people across Sri Lanka, with another 130 still missing. Disaster Management Centre Director-General Sampath Kotuwegoda said relief operations were underway, with 43,995 people moved to state-run welfare centres after their homes were destroyed in the week-long heavy rains. The weather system was moving away from the island towards India but it has already left massive destruction. The flooding in low-lying areas worsened yesterday, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders for those living along the banks of the Kelani River, which flows into the Indian Ocean from Colombo. The Kelani burst its banks on Friday evening, forcing hundreds of people to move to temporary shelters. Rains had subsided in most parts of the country, including the capital. Officials said India had rushed a planeload of supplies early yesterday for the victims. – AFP

THE HAGUE: The International Criminal Court (ICC) ruled on Friday that the Philippines’ 80-year-old former president Rodrigo Duterte must remain detained despite a defence appeal for his release on grounds of age and declining health. Duterte, president from 2016 to 2022, was arrested and taken to The Hague in March over deaths during his war on drugs when thousands of alleged narcotics peddlers and users were killed. The appeals judges shot down a request for provisional release on health grounds, meaning he will have to stay in court detention to await a possible trial. “The Appeals Chamber found that the defence failed to identify errors” in a lower court decision that Duterte should stay in detention, presiding judge Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza said. Duterte was not in court to hear the ruling. His grandson Omar Duterte PADANG: The death toll from devastating floods and landslides in Southeast Asia climbed past 350 yesterday as clean-up and search and rescue operations got underway in Indonesia and Thailand. Heavy monsoon rain overwhelmed swathes of the region this week, killing hundreds and leaving thousands stranded, many on rooftops awaiting rescue. Rescuers in Indonesia were struggling to reach the worst affected areas of Sumatra, where more than 100 people were still missing. Flooding and landslides in Indonesia have killed more than 200 people, according to figures from disaster authorities. “As of tonight, 61 fatalities have been recorded, and 90 are still being searched for,” West Sumatra Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Ilham Wahab said on Friday. In North Sumatra, another 116 people have died while in Aceh, the death toll was said to be at least 35. National Disaster Agency head Suharyanto told a news conference that a cloud seeding operation would begin in West Sumatra to control the rainfall, most of which had already subsided by yesterday. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited a shelter for evacuees in HatYai on Friday. “I really have to apologise to them for letting this happen Bangkok rolls out relief measures

Residents clear deep mud from the entrance of a home in Meureudu, Pidie Jaya district in Aceh. – AFPPIC

People’s Party criticised the administration, saying it “wrongly estimated the situation” and made “errors in handling the flood crisis”. The annual monsoon season, typically between June and September, often brings heavy rain, triggering landslides and flash floods. A tropical storm has exacerbated conditions, and the tolls in Indonesia and Thailand rank among the highest in floods in those countries in recent years. – AFP

As floodwaters receded, shop owner Rachane Remsringam picked through rubbish strewn between the aisles of his general goods store, lamenting hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses. His store, Madam Yong, was looted and vandalised in the wake of the disaster, he said. There has been growing public criticism of Thailand’s flood response and two local officials have been suspended over their alleged failures. An MP from the opposition

during the time I am in government,” he told reporters in footage broadcast on AmarinTV. “The next step is to prevent the situation from deteriorating,” he said, announcing a two-week timeframe for the clean-up of the district. The Thai government rolled out relief measures for those affected by the flooding, including compensation of up to two million baht (RM256,184) for households that lost family members. told reporters after the ruling that his grandfather was not a flight risk and should have been released. “Half the time, while we are talking, he doesn’t even know why he’s in there, in detention,” he said. In Manila, victims’ families watched the hearing together holding signs saying: “Duterte’s detention is our safety, no to interim release”. One person jumped for joy and others clapped as the ruling was read out. “The trial must go on. It must continue until it is proven that Duterte is guilty,” said Sheerah Escudero, whose brother was killed in 2017. The ICC arrest warrant states Duterte created, funded and armed death squads. According to police, 6,200 suspects were killed during anti-drug operations under Duterte’s presidency. Duterte’s lawyers have filed several other motions to get the entire case dismissed. – Reuters

Duterte loses appeal

Relatives of the victims react in Manila on Friday after watching the live stream of the hearing. – AFPPIC

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WORLD 8

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Airbus fix disrupts flights PARIS: Asian airlines scrambled yesterday to fix a software glitch on their Airbus A320 jets as a sweeping recall by the planemaker grounded aircraft across the region after Firm apologises for inconvenience directing their carriers to remedy the A320 software problem before resuming flights. The Airbus recall, issued to 350 operators around the world, appears to be one of the biggest in its 55-year history and comes weeks after the A320 overtook the Boeing 737 as the most delivered model. completed the software reset on 160 out of 200 aircraft. Air India, which has 113 affected aircraft, has completed the reset on 42 aircraft. Both airlines warned of delays yesterday. nosedived as it travelled between Cancun in Mexico and Newark in the United States, and pilots had to land in Tampa, Florida. in-flight control issue due to a computer malfunction. The plane suddenly

Child deaths linked to jabs NEW YORK: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in an internal memo that at least 10 children had likely died “because of” Covid-19 vaccinations, citing myocarditis, or heart inflammation, as a possible cause, the New York Times reported. The Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the FDA, did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside business hours. The memo, written by the FDA chief medical and scientific officer Vinay Prasad, did not disclose the ages or health conditions of the children or the vaccine manufacturers involved, said the New York Times . Prasad was quoted as calling the finding “a profound revelation” and announcing plans to tighten vaccine oversight, including requiring randomised studies. The findings of the new FDA review have not been published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, the Times reported, adding that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine committee is to meet next week. – Reuters Probe ‘torture’ claims, Israel told GENEVA: A UN committee urged Israel on Friday to set up an independent commission to investigate claims of torture of Palestinians and warned the situation had worsened since the start of the Gaza war. The UN Committee against Torture said it was “deeply concerned about reports indicating a de facto state policy of organised and widespread torture and ill-treatment” in Israel. The committee, whose 10 independent experts monitor how countries implement a convention against torture, stressed that it “condemned the attack on Oct 7, 2023”. But in a report published after a regular review of Israel, it “also expressed its deep concern over the disproportionate nature of Israel’s response to these attacks”. And it decried “a range of policies adopted by Israel in the course of its continued unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory”, warning that it risked leading to “cruel, inhumane or degrading living conditions for the Palestinian population”. The experts called on Israel to “establish an independent, impartial and effective ad hoc commission to review and investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment committed during the conflict”. – AFP

Aerospace and defence giant Thales told AFP that it makes the flight control computer, which it said was “fully compliant with the technical specifications issued by Airbus”. But it said: “The functionality in question is supported by software that is not under Thales’ responsibility.” The Airbus statement did not specify which company had designed the software. It apologised for the inconvenience. On Oct 30, a JetBlue-operated A320 aircraft encountered an

Contacted by AFP, JetBlue did not comment on the incident but said it had already begun necessary changes on some A320 and A321 models. Its competitor, American Airlines, said it had already begun updating software following Friday’s alert, and expected “the vast majority” of approximately 340 affected aircraft to be serviced by yesterday. Produced since 1988, the A320 is the world’s best-selling aeroplane. – Reuters/AFP

disrupting travel in the US during the busiest weekend of the year. The recall of 6,000 planes covers more than half of Airbus’ global A320 family fleet, the backbone of Asian short-haul aviation, particularly in China and India, where economic growth has brought millions of new travellers into the skies. Regulators around the world followed the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in

The US Federal Aviation Administration told carriers to replace or modify software that controls the elevators and ailerons on A319, A320 and A321 airplanes. India’s aviation regulator said 338 Airbus aircraft in the country were affected by the glitch but said the software reset would be completed by today. The country’s largest airline, IndiGo, said it had

Australian PM ties the knot in private ceremony SYDNEY: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese married his girlfriend Jodie Haydon yesterday,

becoming the country’s first leader to tie the knot while in office. A beaming Albanese, 62, wed the financial services worker at a private ceremony in the garden of his official residence in Canberra, The Lodge. “Married”, he said in a one-word post on social media with a video of him in a bow-tie holding the hand of his smiling bride, who wore a long, white dress, as confetti showered down. In a separate joint statement, the couple said: “We are absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends.” The ceremony took place more than a year after Albanese proposed on Valentine’s Day 2024, saying at the time he had found a partner “who I want to spend the rest of my life with”. They wrote their own vows and were married by a celebrant. Albanese’s dog, a shaggy cavoodle named Toto, was the ring bearer. After the ceremony, at which guests drank beer from a Sydney brewery, the couple walked down the aisle to Stevie Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) .

Albanese and Haydon at their wedding ceremony in Canberra. – AFPPIC

election victory in May this year. He joined Labor while in high school and later became deeply involved in the bruising world of student politics at the University of Sydney. – AFP

Albanese met Haydon more than five years ago at a Melbourne business dinner. The centre-left Labor Party leader secured a second three year term in office in a landslide

The newlyweds are to go on a five-day honeymoon in Australia from tomorrow. The prime minister, who divorced his previous wife in 2019 and has an adult son, Nathan.

US troops kill survivors of strike on alleged drug boat WASHINGTON: The US military conducted a follow-up strike on a boat in the Caribbean that it believed to be ferrying drugs, killing survivors of an initial missile attack, US media reported. familiar with the operation. “The order was to kill everybody,” one of the sources told the Post .

were changed to rescue any survivors, the Post said. According to CNN, it was not clear whether Hegseth knew there were survivors before the second strike was carried out. The follow-up attack was initially reported on Sept 10. On Friday, Hegseth posted on social media that “operations in the Caribbean are lawful under US and international law”. – AFP

US has not offered evidence to back up the allegations behind its campaign, which has killed at least 83 people, according to an AFP tally of publicly released figures. On Sept 2, the US military saw two survivors of an initial strike clinging to the burning vessel, then proceeded to strike them again, the Washington Post reported. After the Sept 2 strike, protocols

The alleged incident occurred on Sept 2 during the first publicised strike in a series of attacks against boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that Washington claims were trafficking drugs in international waters.

The troops had been given a directive from US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to kill everyone on board, the Washington Post and CNN reported, citing unnamed sources

NOVEMBER 30, 2025

The future of payments: How unified commerce

is transforming Malaysia’s small business landscape

When you love animals but can’t own one

Press pause and spend a day of self-care across Peninsular Malaysia

Back to nature

ON SUNDAY November 30, 2025 II theSunday Special

Back to nature

La Hilir was built while preserving all the natural elements around it.

W OULD you pack up your entire life and leave behind everything you know in the city to start RYHU LQ D UXUDO R̆ JULG location? There will be no more RM20 FR̆ HHV LQ WKH PRUQLQJ FURZGHG PDOOV RQ ZHHNHQGV DQG SHDN KRXU WUḊ F MDPV Instead, these will be replaced by the sound of birds singing in the morning, a homemade breakfast possibly made with ingredients from your garden and a bike ULGH VXUURXQGHG E\ QRWKLQJ EXW WUHHV This lifestyle could be someone’s idea of heaven or hell, depending on who is EHLQJ R̆ HUHG WKH FKRLFH $SDUW IURP WKDW one thing is clear: a growing number of city dwellers, especially young Malaysian couples, are opting for the quieter comfort RI WKH VXEXUEV RYHU WKH KXVWOH RI XUEDQ OLIH ,Q SRVW SDQGHPLF SUHVVXUHV DQG soaring property prices in central areas, including Kuala Lumpur, have prompted more couples to consider quieter yet ZHOO FRQQHFWHG DUHDV VXFK DV 6HUHPEDQ

BY HANNEF ESQUANDER

6XQJDL %XORK 6HPHQ\LK DQG 1LODL DV LGHDO SODFHV WR VHWWOH GRZQ 7KRVH RULJL nally from other states, such as Kelantan, Perak and Pahang, are also giving up city life and moving back to start their lives DQHZ $FFRUGLQJ WR UHFHQW UHSRUWLQJ WKLV VKLIW KDV EHHQ GULYHQ FKLHÀ\ E\ UHPRWH DQG ÀH[LEOH ZRUN DUUDQJHPHQWV 7KLV OLIHVW\OH shift is gaining momentum not only here LQ 0DOD\VLD EXW DOVR ZRUOGZLGH $ side from rising property prices, the decision to escape the metropolis and UHWXUQ WR RQH¶V URRWV LV DOVR LQÀXHQFHG E\ other factors, such as a growing move PHQW WRZDUGV VXVWDLQDEOH OLYLQJ 7KHUH has been a surge in awareness about the preservation of traditional architecture, with old kampung houses and shop lots EHLQJ UHVWRUHG 5XUDO WRXULVP LQFOXGLQJ glamping and heritage tours, has proven KLJKO\ SUR¿WDEOH LQ UHFHQW \HDUV :K\" %HFDXVH LW R̆ HUV XUEDQLWHV ZKR FDQQRW leave the city entirely a glimpse of the slow life they have always wanted for WKHPVHOYHV HYHQ LI RQO\ IRU RQH ZHHNHQG

La Hilir was mainly built using timber sourced from a nearby local business that sells used wood from old houses in Kuala Pilah.