06/12/2025

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SATURDAY DEC 6, 2025

Families of trio shot dead by cops dispute account Digital trail and recording of live-location shared by deceased contradict police claims on chronology of events.

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SATURDAY | DEC 6, 2025

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Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY Report on — page 5 Safety assurance p 23 Edible creations at Stockholm Xmas bake-off p 24 Minh’s debut EP fuelled by heartbreak, creative shift p 25 Jeff Satur’s Red Giant Tour makes Kuala Lumpur finale SCAN ME No. 8995 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) Report on — page 2 Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin remembered as resolute fighter who championed rights and wellbeing of people. Nation mourns sudden passing of colourful Sabah leader Govt allays public fears over measles-rubella vaccine used in immunisation programme, stating potency of drug long-proven and isolated cases of side effects usually mild and temporary. Report on — page 4 Proposals expected to cover multiple facets but vague or no clear information provided on project scope or budget parameters. Slippery slope for media agencies in client dealings

The Health Ministry said immunisation against measles has been implemented in Malaysia since 1982, with a second dose introduced in 2004 to ensure optimum protection. – PIC COURTESY OF GENIUS AULAD KELANA JAYA FACEBOOK PAGE

Report on — page 3

SATURDAY | DEC 6, 2025

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Poignant moment as King launches Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Centre and Hospital JOHOR BAHRU: An emotional moment marked the opening of the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Centre and Hospital in Larkin when His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim was seen fighting back tears while watching a montage commemorating his son, the late Tunku Abdul Jalil Sultan Ibrahim. Also present were the Tunku Putera of Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Panglima of Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Temenggong of Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj Sultan Ibrahim as well as Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

The launching ceremony began with a speech by the centre’s director Dr William Chong, who said the facility is dedicated to serving all segments of society with the highest quality of care. “We are committed and we pledge to provide advanced medical services for all communities, especially Bangsa Johor. We will not neglect low-income households and will set aside enough time, space and resources to help all in the state.” Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the launch marks an important milestone in strengthening the state’s healthcare sector and boosting the medical tourism efforts of Johor. The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Centre logo and the signing of an official plaque. – Bernama

The montage showed moments of joy and affection shared between Tunku Abdul Jalil, His Majesty and the royal family, marking 10 years since his death from liver cancer. Tunku Abdul Jalil, who was the Tunku Laksamana of Johor, died on Dec 5, 2015 at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital here at the age of 25 after battling stage four liver cancer since late 2014. The Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Centre and Hospital, which is located opposite the Sultan Ismail Library, is equipped with a Positron Emission Tomography CT scanner, Linear Accelerator, and offers Cyclotron, Theranostics and gene therapy services, among others. The King arrived at the hospital at 8.57am yesterday, accompanied by the Queen of Malaysia Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail and Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor.

The newly-opened Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Centre and Hospital in Larkin, Johor Bahru. – BERNAMAPIC

Sabah mourns death of Bung Moktar

Moktar would be remembered as a friendly leader and companion who consistently championed the rights of Sabahans. “His passing is truly a great loss to all who worked with him and knew him. May his family be granted strength during this difficult period.” Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan also extended condolences to Bung Moktar’s family, describing him as a strong voice for Sabahans and a leader who never hesitated to defend the state’s rights. “Whether on the political field, in Parliament or elsewhere, many knew him for his humour, warmth and openness with everyone.” – Bernama Mohamad, who is also the Putatan Umno division chief, said he is saddened by Bung Moktar’s demise. He added that he last saw Bung Moktar when he visited him at the hospital at 1.30am yesterday. “He taught me a lot about the spirit of struggle. Allah SWT loves him more. I am very sad. I managed to speak to him on the phone. Insya-Allah , I will remember his advice.” Sabah Umno treasurer Datuk Seri Salleh Keruak said Bung Moktar was a figure who contributed greatly, especially in Sabah’s political arena and the state’s development. State Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal, who is also Lahad Datu MP (Warisan), expressed his condolences to the family, relatives and acquaintances. Tempasuk state assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari (GRS) conveyed condolences to Bung Moktar’s family and prayed that he be placed among the righteous.

people’s interests. “His fighting spirit, courage in expressing his views and sincerity in serving the nation will remain in our memories.” Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said despite any past differences, Bung Moktar’s passing serves as a reminder of the sacrifices of a man who devoted his life to serving the people. “I have always respected him as a firm and courageous political veteran. “His outspokenness also enlivened proceedings in Parliament, leaving behind memories and inspiration for many.” Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said Bung “May his whole family continue to be patient with Allah’s will. Let’s all pray that his soul is blessed and placed among the righteous. Al-Fatihah ,” he said in a post on his Facebook page yesterday. Sabah Umno Election Department director Jeffery Nor Bung Moktar also held important party positions, including as Umno supreme council member and Kinabatangan Umno division chief until his death. He had also served as BN Backbenchers’ Club deputy chairman, proving his influence at the national level. He is survived by his wives Datin Seri Nor Asidah Alimuddin and Datin Seri Zizie Izette Abdul Samad, and seven children, Bernama reported. Foreign Deputy Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin, who is also an Umno supreme council member, said he was saddened by the loss of a leader who had contributed greatly to Sabah Umno.

o Former deputy chief minister known as resolute fighter and outspoken leader who was brave in voicing people’s issues

KOTA KINABALU: The nation and Sabahans lost a resolute fighter who championed their rights and wellbeing when Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (pic) passed away at a private hospital here yesterday. Synonymous with the rallying cry “Radu Tatap Radu ” meaning “Fight is Always a Fight”, he was known as an outspoken leader who was brave in voicing the people’s issues. He often championed the basic needs of the community, including infrastructure development, roads, clean water and rural economic opportunities. Bung Moktar, who was also Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman and Sabah Umno chairman, was born on Sept 15, 1959,

in Sukau, Kinabatangan. He held a Master of Philosophy (Policy Analysis and Security) degree from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. He began his career in public service at the Sandakan Department of Special Affairs (1987-1991), before becoming the Mara Sandakan rural officer (1991-1992) and political secretary at the Sabah Finance Ministry (1994-1999). Bung Moktar had also held positions as Felcra chairman and Sabah Football Association president. In the 10th general election in 1999, he won the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and served as its MP for six terms. In the 16th Sabah State Election in

2020, he won the Lamag state assembly seat, before being appointed as deputy chief minister of Sabah and Sabah Works minister. He successfully defended the Lamag seat with a 153-vote majority in a six-cornered contest in the recent state polls.

Condolences pour in for family of Sabah Umno chief KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended condolences to the family of Sabah Umno chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who died early yesterday morning. special position by His side, Insya-Allah . Al-Fatihah ,” Anwar said in a post on his Facebook page. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, along with Cabinet ministers and menteris besar, conveyed condolences to Bung Moktar’s family. be remembered. “I extend my condolences to his entire family. May they be granted strength and patience during this difficult time,” said the Amanah president.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who is also Umno deputy president, expressed sadness over Bung Moktar’s passing. “May his soul be placed among the truthful and the righteous,”he said in a post on his Facebook page. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail described Bung Moktar as a long-time political associate known for his passion, forthrightness and outspoken character in championing the

Anwar said as a long-time friend, he would remember the Kinabatangan MP and Lamag state assemblyman as a firm, principled and outspoken figure in championing the people’s interests. “His service and commitment in the political arena, particularly to the people of Sabah and the country, will continue to be appreciated. “I pray that his family is granted strength in facing this loss. May his soul be forgiven and be placed in a

In a post on his Facebook page, Fadillah expressed sadness over the passing of the Kinabatangan MP and Lamag assemblyman, and prayed that the Sabah leader would be placed among the righteous and granted the blessings of Allah SWT. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said Bung Moktar’s decades of service in Malaysian politics would long

SATURDAY | DEC 6, 2025

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Measles-rubella vaccine safe, says Health Ministry o ‘Immunisation implemented in Malaysia since 1982, with second dose introduced in 2004 for optimum protection’

Savings from targeted subsidies to be used for public KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of targeted subsidies does not increase national debt, but is an important strategy to reduce long-term liabilities, stabilise fiscal position and strengthen investor confidence in Malaysia’s economic prospects. The Finance Ministry said savings from targeted subsidies would be used for the wellbeing of the public and funding the development of educational, health and public transport facilities in the country. RON95 petrol subsidy rationalisation is one of the government’s initiatives to help ease the burden on the public as well as increase the efficiency of spending and distribution of the country’s financial resources, the ministry said in a reply to the Dewan Rakyat posted on the Parliament website. The ministry also said the government is expected to generate savings of RM2.5 billion to RM4 billion per year based on domestic consumption data and the assumption that about 20% the total RON95 consumption currently involves consumers who are not eligible for subsidies. “The range of savings takes into account various scenarios of global crude oil prices between US$60 (RM246) and US$80 (RM328) per barrel, as well as the implementation of subsidy removal on non-targeted segments such as foreigners and commercial consumers.” It added that the targeted subsidy approach has the advantage of not causing a sharp increase in inflation compared with raising the price of RON95 to the market price for all, with inflation expected to remain below 2% for 2025 and 2026. “It also helps accommodate different levels of RON95 usage among citizens with different daily travel distances.” The ministry said the government is committed to adopting a prudent and responsible fiscal approach, with targeted subsidies seen as able to strengthen the fiscal position of the country without increasing debt and ensuring that benefits are channelled more effectively. It was responding to a question from Pandan MP Datuk Seri Mohd Rafizi Ramli, who wanted to know the estimated cost savings and annual implementation expenses for 2025, 2026 and 2027 for the RON95 subsidy programme. Rafizi also asked how the savings would be utilised and which allocations would be increased using the savings as well as the percentage of improvement in the country’s fiscal deficit. – Bernama ‘Basic insurance to be standalone product’ KUALA LUMPUR: The basic medical and health insurance (MHIT) to be introduced in early 2027 will be a standalone product and not linked to investments, according to the Finance Ministry. In a written reply on the Parliament website, the ministry said the status of medical plans sold as riders (additional benefits) in investment-linked policies is also being reviewed by Bank Negara Malaysia. The ministry said in Malaysia, MHIT coverage could be offered as a rider in investment-linked policies, which is designed with a level premium rate throughout its policy term via upfront funding to cover future insurance costs. It also said the premium rate is not guaranteed and has to be increased if the investment-linked policy is no longer sustainable for the entire term of the contract, which may be due to factors that include weak investment returns, repricing of insurance costs for the MHIT rider and withdrawals of account value by the policyholder. – Bernama

aims to boost vaccine acceptance based on factual information and community trust, ensuring the public receives accurate guidance while protecting overall health. The ministry launched a nationwide MRSIA from August until Oct 12, offering a third dose of the vaccine to children aged six to 59 months born between Aug 1, 2020, and Jan 31, 2025. The ministry’s disease control division said the main objective is to increase immunisation coverage and provide early protection to prevent further transmission. Malaysia’s MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) immunisation coverage has exceeded 95% annually, including last year. However, only 62% of districts achieved this target in 2024. Measles cases nearly doubled, from 2,002 in 2023 to 3,791 last year, while outbreaks rose to 231 in 2024 from 112 the previous year. Children under five accounted for 44.1% of cases, while 28.9% involved non-citizens, of which 84.3% were unvaccinated. Three deaths were reported last year, involving unvaccinated non-citizen children aged eight months, three years and 17 years. Under the National Immunisation Programme, the MMR vaccine is administered at nine and 12 months, with Sabah providing an additional measles dose at six months. Parents and guardians are urged to take eligible children to receive the additional dose for free. Appointment dates would be sent via MySejahtera, or parents could schedule their own appointments through the app. Eligible children could also walk in at public health clinics.

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

(other) countries, including Malaysia, continuously monitor adverse events following immunisation to ensure the safety of vaccines.” The ministry is also boosting parental confidence through communication and advocacy strategies, including strategic communication, health education and community engagement. “Information is shared via social media, websites, TV, radio, infographics, short videos and interactive sessions with health experts. “During the MRSIA period, the ministry published over 45,000 updates, reaching hundreds of thousands nationwide, and collaborated with religious leaders, community figures and influencers to build public trust.” Meanwhile, continuous health education programmes in schools, clinics and communities reached over 1.1 million parents and children through talks, counselling, demonstrations and small group discussions. “Health personnel are also trained in risk communication to deliver vaccination messages accurately, consistently and empathetically to the community.” The ministry also works with the Education Ministry, schools and community organisations to expand health communication and monitor misinformation to address vaccine-related fake news. Through these efforts, the Health Ministry

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has assured the public that the vaccine used in the measles-rubella Supplementary Immunisation Activity (MRSIA) is safe and effective, addressing concerns and misinformation. It said the vaccine is being reintroduced through MRSIA to ensure children receive full protection. “Common adverse effects such as fever, rashes, itching or reactions at the injection site are usually mild and resolve quickly. “Only a small number of recipients experience serious effects, but the risk is far lower compared with severe complications resulting from measles or rubella infections,” it said in a written reply to the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. The ministry emphasised that immunisation against measles has been implemented globally since 1963, and in Malaysia since 1982, with a second dose introduced in 2004 to ensure optimum protection. It added that in terms of efficacy, a single dose provides more than 95% protection and two doses ensure long-term immunity and help achieve elimination targets. “The World Health Organisation and

Increase in digital My50 travel pass usage PETALING JAYA: In line with the push for a cashless economy, more Malaysians are tapping their way to convenience with digital My50 pass purchases via the TnG eWallet since the option was introduced in July 2024. In a written reply to Parliament yesterday, the Transport Ministry reported a rise in digital My50 travel pass transactions from month to month, with eWallet transactions rising from 26% in July and August to 33% in September.

The My50 pass is a 30-day pass costing RM50 that grants Malaysian commuters unlimited rides on Rapid KL transport services, including the LRT, MRT, BRT, Monorail and the Rapid Bus. “July recorded a total of 295,907 purchases, comprising 219,432 (74%) at point of sale (POS) counters and 76,475 (26%) via TnG eWallet. “The number increased in August to 314,114 transactions, of which 232,620 (74%) were made via POS and 81,494 (26%) through eWallet. “Up to Sept 17, a total of 174,041 transactions were recorded, with 117,598 (67%) conducted at counters and 56,443 (33%) digitally.” The ministry highlighted that the upward trend reflects growing user acceptance of the TnG eWallet app, in line with the cashless economy agenda and the convenience offered by digital technology. It also said the implementation of digital My50 pass purchases also had a positive impact on reducing waiting time at counters. “On average, every 5% to 7% increase in eWallet users has helped reduce the number of customers who come to the counter. “Prior to the implementation of the digital ticketing platform initiative, the average waiting time at counters during peak hours was approximately eight minutes per user.”

The ministry said the trend reflects growing user acceptance of the TnG eWallet app, in line with the cashless economy agenda. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

new, could renew and use their passes digitally through the TnG eWallet app. He said with this digitalisation, users could verify their Malaysian citizenship through the electronic Know Your Customer process and renew their My50 passes directly in the TnG eWallet using a TnG card equipped with NFC functionality, without needing to present their MyKad. For users who are not proficient with technology or have limited access, the option to renew the pass at service counters using their MyKad would remain available. – By Qiranna Nabilla Mohd Rashidi

The ministry also emphasised that with the shift to digital transactions, an estimated 76,000 users avoided visiting counters in July, rising to 81,000 in August and 56,000 by mid-September. “Overall, the implementation of the digital My50 pass has successfully reduced congestion at service counters, improved service efficiency and provided a faster, easier and more user-friendly alternative for daily public transport users.” Previously, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that starting July 1, all My50 unlimited travel pass users, both existing and

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Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Move to make project pitching fair for media agencies

PETALING Wanting everything but giving unclear direction – that is the dilemma presented by clients to media agencies that are asked to present proposals. Media Specialists Association Malaysia president Sheila Shanmugam said many agencies are being pushed to complete requests for proposals (RFP) that look more like full campaign assignments. She said such requests often require multi-channel strategies, full-year media plans, detailed creative thinking and activation concepts, all on a speculative and unpaid basis. She added that the expectation becomes more unreasonable when agencies are not given critical data, confirmed scopes of work or even a clear context for the assignment. “A general lack of transparency, particularly around budgets, KPIs and evaluation criteria, further fuels inefficiency. “Agencies are forced to make assumptions, leading to misaligned proposals and wasted effort for both sides. “These issues are among the main challenges the 2025 Media Pitch Guidelines seek to address. “Timelines are another key concern,” she told theSun in an email interview, adding that some advertisers expect pitch responses within two weeks. JAYA:

relevant and effective thinking, not just the fastest or the most produced. “When diversity of participation declines, the industry risks reinforcing a narrow definition of what ‘good work’ looks like, limiting innovation and reducing the perspectives available to advertisers.” The guidelines, launched in July, aim to restore this balance by encouraging clarity, sufficient lead time and improved transparency. MSA council member Sandeep Joseph said if Malaysia is serious about strengthening its marketing and creative economy, particularly through public-sector and GLC-led tenders, the focus must shift toward structural reforms that elevate fairness, transparency and professionalism across the industry. He said industry leaders argue that meaningful progress would only happen when procurement systems are rebuilt to reward capability rather than connections, endurance or speculative output. “One of the key recommendations is the introduction of standardised pitch frameworks across all government and GLC tenders. This would include transparent evaluation criteria, realistic timelines and mandatory budget disclosures, creating a level playing field for agencies of all sizes. “With clearer conditions, agencies could plan their resources more effectively and compete based on skill, strategic insight and relevance to the brief, not on guesswork or disproportionate effort.“ Sandeep also called for a shared accountability framework, potentially overseen by an independent body working alongside the government. – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee the request for information stage to protect all proposals and strategic materials. The guidelines also mandate a minimum pitch timeline of 14 to 28 days, depending on complexity, allowing agencies adequate time to craft high-quality responses. To curb excessive demands, agency submissions are capped at two case studies, with any additional requests requiring a professional fee of RM10,000 per case. A limit of one pricing revision round is also introduced to prevent prolonged negotiations that strain agency resources. Additionally, advertisers must now disclose their preferred remuneration model and provide a detailed media budget breakdown with a maximum variance of 10%. All ideas, strategies and media plans presented during the pitch remain the intellectual property of the agency unless mutually agreed otherwise.

PETALING JAYA: Government-linked companies (GLC) and corporates want to make responsible, transparent decisions when selecting media agencies, but often do not realise how extensive pitch demands could erode industry sustainability. Media Specialists Association Malaysia (MSA) vice-president Vanitha Selvathurai said well-intentioned advertisers may not see the cumulative impact of requiring full-fledged campaigns, deep data analysis or multi-month strategies during the pitch stage, often within compressed timelines. She said such expectations strain agencies, stretch teams beyond capacity and force creativity into a transactional mode. “This contributes to burnout, talent drain and an environment in which quality thinking becomes harder to deliver.” However, she said the landscape is slowly changing as a growing number of advertisers, including several major corporations, have begun adopting the 2025 Media Pitch Guidelines. She added that these advertisers understand that sustainability, fairness and creativity are not opposing interests but mutually reinforcing principles. “We hope more clients follow suit. MSA is committed to supporting this shift through dialogue, education and shared accountability across the ecosystem.” She also said current pitch norms unintentionally exclude smaller or independent agencies, resulting in a significant loss for the industry. “This is not about capability or ambition. It is about how our industry defines fairness and access. Pitches should be a forum for discovering Equally the protection of intellectual property (IP). She emphasised the need for mutual non-disclosure agreements (NDA) and responsible handling of ideas for both appointed and non-appointed agencies, adding that trust is essential to strong long-term partnerships. Sheila expressed belief that while guidelines provide structure, long-term improvement requires a cultural shift within the marketing ecosystem. She said brands need to move from transactional engagements to genuine strategic partnerships, recognising agencies not as vendors but as collaborators in solving business challenges. Launched in July, the 2025 Media Pitch Guidelines introduces several structural safeguards to promote fairness, transparency and respect for IP throughout the pitch process. Among the key updates is the requirement for a mutual NDA at important is

“The scale of what is requested must match the clarity and value of the opportunity,” she said, adding that excessive demands without transparency violate procurement principles of fairness, accountability and equitable competition. The guidelines were formulated to help restore this balance by encouraging scoped deliverables, reasonable timelines and upfront information. She said the guidelines also foster a pitch environment built on capability, strategic fit and merit rather than the volume of speculative work submitted. This aligns with national goals to create a more transparent marketplace and strengthen ethical business conduct. Sheila explained that reducing unnecessary barriers also creates more opportunities for SME. She also said it would be ethical for media agencies to be provided with relevant information upfront.

o Advertisers urged to adopt guidelines on reasonable timelines and clear context pitch practices disadvantage not just established agencies but also small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). She said when advertisers demand full-year campaign plans at the pitch stage, the process inevitably favours larger agencies with bigger teams and more resources. She added that this pushes smaller players out of competition and weakens Malaysia’s broader SME development goals. She also said the core issue is proportionality, a fundamental principle of ethical procurement. Sheila said current

‘Clients may not realise impact of extensive demands’

Socso to exempt SME from job vacancy reporting: Sim KUALA LUMPUR: The Social Security Organisation (Socso) plans to exempt small and medium enterprises (SME) from mandatory job vacancy reporting following amendments to the Employment Insurance System Act. market in order to craft better policies. “The reporting process is simple, online and automated. “The moratorium period will be used to assist and guide stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the system and improve where necessary.” increasing productivity reducing hiring costs. “It would provide an accurate, up-to-date and organised picture of the labour market, enabling the government to formulate employment policies and skills training based on real data. “The objectives are fundamental to ensure that the labour market becomes more dynamic, responsive and sustainable. Socso remains Socso said the amendment is to improve the national employment ecosystem by enabling jobseekers to view available openings transparently and systematically. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN and

Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the exemption is contingent on stakeholder consultations, with Socso collaborating with employers and employees to finalise the details. He said a two-year moratorium will precede enforcement of the amended provisions, assuring employers that no penalties would be imposed for failing to report vacancies during this period. “The goal of the system is to ensure Malaysians have access to the latest jobs in the market, assist companies to match their vacancies to the talent pool and to have accurate data of our labour

He added that the amended Act also enhances benefits, providing higher unemployment allowances, a skills training subsidy and a mobility allowance for those who have lost their jobs. Meanwhile Sosco said in a statement the amendment is to improve the employment ecosystem by providing Malaysians access to information on job opportunities, enabling jobseekers to view available openings transparently and systematically. The amendment is also expected to help employers match jobs with suitable talents, thereby

committed to ensuring that the implementation of the amendments is fair, balanced and supportive of the economic and labour market development.” On Tuesday, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Employment Insurance System (Amendment) Bill 2025, which aims to enhance benefits for Socso contributors who lose their jobs and strengthen governance for implementation of the employment insurance scheme. – Bernama

SATURDAY | DEC 6, 2025

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Families of trio shot dead by cops dispute account

Online scam losses since 2022 exceed RM2 billion

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

21 minutes and 12 seconds. “But for the last 13 minutes and 53 seconds, when she realised someone was chasing them, she decided to start recording,” Arun said during a phone interview. He said the call shows Logeswaran telling his wife that two unmarked cars were trying to stop them before the Ayer Keroh toll and that he did not know why the vehicles were giving chase. She advised him to head to the nearest police station and he replied that the next exit was Simpang Ampat, before informing her he had already passed it. According to Arun, the recording began after the car came to a stop due to overheating. Soon after the vehicle stalled, the trio were surrounded by a group of men, preventing them from calling for breakdown assistance. Arun added that forensic analysis of the audio identified the shooting sequence. “The first shot was at 1.38am involving Puvaneswaran, the second at 1.39am involving Pushpanathan and the final at 1.40am involving Logeswaran. These times were extracted from the audio,” he said. To corroborate the timeline, Arun said they appointed forensic specialist G. Venodthan of Thistlegorm Forensics, who analysed the 13-minute recording, extracted timestamps and compared them with the victims’ call logs and location data. In a statement on Dec 3, Criminal Investigations Department director Datuk M. Kumar said the trio were shot after they allegedly attacked officers with a machete, injuring two policemen. Police said the men were believed to be involved in a series of armed robberies linked to the Geng Durian Tunggal, with initial investigations identifying cases in Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor. Malacca CID initially opened an investigation under Section 307 of the Penal Code before Bukit Aman formed a special task force to review the incident. Police previously told the media that one of the men had 39 criminal and drug-related records while another had 12, with the group suspected of causing losses exceeding RM1.3 million. colloquial Bahasa Malaysia, Manglish or creative spelling hacks such as ‘Mayb4nk’ or ‘BNM Offiicial’, so many scam posts simply slip through. “Secondly, the ad-approval process is inconsistent. A scam can be approved faster than a legitimate business because automated systems prioritise volume over verification. “And thirdly, the friction for bad actors is extremely low. It is too easy for scammers to open new pages, impersonate banks or government agencies and run ads within minutes. When one account is taken down, another appears just as quickly.” Mediha said Malaysia is now studying global mandatory fraud-prevention models, including the UK’s Online Safety Act, Australia’s scam code and Singapore’s shared responsibility framework. “We are moving towards minimum safety standards such as real identity verification for advertisers, mandatory takedown times for high-risk categories like scams, independent audits of detection systems and mechanisms to stop repeat offenders from reopening accounts. “Banks, telcos, regulators, platforms and users all share responsibility. No single party can tackle this alone,” she said. – by Faiz Ruzman

Nov 23 to visit relatives before returning to Kuala Lumpur for an early-morning prayer gathering, according to their families. theSun reached out to their legal representative Arun Dorasamy, who is working on the case with lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan. Arun claimed the digital trail places the men on the northbound PLUS Highway about 5km after the Simpang Ampat exit and before the Linggi exit at a small semicircular emergency bay and not inside a plantation as stated by police. “They drove all the way there and reached home at Taman Nuri Fasa Dua at 12.30am. They left the house at 12.57am because they were supposed to join a prayer in KL in the early morning. “The live location was activated by Logeswaran and shared with his wife at 1.10am at Taman Kenari Jaya in Durian Tunggal. The call started at 1.17am and lasted

o Digital trail and recording of live-location contradict police claims on case

PETALING JAYA: Losses of over RM2 billion from over 50,000 online scam cases have been recorded as of October this year since 2022, underscoring the fact that more Malaysians continue to fall victim to scammers. In a joint written statement to theSun , National Cybersecurity Agency (Nacsa) deputy chief executives Noursilawati Abdul Halim (Operations) and Edora Ahmad (Legal Management) said police records show scam cases rose by 125% from 25,479 in 2022 to 57,375 as of October. Total reported losses increased from RM851 million to RM2.16 billion over the same period. “The figures reported today still represent only a portion of the true scale. Based on combined insights from reporting channels, industry threat intelligence and inter-agency coordination, we estimate that Malaysia faces thousands of coordinated scam attempts each week across social media, messaging apps and digital platforms,” they said, adding that the surge spans various scam categories. According to Nacsa data via police records, the highest accumulated losses came from non-existent investment schemes, including fake investment apps, high-return frauds and impersonation of licensed financial institutions, growing from RM219 million to RM1.25 billion. Telecommunication fraud cases jumped from 7,732 to 24,472, with losses increasing from RM321 million to RM628 million. They said love scam cases, involving fake online relationships created to gain trust before duping the victims of money, remained largely unchanged but continued to cause millions in losses each year. However, combined with online financial scams, including fake sellers, forged payment receipts and fraudulent digital services, the numbers grew from 1,257 to 4,709, an increase of 275% since 2022, accounting for more than RM100 million in losses annually. Non-existent loan scams involving fake lenders collecting upfront fees rose from 3,174 to 6,926 cases, with total losses amounting to RM51 million. On scam coordination tactics, they said syndicates often rely on speed, automation and cross-platform migration to evade platform safeguards. “Cybercriminals use automation and bulk messaging tools that allow scammers to reach thousands of users in minutes. They prepare centralised scripts and playbooks, enabling scammers to deliver identical messages or impersonations with only minor variations. “To evade detection across multiple security ecosystems, they use cross-platform handover methods, in which victims are contacted on one app but moved to another for payment, verification or fake customer service. “They also offer scam franchising, in which smaller groups purchase ready-made scam kits, fake websites and chat scripts from larger fraud syndicates.” They also warned that scammers could recreate new numbers, accounts or domains almost instantly, making it difficult for platforms to identify repeat offenders without shared intelligence. On victim demographics, Nacsa said impersonation and investment scams continue to target retirees, while students are drawn into job scams, parcel scams and quick-income offers. Gig workers face fake bookings and fraudulent payment links, while small businesses are hit by invoice fraud, supplier impersonation and compromised WhatsApp or email accounts. “Digital platforms operating in Malaysia must be held to a uniform baseline of verification, monitoring and accountability. “Using MyDigital ID in verification processes could provide a government-backed layer of trust and reduce impersonation risks.”

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The families of three men shot dead during a police operation at Durian Tunggal in Malacca on Nov 24 have presented a movement timeline which they claim contradicts the police account of the incident. They cited a shared live-location, phone records and an audio recording that allegedly captured the actual chronology of events. The victims – T. Poovaneswaran, 24, M. Puspanathan, 21, and G. Logeswaran, 29 – had travelled from Serdang to Malacca on

URBAN DELUGE ... Floodwaters covering parts of Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in Kuala Lumpur following a flash flood triggered by heavy rain on Thursday. – BERNAMAPIC

Fraudsters use leaked data to pre-select victims: MCMC PETALING JAYA: Fraud syndicates “already know who they are looking for” by using leaked or harvested personal data of targeted victims, especially in Telegram groups. PTPTN impersonations, money-mule recruitment or small-amount job scams,” she said.

Mediha added that scammers obtain information either through insider leaks from banks or insurance providers or by piecing together traces from online activity. “It’s not out of the realm of possibility for insider leaks to occur. What we do know is scammers can also gather information from our own digital footprints, the things we upload, talk about or share online, which give them clues about who to target. “Digital footprints reveal a lot. People announce their retirement, post about financial stress, share job-hunt details, talk about debts or fill in fake online surveys. “These small pieces of information, when stitched together, help scammers identify who is vulnerable and what approach to use,” she said. On why scam content spreads so quickly across major platforms, Mediha outlined three structural weaknesses that allow syndicates to operate with near impunity. “Firstly, there is an over-reliance on AI that is not trained for our local context. Algorithms do not always recognise how scams are written in

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission communications and multimedia content forum executive director Mediha Mahmood told theSun that the syndicates rely on illegally obtained personal information to identify vulnerable individuals long before platforms detect suspicious activity. She said the syndicates pick out selected Telegram users and target them with high pressure tactics, adding that they appear to know when a person reaches an age at which they may have access to their pension fund. “Some groups obtain illegally compiled data lists sold by irresponsible third parties, labelled as ‘homeowners’, ‘investors’ or ‘recent retirees’. These are bought and used to pinpoint who is nearing or entering retirement. “Data leaks can also happen through cyberattacks, malicious insiders with system access or weak security protocols that expose customer information. “This is why retirees are hit with ads for high-return investments or fixed-deposit replacements. Students are targeted with

SATURDAY | DEC 6, 2025

6

GrabAssist launched for PWDs, seniors KUALA LUMPUR: Grab Malaysia has introduced GrabAssist, a dedicated service aimed at supporting the mobility needs of persons with disabilities, senior citizens and users of personal mobility aids. The service was launched by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri in conjunction with the opening of the Asean Disability Forum 2025, held in celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Currently available in the Klang Valley, GrabAssist offers more accessible transport options, particularly for trips between homes, care facilities and hospitals. Grab Malaysia director of country operations and mobility Rashid Shukor said the initiative was developed as a mobility solution for an underserved segment of the community. “GrabAssist ensures that passengers who require additional support can travel with greater confidence and comfort, with assistance from driver-partners who are trained to provide the appropriate support,”he said in a statement. He added that nearly 100 driver-partners have undergone training provided by certified care professionals, including handling wheelchairs and walking aids. They are also supplied with GrabAssist kits, which include flip cards to support in-vehicle communication. The service was developed through Grab’s collaboration with NGOs such as the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf and the Malaysian Physically Disabled e-Hailing Drivers Association. Meanwhile, Malaysian Federation of the Deaf president Mohd Norhisham Aluwi said GrabAssist demonstrates the potential of multi-stakeholder collaboration in improving mobility access for persons with disabilities. “Mobility is not just about travel, it is a gateway to freedom, equality and opportunity. GrabAssist shows what can be achieved when accessibility is prioritised,” he said. Grab also announced that the initiative forms part of its broader effort to promote inclusive economic participation, adding that more than 3,000 disabled driver-partners and delivery partners have been involved in its ecosystem since 2018. In conjunction with the launch, Grab is offering a RM14 discount for every GrabAssist booking from Dec 3 to 17. The public can access the service through the Advance Booking feature on the Grab app. – Bernama

Raleigh experience transforms city girl into youth leader

o Former venturer now guides youths through outdoor and life-skills training

KUALA LUMPUR: As her peers prepared for university life in 2008, Yap Lu Ying strapped on a backpack and walked into the jungle towards a place with no roads, no mobile signal and no guarantee of comfort. At just 19, the city girl joined the Raleigh Borneo expedition and spent her gap year in Kampung Buayan, deep within Sabah. She had to hike for two hours just to reach the village, the same journey villagers and schoolchildren made each day to get to school or into town. During her 10-week expedition, she completed three phases – adventure, community and environmental work. She said the experience opened her mind in ways no classroom ever could. “As a city girl, I didn’t expect there to be a place where resources were so different from what I had experienced. The kampung only

To make the journey possible, she spent three years raising funds as overseas expeditions cost significantly more than joining locally in Borneo. Determined to grow, she took on leadership roles, voiced her ideas and pushed beyond her comfort zone. Her progress was recognised when she was named Best Female Venturer at the end of the expedition. “It has pushed me to try new things without worrying about failure. As long as you try, you will always gain something,” said the head of The Lemon Shot Xplore, Thailand’s leading content-led, creator-driven and AI-powered cross-border marketing solutions partner. Yap described Raleigh as a life reset. “Seeing how they lived made me rethink everything. I stopped chasing corporate ladders and focused on life experiences. Happiness is more important than money,” she said. Yap’s journey reflects a wider pattern seen among Raleigh alumni across generations. For younger participants such as Arwena Padme Parameswaran, who joined the Borneo expedition this year, Raleigh offered a rare break from an always-online world. “I found peace in the jungle. It felt like being reborn,” she said, adding that the programme taught her patience and how to work with others rather than carry everything alone. To give more young people a taste of this experience, Raleigh Kuala Lumpur will organise an introduction weekend from Dec 6 to 7 in Hulu Langat, Selangor for youths aged 17 to 24.

“Raleigh’s value lies not only in physical endurance, but also in exposing young people early to the realities of working life. “It is about managing projects and fundraising, and learning how to communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds. It also (imparts) problem-solving skills, especially when resources are limited,” said Yap, who is also founder of the PlayXplore group. PlayXplore is a digital venture studio based in Thailand focused on ad tech, tourism and cycling platforms for the next generation of mobile-first travellers. In 2012, Yap returned to Raleigh, this time for a 10-week expedition in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

had a kindergarten and a lower primary school. There was no mobile connection or electricity. Something I took for granted was simply not available there,” she told Bernama recently. The 36-year-old, now president of Raleigh Kuala Lumpur, said those early lessons continue to shape how she leads a new generation today. “Raleigh changed how I think. It taught me solution thinking and resilience, skills that I carry into entrepreneurship and leadership today. Now, it is time to pass it forward.” She added that it is not just about trekking or volunteering but also about learning to lead, listen, adapt and empathise.

Yap (right) guiding youths through the Raleigh experience. – BERNAMAPIC

SATURDAY | DEC 6, 2025

COMMUNITY 7

Kyoto University eyes forest research collaboration o Academic delegates share ongoing research in Japan and tropical regions

Ű BY JOSHUA CHANG newsdesk@thesundaily.com

K OTA KINABALU : The Forest Research Centre (FRC), under the Sabah Forestry Department in Sandakan, recently hosted a delegation from Japan’s Kyoto University, marking a significant step towards enhanced scientific partner ship in tropical forest ecology and management. The visit featured Prof Yusuke Onoda and Dr Hiroko Kurokawa from the university’s Graduate School of Agriculture, who explored potential research synergies with the department, particularly in forest ecology and ecosystem functioning. The delegates gave presentations on their ongoing research in Japan and other tropical regions, identifying promising areas for collaboration to support FRC’s work in Sabah. Their itinerary included a tour of FRC’s Sandakan facilities, such as the Sandakan Herbarium and Chemistry Laboratory, where they engaged with local researchers and examined technical capabilities and scientific collections. The delegation also conducted field visits to FRC’s long-term research sites in the Sepilok and Deramakot forest reserves. These visits offered direct insight into Sabah’s rich forest ecosystems and its globally recognised model of sustainable forest management. The Sabah Forestry Department anticipates the engagement to lead to meaningful and productive collaborations, advancing scientific knowledge and supporting forest

the Sabah Forestry Department, is renowned for its research in tropical forest conservation, restoration and sustainable management. The group, comprising 40 students and six lecturers, was welcomed by FRC researchers who conducted specialised briefings on two core areas of forestry science. The visit commenced with a session at the FRC research nursery, led by Kuina Kimjus, head of its tree breeding section. She provided an in depth overview of the centre’s work in native tree species propagation, seedling production, and silvicultural techniques essential for reforestation and conservation programmes. Following the nursery tour, the delegation attended a comprehensive briefing on forest ecosystem management delivered by Dr Reuben Nilus, the centre’s deputy head for research and publication. His presentation focused on approaches to managing forest landscapes, emphasising on the balance between ecological integrity, biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource use.

The Japanese delegation (centre) with Forest Research Centre staff during the visit.

insight into the scientific work and innovative strategies employed by one of Sabah’s leading forestry research institutions. SFI is a key training ground for forestry technicians and officers while FRC, an important institution under

research and management practices. The field visit was part of SFI’s initiative to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical, on-ground research. It provided the next generation of forestry professionals with direct

conservation efforts. Meanwhile, a local delegation of 46 members from the Sabah Forestry Institute (SFI) in Telupid undertook an educational visit to FRC’s centre in Sepilok recently, gaining valuable exposure to advanced forestry

Campaign for animals highlights Gandhi’s non-violent message

MPs lend support to psoriasis awareness drive

KUALA LUMPUR: About 30 parliamentarians from across the political divide pledged their personal support for improving psoriatic care in Malaysia during a special exhibition organised by the Psoriasis Association of Malaysia (PAM) in conjunction with World Psoriasis Day 2025. For the first time, PAM held its awareness exhibition in the Parliament building, where MPs penned personalised messages of encouragement on a dedicated art canvas, symbolising solidarity with patients living with this often debilitating condition. PAM president Sofia Lovi Ramasamy expressed her deep appreciation for the overwhelming support shown by lawmakers. “We are grateful to parliamentarians for taking the time to understand about psoriasis as well as the challenges faced by psoriatic patients,” she said. “Your supportive messages uplift our community, and your influential voices are vital in ensuring that patient needs and struggles are addressed with compassion and urgency at every level of leadership.” The three-day exhibition, held from Nov. 18 to 20, aimed to elevate awareness about psoriasis and its serious related complications, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. Several parliamentarians shared that they had previously been unaware of psoriasis or

KUALA LUMPUR: Ahead of the upcoming new year, a new message by Peta is urging viewers to follow in the spirit of Mohandas Gandhi’s compassion and respect for all animals, as the thinking, feeling individuals they are, by going vegan. Laguna Media has teamed up with Peta, which stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, to promote the message on eight billboards in Greater Kuala Lumpur.

crammed by the thousands inside filthy pens and still conscious when their throats are slit at slaughterhouses,“ said Peta president Jason Baker in a statement. “More than 75 years after his death, Gandhi’s message of peace continues to inspire the world, and Peta urges everyone to show the same compassion to all by going vegan.” Each person who goes vegan spares nearly 200 animals every year, dramatically shrinks their food-related carbon footprint, and slashes their risk of suffering from cancer, heart disease, strokes, diabetes and obesity. Peta’s free guide to going vegan is filled with tips to help anyone looking to make the switch.

Vanakkam Malaysia has also donated space on its website to Peta for a web banner. Called the Mahatma (”Great Soul”), Gandhi taught that non-violence begins with what we eat. “To my mind,“ he said, “I hold that the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man.” In his total commitment to non-violence, Gandhi included animals. “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated,” he stated. “One can only imagine what Gandhi’s reaction would be to today’s factory farms, where animals are

Subang MP Wong Chen (2nd right) and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri (centre) holding the art canvas.

“Regardless of the exact figure, much more needs to be done to strengthen psoriatic care in Malaysia.” She explained that eczema and psoriasis are both chronic inflammatory skin conditions but differ in cause, appearance, location and type of discomfort. “A key distinction is that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease where skin cells grow too fast, while eczema is generally linked to a weakened skin barrier and allergic reactions which cause more intense itching.” PAM advisor Dr K. Thiruchelvam said the association hopes to build on the momentum by engaging the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health to explore concrete proposals for improving patient care.

had confused psoriasis with eczema due to similarities in symptoms. Psoriasis is a lifelong, non contagious autoimmune disease affecting the skin and joints. This year’s World Psoriasis Day theme, “Psoriatic Disease and Comorbidities: Understanding the Domino Effect”, underscores the urgent need for early diagnosis, holistic care and improved access to treatment for patients. Dr Azura Mohd Affandi, head of the Dermatology Subspecialty under the Health Ministry said there are approximately 29,000 registered psoriatic patients in the Malaysian Psoriasis Registry, although estimates suggest the real number may be closer to 100,000 or 0.34% of the national population.

One of the eye-catching and inspiring billboards opposite Paradigm Mall in Petaling Jaya.