12/12/2025

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Man perishes in Mont Kiara condo blaze Efforts to fight flames at 26th floor hampered by malfunctioning fire-prevention system in building.

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SCAN ME

Just beachy ! Your coastal guide to ideal year-end escapades – P12 FRIDAY | DEC 12, 2025

WEEKLY FOCUS MONDAY Technology and social media

TUESDAY Family and parenting

WEDNESDAY Fashion and beauty

THURSDAY Home and living

FRIDAY Travel and leisure

SATURDAY Food and beverage

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY

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SCAN ME No. 9001 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

– 123RFPIC

Tagging dangerous sharks to ensure human safety

p 24 Puroland presents immersive parade for 35th anniversary

p 21 Reptile House opens its doors at Penang Bird Park

p 26

Dress code rules at govt counters and offices to be relaxed during urgent or unusual situations to ensure public access to immediate services not denied. Emergency exception

Report on — page 2

The decision to ease the dress code covers frontline premises such as those related to security, healthcare and others where the public requires direct interaction. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Tengku Zerafina conferred Darjah Kerabat Selangor Yang Dihormati in conjunction with 80th birthday celebration of His Royal Highness. Daughter of Selangor Sultan heads state honours list Report on — page 2

Police have strengthened probe process, particularly when taking statements from victims: Minister Over 7,000 abuse cases involving children, guardians since 2021

Report on — page 3

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Violence among minors saddens Ruler KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has expressed sadness over the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old student at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bandar Utama 4 in Petaling Jaya in October. “I never imagined that such a tragedy could happen in Malaysia, more so in Selangor. I could only think of the families of these students. I feel deeply for the family of the deceased.” Sultan Sharafuddin said he had given deep thought to what had happened. “I have listened to many views. One thing is certain, we cannot ignore this. I pray it won’t happen ever again, anywhere. It is more than just a disciplinary problem. It is about values, environment and digital influence. “Malaysians are quick to blame other people. Teachers are blamed, the Education minister is blamed, the ministry is blamed. We blame everyone except ourselves as parents,’’ the Ruler said in an interview with Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai in conjunction with his 80th birthday. “We have no idea what kind of games these minors are playing online. Is the content violent in nature? Do they promote forbidden content? “We expect teachers to be surrogate parents after the children are dropped off at the school gates.” Sultan Sharafuddin said the problem grows in the absence of support when families are too busy to connect, when schools focus more on grades than emotional well-being and when online platforms become a child’s primary source of social activities. The Sultan called for greater digital literacy and empathy education not only in schools but also for parents, Bernama reported. “Know what your kids are doing. Please take a more active role to talk to your children. They have become more connected online than ever but increasingly disconnected from empathy.” He said he is happy that the government is taking steps to prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media, saying it is apt. ‘Court victories affirm sovereignty’ KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s continued victories in international courts over claims by individuals asserting heirship to the defunct Sulu Sultanate mark a clear legal affirmation of the nation’s sovereignty and independence. Bar Council president Datuk Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab said the Paris Court of Appeal’s decision to fully annul the US$14.9 billion (RM61.21 billion) “final award” provides legal clarity and reinforces the principle that valid jurisdiction is fundamental to any arbitration. He said the ruling also shows that international legal mechanisms could function effectively to prevent misuse or overreach within the arbitration process, Bernama reported. “The Bar Council recognises the government’s and the national legal team’s sustained efforts in defending Malaysia’s sovereignty through proper judicial channels.” The Paris Court of Appeal annulled the award issued on Feb 28, 2022 by arbitrator Gonzalo Stampa and ordered the claimants to pay €200,000 (RM961,000) in costs to Malaysia. The Sulu Special Secretariat’s War Room confirmed the decision was delivered on Dec 9, with Malaysia receiving the official judgment the next day. The court found Stampa had no jurisdiction as no valid arbitration agreement bound Malaysia. The same court had previously rejected recognition and enforcement of Stampa’s “partial award” on June 6, 2023, a decision later upheld by the French Court of Cassation. Former Bar Council president Salim Bashir also described the judgment as a legal acknowledgement of Malaysia’s sovereignty.

Selangor Sultan’s daughter heads honours list KLANG: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s daughter Tengku Zerafina headed the list of 98 recipients of state awards and honours conferred in conjunction with His Royal Highness’ 80th birthday celebration yesterday. Tengku Zerafina was awarded the Darjah Kerabat Selangor Yang Dihormati. Sharafuddin Idris Shah , which carries the title “Datuk Setia”, was awarded to Selangor Islamic Religious Council deputy chairman Tan Sri Mazlan Mansor, YTL Corporation Berhad executive director Datuk Mark Yeoh Seok Kah and Subang Jaya Medical Centre orthopaedic consultant surgeon Datuk Dr Anuar Onah. Sultan Sharafuddin arriving for the investiture ceremony at Balairung Seri in Istana Alam Shah yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Committee chairman Datuk Rizam Ismail, Road Transport Department Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, Universiti Putra Malaysia Vice Chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah and Selangor Education Department director Dr Jafri Abu. Others honoured with the award were Federal Court Judge Datuk Azizah Omar, Court of Appeal Judge Ong Chee Kwan, Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Division Director-General Rear Admiral Fadhil Abdul Rahman, Royal Malaysian Navy Development Planning and Strategy Assistant Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Ahmad Shafirudin Abu Bakar and Royal Malaysian Air Force Personnel Services Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff Brig-Jen Hamdan Ahmad. – Bernama

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil led the list of 16 recipients of the Darjah Kebesaran Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Selangor, which carries the title “Datuk” for men and “Datin Paduka” for women. Among the other recipients of the same award were Selangor state financial officer Datuk Dr Haniff Zainal Abidin, state Rural Development, Unity and Consumer Affairs

At the investiture ceremony held at the Balairung Seri, Istana Alam Shah, Sultan Sharafuddin also conferred the Darjah Kebesaran Seri Paduka Mahkota Selangor , which carries the title “Datuk Seri”, to Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah Fook Ling. The Darjah Kebesaran Dato’ Setia Sultan

Dress code at govt offices relaxed for emergencies

o ‘Decision takes into account frontline services such as security, healthcare and others that public have direct interaction with’

Wednesday, among other things, had proposed that several front-line services, including police stations and other government premises, be exempted from the chief secretary to the government’s circular dated Dec 1, 2020. “Recently an issue arose where an individual was reportedly denied entry to file a police report due to a clothing issue. “So, the chief secretary to the government will review the circular and make some improvements,” he said at a media conference in Parliament. “Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s view is that on security issues involving police stations, for those who wish to make a report, there should be no circumstance that prevents them from making a police report.” On Tuesday, Malacca police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar was reported to have said that a woman was not allowed to enter the premises of a district police headquarters on Monday because she had violated the dress code set for government premises. He said the incident had been widely circulated on social media. The woman in her early 20s came to the police station with her mother in her 50s to file a report because they were involved in a road accident at 5pm.

PUTRAJAYA: The government has relaxed dress code rules at government counters and offices during emergencies or unusual situations to ensure that the public’s right to immediate services is not denied. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said this decision takes into account frontline services such as security, healthcare and others that the public have direct interaction with. “Relaxation of the dress code will be allowed in emergency situations and those outside normal circumstances to ensure customers’ rights to immediate service, as outlined in Section 3.2 of Appendix A of Public Administration Circular 1/2025,” he said in a statement. He added that emergencies and situations outside normal circumstances include accident and fire reports as well as disaster related matters that pose threats to lives and property.

Shamsul Azri said for routine matters at government counters and offices, department heads have the discretion to determine the appropriate and respectful attire based on current guidelines. He said customer relations would be improved to ensure that services are accessible, friendly, efficient and responsive in line with the Ihsan principles of the Madani core values, Bernama reported. He added that guidelines under Public Administration Circular 1/2025 require that attire be respectful and appropriate in line with the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara that focuses on courtesy and morality. On Wednesday, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the chief secretary to the government would review the Cabinet’s proposal regarding exemptions to the dress code for front-line services such as healthcare and security facilities. Fahmi said the Cabinet meeting on

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Over 7,000 child violence, sexual offence cases recorded

More than 20,000 applications resolved PETALING JAYA: The Home Ministry has resolved more than 20,000 long-standing applications involving undocumented children, identity cards and citizenship matters this year, achieving its complete clearance target ahead of schedule. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the Dewan Negara yesterday that he had instructed officers to review backlogged cases throughout the year, adding that prolonged delays previously left applicants waiting as long as 12 years. “I set a target that 20,000 applications must be (addressed) this year. No more cases waiting five years, seven years, 10 years or 12 years. “This involves the Population and Citizenship Division and the National Registration Department. “As of Dec 10, the target has been achieved and 20,032 cases have been resolved. “They began as undocumented children, so we settled the documentation issues first, then the citizenship matter.” He was responding to Senator Mohd Hasbie Muda, who asked for the number of undocumented children whose registration cases were received and resolved in 2024 and this year. Saifuddin Nasution said the ministry has also prioritised documentation issues among school-going children flagged under the Education Ministry’s Menyemai Kasih Rakyat programme. “The Education Ministry handed over 12,101 students in mainstream schools who had no documents or incomplete documents. “Within six months, we resolved most of them, except 1,766 cases. “The unresolved ones involved families who did not cooperate or students who left school, or moved without follow-up.” He said early intervention is critical because undocumented children face severe administrative and socioeconomic barriers if their status is not resolved before adolescence. “If the issue of undocumented children is not addressed early, they would face problems when they reach the age of 12. They cannot obtain a MyKad. “If they fall sick and go to the hospital, the fees are higher. Continuing their education also becomes difficult.” He also told the Dewan Negara that the government does not have complete nationwide data on undocumented children because births that are never registered do not enter any official record. “Government data exists only when a birth is registered. “If it is not registered, the government does not have that information,” he said, citing parental negligence, drug-related incarceration and remote living locations as common causes of non-registration. He said the priority of the ministry remains ensuring no child is left without documentation due to administrative delays or unresolved legacy cases. – By Faiz Ruzman

complaints centre to combat the problem.” Addressing concerns of underreporting and possible misconduct by enforcement personnel, Saifuddin Nasution said accountability mechanisms remain in place. “Police have responsibilities and accountability. “Failure to meet standards subjects them to the Integrity and Standard Compliance Department at Bukit Aman. “They are also bound by public-service regulations, conduct rules and disciplinary procedures, including warnings, fines, loss of emoluments or dismissal, depending on the severity of the offence.” He added that community involvement is now indispensable given the evolving complexity of crimes involving children. “The era of relying solely on police and the government has ended. Community leaders, religious leaders, teachers and parents must be involved. Without public cooperation, it is difficult to address incidents.”

children is not easy. That is why police have child interview centres. “Special interview techniques and video recording are required. First, their trauma needs to be addressed before they speak. “Their statements must also be admissible in court. That is the process.” He also said protection measures for children are activated immediately upon identifying a case. “Police work with the Health Ministry and the Social Welfare Department for counselling, medical treatment and psychological support. (Children) are then referred to protection homes because the Child Act 2001 requires it.” Preventive efforts have also been intensified, especially in schools. “School liaison officers conduct continuous awareness programmes with students in cooperation with various regulatory agencies. “D11 Bukit Aman will also receive RM20 million for digital forensic equipment, capacity building, intensified campaigns and establishing a one-stop

o Rise in incidents has required improved investigative methods, says Home minister

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

812 so far this year.” Saifuddin was responding to Senator Datuk Nelson W. Angang, who had asked for the latest data on domestic violence and sexual abuse involving children and their guardians. He added that the rise in cases has required police to improve investigative procedures, particularly when taking statements from children. “First, from the legal standpoint. Generally, two laws are used. One is the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, usually sections 5 to 15. “The second is the Penal Code, involving sections 375, 376, 377 and 354. “In terms of legal authority, because the cases involve children, they fall under the Sexual, Women and Children Investigation Division, (D11) Bukit Aman. “Obtaining evidence from Nasution

PETALING JAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the Dewan Negara yesterday more than 7,000 cases of violence and sexual offences involving children and their guardians have been recorded from 2021 to November this year. He said police logged 4,079 cases of violence involving children and their guardians. “We recorded 707 cases in 2021, 502 in 2022, 612 in 2023, 1,201 in 2024 and 1,057 up to November this year.” On sexual offences committed by guardians, including parents, teachers, babysitters and adoptive family members, he said police recorded 3,042 cases. “For this (type of) cases, the breakdown was 418 in 2021, 511 in 2022, 634 in 2023, 667 in 2024 and KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has carried out its most extensive crackdown on illegal dumping, shutting down 3,634 illegal dump sites across seven states, the highest ever recorded nationwide. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the operation, conducted under the ministry’s initiative known as the Success Outreach Programme: Operation to Eradicate and Close Illegal Dumpsites, marks SWCorp’s most comprehensive enforcement effort since the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) came into force. A total of 1,530 tonnes of solid waste were removed at a cost of RM406,500. “This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment. The Madani government will not compromise on public cleanliness.” He also announced several new initiatives to strengthen enforcement and speed up response times. These include a dedicated WhatsApp hotline (013-210 7472) for residents to report illegal dumping, with action guaranteed within 24 hours, a mobile app enabling the public to track cleaning operations and a patrol unit equipped with 100 newly acquired motorcycles now deployed in all states where Act 672 is in force. To enhance officer safety, the ministry has approved SWCorp’s application to establish an armed enforcement unit, pending approval from the Home Ministry. Beyond shutting down illegal dump sites, SWCorp seized 23 Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Operation shuts down 3,634 illegal dump sites

Nga (centre) supervising a team as they clean up an illegal dump site. – KIRTINEE RAMESH/THESUN

already operational. “The monitoring system has led to eight arrests, all of which have resulted in charges in court. “The ministry plans to expand CCTV coverage and eventually incorporate AI-driven monitoring to enhance detection.” He also credited residents who have acted as “community intelligence agents” by photographing illegal dumping activities and sending them via WhatsApp. “This cooperation ensures our motorcycle patrol units are able to react swiftly.”

“Anyone caught littering and convicted will face a RM2,000 compound and 12 hours of mandatory community service, including cleaning drains, sweeping streets and washing public toilets,” he said, adding that the law aims not only to punish but also to cultivate awareness. “After almost 70 years of independence, we should know where to throw our rubbish.” Addressing concerns over the resurgence of illegal dump sites, he said the ministry has begun installing CCTV cameras at key locations, with 47 units

vehicles linked to illegal dumping this year, while 22 offenders were charged in court. Compounds amounting to nearly RM400,000 were issued. Nga expressed appreciation for the Fire and Rescue Department as “national rescue heroes” and to SWCorp personnel as “heroes of public cleanliness”. He said with Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, and about 40 million tourists expected, maintaining public hygiene must remain a national priority. He also said the new Community Service Act will take effect on Jan 1.

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Celebrating diverse heritage of indigenous communities

KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has dismissed claims that the Road Transport Department (RTD) pays any form of commission to its collection agents. He said companies applying to be agents are mainly technology-based platforms seeking to offer RTD services as a value-added feature and are required to return 100% of the amount collected to the government. He explained that, for example, online vehicle trading platforms help their customers settle summonses before selling their cars and subsequently handle ownership transfer as well as road tax renewal. “These companies want to become agents to streamline transactions, rather than deal with RTD (repeatedly). “Not only do they not get commission, but for certain transactions, such as ownership transfer, they are required to make payment to RTD. “If it is a one-off transaction, the MyJPJ app is easier (for the public). “With the development of digitalisation, more online platforms would apply to become agents and the ministry would facilitate the process.” Loke said 10 agents have been appointed since 2016, but RTD has never paid any commission. “The opposition is claiming that agents would now receive a commission from every transaction. According to their narrative, it sounds profitable, but that is not the real story. “The PN government also appointed agents on April 29, 2022. However, it was not framed as profit making because they knew the claims were false.” Ramssol Group Bhd, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Rider Gate Sdn Bhd, said on Monday the ministry had officially appointed it as an authorised RTD collection agent. – Bernama No commission for RTD collection agents the (process) is interconnected and interoperable. “Wherever the clinic is, when patients come in (for treatment), they should not be asked what illness they have, what allergies they have, what procedures they have had or what medication they are taking. “Patients should only be asked these questions once.” Dzulkefly said the ultimate goal of the transformation is to enable complete integration between the public and private sectors to create a holistic national healthcare ecosystem. – Bernama

Persatuan Asli Semenanjung Malaysia chairman Senator Datuk Ajis Sitin, Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad former CEO Datuk Mohammad Medan Abdullah and senior representatives from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry. Their presence underscores the national significance of the festival in advancing indigenous cultural preservation and community empowerment. Programme highlights and real time updates are available at the Yayasan Kesenian Orang Asli & Asal Facebook page and Instagram at @ykoa.malaysia. Orang

10pm daily, with free admission. In line with its mission to promote unity and cultural harmony, foundation chairman Dr Andre Ratos highlighted the deeper meaning behind the event. “Our indigenous peoples are living symbols of Malaysia’s unity in diversity. Their cultures are threads that bind us as one nation. By celebrating them, we are appeciating the true spirit of Malaysia.” The event will also be attended by several distinguished national figures, including Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye as guest of honour,

o Festival offers platform for Orang Asli and Orang Asal cultural expression

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

programmes, traditional arts, music, education and community driven initiatives. Visitors at the festival would experience batik painting, necklace beading, headgear weaving, traditional food wrapping techniques and a variety of cultural showcases from Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia. The festival runs from 10am to

KUALA LUMPUR: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the empowerment of the digitalisation agenda via the ‘One Citizen, One Record’ electronic medical record (EMR) approach is the primary focus in transforming the country’s healthcare system. He said its implementation would enable the healthcare sector to be strengthened to ensure patient information could be accessed accurately and quickly, reducing duplication of records, minimising the risk of wrong information and supporting the delivery of higher KUALA LUMPUR: The Indigenous Rhythms Festival 2025 makes its return to dazzle audiences with the rich and diverse heritage of Malaysian indigenous communities from today to Dec 14 at Berjaya Times Square. The festival brings together the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia and the Orang Asal of Sabah and Sarawak, offering a platform for cultural expression through traditional performances, live music, craft exhibitions, workshops and a curated ethnic artisan bazaar. The three-day event, supported by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, aims to raise awareness, foster appreciation and promote the preservation of indigenous knowledge, customs and creative expressions among Malaysians and international visitors. It is the brainchild of Yayasan Kesenian Orang Asli & Asal founder, the late Datuk Antony Ratos. For decades, he organised exhibitions, cultural showcases and rural health camps to preserve and uplift Malaysia’s indigenous heritage. Antony established the foundation in 2002 with a vision to elevate the livelihoods of Malaysia’s indigenous community through the preservation and celebration of their culture. The foundation protects, promotes and revitalises indigenous identity via cultural

Members of the Kelabit ethnic group pose for a photograph dressed in their traditional attire. – PIC COURTESY OF YAYASAN KESENIAN ORANG ASLI & ASAL

Electronic medical record key to transforming healthcare: Minister

would be digitalised by 2027, while the EMR system would be implemented in 136 hospitals by 2029. He also said the implementation of the digital system would help in reducing patient waiting time, including simpler appointment processes, follow-up treatments and dispensing of medicines. “Previously, patients might have to bring along X-ray films, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) (results) and so on. “Now, with the national EMR, wherever the patient goes,

topic of “Madani Health Reform: Facing Structural Challenges”. Dzulkefly said the digitalisation effort is being driven comprehensively from the primary care stage, including the use of the cloud-based Clinic Management System in health clinics nationwide. He said as of Oct 17, 160 health clinics have been digitalised and the ministry is targeting 2,489 primary healthcare facilities, including health clinics, maternal and child clinics, community clinics and rural clinics, to undergo the same process by 2028. He added that 956 dental clinics

quality clinical services. “This must eventually lead to what is known as ‘One Citizen, One Record’, which is a national EMR that is interoperable, and subsequently more effective in patient and population care. “We need a (system) in which public and private hospital-to hospital and clinic-to-clinic (interactions) are interoperable. “So, you have horizontal and vertical integration.” He was speaking during the Bernama TV Ruang Bicara programme on Wednesday, which discussed the digitalisation

‘Claims of tiger presence in Chemor due to development untrue’

IPOH: Perak Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said claims that tigers have appeared around Bukit Bangkong, Tanah Hitam in Chemor since last week due to development in the area are untrue. He said the presence of the wild animals is believed to be due to their

the state government is committed to strengthening policies, accelerating the use of green technology and ensuring that every development moves in line with environmental conservation and public wellbeing. “Sustainability is no longer an option. It is a necessity.” – Bernama

believed to be a tiger, which resulted in the death of two cows and the disappearance of five others in Bukit Bangkong last Friday. He said the incident was reported by a man who found two of his cows dead with bite marks, while several other livestock were missing. In other developments, Teh said

after officiating at the closing of the Green Tech Perak 2025 programme, themed ESG for Industrial Advantage on Wednesday. Previously, state police chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin was reported to have said his department confirmed receiving a report of a wild animal attack,

increasing population, requiring a wider area to roam. “I don’t think the housing projects being carried out in the area are encroaching on tiger habitat. “Earlier this year, there were also reports of complaints of tiger tracks in the same area.” He was speaking to reporters

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No evidence of Korea-linked cult

alleging the presence of a movement allegedly originating from South Korea that purportedly promotes deviant Christian-related teachings under the guise of peace initiatives. He described the alleged group as unrecognised by mainstream Christian organisations and claimed its activities had attracted participation from prominent Malaysians, including Muslim MPs. The allegations have drawn public attention but according to the Home Ministry, there has not yet been any formal complaint filed on the claims.

On whether police had received any complaint or report regarding the alleged movement, he said: “Dr Maza was the person who came forward to say there is such a movement. “If (he) says he has information on the name of the group, the group’s activities, their modus operandi and the individuals said to be involved, I would strongly suggest that he come forward and share that information with the authorities, and we will immediately begin an investigation.” Saifuddin was responding to statements by Mohd Asri on Dec 8,

“I would like to invite Dr Maza to come forward and provide complete information to the authorities. It is better that we manage it according to legal channels.” Saifuddin said police have an established mechanism to address allegations of deviant movements, including those involving religious groups of any background. “Deviant teachings cover various religions and their followers, and this is indeed the core duty within the Special Branch. There is a special team specifically for that,” he added.

o Home minister urges Perlis mufti to substantiate claims of deviant teachings

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

regarding an alleged South Korea linked cult that is said to be spreading deviant teachings in Malaysia. Speaking at the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday, Saifuddin said individuals who make such claims carry the responsibility of sharing complete details with law enforcement agencies.

PETALING JAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has urged Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, who is also known as Dr Maza, to formally present any evidence he has

Man confirmed dead in condo fire

Army seizes drugs worth RM10 million

Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Authorities revealed yesterday that a 38-year-old man died after a fire broke out at a condominium unit on the 26th floor of the Tiffani Kiara by i-Zen residence in Mont Kiara on Wednesday night. In a statement, the Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department said the victim was found on the balcony of the affected unit with severe burns and was pronounced dead at the scene by Health Ministry personnel. Its Operations Movement Centre received an emergency call at 8.46pm on Wednesday through the NG999 system, and firefighters from the Sri Hartamas station led the response, with support from teams in Menjalara, Sentul and Taman Tun Dr Ismail. “Firefighters faced difficulties due to a malfunctioning fire prevention system in the building, forcing them to use two portable pumps and an engine-mounted pump to channel water to the upper floor. “The blaze, which destroyed about 1,500sq ft of the residence, was fully extinguished at 2.03am,” it said. The department’s forensic unit is investigating the cause of the fire. In a Facebook post, Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh urged the public not to speculate on the incident while investigations continue, adding that she would call for an emergency meeting to pursue a safety audit once the forensic process is completed. On Dec 9, theSun front-paged an exclusive report highlighting that

Abdullah, and her daughter. “Indira Gandhi and Arun Dorasamy also expressed hope that the search efforts could be intensified,” he said. He said police remain committed and will always respect and comply with all court directives, including in conducting continuous efforts to locate Indira Gandhi’s daughter in accordance with the law. He added that police will continue to fully cooperate to ensure that every action taken is carried out with integrity, professionalism and in line with legal requirements. On Nov 21, the Ipoh High Court ordered police to widen the search for Indira Gandhi’s ex-husband, who has been accused of failing to return their youngest daughter to her. In 2009, Muhammad Riduan converted the couple’s three children to Islam without Indira Gandhi’s consent and sought custody through the Syariah Court. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: The Armed Forces have foiled an attempt to smuggle drugs, suspected to be methamphetamine, worth more than RM10.9 million in Kuala Nerang, Kedah, the largest seizure recorded this year. In a statement, it said the 4.30am operation on Wednesday, led by Kapt Muhammad Zulharif Abdul Rahim with five members from the Fourth Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment resulted in the arrest of a Thai man who was behaving suspiciously about 1.2km from Camp Sahara in Kuala Nerang. “A walkie-talkie, parang , waist bag and a torchlight were found during an inspection,” the statement said. Following the arrest, checks conducted at 7am along the suspect’s route uncovered 331 packages containing crystalline chunks and powder believed to be methamphetamine, each weighing a kilogramme. Each package is valued at approximately RM33,000, bringing the total seizure to RM10.92 million. “The suspect and the seized items were handed to the Padang Terap district police headquarters at 2.55pm the same day for further action,” it said. – Bernama

A firefighter sifting through debris at the affected unit. – PIC COURTESY OF FIRE AND RESCUE DEPT

Quoting Malaysian Association of Facility Management vice-president Dr Mohd Mazhar Mohd Marzuki, the report said many building management bodies treat preventive maintenance as optional, prioritising visible issues such as leaks and faulty lifts over critical life-saving systems.

chronic underfunding and neglected fire safety infrastructure. Older flats and low-cost apartments are particularly at risk, with tight budgets and limited technical expertise resulting in fire alarms, pumps and sprinklers being overlooked.

Malaysia’s high-rise residents may be exposed to hidden structural and fire safety risks, a concern amplified by the recent deadly apartment complex fire in Hong Kong. Experts warned that similar vulnerabilities exist locally due to years of reactive maintenance,

Special team to probe shooting incident PETALING JAYA: Investigations into the Durian Tunggal shooting case will proceed according to the legal process and established police procedures, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said yesterday. statements. They will proceed according to police processes,” he told reporters after attending the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly.

Public help sought in Indira case KUALA LUMPUR: Anyone with information that could assist in locating the youngest daughter of Indira Gandhi has been asked to channel it to police.

CyberSecurity Malaysia. The developments follow a shooting case on Nov 24, in which three men, T. Pooneswaran, 24, M. Puspanathan, 21 and G. Logeswaran, 29, were shot dead during a police operation in Durian Tunggal. Police said the men were believed to be part of the “Geng Durian Tunggal” and suspected of involvement in armed robberies reported across Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor. Malacca police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar previously said one of the suspects had swung a parang and injured a police corporal, prompting officers to open fire in self-defence. Families of the three men have since disputed the police account, leading to the formation of the special investigation team by Bukit Aman. – by Faiz Ruzman

On whether the case should be classified under Section 302 of the Penal Code (murder), he said classification of the case is the responsibility of the investigators. “If I start classifying the case under specific sections, that means I have entered the territory of the investigators,” he added. On Wednesday, Kumar said the task force had recorded statements from seven individuals (three family members and four medical officers) as part of the ongoing investigations. He said a mobile phone containing an audio recording linked to the case had been submitted, and voice samples were being analysed with help from

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said any information received will be reviewed professionally, and action will be taken according to existing investigative procedures. He said a meeting was held between police and Indira Gandhi at Bukit Aman at 4.40pm on Wednesday, that was also attended by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), M. Kulasegaran, activist Arun Dorasamy and two of Indira Gandhi’s other children. “During the meeting, Kulasegaran requested police provide continued support to Indira Gandhi in efforts to locate her ex-husband, K. Pathmanathan or Muhammad Riduan

He said a special team formed by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) would record all relevant statements, including allegations raised by the families of the victims through their lawyers. “Bukit Aman has established a special committee, as announced by Bukit Aman CID Director Comm Datuk M. Kumar. The committee will record statements, including from the family member who spoke to the lawyers about the existence of an audio (recording linked to the incident). “I will not jump the gun. They have procedures for taking

FRIDAY | DEC 12, 2025

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SEOUL: A South Korean minister resigned yesterday after being accused of receiving illegal funds from the Unification Church, a cult-like movement linked to influence-peddling. The church, known for its mass weddings, is being investigated on charges of unlawful donations linked to the country’s former first lady Kim Keon Hee. Kim’s conservative husband Yoon Suk Yeol was ousted in April and is in prison following a brief imposition of martial law, with voters electing President Lee Jae Myung in a snap election in June. But local media reports increasingly suggest that lawmakers from Lee’s left-leaning ruling party and the conservative opposition may have accepted bribes from the church. Oceans Minister Chun Jae-soo is accused of having received 30 million won (RM83,721) in cash as well as two luxury watches from the church between 2018 to 2020, the reports said. The accusations were reportedly levelled by former head of the church’s global headquarters Yun Young-ho during questioning by investigators this year. “As a public official, resigning from the ministerial post is the right behavior,“ said Chun. He denied wrongdoing but said he would step down to allow the government’s work to continue “without faltering”. Lee has accepted the resignation, his office said. Founded in 1954 by Moon Sun-myung, the Unification Church claims to have around three million followers worldwide. The church rose to global prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, and over the decades amassed a business empire that spans construction, food, education and media. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, responsible for handling fraught relations with North Korea, also denied yesterday having been bribed by the Unification Church. Chung, named alongside Chun as being part of a group of lawmakers who had received cash and gifts, described the claims as a “groundless false rumour”, Yonhap news agency said. This comes a day after Lee ordered a probe into alleged illegal ties between a “religious group” and politicians, widely seen as a reference to the Unification Church. – AFP Seoul minister resigns over alleged bribes Indonesia aims for UNHRC presidency JAKARTA: Indonesia’s Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai reiterated the country’s determination to take the helm of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on the 77th Human Rights Day, reported news agency Antara. “The Human Rights Ministry, along with the Foreign Ministry and National Planning Agency, is resolute with our determination to seize the presidency of UNHRC.“ According to him, Indonesia must become a global leader in human rights advocacy, and this effort could begin by ensuring Indonesian representation in the UNHRC presidency. He said with Indonesia at the helm, the body would initiate new human rights guidelines, including on corruption, environment, elections and development issues. “If an Indonesian holds the presidency, they would help Indonesia change the world. We must not wait until 2045 to lead the world, we must start now and help build a better civilisation,“ he said, referring to Indonesia’s centenary year. He added that a more advanced civilisation is one in which human rights become mainstream in public life. Pigai said Indonesia has initiated a national mission to make human rights a mainstream in public life in a bid to achieve the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, and the process would take place in stages. He said in its effort to secure the presidency, Indonesia has rallied support from several countries, including Cambodia and Laos, which he recently visited, as well as Australia, which Deputy Minister Mugiyanto visited. – Bernama-Antara

Renewed fighting at Cambodia-Thai border A family arriving at the Chong Kal refugee camp in Oddar Meanchey Province, Cambodia yesterday after evacuation. – REUTERSPIC

The AA was a key participant in the so-called “Three Brotherhood Alliance”, but its other factions this year agreed to Chinese-brokered truces, leaving it as the last one standing. While the military-run election has been widely criticised by monitors, Beijing has emerged as a key backer, saying it should“restore social stability” to its neighbour. The AA has proven a powerful adversary for the junta and controls all but three of Rakhine’s 17 townships, according to conflict monitors. But the group’s ambitions are largely limited to their Rakhine homeland, hemmed in by the coast of the Bay of Bengal and jungle-clad mountains to the north. The group has been accused of atrocities, including against the mostly Muslim Rohingya ethnic minority from the region. The military has blockaded Rakhine, contributing to a humanitarian crisis that has seen“a dramatic rise in hunger and malnutrition”, the World Food Programme said in August. – AFP which was struck in the fighting in July. Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said more than 101,000 people have been evacuated. In Thailand, authorities said more than 400,000 civilians have taken shelter elsewhere. The United States, China and Malaysia, as chair of regional bloc Asean, brokered a ceasefire in July. In October, Trump backed a follow-on joint declaration, touting new trade deals with Thailand and Cambodia after they agreed to prolong their truce. But Thailand suspended the agreement the following month. The United Nations cultural agency called on Wednesday for “protection of the region’s cultural heritage in all its forms” amid the ongoing fighting. “Unesco has communicated to all parties concerned the geographical coordinates of sites on the World Heritage List, as well as those of national significance, in order to avoid any potential damage.” It added that it is concerned about the hostilities near the Temple of Preah Vihear, a Unesco heritage site. – AFP

Rakhine state is controlled almost in its entirety by the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic minority separatist force active long before the military staged a coup toppling the civilian government of democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The AA Health Department on Wednesday said 10 hospital patients were“killed on the spot” in the air strike at 9pm (1430 GMT). The AA has emerged as one of the most powerful opposition groups in the civil war ravaging Myanmar, alongside other ethnic minority fighters and pro-democracy partisans who took up arms after the coup. Scattered rebels initially struggled to make headway before a trio of groups led a joint offensive starting in 2023, backfooting the military and prompting it to bolster its ranks with conscripted troops. with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to demand a halt to their renewed clashes. Both sides blame the other for reigniting the conflict, which has expanded to five provinces of both Thailand and Cambodia, according to an AFP tally of official accounts. In Thailand’s northeast yesterday, hundreds of evacuated families woke up inside a university building in Surin city that has been transformed into a shelter. AFP journalists in Cambodia’s northwestern Oddar Meanchey province heard the blasts of incoming artillery from the direction of disputed temples since dawn on Wednesday. Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said Thai forces initiated an attack yesterday in the province, “shelling the Khnar Temple area”. On the other side of the border, the Thai military announced a curfew from 7pm to 5am in parts of Sa Kaeo beginning on Wednesday. The Thai army said on Wednesday Cambodian forces fired rockets that landed in the vicinity of the Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin province, to the north of Sa Kaeo,

SURIN: Renewed fighting raged at the border of Cambodia and Thailand yesterday, with combat heard near centuries-old temples, ahead of US President Donald Trump’s planned phone call to the two nations’ leaders. At least 15 people, including Thai soldiers and Cambodian civilians, have been killed in the reignited border conflict, officials said. More than half a million people, mostly in Thailand, have fled border areas near where jets, tanks and drones have waged battle. The Southeast Asian nations dispute the colonial-era demarcation of their 800km frontier, where both sides claim a smattering of historic temples. This week’s clashes are the deadliest since five days of fighting in July that killed dozens before a shaky truce was agreed, following intervention by Trump. Trump said he expected to speak yesterday o At least 15 people killed in reignited conflict, say officials

Myanmar junta air strike on hospital kills 31 MRAUK U: A Myanmar military air strike has killed more than 30 people at a hospital, an on-site aid worker said yesterday, as the junta wages a withering offensive ahead of elections beginning this month. the ground outside the hospital. A junta spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment.

The junta has increased air strikes since the start of Myanmar’s civil war, after snatching power in a 2021 coup ending a decade-long democratic experiment, conflict monitors say. The military has set polls starting Dec 28, touting the vote as an off-ramp to fighting, but rebels have pledged to block it from territory they control, which the junta is battling to claw back. A military jet bombed the general hospital of Mrauk-U in western Rakhine state, bordering Bangladesh, on Wednesday evening, said on-site aid worker Wai Hun Aung. “We can confirm there are 31 deaths and we think there will be more. There are also 68 wounded and there will be more and more.” At least 20 shrouded bodies were visible on

FRIDAY | DEC 12, 2025

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Judge blocks Trump from deploying troops in LA

Women to be paid for forced contraception

BARCELONA: Spain’s Catalonia region reinstated mandatory face masks in hospitals and health and residential care centres on Wednesday, due to an increase in acute respiratory infections, reported Xinhua. According to the Catalan Health Department, the measure, which was approved for an initial period of 15 calendar days, was prompted by a surge in such cases across the northeastern region. The mandatory use of face masks in hospitals and health centres had not been in place in Spain since July 2023, when the Spanish government lifted the requirement nationwide as the Covid-19 pandemic eased. Under the latest measure, face masks are mandatory for workers, patients and visitors in hospitals, all healthcare, mental health facilities and residential care centres for the elderly or people with disabilities. Hospitalised patients are exempt from wearing masks when they are in private rooms. The requirement was approved on Tuesday by the Catalan government’s Executive Council and took effect on Wednesday following its publication in the Official Gazette. – Bernama-Xinhua Spain reinstates mandatory face masks in hospitals Danish authorities are suspected of trying to limit population growth in Greenland. Denmark was responsible for health policy in the territory up to 1992. Greenland is now largely autonomous. – Bernama-dpa COPENHAGEN: 4,500 Greenlandic women who had intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD) implanted without their consent will be eligible for payments of 300,000 Danish kroner (RM193,029), the Health Ministry in Copenhagen announced on Wednesday, reported German Press Agency. The Danish government and a broad parliamentary majority have reached an agreement providing financial compensation to those affected by the scandal. The women, who had IUD implanted without their knowledge between 1960 and 1991, would be able to apply for the compensation starting April next year. The payments would be made later in the year. The ministry described the forced contraception as “a dark chapter in the joint history of Denmark and Greenland”, associated with great personal cost to the women of Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed the Danish state’s formal apologies at a ceremony on the autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark in September. Danish doctors implanted thousands of the contraceptive devices, mainly in the 1960s and 1970s, without first securing consent. Some were just 12 years old, said Danish human rights activists. Around

In a separate development, Trump’s administration on Wednesday launched a “Trump Gold Card” that grants rich foreign applicants the right to live in the United States in exchange for a US$1 million (RM4.11 million) payment. Trump had unveiled the plan several months earlier, reported German news agency dpa. The programme is presented as a way to attract highly qualified and pre-vetted workers for US companies. Trump has promised significant revenue for the federal budget.

According to earlier figures from the Commerce Department, the Gold Card is expected to generate over US$100 billion while an even more expensive Platinum programme could bring in around US$1 trillion. The government has not specified over what period those sums might be collected. The application website refers to a waiting list for a “Trump Platinum Card”. Wealthy applicants who pay US$5 million for the card would be allowed to spend up to 270 days a year in the United States without paying US taxes on income earned abroad. – Bernama-Xinhua-dpa

o Order stayed until noon on Monday, administration expected to appeal

of the troops, reducing the number of federalised National Guard members in Los Angeles to only several hundred. Now, 100 federalised California National Guard members remain “at various locations throughout Los Angeles providing rapid response protection to federal facilities, functions and personnel”, Breyer’s ruling stated.

SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese yesterday took aim at young people parading themselves on social media a day after a world-first ban on under-16s went live, saying the rollout was always going to be bumpy but would ultimately save lives. A day after the law took effect, the country’s social media feeds were flooded with comments from people claiming to be aged under 16, including one on Albanese’s TikTok account saying “I am still here, wait until I can vote”. Under the law, 10 of the biggest platforms, including TikTok, Meta’s Instagram and Alphabet’s YouTube, must bar underage users or face a fine of up to AU$49.5 million (RM135 million). “This is the law, this is not something that can be flouted,“ said Albanese. “Some young people who have not yet been pulled off social media LOS ANGELES: A US federal judge ruled on Wednesday that the Trump administration cannot deploy members of the California National Guard in Los Angeles and must return control of the troops to the state, reported Xinhua. According to the ruling by US District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco, the Trump administration retains control of about 300 California National Guard members six months after protests erupted in Southern California over an immigration crackdown. The court stayed the order until noon on Monday, and the Trump administration is expected to appeal. In June, Breyer issued a temporary restraining order saying US President Donald Trump overstepped his bounds in ordering the deployment of roughly 4,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals issued an emergency stay just hours after Breyer’s decision. The dramatic legal reversal capped a day of courtroom confrontation between the Trump administration and California over the unprecedented federal takeover of state military forces. Breyer also ruled in September that the Trump administration violated a 19th century law barring the use of soldiers for civilian law enforcement when it deployed National Guard troops and marines to Los Angeles in June. By late October, the Trump administration had withdrawn most

DIRE DELUGE ... Floodwaters surrounding a building at Naburn Lock after the River Ouse burst its banks, partially flooding fields and sections of road near York in Britain on Wednesday. – REUTERSPIC

Australia PM defends social media ban

not subject to looking at their devices constantly”. Australian searches for VPNs surged to the highest level in about 10 years in the week before the legislation took effect, according to publicly available Google data. Free VPN provider Windscribe said it experienced a 400% increase in installations in Australia in the 24 hours after the ban went live. Another free VPN provider hide.me said it had a 65% spike in visits from Australia in the days before the ban kicked in, although that had not translated to a rising number of downloads. All platforms named by the ban opposed it before saying they would comply. As the legislation came into force, some platforms not covered by the ban rose to the top of app download charts, prompting the Australian government to say the platform list is “dynamic”. – Reuters

internet and there is “little interest in compliance”. “This would result in inconsistent application of the law and ultimately does not make young people safer,“ a spokesperson said. TikTok and Snap, owner of Snapchat, declined to comment on the implementation, while YouTube, X, Amazon’s Twitch, Reddit and Australian-owned Kick, all of which are covered by the ban, were not immediately available for comment. United Nations children’s agency Unicef warned that the ban might encourage children to visit less regulated parts of the internet and could not work alone. “Laws introducing age restrictions are not an alternative to companies improving platform design and content moderation.“ Albanese said the ban would lead to better educational outcomes and behaviour since “you get better social interaction when students are

are sending out notices bragging about it. That just tells the platforms who they are, and so it will be taken down.” Governments around the world have said they would monitor the Australian rollout as they weigh whether to do something similar. US Republican Senator Josh Hawley endorsed the ban as it took effect, nine newspapers reported, while France, Denmark, Malaysia and others have said they plan to emulate Australia. Australian internet regulator eSafety Commissioner would ask all affected platforms to report numbers of under-16 accounts on the days before and after the ban went live on Wednesday, said Communications Minister Anika Wells. Meta repeated its opposition to the law, saying some experts, advocates and parent groups are concerned it is driving teenagers to less regulated parts of the