09/01/2026

FRIDAY | JAN 9, 2026

3 Next-gen passport, MyKad to be introduced

Fixed-fare flights for CNY, Aidilfitri: Loke SEPANG: Transport Minister Anthony Loke yesterday announced that AirAsia is offering fixed-fare tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Sarawak at RM328 and to Sabah at RM398 for one-way travel, in conjunction with Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri. He said the initiative ensures Malaysians could return home at affordable fares, making air travel more accessible during the festive season. “I am pleased to note AirAsia’s continued role in supporting the government’s efforts to manage festive travel demand through initiatives such as fixed fares, which provide travellers greater confidence.” The initiative will operate 1,578 flights over Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, offering more than 31,000 seats. Bookings for Chinese New Year are open until Feb 24 for trips from Feb 13 to 24, 2026, while Hari Raya bookings are open until March 26 for travel between March 18 and 26. – Bernama governments hold key authority over development, land use and water resource management, critical factors that influence disaster risk and impact. “There is also a need for the full involvement of federal ministers who have the mandate and capacity to coordinate in an integrated manner across ministries and agencies, allowing decisions to be made more quickly, decisively and effectively.” – Bernama National council proposed for disaster management: DPM PUCHONG: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said a National Disaster Management Council is proposed to be established as the highest body responsible for coordinating disaster management and disaster risk reduction. Ahmad Zahid, who is also National Disaster Management Committee chairman, said he had instructed the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to prepare a Cabinet paper to be circulated to all ministries for feedback. “Within a month, it will be circulated for review, and I will personally present it (at a Cabinet meeting). “(In) upgrading the Central Disaster Management Committee to the National Disaster Management Council, we want disaster management to be significantly enhanced.” Ahmad Zahid said the current national disaster management mechanism through the Central Disaster Management Committee needs to be further strengthened. “At present, the existing committee does not yet involve the direct participation of menteri besar and chief ministers, even though state

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Issuance of redesigned documents aims to meet evolving security needs: Saifuddin

‘Rehab programmes more effective in curbing repeat offences’ PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said community-based rehabilitation programmes have proven far more effective in preventing repeat offences than institutional releases. He cited sharply lower recidivism rates among former inmates reintegrated into society through structured supervision. He added that data from the Prison Department showed that offenders released directly from prison institutions recorded a recidivism rate of about 12%. “But if we rehabilitate them through parole and compulsory attendance programmes, for every 800 released, only one returns to prison,“ He was speaking to reporters after the Home Minister’s 2026 Address event yesterday. He said the ministry’s approach focuses on preparing inmates for reintegration before they complete their sentences, including securing employment and structured supervision in the community. “We work with nearly 900 employers in construction, manufacturing and agriculture to make sure they have work when they come out.” He said to address social rejection faced by former offenders, the government has established 22 halfway houses nationwide, providing temporary accommodation while individuals transition back into society. “When families or communities do not accept them, the risk of them returning to prison increases,” he said, adding that rehabilitation efforts require public support to succeed. – By Faiz Ruzman He said auto-gates, which are already in use at key airports, would be further extended to support smoother passenger flow, while border agencies are also expected to strengthen revenue collection with Customs and address integrity issues that frequently draw public attention. strengthening border operations, including the expansion of automated gate facilities at major entry points. “Mobility must be seamless, but there must be no compromise on security. “Our main entry points, including KLIA 1, KLIA 2, Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar, Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Sarawak, must operate smoothly while maintaining integrity and enforcement standards.”

PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said Malaysia will introduce a new-generation passport and MyKad by the second half of this year, with improvements towards security features. He said the issuance of the redesigned documents marks a key administration milestone, as the Home Ministry shifts from policy formulation to execution. “This is not done arbitrarily. These are security documents. “After a certain period, we have a responsibility to introduce new features to match evolving security needs, including preventing counterfeit documents,” he told reporters after the launch of Home Minister’s 2026 Address event yesterday. He added that Malaysia’s passport currently ranks third globally in terms of visa-free travel access, a standing the government intends to protect. “Within six months, Malaysians would (be able to) have a (revamped) passport. “We will notify the public at least six months in advance. There is no need to rush. Existing documents remain valid until they expire.”

mothers who have faced prolonged citizenship issues affecting their children. He emphasised that the reform would not delay existing citizenship decisions, adding that approvals have continued alongside preparations for the amendments. “I am still continuing to make decisions on citizenship applications under Article 15A, Article 30A and Article 19A of the Federal Constitution. “Last year, I set a target to decide on 20,000 applications in 2025. As of Wednesday, I have made decisions on 20,032 applications.” He said the ministry had significantly reduced the citizenship backlog inherited when he assumed office. “When I first came in, there were nearly 50,000 pending applications. Now, the remaining backlog is less than 4,000. “I am optimistic that long outstanding cases could be resolved by the first quarter of this year.” Saifuddin also addressed the preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, saying focus would be on

He also said details on security features and implementation dates would be announced in due course, as the ministry finalises remaining prerequisites ahead of rollout. Separately, Saifuddin said long-delayed citizenship reforms affecting children born overseas are set to take effect by July, following the completion of regulatory amendments and final procedural steps. He added that the Citizenship Regulations 1964 have been amended in both Malay and English, vetted by the Attorney General’s Chambers, and is now moving through final stages ahead of gazettement. “If all these milestones proceed as planned, we are targeting implementation by June or July. “This would allow births overseas, in these cases, to automatically confer citizenship status on children by operation of law.” He described the move as a Madani government achievement grounded in compassion and justice, particularly for Malaysian

Saifuddin (second from left) said long-delayed citizenship reforms affecting children born overseas are set to take effect by July, following the completion of regulatory amendments. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Home minister to be briefed on S. Korean religious group PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said he would be briefed this week by the Special Branch’s E2 unit on allegations involving a South Korea-linked religious movement said to be operating in Malaysia. body to assess the matter before any enforcement action or public disclosure is made. “I will be briefed by Special Branch E2 this week. I want to be careful and rely on authoritative information.” share what can be shared.” The issue arose in December 2025 following public remarks by Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, also known as Dr Maza, who warned of a South Korean religious movement allegedly operating in Malaysia and described it as deviant. authorities to scrutinise its activities. Saifuddin had previously said police were aware of the claims and monitoring the situation, but added that no formal police report had been lodged.

He also said investigations and enforcement action could only proceed once concrete information and evidence is submitted to the relevant authorities. – By Faiz Ruzman

He said any decision would be based strictly on verified intelligence, adding that the government would not act on unconfirmed claims. “Once I receive the briefing, I will

Saifuddin said E2, the police unit tasked with monitoring deviant teachings and extremism movements across all religions, is the authoritative

The mufti said the group was believed to operate under the guise of peace or unity and called for