16/01/2026

Assets worth RM11.4m seized in ex-army chief graft probe MACC head says items include RM4.4m cash, luxury car and gold bars, recovered from houses in KL and Besut, Terengganu.

FRIDAY JAN 16, 2026

RM1

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

Report on — page 5

SCAN ME No. 9035 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Akmal quits Malacca exco Umno Youth chief pledges never

Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh announced his resignation as a member of the Malacca executive council during his policy speech at the Umno Youth General Assembly yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

to abandon party wing.

Report on h page 3

National Climate Change Bill to be tabled by March Move ranks among Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry’s 10 KPIs for first 100 days of 2026: Minister

While raising minimum salary thresholds and limiting employment term augur well for local professionals, rule change may hurt ‘Malaysia-friendly’ image and foreign investment: Experts Report on h page 4 Mixed views on new expat policy Report on h page 2

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New expat employment policy augurs well for locals

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA

LUMPUR:

The

government’s expatriate employment policy, which raises minimum salary thresholds and introduces fixed employment limits to encourage the hiring of more local talent in the workforce augurs well for Malaysians, say labour economists. Socio-Economic Research Centre executive director Lee Heng Guei told theSun that higher salary requirements for hiring foreign professionals could help improve local wage structures while encouraging companies to consider Malaysians first. “If hiring a foreign expert requires paying RM10,000 or RM20,000, employers would naturally consider hiring locals who have the capability. “Expatriates are usually in senior or mid-to-high management new

competitive in a cost sense. Thirdly, expatriates are employed for very specific reasons based on experience and expertise. This will not change.” Williams cautioned that the new rules could influence how foreign professionals and investors view Malaysia. “The economic risks of the new Home Ministry rules are that they give a very bad signal that Malaysia is unfriendly to foreigners. This will harm not just employment but also investment.” Under the new policy announced by the Home Ministry, minimum monthly salary thresholds for expatriate employment pass holders will increase from June 1. Category 1 minimum salaries will rise from RM10,000 to RM20,000, Category 2 salaries of RM5,000- RM9,999 will increase to RM10,000 RM19,999, and Category 3 of RM3,000-RM4,999 will rise to RM5,000-RM9,999, with a higher floor of RM7,000 for manufacturing related services. Expatriate employment pass categories are determined mainly by the salary offered and the seniority of the role, with higher-paying positions classified as higher categories. Previously, expatriate employment did not have a fixed maximum duration. Under the new framework, Category 1 and 2 holders may work for up to 10 years while Category 3 holders are limited to five years, all with mandatory succession plans for local replacements. The government said the policy aligns with the 13th Malaysia Plan objective to reduce reliance on foreign labour and prioritise qualified local talent over the hiring of expatriates.

rely on foreign expertise. This is not unique to Malaysia. Every country must balance localisation with the need for foreign talent. “The government wants to avoid cases in which locals are available but not given opportunities as companies continue to hire expatriates. Raising the salary threshold ensures that foreign hires are limited to specialised, high-value roles.” Lee said the new five to 10-year cap on employment duration is reasonable as it gives companies enough time to train local successors to take over the roles that were previously handled by expats. Putra Business School Masters and Doctorate Course director Prof Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff said the policy could help correct labour market mismatches without harming business growth. “Malaysia has more low-skilled workers than medium-and high-skilled ones. This policy could help more qualified locals access better-paying roles previously offered to expatriates. “As it is implemented gradually, with expatriates still allowed to work for up to 10 years, employers have time to plan without disrupting operations.” In contrast, Williams Business Consultancy director Prof Geoffrey Williams said the policy was based on misconceptions about expatriate employment. “Malaysia does have a strong pool of high-skilled local professionals but it is not necessary to replace expatriates. The claim that expatriates are taking jobs from locals is not true. “Firstly, there are too few expatriates to make that claim meaningful. Secondly, it is already costly to pay for visas, so they are not

o Higher salary requirements for employing foreign professionals could improve domestic wage structures, encourage hiring of Malaysians

increase accordingly.” Lee acknowledged that some industries still depend on foreign expertise due to skills gaps. “For certain sectors in which local talent is not available, companies have no choice but to

positions. In sectors like IT and banking, their salaries often exceed RM10,000 and can reach RM20,000 or more. “These positions are classified under the expert category, so local wages would also need to

Lee said the government wants to avoid cases where locals are available but not given opportunities as companies continue to hire expatriates. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Block on Grok to be lifted only after safety fix: Fahmi KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will lift its temporary block on access to the artificial intelligence tool Grok on X only after the platform operator fully resolves issues related to the generation of harmful content. content that could be misused. “If they succeed in disabling the production of materials considered online harm or harmful, the government will end the temporary ban on Grok,” he said after launching the Centre for Responsible Technology yesterday. and free from harmful content. On Jan 11, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) ordered a temporary block on access to Grok for users in Malaysia, effective the same day. The block was imposed after repeated misuse to generate non-consensual manipulated images involving women and children, despite regulatory notices issued to X Corp and xAI LLC. Fahmi said the ministry also took note that X had disabled several prompts that enabled the creation of inappropriate images via Grok but MCMC found the measures insufficient. He said the government is Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said before the restriction is removed, X must comprehensively demonstrate that Grok could no longer produce video or image Fahmi said the government wants social media platforms to be safer, particularly for children and families, pornographic and explicit content, including indecent material and

pursuing a cooperative approach through established legal and regulatory channels, in line with the Online Safety Act 2025, which will be advised by the Online Safety Committee that includes

representatives from the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, the police and relevant agencies. – Bernama

See also page 8

Action on AI chatbox on X hailed KUALA LUMPUR: The move to temporarily block the Grok AI chatbot on X is seen as a timely and appropriate measure to protect users, particularly children and women, from potential exploitation and misuse of the technology. Malaysian Cyber Consumer

that could lead to sexual exploitation or harm users’ dignity is crucial in keeping digital space safe. She said it sent a clear regulatory signal to digital platforms operating in Malaysia. “It is also appropriate for the Grok provider to be penalised under Onsa or existing laws because the AI function poses a serious risk of online harm.” She said the move shows that enforcement is not about censorship but about using the law to protect users, especially children. – Bernama

web platforms via apps or software not available on legitimate platforms such as Google Play or the Apple App Store. “Allowing the same to happen on a legitimate platform is a big blow to both users and the government because it’s clearly wrong, illegal and seems uncontrolled. Platform providers should take responsibility if the technology or such function belongs to them.” Voice of the Children co-founder and chairman Sharmila Sekaran said MCMC’s swift action to block features

abuse generate pornographic and sexually explicit content as well as non-consensual manipulated images, including material involving women and children, despite prior regulatory action against X Corp and xAI LLC. Siraj said the Grok case underscores the importance of online safety laws such as Onsa, which ensure that platform providers are responsible for maintaining a safe digital space for users. “Previously, features such as deepfakes were exploited on dark of Grok to

platform’s generative AI function. “The potential for criminals to misuse this technology poses a threat not only to children and women but to anyone. Men too, irrespective of background or skin colour, are at risk if their images are manipulated without consent. “This measure should serve as an example to other digital platforms to ensure that they take greater responsibility for user safety.” The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said the block followed repeated

Association president Siraj Jalil said the measure is in line with the enforcement of the Online Safety Act (Onsa) 2025 on Jan 1, particularly following concerns over the generation of sexually manipulated content by users through the

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Tamil schools face enrolment decline KUALA LUMPUR: MIC deputy president M. Saravanan has raised serious concerns over the declining enrolment in Tamil primary schools across Malaysia. He pointed out that student numbers were falling despite strong academic track record in the schools. He cited the latest figures showing that only 10,330 students enrolled in Year One at Tamil schools nationwide this year, a significant drop of 691 students from the previous year’s intake of 11,021. The Tapah MP urged Tamil-based NGOs, parent-teacher associations, alumni groups, school management boards and community leaders to play a proactive role. “Tamil schools are the bedrock of our Malaysian Indian community’s identity and progress. “MIC remains committed to defending and advancing these institutions but we cannot do it alone. “We must move from a mindset of ‘maintenance mode’ to ‘strategic advocacy’,” he said in a statement. Saravanan underscored the critical influence of parental choices on enrolment patterns. “I urge parents to recognise the long term value of Tamil education and to actively support these schools by enrolling their children in them,” said Saravanan. “This is not just about numbers. It’s about preserving our language, culture and community strength. “The future of Tamil schools depends on our collective will to act.” – Bernama “It means he has taken the right action. I believe the grassroots will understand the message Akmal intended to convey.” – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee Akmal praised as man of principle KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth delegates believe that the decision by their chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Salleh to resign as a Malacca executive councillor (exco) shows that he is a man of principle, and not merely one who talks without action. Pasir Gudang division delegate Mohd Salehuddin Abdul said Muhamad Akmal has proven that he does not value positions but the interests of the party and the country. “Akmal has shown that he is a dignified Umno leader and that every action he takes is for the future of religion, race and the party. “We at the grassroots will continue to support Akmal. His decision appears to be a message to Malaysians that he is not all talk and that he dares to respond to DAP’s call for him to relinquish his position in the government.” He also urged Umno and Barisan Nasional coalition partners not to interfere in Umno’s internal affairs. “Mind your own business and don’t interfere in the affairs of others. To Akmal, congratulations. You have shown that you are the best Umno Youth chief,” he told theSun yesterday. Another delegate, Muhammed Mubien Khairudin from the Hang Tuah Jaya division, echoed the same sentiments, saying that Akmal has proven himself to be a leader with dignity. “Of course, as Youth members, we have all heard his policy speech earlier, which was clear. We fully agree with our Youth chief. DAP has challenged us more than once. We have been patient for three years and today, Akmal has resigned as a Malacca exco, showing true strength. He added that by resigning, Akmal was asking: “If I can do it, why can’t you?”

Umno Youth chief resigns as Malacca exco

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Decision announced during policy speech at general assembly, to take effect next week

government, I will wait for the official resignation letter before considering whether to accept or reject it. “This will be subject to further discussions,” he said, adding that he respected Muhamad Akmal’s decision. He said the Umno Youth chief had acted in line with the spirit of the youth wing. Ab Rauf also said the state government would review and assess the appropriate approach to manage the issue in the near future.

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh yesterday announced his resignation as a Malacca executive councillor (exco). He made the announcement while delivering his policy speech as Youth chief at the 2025 Umno Youth General Assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. Muhamad Akmal said his resignation would take effect next week.

after discussions with Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Ab Rauf. When met outside Dewan Merdeka following Muhamad Akmal’s announcement, Ab Rauf said he acknowledged his intention to step down from his position. “As the head of the state

The was witnessed by Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. Muhamad Akmal said while he is resigning from his exco post, he would never abandon Umno Youth. “I hereby apologise. However, I will never leave Umno Youth.” He said the decision was made announcement

Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan speaking at the assembly yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

‘Convey genuine views of grassroots without fear’ KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Salleh called on delegates not to be afraid to voice the genuine views of the grassroots. In his policy speech at the 2025 Umno Youth General Assembly, he said the gathering is the highest platform within the party to express views honestly, courteously and openly, in line with the party’s constitution and rules. themselves are to criticise others. He said differences of opinion are not a problem but a form of strength if managed maturely. Muhamad A kmal stressed that Umno Youth’s struggle is not for short-term comfort but to ensure that the party’s cause remains alive in the future. hardship, living alongside the people, and that is why we understand their struggles.” Commenting on Umno Youth’s performance, Akmal said successes in several by-elections prove that the Youth wing is not merely about rhetoric but capable of delivering victories on the ground.

upholding principles, including on issues involving religion and Malay dignity, despite facing political pressure. “People judge us based on principles. When we stand by our principles, they will eventually return to support us.” He said Umno Youth is now gearing up for the 16th general election with the clear aim of securing a strong victory and providing a structured and clear political pathway for the party’s younger generation. “Those who came today are not wealthy people. “Some work as food delivery riders, some drive Grab, some had to take unpaid leave. We came because we love the party and we want to save Umno.” – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee

He cited Barisan Nasional’s resounding victory in the Nenggiri by-election in Kelantan last year with a majority of nearly 3,000 votes as well as increased support among young voters in the Air Kuning state by-election in Perak in 2024, which he said were the result of hard work by Umno Youth machinery. “We answer doubts not with empty talk but with results at the ballot box.” Muhamad A kmal also spoke on Umno Youth’s firm stance in

“We are not fighting for ourselves. We are fighting for future generations, for our children. This is not an easy path but it is the right path to restore Umno’s dignity.” He added that the majority of the current Umno Youth leadership comes from humble, working-class backgrounds and grew up facing hardship, allowing them to understand the pulse of the grassroots. “We did not come in BMWs or luxury cars. We came from alleys of

“If the grassroots feel they are uncomfortable with being in the government, then voice it in this hall. Do not be afraid. If you are comfortable, say that you are comfortable and explain why. We do not want to be the hand that destroys Umno but the hand that saves the party.” Muhamad A kmal said Umno Youth members must be brave enough to accept criticism if they

FRIDAY | JAN 16, 2026

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HERE

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Malaysian Paper

/thesun

Climate Bill to be tabled in Parliament by March

Safer Internet Day event to promote ethical use of AI KUALA LUMPUR: Safer Internet Day, to be celebrated on Feb 8, will focus on promoting the safe, responsible and ethical use of the internet and AI. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced that the large-scale community event, which brings together digital safety education, smart technology and family-friendly entertainment, would be held at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here. It said the organisation of the event, in conjunction with International Safer Internet Day and celebrated annually in more than 170 countries, aims to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of the internet, particularly among children and young people. “With the theme ‘Smart Technology, Safe Choices: Safe and Responsible Use of AI’, the event emphasises the importance of making wise digital choices in leveraging technology and AI, in line with the current needs of the evolving digital landscape. “The main focus is on children, youth and families so that technology is used ethically and responsibly.” During the event, the public will be presented with various activities, including an interactive internet safety exhibition, pocket talk sessions with experts, community activities, smart technology demonstrations and the official launch of the Safe Internet Campaign, Bernama reported. The event will feature a mini-concert by local artistes as a relaxed approach to reach out to people from all walks of life, while also conveying digital safety messages in a more family-friendly atmosphere. MCMC said Safer Internet Day supports efforts to build a Madani Civil Society, a society that is knowledgeable, resilient, competitive, sensitive and responsible in the online environment. It added that the public is invited to attend and help celebrate Safer Internet Day, and to join in creating a safer internet ecosystem for everyone. challenged, and education on portion control and diet, especially reducing carbohydrates and prioritising protein, is essential. She often reminds patients that while skipping rice might seem difficult, failing to control their diet could lead to far more serious consequences, such as heart disease or kidney failure. Rohana called on policymakers, the government and insurance companies to invest in effective obesity medications, highlighting that some ethnic disparities still exist in access to treatment and willingness to pay. “By combining medical therapy with education, empathy and multidisciplinary care, we could promote a holistic approach, such as one that reduces stigma and encourages individuals to achieve sustained health improvements.”

o Plan represents part of ministry’s push to move from policy planning to concrete action

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

CYBERJAYA: The long-awaited National Climate Change Bill will be tabled in Parliament by March, marking one of the first major deliverables under the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry’s first 100-day agenda for 2026. Its newly appointed minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the Bill is expected to provide Malaysia with a clear legal framework to address climate change. It is a central part of the ministry’s push to move from policy planning to concrete action, in line with the country’s commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. He said 2026 would be a decisive year for action, echoing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for tangible outcomes from government policies. “If previous years were about planning, this year is the year of implementation and acceleration. “The people no longer want to hear promises. They want to see real results,” he said yesterday. Also present at the event was the ministry’s new deputy minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh. Arthur said the National Climate Change Bill will be tabled for its first reading alongside a companion Bill to establish a National Climate Change Authority. KUALA LUMPUR: Over half of Malaysian adults are classified as obese but many avoid treatment due to self-blame, even though untreated hormonal and metabolic conditions could worsen health outcomes, experts say. Malaysian Obesity Society president Prof Dr Rohana Abdul Ghani said obesity care remains underutilised partly because of stigma, with many patients feeling ashamed to seek help, believing their condition reflects personal failure rather than a complex hormonal and metabolic disorder. “Many patients wrongly blame themselves for their weight, but obesity is often caused by underlying physiological and hormonal factors. “In women, conditions such as Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Arthur (centre) said the urgency to act is greater than ever, citing increasingly frequent floods and heatwaves as evidence that climate change is no longer a distant threat. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

loss are improving overall health, focusing on restoring health rather than appearance.” Rohana said for patients who are morbidly obese, the focus should shift from prevention to preventing obesity-related complications, such as using functional therapies. “We will continue to advocate better access to treatment and recognition of obesity as a medical condition that requires proper management,” she said, adding that obesity should be treated as a chronic disease rather than a lifestyle failure. She also said urbanisation contributes to obesity through sedentary lifestyles, while Malaysia faces unique challenges, such as costly and less accessible healthy food. She highlighted that cultural habits such as feeling obligated to finish all food served need to be must move fast, set weekly targets, monitor progress and remove bureaucratic obstacles. The world will not wait for us to resolve the climate crisis.” He stressed that the ministry would take a firm stance against environmental offences. “I will not compromise on any illegal logging, unlicensed mining or encroachment into forest reserves. “We must ensure every inch of the nation’s natural resources is managed with full transparency so that the benefits return to the people, not to parties seeking to profit at the expense of the environment.” He also urged swift action on disaster management as well as climate adaptation. “Early warning systems must be strengthened according to schedule, with no bureaucratic delays. “The wellbeing of the people is our highest KPI and 2026 must be the year in which plans turn into real results for Malaysians.”

“Earlier weight-loss medications relied mainly on appetite suppression by targeting the brain alone. While initially effective, their benefits diminish over time and rapid weight regain often occurs once treatment is stopped. “Newer injectable obesity treatments target both the brain and the gut, helping regulate appetite more effectively, so weight regain happens more slowly when treatment is reduced or stopped, making them a better option for patients who need medical support.” She emphasised that treatment should start early as weight gain becomes harder to reverse, and healthcare providers should act without delay. “Historically, weight loss and organ protection were difficult to achieve due to limited treatments, but newer drugs that enable significant weight The ministry also plans to devolve regulatory powers over scheduled waste to Sabah and Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 through amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974, also targeted for tabling by March. Other initiatives include expanding the Low Carbon City 2030 Challenge to drive urban transformation, launching a nationwide “Plastic-Free, Earth-Safe” campaign, and providing financial incentives for states to protect forests and biodiversity. He said RM250 million will be allocated for the forest conservation cause in 2026, including funds for community rangers tasked with addressing illegal logging and wildlife poaching. He acknowledged that achieving all 10 key performance indicators (KPIs) in 100 days would be a major challenge but remained optimistic. “Starting today, there is no more ‘wait and see’. Every department

polycystic ovary syndrome are highly prevalent, while in men, issues such as hypogonadism also contribute to weight gain. “These conditions need to be properly identified and diagnosed so that appropriate treatment can be given,” she said yesterday after an event announcing that an injectable obesity treatment would be available here soon. Rohana, who is also senior consultant endocrinologist, said some patients struggle with persistent“food noise”, which makes appetite control extremely difficult, and stressed the need for medical intervention. She said many patients turn to supplements in an attempt to manage their weight but these products are often poorly regulated, with inconsistent dosing, and have been linked to serious complications, including liver and kidney failure. When asked if it would be tabled in the upcoming parliamentary session next week, he said the first reading of the Bill would most likely take place then. The Bill was previously delayed to allow broader consultations with state governments and industry players, amid concerns that uneven enforcement could undermine its effectiveness. Arthur said the urgency to act is greater than ever, citing increasingly frequent floods and heatwaves as evidence that climate change is no longer a distant threat. “The climate change agenda is a matter of national survival. We no longer have the luxury of time to merely discuss it. We are now in the phase of action.” He also outlined other targets under the 100-day plan, including formulating a National Carbon Market Policy to boost private sector and financial participation in carbon trading under the Paris Agreement.

‘Obesity care underutilised due to stigma’

FRIDAY | JAN 16, 2026 5 KLIA cracking down on wildlife trafficking SEPANG: KL International Airport (KLIA) is strengthening its role as a responsible global gateway through proactive efforts to address illegal wildlife trafficking. Its operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said the growing sophistication of transnational smuggling syndicates requires stronger awareness, early detection and heightened vigilance across the airport ecosystem. MAHB said while border enforcement remains under the purview of the Border Control and Protection Agency and agencies such as the Wildlife and National Parks Department, airport operators play a critical supporting role at the earliest stages of passenger and baggage processing. To this end, it has introduced “Eyes at KUL: Enhancing Frontline Awareness Against Wildlife Trafficking”, a targeted programme aimed at equipping frontline airport personnel with practical knowledge to identify red flags and escalate concerns appropriately. The programme involves not only MAHB staff, but also the airport community and airport stakeholders, such as ground handlers, airline ground staff and many others, who are often the first to notice unusual behaviour or suspicious baggage. “An initial batch of about 200 personnel took part in the programme, with plans to continue and expand the initiative next year,” MAHB said in a statement. It added that the inclusive approach promotes shared responsibility across the airport community, supported by clear reporting pathways that enable timely intervention while respecting enforcement roles. Sharing its achievements in addressing wildlife trafficking, MAHB said its aviation security team was the first to identify and intercept more than 22 wildlife trafficking cases between January and November 2025, resulting in the rescue of 7,788 illegally trafficked animals. Among the notable successes were the interception of Indian star tortoises, 116 live scorpion mud turtles and two gibbons in separate cases through coordinated action with the agency and the department, it said. – Bernama Officers trained to spot suspicious acts KUALA LUMPUR: The Customs Department has trained 65 frontline officers in neuro-linguistic and neuro-diversity programming to enhance their ability to identify suspicious passenger behaviour. Its director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin said the trained officers are capable of assessing facial expressions, body language and movements during inspections, enabling more detailed checks to be carried out on individuals deemed suspicious, Bernama reported. “The approach based on specialised training, intelligence and technology helps the department balance the need to facilitate legitimate trade and ensure law enforcement is implemented effectively to protect national security and public safety.” On a separate matter, Anis Rizana said the 44th International Customs Day will be celebrated on Jan 26 in Cyberjaya and will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The celebration will feature various activities, including exhibitions of seized items that will be open to the public. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment”. Anis Rizana said vigilance refers to the department’s role in ensuring prohibited and dangerous goods are not brought into the country through container inspections and compliance with permit requirements set by relevant agencies.

Blast highlights importance of maintenance, safety audits

o Potential accidents preventable through proper engineering controls and management systems: Specialist

closely to ensure inspections are conducted responsibly and thoroughly. “Participation from top management down to the personnel supervising routine checks is essential to maintain a safe environment,” he said. In the aftermath of the explosion, he recommended immediate measures, such as investigating the root cause, isolating or replacing the source of the blast and, where necessary, constructing structural barriers to buffer future incidents. For long-term safety, he advised universities, particularly those with older or high-traffic facilities, to prioritise upgrades. “Obsolete equipment should be replaced with modern, state-of-the-art systems and parts experiencing frequent malfunctions must be addressed without delay.” He also cautioned that the investigation is ongoing, adding that one fatality and several injuries have been reported. “We are not in a position to draw conclusions at this stage as it could interfere with the investigation.”

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Zailani weighed in on the engineering and safety issues surrounding the explosion. “Higher learning institutions maintain dedicated teams to oversee all installations sensitive to fire or explosions. “This vigilance is why such mishaps are extremely rare in Malaysia.” He stressed that many potential accidents are preventable through proper engineering controls and management systems. “Facilities are equipped with sensors to detect irregularities. “These warnings give personnel sufficient time to respond, often preventing accidents before they occur.” Routine maintenance and safety audits are equally critical. According to Warid Wazien, university management and maintenance teams work

PETALING JAYA: A recent explosion at a private university along Jalan Semantan in Bukit Damansara has highlighted the importance of engineering controls, routine maintenance and safety audits in preventing such incidents. The blast, which occurred near a cafeteria-side maintenance area, has been preliminarily linked to an air-conditioning compressor and related maintenance work. While investigations are ongoing, safety experts caution against drawing early conclusions about the cause. Universiti Teknologi Mara Civil Engineering Faculty Industry, Community and Alumni Network coordinator Dr Warid Wazien Ahmad

Azam looking at the cash that was seized in Op Star at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

MACC seizes RM11m in former army chief probe PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized cash and assets worth RM11.4 million in its investigation into a corruption case involving an army procurement tender linked to a former army chief. public prosecutor and the courts under Section 41 of the MACC Act 2009. On Jan 7, the former army chief and his two wives were arrested over the procurement tender project.

final phase after two weeks of intensive work, during which 23 individuals have been arrested and 22 investigation papers relating to corruption offences have been opened. He also said the case is being investigated under Section 17(a) and Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 for the offences of accepting bribes and abusing power by public servants, as well as Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, adding that 30 witnesses have had their statements recorded. He said one of the key challenges in the investigation was tracing financial transactions that had only been partially reported by a complainant. “In corruption cases, we must establish who gave the money. That is what we are working on. For that, MACC had to obtain bank documents and seek help from Bank Negara and the banks involved.” The case resulted in 27 contractors detained to assist in the investigation before being released after their statements were recorded. – Bernama

He was remanded for seven days while one of his wives was held for three days and the other for six days. The former army chief was released on Monday. Azam said investigation papers are expected to be completed by Monday. “I have instructed that the investigation papers be completed by Monday next week and then submitted to the deputy public prosecutor (for further action).” According to him, once the investigation papers are submitted, the prosecutor would examine all evidence, including financial transactions, witness statements and intelligence findings linked to the Armed Forces procurement issue. He confirmed that MACC would recommend that two individuals be charged in the case. Azam said the investigation has entered its

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the items were seized at a house in Kuala Lumpur and another in Besut, Terengganu, following intelligence gathering and investigative leads. The seized items include RM4.4 million in cash, foreign currency equivalent to RM1.4 million and a car valued at RM360,000. Also seized were 26 luxury watches worth RM2.3 million, jewellery valued at RM294,000, two diamond rings worth RM20,000, 3.7kg of gold bars valued at RM2.5 million, a 150g gold medallion worth RM102,000 and two gold dinars weighing 8.5g and valued at RM5,700. In addition, 75 company bank accounts containing RM32.5 million have been frozen as part of the investigation. Azam said MACC would seek forfeiture of all seized assets for transfer to the government for public benefit, subject to approval by a deputy

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Driverless bus service for tourists JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor Bahru City Council is set to introduce an autonomous, or driverless, bus service as a tourist route this year. Johor Bahru Integrated Operations and Control Centre Urban Transport assistant director and commander Dr Choo Kok Wah said the initiative would position Johor as the first state in the country to implement such a mode of transport for local and international tourists. He said the procurement of the buses involved part of an allocation grant channelled by the Digital Ministry. “In line with Visit Johor Year, the initial phase of operations will involve selected routes for tourist use,” he told Bernama. He added that the high-tech transportation initiative is among the agenda items the council needs to implement to meet the requirements of the Malaysian Smart City rating. Through the same allocation, the council has also acquired 30 units of mobile solar powered CCTV cameras equipped with AI technology, which will be deployed at locations prone to illegal waste dumping, for monitoring and enforcement purposes. In addition, he said the council plans to add three units of drones to support field operations, including area surveillance and early emergency response. “These drones also have the potential to be used for emergency equipment delivery, such as automated external defibrillators in public areas, in the event of cardiac emergencies.” He added that the council also plans to add about 2,000 units of AI-powered CCTV cameras to support its operations in monitoring the city. The cameras will be installed at major road intersections to facilitate traffic management, through real-time analysis of vehicle flow and the information collected will be used to adjust the duration of traffic light changes when congestion occurs. Currently, 500 CCTV units, equipped with 15 AI features have been deployed across the city since the council began operations in December 2023. The control centre monitors various aspects, including public safety, crime, disasters, traffic congestion, environmental cleanliness and road damage.

Roselin said she took about eight months to

complete the artwork, after

conducting research and reading historical materials. – BERNAMAPIC

Time-transcending artwork o Artist captures evolution

“In that regard, every line, shape and shadow plays an important role in conveying meaning and helping to highlight the details and narrative arrangement in this work,” she said, adding that the artwork was created entirely by hand, with each line built up gradually to form structure and shading. “Drawing with a pen inevitably comes with mistakes and because the sketch cannot be erased, I had to correct errors using lines and ‘hatching’ techniques so that the mistakes are not obvious,” she explained. Roselin, a former landscape architect, said the work was published in a limited edition of 20 prints to ensure quality and exclusivity, and is her personal creative contribution in introducing Malaysia in conjunction with VMY 2026. “This drawing also conveys the message that Malaysia’s beauty lies not only in colourful visuals, but also in the meaning, history and soul of the homeland. “Therefore, I hope visitors will see Malaysia not merely as a tourist destination, but as a country whose history, nature and identity are deeply interconnected.”

a self-sustaining way of life. “As the drawing enters the colonial era, I included elements such as rubber tapping activities, trishaws and shophouses, as well as historical symbols like the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the National Monument, which represent the struggle and sacrifice in the fight for independence. “The upper section illustrates modern Malaysia through development elements such as oil palm plantations, the Proton Saga as the first national car, public transport systems, Malaysia Airlines aircraft and Kuala Lumpur’s skyscrapers,” she told Bernama when met at her home recently. Roselin said she took about eight months to complete the artwork, beginning with research and reading historical materials before translating them into pencil sketches, which were then refined using a fine-tip pen. Produced in monochrome (black and white) except for two subjects, namely the Malaysian flag and the country’s first light rail transit system, STAR LRT, she said the approach ensures the viewer remains focused on the story and structure of the drawing.

SHAH ALAM: Using a pen as her medium, artist Yuslinda Yusof has captured Malaysia’s transformation from the pre-colonial era to the modern nation it is today, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026. Yuslinda, 49, better known by her pen name Roselin, said the artwork titled “Malaysiaku: Bermulanya Di Sini”, is arranged as a visual narrative to be read from bottom to top, beginning with life before independence, followed by the colonial era, independence and finally, modern Malaysia. “The opening section of the drawing depicts village life before independence, including traditional Malay houses, padi fields, village (landscape) and livestock as symbols of of Malaysia through pen drawings in conjunction with VMY 2026

FRIDAY | JAN 16, 2026

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Another crane collapses in Thailand, two killed

Black box for crashed jet located TAIPEI: The Taiwanese Air Force yesterday said it has located the black box of an F-16 fighter jet that apparently crashed into the sea last week. The single-seat F-16V disappeared off Taiwan’s east coast on Jan 6, about 70 minutes after taking off for a routine night training mission. The pilot, who remains missing, is believed to have ejected before the aircraft went down. The Air Force added that signals from the flight data recorder, commonly known as the black box, had been “detected and accurately located”. “As for the search and rescue of personnel, despite continuous day and night searches by aircraft, ships and coastal patrol personnel, no results have been achieved.“ The Air Force also said it would commission a professional team to start salvaging the aircraft as soon as possible. Taiwan is upgrading its defence capabilities as China maintains military pressure on the democratic island, which Beijing claims is part of its territory. – AFP The sources said Chinese authorities expressed concern the software could collect and transmit confidential information abroad. They declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue. – Reuters China orders stop to use of US, Israeli software BEIJING: Chinese authorities have told domestic companies to stop using cybersecurity software made by more than a dozen firms from the United States and Israel due to national security concerns, said three people briefed on the matter. As trade and diplomatic tensions flare between China and the US, and both sides vie for tech supremacy, Beijing has been keen to replace Western-made technology with domestic alternatives. Two of the sources said the US companies under the ban include Broadcom-owned VMware, Palo Alto Networks and Fortinet, while the Israeli companies include Check Point Software Technologies. One of the sources said other banned companies include Alphabet-owned Mandiant and Wiz, whose purchase Alphabet announced last year, as well as US firms CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Recorded Future, McAfee, Claroty and Rapid7.

in defence spending to 2033 to underscore Taiwan’s determination to defend itself in the face of the rising threat from China. But Taiwan’s opposition, which has the most seats in parliament, has not let the measure progress to the committee stage for review, arguing that the spending details are vague. Hsu also said Defence Minister Wellington Koo would give lawmakers a confidential briefing on Monday, adding that the ministry is happy to give more details. “It is not that we are unwilling to explain. Give us an opportunity to explain, a legal opportunity. This is not a ‘black box’.” The Trump administration has strongly backed Taiwan’s plans to ramp up military spending, something it has been pushing its allies in Europe in particular to do. Hsu said Taiwan had to spend more given the threat. “Everyone knows the threat we are facing is growing and growing.“ Taiwan’s democratically elected government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying only the island’s people can decide their future. – Reuters BANGKOK: The collapse of a highway construction crane killed two individuals near Bangkok yesterday. Thai Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the building firm behind the project, Italian-Thai Development, was also involved in another crane failure the day before that left 32 dead. The company was contracted to build a section of a China-backed high-speed rail project in Nakhon Ratchasima province, where a crane fell on Wednesday, derailing a passenger train below and killing 32 of nearly 200 people on board. “Yes, it is Italian-Thai. I still do not understand what happened,” Phiphat told local media yesterday. “We have to find out the facts, whether it was an accident or something else.” The company, one of Thailand’s biggest construction firms, has seen several deadly accidents at its sites in recent years. Police said the incident yesterday took place at the under-construction Rama II Expressway in Samut Sakhon province, outside Bangkok. The Rama II Expressway, an important highway linking the capital to Thailand’s south, hosts several major infrastructure projects, including tollway construction. Major work has been underway for years to expand the road capacity and reduce congestion but the project has been beset by delays and fatalities. In March, a concrete beam forming part of an under-construction elevated roadway collapsed on Rama II, killing several people. A crane collapse in November 2024 killed at least three workers, while local media reported two more deadly incidents in May 2023 and January 2024. Italian-Thai expressed condolences on Wednesday and promised to compensate the families of victims and cover medical expenses for the injured. Phiphat said all parties involved would be held accountable, including Italian-Thai and a Chinese consultancy company. – AFP o Back-to-back incidents tied to same firm, says transport minister

A police officer and workers inspecting the site of the crane collapse. – REUTERSPIC

Indonesian troops rescue 18 workers from rebel siege

More arms sales in pipeline: Taiwan TAIPEI: Taiwanese Vice-Defence Minister Hsu Szu-chien yesterday said more United States arms sales to Taiwan are in the pipeline, with four deals yet to be notified to Congress. The statement follows the announcement of an US$11 billion (RM44.6 billion) package last month, the largest ever for the island. The US is Taiwan’s most important

JAKARTA: Officials yesterday said the Indonesian military rescued 18 workers at gold and copper mining firm Freeport Indonesia that had been surrounded by armed rebels for three days at a company outpost in the insurgency plagued Papua region. The Free Papua Movement rebel group says it is fighting for secession of the region from Indonesia, which has controlled half of the resource-rich island since 1969 after decades of Dutch control. The other half of the massive Pacific island, one of the largest in the world, is the independent state of Papua New Guinea, north of Australia. Indonesian Defence Ministry spokesperson Rico Ricardo Sirait said the workers were fixing one of Freeport’s electric towers in the Tembagapura district in the mountainous Central Papua province when rebels surrounded them last week. “They intimidated the workers and fired shots to frighten or trouble them psychologically.” He added that the military used drones to

deliver food and medicine to the stranded workers, before evacuating them to safety after three days. Freeport Indonesia and the spokesperson of Papuan separatists did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The military did not provide details on the operation to extricate the workers, but said no shots were fired. “The rescue operation was carried out in extremely difficult terrain with a high level of threat and time constraints as crucial factors,“ said operation commander Major-Gen Lucky Avianto. Footage shared by the military on YouTube showed two dozen armed soldiers passing through a forest and river at night, apparently near the site. Another photo showed the soldiers with the rescued workers. Papua is one of Indonesia’s poorest regions, despite being resource rich. It is home to Freeport’s Grasberg mine, which is one of the world’s largest gold and copper mines. – Reuters

international backer and arms supplier, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties. China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, held war games around the island in December 2025 after the latest deal was announced. “Don’t ask me what four these are, I cannot say. However, there are still four cases yet to be notified to Congress,“ Hsu said, adding he could not say more for legal reasons. The US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside Washington business hours. The announced December arms sales cover eight items, including Lockheed Martin Himars rocket systems and Altius loitering munition drones. In November, President Lai Ching-te unveiled an extra US$40 billion (RM162 billion)

FRIDAY | JAN 16, 2026

8

Trump presses forward with plan for Greenland

Visa processing for 75 countries paused WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump’s administration is suspending processing for immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, a State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday, as part of Washington’s intensifying immigration crackdown. The spokesperson said the pause, which will begin on Jan 21, would impact applicants from Latin American countries including Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay; Balkan countries such as Bosnia and Albania; South Asian countries Pakistan and Bangladesh, and those from many nations in Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean. A State Department cable outlining the move said the department was undergoing a “full review”of all policies, regulations and guidance to ensure “the highest level of screening and vetting” for all US visa applicants. The cable, sent to US missions, said there were indications that nationals from the countries had sought public benefits in the US. The move, which was first reported by Fox News, does not impact US visitor visas, which have been in the spotlight given the country is hosting the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. The decision follows a November directive to US diplomats asking them to ensure that visa applicants are financially self-sufficient and do not risk becoming dependent on government subsidies during their stay, according to a State Department cable seen by Reuters at the time. “The State Department will use its authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” said State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott. “Immigrant visa processing from the 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.” Trump has pursued an immigration crackdown since returning to office, sending federal agents to US cities and sparking violent confrontations with migrants and citizens. – Reuters X announces steps to curtail Grok AI SAN FRANCISCO: Elon Musk’s platform X on Wednesday announced measures to prevent its AI chatbot Grok from undressing images of real people, following global backlash over its generation of sexualised photos of women and children. The announcement comes after California’s attorney-general launched an investigation into Musk’s xAI, the developer of Grok, over the sexually explicit material and multiple countries either blocked access to the chatbot or launched their own probes. X said it would “geoblock the ability” of all Grok and X users to create images of people in “bikinis, underwear and similar attire” in jurisdictions where such actions are illegal. “We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing. “This restriction applies to all users, including paid subscribers.” X added that in an “extra layer of protection”, image creation and the ability to edit photos via X’s Grok account is now only available to paid subscribers. The European Commission, which acts as the EU’s digital watchdog, earlier said it had taken note of “additional measures X is taking to ban Grok from generating sexualised images of women and children”. “We will carefully assess the changes to make sure they effectively protect citizens in the EU.” – AFP

o Washington refuses to change stance after high-stakes meeting

Denmark said they had begun to increase their military presence in and around Greenland in close cooperation with Nato allies, as part of their promise to beef up Arctic defence. The Danish Defence Ministry said the increased military presence would include a range of activities throughout 2026. During the press conference, Rasmussen and Motzfeldt called the meeting respectful and emphasised that Denmark shared US concerns about Arctic security. However, they firmly rejected the idea of the island becoming American. While Trump has at times portrayed the island as besieged by Russian and Chinese ships, Rasmussen rejected that characterisation on Wednesday, saying “it is not a true narrative that we have Chinese warships all around the place”. Analysts said the meeting presented an opportunity for Copenhagen and Nuuk to de-escalate the crisis and find a diplomatic path to satisfy US demands for more control. Former political adviser to ex-Danish premier Helle Thorning-Schmidt Noa Redington said concerns were high in Denmark and Greenland that Motzfeldt and Rasmussen could be treated in the same way as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, when he suffered a public humiliation in a meeting with Trump – and Vance – at the White House in February 2025. – Reuters arguing that it is vital for US security. After meeting US officials, including vice president JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said it was “clear that the president has this wish of conquering Greenland”, which he argued was “absolutely not necessary”. Sweden has also said it would take part in the European military mission. – AFP

Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt said the US and Denmark would form a working group to discuss a broad array of concerns regarding the island that could meet in the coming weeks. However, they also made clear that Washington had not budged on its position that it must acquire Greenland, an outcome Rasmussen and Motzfeldt described as an unacceptable breach of sovereignty. “We didn’t manage to change the American position. It’s clear that the president has this wish of conquering Greenland,” Rasmussen told reporters outside the Danish embassy in Washington after the meeting concluded. Before the meeting, which lasted about two hours, Trump argued on social media that Nato would become more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the US. Recently, he has repeated longstanding claims that acquiring Greenland is a national security imperative and Denmark is not capable of warding off Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic region. Greenland and Denmark say the island is not for sale, adding that threats of force are reckless and security concerns should be resolved among allies. Prominent EU countries have backed Denmark, which is a member of the Nato alliance. Ahead of the meeting, Greenland and

WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday reiterated that the US needs Greenland and Denmark cannot be relied upon to protect the island, adding that “something will work out” with respect to the future governance of the Danish overseas territory. The remarks, which came after a high-stakes meeting between US, Danish and Greenlandic officials, indicate that there are still fundamental, if not intractable differences between how Washington, Copenhagen and Nuuk see the political future of the island. “Greenland is very important for the national security, including of Denmark,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “And the problem is there’s not a thing that Denmark can do about it if Russia or China wants to occupy Greenland, but there’s everything we can do. You found that out last week with Venezuela.” Earlier in the day, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance at the White House. Following that meeting, Danish Foreign

Germany, France to mobilise troops BERLIN: Germany and France on Wednesday said they would send troops to Greenland along with other European countries, as US President Donald Trump ramped up threats to conquer the Arctic island. According to Berlin, the mission aims to “explore the framework conditions for possible military contributions to support Denmark in ensuring security in the region”.

France, the European Union’s only nuclear power, also confirmed that it would send troops to Greenland, after a meeting between US, Danish and Greenlandic officials. Trump has repeatedly vowed to take control of the autonomous Danish territory,

The German Defence Ministry said the deployment of a 13-strong Bundeswehr reconnaissance team to the Greenlandic capital Nuuk yesterday was at Denmark’s invitation.

STANDING IN SUPPORT ... Demonstrators in Amsterdam hold flags and placards during a march in solidarity with protesters in Iran. – AFPPIC