23/01/2026

FRIDAY | JAN 23, 2026 5 Unregistered childcare centre linked to abuse PUTRAJAYA: A childcare centre in Selangor, believed to be linked to violations of standard operating procedures, including allegations of abuse at several of its branches, was found to be unregistered under the Child Care Centre Act 1984. The Social Welfare Department said in a statement investigations conducted by its Selangor division at three branch premises of the childcare centre found that they were operating in unsatisfactory conditions that were not conducive to childcare and failed to meet basic safety requirements. “Based on the findings, the department will take enforcement action and issue notices to seal the premises concerned.” The department added that the centres were offering childcare services across multiple categories, including nursery and kindergarten services, as well as rehabilitation or therapy programmes for children with disabilities. The statement also said the investigation also involves the Selangor Education Department for further review and appropriate action. On allegations of child abuse, the department said the matter has been reported to police and is currently being investigated by the relevant authorities. Shah Alam police chief ACP Ramsay Embol said statements have also been recorded from an influencer who exposed the incident, and police are inspecting closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage at the premises of the branches involved. “The reports were made by parents, including one of an autistic child. So far, some branches under investigation have yet to hand over their CCTV recordings, which will be seized.” The case is being investigated under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001. The department said it would hold a meeting with the nursery operator concerned to obtain clarification on the issues raised. It also emphasised that the safety, protection and wellbeing of children remain its top priority, and reminded parents to ensure their children are placed only in registered childcare centres. “Registered childcare centres are required to comply with the provisions of the Child Care Centre Act 1984, including minimum standards of safety, cleanliness, physical facilities and caregiver-to-child ratios.” – Bernama Cops cripple syndicate, seize RM1m drugs GEORGE TOWN: Police have crippled a drug distribution syndicate involving methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) worth RM1 million following the arrest of two men in separate raids in Bukit Mertajam. Penang deputy police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said state Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department officers conducted the raids between 2pm and midnight on Wednesday following intelligence gathering. He said the first raid led to the arrest of a man in a parking lot, where a search of a vehicle led to the discovery of a brown box containing several packets of powder believed to be MDMA. “A check of the box revealed 271 packets of various brands and colours containing MDMA powder, weighing an estimated 6kg. “Following the arrest, police subsequently picked up the suspect’s accomplice in a nearby area.” Mohd Alwi said intelligence showed the syndicate had been active since October 2025, and the total amount of drugs seized could have produced 50,000 doses. He said urine tests showed both suspects tested positive for ketamine, while checks revealed that both men had criminal and drug-related records. The suspects, aged 33 and 41, have been remanded for seven days until Jan 27 to assist in investigations. – Bernama

RM2.04 million in seizures from border enforcement

o Latest operation thwarts illegal pork import worth over RM660,000

Belgium, valued at RM495,740.30, due to incomplete documentation. Shuhaily said the recent spike in pork smuggling attempts may be linked to rising demand ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations. “During this period, demand for pork products usually rises and our team remains on high alert.” He also warned the public about biosecurity risks linked to illegal pork imports, particularly from countries affected by African swine fever. “Nearly 14 countries are currently banned from exporting pork to Malaysia due to concerns over (the disease). “While it does not easily spread to humans, poor hygiene and handling could allow it to spread to other livestock.” The operation was carried out by agency enforcement teams with inter-agency coordination overseen by Port Klang Entry Control Commander senior assistant commissioner Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal. Investigations are being conducted under Section 11(1) and Section 15(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011, after both shipments were found to have entered Port Klang without valid Maqis import permits and proper certification. The seized meat will be disposed following court approval and legal action will be taken against importers who fail to comply with permit requirements.

“When it comes to maritime enforcement, I am not yet able to state empirically that Port Klang is the main point of entry for smuggling activities. There are still many gaps that we need to improve. “The same applies to land routes. I cannot say for certain that Bukit Kayu Hitam or Rantau Panjang are the main smuggling points either,” he told reporters during a press conference at the CFS4 warehouse site at Westport in Port Klang yesterday. He also said the agency, which has been operating for just over a year, was still in the process of strengthening coordination across agencies and improving data accuracy before making firm assessments. “(We) have been operating for only 12 months and 22 days. There are still many fundamental areas that need improvement. “Today’s (Jan 22) success belongs to our officers who despite the short time frame, have followed our direction and worked together.” The latest enforcement measure involved the seizure of two containers of frozen pork at Westport on Jan 20, with an estimated value of RM660,137.85 and a total weight of 49,972.74kg. The shipment originated from Spain, a country not recognised for pork imports to Malaysia, and was found to have an expired import permit with no valid Maqis approval. The seizure followed another operation on Jan 14, in which the same enforcement team intercepted 27,000kg of pork imported from

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KLANG: Enforcement actions at land, air and sea entry points since the beginning of this year have resulted in 50 cases with total seizures worth RM2.04 million, involving multiple agencies including Customs, Immigration, Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service (Maqis) and the Health Ministry. Customs recorded the highest seizure value at RM1,500,975, followed by narcotics related cases at RM305,880 and Maqis-linked cases at RM151,916.40. Border Control and Protection Agency director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the figures reflected collective enforcement efforts but cautioned against drawing conclusions on any single entry point being a main smuggling hub. “In the context of our operations, we cover land, sea and air. The figures I mentioned earlier are not something I take personal pride in, because there are still many fundamental areas that need to be strengthened.

Mohd Shuhaily (right) dan Nik Ezanee (left) with the seized shipment of frozen pork at Port Klang. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Police identify two suspects in heritage player case KUALA LUMPUR: Police have identified two individuals believed to be involved in the forgery of documents submitted to the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) involving seven Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) heritage players. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime by FAM. “A total of 43 witnesses, comprising representatives from FAM, the National Registration Department and the public have had their statements recorded to complete the investigation into this case.” He added that initial investigations found that the process of obtaining citizenship through naturalisation for the seven players was carried out in accordance with proper procedures and in compliance with laws. forgery during the registration process of the players for submission to FIFA. “The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of not less than one year and not more than 10 years, with whipping and a possible fine.” Rusdi advised the public not to make any speculation that could interfere with the investigation. Investigation Department director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said efforts were currently underway to track down the two suspects to assist in the investigation. He said police have received 45 reports regarding the issue, including one lodged He also said the investigation is now focused on elements of fraud and document He added that police are committed to ensuring transparency and integrity in the investigation to guarantee justice without protecting any party. – Bernama