25/01/2026

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No. 9044 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Mohd Kurniawan greeting well-wishers in Kinabatangan last night. – BERNAMAPIC

Coalition candidate Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar gives rivals massive dusting in contest for Kinabatangan parliamentary seat. in contest for Kinabatangan parliamentary seat g Almost 20,000 ‘ayes’ for BN page 2

INSIDE

Bus in crash resulting in deaths of 15 Upsi students driven at high speed: Report

Redevelopment plans for aged properties must include fair terms, says expert.

Tourism Malaysia takes VM2026 promotional activities to shopping malls nationwide.

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NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday JAN 25, 2026

BN wins decisively in Kinabatangan by-election

PETALING Winning candidates in the Lamag and Kinabatangan by-elections must prioritise effective service delivery and accountability to earn voters’ trust in the months ahead, said International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri. She said service delivery remains the most critical priority for elected representatives, JAYA: challenging journey across a river known for its risks, several residents of Kampung Bilit Seberang made their way to cast their votes for the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state seats yesterday. Tourism worker Siti Zamziah Zaini, 42 said she, her mother, five siblings and neighbours began their journey as early as 8am from the village jetty. They crossed the Kinabatangan River to reach the polling station at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bilit. The crossing, which takes PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) claimed a decisive victory in the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election yesterday. Its candidate Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar, son of the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, secured close to 20,000 votes, ahead of Warisan’s Saddi Abdul Rahman and Independent Goldam Hamid, who garnered 5,638 and 946 respectively as of 9pm last night. After counting had been completed at all 119 polling streams, BN reportedly won the seat with a 14,214-vote majority with 54.66% voter turnout, based on preliminary results. Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki confirmed the outcome in a social media post. He said in Lamag, BN’s Mohd Ismail Ayob obtained 7,269 votes, ahead of Warisan’s Mazliwati Abdul Malek, who polled 1,588 votes, to secure a majority of 5,681 in the straight contest. After counting at all 32 polling streams in Lamag had been completed, voter turnout was reported at 64%. Earlier, Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said BN had retained both seats in the by-elections. “ Alhamdulillah , Kinabatangan and Lamag remain with BN. Thank you to everyone,” he said in a post on his Facebook page. He added that Umno Youth has now produced another elected representative to serve Ű BY HASHINI KAVISHTRI KANNAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

around 10 minutes, requires careful attention due to the potential risk of encountering crocodiles. “In our Orang Sungai language, we call crocodiles adu-adu , which is a term of respect, like calling someone grandmother. We have cultural norms and taboos too. For example, we always ask for permission to pass, so they don’t disturb us.” She added that although the journey carries risks, she and her family trust fate. “We have encountered crocodiles before but we remain adding that voters want leaders who are responsive and capable of delivering results. She said recent electoral trends in Sabah point to a shift in voter expectations, with greater emphasis on governance standards rather than party loyalty or individual personalities. She added that a strong showing by the Opposition would reflect a growing demand for checks and balances in state governance. “Yes, it would mean that Sabah politics may be moving away from personalities or parties, and Mohd Kurniawan secures almost 20,000 votes, leaving no room for doubt on which candidate was favourite among constituents the people. “We don’t just talk, we deliver! This is the Umno Youth way. Grateful to the party leadership for trusting the Youth to represent the party.” A total of 48,526 voters were eligible to cast their ballots in Kinabatangan, while Lamag had 13,703 registered voters. Voting in both constituencies proceeded smoothly under good weather conditions, with no untoward incidents reported. A total of 1,106 Election Commission staff, supported by 926 police personnel managed the by-elections, while 176 police personnel and their spouses cast their early ballots on Jan 20.

National and state-level Umno Youth members celebrating Mohd Kurniawan’s victory last night. – PIC COURTESY OF UMNO YOUTH FACEBOOK PAGE

Kinabatangan saw a three cornered fight, while Lamag witnessed a straight contest between BN and Warisan.

the official results. The were triggered by the death of Bung Moktar, 66, on Dec 5 last year. by-elections

Vote counting took place at Dewan Sri Lamag, with returning officer Eddy Syaizul Rizam Abdullah announcing

‘Winning candidates must prioritise service delivery, accountability’

sight. My eyesight worsened after a fall down the stairs, and for the last two months I have been entirely blind,” he said at the polling centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Garam II. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Siti Khairia Asri, who was voting for the second time, said she was determined not to miss the chance to fulfil her responsibilities in the by-elections. She said despite the recent state election, young voters like her had no reason to take their responsibility lightly. – Bernama results are unlikely to significantly influence Sabah’s next state election, which is still five years away. “The results of this by-election are merely completing the legacy of Bung Mokhtar and Umno (BN) and will not change Sabah politics in the upcoming state elections.” Mazlan said BN’s victory reaffirms these constituencies as party strongholds while also signalling to the party that sustained engagement and consistent service delivery are needed to maintain voter support.

responsibility as a voter. Undeterred by his visual impairment, 66-year-old Ammase Baco also cast his vote in yesterday’s Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections, assisted by his daughter. He said it was the second time he had exercised his right to vote, having first done so in the Sabah state election on Nov 29 last year, after his vision deteriorated in September. “I have never missed voting in any election, despite a severe corneal problem affecting my see consistency. Looking ahead, she said representatives must adopt tailored strategies to meet the needs of different voter groups. “For rural communities, it is important to deliver basic needs and access, while younger voters want more transparency and accountability. “So, it really is about clear communication and clear outcomes that meet the needs of the people.” Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali said the by-election

optimistic and proceed with caution,” she said after casting her vote. In addition to safety concerns, the villagers face a scarcity of private boats. Many must rely on tourist boats or hitch rides with others. Siti Zamziah said it is common for neighbours to pool resources to buy fuel for the boats, ensuring that they can travel together and support one another in fulfilling their civic duty. For the mother of three, logistical hurdles like these did not stand in the way of her towards accountability to the government.” On infrastructure commitments in Kinabatangan, including major projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway, she stressed that transparency is key in maintaining public confidence. “Public updates and explanations on delays would ensure the credibility of the government.” Syaza said despite the favourable by-election outcome, Umno needs to rebuild trust and credibility beyond personality driven politics, as voters want to

Voters overcome challenges to exercise civic duty KINABATANGAN: Despite a

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday JAN 25, 2026

COMMITTED CITIZEN ... Despite being wheelchair-bound, Norsina Jun, 76, was the first voter at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Garam II voting centre to cast her ballot for the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state seats yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

ORDERLY CONDUCT .... Lamag constituents waiting patiently at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bilit for their turn to choose their representatives during the by-elections. – BERNAMAPIC

PRIORITY PACKAGE ... Election Commission staff loading ballot boxes onto a helicopter to be taken to the counting centre in Kuamut. – BERNAMAPIC

ATTRACTIVE ATTIRE ... Najib Mohd Yang, 43 cut a striking figure in full Orang Sungai Buludupi ethnic garb while discharging his civic duty at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bilit. – BERNAMAPIC

DUTY DONE ... Four members of a family proudly displaying their inked fingers before returning home after casting their ballots at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Bilit voting centre yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

NATIONAL 4 theSun on Sunday JAN 25, 2026

Resident rights key to ‘win-win’ redevelopment

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA: The Housing and Local Government Ministry will continue engagement sessions to improve the Urban Renewal Bill. Its minister Nga Kor Ming said the ministry will hold discussions with local residents, academics, elected representatives and industry experts to ensure every view is taken into consideration in drafting the Bill. “The aim of the Bill is to raise the quality of life in urban areas that are neglected, rejuvenate local socio-economies and ensure the rights of the original owners in the process of “Federal laws such as the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966, Strata Titles Act 1985 and the Strata Management Act 2013 establish ownership and transaction rights, while state governments and local authorities control planning approvals and redevelopment conditions. “Key safeguards include transparent consultation and consent processes, legally binding rehousing or compensation agreements, independent market-based property valuations, temporary PETALING redevelopment ageing housing in Selangor must guarantee residents the right to return, fair compensation and long-term security of tenure if it is to be genuinely “win-win”, said Universiti Teknologi Malaysia associate professor of property economics Dr Muhammad Najib Razali. He said a true win-win redevelopment model must protect residents under existing land and planning laws, while ensuring they benefit meaningfully from redevelopment rather than being displaced. He was responding to remarks by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who said the state may consider, possibly next year or in the next term, an initiative to redevelop ageing apartments built since the 1970s using a “win-win” formula for residents and the wider community. “For residents, a win-win outcome typically includes the right to return to the redeveloped site, replacement homes of equal or higher value, improved safety and amenities and long-term security of tenure. “For developers and the state, the benefits come in the form of better land utilisation and urban renewal.” On safeguards for redeveloping housing built in the 1970s, he said protections must be firmly grounded in both federal legislation and state-level implementation. JAYA: Any of

Any plans for ageing properties must ensure return

guarantees, fair compensation and lasting tenure security, says expert

urban renewal. “The ministry will continue to study every feedback received and improve the Bill to ensure the rights of original owners in a more comprehensive manner,” he said in a statement following the Cabinet decision on Friday to retract the Urban Renewal Bill. Nga added that the Bill will be tabled in an improved format after the engagement process has been finalised. “The ministry remains committed to ensuring the Urban Renewal Bill that will be tabled supports an urban renewal agenda that is safer, better relocation and accessible dispute resolution mechanisms,” he said. Without such protections, Muhammad Najib said residents, particularly the elderly and lower-income households, risk being unfairly displaced or inadequately compensated. He added that urban redevelopment could also offer an opportunity to address flood risks and infrastructure weaknesses in flood-prone Selangor, but only if these considerations are deliberately integrated into broader planning frameworks. “While state and local authorities can impose conditions related to drainage, building design and infrastructure upgrades, flood mitigation often involves federal agencies and long-term capital funding. “Without this alignment, redevelopment may improve housing quality but fall short of addressing systemic flood risks,” he added. Muhammad Najib said housing areas typically prioritised for redevelopment are those that are structurally unsafe, severely deteriorated, poorly maintained or no longer compliant with modern safety assistance

Muhammad Najib said a true win-win redevelopment model must protect residents under existing land and planning laws, while ensuring they benefit meaningfully from redevelopment. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

potentially resulting in delayed rehousing, unfair compensation or gentrification. “These risks highlight the need for clear guidelines, transparent decision-making and enforceable legal protections to ensure redevelopment delivers equitable and sustainable outcomes for residents.” Last month, Amirudin said the redevelopment of ageing housing in Selangor could be implemented in 2027 or 2028, stressing that such initiatives are necessary to keep Selangor liveable and in step with rapid urban growth as more local authorities are upgraded from municipalities to city councils.

He cautioned that if a win-win approach is not clearly defined or properly implemented, risks to residents increase, especially in high value states such as Selangor. “At the state level, residents may face displacement without adequate compensation or the loss of the right to return if redevelopment is driven mainly by commercial considerations. Weak or inconsistently enforced planning conditions could result in unclear or unenforceable rehousing commitments. “From a federal perspective, gaps could arise when national housing and strata laws are not effectively translated into state-level execution,

planned, and liveable, in line with the aspiration of the Madani government,” he said. Earlier, Madani government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said at a media conference that the Cabinet had agreed in principle there was a need to improve the Bill to allow housing issues in urban areas, particularly those involving the urban poor, to be addressed fairly. The second reading of the Bill was tabled on Aug 28 but was not debated, before being postponed to the next parliamentary session. – Bernama sustainable standards, particularly developments more than 40 years old. Areas located on strategically valuable land, such as near transport corridors or urban centres, are also more likely to be targeted, he added. However, he stressed that fairness is not determined by location alone. “Fairness is determined by the adequacy of compensation or rehousing arrangements, the level of resident consent, economic feasibility and the presence of enforceable legal protections that safeguard residents’ rights throughout the redevelopment process,” he said.

Urban Renewal Bill to undergo wider consultation, says minister

Low financial literacy deepens debt woes SHAH ALAM: Weak financial literacy among some teachers has been identified as a key factor contributing to debt problems, placing them at risk of bankruptcy, said National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon. through direct deductions from bank accounts. “This situation gives room for teachers to take on additional loans although their actual capacity has exceeded safe limits, thereby increasing the risk of multiple debts and long-term financial problems,” he told Bernama.

He added that the situation is further exacerbated by what is viewed as a lax loan approval system, which allows teachers to take on additional loans even when their existing financial commitments have exceeded safe limits. “Although salary deductions through Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (Angkasa) are capped at a maximum of 60% of monthly income, there are financial institutions that allow loans to be taken outside the system

Data from the Insolvency Department showed that Selangor recorded the highest number of bankruptcy cases nationwide, with a significant proportion involving civil servants, particularly teachers. He said most affected individuals carried debts exceeding RM100,000 each, including cases involving married couples who were both teachers, which significantly affected household income.

NATIONAL 5 theSun on Sunday JAN 25, 2026 Bus in Upsi crash driven at high speed: Report KUALA LUMPUR: Video

Navy top officer remanded over alleged corruption KUALA LUMPUR: A senior Royal Malaysian Navy officer and a company director have been remanded for seven days until Jan 29 over suspected involvement in corruption relating to the appointment of crony companies. An Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) source said the senior officer is suspected of recommending and appointing a crony company to obtain work at his workplace while the company director is suspected of being an accomplice. Both suspects were arrested on Thursday after they showed up to provide their statements at the Ipoh MACC office in Perak. “Both suspects are believed to have colluded to conduct such activities from 2017 to 2020, and preliminary investigations show that the senior Navy officer is suspected to own property over the total emoluments received, including about eight assets – three houses, three shoplots and two hotels registered under their name,” the source said. – Bernama “MACC is still awaiting feedback from the banks on the account balances and expects that more accounts will be frozen once the process of tracing the flow of funds is completed.” – Bernama MACC probes RM300m fraud linked to Tan Sri PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened two investigations into alleged misappropriation of nearly RM300 million in investment funds linked to an individual with the title Tan Sri. According to a source, MACC arrested two individuals and conducted searches at five premises in the Klang Valley on Wednesday and Thursday to assist in the probe. “Initial investigations found that between 2021 and 2024, nearly RM300 million was collected from about 1,700 investors for investment in two companies. “However, checks revealed that the collected funds are believed to have been misappropriated and spent for purposes other than those agreed upon in the agreement with the investors,” the source said. The Tan Sri involved is alleged to have used his position and influence to attract and influence the public to invest in the scheme. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that the investigation is currently focusing on tracing the flow of the misappropriated funds for recovery. “The investigation also involves the expertise of the MACC Financial Analysis Division and Anti-Money Laundering Division,” he said. Azam added that 14 individual and company accounts have been frozen to aid the investigation and prevent the movement of funds suspected to be linked to the case.

‘Penetration of road barrier into vehicle cabin increased severity of passenger injuries and fatalities’

the exemption mechanism, including licence leasing or system manipulation by unlicensed operators. In addition, details of the drivers listed for the bus trip on the day of the incident did not match the actual driver involved, indicating weaknesses in physical verification and information control. Investigations also found that the driving licence of one of the drivers had expired in November 1998 and was never renewed. Both drivers also had multiple traffic summonses, including outstanding ones. – Bernama failure and excessive speed caused the bus to lose stability, skid and overturn before striking a W-beam road barrier and subsequently crashing into the rear of a multi-purpose vehicle. According to the report, penetration of the barrier into the bus cabin was identified as the primary mechanism that increased the severity of passenger injuries and fatalities, Bernama reported. Toxicology test results confirmed that the bus driver was not under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prohibited substances at the time of the incident. Investigations also found that maintenance work on the bus was carried out by a workshop that was not listed as an accredited facility, including for critical work involving the braking system and wheel hubs. “Periodic inspection records from Pusat Pemeriksaan Kenderaan Berkomputer (Puspakom) show that the bus passed an inspection at Puspakom Kota Bharu on April 13, 2025, with overall brake efficiency recorded at 59%. “But this static test was unable to detect the potential occurrence of brake fade under conditions of heavy load and high speed,” the report added. On June 9 last year, 15 Upsi students died when the chartered bus carrying them from Jerteh in Terengganu to the main university campus in Tanjung Malim in Perak was involved in a crash on the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding in Gerik. Thirteen were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others died while receiving treatment at a hospital.

analysis found that the tour bus involved in the crash that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Upsi) students on June 9 last year was estimated to be travelling at a speed of more than 110kph, exceeding the safe stability limit of the vehicle for that route. The Road Transport Safety Investigation final report by the Transport Ministry Special Task Force stated that the road at the crash location was designed for a speed of about 70kph, with a regulated speed limit set at 60kph. “The analysis shows that the bus was travelling at a

bus was not equipped with a Global Positioning System, a Speed Limiting Device or a dashcam, resulting in the absence of any internal vehicle recordings. The report also stated that aggressive braking at high speed caused a sudden increase in brake component temperature, which progressively reduced braking effectiveness. The combination of brake

speed far exceeding both the design speed and the permitted speed limit, thereby surpassing the vehicle safe stability threshold on that route at the time of the incident,” the report stated. Video recordings from public vehicles near the crash site were used as an independent method to estimate the speed of the bus at the time of the incident. The report added that the

Investigations also found that maintenance work on the bus was carried out by a workshop that was not listed as an accredited facility, including for critical work involving the braking system and wheel hubs. – PIC COURTESY OF FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT Company operating vehicle without valid licence KUALA LUMPUR: The tour bus in the fatal crash at Km53 of the East-West Highway (Jeli-Gerik) in Perak was found to have been operated by a company without a valid licence or permit under the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715). which was made public, “the use of a permit by a third party without approval constitutes the leasing of a commercial vehicle licence, which contravenes Section 49(1) of Act 715 and undermines accountability in transport operations”. Ministry’s Tourism Licensing and Enforcement Division also showed that Nuratiqah Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd acted as an intermediary by submitting tour guide exemption applications for bus trips on June 8 and 9, 2025, on behalf of another operator.

Following the findings, the Land Public Transport Agency revoked the licence of Kenari Utara Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd on June 13, 2025, as the incident reflected compliance weaknesses and negatively affected governance integrity within the tourism public transport sector. “Information from the Tourism, Arts and Culture

The final Road Transport Safety Investigation Report by the Transport Ministry special task force revealed that at the time of the incident in June last year, the operating licence registered under Kenari Utara Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd had been rented out or leased to Noreen Maju Trading without authorisation from authorities. According to the report,

“Checks via the Tourism Licensing and Enforcement System found that the company submitted an unusually high number of exemption applications throughout 2025, including 27 in January and 29 in February,” the report stated. The ministry said the application pattern strongly indicated possible abuse of

NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday JAN 25, 2026

Promoting Malaysia via shopping centres nationwide

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Malaysia aims to promote Malaysia as a dynamic tourism, shopping and lifestyle destination through various promotional activities and exclusive offers to domestic and international visitors at shopping malls nationwide. In a statement, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said continued private sector support for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) agenda is needed to achieve success. “Collaboration with the private sector is not only capable of boosting the tourism sector, but would also generate economic spillover effects for related industries such as retail, hospitality and service. “This effort will further contribute to growth, sustainable economy and strengthening Malaysia’s competitiveness as a destination for tourism and investment,” he said. To ensure success of the intiative for the VM2026 campaign, Tourism Malaysia entered into a strategic collaboration with AEON Co (M) Bhd (AEON) on Friday. The launch of the collaboration with AEON was officiated by Tourism, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Chiew Choon Man at AEON Mall in Shah Alam. “The official mascot for the VM2026, Wira and Manja, will be displayed as a decorative element at AEON shopping complexes nationwide. “Promotional videos for tourist destinations in Malaysia will also be shown on an LED screen to highlight its uniqueness and the diversity of the country’s tourism products in conjunction with VM2026. “Our efforts will involve working with various industry

Collaboration with private sector would help boost tourism sector, generate economic spillover effects for related industries players, including hotels and tourism agents, airlines and other shopping centres to expand the reach of VM2026 campaign promotion activities,” said Chiew. “Malls are no longer merely places to shop, but also spaces where visitors, both locals and foreigners, can experience local (trends), food culture and the lifestyle of the Malaysian community,” he added. AEON chairman Datuk Iskandar Sarudin said the collaboration with Tourism Malaysia would not only help promote the country as a tourism destination, but also offer a range of activities for local and international tourists visiting AEON shopping malls nationwide. “Among the activities and events we have organised in conjunction with VM2026 are the ‘Raya Story’ featuring the official VM2026 mascots Wira and Manja, AEON Carnival Bazaar, which will promote a wide range of local food such as retail, says minister

Visitors to AEON Mall in Shah Alam posing with the official VM2026 mascot Wira and Manja. – SUNPIC

will run from November until January 2027. “This initiative will support the country’s economic growth and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a major shopping destination in the region. “The shopping segment remains an important component of the country’s tourism industry, in line with the VM2026 target of attracting 43 million international visitors, thus contributing to the growth of gross domestic product.”

of RM350 at AEON, through a combination of up to three receipts. In an earlier statement, Tourism Malaysia said it remains committed to stimulating the country’s tourism spending through the shopping segment, attracting more visitors to make purchases. “This effort will be strengthened through our Super Sale in March, Malaysia Mega Sale (June to July) and Malaysia The Year End Sale

offerings and also the Tourism Malaysia Run, which will be held in selected states. “AEON has always supported the government’s efforts to promote Malaysia to foreign tourists while stimulating the economy through various promotions and events,” he said. On Friday, AEON also launched AEON Mall x VM2026 limited-edition tote bags and headbands, offering visitors the opportunity to redeem the items with a minimum spend

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

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theSun on Sunday JAN 25, 2026

WORLD 7

Java landslide kills eight CISARUA: A landslide killed at least eight people and more than 80 are missing in Java yesterday, a disaster official said. Triggered by heavy More than 80 missing he said in a statement. The disaster follows flooding and landslides late last year that killed about 1,200 people and displaced more than 240,000 in Sumatra, according to official figures. Environmentalists and manual excavation, spraying the soil with water pumps and using drones to search for victims. Floods and landslides are common in Indonesia during the rainy season, which runs from October to March. Tropical storms and intense monsoon rains

China detains two military officials BEIJING: China said yesterday the senior vice-chairman of its powerful Central Military Commission (CMC) and another high-ranking official were under investigation for suspected “serious violations of discipline”, a common euphemism for corruption. The announcement marks the latest push in a sweeping drive to root out graft at all levels of the party and state since President Xi Jinping came to power more than a decade ago. “Following a review, it has been decided to initiate an investigation into Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement. The two men were “suspected of serious violations of discipline and the law”, it said. Zhang Youxia, 75, is the more senior general of two CMC vice chairmen. He shares the title with Zhang Shengmin, a general in Beijing’s secretive rocket force and who is not related to him. Zhang Shengmin was promoted to the post in October after Beijing expelled his predecessor. – AFP SYDNEY: A 12-year-old boy bitten by a shark in Sydney Harbour has died of his injuries, his family said yesterday. Nico Antic’s parents said their son died of the injuries suffered when a large shark attacked him last week as he and his friends were jumping into the water. “We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away,” Lorena and Juan Antic said in a statement. At the time of the attack, the children were leaping into the water off a 6m rock in the eastern Sydney suburb of Vaucluse. Recent heavy rain had drained into the harbour, turning the water murky, police said. Antic was suffering from heavy bleeding when he was pulled into a police boat and taken to hospital. Shark attack victim dies

US warship calls at Cambodia naval base REAM: A US warship made a port call at a Cambodian naval base yesterday for the first time since Chinese renovations that have raised concerns in Washington. The US has said Ream Naval Base, off Cambodia’s southern coast, could give China a key strategic position in the Gulf of Thailand near the disputed South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost in its entirety. The littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati docked yesterday at one of the base’s piers 150m away from a pair of Chinese warships. “It is our privilege and our honour to be here as the first US naval vessel to moor pierside at Ream Naval Base, and we hope this is the beginning of a longstanding tradition and friendship,” said Commanding Officer Andrew J. Recame. Cambodian leaders have repeatedly denied that the base is for use by any single foreign power, following US media reports in 2022 saying the new facilities at Ream, originally built partly with US funds, would be exclusively for the Chinese navy. Ream base said in a statement that the five-day US visit would “promote cooperation between the two countries”, and that it showed Cambodia’s “commitment in implementing an open, transparent policy and cooperation with international partners”. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and a delegation from China’s People’s Liberation Army inaugurated the base last April. – AFP Yesterday’s landslide also comes after torrential rains battered Siau island this month, causing a flash flood that killed at least 16 people. – AFP More than 240,000ha of primary forest were lost in 2024, according to analysis by The TreeMap’s Nusantara Atlas project. Indonesia is regularly among the countries with the largest annual forest loss, NGOs have said, adding that mining, plantations and fires have caused the clearance of large tracts of its lush rainforest over recent decades. The government stripped more than two dozen permits this week from forestry, mining and hydroelectric companies in Sumatra.

experts have pointed to the role forest loss played in the flooding and landslides that washed torrents of mud into villages. West Bandung Mayor Jeje Ritchie Ismail told reporters that the military, police and volunteers were assisting in the search for missing people. However, he warned that the terrain was extremely difficult to access and that the ground remained unstable. The local search and rescue agency said it was conducting

pummelled parts of South and Southeast Asia late last year, triggering landslides and floods from the rainforests of Sumatra to highland plantations in Sri Lanka. Forests help absorb rainfall and stabilise the ground held by their roots, and their absence makes areas more prone to flash flooding and landslides, David Gaveau, founder of conservation start up The TreeMap, told AFP in December.

rainfall, it struck two villages in Java’s West Bandung region at about 2.30am (3.30am in Malaysia) and buried residential areas. Abdul Muhari, a spokesman for the national disaster agency, or BNPB, confirmed that eight people were killed. “As of Saturday 10.30am, dozens of residents were reported safe, and 82 people were still being searched for,”

“Nico was a happy, friendly and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit. He was full of life and that’s how we’ll remember him,” his parents said. – AFP No survivors at NZ campsite disaster

WONDEROUS WALKWAY ... Visitors in Zigong, Sichuan province in China walking in a tunnel inside a light installation at the 32nd Zigong International Lantern Festival ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which will welcome the Year of the Horse. – REUTERSPIC

would receive support. “Police have confirmed fatalities at the campground and the reality that no one would have been able to survive, therefore the rescue operation taking place there is now moving to a recovery,” he said in a statement. “To the families who have lost loved ones – every New Zealander is grieving with you.” New Zealand authorities are facing questions over why people were not evacuated following reports of a landslip at the campsite and neighbouring areas earlier on Thursday. – AFP

Anderson said it had become apparent that there was little chance anyone buried had survived. “This is heartbreaking news for us and obviously the families involved,” he told reporters yesterday, describing the rescue operation as complex. “There’s still a lot of mud and other aspects, so my primary consideration today is actually the safety of the staff working on it. “There are really strict parameters around those that are working on site right now.” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed condolences and said the affected families

mudslide brought on by heavy rain. The six missing people, presumed dead, included one foreign national, 20-year-old Mans Loke Bernhardsson from Sweden. The others were New Zealanders Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, Susan Doreen Knowles, 71 and 15-year-olds Sharon Maccanico and Max Furse-Kee. For the past two days, the holiday destination in the northern part of the country has hosted a series of vigils, with attendees holding out hope that rescue personnel would be successful.

MOUNT MAUNGANUI: Efforts to rescue at least six people buried alive by a landslide at a New Zealand holiday park ended yesterday, with police shifting their focus to recovering human remains. Police superintendent Tim Anderson said it could take several days to find all the bodies, after a mountain of dirt and debris tumbled onto a campsite in Mount Maunganui on Thursday. Anderson said it was “heartbreaking” that six people remained unaccounted for, including two teenagers, after camper vans, caravans and a shower block were buried by a

theSun on Sunday JAN 25, 2026

WORLD 8

France probes deaths of two babies BORDEAUX: France’s health minister on Friday sought to reassure consumers that all suspicious infant formula had been withdrawn, as an Suspicious infant formula withdrawn and vomiting. The potentially contaminated milk has been “withdrawn” from the market, Health Minister Stephanie Rist said. Nestle pulled batches of infant milk in several European countries on Jan 6. died on Dec 23 in the western city of Angers, the local prosecutor said. The mother contacted the authorities this week, saying her baby had drunk Nestle milk from one of the lots removed from the market. Friday said it would “withdraw from targeted markets a very limited number of specific batches of infant formula” to comply with the latest guidance from local food safety authorities. Dumex baby formula, a brand owned by the French food giant. French group Lactalis on Wednesday also said it was recalling batches in France and other countries over worries they contained cereulide.

Kyiv, Kharkiv attacked during peace talks KYIV: Ukraine’s foreign minister accused Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday of “cynically” ordering a massive missile strike while delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the US were in Abu Dhabi for peace talks. “This barbaric attack once again proves that Putin’s place is not at the board of peace, but at the dock of the special tribunal,” Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X. Russia launched waves of airstrikes against Ukraine’s two largest cities Kyiv and Kharkiv early yesterday, with one person killed and at least 23 injured. Ukraine’s air force said Russia had launched 375 drones and 21 missiles in the strikes, which once again targeted energy infrastructure, knocking out power and heat for large parts of the capital. President Volodymyr Zelensky had said on Friday that it was too early to draw conclusions from the first day of meetings in Abu Dhabi, and he had urged Russia to show it was ready to end the war. The talks were expected to resume for a final day yesterday. Ahead of the talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday Russia had not dropped its insistence on Ukraine yielding all of its eastern area of Donbas – Ukraine’s industrial heartland grouping the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. Putin’s demand that Ukraine surrender the 20% it still holds of Donetsk, about 5,000sq km, has proven a major stumbling block to any deal. Zelensky refuses to give up land that Russia has not been able to capture in four years of grinding, attritional warfare. Polls show little appetite among Ukrainians for territorial concessions. – Reuters Spain, Madagascar, Mexico, Uzbekistan, Peru, Georgia, Greece, Kuwait, the Czech Republic and Taiwan, a Lactalis spokesperson told AFP. Lactalis did not name the supplier behind the tainted ingredient. Outside France, countries concerned included Australia, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo-Brazzaville, Ecuador,

A source close to the matter said the move followed changes introduced by authorities, notably in Ireland. Danone later told AFP in a statement it was voluntarily recalling two batches in France as a precaution “in light of new recommendations from a European authority”. It comes after Singapore authorities on Jan 17 recalled

At this time, there was no established causal link between the formula and their deaths, according to French authorities. Nestle told AFP on Friday it would cooperate with the investigation, adding there was “no evidence” at this stage linking its products to the infant deaths. In another recall, Danone on

French investigators are looking into the cause of death of two infants who allegedly consumed Nestle milk. One was a two-week-old who died on Jan 8 in Bordeaux, southwest France, after drinking milk from the now recalled batches, a prosecutor in the city said on Thursday. The second, aged just 27 days,

investigation began into the deaths of two babies who drank possibly contaminated powdered milk. The infant formula industry has been rocked in recent weeks by several firms recalling batches that could be contaminated with cereulide, a toxin that can cause diarrhoea

Thousands join Washington pro-life rally WASHINGTON: Thousands of pro-life activists rallied in Washington on Friday, vowing to keep up pressure despite the Supreme Court 2022 decision to overturn the federal guarantee of the right to terminate a pregnancy. Vice-President J.D. Vance addressed the “March for Life” gathering on the National Mall, declaring that “you have an ally in the White House”.

The rally is held annually in the US capital to mark the anniversary of the court’s original 1973 Roe v Wade ruling which legalised abortion in all 50 states. “There needs to be more awareness still that the fight isn’t over. It’s not going to be over until every last child in the womb is protected,” said one participant, Connor Daggett, a 31-year-old law student. “No more abortion, national ban. We can do a lot more for the women,” said his wife, Jessie Daggett, 29, a scientist. Participants carried signs with slogans like: “Take my hand, not my life,” and “A human being is a human being. No matter how small.” Another read: “Get married and have kids, you won’t regret it.” It featured the drawn silhouette of Charlie Kirk, the activist shot and killed during a rally on a university campus last September in Utah state.

Pro-life activists hold signs as they march near the US Supreme Court during the 53rd annual March for Life rally in Washington DC. – AFPPIC

In the United States, about 20 of the 50 states have banned or severely restricted access to abortion since it is no longer a guaranteed right at the federal level. – AFP

The said Washington would no longer provide foreign aid to programmes promoting diversity and gender equality, in addition to those related to abortion. vice-president

Vance, who addressed the same gathering a year ago, days after President Donald Trump began his second term, said he “understands” fears that “not enough progress has been made”.

US judge extends ‘temporary protection’ for Myanmar migrants WASHINGTON: A federal judge ordered President Donald Trump’s administration on Friday to delay its termination of the “Temporary Protected Status”, or TPS, for Myanmar while a lawsuit challenging the termination continued. decision to end Temporary Protected Status for immigrants from Myanmar lacked a genuine basis. Kennelly postponed the effective date of the government’s action, which was to be tomorrow, and scheduled a Feb 6 hearing in the case. The State Department’s most recent human rights report said there were “significant human rights issues” in Myanmar. The Trump administration move had sparked concern for individuals who might be forced to return to Myanmar, which has been in political turmoil since the military seized power in a 2021 coup.

rooted in the reasons cited in the notice,” the judge wrote. “It is more plausible that TPS was terminated to effectuate the secretary’s broader goal of curtailing immigration and eliminating TPS generally, not on her evaluation of changed conditions in Burma,” the judge said. “The termination of TPS for Burma appears to have occurred without a review of conditions in that country, much like the administration’s termination of other TPS designations.” – Reuters

The order by District Judge Matthew Kennelly in Chicago blocks the Trump administration from ending deportation protections for about 4,000 Myanmar nationals living in the US. The judge said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s

The Trump administration said in November it was ending temporary legal status for citizens of Myanmar in the US, arguing they could safely return home while citing elections as evidence of an improving situation.

“The court cannot discern a genuine basis for the secretary’s action in the record and finds it more likely that the decision to terminate TPS was not actually

JANUARY 25, 2026

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The changing landscape of information search

BNPL trap among Gen Z

Serving up second chances

ON SUNDAY January 25, 2026 II theSunday Special

As they learn to work on their own, they begin to feel confident.”

Teh

A workplace that rebuilds FRQ¿GHQFH T UDLQLQJ GHDI VWD̆ IRU WKH ) % LQGXVWU\ requires more than just teaching someone to make a good latte or carry three plates at once. For many, it becomes a journey of self-worth. Teh broke down their training into a straightforward mix of roles every restaurant needs: Floor service, kitchen prep, cashiering, drinks and cooking. But what’s remarkable is how much these VNLOOV UHVKDSH WKH VWD̆ ¶V UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK themselves. “As they learn to work on their own, WKH\ EHJLQ WR IHHO FRQ¿GHQW ´ KH VDLG “It enhances their self-esteem and self-worth.” It sounds simple, even predictable, EXW IRU GLVDEOHG 0DOD\VLDQV ± HVSHFLDOO\ WKRVH ZKR DUH GHDI ± WKH MRE PDUNHW FDQ be unforgiving. Employers often underestimate them or skip them entirely. Opportunities shrink not because of capability, but because of assumptions. At DIB, the assumptions disappear. 7KH VWD̆ DUHQ¶W WUHDWHG OLNH FKDULW\ KLUHV They’re trained, trusted and gradually transformed into people who know exactly what they bring to the table. If you spend just a few minutes ob serving how the team works, you’ll see something many restaurant owners would NLOO IRU 6WD̆ ZKR DUH KLJKO\ WHDFKDEOH motivated by learning new things and, according to Teh, smile more consistently than most hearing employees today. It’s true. There’s a gentle warmth in the way they communicate with customers. Since most interactions rely on gestures or menu pointing, the experience becomes unexpectedly grounding. You slow down. You look people in the eye. You appreciate WKH H̆ RUW LW WDNHV WR EXLOG XQGHUVWDQGLQJ without sound.

Serving up second chances

Malaysian eatery empowers the disabled

H ERE, every meal supports a meaningful cause. Just before noon on a weekday, Menara Gamuda begins its usual transformation. The lifts spill out office workers in waves, HYHU\RQH VKẌ LQJ WRZDUG OXQFK ZLWK WKH familiar blend of hunger and mild resigna tion. However, tucked on the mezzanine level is a little pocket of energy that shakes R̆ WKDW FRUSRUDWH KD]H WKH PRPHQW \RX step inside. It’s not the smell of sizzling chicken chop or the rich, warm hit of Hawaiian FR̆ HH WKDW JUHHWV \RX ¿UVW ,W¶V WKH VPLOHV ± big ones, constant ones. The kind of smiles that make you pause a little. Because they feel genuine in a world where customer service can be hit-or-miss. At DIB Restaurant, short for Deaf in Business, the smiles happen to come

BY ASHRAF WAHAB

B XW WKH ELJJHU TXHVWLRQ ZDV VWḊ QJ It jogged a memory from 1985, when he pioneered the first Deaf KFC outlet at Jalan Imbi. “I felt it was a good idea to hire deaf VWD̆ ´ KH VDLG VLPSO\ DV LI WKH LGHD LVQ¶W as bold as it actually is. Around the same time, the concept RI VRFLDO HQWHUSULVH ZDV WDNLQJ R̆ LQ WKH :HVW ± EXVLQHVVHV WKDW RSHUDWH IRU SUR¿W while creating social impact. It clicked for him. Why couldn’t a café do both? He pitched the idea to a few agen cies. They loved the vision but couldn’t provide funding. Instead of giving up, Teh did what any stubbornly passionate founder does. He opened the café himself LQ -DQXDU\ ZLWK KLV RZQ VDYLQJV ¿YH deaf girls, two chef-coaches and a barista champion to train them. Just like that, DIB’s story began.

from a team that’s mostly deaf or hard of hearing. Yet the place hums with the kind of streamlined coordination most F&B outlets dream about. DIB, which turned 15 last December, feels like a small miracle of grit and op timism in the middle of Damansara’s corporate sprawl. And at the heart of it all is its founder and CEO, Dr Allen Teh, a man who somehow blends the vibes of a businessman, a social entrepreneur and a nostalgic drummer who once spent time in Hawaii. “ 7KDW ZDV ZKHQ WKH FR̆ HH WUHQG ZDV really starting,” he recalled of DIB’s early spark. “Starbucks, Coffee Bean, all that. I IHOW +DZDLLDQ FR̆ HH PLJKW EH VRPHWKLQJ Malaysians would be open to. Plus, I was drumming in Hawaii then, so everything sort of connected.”

Impact is the difference between

dependence and independence.”