26/01/2026

MONDAY | JAN 26, 2026

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4WD gathering to show solidarity with people of Gaza

Autistic youth finds solace in khat art PASIR MAS: Writing Arabic calligraphy on canvas has become a source of serenity for Ahmad Baihaqi Noor Azman. Through the art of khat calligraphy, the 20-year-old has found a way to calm his mind, build self-confidence and navigate life as a person with autism. For Ahmad Baihaqi, khat calligraphy is not merely a visual expression; it serves as a therapeutic medium that helps him stay focused and composed. Each curve and stroke reflects patience and precision, two qualities that have become his strengths despite the challenges he faces. The youngest of eight siblings, he said his interest in khat began at the age of nine when he studied the subject at Sekolah Rendah Islam Al Furqan in Pasir Mas. “It was then that I felt drawn to it. Over the years, it has become a part of me, and I achieved excellent results in the subject,” he told Bernama recently. His interest continued to grow when he attended Sekolah Menengah Ugama Al-Kauthar in Peringat, Kota Bharu, where he created calligraphy pieces as keepsakes for retiring teachers. Ahmad Baihaqi, who was diagnosed with mild autism three years ago, said what started as a hobby turned into a serious pursuit when he received his first paid commission from his uncle Mohd Fudzi Ibrahim, 70, in July 2023. The order, a calligraphic sketch of his uncle’s homestay name, came with a token payment of RM300. “That payment gave me the motivation to take khat art more seriously. I also began using social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube to learn new techniques and styles of calligraphy,” he said. Earlier this year, he sought guidance from khat teacher Hamdi Che Wahid to improve his skills in Diwani Jali and Thuluth calligraphy. “ Diwani Jali is known for its delicacy and beauty, while Thuluth is more elegant and regarded as the ‘mother of all khat scripts’. Ahmad Baihaqi said producing Thuluth calligraphy requires greater precision because its letters are more curved and angled. “ Diwani Jali is generally used for names, while Thuluth is for writing the names of Allah, Quranic verses and surah . Line arrangement and ornamentation are crucial to ensure balance and beauty in each piece. To maintain focus, he lights bukhoor (Arabic incence) and plays calming music, with completion times ranging from one day to a month, depending on complexity. His works have been presented to dignitaries, including the Kelantan royal family, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and local artist Nabila Razali. The public can view Ahmad Baihaqi’s collection or place orders via the “Rantau Jaya Craft” Facebook page and Instagram “Ahmdbaihaq1”.

and solidarity between the people of Terengganu and Gaza. Among the programme highlights are visual screenings depicting the situation on the ground in Gaza via LED screens, a Palestine forum featuring popular preacher Ustaz Azhar Idrus, as well as a Global Sumud Flotilla forum. “This gathering also marks the launch of the Drive For Gaza Global Mission, a continuous humanitarian initiative aimed at uniting NGOs and communities at both national and international levels, while ensuring the transparent delivery of aid through trusted channels,” Khairul said. On behalf of the organisers, he invited all Malaysians to attend and stand together in expressing solidarity and humanitarian responsibility towards the people of Gaza.

o 1,000 vehicles across country to converge in Kuala Terengganu on Jan 31 to express support and call for humanitarian action

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

than a symbolic show of support. “This is not merely an event. It is a humanitarian call to action. “Gaza does not need our sympathy; it demands our responsibility as brothers and sisters,” he said. Khairul added that the programme had received the support of the Terengganu state government with various state agencies involved and official guests expected to attend. The gathering is scheduled to be officiated by Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, symbolising the state’s support for humanitarian efforts

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prolonged oppression. Participants will assemble at the Jambatan Angkat compound at 8am before proceeding in a convoy around Kuala Terengganu. Emphasising universal humanitarian values rather than political interests, Drive For Gaza 1.0 is spearheaded by DVAC Malaysia as the main organiser, in collaboration with Muslim Care Malaysia and the Malaysian 4x4 community network. DVAC Malaysia chairman and organising representative of Drive For Gaza, Khairul Badri Abdul Basit said the gathering was more

PETALING JAYA: About 1,000 four wheel-drive vehicles from across the country are expected to converge in Kuala Terengganu on Jan 31 for a major humanitarian and solidarity gathering in support of Gaza, dubbed Drive For Gaza 1.0. Held under the theme “From Nusantara We Begin, In Gaza We Unite”, the event seeks to express Malaysians’ solidarity with the people of Gaza, who continue to endure violence, civilian casualties, famine and widespread

Sivakumar said the temple management is coordinating with police to oversee security arrangements, including crowd management and procession control. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves set to draw over 2.5m visitors KUALA LUMPUR: Over 2.5 million people are expected to visit Batu Caves for this year’s Thaipusam celebrations, surpassing last year’s figures due to the extended holiday period. Thaipusam falls on Feb 1, which coincides with Federal Territory Day. Sivakumar added that temple management is prioritising safety and cleanliness to ensure the event runs smoothly, in line with the 2026 Visit Malaysia campaign. support from the Kuala Lumpur contingent police headquarters. Meanwhile, the Batu Caves area will be managed by the Gombak district police, assisted by the Selangor contingent headquarters,” he said. either leave them in their car or bring a bag to carry them, to help cut down on rubbish.“

He also confirmed that upgrade work on the 20-year-old Lord Murugan statue is now complete, featuring an enhanced lighting system. The monument is set to be a highlight of the festival this year. “The statue was originally erected in 2006. This year’s refurbishment included the installation of supplementary lighting, reinforcing its role as a major draw for both devotees as well as local and international visitors,” Sivakumar said.

Sri Mahamariamman Devasthanam Temple trustee Datuk N. Sivakumar said the estimate accounts for devotees, domestic and international tourists and general visitors to the area throughout the festival. “Last year, around 2.5 million people attended over four to seven days. This year, with a longer holiday period, we expect even higher numbers,” he told Bernama.

Regarding cleanliness, Sivakumar highlighted the management’s ongoing efforts to promote greater public awareness, particularly to address littering and the persistent issue of discarded footwear. “Last year, nearly three tonnes of shoes ended up as waste. While we respect the tradition of removing shoes for prayers, we ask visitors to

Sivakumar said the temple management is coordinating closely with police to oversee all security arrangements, including crowd management and procession control. “Police will have complete operational command over security, deploying personnel from the Sentul and Dang Wangi districts with