27/01/2026

TUESDAY | JAN 27, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

King visits St Petersburg

KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim the King of Malaysia on Sunday visited the Smolny Complex, a historic landmark in St Petersburg, Russia. According to a post on the King’s official Facebook page, His Majesty was received upon arrival at the complex, which currently serves as the administrative centre of St Petersburg, by St Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov. Also present was St Petersburg Committee for External Relations chairman Evgeny Dmitrievich Grigoriev. The post said Sultan Ibrahim also toured the Smolny Bunker, an underground shelter beneath the Smolny Complex, which was built in 1937, accompanied by Beglov. Following the tour, His Majesty attended a banquet hosted by Beglov. Malaysian Ambassador to the Russian Federation Datuk Cheong Loon Lai was also in attendance. The King was also presented with a video during the banquet, showcasing St Petersburg. Beglov later delivered a brief presentation on the city, highlighting St Petersburg as not only a popular international tourist destination, but also a city distinguished by nearly 800 bridges, 94 rivers and about 200 museums. His Majesty arrived in St Petersburg for a special visit yesterday, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. – Bernama

Loke (centre) inspects confiscated items while on an official visit to KLIA for the launch of the green lane system. – KIRTINEE RAMESH/THESUN

KLIA commences green lane system to ease congestion

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Loke said once finalised, the system would be rolled out at KLIA Terminal 2 and other international airports, including those at Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang and Johor Bahru. He added that the initiative does not require extra manpower, with staff redeployed following the streamlining of other inspection processes. LED displays and clearer signage would also be installed in phases to guide passengers. “The reintroduction of the green lane is aimed at easing congestion, improving efficiency and enhancing passenger experience, especially ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.”

He emphasised that national security is not compromised, adding that all green lane travellers are screened through intelligence-led risk assessments and monitored using passenger manifests, with high-risk individuals immediately redirected for thorough inspection. “Each incoming flight has a passenger manifest and risk profiling. “Passengers identified as high risk would be directed to the red lane for inspection, even if they initially head towards the green lane.” The one-month trial, running until Feb 26, would be closely monitored to refine operational procedures.

Department and the Border Control and Protection Agency, replaces the previous single-lane system that often caused long queues after baggage claims. “With the improvement, three exit lanes are now in place – two green lanes and one red lane,” Loke told reporters after inspecting the system yesterday. He explained that the green lane is for passengers carrying nothing to declare and no restricted or prohibited items, allowing them to proceed directly to the arrival hall without X-ray inspection. The red lane is for those needing to declare items, pay duties or undergo further checks.

SEPANG: KL International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 has introduced a green lane system for international arrivals to slash waiting times, reduce congestion and streamline customs clearance. The move comes as passenger traffic at the terminal rises to between 80,000 to 90,000 individuals daily, about 60% of whom are international travellers. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the initiative, developed over months with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), the Customs

‘Audits constructive tool for national progress’ o Anwar encourages

PM gives Man Utd victory nod in speech PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had football fans in stitches yesterday, poking fun at “personal tension at home” after Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Arsenal left his Arsenal-supporting grandchildren less than impressed. Speaking at the launch of the National Audit Department’s 120th anniversary celebration, Anwar said officiating at the event brought him joy, but the previous night’s football result gave him even more reason to smile. “ Alhamdulillah , we have successfully officiated this event, and I am also delighted because yesterday, Arsenal scored two, but Manchester United scored three,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience. A die-hard Red Devils supporter, the prime minister returned to the topic at the close of his speech, slipping in another playful nod to the result. “Once again, thank you, and thank you also for the good news of Manchester United’s victory yesterday.” The result came at the Emirates Stadium, where Manchester United stunned league leaders Arsenal with a dramatic 3-2 win, narrowing the gap in the English Premier League title race. Arsenal had opened the scoring following an own goal by Lisandro Martinez, only for United winger Bryan Mbeumo to level the match. United then took the lead in the second half with a stunning strike from Patrick Dorgu, silencing the home crowd. Despite Arsenal’s late resurgence, substitute Matheus Cunha struck a decisive goal in the dying minutes to seal the win for United. – By Harith Kamal

He said safeguarding the nation also requires audit systems that are advanced and comprehensive. He called for faster and more effective audits to curb leakages, mismanagement and abuse of power. “A strong and professional audit system is central to good governance and public accountability. “If auditing is carried out effectively and promptly, it becomes difficult for leakages to occur. But weaknesses or delays would allow misuse of funds and abuse of power to continue.” Anwar added that national progress should not just be measured solely by economic growth, but also by the strength of management and governance, with auditing serving as a key benchmark. Acknowledging that strict auditing would not always be popular, he said resistance is inevitable when checks and controls are tightened. “If there are no checks, then it is not auditing. We must take firmer and braver steps to ensure that the country stays on the right path. “This requires commitment and a collective spirit from all parties. “If we want to achieve a level of progress that we could be proud of, we have no choice but to mobilise all our strengths and drive change in the best possible way.”

“This requires the auditor-general and the entire department to engage with, understand and show empathy towards the public. I consider this crucial.” Also present were Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Anwar emphasised that auditing must be communicated as an empowering process. “I do not want the perception that auditing systems are burdensome. “Auditing must be explained as a way to improve systems, protect funds and benefit the public.” He added that the true measure of a robust audit system lies in how effectively it reaches out to and educates citizens. He also warned that gaps between policy intentions and public understanding could undermine reform efforts. “Good intentions and good programmes that are poorly understood due to insufficient engagement could lead to tension and public anxiety. “That is why I urge these efforts to continue. I know steps have been taken and I am proud of the performance of the National Audit Department.” He further encouraged innovation and outreach, particularly at the grassroots level, to ensure auditing is no longer perceived as intimidating.

outreach to ensure process no longer seen as intimidating

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday said audits must not be seen as a burden on the public but as a constructive tool for national progress. He urged auditors to engage more closely with citizens and help them understand the purpose of scrutiny. Speaking at the launch of the National Audit Department’s 120th anniversary celebrations, Anwar said public engagement is crucial to ensuring audits are viewed as a means of strengthening governance rather than merely an enforcement exercise. “Sometimes, the systems we introduce are perceived as overly burdensome or cumbersome. Every time we introduce reforms aimed at improvement, they are often opposed by those accustomed to inefficiency or irregularities. “So, how do we introduce new systems without making individuals feel oppressed or overly constrained?