29/01/2026

RM6.7 million successfully returned to victims of online scams Figure derived from cases with completed investigations, while losses recorded in 2025 total RM542 million. Report on — page 5

THURSDAY JAN 29, 2026

RM1

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY MPs urged to accept legal reforms to reflect digital age realities Disregard risks stagnation of justice system unaligned with technological and economic developments: Minister

SCAN ME No. 9048 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Use of number plate reading technology could replace outdated practice of squeezing traffic into one lane. RTD mulls move to ease bottlenecks caused by roadblocks RTD ll

Report on — page 3

Report on — page 4

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the standard procedure of narrowing six lanes into one at toll plazas for inspections is outdated, inefficient and a major source of congestion. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Get it done or get out Report on h page 2 Take decisive action against power abuse, smuggling and corruption within seven days or step aside, PM tells heads of enforcement agencies.

THURSDAY | JAN 29, 2026

2

Sultan Sharafuddin voices concern over culture of slander SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has voiced concern over a culture of slander and the spreading of allegations, particularly on social media, which run counter to Islamic teachings. within society,” he said at the presentation of instruments of appointment to 850 mosque nazir and imam at Balairong Seri, Istana Alam Shah in Klang yesterday. “Do not let the wrongdoing of a single individual cause the entire mosque institution to be viewed negatively as reflected in the Malay proverb, kerana seekor kerbau

SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has stressed that mosques and surau in the state must remain completely free from the influence of partisan politics, and must not be used as platforms to advance the personal or political interests of any individual. His Royal Highness said mosques are not political arenas, nor are they places to sow hatred or division among Muslims. He said they should function as centres of worship, dakwah and unity for the ummah . “I will not tolerate politicians who attempt to hide behind religious talks and use mosques and surau to serve their respective political agendas. “I also do not wish to hear of any nazir or members of mosque and surau committees being directly involved in partisan politics, including holding political positions while simultaneously serving as nazir or imam , as this could disrupt harmony among local congregations.” He was speaking at the presentation of instruments of appointment to nazir and imam of mosques in the state. Sultan Sharafuddin said the positions of nazir and imam are not political posts to be contested for personal gain but sacred trusts that would ultimately be accounted for before Allah . He said he does not want to receive complaints about competition for positions in mosque and surau managements as they would only breed dissatisfaction, hostility and division among Muslims. “I do not want Malays to be divided due to greed for positions and power, which in the end will only harm the Malay community itself.” He added that mosque and surau funds must be administered with full trust, transparency and integrity, in strict accordance with regulations set by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department and the Selangor Islamic Religious Council. He called for financial reports to be submitted every four months to ensure good governance and maintain public confidence. “I will not tolerate any form of misappropriation of mosque and surau funds as these funds come from public donations and belong to Muslims. They must be used responsibly and in accordance with Islamic principles for the benefit of the ummah . “I do not want Islam to be viewed negatively by followers of other religions. Enough is enough. The sanctity of Islam must not continue to be tarnished by cases of misappropriation involving Malay Muslims, some of whom have even been taken to court for corruption, misuse of funds and abuse of power.” – Bernama Mosques, surau must be free from politics: S’gor Ruler

knowledge but also to equip themselves with the ability to manage and administer mosques effectively. He said imam should serve as community leaders, mediators in disputes and catalysts for unity among members of the kariah while practising a spirit of togetherness, mutual respect and cooperation regardless of the congregation’s background. The Sultan stressed the importance of imam and nazir maintaining good personal character, moral conduct and a positive image as they are a reflection of the mosque institution. “Safeguard the good name of mosques and surau , and avoid any action that could undermine the dignity and trust of the community.

membawa lumpur, habis semuanya terpalit (one rotten apple spoils the whole barrel).” He expressed pride in the achievement of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, which welcomed more than 100,000 visitors last year. The Sultan said the achievement demonstrates that mosques not only function as centres of worship and dakwah but are also capable of becoming Islamic tourism destinations, including for non-Muslim visitors. – Bernama

The Sultan reminded all nazir as well as mosque and surau committee members not to be quick to believe false news, and to verify the authenticity of information before sharing it as the sin of slander is greater than that of murder. “Be informed that I constantly monitor developments and I am aware of what is happening in mosques and surau across the state. I will not hesitate to take firm action if necessary.” Sultan Sharafuddin urged imam not only to deepen their religious

His Royal Highness said such acts should not be taken lightly as they have the potential to undermine ukhuwah and weaken unity among Muslims. “Let there not be among you those who take pleasure in spreading false news, distorting facts or exaggerating minor issues to the extent of causing unease among members of the kariah and the community. “This must not be taken lightly as a single misstep could lead to disputes

Anwar gives ultimatum to enforcement chiefs, dept heads o A‘ ct decisively within one week against smuggling, corruption and abuse of power or step aside’

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stark ultimatum to those in leadership and enforcement positions, giving them one week to act decisively against smuggling, corruption and abuse of power or step aside if they are unable to do so. Speaking yesterday at the Prime Minister’s address to heads of departments and enforcement agency chiefs, Anwar stressed the urgent need for integrity, accountability and bold action. “Those entrusted with leadership and enforcement roles must either fulfil their duties or step aside. “We cannot allow negligence, smuggling or corruption to continue unchecked. This is a matter of national interest and the public rightly expects decisive action.” While acknowledging the achievements of various agencies in managing economic and enforcement matters, Anwar said serious gaps and weaknesses remain. “Although we can list the successes we have achieved, we must also recognise the areas that require improvement. “Gratitude is important but self-reflection is equally essential. We must examine our strengths, address weaknesses and correct shortcomings.” Anwar said he had become acutely aware of both the capabilities and limitations within enforcement agencies after three years in office. He said while Malaysia is fortunate to have competent civil servants and enforcement officers, problems such as smuggling, illegal activities and lapses in enforcement continue to persist. “Within this one-week period, inform your superiors or inform me directly if you feel unable to take bold action. Step aside if necessary. The people of this country are looking for genuine change and action, not complacency.” Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Anwar being greeted by participants at the event in Putrajaya yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

prime minister’s directive. “This means we must ensure strict compliance, strengthen governance and reinforce proper administrative practices. “This year, we will intensify enforcement efforts and tackle corruption, abuse of power and actions that do not comply with regulations.” Asked whether officials would step down within the week following Anwar’s warning, Shamsul Azri said: “We will see. Insya-Allah . Now, we mean business.” He said the one-week timeframe reflects the government’s emphasis on urgency and swift action.

held to account. “Regardless of rank or position, what matters is doing what is right and necessary for the nation. We have a responsibility to safeguard our families, society and beloved country. “I pray that this directive will be implemented effectively and without delay.” He said reforms and accountability are crucial to preserving the integrity of the nation’s institutions. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Datuk Seri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said this year would be marked by faster execution of work, in line with the

Anwar also underscored the need for close cooperation across agencies. “We must work collectively, not in isolation. Challenges such as smuggling and corruption require united and decisive action. Those in leadership positions must set an example and act wisely and ethically.” He added that the government could no longer tolerate “business as usual” while serious violations and illegal activities are allowed to occur openly. He warned that delays and excuses would no longer be accepted, stressing that even senior officials and those holding high-ranking positions must be

THURSDAY | JAN 29, 2026

3 ‘MPs must drive legal reforms that reflect digital age’

Nurul Izzah actively involved in Sabah polls: PKR PETALING JAYA: Perak PKR has dismissed concerns over the perceived lack of visibility of the party’s deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar following the last internal party elections. Perak PKR secretary Mohd Khairol Iwan Mat Khairi said engagement and mobilisation efforts are already in motion and are expected to intensify significantly throughout the year. He said the issue has been raised by some quarters, particularly after party elections concluded about eight months ago, but emphasised that the perception does not reflect the actual level of involvement on the ground. “It is not that the deputy president was absent or inactive,” he said, adding that recent commitments, including the Sabah elections, required focused attention from top leadership. He also said Nurul Izzah was actively involved in Sabah during the campaign period, visiting constituencies contested by PKR and engaging directly with party machinery there. He added that such involvement may not have been widely highlighted on social media or picked up extensively by media platforms, leading to assumptions that her presence was lacking. Addressing claims that the situation has raised concern at the leadership level, Mohd Khairol said party activities and strategic planning are coordinated by the central leadership, with several programmes already in the pipeline. He added that many of the plans were formulated in 2025 but faced delays due to competing priorities, particularly the Sabah elections, which required about two months of concentrated effort from party leaders and organisers nationwide. He also said 2026 is a crucial year for PKR, adding that it is effectively the final full year before the next general election cycle gains momentum. “This year is the best time to fully roll out programmes and activities that were planned earlier. We expect to see the deputy president’s role and involvement functioning at full capacity.” He added that PKR Perak is confident that stronger visibility and engagement from the party’s top leadership would address any lingering doubts among members and supporters,

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Existing laws increasingly mismatched with modern society and economy: Azalina

community facilities. “We are very confident that if Anwar continues to contest in Tambun, he would win.” He also said Anwar has previously demonstrated his willingness to contest in challenging constituencies, citing his decision to run in Port Dickson and later in Tambun, which was then considered a tough seat for PKR. “Many of us at the state level were worried when he decided to contest in Tambun, which we had lost before. But he said he had to go there to show that if a president could contest and win in a seat we previously lost, why can’t other leaders do the same?” Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. “For court proceedings to be fair, the process must recognise the rights and defences of all parties – perpetrators, victims and platform providers. “You cannot go to court without laws that move in tandem with technological change.” She also said her division is focusing on structural and framework reforms to ensure access to justice keeps pace with technology, rather than amending individual laws under other ministries. She described the convention as the first major criminal law gathering of 2026, held as justice systems worldwide grapple with rapid technological change and evolving crime patterns. Azalina said criminal justice reform must be collective, involving the judiciary, executive, enforcement agencies, legal professionals, academia and civil society, emphasising that a strong justice system is defined by fairness and credibility, not severity. She added that the government has prioritised reforms such as the Online Safety Act 2025 and is considering new Penal Code provisions to address the misuse of artificial intelligence, including deepfakes and digital impersonation, in line with global best practices. She also said meaningful reform ultimately depends on MPs accepting that change is unavoidable. “For Cabinet approval and legal amendments to happen, MPs must accept that the world is changing. If we don’t keep moving forward, we will be left behind.” She expressed optimism that bipartisan support for amendments involving online harm and sexual offences would allow several “quick win” reforms to be tabled by the second half of the parliamentary session. “This is about changing the way we do things, not politics. “We have to work together to ensure our laws are ready for the future.”

KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said MPs must urgently accept and drive legal reforms to reflect the realities of the digital age, or risk leaving Malaysia with a justice system that no longer matches technological and economic developments. She said many existing laws were drafted decades ago, some even before Independence in 1957 and the formation of Malaysia in 1963, and are increasingly misaligned with a society and economy driven by digital systems. Speaking at a press conference after officiating at the Convention on Criminal Justice and Legal Reforms 2026, she emphasised that lawmakers must recognise the scale of change taking place, not only within criminal justice but also across civil and commercial law. “Today, it’s not only crime that

is not equipped to accept and evaluate digital evidence. She also said Malaysia could learn from other jurisdictions, including India, which has begun adjusting its laws to keep pace with technological developments. “We may be different, but (our) similarities are more than the differences. We learn from countries that have started adapting their laws to digital systems to improve our own.” Azalina said one growing concern involves online harm and sexual offences, in which responsibility increasingly extends beyond perpetrators to platform providers. She added that existing and proposed laws place accountability on platforms that fail to act, an area currently being studied by the

has gone digital. Civil matters such as contracts, goods and services, transactions and even banking are now largely digital,” she said, adding that the situation has fundamentally changed how evidence, liability and the burden of proof should be assessed in court. She added that courts are increasingly confronted with challenges such as deepfakes, digital impersonation and online sexual offences, in which existing legal frameworks struggle to determine authenticity and accountability. “Can you imagine going to court and having to prove beyond reasonable doubt something that looks like you, sounds like you, speaks like you – but it’s not you?” she said, adding that judges cannot fairly assess such cases if the law

Azalina poses for a photograph during the convention at the Asian International Arbitration Centre in Kuala Lumpur. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN “In 2026, the party will move forward with more structured and visible activities, and leadership engagement will be more evident across the board.” Several quarters in PKR have expressed frustration towards Nurul Izzah after she defeated former deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli in last year’s PKR election. – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee Party confident of Anwar defending Tambun seat in GE16

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“Anwar is a statesman. He is not someone who is tied to contesting only in one particular parliamentary seat for the sake of safety.” He acknowledged that if Anwar were to contest elsewhere, some might accuse him of abandoning Tambun, while others might claim he is seeking an easier win. However, Khairul Iwan said developments made in Tambun under Anwar’s leadership as prime minister speak louder than rumours. He added that numerous projects, maintenance works, development initiatives and allocations have been channelled to Tambun, including significant funding for schools and

almost every month. He also pointed to statements by Anwar, which repeatedly urged PKR’s party machinery in Tambun to continue strengthening their groundwork in the area. However, Ashraf acknowleged that political strategies could evolve depending on timing and circumstances, adding that major decisions are often finalised closer to election periods. Meanwhile, Perak PKR secretary Mohd Khairul Iwan Mat Khairi echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that Anwar should be viewed as a national leader who is not bound to contest only in so-called “safe seats”.

Perak PKR Youth chief and Tambun PKR Youth Division chief Ashraf Kahasani said hearsay that Anwar may be looking for another seat, including claims that he could contest elsewhere such as a “safer” or alternative constituency, should be viewed as speculative narratives. “From the ground, our focus has always been to work as best as possible in the Tambun parliamentary constituency,” he told theSun. He also highlighted that political allies and party machinery have consistently intensified their presence in Tambun, including frequent visits by key leaders and regular grassroots programmes

PETALING JAYA: Perak PKR has expressed confidence that party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would defend the Tambun parliamentary seat in the 16th general election (GE16), dismissing speculation that he may shift to another constituency. Party leaders said there is no indication that Anwar intends to leave Tambun, adding that ongoing grassroots work, development projects and political engagement in the constituency clearly point to his continued commitment.

THURSDAY | JAN 29, 2026

4

RTD mulls new system to ease roadblock congestion

Law soon to bar RON95 purchase for foreign cars KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is drafting new regulations to explicitly prohibit the purchase of RON95 petrol by foreign registered vehicles at petrol stations nationwide. Its minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the move involves introducing new regulations under Section 6 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 to strengthen control over the distribution of subsidised RON95 petrol. He explained that the current legal framework under Regulation 12A only prohibits the sale of RON95, allowing enforcement action to be taken against petrol station operators but not against owners or buyers of foreign vehicle registrations. “Through the new regulations that we are drafting, the prohibition would apply not only to sales but also to purchases. This means that individuals who buy, own or drive foreign registered vehicles could also be subject to enforcement action,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Armizan said the ministry is currently holding engagement sessions with relevant stakeholders, with the new regulations targeted to be finalised and enforced from April 1. He was responding to a supplementary question from Kalabakan MP Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy on additional enforcement measures to curb leakage of RON95 subsidies, particularly at petrol stations in border areas. Armizan said to strengthen monitoring and enforcement at the retail level, measures include periodic inspections at petrol stations to ensure compliance with the use of identity card mechanisms and enforcement of the ban on sales involving foreign registered vehicles. Additional controls include a ban on fuel purchases outside in-vehicle tanks exceeding 20 litres without a special permit, as well as regular monitoring through logbooks and visit records at petrol stations in border areas. – Bernama M’sia, Uzbekistan to explore agriculture, fisheries cooperation PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Uzbekistan are exploring potential cooperation in melon cultivation, the fisheries sector and the modernisation of padi farming through technologies involving drones. The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry in a statement said the matter was discussed during a courtesy call by Syrdarya Region Governor Erkinjon Turdimov on minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu on Tuesday. The ministry added that both sides expressed hope that collaboration in agricultural trade could be further strengthened in the future for mutual benefit. “The visit serves as a platform for both parties to discuss bilateral cooperation in agriculture and agro-food, in line with Malaysia’s national food security priorities.” The Syrdarya region is a key agricultural area that produces cotton, wheat and watermelon. Malaysia-Uzbekistan agricultural trade recorded RM266 million in value between January and October 2025. This covers the export of Malaysian agricultural products, such as coffee, cocoa, tea, spices and processed goods to Uzbekistan, while imports from Uzbekistan consist mainly of fruits. During the meeting, Mohamad also extended an invitation to Uzbekistan to participate in the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show 2026, which would be held from Aug 28 to Sept 6 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang, under the theme “Value Creation for Food Security”. – Bernama

o Tech to read number plates allows monitoring without need to stop vehicles

to reinvent. We integrate,” he said, adding that although PLUS currently uses ANPR mainly for toll collection, the technology could be expanded for enforcement purposes. Loke said physical roadblocks were necessary in the past due to technological limitations but are no longer the most efficient option. “Previously, we had to check vehicles one by one. But with today’s technology, checks can be done through cameras.” On the involvement of other concessionaires, Loke said discussions have so far only taken place with PLUS, which he described as a natural starting point due to its scale. “PLUS alone is already large enough. It connects the country from north to south and handles (many) vehicles every day,” he said, adding that other operators would be expected to follow once the system is implemented. On another matter, Loke said the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) remains on track to begin operations in January 2027, adding that he was not prepared to commit to an earlier date. He was responding to remarks by Pahang MB Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, who suggested that the line could be operational as early as November this year. Loke said rail projects such as the ECRL involved far more than laying tracks, emphasising that full system integration is critical before services could commence. “The most challenging part of rail systems is not the infrastructure. It’s not the hardware, it’s the software. Therefore, we are sticking to January next year.”

“Information and data must be integrated so that we can ultimately achieve a smart government, in which services and enforcement could be coordinated.” Loke said the ministry recently held discussions with PLUS Malaysia Bhd, the operator of the North–South Expressway, on strategic cooperation involving data sharing and system integration. Under the proposed framework, vehicles entering highways would have their registration numbers captured automatically by ANPR cameras installed at toll plazas, with the information linked directly to RTD’s MySikap system. “The moment a vehicle enters the toll plaza, we would know whether it exceeds load limits, whether road tax has been paid, whether there is valid insurance or whether it is a stolen or cloned vehicle. “ We could just send the summons directly to (a driver’s) house because all the data is already there. “This is the new approach that we need to implement.” He added that such integration would allow enforcement to be carried out digitally without stopping vehicles, easing congestion while improving compliance. “There is no need to issue summonses on the spot. Enforcement could be done without disrupting traffic.” He also said while RTD already has its own ANPR initiatives, their effectiveness could be significantly enhanced through collaboration with highway concessionaires instead of building parallel systems. “If the system already exists, we don’t need

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA: Motorists may soon be spared the frustration of highway bottlenecks caused by physical roadblocks, with the Transport Ministry considering the use of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology to replace roadside checks and streamline enforcement. Describing the move as a “new paradigm”, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the practice of narrowing six lanes into one for inspections is outdated, inefficient and a major source of congestion, particularly after toll plazas. “Six lanes become one lane and people get angry. This is an old approach,” he said, adding that enforcement must evolve in step with current technology. He also said agencies, especially the Road Transport Department (RTD), should move away from conventional roadblocks and adopt smarter, technology-driven methods. He added that the ministry is pushing for stronger integration of government databases and systems to enable non-intrusive enforcement, in line with the “whole-of government” approach championed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. GEORGE TOWN: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has dismissed claims of sharp price increases in vegetables ahead of Thaipusam and Chinese New Year, saying monitoring across Penang shows prices remain largely stable. State director S. Jegan said daily checks conducted by the ministry’s price monitoring officers indicated no significant statewide spike in vegetable prices. “Daily monitoring is conducted at 45 public markets, 13 hypermarkets and 18 supermarkets across all districts in Penang, involving the collection of prices for 41 types of vegetables.” He added that the monitored items included those cited by the Penang Hindu Association (PHA) such as tomatoes, ginger, okra, cauliflower, long beans, coconuts (medium size), green and red chillies, onions, cabbage, lime and carrots. “Our analyses show that for several items, prices recorded only marginal changes, while some items showed a decline between December 2025 and January 2026.” On Jan 27, PHA said a survey had found price increases of between 14% and 100% for 15 essential food items. Jegan said ministry data showed the average retail price of tomatoes rose moderately from RM6.56 per kg in December to RM7.28 per kg in January while ginger prices edged slightly lower from RM9.85 to RM9.82 per kg. “For okra and cauliflower, average prices fell from RM13.10 to RM9.99 per kg and from Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Inspections disprove claims of price hikes in Penang

Jegan said discrepancies between PHA’s findings and ministry data could be attributed to differences in supply chains and retail structures. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

“Prices for large mangoes ranged from RM6.50 to RM8.00 per kg, brinjal from RM9.00 to RM11.00 per kg and moringa from RM12.00 to RM15.00 per kg.” Jegan said enforcement officers had been instructed to intensify inspections at public markets, morning and night markets, farmers’ markets and supermarkets. He reminded traders that they are required to clearly display price tags, use verified weighing instruments and ensure sufficient supply of controlled goods. He also warned that legal action would be taken against traders found profiteering under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, Control of Supplies Act 1961, Weights and Measures Act 1972 and the Consumer Protection Act 1999.

RM10.24 to RM8.82 per kg respectively,” he said, adding that long beans, cabbage and carrots recorded either minimal movement or stable prices over the same period. He also said discrepancies between PHA’s findings and ministry data could be attributed to differences in supply chains and retail structures. “Vegetable supplies are sourced from different suppliers and wholesalers, and prices are influenced by order quantities. “Hypermarkets usually procure supplies in bulk through their own distribution centres, while smaller retailers rely on wholesale markets.” He also said for items not included in the ministry’s daily monitoring, spot checks were conducted.

THURSDAY | JAN 29, 2026

5

‘Data leaks may be more widespread than believed’

Alleged organised crime group members charged

PETALING JAYA: Three alleged members of organised crime syndicate Captain Praba were charged yesterday after being flown back to Malaysia from India under tight police escort earlier in the day. Thirty-eight-year-old Navindren Raj Cumarason, 30-year-old Pratifkumar Selvaraj and 30-year-old Sridharan Subramaniam were taken to the Sepang Court Complex at 2.30pm and presented before Sessions Court Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman. They are accused of committing an offence under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code for being members of an organised criminal group. According to the charge, the trio were allegedly involved in the syndicate’s activities at an oil palm plantation site in Jenjarom, Selangor between December 2023 and Sept 11 last year. The charge was read out in Tamil by an interpreter. They indicated that they understood the charge but no plea was recorded as the offence falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court. Ahmad Fuad then allowed the case to be transferred to the Shah Alam High Court for further proceedings. Upon conviction, the offence carries a mandatory prison sentence of between five and 20 years. Police reports indicate that the trio had earlier been deported from the United Kingdom and detained in Mumbai before being brought back to Malaysia. They arrived at KL International Airport and were taken to the Sepang district police headquarters for documentation before being escorted to the court complex. In a statement issued at 3pm yesterday, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar said the arrests were carried out under Ops Jack Sparrow, based on warrants issued by the Sepang Sessions Court on Jan 14. He said probes are ongoing to gather further evidence on the syndicate’s wider network. “Police appreciate the Indian authorities for the close cooperation given,” he said, adding that police remain committed to upholding the rule of law to safeguard national security and public wellbeing. Authorities previously detained 17 other suspected members in coordinated multi-state raids under the same operation last year. Investigations into the syndicate date back to 2023, with earlier reports linking the group to violent incidents in Taman Sentosa, Klang and a killing in Brickfields. Key figures in the group had been placed on international watchlists prior to their arrests overseas. – BY FAIZ RUZMAN Two-year-old dies after being left in car SEREMBAN: A two-year-old boy was found dead after being left in a car by his mother in Jalan Tunku Hassan here on Tuesday. Seremban district police chief ACP Azahar Abdul Rahim said police received a MERS 999 call at 6.15pm about the boy’s death and preliminary investigations revealed that he was found unconscious in a car after he was left by his 35-year-old mother at 8am as she went to work at a nearby bank. “The victim’s mother is said to have forgotten to send her child to daycare and only realised what had happened at 5pm when she finished work.” Azahar said the boy was pronounced dead by a medical team at the Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital before being sent to the Rembau Hospital for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 and the mother has been arrested to facilitate investigations, he said. – Bernama

o Certain information cannot be easily changed, so criminals can reuse them repeatedly for scams and phishing: Specialist

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

RM542 million in online scam losses in 2025, with RM6.7 million successfully returned to victims, according to the Home Ministry’s written parliamentary reply dated Tuesday. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the RM6.7 million refers strictly to cases in which investigations have been completed and the money returned to victims. “It is different from the total losses throughout 2025, which stands at RM542 million. That figure represents losses based on complaints lodged by victims and the data is what we have compiled.” He said authorities intercepted RM34 million before it moved through multiple transaction layers, but stressed that saving and returning are different because investigations are ongoing. From RM17.5 million seized, RM6.7 million has been fully returned to victims. “The money did not have the chance to PETALING JAYA: IT experts have said personal data leaks in Malaysia may be more widespread and longer-lasting than official figures suggest, following the Digital Ministry’s written parliamentary reply on Monday on recorded breach cases. Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Computer Network and Cyber Security Department head Dr Syifak Izhar Hisham said the 535 recorded data breach cases under the Digital Ministry since 2022 do not reflect the true scale of intrusions. “Logically, the real number is higher than what is reported or detected. This happens everywhere, not only in Malaysia. “Leakage issues go undetected because of ‘Advanced Persistent Threats’, in which attackers are already inside the victim’s network by the time they are discovered. “Shadow IT, such as unmonitored browser usage, means organisations do not have full visibility over all their data assets. Attackers also carry out silent theft, in which they do not damage systems but quietly copy data.” She said statistics could understate the severity of exposure. “Usually, one major incident is counted as one case, but it can involve millions of data records. If you look at the dark web, a large amount of data is being leaked, but the number of cases does not reflect how critical the situation is. “When personal data is stolen, it is copied, stored and circulated within hacker communities. Information such as IC numbers and dates of birth cannot be easily changed, so criminals can reuse them repeatedly for scams, phishing and identity impersonation even years after the original breach,” she added. Universiti Teknologi Mara Institute for Big Data Analytics and AI director Prof Dr Jasni Mohamad Zain said the long-term danger lies in how leaked data is analysed

Jasni said leaks are difficult to reverse because data replication is irreversible once it propagates beyond the original system. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

accounts, businesspeople at 7.5% and pensioners at 7%. “This profile helps us understand online crimes under e-financial categories, such as love scams, e-commerce scams, non-existent loans, non-existent investments and telecommunications-related crimes, so that investigative efficiency can be improved.” A total of 51 cases were reported, of which 20 have been charged in court, three were classified as no further action, seven were closed and kept in file, and 21 are under investigation. Section 424B has one case under investigation, Section 424C recorded 10 cases, all under investigation, and no reports or investigations were recorded under Section 424D as of the date of the reply. “If asked whether these figures are something to be proud of, certainly not. This performance serves as an indicator in cases of this nature.” – BY FAIZ RUZMAN “Breaches are treated as operational or technical issues to be resolved quietly. This ‘manage it internally’ approach is often driven by fear of scrutiny, uncertainty over reporting thresholds or a belief that the incident can be controlled without external involvement.” In a written Parliament reply to Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran), the Digital Ministry disclosed that 535 personal data breach cases were recorded between 2022 and 2025, with 314 under the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 and 221 outside its scope. The ministry said amendments to the Act now require organisations to appoint Data Protection Officers, notify regulators and affected individuals of breaches, and face higher penalties of up to RM1 million or imprisonment for non-compliance. leaks originating from third parties, such as vendors and service providers.” On why some incidents go unreported, he pointed to reputational fears and limited detection capabilities. “There is often a perception that public disclosure will cause more harm than the breach itself. Some organisations simply do not realise that a breach has occurred or they underestimate its severity.

move through layer after layer of transfers. For that, we used sections 424A, 424B and 424C (of the Penal Code).” He was replying to Yeo Bee Yin (PH-Puchong), who sought statistics on individuals charged or convicted under the newly introduced Penal Code subsections 424A to 424D targeting mule accounts, and the number of scam victims who recovered their money in 2024 and 2025. Sections 424A to 424D of the Penal Code target the misuse and control of bank accounts and payment instruments linked to mule accounts and scam activities. According to data presented, private sector workers made up the largest group of scam victims. “Based on the profiles we compiled, the private sector recorded the highest number of victims, followed by the government sector at about 8%, students at 8%, most of whom provided their accounts to be used as mule and reused. “Seemingly innocuous attributes, such as an email or postcode, could act as linking keys. Multiple partial datasets could be merged to form rich, detailed personal profiles. “Each additional dataset enhances feature richness, predictive accuracy and contextual understanding of the individual. In effect, personal data behaves like a persistent digital footprint, not a consumable asset.” She said the impact of a breach does not end once accounts are secured. “From a data science perspective, data leaks are difficult to reverse because data replication is irreversible once it propagates beyond the original system. Even after users change passwords or phone numbers, leaked data could support identity-verification bypasses and long-term profiling.” Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia IT security system specialist Dr Zubaile Abdullah said the 535 cases recorded should not be seen as a full picture of the country’s data security posture. “Many data breaches take place quietly, whether through undetected account compromises, intrusions that are only discovered after the data has been sold, or

RM6.7 million returned to online scam victims PETALING JAYA: Malaysia recorded

THURSDAY | JAN 29, 2026

READ OUR

HERE

6

Malaysian Paper

/thesun

TVET emerging as strategic career path for youth

JOHOR BAHRU: Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor is seen as a “laboratory” and an early investment by the state government in nurturing local science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent. Johor Economic and Investment advisor Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad said engineers, technocrats and accountants are key to attracting high-tech multinationals amid the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. He said investment in STEM talent must be carried out progressively, citing China as an example, where millions of graduates have strengthened its high-value industrial ecosystem and economic stability. Hasni, who is also Johor Economic, Tourism and Culture Office executive chairman, said the focus of the initiative on English ensures local talent develops strong cognitive, critical thinking and data-driven decision-making skills. He said this holistic approach is key to developing a generation that thinks critically, resists misinformation and interprets information rationally. “If we master languages, we can understand better and make decisions more easily. This is also the contributing factor to expanding the intellectual capacity of Johor’s people.” State Information and Education Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor education ecosystem is holistic and continuous, spanning from early childhood to the workforce, Bernama reported. “The state government is refining the Tadika Rintis Bangsa Johor programme in strategic partnership with the state Education Department, the Community Development Department and the Johor Education Foundation, which will serve as a feeder system for Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor,” he said, adding that the education transformation plan is carefully mapped out to position Johor as a leader in quality education. “We aim to implement a strategic education plan from early childhood to cultivate an excellent and competitive Bangsa Johor generation by 2031.” Initiative in Johor nurtures STEM talent

o Increased graduate employability rate shows skilled workers in demand KUALA LUMPUR: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is emerging as a strategic career path and a top choice, aligning with current industry needs. This is driven by an increasing demand from industries for skilled labour, particularly in critical sectors such as aircraft and vehicle maintenance, which requires theoretical knowledge and demands specific technical skills and complex practical training. Advance Technology Training Centre (Adtec) Shah Alam Aviation Division lecturer and quality manager Ahmad Zulhisham Abdul Wahab said the employability rate of TVET graduates has shown an increase every year, proving that the field is becoming increasingly relevant and needed in the job market. “Based on Adtec records, nearly 99% of graduates secure employment within a short period after graduation. “More impressively, based on the excellent track record of graduates in the industry, large companies have started ‘locking in’ students as early as their fifth and sixth semesters.” Reviewing the TVET education module, he said students in the field of maintenance, repair and overhaul, especially aircraft maintenance, are not only exposed to theoretical knowledge, but also receive more hands-on training. “Practical training using various types of real aircraft and helicopters gives students an advantage in understanding the real work environment, increasing their level of preparedness when they enter the workforce. “In three years of study, students have the opportunity to obtain three important certificates simultaneously, namely the Diploma in Technology from the Human Resources Department, a Malaysian Skills Diploma Level Four from the Skills Development Department and an Aircraft Maintenance Technician Category A licence recognised by the Civil

Ahmad Zulhisham said students in the field of maintenance, repair and overhaul, especially aircraft maintenance, are exposed to theoretical knowledge and receive more hands-on training. – BERNAMAPIC

is low-class or that skills such as welding are only suitable for small jobs, when in fact many sectors, including critical fields, require skilled welders and offer significantly higher salary structures compared with other sectors. “At UniKL, welding modules and training are developed to meet the needs of large and complex industries, such as oil and gas, which require highly skilled personnel capable of performing tasks accurately and with quality.” National Organisation of Skilled Workers president Mohammad Rizan Hassan, who is also a National TVET Council member, said the issue of perception remains a major obstacle to the development of TVET in the country. “TVET continues to be seen as a second-class path. Many talented young people in technical fields are not given early opportunities to develop, contributing to a shortage of local technicians and technologists. “This situation leads to continued reliance on foreign workers and a waste of the potential of local youth who possess high practical skills but are not given proper recognition in the country’s education and job market ecosystem.”

Aviation Authority.” He said the career scope for TVET graduates is not limited to the technical level, but could expand up to the level of an engineer depending on experience and career advancement, including the chance to serve in the Air Force, police and the Fire and Rescue Department. Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)-Malaysia France Institute deputy dean (Student Development and Campus Lifestyle) Dr Siti Norhafiza Abdul Razak said the stigma that TVET is a second-class or unmarketable field needs to be completely eradicated. She said TVET graduates are highly valued and in great demand, as evidenced by the 99.7% employability rate of graduates in the field at UniKL within six months of graduation, Bernama reported. “Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia holders who are inclined towards practical skills-based learning should make TVET their primary career path choice, not only because of more guaranteed job opportunities, but also as a medium to improve their quality of life and social mobility. “We need to reject the perception that TVET

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.

Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. 03-7784 6688 advertise@thesundaily.com

thesun.my

THURSDAY | JAN 29, 2026

7

Thai parties tap nationalist mood

o Border clashes have angered voters

KANTHARALAK: Thai lawmaker Phumin Leethiraprasert has switched party allegiances in his re-election campaign for a Feb 8 poll, aiming to show voters he can make tough decisions to help border communities scarred by clashes with Cambodia. “I am not running for Pheu Thai this time around because of the border conflict,” said Phumin, 62, referring to the party of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra that dominated swathes of Thailand’s mainly agrarian northeast for decades. Nationalist sentiment has surged across Southeast Asia’s second largest economy after a perception that the Pheu Thai-led administration’s handling of a border crisis led to the worst fighting with Cambodia in decades, killing 149 people. “Bombs hit our homes and our people died,” the former doctor, who has forged new ties with one of the political parties racing to harness the nationalist fervour in the final stretch of the campaign, told a small crowd at a rally. Voters angered by the damage in his district of Kantharalak had urged Phumin to defect, he said last week. So, he is now running as a candidate of the Kla Tham Party, an ally of the ruling Bhumjaithai, which took power after the border row led to the removal of Thaksin’s daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was then prime minister. Anger and anxiety linger in the area after 19 Thais were killed and hundreds of thousands evacuated from border communities, such as BEIJING: Giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei arrived safely in Sichuan yesterday, China’s panda research base said in a social media post, following an emotional goodbye from fans in Tokyo where the pair were born and raised. Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei arrived at Chengdu’s Tianfu International Airport early yesterday, a WeChat post by the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda showed. They reached the centre in Ya’an, Sichuan, where they will undergo quarantine. The twin pandas were born in Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo in 2021. Their parents Shin Shin and Ri Ri returned to China in 2024. Since its founding in 1949, China has used panda diplomacy to boost its image and cement ties with other countries by gifting or loaning out pandas. The pandas return home after the agreement ends, and pandas born overseas like Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei usually go to a Chinese breeding programme between the age of two and four. Pictures on the showed the pandas’ crates being unloaded from a Sichuan Airlines plane and then transported to a truck, overseen by workers in white protective suits. – Reuters Japan-born pandas arrive in Sichuan

A Thai villager hugs Phumin in Khuean Chang village in Kantharalak district. – REUTERSPIC

“They don’t want to see border crossings reopened or trade with Cambodia resume.” In the midst of the intense border fighting, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved parliament last month after fewer than 100 days in power, setting the stage for snap polls, designed to gain from the wave of intense nationalism unleashed. At rallies, Anutin and his Bhumjaithai expressed strong support for the military and the construction of the border wall, a policy echoed by other conservative, pro-army groups. That has forced key rivals, the

Kantharalak, in two bouts of fighting in July and December. “We have to make them afraid,” said Uthai, a 58-year-old in the village of Sam Meng, referring to Cambodia. “We have been too soft.” Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a second ceasefire in late December, ending weeks of clashes following the collapse of a July truce brokered with the help of US President Donald Trump. Many voters are backing the Thai army’s plans for a border wall along parts of the 817km land frontier, Phumin said, although construction has yet to begin.

Nearly 700 residents of the stricken village have been evacuated to local government buildings, the agency said earlier. West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi blamed the landslide on sprawling plantations around Pasirlangu, mostly used to grow vegetables and pledged to relocate affected residents. – Reuters/AFP of infection prevention and control measures, and to apply rigorous isolation protocols for all suspected or confirmed Nipah virus cases receiving treatment. In parallel, health authorities were urged to track and update information on outbreaks and to reinforce public communication to avoid unnecessary panic while encouraging proper adherence to preventive measures. Early detection of suspected cases was highlighted as a critical step to enable timely isolation, diagnosis, treatment and effective containment of the disease. – Bernama Cambodia to ensure stable ties with Thailand. Pheu Thai, facing criticism over Thaksin’s once- close ties with former Cambodian premier Hun Sen, is redoubling efforts to show it is committed to Thailand’s sovereignty. “We can live alongside them,” said Samrong Narasa, whose home in the village of Sam Meng, about 10km from the border, was destroyed by Cambodian shelling last month. “But we don’t want to be friends with them,” said the 52-year-old, who wants the new government to do more to protect people and their livelihoods. – Reuters

progressive People’s Party, which is leading in the polls, and Pheu Thai, to redraw campaign plans to avoid appearing unpatriotic, said political scientist Thitinan Pongsudhirak at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University. “They are being portrayed as not nationalist enough, not patriotic enough, and not anti-Cambodian enough,” he said, describing the efforts of pro-military parties to undercut the competition. The People’s Party, long associated with calls for military reforms, has softened its anti establishment stance, underlining plans to exert diplomatic pressure on

Vietnam steps up measures against Nipah virus HANOI: The Department of Medical Services Administration under the Health Ministry here has issued a directive urging hospitals under the ministry, medical units of ministries and sectors, and provincial and municipal health departments to intensify preventive and control measures against the Nipah virus. Vietnam News Agency from animals to humans or through contact with contaminated food and objects, and can also spread between people via direct contact with bodily fluids and secretions of infected patients. of other ministries and sectors and provincial health authorities, to instruct subordinate healthcare establishments to strengthen disease surveillance and prevention efforts. Emphasis was placed on the strict use of personal protective equipment by healthcare workers and close contacts of suspected or confirmed cases within medical facilities, particularly for patients arriving from countries monitoring

The incubation period ranges from four to 14 days, with early symptoms including headache, muscle aches, vomiting and sore throat, potentially progressing to dizziness, drowsiness, impaired consciousness and neurological manifestations consistent with acute encephalitis. The department called on Health Ministry-affiliated health facilities, along with medical units

reported that at present, no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment is available. Nipah virus infection is designated a Group A infectious disease, with reported fatality rates of 40% to 75%. The virus is mainly transmitted

experiencing ongoing or recent outbreaks within the previous 14 days. Healthcare establishments were also directed to enhance the implementation, inspection and

Rain hampers search for Java landslide victims JAKARTA: Search operations for the 32 people still missing after a landslide in West Java were hampered by rain yesterday, the country’s disaster mitigation agency said, as it raised the death toll to 34. The landslide hit Pasir Langu village in the Bandung Barat region on Saturday, triggered by heavy rains starting a day earlier. The village was located in a hilly area of the province about 100km southeast of Jakarta. “It’s raining in the landslide site this morning but all the rescuers are ready to continue the search,” said the agency’s spokesperson Abdul Muhari. The death toll rose to 34 from the previous count of 20. Another 23 people survived the disaster. Twenty-three soldiers were

killed while conducting border patrol training, the Indonesian Navy said on Tuesday. A team is working at the scene to identify the bodies found by rescuers, Muhari said. At least 800 rescuers, military and police personnel along with nine excavators have been deployed to find the remaining missing people.