04/02/2026

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‘Independent, real-time oversight needed for big govt projects’

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PAC chief calls for credible monitoring throughout entire procurement cycle to detect, correct non-compliance early.

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Huat drips drips Grab these festive looks for Chinese New Year – P22

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p 23 Collectors’ timepieces for trendsetters p 25 Japanese anime concert taps into nostalgia Men at risk in car parks? Designated parking zones for men would not address underlying safety needs of male victims, says Human Rights Commission. p 24 Grammy’s red carpet embraces individuality

A Human Rights Commission of Malaysia member says the risks faced by men at car parks should be addressed through comprehensive safety design rather than gender specific parking zones. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

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Integrated transport hub estimates 30,000 to 40,000 passengers per day during upcoming Chinese New Year period. QR code ticketing to cut down queueing at TBS

When cancer hides in plain sight

Report on — page 3

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Two survivors who share their battles say persistent symptoms, even mild ones, should never be ignored.

WEDNESDAY | FEB 4, 2026

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Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

‘Independent oversight needed for govt projects’

PUTRAJAYA: The Border Control and Protection Agency will establish its own intelligence and investigative capabilities, as the Home Ministry acknowledged gaps in the agency’s original structure. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the agency could no longer rely solely on intelligence from other enforcement bodies, and must develop a unit suited to its operational culture. “We already have intelligence elements in various agencies – under police, Armed Forces and Customs “So we have two choices. If we do not establish it, we would depend entirely on intelligence elements from other agencies. “If we have it, we have the opportunity to build an intelligence and information unit that suits (the agency’s) own work culture,” he told reporters at a press conference after delivering his mandate address at the Border Control and Protection Agency Mandate and Engagement Session at the agency’s Putrajaya headquarters. He added that he had given full discretion to the agency’s director general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain to carry out recruitment aligned with the agency’s functions. In line with this, it is planning to recruit and train 400 investigation officers to manage cases from start to finish, cutting reliance on other enforcement agencies. Earlier in his address, Mohd Shuhaily said the agency currently lacks the manpower to conduct in-depth investigations despite overseeing enforcement at key entry points nationwide. “At present, we have only four PETALING JAYA: Malaysia must move beyond paper-based integrity pledges and institutionalise independent, real time oversight for high-value and high-risk government projects to prevent losses of public funds, said Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin. She said weaknesses in government procurement were often only uncovered after money had already been spent or losses incurred, exposing the limits of relying on “after-the-fact investigations and enforcement”. “What is needed is credible monitoring throughout the entire procurement cycle, so risks and non-compliance could be detected early and corrected before they escalate into serious problems,” she said during a parliamentary debate on Jan 27. Mas Ermieyati, who is also the Masjid Tanah MP, cited a report titled Strengthening Integrity Pacts in Malaysia Through Independent Expert Monitors (IEM), which builds on the Integrity Pacts framework developed by Transparency International in the 1990s and now implemented in more than 30 countries. Published in July 2025, the report said although Malaysia has adopted Integrity Pacts in public procurement under Treasury Circular PK 1.6, the framework relies Ű BY NIK FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Credible monitoring required to correct risks, non-compliance early, says PAC chief largely on self-declaration and retrospective enforcement, with no independent oversight during the procurement process. It said this leaves major projects exposed to bid manipulation, cost inflation, contract mismanagement and political interference. Transparency International Malaysia president Raymon Ram proposed that independent oversight be made mandatory for procurements exceeding RM1 billion, projects of significant public interest and complex or technically specialised contracts. “Malaysia has adopted the Integrity Pacts mechanism but not in accordance with the intended framework, which includes IEM.

IEM is not to delay projects, but to provide neutral oversight, early detection of warning signs and clear corrective recommendations, particularly for high-value, high-risk and public-interest projects. “Public confidence cannot be rebuilt through signatures alone,” she said, calling on the Finance Ministry to strengthen procurement policy and implementation so that accountability and integrity are embedded throughout the procurement lifecycle. The call comes amid persistent concerns over procurement weaknesses and leakages in the Defence Ministry, following a series of high-profile cases involving cost overruns, delays and the non-delivery of assets despite billions of ringgit in allocations. On Jan 19, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng called for renewed scrutiny of Defence Ministry land swap deals that surfaced in 2018 but were never fully addressed. supporters to exercise self-control at all times and to safeguard the good name of both the team and the state. Earlier, 33 Selangor football supporters were remanded by the Kuala Terengganu Magistrate’s Court following the disturbance at the drawbridge at about 6.30pm on Feb 1. They were brought to court at 10.15am the next day. Terengganu police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairudin said the case is also being investigated under drug-related offences, adding that 24 of the 33 supporters tested positive for drugs. He said three individuals were found in possession of ganja and Erimin 5. Meanwhile, Kuala Terengganu police chief Assistant Commissioner Azli Mohd Noor said the suspects were among 400 supporters detained at the district police headquarters for urine tests. The Selangor Soccer Fan Club clarified that it was not involved in the incident, distancing itself from the actions of UltraSel Curva supporters. The club expressed concern over the incident and urged fans to take it as a lesson and continue supporting their teams responsibly. Previously, videos circulated on social media showed Selangor FC supporters marching from Kuala Terengganu city towards Seberang Takir, waving team flags and lighting flares on the drawbridge.

previously to strengthening the Integrity Pact mechanism under the National Anti-Corruption Plan, which has since been replaced by the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, but added that the intended outcomes had not materialised in practice. She said although reforms were marked as completed, they appeared to have been implemented largely as a tick-box exercise, existing on paper rather than functioning as an effective governance mechanism. “In reality, Integrity Pacts are often reduced to declarations that are signed, while the most important element in international practice has been left out – independent third-party monitoring.” She also said IEM should be drawn from recognised professional bodies, including the engineering, architectural, surveying and accounting professions, to ensure credibility and competence. She emphasised that the role of committed

“The report highlights the gap and makes recommendations for adopting the framework in its entirety,” he told theSun . Raymon, who authored the report as a consultant to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, said implementation should begin with amendments to Treasury Circular PK 1.6, followed by statutory incorporation under a future Public Procurement Act. “Monitors should be selected through a transparent, merit-based process, granted full access to procurement documents and financial records and provided with legal protections to ensure their independence.” He added that prosecuting a handful of officials after scandals erupt would not address systemic weaknesses. “Meaningful reform would only occur when oversight is built into the system, rather than simply reacting after scandals explode,” he stressed. Mas Ermieyati said Malaysia had

Border agency to create investigation unit

Selangor Sultan rebukes local football fans for unruly behaviour

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has issued a stern rebuke against hooliganism and gangsterism among local football supporters, singling out the disgraceful conduct of individuals wearing Selangor FC jerseys during a public disorder incident in Terengganu. In a statement issued by the Selangor Royal Office on Facebook yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin, who is also the patron of Selangor FC, expressed deep sadness and disappointment over the burning of flares on the Kuala Terengganu Drawbridge on Sunday. “His Royal Highness does not condone immoral behaviour such as hooliganism and gangsterism, which are increasingly spreading among local football supporters, particularly those wearing Selangor FC jerseys.” The Sultan urged police to identify those responsible and to take firm action, emphasising that anyone found guilty should face the maximum punishment provided under the law. “This should serve as a lesson to other Selangor FC supporters so that similar incidents do not happen again.” He also proposed that Selangor FC supporters convicted of causing public disorder be barred from entering stadiums for matches involving the team. The Sultan further called on all

Mohd Shuhaily speaking with colleagues at the Setia Perkasa Complex in Home Ministry headquarters. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ THESUN

under stricter screening measures. Operations this year have also shown results, with nearly RM1.5 million in seizures in January. At Port Klang, inspections have been stepped up under new leadership, with recent seizures including two containers of frozen meat and multiple e-waste containers. “It is too early to declare Port Klang a complete success. The new leadership has not even been in place for a month and is still learning container movement procedures.” He added that e-waste seizures at Port Klang totalled about 125 tonnes, and emphasised continued collaboration with the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission, police, Customs and other agencies. On integrity issues, Mohd Shuhaily admitted that misconduct has been a long-standing problem. “When something has gone on for a long time, it becomes a culture. The challenge for the agency is to remove old habits.”

DPPs, who are mostly tied up with legal advisory and legislative work rather than full prosecution duties. “We estimate we need about 400 investigation officers. That is a challenge, as we must train from our existing strength and through future recruitment.” He emphasised that police expertise remains vital to fast-track the agency’s enforcement capabilities. Currently, the DPPs focus on legal drafting and regulatory advice but would gradually take on prosecution work as the agency strengthens its investigative arm. Meanwhile, the agency is intensifying checks at major ports and entry points amid rising concerns over smuggling and illegal activities. Mohd Shuhaily also highlighted the agency’s 2025 achievements: RM82.1 million in seizures, including RM20 million in narcotics and RM59.9 million in agricultural and other prohibited goods, while 29,411 high-risk travellers were barred entry

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When cancer hides in plain sight o Two women share their journey battling the debilitating disease with resilience and faith, urging early detection

For Komagal, 29, an insurance advisor, the warning signs were far subtler. She experienced brief stomach pains, which she assumed were ordinary gastric discomfort. By March, her symptoms worsened, prompting her to visit a polyclinic, where she was treated for gastric inflammation. However, by July, an endoscopy by a specialist revealed a mass in her stomach. A week later, the diagnosis was confirmed – stage four gastric cancer. “Hearing those words was overwhelming. I realised what I had dismissed as ‘just gastric pain’ was actually something far more serious.” While cancer took a physical toll, she said the emotional burden was heavier. Her family, friends and medical team became her pillars of strength. Learning more about her illness gave her a sense of control and mental resilience. “Their dedication, knowledge and compassion gave me hope when I needed it most.” Komagal’s experience carries a vital warning, especially on World Cancer Day – persistent symptoms, even mild ones, should never be ignored. “Early detection can save lives. Seeing a doctor early isn’t overreacting – it’s protecting yourself.” Mushitah hopes her journey will inspire others to seek help early and hold on to hope. “If your time has not come, you will survive. So choose to fight and live as fully as you can.” Komagal echoed the sentiment: “Resilience isn’t about being strong all the time. It’s about showing up every day, even when you’re afraid or exhausted.” particularly at busy border areas. “Although the checks take some time, they are important for early detection of potential risks and to give the public greater confidence,” he said after returning from visiting his family in Yala, southern Thailand. Thai national Apif Senik, 48, said he was aware of the virus situation and fully supported the preventive measures implemented by Malaysian health authorities. “Such checks are crucial for early detection of symptoms. These precautionary steps are necessary to prevent transmission that could have more serious health consequences,” said the Pattani native. Meanwhile, Saleha Jemae, 40, from Narathiwat, concurred, noting that the border screening reassured the public that health safety was being taken seriously. Last Sunday, the Kelantan Health Department began implementing health screenings at the state’s main entry points as an early preventive step to curb the spread of NiV. State health director Datuk Dr Mohd Azman Yacob said the precautionary measures were aimed at detecting any risk of the virus entering the country, particularly involving individuals from India. – Bernama

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

negative, hereditary-positive breast cancer, an aggressive type known to spread rapidly. Doctors initially believed the cancer was at stage three, making her a potential candidate for a clinical trial testing a new cancer drug. However, mandatory CT (computed tomography) and bone scans revealed the disease had already spread to her backbone, upgrading the diagnosis to stage four. Her specialists recommended targeted therapy, a relatively new option in Malaysia at the time. The cost was daunting – more than RM10,500 every three weeks. After discussing the treatment with her husband and children, Mushitah decided to proceed. “The first year was gruelling,” she said, adding that she underwent 18 cycles of targeted therapy alongside six cycles of conventional chemotherapy. “For six months, I had no energy. I only got up to pray or go to the toilet. Many patients give up because it’s too difficult.” Mushitah credits her survival to a strong support system and her faith. Both she and her husband are biology educators, while her daughter, a nurse, helped her navigate treatment side effects and critical medical decisions. Even so, the fear of dying was real. “I almost gave up,” she admitted. Eight years on, Mushitah continues medication and regular scans. status, greater health awareness and better access to information. In contrast, those in government hospitals are often from lower-income groups with limited health knowledge. Many do not prioritise screening, resulting in late detection.” Compounding this issue is the rising cost of insurance. Malwinder observed that many patients struggle with escalating premiums or exhaust their coverage mid-treatment. “We are seeing more patients who either lose their insurance or can no longer afford it halfway through their care. When that happens, they are referred to government hospitals,” he said, noting the added strain on public facilities. Beyond financial hurdles, fear and misinformation remain major barriers, he added. “Many people ignore symptoms because they are afraid it could be cancer. There is also a persistent myth that a biopsy causes cancer to spread. This is completely untrue, but it still prevents people from seeking a timely diagnosis.” Malwinder stressed that treatment is not always prohibitively expensive, noting that older, more affordable treatments and generic medicines remain highly effective. “Government healthcare services

PETALING JAYA: A lump that did not appear on a mammogram. Stomach pain dismissed as gastric discomfort. For two Malaysian women, these easily overlooked symptoms turned out to be stage four cancer – a stark reminder that early action can be life saving. For many, cancer is an invisible battle, one that tests not only the body but also the heart and mind. As the world marks World Cancer Day today, the stories of Mushitah Abu and Komagal serve as powerful lessons in vigilance, resilience and the importance of listening to one’s body. For Mushitah, now 63, the first warning came in 2018, when she was 55. She felt a small, hard lump in her right breast but did not immediately panic. “I thought it might be due to hormonal changes,” she recalled. When the lump did not subside after a week, she sought medical attention at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, a specialised cancer centre serving the northern region. A mammogram revealed nothing abnormal. “It was a false negative. I have very dense breast tissue. The lump was there but it couldn’t be seen.” Further investigations – including an MRI, ultrasound and biopsy – later confirmed the diagnosis: hormone PETALING JAYA: Breast, colorectal and lung cancers remain Malaysia’s most commonly diagnosed, but a rising trend of younger patients is sounding the alarm among oncologists. Consultant clinical oncologist Dr Malwinder Singh Sandhu noted that while these cancers have long topped national statistics, a worrying shift has emerged. “We used to see most cases among those in their 60s and 70s, but we are now seeing more patients in their 40s and 50s,” he said, citing sedentary lifestyles, poor diets and high-risk behaviours as key factors. The overall rise in cases is also partly attributed to improved and more widespread screening. “Every year, the numbers increase, as reflected in the national registry. With more screening, we are detecting more cases and in some instances, catching them earlier,” he added. However, Malwinder highlighted a stark gap between private and public healthcare. Patients in private hospitals, he said, are often diagnosed earlier, while those in government facilities tend to present at later stages – a disparity largely driven by socioeconomic factors. “Patients in the private sector generally have higher socioeconomic

Cancer survivor Mushitah (right) with her elder sister Hasmidar. Mushitah credits her survival to a strong support system and her faith. – PIC COURTESY OF MUSHITAH ABU

Despite ongoing treatment, she lives a full and active life – exercising daily, travelling with her family and advocating breast cancer awareness as a spokesperson for the National Cancer Council or Makna .

A brief six-month interruption in treatment last year was followed by cancer in her brain, underscoring the need for lifelong vigilance. “I don’t call myself a survivor. I’m a fighter,” she said.

More cases now seen among patients below 60, national trends show

Health screenings for Nipah intensified at M’sia-Thai checkpoints

PASIR MAS: Health screening, including body temperature checks, is being conducted on all individuals entering Malaysia through the Malaysia–Thailand border checkpoints in Kelantan to curb the spread of the Nipah virus (NiV). The measures are being implemented at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complexes in Rantau Panjang, Bukit Bunga and Pengkalan Kubor, with health personnel deployed in shifts to ensure continuous monitoring. A Bernama survey at the Rantau Panjang ICQS complex found that all individuals, including Malaysian and Thai nationals, are required to undergo temperature screening before being allowed to enter the country, under close monitoring by on-duty health personnel. Individuals recording body temperatures above 37.5 degrees Celsius will undergo further assessment, including interviews on travel history, health symptoms and risk evaluation, before any follow-up action is taken. Malaysian national Nizam Samsuddin, 30, said he understood the need for the screening measures, describing them as appropriate efforts to safeguard public health,

ensure treatment remains accessible even for those with limited means,” he said. Prevention, he emphasised, relies on a “triple threat” approach – vaccination, lifestyle changes and early detection. He pointed to the HPV vaccine’s success in reducing cervical cancer but warned that Malaysia’s high obesity rates – among the highest in Asia – remain a significant risk factor for cancer and recurrence. HPV vaccine protects against certain cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer and cancers affecting the vagina, vulva, penis, anus and throat. While acknowledging that some cancers are driven by genetics or environmental exposure, Malwinder’s message for World Cancer Day remains focused on proactive care. “Early detection not only improves survival but also reduces treatment intensity and lowers costs. A stage one breast cancer patient may only need surgery. By stage three, they may require surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy. My message is clear - go for your regular screening. Don’t wait until it’s too late.” – By Kirtinee Ramesh

WEDNESDAY | FEB 4, 2026

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Bus terminal upgrades ticketing for festive rush

Elected mayor proposal only study, says Loke KUALA LUMPUR: DAP secretary general Anthony Loke has urged all parties to stop politicising the proposal to introduce an elected mayor for Kuala Lumpur, emphasising that it remains a feasibility study, not a government policy. Speaking to reporters at TBS yesterday, Loke, who is also Transport Minister, said the proposal is not controversial as it is merely an assessment of whether such a system could work. “This is merely a study on the implementation of the selection or election of the mayor.” He added that electing a mayor is a common global practice and should not be framed as a partisan issue. “I see this as not a DAP issue. Many other parties have proposed it, including former Umno member Khairy Jamaluddin, who recently said at a forum that Kuala Lumpur should have an elected mayor to allow for greater public participation.” “Many MPs in Kuala Lumpur, including those from PKR such as Nik Nazmi, also support efforts to democratise Kuala Lumpur City Hall.” He explained that city hall is a unique local authority, operating differently from city councils in other states, in which councils are appointed by elected state governments. “However, in the case of (city hall), there is no election because it is appointed by the federal government.” He also said the proposal should not be exaggerated, as no changes have been implemented and the study is still in its early stages. “There is no need for any party to politicise the matter. This is only a study. The study would examine the pros and cons, as well as the advantages and disadvantages.” Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh confirmed that the study is being conducted by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and has been ongoing since December 2025, following a private member’s Bill tabled in the Dewan Rakyat. “There is no need to worry. This study is being conducted by IIUM, a reputable university. I am confident in the quality of their research,” she told reporters in Putrajaya after signing a Note of Collaboration between the Federal Territories Department and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. She added that once the study is completed, the Cabinet would review its findings before deciding on its suitability for implementation. – By Harith Kamal Recently, during a podcast session published by an English-language radio station, Nanta used the term “divorce” while discussing Sarawak’s position within Malaysia. The statement drew criticism from several Sarawak political leaders and political observers, who described it as inappropriate and unconstructive. – Bernama

o Operators also instructed to enhance facilities

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: The Southern Integreated Bus Terminal (TBS) is bracing for a tidal wave of passengers this Chinese New Year, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke estimating 30,000 to 40,000 travellers per day and about 1,000 express bus trips daily during the peak period. He said to ease congestion and improve travel efficiency, TBS has rolled out several upgrades, including QR code ticketing to cut down queuing and enhanced facilities to boost passenger comfort. “The measures are designed to minimise congestion and make travel safer and smoother during the festive rush.” Previously, passengers who bought tickets via online travel agents (OTA) or at ticketing terminals had to queue at TBS to exchange their QR codes before boarding. “The government, through the Land Public Transport Agency, has now mandated that all OTA selling express bus tickets must integrate QR codes directly into the tickets. “From this month onwards, passengers buying tickets via OTA would no longer need to exchange QR codes at the terminal.” Those who purchased tickets earlier without QR codes can now generate them online via the TBS website, removing the need to queue. The code acts like a boarding

Loke surveying preparations for Chinese New Year at TBS. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

facilities following complaints about non-functioning escalators, lifts and unclean restrooms. “Maintaining basic service standards is non-negotiable. “Passengers pay service charges and expect a clean, comfortable environment, and that is what we must deliver.”

feedback revealed that certain travellers believed showing a ticket alone was enough to board. “But the system at TBS requires a QR code to access the departure gates. The online system is intended to simplify the process for everyone.” In addition, TBS operators have been instructed to upgrade terminal

over the holiday period. Under the campaign theme “Drive Safely, Arrive Safely”, the ministry is also rolling out a series of educational and advocacy initiatives, including road safety exhibitions, awareness talks, distribution of safety materials and joint efforts with partner agencies and the media. The ban affects: 0 Heavy trucks over 7,500kg, low-loader trucks, pole trailers, platform trailers, logging trucks, wheeled heavy machinery (except pass, granting access to departure gates designed similarly to airport boarding areas. A nominal RM1 fee applies for operational purposes. “Some counters would still be available at TBS to assist passengers without QR codes, but we aim to reduce reliance on them.” Loke emphasised that public

Transport Ministry to impose road bans on heavy vehicles KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry is clamping down on heavy goods vehicles this Chinese New Year, imposing road bans from Feb 14 to Feb 15, and Feb 21 to Feb 22 to ease traffic and reduce potential crashes during the festive rush. emergency vehicles) and tractors. 0 Trucks carrying construction materials such as cement, steel, sand, soil, stones, tin, ores and other mining products. cargo trucks and trucks carrying palm oil and rubber. 0 6pm to 6am within 25 km of construction sites: Mobile cranes and concrete mixer trucks, with operational limits applied.

0 Container and cargo trucks, with exceptions for intra-state industrial deliveries from ports or airports. 0 Trucks transporting palm oil, rubber and similar commodities. Time-specific restrictions are also in place: 0 8pm to 8am: Container trucks,

The ministry and RTD have urged all drivers to plan their journeys carefully and adhere strictly to the bans. Road users are reminded to obey traffic regulations, ensure vehicles are roadworthy and manage travel plans to avoid congestion and crashes. – By Harith Kamal

In a statement, it said the restrictions, enforced by the Road Transport Department (RTD), form part of the ministry’s special operations for Chinese New Year 2026, targeting safer roads for public service vehicles and motorcycles

Minister clarifies ‘divorce’ remark made during podcast KUALA LUMPUR: Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has clarified that the term “divorce” he used during a podcast last week was not politically motivated but a spontaneous allusion intended to urge all parties to stop arguing and return to living in harmony. should be understood in their full context and not interpreted literally or exploited as political polemics. He explained that the expression was meant as an allusion to encourage all parties to focus on improving the country’s economic management and public wellbeing rather than engaging in disputes. “I never intended to say that we want to ‘divorce’. It was merely an expression to call for harmony, peace and a focus on what could be done to improve the lives of the public. “I also mentioned that I want to protect Malaysia. That was the main point. However, some chose to highlight other parts. Everyone is free to interpret it in their own way.” He added that some viewed his The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general said his remarks

remarks as political capital, but emphasised that he spoke spontaneously. Nanta, who is also Kapit MP, was responding to criticism of the “divorce” remark at the handover ceremony of the Letter of Acceptance for the Sibu Prison Construction Project at the Public Works Department headquarters yesterday.

WEDNESDAY | FEB 4, 2026

5 ‘Car park crime risks faced by men not gender-driven’

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Men do face crime risks in car parks but these are not driven by gender and should be addressed through comprehensive safety design rather than gender-specific parking zones, said the Human Rights Commission. Its commissioner Melissa Abd Akhir said inclusive safety planning must be informed by local crime patterns and structured needs assessments that account for risks faced by men alongside other vulnerable groups. “Men also experience the dangers of crime in general. Indeed, men can become victims of robbery or injury for various reasons. “However, studies show that when men become victims of being followed in parking areas or public places, it is generally not due to their gender.” She said introducing designated parking spaces for men would not address the underlying safety needs of male victims of crime. “For example, my first supervisor

o Designated parking spaces would not address underlying safety needs of male victims: Human Rights Commission

infrastructure planning, she said safety design should be guided by structured key needs assessments rather than blanket measures. “This assessment could illuminate inclusive and focused steps in terms of access to safety, and what dangers are experienced by persons with disabilities, the elderly, women and men, according to their respective local realities.” She added that long-term solutions lie in accountability, effective prosecution and changing offender behaviour, while physical measures, such as lighting, surveillance and regular patrols, should be implemented in ways that benefit all users.

“In the case of Suzaily Mokhtar, a woman was taken from inside a public bus to a remote place, raped and murdered and her body later dumped in Klang. “Once again, the killer and rapist was a man. Both women became victims based on their gender.” Melissa said violence against women in public spaces remains a persistent reality. “‘Less exposed or always in the position of not being victims’ is not an assumption but a default mode or privilege, in which usually men hold more power in public spaces compared with women, in terms of level of safety.” On broader urban and

general. Different fields have different grasshoppers.” She said the safety reforms that followed the 2003 murder of Canny Ong are grounded in the fundamental right to be free from gender-based violence. “Ong, as a woman, was followed, abducted from a car park, raped and murdered and then burned by Najib Aris, a man.

when I was in the Attorney-General’s Chambers, Kevin Morais, was abducted on a public road in broad daylight and later murdered. “He was targeted not based on his gender but due to motives related to stopping other criminal cases he was handling as a prosecutor. “In short, parking spaces for men do not answer the safety needs of men who become victims of crime in

Security should be boosted for all: Male drivers PETALING JAYA: The abduction and murder of Canny Ong in a shopping mall car park in 2003 shocked the nation and forced a reckoning over safety in parking areas, leading to sweeping changes in how such spaces are designed and monitored. to be alert in this situation. The recent rise in crime activities in Malaysia may also contribute to the feeling of ‘unsafeness’.” He said society often conditions men to believe they can cope better in risky situations. “I think individuals in most parts of the world are conditioned to assume that men are physically more capable than women.” Ammar Azman, 36, from Kuala Lumpur, said he generally feels safe but remains vigilant. “I feel safe but I try to be aware of my surroundings in case there are any suspicious people around me.” He supported improvements beyond gender-based zones.

Zahid files bid for acquittal of charges KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has filed an application to be acquitted and discharged of 47 charges of criminal breach of trust, corruption and money laundering linked to Yayasan Akalbudi funds. His lawyer Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik said the application was filed at the High Court on Jan 28, naming the public prosecutor as the respondent. “We are making the application based on an Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) media statement dated Jan 8, which said no further action (NFA) would be taken on the 47 charges involving our client.” He said Ahmad Zahid has been discharged not amounting to an acquittal for more than two years, leaving the charges hanging over him. “It is unfair for the charges to remain unresolved for such a long period. He is seeking closure and the truth.” He also said the application, together with a certificate of urgency, was submitted to the AGC on Friday and the court has fixed Feb 24 for the hearing. During yesterday’s proceedings, Prosecution Division II deputy head Datuk Badius Zaman Ahmad told the court that the prosecution sought a postponement of the hearing as the application had only been received on Friday. “We are requesting a postponement as we need time to file a reply affidavit,” he said, adding that the defence did not object to the request. High Court Judge Nurulhuda Nur’aini Mohamad Nor allowed the postponement and ordered the prosecution to file its reply affidavit by Feb 13. It has been learned that Ahmad Zahid will be present during the hearing. On Jan 8, the AGC said there would be NFA on the charges faced by Ahmad Zahid, after reviewing new materials and evidence. Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar on Jan 12 said the decision to classify the case as NFA was made after the prosecution had carefully examined six representations submitted by the Umno president. He said the decision was not made arbitrarily, adding that the AGC would not classify any case as NFA without a thorough assessment of the facts, evidence and legal merits. On Sept 4, 2023, the High Court here discharged not amounting to an acquittal Ahmad Zahid on the charges after the prosecution informed the court that it would discontinue proceedings. The decision was delivered by then High Court Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, who has since been elevated to the Federal Court. – Bernama

The case prompted many malls and private premises to introduce women-designated parking bays located closer to entrances, lifts and surveillance points. However, more than two decades on, several male drivers told theSun that they do not always feel safe in multi-storey and basement car parks, particularly at night, and believe security design should be strengthened for all users, rather than centred on gender-specific parking zones. Petaling Jaya-based human resources officer Rafiq Salleh, 28, said his sense of safety in such spaces remains limited. “There is always a chance of crime, especially in isolated areas such as these.” He added that assumptions about male physical strength do not necessarily translate into real protection. “The assumption may come from men’s physique overall, but assailants tend to bring weapons, which may reduce unarmed men’s chances of fighting back.” Legal associate Einstein A. Richard, 25, said: “I would say it is normal for any individual

“Parking lot safety is not sufficient in most places. There should be security guards going around doing regular checks of the area.” Private sector worker Muhammad Imran Fahmi Anuar, 26, from Puncak Alam, said the risks cut across gender. “As a man, I also feel unsafe walking alone in basement or multi-storey car parks, especially at night, because people can have a lot of different ill-intentions, be it to rob, rape or even kill, everyone can be targeted no matter what gender you are.” He said stronger, more comprehensive safety systems are needed. “Safety design could be improved for everyone. Car park safety should rely on all features and aspects to make it as safe and secure as possible.” Across responses, men voiced support for women-focused measures but stressed that lighting, surveillance, regular patrols and access control remain decisive factors in shaping how safe car parks feel in practice. – BY FAIZ RUZMAN

On existing safety measures, he said they are insufficient and unsustainable as a long-term solution. “A proactive step would be education and exposure regarding these issues.” Entrepreneur Muhammad Rizqan, 26, from Johor, said he avoids such areas at night whenever possible and views women-only parking spaces as a limited measure. “It is just one initiative for women to feel safe. It feels a bit insignificant. More important steps are reliable guards and CCTV.” Marketing worker Muhammad Aizat Zainol, 27, from Kuala Lumpur, said danger at night is not limited by gender. “Night-time is a dangerous time for everyone because it is when we are less aware of the situation as it is dark and danger can come without us realising. “People forget that not all men are able to handle dangerous situations, especially those without self-defence knowledge.” Marketing operations specialist

ALLEGED MURDERER ... Police yesterday arresting a 28-year-old, who is the main suspect in the case of the discovery of a woman’s body with stab wounds in a house in Jalan Tanjung Bendahara, Alor Setar. – BERNAMAPIC

WEDNESDAY | FEB 4, 2026

6

Exploring biodiversity of Wang Kelian

WANG KELIAN: Many think of the unsavoury headlines linked to the Malaysian-Thai border village in Perlis when there is mention of Wang Kelian, where one of the country’s largest human trafficking syndicates was uncovered in 2015, and smuggling and border security stories continue to make the news. Yet behind the village lies a biodiversity treasure, home to rare wildlife and plants. Bernama and six media representatives recently visited Kampung Wang Kelian and Pekan Kaki Bukit at the invitation of Manulife Malaysia, in collaboration with Roots and Shoots Malaysia and the Perlis Forestry Department. Inhabited by Malay, Siamese and Chinese communities, Wang Kelian and Pekan Kaki Bukit exude rustic charm, framed by limestone mountains sheltering caves, underground waterfalls, and endemic flora and fauna. The first stop of the three-day visit was Pekan Kaki Bukit, a 1.5-hour drive from the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Alor Setar. Arriving at 4pm, the group saw a row of old, colourfully painted wooden shop houses. Tour guide, local resident and cave guide Tham Ngui Long welcomed them. Pekan Kaki Bukit has a population of just 1,000, as many young residents move away for work. The quiet town offered photography enthusiasts perfect shots against the Nakawan Range backdrop. The town has a tin-mining heritage dating o ‘Border village and Mata Ayer Forest Reserve host over 70 mammal , 200 bird and 35 reptile species’

“farmers of the forest”, dispersing seeds as they feed and fly. The expedition’s highlight was a two-hour night safari in Mata Ayer Forest Reserve, where journalists rode buggies to observe wildlife. Perlis Nature Xplorer co-founder Daniel Azizan said: “Look, there is a kongkang , or Sunda slow loris. It is nocturnal, moves silently and is hunted for its eyes, which are believed to have medicinal value.” The group also spotted the red giant flying squirrel, which glides through the forest using a patagium, a skin membrane stretched between its limbs. Since 2024, Manulife Malaysia, Roots and Shoots Malaysia and the Perlis Forestry Department have worked to protect Wang Kelian’s biodiversity and strengthen ecotourism. Their programme focuses on restoring the 36km Denai Warisan (Heritage Trail) from Kampung Wang Kelian to Pekan Kaki Bukit through Mata Ayer Forest Reserve, training residents as nature guides, and providing entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills. Roots and Shoots Malaysia Education and Outreach head Peter Ong said: “The village population is ageing and young people migrate to cities. Programmes such as ours elevate Wang Kelian as an eco-tourism destination and create job opportunities for locals, helping drive the economy.” Manulife Holdings Bhd Group CEO Vibha Coburn said the collaboration aligns with the Manulife Impact Agenda on environmental sustainability and inclusive economic opportunities. “Funding enables biodiversity surveys and creation of flora and fauna zones, supported by educational signage to raise environmental awareness. This empowers communities while preserving our natural heritage.” – Bernama

Arriving at Pekan Kaki Bukit, the group saw colourfully painted wooden shop houses. – BERNAMAPIC

local orchard. Perlis Forestry Department director Ag Shaffie Ag Ahmadni said the state’s strategic location along the Thai border and Nakawan Range gives fertile soil that produces abundant fruits, including the famed Harumanis mangoes. “Perlis is known for its teak wood, branded as ‘Jati of Perlis,’ exported to India and China.” Perlis Nature Xplorer founder Syamil Abd Rahman said Wang Kelian and Mata Ayer Forest Reserve host over 70 mammal, 200 bird and 35 reptile species, including the rare stump-tailed macaque, locally known as beruk kentoi. “Wang Kelian is the only place with road crossing signs for beruk kentoi ,” he said, adding that it was the mascot for Visit Perlis 2024-2025. The area is also home to hornbills, the

back to the 19th century, with some small-scale operations ongoing. Tham noted that while the town is serene, its rich biodiversity is waiting just beyond the everyday sights. “The 480 million-year-old Nakawan Range, stretching from Kuala Perlis to Wang Kelian, holds another treasure: wild honey,” he said. At a local grocery store, resident Tung Chee Yoon, 43, sells authentic tualang honey harvested from nearby caves. “Visitors never miss bringing home our honey as a souvenir because it is pure and not mixed with sugar or other substances.” The second day featured a three-hour hike in the Mata Ayer Forest Reserve, led by Perlis Nature Xplorer and the state Forestry Department. Before entering the forest, the group passed through a rubber plantation and a

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WEDNESDAY | FEB 4, 2026

7

Philippine lawmakers weigh impeachment for Marcos

Workers’ Party chief moves seat in parliament SINGAPORE: Workers’Party secretary general Pritam Singh is no longer sitting opposite Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Singapore’s Parliament following his removal as leader of the opposition, the Straits Times reported. According to an updated seating plan, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Christopher de Souza will now occupy the seat across the aisle from Wong. Christopher will be flanked by fellow People’s Action Party (PAP) members of parliament Xie Yao Quan and Vikram Nair, who are chairmen of parliamentary committees, while Pritam will be seated to the left of Xie, who is also a deputy speaker. On Jan 15, Wong removed Singh from his post as leader of the opposition with immediate effect. The decision came a day after Parliament voted to express regret over Singh’s conduct. Singapore’s Parliament began its sitting yesterday with Speaker Seah Kian Peng acknowledging the submission of a letter from Wong. “I received a letter from the prime minister this morning which reads as follows: Mr Speaker, following Parliament’s resolution on Jan 14, 2026 and my subsequent written exchange with the Central Executive Committee of the Workers’ Party, I wish to inform Parliament through you that Pritam Singh’s designation as the leader of the opposition has ceased and that the position in this term will remain vacant. “Until such time that the Workers’ Party nominates another suitable elected member of parliament to take on this responsibility,” Seah said. – Bernama Air India checks Dreamliner fuel switches NEW DELHI: Air India has begun checking the fuel switches on its Boeing Dreamliner aircraft, after a pilot reported a possible defect on one of the long-haul jets, according to an internal memo. The checks have not unearthed any issues so far and will not require grounding of the fleet, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said. The carrier has a fleet of 33 Boeing 787 aircraft. The airline’s engineering team has referred the matter to Boeing for “priority evaluation” after a potential switch defect in one plane, head of flight operations, Manish Uppal, said in the memo. Boeing said on Monday it was supporting the airline’s review. An Air India spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Air India said on Monday it had grounded a Dreamliner after the pilot reported a possible problem with the fuel control switch. Fuel switches were at the centre of last year’s crash involving an Air India Dreamliner, which killed 260 people in Gujarat, triggering tighter scrutiny. The switches regulate the flow of jet fuel into a plane’s engines. The switches are used to start or shut down engines on the ground or to manually shut down or restart engines if engine failure occurs during flight. – Reuters

wrong, did not violate the law and did not commit an impeachable offence,” presidential press officer Claire Castro told a briefing on Monday. If the lower house decides to impeach Marcos, it would be sent to the Senate for trial, where its 24 members serve as jurors. Five top officials have been impeached in the Philippines and of those, only one, a former chief justice, was convicted and removed from office. Among the five was Marcos’ estranged Vice-President Sara Duterte, whose impeachment was struck down by the Supreme Court last year. She is facing new impeachment complaints and denies wrongdoing. Gerville Luistro, who heads the justice committee, said its members would decide whether the alleged offences Marcos was accused of were enough to impeach him. “It’s not enough that an impeachable official committed wrongdoing. That wrongdoing must

house of Congress, which is dominated by allies of the president. If the complaints against Marcos succeed in a vote of the House, he would be the second Philippine head of state to be impeached after Joseph Estrada, whose 2001 trial was aborted when some prosecutors walked out. The complaints include Marcos’ decision to allow his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte to be arrested and taken to The Hague to face trial at the International Criminal Court over thousands of killings during his notorious “war on drugs”. Marcos is also accused of abusing his authority in spending public funds that led to a corruption scandal over flood-control projects. His alleged drug use, which he has denied, also made him unfit to run the country, according to one of the complaints. The office of Marcos said he respects the process. “Even before, the president already said he did not do anything

MANILA: Philippine lawmakers met yesterday to decide whether to advance impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (pic) , who is accused of betraying the public’s trust, corruption and violating the constitution. Marcos, who is midway through his six-year term and denies wrongdoing, faces two separate complaints filed by a lawyer and activists, which hurdled an initial step at the House justice committee on Monday when lawmakers said both were “sufficient in form”. The committee reconvened yesterday to determine whether there was “substance” to move the complaints forward. The committee’s decision, regardless of which way it goes, would be put to a vote of the lower o President denies wrongdoing

constitute an impeachable offence,” Luistro told broadcaster Teleradyo. Luistro said if lawmakers vote in favour of advancing the complaint, Marcos would have the chance to respond to the allegations. The backing of one-third of the House is needed to impeach the president. – Reuters

Scam compounds in the O’Smach area‚ – REUTERSPIC

Cambodia scam compound yields fraud evidence CHONG CHOM: The Thai military said yesterday it had recovered a trove of evidence of transnational fraud from a Cambodian scam compound seized during clashes last year between the two countries along their disputed border. year. The six-storey building was strewn with documents, including long lists of what appeared to be potential targets and their contact details, as well as scripts for scam dialogues. Touch Sokhak, a spokesperson for Cambodia’s Interior Ministry, told Reuters Thailand had used scam centres as a pretext for military attacks.

used to store weapons and launch attacks. Parts of Southeast Asia, including border areas between Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia, have become hubs for online fraud in recent years, generating billions of dollars annually. Among the items seized at O’Smach were 871 SIM cards enabling anonymous international communication, dozens of smartphones, counterfeit police insignia and police uniforms, the Thai military said. Reporters visiting the complex also saw several rooms set up to resemble police offices from different countries. – Reuters

He said Cambodia was carrying out a crackdown on scams and had pledged to eradicate the illicit industry before April. Thailand and Cambodia ended weeks of fierce border clashes in late December with a ceasefire, the second in recent months, that halted the worst fighting in years between the Southeast Asian neighbours. During the clashes the Thai military struck several casino complexes it alleged were scam compounds, saying they were also

O’Smach has previously been named as a base for scam operations including by the United States, which cited trafficking and forced criminality. “The reason we are showing this place today is that we want the world to see how it’s being used as a criminal base against humanity,” Lieutenant General Teeranan Nandhakwang, director-general of the Royal Thai Army’s Directorate of Intelligence, told reporters.

Briefing reporters and foreign delegates in Surin province, senior Thai military officials said the O’Smach complex had housed thousands of people, many of them victims of human trafficking who were forced to scam strangers or face punishment. Soldiers later showed reporters around one of several buildings in the complex that were bombed and occupied by the Thai military late last