07/02/2026

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Teenager wins BMW sedan via BSN savings plan

Public invited to internet safety forum KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has invited the public to attend the“Safe Internet, Everyone’s Responsibility” forum in conjunction with Internet Safety Day 2026 tomorrow at the Titiwangsa Lake Garden. According to the MCMC website, the forum will commence at 2pm, with social media influencer Ariz Ramli as the host. The discussion would feature a panel of distinguished experts, including police Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Division (D11) assistant director SAC Siti Kamsiah Hassan, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia child commissioner Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Al Adib and MN Amplified Marketing founder Muhammad Noor. On the day, ahead of the forum, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil will launch the Safe Internet Campaign 2026. Internet Safety Day 2026 is organised by the Communications Ministry and led by MCMC, in observance of the global Safer Internet Day. Celebrated in more than 170 countries, the initiative promotes a safer, more responsible and positive online environment, with a special focus on protecting children and youth. Themed “Smart Technology, Safe Choices: Safe and Responsible Use of AI”, Internet Safety Day 2026 focuses on the critical need for informed digital decisions amidst our rapidly evolving technological landscape. Visitors could look forward to a diverse lineup of engaging activities, including a casual talk segment, e-sports tournaments, a technology exhibition and informational booths hosted by the National Information Dissemination Centre. The day’s schedule also features busking performances and a mini-concert with popular artists such as Kaka Azraff, Insomniacks, Kmy Kmo, Luca Sickta, Ismail Izzani and Leaism. The performances serve to complement recreational activities, which include an ExploRace and various interactive sessions. – Bernama Enforcement needed to protect terrapins CHUKAI: The Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS) has expressed concern that crimes against the river terrapin could become more widespread if enforcement measures are not carried out firmly and effectively. Its co-founder and executive director Dr Chen Pelf Nyok said the Wildlife and National Park Departments stated that relevant agencies must intensify enforcement, surveillance and monitoring efforts, including taking legal action under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) against individuals found to have committed offences involving the reptile. “The enforcement of the law is vital in efforts to protect, conserve and manage wildlife and their habitats, including the (terrapin). “Among the offences still being detected are the consumption and sale of eggs, keeping the animals without permits and killing them. “TCS has also established a community-based group known as the‘Tuntung Gang’to help raise public awareness and strengthen conservation efforts to protect and save the (terrapin) in Sungai Kemaman,” she said when met at the Sungai Tuntung Conservation Centre in Kampung Pasir Gajah yesterday. Chen added that the Fisheries Department has been urged to monitor river fishing activities that may pose risks to the species. She also said regular surveys conducted by TCS found that abandoned fishing equipment, such as nets, lines, ropes and hooks, continue to pose a threat after being left drifting in the river. “On Jan 29, the carcass of a male (terrapin) was found, believed to have died after becoming entangled in a longline in Sungai Kemaman near Kampung Pasir Gajah.”– Bernama

o Financial discipline, consistency result in unexpected reward

KUALA LUMPUR: At an age when most teenagers are only beginning to understand the value of money, 14-year-old Che Thaqif Dzakwan Che Mazlan has already reaped the rewards of financial discipline, after winning a BMW 5 Series car through the Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) SSP “Cabutan Simpanan Konsisten” draw for December 2025. The news came to him as a shock, and he said he was extremely proud, describing the win as “an unexpected blessing falling into our laps”. “For the time being, it will be for family use. We’ll see how things go, whether I (further) my studies or take driving lessons alongside school. “My friends are not yet aware of my big win. Maybe they will find out later,” he said with a shy smile. Recalling how he first learned about winning the car, Che Thaqif said it was his father who broke the news to him. “I didn’t make the call myself. When my father told me, it felt like a dream, completely surreal.” He added that he had always dreamed of owning a sedan. “So receiving the car is really exciting, it’s more than I ever expected,” he said, expressing both excitement and gratitude for the unexpected win. His father, Che Mazlan Che Jaafar, 49, said he felt immense joy over his son’s achievement, describing the moment as deeply rewarding. He said the family never started saving with the intention of winning prizes. “Of course, one might joke about aiming to become a millionaire, but our focus was on saving for our child. Che Thaqif started saving seriously when he turned 12. Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com A fashion technology student at GiatMara Simpang Ampat, she will compete against participants from 22 countries at the prestigious global skills contest, scheduled from Sept 22 to Sept 27. The opportunity marks her debut on the world stage after honing her sewing skills and success in local and regional competitions. “Currently, I am training for the competition under the guidance of national fashion and technology expert Nor Azah Mohamad and trainer Noorizah Hamid Dol, starting this month until the day of the competition. “Training starts as early as 8am and ends at 5pm every day. I’m truly excited because this is the first time I’ll be competing at the world level after winning several competitions nationally and within Asean.” The youngest of nine siblings, Nadratulliyana has already built an impressive record, winning silver medals at the WorldSkills Malaysia Belia competitions in 2023 and 2024, before clinching gold at both WorldSkills Asean Manila 2025 and

Che Thaqif flanked by BSN Negeri Sembilan director Shahrul Nizam Razi and its Strategic Communications chief Aizurra Mellissa Muzammil during the prize presentation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

expert, I would say the main goal is to teach children the habit of saving and to ensure they have a financial cushion for the future. “Any winnings or prizes from schemes should be seen as a bonus on top of that. The focus should always be on cultivating discipline and consistency in saving, rather than expecting rewards. “For now, we’ve decided to use the car for the family. In the future, we’re not sure yet, but right now it’s for family use.” BSN SSP is a product that allows customers to participate in a draw and stand a chance to win attractive prizes. For the “Cabutan Simpanan Konsisten” category, which Che Thaqif won, participants must be at least 12 years old and have a minimum savings balance of RM500, with a monthly deposit of RM500 for three consecutive months prior to the draw.

“We are thrilled for our child’s win. It’s a special moment and we are truly grateful.” He added that many individuals tend to view the BSN SSP scheme merely as a short-term savings plan for children, primarily intended to teach them basic money management or to set aside funds for immediate needs. “It is often associated with the ‘millionaire’ draw. Some might even consider it a primary savings tool, but for us, it’s just a supplementary saving alongside other accounts. “The intention has always been to save, and winning is just a bonus.” He encouraged other parents to view saving not just as a routine task but as a meaningful investment in their children’s future. Che Mazlan said he does not follow a strict savings routine, adding that the family simply sets aside money each month. “If I were to give advice, although I’m not an She added that at the WorldSkills competition, contestants are tested across four modules to be completed within three days. The modules are pattern and layout (2.5 hours), draping (1.5 hours), sketching (2 hours) and construction, the most gruelling segment, which spans 12 hours. She also said on the first day of competition, contestants must complete the pattern and layout, draping and sketching components, while the construction module must be finished on the second and third days of the competition. “The biggest challenge is time management apart from skills and precision. If a participant exceeds the time limit for any module, they are automatically disqualified. My training focuses on getting familiar with the competition format,” said Nadratulliyana, who is inspired by renowned Malaysian fashion designer Melinda Looi. Nadratulliyana’s love for sewing began at a young age while watching her eldest sister, Aumu Maisara, 40, working on her customers’ garments from their home in Kampung Alai. “I loved watching my sister sew and often

Student to represent M’sia at global skills contest ALOR GAJAH: What began as a childhood fascination with sewing has turned into a remarkable journey for Nadratulliyana Ab Malek, 22, who is set to represent Malaysia at the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 competition in September. WorldSkills Asia Taipei 2025. Her achievements earned her a Malaysian Skills Diploma in Fashion Technology from the Skills Development Department, under the Human Resources Ministry. accompanied her while she worked. That’s when I started dreaming of becoming a tailor myself.” The interest sparked during her childhood led her to enrol in a sewing course at GiatMara Kota Melaka under the post-SPM programme, before progressing to Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia Level 2 at GiatMara Jasin in 2022 and Level 3 at GiatMara Simpang Ampat in 2023.

Meanwhile, GiatMara Melaka deputy director Mohd Rodzi Opir said Nadratulliyana’s selection to represent Malaysia in the international competition reflected the institution’s effectiveness in producing highly skilled graduates across various disciplines. “This achievement elevates GiatMara’s standing as a leading implementer of the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) agenda at the national level.” Currently, GiatMara Melaka offers 17 full-time TVET courses, two upskilling programmes and four specialised courses in seven institutions in the state, with more than 200 students at any one time. “We aim for 80% of our graduates to venture into entrepreneurship, while the remainder enter the industrial sector as skilled workers,” he said, adding that 48 students became entrepreneurs after completing their studies last year. – Bernama