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Chinese Muslim convert reconnects with family during CNY Religious difference no barrier

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to blood and cultural bonds shared between parents and siblings.

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY

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Activist offers suggestions to mitigate illegal temple issue ‘Tweaking law or state guidelines to ensure legal land acquisition could preserve religious harmony.’

PAS watching Bersatu developments with popcorn in hand Report

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Islamist party could seize opportunity to consolidate dominance within Malay opposition bloc: Analyst

According to a study conducted for the 2023/2024 Ramadan-Raya period, 62% of respondents anticipated heavy reliance on food delivery and other e-platform services. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Ramadan rush Report on h page 4 Riders urged to be mindful of anticipated surge in demand for food delivery between 5pm and 8pm due to spike in orders for breaking of fast.

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Do not compromise on efforts to combat graft, says King JOHOR: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim has said efforts to combat corruption must be carried out without compromise across all departments and agencies under the Johor government. As the Sultan of Johor, His Majesty stressed that integrity and administrative transparency are fundamental to safeguarding the wellbeing and sustained prosperity of the state. According to a post on the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Facebook page, the message was conveyed to Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Holy month of Ramadan begins for M’sian Muslims o Date for start of fasting set by order of King, after Rulers gave consent Onn Hafiz Ghazi and State Secretary Datuk Mohammed Ridha Abd Kadir, who were granted an audience by His Majesty at Istana Pasir Pelangi yesterday. Also in attendance were Pasir Gudang City Council Mayor Datin Paduka Hazlina Jalil and

Johor Land and Mines director Mohammed Shakib Ali. During the nearly two-hour meeting, Sultan Ibrahim also received a briefing from Onn Hafiz on current developments and the rapid progress achieved in Johor. – Bernama Country’s hilal expertise recognised globally KUALA LUMPUR: The practice of sighting the new moon, or hilal, to determine the start of the Ramadan fasting month carried out by Malaysia has now become a reference point at the international level. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hassan said the recognition is due to the systematic and authoritative approach that integrates ilmu falak syarie (Islamic astronomy) with modern technology as well as the consistent and high-standard of moon-sighting observations nationwide. “Many refer to the observations we carry out, and some even regard our observations as the best. “This shows that the development of the country’s talent and expertise in Islamic astronomy is proven,” he said at the official Ramadan New Moon Sighting 1447 Hijrah ceremony organised by the Federal Territory Mufti Department on Tuesday. Zulkifli said the sighting was carried out at 29 locations from Sabah to Perlis, proving government emphasis on ensuring that the early determination of Ramadan is done systematically, transparently and based on recognised methods. He said the strengthening of the country’s knowledge of Islamic astronomy is further reinforced through strategic collaboration with several institutions of higher learning, including Universiti Malaya and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. “ Alhamdulillah , the development of Islamic astronomy in our country is very good. In universities and even in terms of technology, we are integrating Islamic astronomy with other fields of knowledge and technology. The Imkanur Rukyah approach, which is a combination of physical sighting ( rukyah ) and astronomy based calculations ( hisab ), shows the compatibility between traditional Islamic disciplines and current scientific advances.” Meanwhile, Federal Territory Mufti Department Falak committee member Shahrin Ahmad said the use of various high-precision optical instruments helps elevate the accuracy of sighting data, including high-powered telescopes mounted on computerised systems, high-resolution cameras to capture images of the new moon and specialised astronomy software to accurately calculate the positions of the moon, sun and other pertinent information. “We no longer rely solely on the naked eye. Technologies like automatic tracking systems and image analysis software help ensure that sighting data is more accurate and can be verified. “The use of this technology also allows sighting data to be coordinated in real time with the control centre before an official report is submitted to the relevant authorities for announcement. The combination of local Islamic astronomy expertise and technological sophistication puts Malaysia among countries with a reliable hilal observation system in the region.” – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Muslims in Malaysia will begin fasting on the first day of Ramadan today, according to the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad. He said the date for the start of the fasting month in states throughout the country was set by the order of His Majesty the King of Malaysia

Kampung Balik Batu in Tanjung Bidara (Malacca), the Kuala Lumpur Tower, Putrajaya International Convention Centre, Kompleks Baitul Hilal Telok Kemang in Port Dickson (Negeri Sembilan), Bukit Melawati in Kuala Selangor, Bukit Jugra in Banting (Kuala Langat) and the Selangor Observatory in Sabak Bernam.

Sultan Ibrahim , after the Rulers consented. An announcement was broadcast live on RTM on Tuesday, Bernama reported. The Ramadan moon-sighting process took place at 29 locations in the country, including Baitul Hilal at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Pontian (Johor), Kompleks Falak Al-Khawarizmi in

Anwar flanked by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong at the Chinese New Year event in Kuala Lumpur. – PIC COURTESY OF ANWAR IBRAHIM FACEBOOK PAGE

Chinese New Year celebrated nationwide in spirit of unity

KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese New Year (CNY) is celebrated by Malaysians of all races, showing that unity remains the country’s pillar of strength. From the hosting of open houses to lion dance performances, this festival unites Malaysians in an atmosphere of muhibbah (goodwill), harmony and mutual respect. In Kuala Lumpur, the MCA-organised CNY celebration was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said celebrating CNY with various races accentuates the spirit of unity among Malaysians. “I came to celebrate the CNY celebration organised by MCA, and this is not just for one group but a celebration for all Malaysians. It is joyously celebrated and reflects our unity.” In Negeri Sembilan, over 5,000 visitors were seen at the Kuala Pilah Si Thian Kong Temple, the state’s biggest temple, as early as 7.30am for prayers and to seek blessings and prosperity. “Every year, we receive many visitors from within the country and abroad such as Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan. “They come to see for themselves the temple’s special features and uniqueness as well as to make wishes for prosperity and good health throughout the year,”said the temple’s media communications director Liaw Zi Xhuan. In Kelantan, about 1,500 Chinese visited the

to experience the festive joy, adding that the presence of various races showed that the spirit of unity is strong in Perlis. In Kedah, Ong Pei Tan, 56, of Taman Mergong said after offering prayers, she went to the recreational park for zumba with her friends before heading home to celebrate with her family. “We also bought oranges to give out to people here as Malays and Indians also join in CNY celebrations just like during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Deepavali.” In Perak, many people celebrating CNY made their way early to the Lin Seng Tong Temple in Jalan Sultan Nazrin Shah to perform religious rituals and offer prayers and make wishes. Most of them came with their families dressed in cheongsam and casual red outfits, a colour synonymous with good fortune and prosperity in Chinese culture. Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad expressed hope that the CNY activities would bring joy, peace and prosperity for all who celebrate the festival. “It is this unity that has long been the foundation of Malaysia’s strength. It is a gift that we must safeguard and defend together so that harmony can continue to flourish and be passed on to future generations,” he said in a post on his Facebook page. – Bernama

Swee Nyet Keung Temple to pray on the first day of CNY despite rainy weather, said Mukim Pulai village head Foo Mei Ling. “Each year, usually on the second and third day of CNY, we get about 500 visitors coming to pray at the temple, which is open until late at night throughout the festive period.” In Machap Baru, Alor Gajah in Malacca, over 4,000 people from different races welcomed CNY with various activities such as cultural performances, sale of food and goods and fireworks displays. State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem, who is also Machap Jaya assemblyman, said activities on the eve of CNY not only enlivened the festive celebration but also served to unite people of various races. Malacca Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam and Malacca MCA chairman Datuk Lim Ban Hong also attended the event. In Perlis, more than 200 people of various races turned out at the CNY event organised by a group of NGOs at a temple in Pauh, Arau, from 10.30pm to 1am. Lim Wei Jian, 28, said he and his family came to witness the fireworks display. Another visitor, 32-year-old Ahmad Firdaus Rahman, said he, his wife and children were happy

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Beyond the Bersatu split PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin’s declaration that he is the party president’s “number one enemy” may have pushed Bersatu closer to a rupture, but analysts say that political feuds in Malaysia rarely last and could instead spark a broader realignment of Malay politics. o Analysts foresee several scenarios, including Hamzah eyeing return to Umno amid shifting alliances ahead of GE16 Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com general election.” Political Zumba refers to the intersection of dance fitness with political campaigning, community building or cultural controversy.

Tajikistan invites Malaysia to host cultural week KUALA LUMPUR: Tajikistan invites Malaysian cultural stakeholders to organise a cultural week in the country to introduce Malaysia to the Central Asian country. Ambassador of Tajikistan to Malaysia Ardasher Qodiri said among Malaysian cultural products that need to be introduced to Tajikistan are Malaysian batik, the dances and the cuisine. “Now, most Tajikistan people only know about the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia. They should know about the culture too,” he told a media briefing here on Monday. Malaysia is the only country in Southeast Asia with a Tajikistan embassy. The ambassador, who is also accredited to Indonesia and Thailand, emphasised that cultural cooperation should precede and underpin political, economic and other forms of engagement between the two countries. He said when people first get to know each other through culture, traditions, arts, daily life and shared human values, it creates mutual understanding and trust, which later becomes a solid foundation for sustainable political dialogue, economic cooperation and long-term partnership. “Culture brings people closer at a human level. Once there is understanding and respect between societies, cooperation in other fields develops more naturally and effectively.” Ardasher said Malaysia is among the preferred destinations for Tajikistanis to further their studies. Some 400 students from the country study here, he said, and the number is slowly increasing. Meanwhile, Third Secretary of the Tajikistan Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Farhod Qiyomuddinov, in his presentation, said there are strong potentials for deeper cooperation between Tajikistan and Malaysia based on complementary strengths and shared interests in stability, development and people-to-people ties. Some Malaysian movies can be translated into Russian, a common language among the Central Asians, he said. He said green energy and sustainability also present an important agenda. Tajikistan’s hydropower potential and Malaysia’s growing green technology capabilities open doors for collaboration in energy efficiency, smart grids and renewable-focused projects, including knowledge exchange on climate resilience. Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic, has a population of about 10 million people. Capital cities Kuala Lumpur and Dushanbe have established diplomatic relations since March 11, 1992. – Bernama

A source said the two met last year, adding that while Malaysia’s anti-hopping law would prevent a direct party switch, a realignment ahead of the next general election remains possible. The potential move also aligns with the “Rumah Bangsa” concept Zahid outlined at Umno’s last general assembly. Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said the contest for the role would be a significant development. “We know that Hamzah is supported by PAS. However, PAS does not have the leadership capability at this point to take on the role of opposition leader. “As we have seen in the context of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairmanship, it will be interesting to see whether PAS continues to support Hamzah in remaining as opposition leader. The position of the other two parties in PN – MIPP (Malaysian Indian People’s Party) and Gerakan – will also be crucial in determining the outcome.” Azmi said PN needs a strong figure, adding that Hamzah remains the most viable candidate. “I believe the opposition needs a strong figure. It needs leadership of the kind that Hamzah can provide to serve effectively as the opposition.” Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the party has yet to decide on a new candidate to replace Hamzah. PN deputy secretary-general and PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the position of PN chairman will be determined at the coalition’s supreme council meeting scheduled for this Sunday. He said the meeting would focus on approving Muhyiddin’s resignation as PN chairman and appointing a new chairman to lead the coalition. He added that the appointment of an Opposition leader would likely be addressed at a separate meeting.

the Malay opposition bloc. “All gloves are now off for PAS. It can consolidate Malay support under its banner and no longer share it with Bersatu,” he said, cautioning that this could prove fatal to Pakatan Harapan’s fragile standing among Malay voters, the country’s largest voting bloc. He added that the unfolding drama could also open the door to behind-the-scenes negotiations and unexpected alliances. “Some form of political Zumba is likely before and after the next general election,” Oh said, alluding to MPs repositioning themselves across party lines ahead of the next

“In the short run, it indeed signals a split between Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Hamzah. But Malaysian politics is notoriously short-sighted – just look at how Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Muhyiddin reconciled politically,” said Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia principal adviser Dr Oh Ei Sun. Oh observed that as Bersatu edges towards political oblivion, PAS could seize the moment to consolidate its dominance within

Hamzah and several aligned MPs were sacked last Friday. The following day, he delivered a fiery press conference, vowing to find a “new house” – whether in an old party or a new one. Speculation is mounting that Hamzah may be eyeing a return to Umno. An English daily reported that he has been considering a comeback for some time and has held discussions with Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Analysts predict the Muhyiddin-Hamzah fallout may lead PAS to consolidate its own Malay support and no longer share it with Bersatu. – BERNAMAPIC

85% of TB cases involve locals: Health Minister KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 85% of tuberculosis (TB) cases reported in the country involve Malaysians, and only 15% involve foreigners, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the perception linking the spread of TB to the influx of foreigners is not accurate based on the Health Ministry’s data, which shows the total number of cases involving Malaysians is currently higher. “This means the risk of transmission within our community is real and should not be taken lightly,” he posted on Facebook yesterday. He said TB is not a new

living conditions and malnutrition. “The mycobacterium tuberculosis germ is very stubborn, but the good news is that it can be prevented, treated and fully cured if detected early. “Patients must adhere to the antibiotic treatment regimen for at least six months.”– Bernama

phenomenon in the public health landscape, having long existed and remains an endemic disease that requires serious attention from all parties. TB is not merely a clinical issue but is also a disease closely linked to socio economic factors, such as crowded

Consular officers to assist Malaysian detained in Japan KUALA LUMPUR: Consular officers stand ready to provide all necessary assistance to Muhammad Faiq Zafran Mohd Jailani, a Malaysian citizen currently detained in Toyama, Japan, according to the Foreign Ministry. also strictly bound by the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (PPI) that classifies detention status as personal information that cannot be disclosed to third parties, including diplomatic missions, without the explicit consent of the individual concerned. the investigative authorities in Toyama that, at the material time, the necessary consent to disclose information to the embassy was not granted by Muhammad Faiq. “Consequently, the Japanese

the ministry immediately contacted the next-of-kin to convey the information. The ministry said it has continued to communicate with the family to ensure they are updated on the latest developments received through official channels. The ministry also said it remains fully committed to the welfare of Malaysians abroad and reminds Malaysians travelling or residing overseas to strictly adhere to the laws and regulations of their host countries. – Bernama

monitor the situation. It must be noted, however, that the embassy cannot intervene in the judicial proceedings of a sovereign state or demand the release of a detainee,”it said in a statement onTuesday. Wisma Putra also clarified that Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963, to which Japan is a signatory, the notification to a foreign embassy of detention of any individual is not automatic but it is a right exercised at the request of the detainee. It said the Japanese authorities are

authorities were legally prohibited from notifying the Malaysian Embassy or releasing details regarding the investigation,” it added. Wisma Putra said upon successfully securing official confirmation of the detention from the Japanese authorities,

The ministry, also known as Wisma Putra, said this includes facilitating communication and ensuring his welfare, subject to his consent and in accordance with Japanese law. “The ministry, through the Embassy of Malaysia in Tokyo, continues to closely

Muhammad Faiq was initially reported missing in Japan since Dec 2, 2025. It was subsequently confirmed that he was in the custody of the Toyama Minami Police Station. “The embassy has been informed by

THURSDAY | FEB 19, 2026

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Food delivery gridlock expected PETALING JAYA: Food delivery demand may drop during daytime hours in the fasting month but riders expect sharp surges near the breaking of fast as well as tips from customer generosity, according to the Malaysian e-Hailing Coalition (Gabungan e-Hailing Malaysia, GEM). Its chief activist Masrizal o Delivery riders, customers urged to be mindful of delays due to demand spike during Ramadan peak hours Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com “Based on feedback from smaller community groups, there is an increase in tips when order comes. In my experience since 2017 duing Ramadan, members of the public, especially Muslim customers, tend to give more charity or tips during seasons like this.” On Jan 26, theSun had reported that the expansion of e-hailing and food delivery platforms has helped normalise tipping behaviour among Malaysian consumers.

Perak to implement immediate measures to address flooding IPOH: The Perak government will roll out a series of immediate maintenance measures as short term solutions to address recurring flooding in the Kinta district. State Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the measures include maintaining flood retention ponds, flood control pumps and flap gates to ensure the entire system operates at optimum capacity. For the long term, he said the state government will proceed with phase two of the Sungai Kinta flood mitigation plan to upgrade the Jalan Raja bridge in the Manjoi cluster, undertake widening and deepening works along Sungai Pari and enhance the internal drainage system in affected villages through the relevant agencies. “The state government remains committed to ensuring public safety is always prioritised and all mitigation efforts and infrastructure improvements will be expedited to reduce the risk of recurring incidents,” he said in a statement yesterday. Meanwhile, Mohammad Nizar said rainfall exceeding 80 mm was among the main causes of the flooding that struck Kinta last Monday. Heavy rain in the upper reaches of Sungai Kinta and Sungai Pari recorded a total rainfall of 83.5mm. “The heavy downpour caused river levels to surge by more than two metres in less than two hours. The highest reading at the Sungai Kinta water level station in Kuala Pari was 32.04m at 8.15pm before receding to 29.99m at 2.10pm on Tuesday.” He added that the incident caused Sungai Pari to overflow into low-lying and high-risk residential areas, particularly around Manjoi and Buntong, as well as several locations near Sungai Pari, including Taman Hock Aun and Jalan Kuala Kangsar, with flood depths ranging from 0.3 to 0.6m. – Bernama quiet due to low energy, while other times, one becomes more patient than expected,” Nafisah observed. An avid follower of social media influencers, Nafisah enjoys experimenting with new recipes to avoid the high costs of food bazaars. “You need at least RM50 at a bazaar. We try to refrain because we need to save for transportation to our hometown and duit raya for our families.” Ultimately, Nafisah believes marriage adds a layer of spiritual motivation to the month. “Serving your spouse with good intentions is an act of worship. It strengthens our ties and motivates us to do better,” she said.

breaking fast hours) rush. “That period is definitely peak. My advice to them is be more patient, especially when orders come in close to breaking fast. That is normal in any service line. No matter the role, you still have to serve. Customers always come first.” Previous industry trends have also pointed to heightened Ramadan demand. According to Grab’s 2023/2024 Ramadan-Raya Insights, 84% of Malaysians plan to increase their festive spending, while 62% anticipate a heavy reliance on the platform’s food delivery and other services. Despite that, Rizal added that the fasting month also tends to bring a seasonal lift in voluntary tipping and charitable giving by customers.

evening window means riders must manage their working hours more strategically to capture peak orders. “This depends on each rider’s own judgement. That is the peak period when customers expect fast and high-quality service. “Of course, if it is time for prayers or other obligations that must be fulfilled, then they should pause. But in general, riders should continue operating until the rush eases before taking their break. Many customers also tend to place last-minute orders close to breaking fast, so riders need to be ready and on standby during that period.” Rizal advised riders to remain patient and strategic in managing their working hours during the fasting month, particularly during the intense pre- iftar (before

The previous report found tips received by drivers typically ranged from as low as 50 sen to about RM10 per order, depending on customer satisfaction and service quality. Despite the potential upside, Rizal cautioned riders against relying on tips as a guaranteed income stream and stressed the importance of maintaining service quality. “We do not encourage riders to rely on tips as guaranteed income. “What matters most is maintaining proper service ethics and delivering the best possible service with every order.”

Mahidin, also known as Jose Rizal, said order patterns typically undergo a time-of-day reshuffle during Ramadan rather than a straightforward drop in demand. “Based on usual patterns, orders in the morning or afternoon tend to decline because the majority of Muslim customers do not place orders during those hours. “However, as the time for breaking fast approaches, around after 4pm or 5pm, demand increases significantly,” he told theSun yesterday. Rizal said the compression of demand before shifting towards the

DISTINCTIVE DATES ... Shoppers browsing a wide selection of dates at a local specialty store in Kuala Lumpur.

Demand for varieties like Safawi , Ajwa and Medjool

typically surges as families stock up for the fasting month. – BERNAMAPIC

Newlyweds share how first Ramadan together strengthens faith, marriage

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

adapted too – while Nurul Haifaa previously attended tarawih prayers at her local surau, the couple now prays at home to accommodate her husband’s recovery from a recent surgery. Similarly, Nur Balqis Ameera Norismail, 27, from Sungai Petani, Kedah, feels the weight of her new role. “I used to keep sahur simple with just water and dates. But my husband prefers rice, so we now wake up earlier to prepare a more filling meal.” For Balqis, visiting the food bazaar occasionally feels like a “mini date”, although they have become more disciplined with their spending. “We are less impulsive now. We

think before we buy and try to cook more at home,” she said, adding that they aim to complete reciting the Quran together this month. “I’d describe our first Ramadan as an experience of closeness.” For those a little further along in their journey, the novelty remains. Nur Nafisah Hamdan, 27, who is entering her third Ramadan with her husband, describes the experience as “surreal”. “The difference is largely emotional. Breaking fast together is deeply bonding and even small talk during sahur becomes meaningful.” Fasting together has also revealed new facets of their personalities. “Sometimes one of us becomes very

Even through the sleepiness, there is a sense of gratitude and excitement to start the fast together,” she said. Stepping into roles once handled by her mother, Nurul Haifaa now focuses on meal planning and her husband’s preferences. She noted that even small habits, like different sleeping patterns, have become part of a new rhythm. “Most days, my husband is the first to rise as his previous night-shift work made him a natural night owl,” she added. While the couple prioritises home cooked meals for health and cost saving, Ramadan bazaars would remain an occasional “saviour” on tiring days. Spiritually, they have

PETALING JAYA: As Muslims adjust their routines for sahur (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (breaking of fast), Ramadan holds a profound significance for newlyweds navigating the holy month together for the first time. For 27-year-old Nurul Haifaa Halim from Shah Alam, who has been married for three months, the experience is a shift from personal routine to shared responsibility. “Before this, I would wake up alone or my parents would call me. Having a partner makes it more meaningful.

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‘Ensure legal land acquisition for places of worship’

Police tracking four cable theft suspects KUALA LUMPUR: Police are tracking down four men believed to be involved in the theft of cables belonging to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) near the D’Kayangan Setia Ecohill apartment in Semenyih. Kajang police chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof said a report on the incident was received at 6.54am yesterday and initial investigations revealed the four unidentified suspects arrived in a grey vehicle and were seen cutting cables believed to belong to TNB. He added that the suspects fled after being confronted by residents. Naazron said the case is being investigated under Section 431A of the Penal Code for committing mischief. He urged anyone with information on the incident to come forward to assist in the investigation by contacting the nearest police station or investigating officer Sgt Nadzul Majdi Abu Seman at 017-466 1757. – Bernama 11-year-old boy drowns off beach KOTA TINGGI: An 11-year-old boy drowned while swimming with two friends at the Tanjung Buloh Beach on Tuesday. Tanjung Sedili Maritime Zone acting director Maritime Commander Mohd Najib Sam said the victim, Putra Aniq Fairuz Mohd Faizul, was found at 10.26pm after a search operation was launched. The two other children were rescued earlier by local fishermen. The victim was confirmed dead at the scene. The operation involved police, Fire and Rescue Department and the Health Ministry. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency advised the public to avoid beach and water activities during bad weather or rough sea conditions. Meanwhile in Terengganu, the body of a Myanmar national who drowned while swimming at the Batu Buruk Beach last Monday was recovered yesterday. Kuala Terengganu police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor said the body of Sithu Moe Lwin, 18, a Business Foundations student at Inti International University College Nilai branch in Negeri Sembilan, was found at 2.30am by a search and rescue team. “The body was discovered washed ashore about 350m from the incident site by rescue personnel patrolling the beach.” The remains were taken to the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital for further action. – Bernama

o Engagement needed between state govts, temple officials, says activist

for official land allocation for religious establishments. “The issue of temples on illegal land is less prevalent in Sabah and Sarawak, where state governments have established special budgets for non-Muslim religious affairs. “This proactive approach ensures that temple authorities could obtain legal land more easily, serving as a potential model for other states. “State governments and relevant ministries are encouraged to engage with temple authorities and develop clear procedures for land allocation, drawing inspiration from the practices in Sabah and Sarawak. “Through cooperative and calm dialogue, a solution could be found that honours both religious tradition and legal requirements.” consideration of

of the temples, addressing the issue demands calm, rational discourse. “Efforts to resolve it should avoid inflaming sentiments and ensure that all stakeholders, including temple authorities and government bodies, collaborate respectfully. “One reason for the construction of the temples was the rising property prices in urban centres.” Lee added that temple authorities in affected states should be encouraged to formally apply for the allocation of land. He said since land management is a state matter, state governments are best positioned to consider such requests and designate appropriate plots for religious purposes. He also said in regions governed by the Federal Territory Ministry, temple authorities should submit applications directly to the ministry

“Some of the temples were originally built on rubber estates and sanctioned by the estate owners. The devotees found themselves in a limbo after the estates were sold. “Others have constructed temples on land without proper legal status, but the owners of the land or the authorities turned a blind eye for decades. “If necessary, we should amend the National Land Code or state-level planning guidelines as a prerequisite for any title transfer of former estate land,” Lee said, adding that the issue is rooted in socio-economic realities. He added that its resolution requires a balanced and thoughtful approach to arrive at a fair and sustainable solution. “Given the religious significance

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Ensuring legal land acquisition for places of worship would help preserve religious harmony and facilitate respect for the rule of law, said Alliance for A Safe Community founder Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. He told theSun that the existence of Hindu temples built without proper legal status has been a longstanding issue.

Family of five die in domestic disturbance tragedy KUANTAN: A witness to an incident in which a family of five died in a house in Cherating Damai claims to have heard the sounds of an argument just before the tragedy unfolded.

Kuantan police chief ACP Ashari Abu Samah said initial statements from the witness, who is the youngest brother of the alleged assailant, said he heard the commotion at about 7am on Tuesday while he was in his bedroom. “When he came out of the room and looked towards the kitchen, he saw his mother covered in blood and screaming for him to seek help from his uncle, who was at the same residential area. “The witness then sought his uncle’s help and upon arriving at the house, they found all the deceased covered in blood and unconscious,” he said when contacted yesterday. He said the house was occupied by eight family members, comprising the alleged assailant, who worked as a security guard, his wife, his two daughters, his mother and his three younger brothers. At the time of the incident, only six family members were present in the house. Ashari said checks found that the 32-year-old guard had no record of mental treatment or criminal offences. need of mattresses, blankets, pillows, clothing, school bags and shoes, as well as rice cookers, wardrobes, disposable diapers and infant formula. “The water rose very quickly, and we never expected floods in this area. In the nearly 16 years we’ve been here, nothing like this has ever happened. “By the time we realised what was happening, the water level was already too high. “We didn’t have time to save our belongings as we were more

Grieving family members gathered near the scene of the incident. – BERNAMAPIC

the hands, ears and neck, and police also seized a 29cm knife at the scene. The bodies of all the deceased were later sent to a hospital for autopsies to be conducted. – Bernama

Humairah, aged four, and Nur Sumayyah Humairah, aged two, with a sharp weapon, before turning the weapon on himself. He died at the scene. Ashari added that injuries found on the victims included wounds on

He initial investigations at the scene found that the alleged assailant had attacked his wife Nurul Asshiykin Kamaruzaman, 33, first and then his mother, Tuan Kamaria Tuan Puteh, 55, and two daughters Nur Saffiyah added that

Care centre residents seeking aid after premises hit by flash flood IPOH: Residents at a care centre run by the Sri Annapurani Alayam in Buntong are appealing to the public and relevant agencies for assistance after their premises were hit by a flash flood last Monday. concerned about the safety of the children and elderly staying here.” She also said the floodwaters reached about 1.6m, damaging furniture, mattresses, televisions and several electrical appliances.

wishing to make contributions may contact Gayathri at 011-2646 4960. Heavy rainfall, exceeding 80mm, was identified as the main cause of flooding in several areas of the Kinta district on Monday. The upper reaches of the Kinta River and Pari River experienced heavy rain, causing the Pari River to breach its banks and flood low-lying areas in Manjoi, Buntong, Taman Hock Aun and along Jalan Kuala Kangsar. – Bernama

Many of the residents are children and some are orphans who rely entirely on this care facility.” Gayathri said the centre hopes more donors would come forward to offer either new or gently used items, including bedding and clothing. “We deeply appreciate any assistance provided. At the moment, our priority is to ensure that all residents have comfortable beds and sufficient necessities.” Individuals or organisations

“Although initial aid has been received in the form of food, bottled water and disposable diapers, it is still insufficient to meet the long-term needs of the residents. “We are now in need of community support to help restore the centre.

Temple staff member S. Gayathri, 35, said 45 residents, comprising families, children and orphans, are now facing hardship as nearly all their belongings were destroyed by the deluge. She added that they are in urgent

THURSDAY | FEB 19, 2026

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

6

CNY all about family for Muslim convert in Kelantan

TUMPAT: For a Muslim convert in Kelantan, Chinese New Year is more than a celebration, as it is a time to share stories and reconnect with family. Asmawee Wee Abdullah, 62, who embraced Islam 20 years ago, said he always makes it a point to celebrate Chinese New Year at his parents’ house near Kampung Kebakat, joining siblings of different faiths in the festivities. “I’ve never lost touch with my family and I make sure to visit my parents regularly as they get older. “Although I have converted to Islam, my relationship with my siblings remains very close. Our religions may be different, but our blood is the same,” he told Bernama. He added that his father Wee Po Ting and his mother Gan Mek Tee, who are both octogenarians, require support and care of the family. He also said family traditions are still cherished, from giving ang pao

o Celebrations, traditions remain cherished despite difference in religion to parents and children to preparing festive delicacies such as kuih bakul , which creates a joyful atmosphere at home. “What makes the celebration in

community in Kelantan.” He also said halal dishes were specially ordered from Malay vendors so that Muslim guests could join in the celebrations and enjoy the meal. Meanwhile, Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association deputy president Dr Johari Yap said Chinese New Year is a cultural festival, adding that Muslim converts could join the celebrations with their families, as long as no religious practices conflicting with Islam are involved.

celebrating Chinese New Year with my in-laws. They welcomed me so well and I could really see how close and harmonious the family is, even with our different religions.” Asmawee’s younger brother Wee Hock Tiong, 61, said despite their different religions, it has never stopped the family from celebrating together during festive times. “Visiting one another during Chinese New Year and Aidilfitri has become part of our family tradition, reflecting the respect and closeness in the Chinese

Kelantan special is the mix of traditional Chinese dishes with local favourites such as nasi kerabu , nasi dagang and budu , which everyone in the family loves.” Meanwhile, his wife Roslieza Rosli, 38, said this was her first Chinese New Year celebration that felt genuinely meaningful. She added that her in-laws welcomed her warmly, and the experience reflected the strong value of family love in the Chinese community. “It is the first time I am

Asmawee (fifth from left) and Roslieza with their family members during the visit to his parents’ house. – BERNAMAPIC

Chinese tourists wowed by Malaysian Lunar New Year festivities GEORGE TOWN: The Chinese New Year celebration of the Year of the Horse proved to be a refreshing and memorable experience for a group of Chinese tourists who chose to welcome the Lunar New Year in Malaysia, particularly in Penang. He was touched by the warmth of the locals and delighted to witness lion dances performed widely across the state. marked by family dinners and visits to places of worship, making the lively atmosphere in Malaysia a pleasant surprise. Piano teacher Zhao Zhuo, 35, who is visiting Malaysia for the first time with his mother Wang Lihui, 64, said the most noticeable difference was the cuisine, in addition to the lion dance performances.

Eye-Dotting ceremony by the cluster general manager of both establishments, Jegan Selvarajan, as a symbol of bringing the lion to life and bringing good luck and prosperity. This was followed by a lion dance parade around the resort, accompanied by performers dressed as the God of Wealth and the God of Laughter. Guests were also entertained with an acrobatic lion dance, mask-changing show, dragon dance and traditional Chinese acrobatics. The celebration concluded with a yee sang tossing ceremony, symbolising unity, prosperity and togetherness in welcoming the Lunar New Year. – Bernama

“Here, the celebration feels bigger and more vibrant,”he said, adding that even compared with Thailand, where he had previously celebrated the festival, Malaysia’s cultural presentation stood out as distinct. Travelling with his wife, daughter and friends, Xue observed that young generations increasingly choose to celebrate with friends or travel abroad instead of returning to their hometowns. “This year, my parents celebrated in another part of China. Perhaps next year, I’ll bring them here.”

“In China, lion dances are usually only seen in major cities, and travelling there could take a long time. “I’m also drawn to the food here. While it is rooted in Chinese cuisine, the fusion elements give it a unique taste that is quite different from what we have back home.” He added that he was especially eager to try yee sang , a traditional festive dish that is not commonly available in China. Meanwhile, businessman Xue Gang, 44, from Xiangzhou, said New Year celebrations in China are typically

“In China, we are more familiar with the dragon dance and we usually eat dumplings during the New Year. Here, the dishes are different, including yee sang , which we don’t have in our country,”he said during his week-long holiday in Penang. Earlier, they were among 1,000 guests who were treated to a festive and traditional reception by Shangri-La Rasa Sayang and Shangri-La Golden Sands hotels. The reception began with a Lion

Although the festival is celebrated by Chinese communities worldwide, they described the Malaysian celebration as uniquely vibrant, especially in terms of its cultural diversity and distinctive cuisine. Student Kai Yuan, 27, who is visiting Malaysia and Penang for the first time with his wife Zhang Yao, also 27, said Penang was the ideal place to celebrate the New Year due to its large and lively Chinese community.

THURSDAY | FEB 19, 2026

7

Sara Duterte to run for president

o Surveys indicate victory for her in 2028 election

projects believed to have cost taxpayers billions of dollars. Marcos has seen friend and foe alike, including a congressman cousin, swept up in the political firestorm since he first put the issue centre stage in a July national address. Marcos and Duterte have been engaged in a high-stakes political brawl that erupted within weeks of their 2022 win in the presidential election, when the vice-president was denied favoured Cabinet portfolios. The impeachment complaints filed against her cite an alleged threat against Marcos made during a late night press briefing that bore shades of her father’s famously scathing verbal style. She would later say her comments were misinterpreted. – AFP

impeachment,” he said. Duterte has the impeachment bid against her revived in recent weeks, with members of the Philippine clergy filing a case against her on Feb 9, one of three logged within days. Under the Philippine constitution, an impeachment triggers a Senate trial. A guilty verdict would see Duterte barred from politics and sidelined from the presidential race. A pair of impeachment complaints against Marcos were recently tossed out by the House of Representatives justice committee, which said they lacked the necessary substance. But Marcos is facing his own headwinds, with the archipelago nation still roiling over a scandal involving bogus flood-control seen

to the nation,” the vice-president said, using Marcos’s nickname. Michael Henry Yusingco, senior research fellow at the Ateneo Policy Centre, said the campaign announcement was a “big risk” but that her solid base of support in family stronghold Mindanao gave her a real advantage. “Conventional thinking would say she has the best chance of winning. Survey numbers are in her favour,” he said, while adding her father’s physical absence could discourage supporters. Philippine presidents are limited to a single six-year term, which eliminates Marcos from the field. Yusingco said the Marcos administration was now likely to become more openly hostile. “Behind the scenes, they’ll probably push for her

MANILA: Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte announced yesterday she will run for president of the Southeast Asian nation of 116 million in 2028. Duterte, who is embroiled in a bitter feud with President Ferdinand Marcos, was impeached last year only to see the country’s Supreme Court throw the case out over procedural issues. Her announcement comes just days before her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, begins a pre-trial hearing at the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands over crimes against humanity allegedly committed as part of a brutal crackdown on drugs.

“I offer my life, my strength and my future in the service of our nation,” the vice-president said at a press briefing where she assailed Marcos’s record. “I am Sara Duterte. I will run for president of the Philippines.” Duterte accused Marcos of corruption in her brief speech, saying he had failed to live up to his word during the short-lived alliance that saw them storm to a landslide victory in the 2022 presidential election. “In the first few months of our terms, I already saw Bongbong Marcos Jr’s lack of sincerity regarding the promises made during the campaign, as well as his sworn duty

Bangladesh prime minister names Cabinet DHAKA: Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has named a former commerce minister to steer the country’s troubled economy and kept the defence portfolio for himself as he formed his first cabinet.

ONLINE SCAMMERS DUPE CAMBODIANS OF US$45 MILLION PHNOM PENH: Cambodian citizens lost more than US$45 million (RM176 million) to domestic online scams last year, with some victims coerced into sharing explicit content that was then used to blackmail them. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha on Tuesday said several victims had taken their own lives under the strain of digital extortion. He said less than US$20 million of the scammed money was recovered, while the remainder could not be traced due to the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by scammers. “The shame and embarrassment associated with these crimes have had fatal consequences in Cambodia,” Sokha said at the launch of “Safer Internet Day 2026”. The government has approved the draft of an anti cyber scam law. – Bernama THREE CIVILIANS SENT DRONES TO NORTH KOREA: MINISTER SEOUL: South Korea’s Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said yesterday three civilians had sent drones to North Korea on four occasions since President Lee Jae Myung took office last year, harming inter-Korean ties. The trio flew the aircraft between September 2025 and January, Chung said, citing an investigation. Drones crashed on two occasions in North Korea, in line with claims made by Pyongyang, he said. On two other attempts the drones returned to Paju, a border settlement in South Korea, after flying over Kaesong, a city in North Korea, Chung said. South Korean authorities were investigating the three civilians on suspicion of violating the aviation safety act and breaching criminal law by benefiting the enemy, he said. Some officials at South Korea’s military intelligence agency and the National Intelligence Service were also under investigation for alleged involvement with the trio, he said. – Reuters

BR I E F S

Tarique was sworn into office on Tuesday after a landslide election victory, taking over from the interim administration that had led the country of 170 million people since a deadly 2024 uprising that toppled the autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina. The 50-member Cabinet announced in a gazette notification issued late on Tuesday includes Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, 76, a businessman and veteran lawmaker who has now returned to the finance ministry. Amir is tasked with reviving growth after months of turmoil that rattled investor confidence in the world’s second-largest garment exporter. He had previously served in the Cabinet of Tarique’s late mother, three-time prime minister Khaleda Zia, but was forced to resign in 2004. According to media reports, his resignation came after he had granted permission for Taiwan to open a commercial office in Dhaka. Amir has not spoken publicly about the issue. He was also arrested several times during Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule, as her government regularly targeted opposition leaders in cases often decried as politically motivated. Tarique, 60, has appointed himself defence minister, as his government

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin (left) administering the oath as Tarique takes office as prime minister in Dhaka on Tuesday. – REUTERSPIC

engagement with Pakistan. Indian Foreign

faces a daunting list of challenges including improving security and healing rifts in a country polarised by years of bitter rivalry. Bangladesh is squeezed between India, where border tensions are high, and Myanmar, where clashes have spilled over into frontier areas. Bangladesh is home to more than a million Rohingya refugees who have fled Myanmar. Khalilur Rahman is the foreign

minister, an experienced diplomat and former UN official who holds degrees from universities in Dhaka and the United States. Khalilur held the security portfolio in the caretaker government and helped mediate trade talks with the United States. He faces the tricky task of balancing regional relations after ties with India soured during the interim government, and Dhaka deepened

Minister

S.

start to allow the JBC (joint boundary commission) to work as early as possible,” Hun Manet said, adding that Thailand had cited its Feb 8 election as a reason not to begin demarcation work. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul rode a wave of nationalism in the election in the wake of the border conflict. “Now the election is done, we hope that Thailand can start, at least on a technical level, to start measuring, start demarcating in the hot zone, so that we can go back to life,” Hun Manet said. – Reuters Jaishankar his counterpart yesterday, saying in a statement that they would work together to “advance our cooperation”. Other members of the Cabinet include veteran politicians, former ministers and lawmakers, as well as academics and several party workers. – AFP congratulated

Let border panel start demarcation work, Thailand told WASHINGTON: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Thai forces were occupying Cambodian territory after fighting last year despite a peace accord brokered by President Donald Trump. December ceasefire that ended renewed fighting. and barbed wire inside what Thailand had long recognised as Cambodian territory and residents were unable to return home. “This is not an accusation but it’s a statement of the facts on the ground.”

The board was created to oversee a Gaza peace plan, but Trump has said it could take on a broader role. Thailand has said it is maintaining troop positions as part of de escalation measures and denied it is occupying territory. “We still have Thai forces occupy(ing) deep into Cambodian territory in many areas. This is further beyond even Thailand’s own unilateral claim … border line,” Hun Manet told Reuters, adding that Thai troops had laid shipping containers

Hun Manet called on Thailand to allow a joint boundary commission to begin working on their disputed border. Hun Manet travelled to Washington to attend a meeting of Trump’s Board of Peace recently and said he hoped the new body could play a role in de-escalating the situation on the border, which he described as “fragile” despite a

Cambodia could not accept what he called a “violation of our sovereignty or territorial integrity”, he said. “The only way to verify that is using the technical mechanism that we have, based on treaties, based on all the agreements we have. So we hope that Thailand will agree and