24/02/2026

Report on — page 5

Mental illness not synonymous with violence, say experts

TUESDAY FEB 24, 2026

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RM1

SCAN ME

TUESDAY | FEB 24, 2026

WEEKLY FOCUS MONDAY Technology and social media

TUESDAY Family and parenting

WEDNESDAY Fashion and beauty

THURSDAY Home and living

Celebrating CNY during Ramadan

FRIDAY Travel and leisure

‘Linking aggressive behaviours to psychiatric disability fuels stigma, misjudges victims and overlooks real triggers behind such acts.’

SATURDAY Food and beverage

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY Cops who refuse to accept reports risk getting sacked ‘Clear instructions for police to prioritise welfare, safety and needs of complainants regardless of dress code in urgent situations.’ SCAN ME No. 9073 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) Report on — page 3

How Chinese Muslims mark both occasions – P22

– AI-GENERATED IMAGE BY THE SUN

p 23 Finding wisdom in

p 24 Taylor Swift crowned

p 25 Ah Beng vs Liang Po Po promises much, falls short

age-old festive traditions

2025’s best-selling artiste

Report on — page 4 Focus on assessment integrity and targeted intervention under National Education Assessment System: Minister No school rankings under Malaysia Learning Matrix for Year 4, Form 3

LEGAL LANDMARK ... Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and her deputy M. Kulasegaran at the department’s briefing session on two constitutional amendment Bills aimed at separating the roles of the attorney-general and the public prosecutor, and capping the prime minister’s tenure in Parliament yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Report on — page 3

RM30m leak at UKM Report on h page 2 Tens of millions of ringgit in student fees unaccounted for and millions in irregular spending, according to Auditor-General’s Report 1/2026.

TUESDAY | FEB 24, 2026

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Audit exposes financial irregularities at UKM

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Auditor-General Datuk Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd has uncovered 273 new financial and administrative issues in the latest audit report, exposing weaknesses across federal and state agencies as well as government-linked companies. The findings, detailed in Auditor General’s Report Series 1/2026, cover the 2024 financial statements of federal agencies, the operations of ministries and departments at both federal and state levels, and the management of statutory bodies and state-owned companies. The issues are now publicly available on the online Auditor General’s Dashboard, allowing for monitoring and follow-up by relevant authorities. Wan Suraya said the dashboard had facilitated recoveries and repayments totaling RM316.68 million between 2024 and December 2025, including RM221.52 million recovered from federal agencies through penalties, rental arrears, land leases, duties and taxes. As of Jan 9 this year, 143 of 145 federal agency financial statements had been submitted and certified. Of these, 128 received unqualified audit opinions, while 15 were issued modified opinions. The cases have been referred to the Serious Irregularities Action Committee, co-chaired by Wan Suraya and Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, under expanded powers from amendments PETALING Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has been taken to task over governance and financial irregularities, with over RM30 million in student fees unaccounted for and millions in irregular spending, according to the Auditor-General’s Report 1/2026. The report revealed that 2024 offer letters for the Master’s of Education and Postgraduate Diploma in Education programmes set total student fees at RM60.77 million. Of this, RM50.74 million was collected by Koperasi B-5-1788, a cooperative not formally authorised under the UKM Constitution to collect fees on the university’s behalf, it said. Meanwhile, RM32.36 million of the fees were not recorded as university revenue, with only RM28.41 million reflected in UKM’s accounts, it added. Delays in fund transfers from the co-op to the university were also flagged, with RM21.02 million remitted late by between 31 and 291 days, while RM5.32 million remains outstanding, pending transfer for periods ranging from one year to more than three years. The audit also highlighted potential conflicts of interest, noting that five UKM officers hold key positions in the cooperative. “The authority to collect student fees is a statutory function of the university through its Board of Directors,” said Auditor-General Datuk Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi. The June 15, 2023 cooperative agreement lacked approval from the JAYA:

Investment, Trade and Industry minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz has defended the government’s handling of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States, rejecting claims that Malaysia could face tariffs “almost twice” as high as other countries. In a Facebook post, he addressed former Economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, urging him to “stop spinning the narrative.” Rafizi had said Malaysia might face doubled tariffs following the US Supreme Court ruling, blaming the government’s haste in signing the ART. “What exactly is this ‘double tariff’ we’re supposedly paying?” Tengku Zafrul asked, adding that the Supreme Court’s move to strike down the tariffs meant the 19% tariff previously imposed on Malaysia would no longer apply. He likened the ART to travel insurance. “Before travelling, people often think nothing will happen. But if you end up hospitalised overseas, the bill could reach tens of thousands of ringgit. That’s when you understand why paying for takaful coverage is important. ART works the same way – we prepare early.” He said the government could not wait for US court proceedings, adding that any delay, especially if a decision had favoured US with the UKM Constitution. The audit also revealed that across four ministries and six implementing agencies, RM183.11 million in research grants remain outstanding, covering 7,904 projects. Treasury rules explicitly state that funds that have not been spent cannot be diverted without approval. Yet nearly 50% of the funds have remained outstanding for five to nine years, with 5.3% unused for more than a decade. Five universities under the Higher Education Ministry – Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Malaya – hold RM110.67 million in outstanding grants from 7,823 completed projects as of June 30, 2025. The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry follows with RM55.64 million, the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry with RM14.33 million and the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry with RM2.47 million. Th report also said unmonitored grant funds risk being misused, undermining the effectiveness of public research spending. In the case of the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, some

to the Audit Act 1957. Other include Perbadanan Perwira Harta Malaysia, whose assets were insufficient to meet liabilities, along with issues in several federal entities. Following amendments to the Audit Act, 1,856 additional entities, including firms with government guarantees, are now subject to audit under the “Follow the Public Money” approach. Analysis via the new e-SelfAudit system also revealed issues at both federal and state levels. Among 852 federal entities, four companies were operating outside their original objectives, 13 profitable companies under Minister of Finance Incorporated failed to pay dividends and nine are facing operational concerns despite government support. At the state level, audits covered programmes in Kelantan, Pahang, Sarawak, Sabah, Terengganu and Kedah, along with 18 companies. The e-SelfAudit system was applied to 1,004 state-level companies across 13 states. Wan Suraya said the report also includes audits of major initiatives, including the Research, Development, Commercialisation and Innovation Programme and spending on the MyDigital ID Development project. The auditor-general’s report is available on the official website of the National Audit Department: https://lkan.audit.gov.my – By Harith Kamal concerns Finance minister, breaching the UKM Constitution, she said. Irregular expenditures were also documented. Of the RM57.67 million spent on services and supplies in 2024, RM6.69 million did not comply with regulations, she added. This included commissions paid to ineligible agents, overseas expenses for individuals with no UKM affiliation, industrial attachment allowances for ineligible students, unauthorised advances and procurements that bypassed the quotation committee process. “The findings reflect serious irregularities and breaches of governance in both revenue and expenditure management.” The report urged UKM to tighten oversight of student fee collections, review and monitor all cooperative collected fees, ensure timely transfers and recover outstanding funds. It also called for a review of all existing and future cooperative agreements to ensure compliance o Over RM30 million in student fees unaccounted for

The report urged UKM to tighten oversight of student fee collections, review and monitor all cooperative-collected fees, ensure timely transfers and recover outstanding funds. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Committee and sought Finance Ministry approval to repurpose funds. The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry returned uncommitted balances and submitted requests for larger allocations, while the Agriculture Ministry is in the process of returning remaining project funds.

outstanding Eleventh Malaysia Plan funds were allegedly used for Twelfth Malaysia Plan projects without Finance Ministry clearance. Agencies have since taken steps to address the backlog. The Higher Education Ministry has formed a Research Fund Balance Management

More than 200 finance, admin issues flagged in report

Tengku Zafrul defends trade deal with US PETALING JAYA: Former

General’s Office to issue a legal opinion on its validity. Highlighting the impact of the new 15% US tariff, the MPs said: “Trump first announced a 10% tariff, then increased it to 15% within hours. The tariffs last 150 days and may face further challenges in the US Supreme Court. Malaysian exporters need clarity.” They added that exporters who have already paid tariffs must be reimbursed. “We urge the prime minister to exercise extreme caution and not commit to any new trade agreements that could compromise Malaysia’s sovereignty. Current tariffs are unlawful, but future ones remain uncertain,” Wong said, ahead of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s upcoming trip to Washington. They also reiterated calls for an independent Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate how the ART was negotiated and signed. Anwar on Sunday said the Cabinet would meet this Friday to discuss the deal. He has received a briefing from current Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and would review the matter carefully before any decision. Johari earlier said the government is closely monitoring US policy changes following the Supreme Court ruling. – By Harith Kamal

President Donald Trump, would have left Malaysia scrambling. “In today’s global trade environment, those who move slowly pay a heavy price. That’s why we must act early,” he said, adding that the EU and UK, as well as Japan, South Korea and Indonesia had also taken steps to provide certainty to their industries. “This is not about who talks the loudest. It is about who acts first to protect the nation’s economy.” The ART deal, signed last October during the Asean summit, has drawn criticism, with some viewing it as a concession that could compromise Malaysia’s sovereignty. Rafizi, who is Pandan MP, and three other government backbenchers – Subang’s Wong Chen, Pandan’s Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Setiawangsa’s Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Petaling Jaya’s Lee Chean Chung – have urged the government to suspend ratification of the ART in light of the ruling. They said the decision raises serious questions about the agreement’s legality. “The tariffs were unlawful, which means the ART is also unlawful from the start. Ratification should be suspended until all tariffs comply with US law,” they said at a press conference in Parliament yesterday. They called on the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry to disclose the steps for ratifying the ART and urged the Attorney

TUESDAY | FEB 24, 2026

3

BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE AND FAIZ RUZMAN

Refusing police reports may mean dismissal POLICE officers who refuse to take reports from the public could face dismissal, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday, as the Home Ministry insisted that existing directives are sufficient to ensure nationwide compliance. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the police have issued clear instructions prioritising the welfare, safety and needs of complainants, regardless of dress code requirements in urgent situations. “For cases requiring urgent assistance, priority must be fully given to the welfare, safety and needs of the complainant without the requirement to comply with the dress code. Examples include rape, robbery, snatch theft, domestic violence and other similar cases.” The directive, circulated to all contingent and district police headquarters via a Bukit Aman Management Department letter dated Dec 29, 2025, is aimed at ensuring uniform understanding and implementation nationwide. Shamsul Anuar stressed that the ministry considers the administrative instruction sufficient and immediately enforceable across the country. It aligns with the Public Service Administrative Circular (PKPA) No. 1 of 2025, which strengthens customer relations management in the public sector. He was responding to Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor), who questioned whether existing circulars carry the force of law and urged the government to consider legislation to ensure uniform compliance at all police stations. Responding, Shamsul Anuar said enforcement mechanisms already exist under current disciplinary frameworks. “If there is non-compliance with the directive, action can be taken under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 as well as the police’s internal mechanisms. “Failure to carry out any part of this directive may subject officers or personnel to disciplinary action for insubordination under the 1993 regulations.” He emphasised that refusing to accept police reports must be treated as a serious offence. “Under the latest directive, refusal to accept reports from the public shall be viewed as a serious offence that may result in dismissal.” The issue drew public attention after a viral incident in December last year when a woman was initially prevented from entering the Jasin district police headquarters in Malacca to lodge a report because she was deemed inappropriately dressed, reportedly wearing a skirt above her knees. The case sparked debate over access to police services and prompted authorities to reiterate that complainants’ welfare and safety must take precedence, particularly in urgent situations. Separately, Shamsul Anuar was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN Langkawi), who sought clarification on how the directive would be implemented uniformly across all police stations nationwide. The deputy minister said the directive has been disseminated to all operational levels, with compliance monitored through supervision at district and contingent levels, as well as internal audits. He added that the police received 4,128,760 reports in 2025, underscoring that report-taking remains widely practised nationwide, while the ministry will continue monitoring implementation and review the framework from time to time.

Landmark constitutional amendments tabled in House o AG, public prosecutor roles to be separated and tenure of prime minister capped at 10 years, says Azalina

“However, the incumbent prime minister and ministers may continue in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed, albeit with restricted executive powers.” The bill also clarifies that any period served as prime minister before the law comes into force will count towards the 10-year limit. To become law, the government must secure the support of two-thirds – or 148 – of the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat. Meanwhile, the Supplementary Supply (2025) Bill 2026 was also tabled for its first reading yesterday. Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong said its second reading will take place during the current parliamentary sitting. The bill seeks approval for additional expenditure not exceeding RM7.94 billion from the Consolidated Fund, covering contributions to statutory funds (RM5.29 billion), the Treasury (RM1.39 billion), the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (RM993.94 million) and the Higher Education Ministry (RM257.59 million).

KUALA Parliament yesterday witnessed the first reading of two landmark constitutional amendment bills aimed at overhauling key pillars of governance – separating the roles of the attorney-general and the public prosecutor, and capping the prime minister’s tenure. LUMPUR:

If passed, the first bill will create a new constitutional Office of the Public Prosecutor, transferring prosecutorial powers currently held by the attorney-general (AG) to an independent office. The AG will no longer oversee criminal prosecutions, leaving the

AT THE DEWAN RAKYAT

public prosecutor with exclusive authority to institute, conduct or discontinue criminal proceedings – with the exception of the Syariah and native courts or court-martial cases, Azalina said. The second bill seeks to limit the tenure of the prime minister to a maximum of 10 years, whether served consecutively or in separate terms. “Once the 10-year threshold is reached, the Cabinet will automatically be dissolved.

Both bills were tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said under the Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026 and the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026. “The second reading of both bills is scheduled to take place during the current parliamentary meeting,” Azalina told the Dewan Rakyat. No formal notice yet on opposition leader THE Dewan Rakyat has yet to be formally notified of any change in the status of Larut MP Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin as opposition leader representing Perikatan Nasional (PN). Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor said this in response to a question from RSN Rayer (Pakatan Harapan–Jelutong) during the House sitting. “As of now, although I am presiding and the matter was raised before me, it concerns the fundamental structure of the Dewan Rakyat, namely the position of opposition leader. “To date, I believe the other deputy speaker has also not received any instruction. There has been no written submission from the bloc on the left or the opposition to declare a vacancy in the post. “Any such notification must be made in black and white in accordance with the legal framework of the Dewan Rakyat,”said Ramli, who is also MP for Cameron Highlands. The opposition leader’s position has come under intense scrutiny following Hamzah’s dismissal from Bersatu after months of a power struggle with party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. A day after his sacking, Hamzah told supporters at a gathering that he would not

The opposition leader’s post has come under the microscope following Hamzah’s dismissal from Bersatu. – BERNAMAPIC

Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, PAS is set to assume the position of opposition leader in the Dewan Rakyat, with the MP’s name to be revealed at a later date. He added that the move was agreed upon by component parties during a special PN Supreme Council meeting recently at PAS headquarters.

appeal the decision, effectively closing the door on a return to the party. Meanwhile, PN on Sunday not only announced the appointment of a new chairman but also hinted at a shake-up in the opposition leader’s post. According to PN deputy secretary-general

Thalassaemia screening reveals high carrier rates: Minister MORE than 2.12 million Form Four students have undergone thalassaemia screening since 2016, revealing nearly 58,000 carriers. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the nationwide, school-based programme aims to detect carrier status early, enabling preventive intervention. overall burden, with the remainder borne directly by patients and families. The minister was responding to a question from Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (Kuala Langat PN) on patient numbers, lifetime treatment costs and Malaysia’s plans for gene therapy.

iron accumulation, therefore iron chelation treatment and continuous monitoring are required.” Chelation treatment is a medical procedure that uses specialised medication (chelators) to remove excess iron from the blood and organs. On gene therapy, Dzulkefly said the treatment shows promise but faces hurdles. “Although this therapy has the potential to be curative, its widespread availability is still limited and implementation is challenging as it requires specialised gene therapy facilities, multidisciplinary expertise, high-standard laboratory infrastructure and a sustainable health financing mechanism.” He added that haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains a curative option in Malaysia, available at Hospital Tunku Azizah and Hospital Wanita dan Kanak-Kanak Sabah. Since 2007, 212 patients have been cured through HSCT, with treatment costs ranging from RM100,000 to RM120,000 per patient.

Explaining disease classification, Dzulkefly said patients are grouped by transfusion requirements: “Patients are categorised according to transfusion requirements, namely transfusion dependent thalassaemia (TDT) and non transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (NTDT).” “TDT patients, most of whom have thalassaemia major, require regular lifelong blood transfusions to maintain adequate haemoglobin levels and prevent serious complications.” He warned repeated transfusions can lead to iron overload, necessitating long-term management: “Repeated transfusions can cause excessive

Of the 2,461,594 students offered screening, 2,122,446 completed the test, resulting in a carrier prevalence of 59.1 per 1,000 students. The highest rates were recorded in Kedah (10.3%), Pahang (9.07%), Terengganu (8.21%) and Kelantan (7.5%). Despite prevention efforts, Malaysia currently has 9,554 thalassaemia patients. Lifetime treatment costs for transfusion-dependent patients are estimated at US$606,665 (nearly RM3 million) from childhood to age 40. Dzulkefly said the data comes from the Malaysia Thalassaemia Registry 2023 annual report, published last year, adding that healthcare expenses account for 92.5% of the

TUESDAY | FEB 24, 2026

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‘Learning matrix will not bring back school rankings’

Shah Alam LRT3 line on track: Loke THE LIGHT Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) Shah Alam line is on track to begin operations before June, Transport Minister Anthony Loke told the Dewan Negara yesterday. He said testing and commissioning work is being fast-tracked, with remaining technical issues expected to be resolved within the next one to two months. “To date, two train sets, involving 14 of the 22 trains, have completed fault-free run (FFR) testing, while another set of eight trains is still undergoing the 22-day FFR process. “There are still several technical issues which need to be resolved. After all FFR tests are completed, the next process will be testing and commissioning by the Land Public Transport Agency. Loke was responding to Senator Mohd Hasbie Muda, who sought assurance that the project’s revised completion timeline could be met following earlier delays. He added that Prasarana Malaysia Bhd is accelerating the remaining works and system checks to enable the line to open before June. Addressing a separate supplementary question from Senator Datuk Rosni Sohar, Loke dismissed claims that the delays were linked to the project’s previous cost rationalisation exercise. “What is happening now involves technical issues, not cost-cutting issues. The earlier cost reduction measures had already taken into account various factors, including the project implementation mechanism,” he said, adding that past cost-saving steps, such as reducing the number of stations, were unrelated to the current testing-phase challenges. Separately, during the Dewan Rakyat morning sitting, Loke said Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd would extend peak-hour rail services throughout Ramadan to better match shifting commuter patterns. He was responding to Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan, who asked whether Rapid Rail services would be adjusted during the fasting month following changes in passenger movement. Morning peak hours would now run from 6.30am to 9.30am, up from 7am to 9.30am, while evening peak hours would be lengthened to 4pm – 8pm, instead of the usual 5pm – 7.30pm. Loke said the move aims to ensure smoother operations and manage earlier return trips ahead of breaking fast. – By Faiz Ruzman RM6.2 billion in tax refunds for 2023 cases THE GOVERNMENT has refunded excess tax payments amounting to RM6.2 billion for year of assessment (YA) 2023 as of Feb 18 this year, hence settling 95,282 cases, said Finance Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong. He said while the government has pledged to settle the YA 2023 cases by end of the first quarter of 2026, it is confident this could be completed earlier. “Meanwhile, refunds for excess tax payments for YA 2024 are targeted to be completed before the end of this year. “At the same time, refunds, regardless of the age of the cases, will continue to be made to all non-company taxpayers, especially individual taxpayers.” Liew was responding to a question from Senator Datuk Koh Nai Kwong seeking the government’s assurance that delays in the processing and refund of excess taxes by the Inland Revenue Board would not recur, thus avoiding the need for ad hoc allocations. Liew said excess tax refunds made in 2025 were the highest in five years at RM22.45 billion. He said based on refunds from 2023 to 2025, the Madani government has paid out RM56 billion in refunds, 50% higher than the RM37 billion refunded between 2020 and 2022. – Bernama

o System to help identify mastery levels for early support, says Fadhlina

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the Malaysia Learning Matrix system for Year Four and Form Three students will not bring back school ranking practices that could place undue pressure on students and teachers. At yesterday’s Dewan Negara sitting, she emphasised that the ministry’s focus is on assessment integrity and targeted intervention, in line with the School-Based Assessment domain under the National Education Assessment System. “The implementation of the learning matrix is not intended to create school rankings or unhealthy competition, but to help identify students’ mastery levels for early support and intervention.” She was responding to a supplementary question from Senator Che Alias Hamid, who sought government assurance that the new system would not be misused. Fadhlina said the assessment outcomes would be used to strengthen students’ literacy, numeracy and scientific skills while ensuring a more holistic evaluation approach. To maintain consistency, the Year Four learning matrix would be centrally administered by the Examinations Board, which would prepare assessment instruments, scoring guidelines and result slips. Teachers would not be required to develop test instruments for the system or end-of-academic

Fadhlina said the assessment outcomes would be used to strengthen students’ literacy, numeracy and scientific skills while ensuring a more holistic evaluation approach. – BERNAMAPIC

assessment to ensure it truly measures students’ mastery and does not become a tool that creates stigma or pressure.”

session assessments. “After the assessment process is completed, the result slip will be issued by the Examinations Board, while schools will print and distribute the slips to pupils. “The assessment papers will also be returned to pupils after recording is completed for intervention purposes.”

AT THE DEWAN NEGARA

participation. Replying to a supplementary question from Senator Dr Wan Martina Wan Yusof, Khairul Firdaus admitted several challenges, including enforcing the 6% minimum wage adjustment, weak training compliance among smaller employers and limited awareness of available online training platforms. PWP was piloted from June to August 2024 with RM50 million in funding before moving into full implementation. Under Budget 2025, the programme is allocated RM300 million and is projected to benefit more than 50,000 workers by 2027. – By Faiz Ruzman training and business start-up kits. “In efforts to address education dropouts, the government also provides the Education Incentive Assistance Scheme, which covers school uniforms, hostel necessities, transport as well as pocket-money incentives. “For early childhood education, kindergarten facilities have been built and upgraded, benefiting 4,596 pupils in interior areas.” She added that her ministry provides protection services and social intervention, including case management, counselling and referrals to relevant agencies to ensure that the rights and welfare of women and children, including those affected after divorce, are continuously protected. – Bernama The Year Four matrix will cover core subjects: Bahasa Malaysia, English, Science and Mathematics, while pupils in national-type schools (SJKC and SJKT) would also be assessed in their respective mother-tongue languages. The Year Four learning matrix is scheduled for implementation from October this year, with the Form Three rollout set for 2027, in line with the National Education Blueprint 2026-2035.

She added that the system would also help teachers and schools design focused remedial programmes without compromising the prescribed syllabus. “We are safeguarding the integrity of the

Over 51,000 see pay rise under new wage policy MORE THAN 51,000 workers have seen their pay rise under the Progressive Wage Policy (PWP), Parliament was told yesterday.

workers’ earnings. “As of Dec 31, 2025 the policy has lifted the median wage, particularly among entry-level workers with 12 months’ service, whose pay increased by RM300, from RM1,900 to RM2,200 – a 16% rise. “For employees with more than 12 months’ service, the median wage rose by about RM238.85 to RM2,999.15, or (approximately) 11%, indicating the government’s approach is encouraging employers while boosting workers’ motivation and productivity.” He was responding to Senator Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman, who sought an update on the policy’s effectiveness and private sector

Human Resources Deputy Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said 5,910 employers applied for the scheme, with 4,925, or 83.4%, already implementing wage increases under the policy’s incentive framework. “The wholesale and retail trade sector, including motor vehicle and motorcycle repair, accounted for the largest share of incentive claims at 26.7%, followed by manufacturing at 15.7%, professional, scientific and technical activities at 11.1% and education at 7.4%.” Khairul Firdaus highlighted the impact on

RM15.4 million assistance channelled to Orang Asli community RM15.4 MILLION was channelled to 2,905 members of the Orang Asli community last year to help them sustain their livelihoods, including women affected by divorce. Women, Family and Community single mothers and families going through divorce, understand their rights, become self-reliant and ultimately secure financial resources to generate income.”

She was responding to a question from Senator Manolan Mohamad on the measures taken by the ministry to safeguard the welfare of Orang Asli women and children, particularly from issues such as poverty, school dropouts and neglect following divorce, during the oral question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara yesterday. Nancy said for Orang Asli women entrepreneurs, the ministry has also introduced the Orang Asli Entrepreneur Support programme, offering capacity-building assistance of up to RM15,000, including skills

Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the temporary assistance was distributed by the Social Welfare Department through the Department of Orang Asli Development, covering various schemes including general assistance, child assistance, senior citizen assistance, as well as aid for persons with disabilities (PWD). “The ministry, through the Department for Women Development, also implements the Legal Literacy and Women’s Rights and the KasihnITa initiatives to help women, including

TUESDAY | FEB 24, 2026 5 Quake off Sabah coast strongest in 11 years KUALA LUMPUR: A 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Sabah yesterday was the strongest to hit Malaysia in 11 years, triggering brief panic among residents across parts of Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, although no tsunami threat was reported. The Meteorological Department said the quake occurred at 12.57am, with its epicentre about 49km west of Kudat and at a depth of 678km beneath the Earth’s surface. Due to the deep epicentre, only mild tremors were felt by the public and no aftershocks have been recorded as of yesterday. The last comparable seismic event occurred on June 5, 2015 in Ranau, Sabah, when a 6.0-magnitude earthquake killed 18 individuals, one of the most significant earthquakes in the country’s history, said department director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip. He said Sabah’s proximity to the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly active seismic belt formed by tectonic plate movements, makes the state vulnerable to such tremors, adding that the department would continue to monitor the situation closely. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Fire and Rescue Department Operations Control Centre would conduct continuous field monitoring as a precautionary measure. Patrols were being carried out in coastal areas near the Sabah International Convention Centre, with inspections in several districts, including Putatan and Kudat, to ensure the situation remained safe and under control. Ahmad Zahid, who is also National Disaster Management Committee chairman, advised residents to remain alert to official instructions, stay calm and avoid panic. “Obtain verified information from the Disaster Portal or official social media channels of the Meteorological Department, the National Disaster Management Agency and other relevant agencies,” he said, adding prayers for the safety of Sabahans. Despite assurances of no tsunami risk, the midnight quake rattled residents, particularly those in high-rise buildings in Kota Kinabalu and Putatan, who described a brief but intense period of fear. E-hailing driver Jalius Majin, 45, said he was resting in his fifth-floor apartment at the Taman Sri Serigai People’s Housing Project when the tremor struck, causing his sofa to shake violently and the walls and roof to creak. “The quake lasted around 10 seconds but felt much longer. The ceiling fan swung violently and picture frames shook. “It was stronger than any earthquake we have experienced before,” he said, adding that he woke his wife and three children before evacuating down the emergency stairs to the car park. Clinic assistant Clarice Eve Mojigoh, 28, who lives on the sixth floor of an apartment block, said she was about to rest after work when she noticed her wardrobe door swinging open as the building swayed. “The windows were shaking and I felt dizzy from the swaying. I grabbed a flashlight and my phone, took my mother and went downstairs.” Cleaning company worker Md Zamri Yusof, 32, said he was in a commercial block at Aeropod, Tanjung Aru when he felt the corridor floor moving. “At first, I thought it was dizziness from working the night shift, but then I saw the roller shutters rattling and screeching. I avoided the lift and ran down the stairs.” The tremor was widely felt in Kota Kinabalu and surrounding areas, with residents in high-rise buildings reporting the strongest shaking. Authorities urged the public to remain calm and rely on official updates, noting that no structural damage or casualties have been reported as of yesterday. – Bernama

‘Violence and mental illness not synonymous’

o Cause of criminal behaviour can be determined by probing past records, triggers linked to events: Educator

psychological services across public and professional sectors, including workplaces, highlighting that listening and supporting people through intense experiences is challenging but essential. She said psychological professionals make significant, often invisible contributions to building a resilient, empowered community. “Mental health is a complex field requiring trained professionals to understand and evaluate human behaviour and thoughts.” Pahang Social Welfare, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Datuk Sabariah Saidan was reported as saying the murder of a family of five at Taman Cerating Damai on Feb 17 could be linked to mental health issues. According to state police, the suspect is believed to have killed his wife, two children and mother using a knife before taking his own life beside the bodies of his wife and children in a bedroom. The suspect, previously employed as a lorry driver in Klang, Selangor, had returned to Kuantan and started working as a security guard earlier this month. Siti Khadijah urged the public to avoid self-diagnosis and uninformed judgement, stressing the need to respect those affected by tragedies. “I would like to call for a more respectful and self-aware community that is cognisant of the boundaries in making judgement or sharing opinions for complex cases with little or no professional knowledge. “Pause and think whether we have the expertise to make judgement before throwing an opinion so that we do not intentionally harm others while expressing our view.”

PETALING JAYA: Tragedies involving violence are often followed by society pointing fingers at mental illness, but experts say this is a perilous mistake that fuels stigma, misjudges victims and overlooks the real triggers behind such acts. University of Nottingham Malaysia Applied Psychology and Wellbeing associate professor Dr Siti Khadijah Zainal Badri said violent crime must be assessed through a comprehensive evaluation of multiple risk factors, which may or may not involve mental health issues. “Given the complexity of violent crime and human behaviour, an accurate cause can only be determined by professionals through a detailed investigation of past records and the triggers linked to the events.” She explained that violent behaviour can arise from a mix of factors, including past exposure to violence, childhood abuse, substance misuse, financial stress, certain personality disorders, weak social support or situational triggers. Siti Khadijah emphasised that mental health conditions, which affect mood and behaviour and may lead to withdrawal or sadness, are not synonymous with violence. She said most individuals living with such conditions are rarely harmful to others and primarily need support and understanding. Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“Most people with mental health conditions struggle to manage negative emotions and thoughts, often leading to withdrawal, low self-esteem, sadness or disrupted daily life, but they are rarely harmful and mainly need support, understanding and empathy to cope and thrive. “Violence is when one uses physical force or power or any act intended to harm others. The key difference here is the intention to harm others, which is not common for those with mental health conditions.” She also said individuals with depression or anxiety are more likely to harm themselves through self-harm or suicidal thoughts as they often feel overwhelmed, worthless and consumed by negative thinking. She said in Malaysia, many individuals struggle emotionally without seeking professional help, particularly those with low incomes and limited access to mental healthcare services. “This is one of the pain points that I believe is the focus of the Madani government in broadening service and financial resources (insurance), and public access to psychological professionals to improve our social support system. “A more accessible psychological support network and service is urgently needed, given the predictions of more intense economic and social challenges society will face in the future.” Siti Khadijah called for the expansion of

HOLIDAY VIGILANCE ... Terengganu Road Transport Department director Mohd Zamri Samion (second, right) inspecting buses during the

Chinese New Year Ops at a Kuala

Terengganu bus station yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Fast-track process urged in criminal cases to preserve CCTV footage KUALA LUMPUR: Legal experts are urging a fast-track court process to preserve CCTV footage in serious criminal cases, with applications heard within 48 hours amid concerns that crucial evidence is being lost to automatic deletion. “By the time a case moves from the Magistrate’s Court to the High Court, more than a year may have passed and the footage could already be gone, even though it may be crucial to the defence.” already have been overwritten. He urged the creation of a mechanism enabling lawyers to act swiftly, with court oversight to protect privacy.

He added that any reform must include safeguards under the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 to protect the privacy of third parties captured on CCTV. He suggested introducing time-limited preservation notices to prevent automatic deletion, while ensuring access and disclosure remain strictly supervised by the court. “This would safeguard the accused’s legal rights without compromising the privacy of unrelated individuals.” – Bernama

He added that lawyers have no power to compel private premises to release recordings as only police or the courts hold that authority. He proposed letting lawyers apply directly to a magistrate for preservation orders in urgent cases, with hearings within 48 hours to prevent crucial evidence from being lost. Lawyer Muniandy Vestanathan stressed that by the time a court issues a subpoena after charges are filed, CCTV footage may

Criminal lawyer Sivahnathan Ragava said most CCTV systems overwrite recordings after two to three months, leaving a narrow window to preserve evidence critical to a trial. “In serious drug cases in which the punishment can include the death penalty, failing to secure CCTV footage promptly could jeopardise an accused person’s right to a fair trial.

TUESDAY | FEB 24, 2026

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

6

Disabled man supports family with coconut nectar business

pellet production, reducing reliance on imported raw materials, as demonstrated by the locally developed Ecovet products,”she added. Ongoing research has integrated kenaf fibre into the automotive, construction and textile industries, while mutation breeding research using nuclear technology has produced new varieties to enhance global competitiveness. – Bernama Airports see 9.4m passengers in January KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports’ domestic network saw 9.4 million passenger movements in January, the opening month of Visit Malaysia 2026, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB). It said KL International Airport (KLIA) and Penang International Airport (PEN) recorded the highest year-on-year growth within the network, with KLIA at 5.9 million passenger movements, up by 8.2%, followed by PEN with 741,183 passengers, a 3.8% increase. MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the growth reflects strong travel demand and Malaysia’s expanding connectivity across the region as the group aspires to position Malaysia to become the most connected country in the Asia-Pacific. MAHB said its vehicle access management systems have achieved a 99% compliance rate, improving traffic flow at drop-off and pick-up points. It also said connectivity has expanded, with at least six routes introduced in January, linking Malaysia directly with Shanghai, Jinan, Hong Kong, Hefei, Guangzhou and Harbin. “These services connect to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Penang, supporting tourism and regional economic growth.“ – Bernama

KUALA TERENGGANU: Physical limitations have not prevented a man with disabilities from Kampung Banggol Katong here from running an air nira kelapa (coconut nectar) business that enjoys consistently high demand, especially during Ramadan. Ibrahim Mamat, 44, who has been paralysed in his right leg following a motorcycle collision seven years ago, climbs a specially built ladder tailored to his physical condition to collect sap from the six-metre-high coconut flowers. He admitted that before starting the business two years ago, he had given up and refused to work for five years as he struggled to accept his condition after the crash. “About two years ago, while sitting in my wheelchair in front of my house, fasting month to make it easier for people to purchase drink o Villager sets up roadside stall during

extract the sap. “Usually, the cut inflorescence will start producing sap after four or five days and it can continue to yield sap for up to 15 days before drying up. I collect the sap in plastic containers in the morning and evening as it usually flows more during those times.” He said on normal days, customers come to his house to buy air nira , but during the fasting month, he sets up a small roadside stall in his village to make it easier for people to purchase the drink for breaking fast. He sells air nira at RM5 and RM10 per bottle and also supplies it to palm sugar producers, particularly in Marang, Bernama reported. Thanks to his diligence and determination, Ibrahim earns about RM3,000 a month, with the amount doubling during Ramadan when more than 30 bottles of air nira are sold daily. “I am grateful that Allah moved my heart to rise again and that I am still able to work to support myself. “I am also able to support my mother Juary Ibrahim, 77, who is also a person with disabilities after her right leg was amputated below the knee due to diabetes three years ago,” he said, adding that he rears four to five cows as side income.

Ibrahim’s daily routine begins at 7am, tapping or cutting the coconut inflorescences to extract the sap. – BERNAMAPIC

tree is fitted with this ladder so that I can climb up and down by myself.” Ibrahim, who previously worked as a house builder, said he now manages to obtain about 40 litres of air nira daily from 20 coconut trees planted on a 0.4ha plot near his home. His daily routine begins at 7am, tapping or cutting the coconut inflorescences (young flowers) to

I noticed a coconut tree and thought perhaps I could do something with it. Suddenly, I felt the motivation to rise again and start a new life. “I thought of selling air nira , a favourite drink among the community, especially on the east coast. So, I asked my cousin Ahmad Rusdi Wahab, 38, to build a ladder based on my own design to make it more stable. Each coconut

Kenaf industry positioned as future green commodity PADANG BESAR: Malaysia’s kenaf (hibiscus cannabinus) industry is entering a critical transition phase, with efforts to position the crop as a future green commodity, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad. “For 2025, the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board has processed about 70 tonnes of kenaf seeds.” by Universiti Malaysia Kelantan researcher Dr Maryana Mohamad Nor, has led to the development of a health supplement. She said Perlis’s expertise in kenaf cultivation is attracting Noraini said she met several kenaf growers, many of them women, who have shown strong commitment to the crop with support from the Board and state agencies.

She also said kenaf cultivation has spawned a new generation of entrepreneurs, including mushroom growers using kenaf and padi waste, producers of Ecovet cat food diet products, and developers of kenaf leaf tea marketed as Biokenaf for health and weight management. Noraini said Biokenaf, formulated

Key initiatives include the Kenaf Integrated Park in Chuping, a pilot project focused on processing kenaf pulp for biodegradable products. “I am confident that through the Board’s initiatives, kenaf would be widely used in animal feed

international interest, including potential collaboration with Kenya. “Kenaf planting has expanded rapidly in Padang Besar and Chuping, replacing areas previously dominated by sugarcane and tobacco.”

She said kenaf should no longer be seen as a secondary crop but as a strategic pillar of the national commodities sector’s sustainability agenda.

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

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TUESDAY | FEB 24, 2026

7

Kim re-elected party leader

Afghans mourn villagers killed in airstrikes BIHSUD: Afghans gathered around a mass grave on Sunday to bury villagers who died in airstrikes by Pakistan, which said it killed dozens of militants. The attacks left at least 18 people dead including children, Afghanistan said. “The house was completely destroyed. My children and family members were there. All of them were killed,” said Nezakat, a 35 year-old farmer in Bihsud district, who only gave one name. Islamabad said it hit seven sites along the border region targeting militant groups, in response to suicide bombings in Pakistan. A Pakistani security source said the strikes killed “more than 80” militants. An Afghan security source said: “The figure of 80 martyrs is false and imaginary.” Islamabad said its military targeted the Pakistani Taliban and its associates, as well as an affiliate of the Islamic State group. Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said “they targeted civilians, they have committed this criminal act” with the bombardment of eastern Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. Nangarhar police said the bombardment started around midnight and hit three districts, with those killed all in one house. “Twenty-three were buried under the rubble, of whom 18 were killed and five wounded,” said police spokesperson Sayed Tayeeb Hammad. Strikes elsewhere in Nangarhar wounded two others, while in Paktika, an AFP journalist saw a destroyed guesthouse but there were no reports of casualties. – AFP

o North Korea touts nuclear advances

The hearing to decide whether Duterte should face trial over alleged crimes against humanity is “a reminder that those in power are not above the law”, said Mame Mandiaye Niang, the ICC’s deputy chief prosecutor. Niang alleged that Duterte “authorised murders and personally selected some of the targets” of his war on drugs that prosecutors say cost the lives of thousands of people. The “confirmation of charges” hearing, taking place over four days, will determine whether there is enough evidence against Duterte to proceed to a trial. The 80-year-old was not present at the hearing after the court granted a defence request to waive his right to appear, despite judges ruling that he was fit to take part. Following the hearing, the judges will have 60 days to issue a written decision. ICC prosecutors have charged SEOUL: North Korea’s ruling party touted nuclear advances as it re elected Kim Jong Un to the top post of general secretary, state media said yesterday, during a rare national congress. Thousands of party elites have packed the capital Pyongyang for a once-in-five-years summit of the ruling Workers’ Party, a gathering that directs state efforts on everything from diplomacy to war planning. The congress offers a rare glimpse into the political workings of reclusive North Korea, and is widely seen as a forum for Kim to flex his grip on power. Military top brass made a “pledge of loyalty” to Kim as delegates rubber stamped his re-election as general secretary on Sunday, the Korean Central News Agency said. The congress singled out Kim’s efforts to keep unnamed foes at bay by “radically” improving its “nuclear forces”. “He has energetically led the work to turn the Korean People’s Army, the pivot of national defence and pillar of safeguarding peace, into an elite and powerful army,” read a party statement. “And thus (he has) built the revolutionary armed forces capable of coping with any threat of aggression on their own initiative and fully prepared for any form of war.” China’s President Xi Jinping hailed a “new chapter” in relations with North Korea after Kim’s re-election. Kim is expected to unveil the next phase in North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme later in the days-long congress. Under Kim, North Korea’s nuclear arsenal has been transformed from a source of mild global concern to something treated as a genuine threat.

Kim applauds as he attends the congress. – KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY/REUTERSPIC

according to Seoul’s national intelligence service. At the previous congress five years ago, Kim declared that the United States was his nation’s “biggest enemy”. There is keen interest in whether Kim might use the congress to soften this stance or double down. US President Donald Trump stepped up his courtship of Kim during a tour of Asia last year, saying he was “100%” open to a meeting. Kim has so far shunned efforts to resume top-level diplomatic dialogue. – AFP

Pyongyang’s House of Culture. It is just the ninth time the Workers’ Party congress has convened under North Korea’s decades-spanning Kim rule. The meeting was shelved for decades under Kim’s father Kim Jong Il, but was revived in 2016. Analysts will scour photographs to see which officials are seated closest to Kim, and who is banished to the back row. Particular attention will be placed on the whereabouts of Kim’s teenage daughter Ju Ae, who has emerged as North Korea’s heir apparent

It has been more than eight years since North Korea’s last nuclear test triggered a man-made earthquake underneath the northern Hamyong mountains. Pyongyang’s atomic scientists have worked since then to harness this power in portable warheads that can be attached to long-range missiles. Kim unveiled a battery of huge nuclear-capable rocket launchers just days before the congress opened. Photos released by state media showed dozens of launch vehicles parked in neat rows on the plaza of

DRONES DISRUPT 50 VIETNAM FLIGHTS HANOI: Unauthorised drones disrupted more than 50 flights at Danang international airport during the Lunar New Year holiday. Two incidents last week saw flights delayed or forced into holding patterns before landing when authorities detected drones flying close to aircraft. A total of 54 flights were delayed. Danang airport officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Vietnam bans the private use of unmanned aerial vehicles and high-intensity lighting around airports. – AFP 19 KILLED IN NEPAL BUS CRASH KATHMANDU: A passenger bus fell from a hilly road in west Nepal before dawn yesterday, killing 19 people including a British national. Only nine of the dead have been identified. A New Zealander and a Chinese national were among the 25 injured when the bus with 44 passengers, headed to Kathmandu from the tourist town of Pokhara, fell 200m from the road at Behighat in Dhading district, 80km west of Kathmandu, police said. The injured are being treated in Kathmandu. – Reuters

Those in power not above the law, says ICC prosecutor THE HAGUE : The International Criminal Court hearings against former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte show that people in positions of power cannot escape the rule of law, a prosecutor said yesterday. Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity, alleging his involvement in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018.

BR I E F S

The true number of killings during his campaign in the Philippines is thought to be in the thousands, and lawyers for the victims have argued that a full trial could encourage many more families to come forward. Duterte, who was president from 2016 to 2022, was arrested in Manila in March last year, flown to the Netherlands and has since been held at the ICC’s detention unit at Scheveningen Prison. He followed his initial hearing three days later by video link, appearing dazed and frail and barely speaking. The first of three counts against Duterte concerns his alleged involvement as a co-perpetrator in 19 murders carried out between 2013 and 2016 while he was mayor of Davao City. The second relates to 14 murders of so-called “High Value Targets” in 2016 and 2017 when he was president. The third charge covers 43 murders committed during

Activists and supporters of families of the victims of extrajudicial killings protesting in Manila yesterday. – AFPPIC

justice for victims of the Philippines’ ‘war on drugs’”. The Philippines left the ICC in 2019 but the court has ruled that it still has jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed between 2011 and 2019. The defence has appealed the ruling, with a decision still pending. – AFP

“clearance” operations of lower-level alleged drug users or pushers across the Philippines between 2016 and 2018. Duterte denies the charges, his lawyer Nicholas Kaufman told journalists ahead of the hearing. Human Rights Watch said the hearing was “a critical step in ensuring