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Peranakan heritage in Malacca facing sunset industry dilemma Centuries-old skills at risk

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of being lost as master craftsmen age without young apprentices in line of succession.

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Expert offers suggestions for urban ‘pocket park’ plan mulled by govt ‘Multi-pronged approach needed as sites unable to function as sponge city if green spaces replaced with concrete.’

Public universities record 37 student deaths between 2021 and 2025 Report

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on — page 3

Incidents resulted from accidents and other causes, with no criminal elements involved: Deputy minister

Official figures show about 4.63 million EPF members withdrew RM14.79 billion from their Account 3 as of June 30, 2025, with survey findings indicating most were for debt repayment and daily living expenses rather than discretionary spending. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Safety net risk Report on h page 2 Using EPF flexible withdrawal option to repeatedly chip at savings may render individuals without sufficient funds to support financial independence upon retirement: Fomca

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‘Overuse of flexible EPF account erodes savings’ o Every withdrawal reduces amount compounding for retirement: Fomca

Contributors urged to focus on real returns PETALING JAYA: Malaysians may welcome the Employees Provident Fund’s (EPF) projected 5.8% to 6.3% dividend for 2025, but experts said the figure alone does not guarantee a secure retirement as rising living costs and inflation could erode real purchasing power. Putra Business School associate professor Dr Ida Md Yasin urged contributors to focus on real returns, which measure the actual increase in purchasing power after inflation. “When we talk about real interest rate, we calculate it as nominal interest rate minus inflation. For example, if the dividend is 5.8% and inflation is 2%, the real return is 3.8%. That is the actual gain in what your money can buy.” Ida said Malaysia has seen relatively moderate inflation of between 2% and 4% in recent years but official Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures may not fully reflect household spending. “The CPI basket focuses on essentials. Individual spending patterns vary, so some households may feel costs rising faster than the headline figure suggests.” Addressing concerns that EPF members might tap savings for short-term expenses, she clarified that withdrawals are governed by strict rules. “There is no provision for festive withdrawals. Account One is primarily for retirement while Account Two allows withdrawals for designated purposes, such as buying a house or funding education.” She added that early or unnecessary withdrawals could erode long-term savings due to lost compounding. “The more you withdraw early, the less you benefit from future dividends. Over the long term, this could seriously affect retirement adequacy,” she said. EPF will announce its 2025 dividend on Saturday at a media briefing chaired by its CEO Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn. The announcement will be closely watched by more than 16 million members, reflecting EPF’s performance across local and overseas equities, fixed income, real estate and infrastructure. For the year ended Dec 31, 2024, EPF declared a 6.3% dividend for conventional and syariah accounts, with total payouts of RM73.24 billion – RM63.05 billion for conventional savings and RM10.19 billion for syariah savings. Historically, EPF dividends have outperformed commercial bank fixed deposits, offering contributors relatively attractive returns. “We can be proud that EPF has consistently delivered better returns than fixed deposits. This encourages higher national savings and provides some comfort for households relying on EPF as their main retirement fund,” said Ida, adding that sustained competitive dividends reinforce positive saving habits. However, she added that retirement adequacy remains a concern as EPF performance is tied to domestic and global economic conditions. “Malaysia is a trading nation, so international developments affect businesses and in turn, EPF investments,” she said, adding that the projected dividend indicates relatively solid investment performance over the past year. She also highlighted risks from geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, which could disrupt global supply chains. Under current rules, contributors can withdraw full EPF savings at age 55, although discussions are ongoing about raising the age to 60. Ida said some members exhaust their savings early but this is mostly due to individual financial behaviour, not flaws in the system. “The projected 2025 dividend is encouraging, but long-term retirement security depends on disciplined saving and prudent financial planning, not dividend rates alone.” – By Kirtinee Ramesh

He recommended distinguishing genuine needs from wants, considering alternatives, such as tighter budgeting, and replacing withdrawn funds when possible. Saravanan added that lower-income earners, workers with irregular incomes and young contributors are particularly vulnerable as smaller balances and underestimating compounding could significantly affect long-term outcomes. “With large-scale withdrawals already reported, financially fragile households could be reducing their retirement buffer early in their working lives.” He also called on policymakers to complement education with targeted savings incentives, stronger wage policies and enhanced social protection. “Flexibility could provide temporary relief, but structural solutions must come from policy intervention,” he said, advocating affordable microcredit, targeted subsidies and emergency assistance schemes to reduce reliance on retirement savings during hardship. “Retirement funds must remain a protected pillar of long-term security. Public policy should focus on reducing the circumstances that push people to draw down these savings early.”

Official figures tabled in Parliament show that as of June 30, 2025, about 4.63 million members had withdrawn RM14.79 billion from Account Three since its introduction. “This indicates that a significant number of Malaysians are using this facility as part of short-term financial management.” Survey findings suggest that most withdrawals are defensive, meaning they are meant for debt repayment and daily expenses rather than discretionary spending. “The dominant driver is financial strain, not indulgence.” Saravanan said financial literacy campaigns alone may not suffice. “Real-world cost-of-living pressures could override financial education. High utilisation of Account Three withdrawals shows that education must be paired with clearer tools,” he said, suggesting contributors be shown projections of how withdrawals today could shrink future retirement savings. He said to balance festive or short-term spending with long-term security, contributors should treat EPF funds, especially retirement portions, as protected assets. “The account should be viewed as a last-resort safety valve, not a spending supplement.”

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The flexibility offered under the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Account Three (Akaun Fleksibel) may ease short-term financial pressures, but repeated withdrawals could undermine Malaysians’ retirement security, said the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca). Its CEO Saravanan Thambirajah said many contributors understand that Account Three is meant for urgent needs, but frequent withdrawals could erode retirement savings. “The word ‘flexibility’ can easily be interpreted as ‘it is safe to use.’ However, every withdrawal reduces the amount that can continue compounding for retirement,” he said, adding that EPF consistently reminds members to use the account prudently. Audit, probe ordered on finances of varsity PETALING JAYA: A governance crisis is unfolding in the higher education sector, with the Malaysian Corruption Watch (MCW) calling for a full forensic audit and independent probe after the 2026 Auditor-General’s Report uncovered major financial irregularities at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. MCW president Jais Abdul Karim said the findings point to systemic failures in oversight and accountability within the higher education sector. The report revealed RM183.11 million in unreturned research grants involving 7,904 projects across four ministries, with the Higher Education Ministry accounting for the largest outstanding sum of RM110.67 million. Nearly half the funds have been overdue for between five and nine years, while some have remained unreturned for more than a decade. “At the same time, the audit uncovered serious financial mismanagement at the university. It had collected RM50.74 million in student fees through its cooperative without proper authorisation, RM32.36 million in unrecorded revenue and RM6.69 million in irregular expenditures, including commissions paid to unqualified agents. “The use of corporate credit cards by unauthorised individuals and conflicts of interest among university officials were also found.” He stressed that public universities are custodians of public funds and must be held to the highest standards. “They are institutions entrusted with public funds. Research grants and student fees are public money and contributions from families for children’s education. “When grants are left unmonitored for years and fees are not properly recorded, it is no longer merely an administrative issue, it is also a governance failure.” He urged authorities to conduct a forensic audit of all grants overdue for more than five years and all fee-collection agreements, calling for an independent probe into potential abuse of power, gross negligence or breaches of financial laws. “Any criminal elements must be referred to the Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

MORNING MEAL ... Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming spending time with firefighters at a sahur event at the Seputeh Fire and Rescue station in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

2024 for the Master of Education and Postgraduate Diploma in Education programmes set total student fees at RM60.77 million, of which RM50.74 million was collected by Koperasi B-5-1788, a cooperative not formally authorised under the university’s Constitution to collect fees on the university’s behalf. Adam Adli said the university has taken over admissions and fee collection directly for the postgraduate programme seventh cohort first semester 2025/2026 and the master’s programme tenth cohort second semester 2025, describing it as a corrective measure to ensure transparency and accountability. “Adjustments have been made, recognising RM2.27 million for the master’s programme and RM30.09 million for the postgraduate programme in 2024, as well as RM27.67 million for previous 2025 cohorts, while all fees for the postgraduate programme seventh cohort have been fully accounted for. “A letter of demand has been issued to the cooperative involved, with RM1.83 million recovered, and efforts to recover the balance are ongoing through legal channels,” he said during the winding-up debate on the Auditor-General’s Report in the Dewan Rakyat.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.” Jais called on the Higher Education Ministry to implement a national recovery plan to strengthen grant monitoring and financial controls, saying accountability must extend to the highest levels of management. MCW pledged to monitor follow-up actions by the ministry and the universities involved, stressing that the public has the right to know how their money is spent and who is responsible. Responding on Tuesday, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia acknowledged receipt of the Auditor-General’s Report and said a comprehensive review is underway to facilitate reforms and strengthen governance systems. It said it is prepared to take disciplinary or legal action based on the final investigation outcomes, in line with due process. It added that internal corrective measures have been initiated and declined further comment to safeguard the integrity of ongoing investigations. Also on Tuesday, Higher Education Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim confirmed that the university has stopped using cooperatives for student admissions and fee collection. The audit found that offer letters issued in

THURSDAY | FEB 26, 2026

3 Public universities record 37 student deaths in five years

Defence Ministry anti-corruption plan updated Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com PETALING JAYA: The Defence Ministry is revamping its anti-corruption plan and tightening procurement procedures following a high-level army corruption scandal, with its minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin pledging zero tolerance for abuse of power in defence procurement. He said tender and procurement processes would be reviewed to align with international best practices as part of a broader reform agenda to address leakage and restore integrity in the acquisition of high-value defence assets. “The ministry will improve governance by ensuring He was responding to Datuk Azman Nasrudin (PN–Padang Serai), who sought details on measures to guarantee transparency in the procurement of high-value defence assets. Mohamed Khaled said the ministry would expand digitalisation to reduce human intervention and close loopholes, with upgraded monitoring systems to track projects, delivery, compliance and finances, supported by clear audit trails. “The ministry plans to optimise the use of AI to enhance monitoring capabilities, identify potential leakage, benchmark costs against comparable countries and support data-driven decision-making. “A dedicated board will also be established to strengthen integrity and public trust, providing a structured and credible channel for complaints and disclosures to be investigated independently without interference.” He added that internal control mechanisms would be reinforced through compliance, risk-based and governance audits to ensure all procurement processes strictly adhere to financial regulations, SOP and accountability principles. “We will undertake efforts to rehabilitate and strengthen integrity systems and governance frameworks to eliminate all avenues for misconduct and abuse of authority,” he said in response to Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN–Ketereh), who asked about measures to restore public confidence following the scandal. He also said operational readiness in strategic areas remains at its peak despite the ongoing reforms. procurement decisions are no longer made by a single individual, but instead handled by committees of technical, financial, legal and strategic experts with checks and balances at every stage, including Cabinet approval,” he said in a written parliamentary reply.

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Cases resulted from accidents and other causes, with no criminal elements involved: Higher Education deputy minister

A reference manual on the use of non-university vehicles has been developed with Universiti Putra Malaysia and the Public University Student Welfare Task Force to ensure vehicle use is properly managed and compliant with safety, financial and governance standards. “We are ensuring close cooperation with police and local authorities to enhance the presence of community police and security patrols around higher education institution areas, not limited to within campuses but also the surrounding areas. All these measures are efforts to ensure short, medium and long term student safety continues to be protected and our campus communities remain safe.”

PETALING JAYA: A total of 37 student deaths were recorded at public universities nationwide over the past five years, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday. Higher Education Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim said the incidents, occurring between 2021 and 2025, were largely due to accidents and sudden deaths, with no criminal elements involved. In reply to a question

higher education institutions to implement holistic and periodic safety inspections, covering reviews of safety systems on campus and in student residences. “This includes the effectiveness of CCTV access control, installation of CCTV cameras and ensuring safety routes are well lit and secure.” Adam said the ministry is reviewing security and emergency SOP, including hostel visitor management and emergency response readiness.

matter lightly. “If we compare it with the overall number of students over the five-year period, the number of cases is relatively small. However, of course, if possible, we do not want any incidents to occur at all.” Adam added that 18 deaths were accidental while 19 were sudden deaths. “For future improvements, we are continuously strengthening new measures, including issuing official instructions to public and private

from Khairil Nizam Khirudin (PN-Jerantut), he said the figure is small compared with the overall student population, but the ministry does not take the

AT THE DEWAN RAKYAT

Govt improving road safety measures PETALING JAYA: More than 4,300 motorcyclists died on Malaysian roads in 2025, prompting the Works Ministry to ramp up safety measures, including doubling the number of dedicated shelters for riders. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi told the Dewan Negara that over 200 motorcycle shelters have been built, with a target of 400 in the near future. “We have introduced, together with highway concessionaires, motorcycle lanes for new highways. However, many existing highways were built in earlier years, so widening is not always possible. “We have built more than 200 shelters and our target is 400 so that motorcyclists do not have to stop under trees or flyovers, which can be dangerous.” He was responding to Senator Datuk Dr Mustafa Musa, who raised concerns about rider safety and road upkeep. Mustafa cited Transport Ministry data showing that out of 6,537 fatal road crashes in 2025, 4,340 involved motorcycles, and asked how road improvements could better protect riders. On road complaints, Nanta said only about 30% of the 54,055 issues logged via MyJalan as of January involved roads under the Works Ministry and its agencies, with the remaining 70% under state governments, local authorities and other agencies. He added that district engineers are tasked with addressing hazards, such as water puddles and faded lane markings, through preventive maintenance and strict key performance indicators. “The Public Works Department will act on complaints within 24 hours, especially for matters that could reduce accident risks.” He said increased road maintenance allocations this year would help ensure pavement conditions remain optimal for road users. – BY FAIZ RUZMAN

Transport Ministry data showing that out of 6,537 fatal road crashes in 2025, 4,340 involved motorcycles. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Strengthening of ringgit boosting investor confidence PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian ringgit is on the rise, reflecting strong economic fundamentals and boosting investor confidence, with exports holding steady despite the currency’s gains, the Dewan Negara was told yesterday. Bobbey Ah Fang Suan, he added that the ringgit recorded the strongest gains among regional peers in 2025. “As of Tuesday, it has further strengthened by 4.09% to RM3.89 against the US dollar.” Amir Hamzah attributed the trend partly to global monetary developments. “This strengthening was Malaysia, along with continued inflows of foreign direct and portfolio investments, have contributed to the ringgit’s performance.” He added that the currency’s resilience is underpinned by robust domestic fundamentals.

Amir Hamzah emphasised that trade remains strong. Exports grew 6.5% in 2025, led by the electrical and electronics sector, which expanded 18.3% to RM711.6 billion. “Major exporters are taking proactive steps, with many implementing hedging strategies to manage currency fluctuations,” he said, underlining that the trade sector remains resilient. – BY FAIZ RUZMAN

“The recent strengthening of the ringgit reflects improvements in the external environment and Malaysia’s strong economic prospects. “The currency appreciated between 1.5% and 13.9% against major and regional currencies while the nominal effective exchange rate rose 6.1% over the same period.

Malaysia’s GDP grew 5.2% in 2025, with fourth-quarter growth accelerating to 6.3%, the fastest in three years, driven mainly by the services and manufacturing sectors. On export competitiveness,

supported by declining US interest rates and expectations of a lower interest rate environment among major economies. “Positive investor sentiment towards emerging markets, including

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the ringgit’s recent performance signals improving global conditions and a resilient domestic economy. Responding to Senator Datuk

THURSDAY | FEB 26, 2026

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National Service positioned as pathway to future leadership

Sekolah Parlimen

gives students front-row view of democracy KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Sekolah Parlimen programme is giving students a front-row seat to democracy, and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul says it could be the first step in addressing a decades-long gap in understanding how Parliament functions. Drawing on 15 years as an MP and his earlier experience as a student leader, Johari told theSun in an exclusive interview that the overall quality of parliamentary engagement has changed little over time. “When you are an MP for 15 years and now serving as Speaker, I do not see much change in terms of understanding the role of an MP,” he said. “You have some who are vibrant and knowledgeable, but overall many behave as ‘normal’ MPs. The transformation we hope for is not that visible.” Johari noted that MPs come from diverse professional backgrounds, including former civil servants, business figures, lawyers and doctors, yet are expected to champion reforms, propose policies and articulate national interests. “They come with a spectrum of backgrounds, but once they are here, they must speak about the people’s interest and national interest. So I asked myself, what is missing? Why do people drift when they are in positions of power?” Rather than blaming the education system or any institution, he said the solution lies in early exposure and structured civic engagement. Under the Sekolah Parlimen initiative, selected head boys and head girls, particularly from rural schools, are brought to Parliament during sitting days, primarily Tuesdays and Thursdays. “On Tuesdays, we have the Prime Minister’s Question Time. On Thursdays, we have Ministers’ Question Time. Students can sit in the chamber and see, in real time, what democracy is all about,” Johari said. Witnessing live debates and ministerial accountability offers students what he described as a “compressed yet powerful civic education”. “You inculcate that feeling among them. Some may say, ‘I want to be like him.’ You ignite that desire to one day become an MP.” Johari added that even a few hours in Parliament could offer deeper insights than years in a classroom. “If they spend three or four hours here, they may gain more insight into democracy than six years in school. That is the impact we are aiming for.” Launched last year in collaboration with the Education Ministry, the Sekolah Parlimen programme is Johari’s brainchild, designed to give secondary school students structured early exposure to Malaysia’s parliamentary processes and how national policies are debated, formulated and decided. – by Ikhwan Zulkaflee expelled amid allegations of party sabotage and attempts to unseat party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The matter was raised in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday by RSN Rayer (PH–Jelutong), who sought clarification on the status of the opposition leader position. In response, Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Noor said the House has not received any formal notification of a change. As it stands, no official submission has been made to effect a leadership transition in Parliament. – by Ikhwan Zulkaflee

o Initiative links Sekolah Parlimen and Youth Parliament, with focus on unity and discipline

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: The reintroduced National Service Training Programme (PLKN 3.0) is set to become a crucial stepping stone for Malaysia’s future leaders, linking the Sekolah Parlimen initiative with the Youth Parliament, said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul. “After Sekolah Parlimen, the next step is PLKN. It is part of a sequence,” he added. Although PLKN falls under the Defence Ministry, Johari noted that Parliament plays a direct role through its select committee on defence. “We have a select committee on defence here in Parliament. Through this committee, together with a secretariat formed in Parliament, we work closely with the Defence Ministry to plan and implement the programme,” he explained. The programme targets students who have completed their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examinations and are awaiting results. During this interim period, they undergo 45 days of structured training at military camps nationwide. “We are not talking about private camps. We are talking about military camps run by soldiers,” Johari said. Participants will be grouped in batches of about 250, with plans to use up to 18 military camps across the country. Each cohort will reflect Malaysia’s multi ethnic composition. “They will not be grouped by race. It will be a combination, Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, everyone together,” he said. For some students, this may be the first time they interact meaningfully with peers from different ethnic and educational backgrounds. “Some may come from Chinese schools, Tamil schools, sekolah agama , tahfiz institutions or international schools. They may never have mixed before. “Now, for the first time, they congregate in one place, a military camp. They wear the same uniform, eat the same food and make their own beds,” Johari said. The core aim of the programme is leadership formation and national integration. “This is where we instil leadership qualities, how to think like a leader, how to behave like a leader and how to be patriotic as a Malaysian. “The most important element is bonding.

Johari said each National Service Training Programme group would reflect Malaysia’s multi-ethnic composition. – PIC COURTESY OF ARJUNNA PUTRA/PARLIMEN MALAYSIA

the new Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman last Sunday, PAS – widely seen as the coalition’s dominant component party – has signalled that it should also assume the opposition leader post. However, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, who also serves as PN assistant secretary-general, said the party needs time to deliberate on its nominee for the position. The development comes in the wake of the Feb 12 sacking of Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, who currently holds the opposition leader post. Hamzah and 16 other Bersatu leaders were before they went in and how are they after they return? Many say the change is significant, more disciplined, more independent,” Johari said. Some participants from affluent backgrounds expressed appreciation for the structured discipline. “They say, ‘At home everything was served to me. Here I must do everything myself.’ That discipline is something they value,” he added. Johari contrasted PLKN 3.0 with earlier iterations, highlighting improved cost efficiency. “Previously, we spent about RM800 million a year. Under the present system, we expect about RM100 million. With that allocation, the outcomes are very encouraging,” he said, noting he was not criticising past programmes but welcoming improvements. “As someone observing this programme closely, I am very happy. The Defence Ministry has done a wonderful job,” Johari said.

Bonding does not happen by chance, someone has to put them together. That someone is the Defence Ministry,” he added. Johari described the 45-day programme as an intensive character-building experience designed to prepare youths for civic participation and eventual leadership roles. When asked about key performance indicators, he said assessment would combine qualitative feedback with data-driven evaluation. “First, we look at before and after. How do they feel after 45 days? The participants themselves must be truthful. Did they benefit?” Surveys indicate strong approval rates. “Eighty-five per cent said the programme was very beneficial. The remaining 15% did not say it was bad, they said it was too short and wanted it extended. If you combine that, it is effectively 100% positive.” Feedback from parents is also incorporated into evaluations. “We ask parents: how were your children

Status quo remains for opposition leader post KUALA LUMPUR: Status quo remains for the opposition Leader post in the Dewan Rakyat for now, says Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul. leadership change. Johari stressed that the Speaker’s office operates strictly based on formal notifications and established parliamentary procedures, not political conjecture or informal discussions.

In an interview with theSun , Johari made it clear that no official communication has been received regarding any move to replace the current opposition leader, despite talks that the opposition bloc is attempting to install a new leader in Parliament. “As long as I receive nothing from the opposition, or from anybody for that matter, then to me, everything remains the same,” he said this when asked to comment on the impending

“Until and unless I get something from them – from one party or various parties – certainly I will come in and investigate, and I’ll make a decision then. But at the moment, nothing has happened. “With nothing formally brought before me, everything stays as it is,” Johari said. Following the appointment of its vice president Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as

THURSDAY | FEB 26, 2026 5 Border control officer escapes shooting BUKIT KAYU HITAM: Border Control and Protection Agency commander SAC Mohd Nasaruddin Mohd Nasir was shot at yesterday in Bukit Kayu Hitam. Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said Mohd Nasaruddin escaped unharmed in the attack, which occurred at about 5.40 am. He said Mohd Nasaruddin was on his way to perform subuh prayers at the Al Muhajirin Mosque when two men on a motorcycle approached his vehicle. “One of them fired two shots, hitting the rear right and front passenger doors.” Adzli said Mohd Nasaruddin, who was alone, attempted to pursue the suspects for about one kilometre before they fled into a nearby industrial area. “He then drove to the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex police station to lodge a report.” Adzli also said police have not ruled out the possibility that criminal syndicates operating along the border may have retaliated after the agency recorded numerous successful seizures this year, including 100 tonnes of rice and pork. He said police have also detained many smugglers and migrants based in the area, adding that Mohd Nasaruddin was responsible for assignments at the ICQS Complex. Meanwhile, Nik Faiz Ruzman reported that Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has assured Malaysians that national borders remain secure. Saifuddin said the shooting incident is being treated “with utmost seriousness” and is under a thorough investigation by police. “Security at all national entry points remains under control. Additional security measures have been activated immediately to ensure the safety of personnel and the public.” He also urged the public to avoid speculation and give authorities the space to conduct a professional investigation. Man jailed 4 months for road rage assault SHAH ALAM: The High Court has sentenced a trader to four months’ imprisonment, effective yesterday, on two charges of causing hurt and making death threats against an elderly man in a recent road rage incident along Jalan Cheras Hulu Langat. Judge Datuk Aslam Zainuddin delivered the ruling, setting aside the Kajang Magistrate’s Court Feb 10 decision of a RM5,500 fine on 52-year-old Saiful Adli Yusof. During the proceedings, the 70-year-old victim, Liew Khoon Foo, read his impact statement in Mandarin, describing severe trauma. He said he feared leaving home or driving and had sustained serious injuries, including six stitches to his tongue, making eating difficult. “I fear he may hold a grudge and come after me again. I feel unsafe because he is extremely violent,” he said. DPP Shahrul Ekhsan Hasim described Saiful’s actions as extremely cruel. Based on an online video, he noted that the victim was both kicked and punched. “This country has laws. The respondent’s conduct amounts to reckless road rage and bullying, causing injury and threats. We urge the court to reassess the sentence to instill a sense of accountability,” he said. On Feb 10, the Kajang Magistrate’s Court fined Saiful RM5,500 after he pleaded guilty to two charges of causing hurt and criminal intimidation against an elderly man on Feb 8. Magistrate Fatin Dayana Jalil imposed the fine and ordered him to serve eight months’ imprisonment in default of payment. The father of four was also charged under Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation at the same time and location, an offence punishable with up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. – Bernama

‘Strategic approach needed for pocket parks proposal’

o City planners must carefully select sites due to space constraints: Academic

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Authorities have arrested a Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah student yesterday over sharing content allegedly depicting desecration of the Quran , as Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir called for calm and vowed swift action against those exploiting the incident. Speaking at a press conference in Parliament yesterday, Zambry said the authorities have already acted and gave an assurance that the case was being handled according to due process. “As we are aware from reports released, an incident occurred involving an individual who (allegedly) (desecrated) the Quran . “I urge everyone to remain calm as we address this issue. PETALING JAYA: Turning carparks into pocket parks – small, landscaped green spaces within the city – could help address flash floods and urban heat in Kuala Lumpur, experts say. However, they also say a strategic, multi-pronged approach is needed for meaningful impact. Universiti Malaya Urban and Regional Planning senior lecturer Dr Noor Hashimah Hashim Lim said such conversions work not just for carparks but for any land designed to collect, absorb or channel rainwater. “Such conversions could effectively reduce flooding episodes, especially in a dense city setting.” She added that the benefits are maximised when implemented at scale and city planners must carefully select sites due to space constraints. “Understanding the cause of the flood, its timing and duration, as well as its impact on (the public), the economy and surrounding activities is essential before deciding the best and most cost-effective mitigation measures.” The proposal follows Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh saying the department is studying the feasibility of converting carparks into pocket parks to address flash floods in Kuala Lumpur. Yeoh emphasised the importance of transforming the city into a “sponge city”, an urban area designed to absorb, store and gradually release rainwater, adding that the capital cannot function as a sponge if green spaces are replaced with concrete. Noor Hashimah said the sponge city concept extends beyond flood control. “Achieving a ‘sponge’ concept means it should not only mitigate floods but also store water, filter pollutants and release it naturally. “It should foster a better blue-green ecosystem, improving biodiversity, reducing city heat, enhancing air quality and ultimately boosting social wellbeing.” On balancing the reduction of carparks with accessibility, she proposed a tactical, Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

RimbaWatch’s spatial analysis found that of central Kuala Lumpur’s 1,240 hectares, only 40.4 hectares are green space, while open-air carparks occupy 55.2 hectares. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has directed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to take immediate action over the published content. Pahang police confirmed the arrest of the student to assist investigations. State police cheif Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the suspect was detained in Kuantan after a report was filed. The social media post, which was widely circulated online, also allegedly included screenshots of remarks insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Investigations are ongoing under Section 295 of the Penal Code for damaging or defiling a place of worship or sacred object, which carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine, as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which provides for up to one year’s jail, a maximum RM50,000 fine, or both. and air pollution.” RimbaWatch’s spatial analysis found that of central Kuala Lumpur’s 1,240 hectares, only 40.4 hectares comprise green spaces, while open-air carparks occupy 55.2 hectares. “If 55.2 hectares of carparks were converted to green spaces, that would more than double green cover, bringing central KL closer to the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 target of 30%.” He added that urban forests with resilient native species could slash surface temperatures by nearly 6°C, absorb rainwater, act as noise buffers, sequester carbon, improve biodiversity and reduce particulate matter. While removing carparks alone would not meet KL’s green space targets, Adam called it a “low-hanging fruit” that could be complemented by reclaiming abandoned sites, converting idle construction plots and creating pedestrian-friendly boulevards. “Improving KL’s liveability will face resistance from car manufacturers, fossil fuel suppliers and property developers, but removing open-air carparks is an essential first step towards a resilient, healthy and happy Kuala Lumpur.”

“The police have acted promptly and the matter is currently being handled by the authorities.” He emphasised that the incident is being taken seriously, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, and cautioned against attempts to exploit it for political or social gain. “Such disrespectful actions must be dealt with immediately. “We also need to ensure the incident is not manipulated by any parties that could inflame tensions further. “The ministry and the government will not take such matters lightly, as actions such as this could create unrest in our society.” He also said the ministry would first obtain the full police report to establish the facts, adding that the initial information had emerged on social media and that the university had promptly lodged a report. multi-use approach. “We could current playgrounds, pocket parks and open spaces around the city. “Analyse how each green space could be multi-functional – sunny days for play and socialising, rainy days to serve as mini ‘sponges.’” She added that implementation would come with challenges. “Conversion could be tricky, involving land zoning, land titles, tenure, ownership and more, unless the land belongs to the city council.” Certain carparks are commercially zoned and privately owned, meaning Kuala Lumpur City Hall would need to purchase them, an economic cost that brings long-term social gain. Environmental advocates welcomed the idea. RimbaWatch director Adam Farhan urged swift action, highlighting the dominance of paved surfaces and car infrastructure in Kuala Lumpur. “KL’s high car dependency means large areas are devoted to wide streets, highways and expansive carparks. “This worsens the urban heat island effect fully utilise

Student arrested over alleged Quran desecration

THURSDAY | FEB 26, 2026

6

Peranakan , Nyonya heritage at risk of disappearing

Ű BY SIVAA TANGAI RAJU newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PONTIAN: The act of labelling food sold at Ramadan bazaars, including listing ingredients, preparation dates and trader details, is gaining traction as an effective method to safeguard consumers and curb food poisoning cases in Johor. The practice, which gained attention following a Facebook post by the Food Safety and Quality Division of the Labuan Federal Territory Health Department, highlights the potential benefits of increased transparency in food handling. Most consumers say the MALACCA: The Peranakan heritage, intricate beadwork and Nyonya culture continue to draw tourists and locals alike but artisans say the traditions behind the city’s celebrated identity are slowly disappearing. Tham Siew Inn Artist Gallery co-founder Tham Ze King, said young Malaysians are increasingly disconnected from traditional art, often viewing them as decorative objects rather than carriers of cultural knowledge. “Personal taste needs to be shaped and refined, just like any other sense. To delve deeply into aesthetic appreciation may have become a luxury that many cannot afford these days. Individuals walk in and find our creations overwhelming or feel completely disconnected. “However, international visitors appreciate and support what we create, as they are better educated in art. Not everyone needs to be an artist or traditional craftsman, but appreciating the effort, creativity and culture behind artworks is a rewarding experience in itself.” He also said sustaining interest through workshops or internships has become increasingly difficult due to limited resources, emphasising that traditional artisans need stronger cultural and educational support to remain relevant.

o Shifting consumer preferences pushing centuries-old skills into oblivion

the Stadium Mini Pontian Ramadan bazaar. Amyza Nur Nasha Binti Omar, 26, said the move could strengthen consumer confidence and expressed hope that more traders would adopt the practice to ensure food safety. “For me, this is necessary and long overdue. I have yet to see any traders in my area do so.” However, trader Nor Usma Sapingi, 40, said the measure may not be fully practical, given that most food is prepared on-site, adding that additional costs would patience to continue the work has been a constant challenge. “I tried to pass on the skills to the young generation, but many of them are impatient and do not stay long enough to fully learn the craft. “Honestly, it takes years of practice to master the techniques, and most youth today are looking for faster results.” Jonker Street shop owner Jenny Lim, who runs the Funky Munky gallery, said shifting consumer preferences towards modern designs have pushed heritage crafts further into the background. “Individuals today prefer new and modern items because they are fashionable, not necessarily because they appreciate tradition, which makes it harder for handmade and artisan products to stand out in shops that sell both modern and

products, but also as knowledge, labour and cultural memory. Exposure to art, history and aesthetic appreciation should not be treated as something optional or elitist. “When (the public) understand why things are made in a certain way and the time and effort involved, appreciation comes more naturally.” As craftsmen age without apprentices, heritage practitioners say centuries-old skills are at risk of being lost. Jonker Colour Beads and Nyonya Shoes Shop director Joyce S.P. How said preserving bead and shoemaking traditions have become a race against time, as fewer youngsters are willing to invest years in mastering the craft. “Although there is demand for handcrafted items, finding someone willing to dedicate the time and practice would make it easier to provide feedback or lodge complaints if the food purchased is found to be stale or unsafe for consumption. Retired soldier Samsuri Sarip, 68, said labels showing ingredients and the time food is prepared provide greater transparency for consumers. “At least we know when the food was cooked and what ingredients were used. “If any issue arises, it is easier to refer to the information and file a complaint,” he said when met at

Lim showing a traditional congkak board alongside handcrafted materials at her shop. – SIVAA TANGAI RAJU/THESUN

“Even in shops that carry a mix of products, highlighting the story and labour of handcrafted pieces could help keep traditions alive,” she said, adding that awareness is crucial to sustaining heritage trades.

traditional goods.” She added that preserving Malacca’s artisan culture requires deliberate efforts to tell the stories behind the crafts, rather than treating them as mere retail products.

“Art and craft should not be seen only as decoration or tourist Consumers express approval over labelling of food at bazaars

said there is currently no law or regulation requiring Ramadan bazaar traders in the state to label the food they sell. He said such labelling is generally mandatory for fully processed food products, such as factory-manufactured items, unlike most Ramadan traders who prepare food on-site. However, he said traders are encouraged to take the initiative, as labelling would make it easier for customers to contact and trace them in the event of any untoward incident. – Bernama

be involved in producing the labels. “It’s a good move, but it requires capital because we have to print the labels for the food containers. “Traders with more resources may be able to do it,” said Nor Usma, who has been selling popiah at the bazaar for five years. She acknowledged that the practice could enhance customer confidence and did not rule out adopting it in the future. Meanwhile, Johor State Health deputy director (Food Safety and Quality) Kamarudzaman Ahmad

THURSDAY | FEB 26, 2026

7

New role for retired Myanmar general

o Military set to dominate politics

“This is a position with a high capacity for influence and action. If one cannot be president, the position of speaker of the Hluttaw (parliament) is the one that allows for the greatest exercise of power” he said. Two other members present at a recent USDP meeting said Khin Yi, a former immigration minister, had been asked informally if he would be vice-president and responded by saying he would take a key parliamentary role. One of the sources quoted Khin Yi as saying at the meeting: “What is certain is that I think I will be leading in the legislative sectors of one of the houses of parliament.” – Reuters

during the recent election, effectively putting the legislature under the military’s control. In addition, a new five member panel, the Union Consultative Council, will be set up to oversee both military and civilian administrations.

likely to become first and second vice-presidents. “Since there are high ranking former military officers within the party, understanding their roles, the highest possible position for him would likely be the speaker of the lower house,” the source said, speaking of Khin Yi. Myanmar’s unique power sharing system gives control of 25% of legislative seats to the military that has ruled the country for five of the past six decades, and also control of the ministries of defence, border affairs and interior. The USDP won 81% of available seats in the upper and lower houses

and Development Party (USDP), which the military formed in 2010. Three USDP sources told Reuters the party’s chairman, Khin Yi (pic) , a retired brigadier-general and former police chief, is tipped to take the pivotal post of lower house speaker. In that role, he would oversee the election of a new president, the passage of laws and the approval of budgets and key state appointments. The USDP did not respond to requests for comment on Khin Yi’s future role. One of the sources, who all spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, said retired generals with close ties to State Administration Council chairman Min Aung Hlaing were Intelligence Service chief in 2019 after Gotabaya Rajapaksa became president, had been accused of involvement in organising the suicide bombings, a charge he has denied. Sallay was employed in the intelligence unit that funded the group. The government at the time admitted the military was behind the radical group. More than 500 people were wounded in the bombings, which crippled the island nation’s lucrative tourism industry. US authorities in 2021 charged three Sri Lankans for supporting the Easter attacks, in which five US nationals were killed. The three are among 25 suspects indicted in Sri Lanka’s High Court. The Supreme Court fined then president Maithripala Sirisena and four senior officials more than US$1.03 million (RM4 million) in a civil case for their failure to prevent the attacks. The UN has asked Sri Lanka to publish parts of previous inquiries into the bombings that were withheld from the public. – AFP

YANGON: A retired general from an army-backed party that swept Myanmar’s election is set to take the powerful role of speaker of parliament, party sources said, which could help the military cement control of government after a return to democratic rule. A military government that has run Myanmar since a 2021 coup will formally cede power after a new parliament meets next month, with the top generals expected to loom large in politics after a resounding election win by the Union Solidarity

Experts say such a move will allow Min Aung Hlaing to become president without loosening his grip on the armed forces. The post of speaker, held previously by political heavyweights, offers greater clout than the prestigious but largely ceremonial role of vice-president, said political analyst Htin Kyaw Aye.

Sri Lanka arrests ex-spy chief over 2019 bombings

COLOMBO: Criminal investigators in Sri Lanka have arrested the country’s former intelligence chief yesterday in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners. Police said retired Major-Gen Suresh Sallay was taken into custody at dawn in a suburb of Colombo. “He was arrested for conspiracy and aiding and abetting the Easter Sunday attacks,” said an investigating officer. “He has been in touch with people involved in the attacks, even recently.” The coordinated bombings targeted three upmarket hotels in the capital, two Roman Catholic churches and an evangelical Protestant church outside Colombo. The attacks were blamed on a homegrown group. The attack became the worst against civilians in a country where at least 100,000 people had been killed in a Tamil separatist war that ended in May 2009 after nearly four decades of violence. Sallay, who was promoted to State

Rauzah (left) salvages items from her damaged home in Meurah Dua, Pidie Jaya district. – AFPPIC

Sumatra flood survivors frustrated by slow aid response BANDA ACEH: Normally, Indonesian mother-of-four Rauzah would cook a feast for her family to break their Ramadan fast. This year, she makes do as best she can in the orange tent where they have been sheltering for three months. As the weeks pass and donations dwindle, survivors question how long they will be left in limbo after the worst disaster to strike Aceh since a 2004 tsunami. revoked forestry permits in the wake of the disaster. But they have shrugged off offers of international aid, even after the estimated cost to rebuild soared past US$3.1 billion (RM12 billion).

Indonesia deports US convict DENPASAR: An American convicted of killing the mother of his then-pregnant teenage girlfriend at a luxury hotel was deported on Tuesday after his early release from prison. Tommy Schaefer (pic) , 32,

Schaefer by his initials. Heather Mack, Schaefer’s then-girlfriend, was given 10 years on a lesser charge of assisting what was dubbed the “suitcase murder”. She was deported in 2021,

President Prabowo Subianto has refused calls to declare a national disaster to release emergency funds, and declined international assistance, describing the situation as “under control”. In Pidie Jaya district, not much has changed since the muddy torrent swallowed homes. “My village still looks as if the disaster just happened. The houses are still buried in mud,” Rauzah said. Unusually intense monsoon rains pummelled parts of South and Southeast Asia in November and December, triggering landslides and floods. Across the three inundated provinces on Sumatra, more than 1,200 people were killed and nearly 140 others remain missing, according to the national disaster agency. Authorities have blamed the scale of devastation partly on uncontrolled logging, and have

In the provincial capital Banda Aceh, student groups and civil society organisations have descended on the local parliament to demand greater mobilisation of national resources. Home Minister Tito Karnavian, who leads a reconstruction task force in Sumatra, told lawmakers on Feb 18 that only 8,300 temporary structures, roughly half of the 16,688 planned, have been built. And fewer than 10% of the 16,300 homes the government promised exist so far. Reni and her teenage daughters were among those relocated to a tightly packed temporary housing warehouse in Pidie Jaya district last month. “We’re grateful that at least we have a place like this now. But still, a lot of the promises weren’t kept,” said the 37-year-old whose house was partially swept away. – AFP

They are among 26,000 flood survivors still displaced after a monsoon deluge struck their villages in Sumatra last year. In hardest-hit Aceh province, which accounted for most of the more than 1,000 deaths, families have become increasingly frustrated over the sluggish aid response. Many remain crammed in temporary shelters or a cluster of tents, with little expectation of returning to their mud-caked homes any time soon. Seated on a thin carpet covering the cardboard floor, Rauzah and her four children share an iftar meal of vegetables and prawns. But at least they are dry and safe. “I still feel traumatised,” said the 42-year-old, who goes by one name. “Whenever it rains, I get anxious. I keep thinking about the children, about how I would save them.”

and according to the US Justice Department, is serving a 26-year sentence in the United States for conspiracy to murder her mother. Schaefer, the father of Mack’s child, beat the 62-year-old victim to death with a fruit bowl during an argument at the five-star St Regis resort in Bali. The couple then stuffed the woman’s body into a suitcase and tried to flee with it in a taxi but quickly abandoned the blood-soaked luggage. Speaking ahead of his deportation on Tuesday, Schaefer apologised to the family of von Wiese Mack. “I’m sorry. I’ve always been sorry. I’ve always been apologetic,” he said. – AFP

was released last week from prison in Bali and moved to an immigration detention facility on Friday. He boarded a flight on Tuesday bound for the United States, said a local immigration official. A Bali court sentenced Schaefer in 2015 to 18 years in prison for the murder of Sheila von Wiese Mack. He was released seven years early for good behaviour. “After TS completed his sentence, our duty is to ensure that he is not within our sovereign territory, considering that the serious crime he committed has disturbed public order and prevailing legal norms,” local immigration agency head Felucia Sengky Ratna said, referring to