26/02/2026

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