02/03/2026

MONDAY | MAR 2, 2026

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Middle Eastern airspace thrown into chaos

PM expresses solidarity with communities in region KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia stands in solidarity with all Muslims and communities in the Middle East that have been affected by the tensions caused by the actions of the United States (US) and Israel in launching attacks on Iran on Saturday, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In a post on his Facebook page yesterday, he said Malaysia prays for the wellbeing of Muslims and all communities affected in the Middle East. He also expressed hope that peace, justice and stability would soon be restored in the region. The US and Israel launched a series of attacks on targets in Iran on Saturday. Iran has carried out retaliatory missile attacks on Israeli territory as well as on US military facilities in the Middle East. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in one of the attacks on Saturday morning, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported. – Bernama PUTRAJAYA: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has cautioned that recent airspace closures in parts of the Middle East may disrupt certain international flights. In a statement yesterday, CAAM said airlines operating to and from the affected region could face delays, retiming, rerouting or cancellations due to evolving restrictions and operational considerations. “Such measures are undertaken in the interest of safety and in compliance with international aviation requirements. “CAAM is closely monitoring the situation and engaging with the relevant airlines to ensure that passenger interests continue to be safeguarded.” It reminded carriers operating flights to and from Malaysia to promptly inform passengers of any changes to scheduled departure or arrival times, including delays, rescheduling, rerouting or cancellations. Airlines were also urged to provide appropriate care, assistance and alternative travel arrangements to affected passengers in accordance with the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code. – Bernama Aviation authority issues travel advisory

“Nowadays, children also have their own families. Things are not like 30 or 40 years ago. “The cost of living has increased, medical costs have increased, everything has gone up. Ultimately, it all boils down to your financial planning. The scheme is optional and entirely up to the individual.” Universiti Teknologi Mara economist Dr Mohamad Idham Razak said the sustainability of the scheme hinges more on behavioural choices than structural design. “Based on current wage levels and contribution trends, it remains achievable but unlikely for the average EPF member. Those with consistent formal employment and uninterrupted contributions generally stand a chance but many workers face income volatility and career breaks.” Mohd Harridon said the tourism sector would be especially vulnerable as Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai and Qatar rely heavily on transit passengers after investing substantially in their positions as global connecting gateways. For Malaysia, the impact is already visible, reports Harith Kamal . The Foreign Ministry has urged Malaysians to immediately postpone all non-essential travel to the Middle East, stressing that the safety and welfare of citizens abroad remain its top priority. “Given the highly uncertain situation, including sudden flight disruptions and airspace closures, we strongly advise all Malaysian travellers to liaise directly with their airlines for the latest schedules and route adjustments.” The ministry said Malaysian diplomatic missions are assisting citizens in Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Syria, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and has confirmed that all individuals who have contacted them are safe. It urged travellers to anticipate sudden schedule changes, possible airport closures and travel restrictions, exercise heightened vigilance, avoid military zones and public gatherings as well as comply strictly with instructions issued by local authorities. It also encouraged them to register via the e-Konsular portal to facilitate communication and consular assistance. Those unable to reach the nearest mission may contact the ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya. The aviation turmoil comes amid reports that oil and gas majors have suspended shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns that prolonged instability could drive up fuel prices, transportation costs and inflationary pressures. Flights involving Malaysian travellers, including those performing the umrah during Ramadan, have already been delayed or cancelled. According to flight tracking data, four Malaysia Airlines services between Kuala Lumpur and Middle Eastern destinations have been grounded. Malaysia Airports has advised passengers to check flight statuses directly with their airlines before travelling to the airport.

aviation industry, compounded by rising crude oil prices amid heightened geopolitical risks. Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology economist (aviation and aerospace) Assoc Prof Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian told Bernama that airlines rerouting aircraft to avoid conflict zones would incur higher operational costs, particularly when longer flight paths are required. He said congestion along alternative corridors could disrupt schedules and trigger cascading delays across global networks. “Airlines should be proactive and optimise the utilisation of their resources and assets to mitigate the situation, and this could be achieved through the usage of astute mathematical models to offset burgeoning costs.”

o Missile strikes between US-Israeli forces and Iran ground thousands of flights, damage key airports, cause shockwaves on aviation inustry

PETALING JAYA: Escalating military strikes by the United States (US) and Israel against Iran have plunged Middle Eastern airspace into chaos. Missile strikes between US-Israeli foces and Iran have grounded thousands of flights, damaged key airports and sent shockwaves through the aviation sector, with immediate consequences impacting Malaysian travellers and airlines. Among those affected are Qatar Airways, Saudia and several Abu Dhabi-based airlines, which halted multiple flights. Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international

travel, sustained minor damage in a retaliatory Iranian strike, injuring four staff members. In Kuwait, a drone strike hit Kuwait International Airport, causing minor injuries and limited damage to its Terminal 1. Bahrain International Airport also reported material damage from a drone strike, but with no fatalities. At Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, one individual was killed and seven others injured in a related incident. Beyond the immediate safety concerns, analysts warn of significant financial fallout for the

Sudden flight cancellations and route changes could leave travellers stranded in the wake of US-Israeli joint attack on Iran. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

‘Be prudent about utilising EPF i-Legasi facility’

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

the facility essentially formalises intergenerational transfers within the EPF system but requires careful individual consideration. “Currently, any contributor can add up to RM100,000, but that must come from outside your EPF account. “The objective of this facility is intergenerational saving – from parents to children. Once parents have fulfilled the basic savings requirement, they can transfer the excess within EPF instead of using external funds.” Lee highlighted EPF data released on Feb 28 which shows there are 41% of members aged 55 who have funds above the basic savings level. “Even if you have an amount above the basic savings level by the time you fully retire, because of inflation and the rising cost of living, it may still not be enough.

“Risk remains for long-term retirement adequacy. Members should assess their actual needs for retirement and evaluate their own financial sufficiency, and not rely solely on the basic savings level,” he told theSun . On eligibility for surplus transfers, Ahmad Razman said income alone does not determine readiness as financial circumstances vary widely among EPF members. “What is more important is to focus on obtaining more competitive wages, maintaining higher contribution rates by employees and employers, consistently making voluntary contributions and avoiding withdrawals from the Flexible Account unless there is an urgent need.” Socio-Economic Research Centre executive director Lee Heng Guie said

PETALING JAYA: The Employees Provident Fund’s (EPF) upcoming i-Legasi facility, which allows members aged 55 and above who have met the basic savings threshold to transfer part of their excess retirement savings to their children’s EPF accounts, could strengthen intergenerational financial planning. Economists said its success depends on consistent income growth, disciplined contributions and careful personal assessment. Putra Business School Masters and Doctorate Course director Prof Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff said the mechanism offers flexibility but urged members not to compromise their own retirement needs.