12/03/2026

THURSDAY | MAR 12, 2026

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Strict action vowed on cases involving 3R PUTRAJAYA: The government has vowed firm action against those exploiting sensitive race, religion and royalty (3R) issues, signalling that it will review laws and strengthen enforcement where necessary, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil yesterday. At a weekly press conference, he said the Cabinet has focused on addressing individuals who deliberately provoke 3R tensions, particularly on social media and in public spaces. “Enforcement agencies, including the Attorney-General’s Chambers, have been urged to act decisively against offenders.” The government is prepared to review, amend or introduce legislation to ensure authorities can take appropriate action, including detention or remand, if gaps are found in existing laws. Further details, including possible legal action, are expected to be announced by the attorney-general soon. On corporate matters, Fahmi said a new committee chaired by the second Finance minister will begin work today, with its findings to be presented at a special Cabinet meeting tomorrow. The Cabinet has also received the attorney-general’s investigation report on the shareholding issue involving Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki. Fahmi said further action will be taken by the chief secretary to the government, adding that he would not disclose the report’s contents pending Azam’s statement. Cabinet discussions also covered media allegations of corporate manipulation. Investigations into several individuals begun years ago and enforcement agencies, including police, the Securities Commission, MACC and the Inland Revenue Board, have been instructed to continue rigorous investigations. Measures may include legal action, asset seizures and reviewing laws to close loopholes that may have allowed alleged manipulation to occur. – BY KIRTINEE RAMESH AND HARITH KAMAL SEPANG: A total of 163 Malaysians stranded in several Middle Eastern countries arrived home at 12.32pm here yesterday on the country’s first evacuation flight. According to the Foreign Ministry, the group comprised umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia as well as Malaysians in Qatar, Jordan and Syria. The chartered Malaysia Airlines flight MH8503 for the Operation to Evacuate Malaysians from the Middle Eastern Conflict Zone, which departed from Jeddah yesterday morning, also carried seven non-citizen family members comprising five Thai nationals, one Indonesian and one Moroccan national. The operation to bring Malaysians home was coordinated by the National Security Council under the directive of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, ensuring immediate measures were taken to safeguard the safety and welfare of citizens in the conflict zone. The Airbus A330-300 departed KLIA at 4.10pm on Tuesday and safely landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 8.35pm local time, Bernama reported. The mission was allotted only a short window by local authorities in Jeddah for passenger pickup before the flight returned to Malaysia. Media personnel from Bernama and Radio Televisyen Malaysia joined the repatriation flight. Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since Feb 28 following a series of Israeli and US attacks on Iran, followed by Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel and US interests in the Gulf region. National Security Council National Crisis Management chief assistant director Fauzan Amin Misnon said: “All evacuees came home voluntarily after registering through an online system provided by the Foreign Ministry.” First repatriation flight arrives

Anwar said the government’s priority is to protect the interests and welfare of the people. – BERNAMAPIC

Malaysian petrol supply holding firm, says Anwar o ‘Thanks to careful planning and coordination with energy sector, we can maintain RON95 at RM1.99’

in Sabah and Sarawak. This situation could encourage large-scale smuggling. “I have tasked the deputy prime minister and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry with ensuring stricter monitoring and firm action against anyone attempting to exploit the situation.” A special task force comprising the Finance minister, Economy minister and other relevant ministers will review the economic impact daily and provide real-time guidance to the government. Anwar expressed relief that the first group of Malaysians repatriated from the Middle East arrived safely yesterday. He thanked the National Security Council, the Foreign Ministry and Malaysia’s diplomatic missions for coordinating the operation. “The repatriation will continue, although most Malaysians can now return via commercial flights. “Additional arrangements are in place to use available aircraft as needed.” He added that national preparedness measures are being reinforced, with Cabinet members, the chief secretary, government agencies and private companies working together to manage emerging challenges. “We are closely monitoring developments to ensure we can respond effectively to any situation arising from the conflict.” review Malaysia’s fiscal position, assess developments in real time and determine the next steps. “The challenges we face today remind us that Malaysia has overcome crises before. “With responsible governance and cooperation from all sectors, government leadership, public service, the private sector and the people, I am confident that we can manage this situation effectively.” – BY HARITH KAMAL AND KIRTINEE RAMESH

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s petroleum supply remains secure and is projected to last at least until May 2026, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday as the government moves to cushion the country from potential disruptions caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East. He said fuel security is “under control” despite global market volatility triggered by the conflict involving Iran, crediting early planning and supply management by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas). “This is a difficult decision but necessary to protect the people. Market prices are significantly higher, especially compared with neighbouring countries, where prices can be three times higher,” he said at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office. He added that global energy supply routes have been disrupted by attacks linked to the Iran conflict and widening regional tensions, particularly affecting shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Ű BY HARITH KAMAL AND KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“More than 400 oil tankers and roughly 3,000 cargo vessels are stranded, contributing to a surge in global oil prices. “Brent crude oil peaked at around US$119 (RM465.87) per barrel on Monday before easing slightly in recent days. “Thanks to careful planning and coordination with our energy sector, we can guarantee adequate fuel supply and maintain the RON95 price at RM1.99 for now,” said Anwar. He also highlighted Malaysia’s resilience against immediate supply disruptions. He added that the government’s priority is protecting the interests and welfare of the people. “The price of Budi Madani RON95 will be maintained at RM1.99 per litre, despite market prices being much higher locally and compared with neighbouring countries.” To safeguard domestic fuel supplies, the government has also stepped up enforcement to address potential smuggling activities. “Diesel prices are controlled in Peninsular Malaysia and remain unchanged

Govt sends message on budget discipline PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s government is sending a clear message on fiscal prudence: there will be no Hari Raya Aidilfitri open houses this year for federal agencies, government-linked companies and government-linked investment companies. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the move, made in consultation with the Cabinet, is aimed at promoting moderation and responsible spending amid rapidly evolving global developments. “Some have asked, if the situation is under control and essential supplies such as oil and gas remain sufficient, why exercise caution? “This is a rational step to prevent being caught off guard by more severe circumstances later,” he said at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office. In a further show of restraint, ministers and government officials will limit overseas travel to official engagements deemed essential. Anwar also confirmed that a special Cabinet meeting would be held tomorrow morning to