17/03/2026

TUESDAY | MAR 17, 2026

2

M’sian domestic flights on schedule

Loke said the guidelines will take effect on April 1, adding that the ministry had received numerous complaints from pick-up owners fined for carrying personal items in their vehicles. “I have personally received complaints from pick-up owners who were fined for carrying items such as boxes, ladders or construction materials,” he said, emphasising that transporting personal goods is allowed as long as safety requirements are met. “As long as the items are for personal use, do not exceed the vehicle’s load limit and do not endanger other road users, it is permitted.” He also said RTD would brief police on the new rules to ensure consistent enforcement. However, he said private pick-up trucks cannot be used for paid delivery services or to transport goods for others without proper permits. He added that modifying vehicles for cargo transport without approval, such as installing cargo barriers, is also prohibited. “For private pick-up trucks, enforcement will not be taken if the load does not exceed the manufacturer’s limit, does not protrude from the cargo area and is properly secured.” The ministry said the guidelines are intended to provide clarity for the public and ensure goods transport is conducted safely and lawfully. – By Harith Kamal Abaidah, Bernama CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama broadcasting director-general Ashwad Ismail and Selangor ICU deputy director Najmuddin Jemain. Adibah, who suffers from diabetes, is bedridden and requires full-time care. Known for her role as “Cikgu Bedah” in the comedy film Adik Manja , she is a respected figure in Malaysian journalism and literary circles. Fahmi said she had served as editor at theStar and New Straits Times , and made history as the first woman appointed news editor at Berita Harian . He urged young journalists to emulate her dedication. – Bernama cables. It is also threatens public safety because when the cables are stolen it could cause (disruptions) in the public transport system. So, this is a very serious offence.” The proposal was raised with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and further action would be considered by the Home Ministry. The issue came to the fore after a recent cable theft incident disrupted services on the Putrajaya MRT Line. Police have since arrested four suspects believed to be involved following a joint intelligence operation with Prasarana Malaysia Berhad.

PUTRAJAYA: The government will roll out new guidelines for the use of decontrolled vehicles and pick-up trucks to transport goods, aiming to end confusion among owners and ensure consistent enforcement on the roads, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, he said the guidelines, to be issued by the Road Transport Department (RTD), would clarify how such vehicles could be used legally and safely. “The guidelines are meant to provide clarification to the public, vehicle owners and industry players on the lawful and safe use of the vehicles.” He said under the new rules, goods vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of up to 7,500kg would remain classified as decontrolled vehicles. He added that owners or companies could continue using them to transport their own goods for business activities without needing an operator permit from the Land Public Transport Agency. However, he emphasised that transporting goods for third parties in exchange for payment is considered a commercial activity, requiring a permit. “If the vehicle is used to transport goods belonging to third parties for hire or reward, the operator must obtain a Carrier Licence A from the Land Public Transport Agency,”he said, citing the Land Public Transport Act 2010. Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil yesterday visited National Journalism Laureate Adibah Amin, presenting contributions from the Tabung Kasih@Hawana initiative and the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department on behalf of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Adibah is the 671st recipient under the programme. “Today we came to see how she is doing. She is now 90 and staying with her sister, and we pray that she remains in good health,” Fahmi said. Also present were prime minister’s senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul considered conflict zones and several carriers limiting flights to repatriation only, ticket prices have surged and alternative routes are in demand. “The situation has created opportunities for airlines outside the region, including Malaysia Airlines, to capture additional passengers, particularly on European routes.” In a separate initiative, the Transport Ministry has proposed tougher penalties for cable theft affecting the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. Loke said the offences pose serious public safety risks and disrupt national transport networks. “It is not just an offence of stealing

o Govt does not want unnecessary suspension or cancellation: Loke

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

services running. He also said proposals would be presented to the National Economic Action Council on potential government assistance to ease cost pressures. Beyond maintaining domestic schedules, Loke said the West Asia conflict has opened new doors for Malaysian carriers. Previously, many travellers to Europe relied on Middle Eastern airlines for transit. With parts of the region now

areas that carry risks,” he told reporters at a press conference yesterday, underscoring that Malaysia’s skies remain stable despite turbulence abroad. He emphasised that the government does not want carriers to suspend or cancel flights unnecessarily, adding that such moves could ripple through the economy. He said to this end, the ministry is engaging with airlines on ways to reduce operating costs while keeping

PUTRAJAYA: While conflict in the Gulf raises global aviation risks, Malaysia’s domestic flights remain on schedule, with airlines seizing the chance to expand services ahead of the Aidilfitri rush, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said. “No flights have been cancelled. In fact, for Hari Raya we are adding more flights. “The cancellations only involve

New guidelines to be introduced for decontrolled vehicles, pick-up trucks

Govt mulls holding attorney-general directly accountable to Parliament Azalina said the proposed constitutional amendments would affect several provisions as part of a broader push to improve institutional checks and balances. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“I’m not talking about political posts, I’m talking about certain posts. MPs and the public are concerned about issues of accountability.” She added that the committee would consult with legal experts, professional bodies and civil society organisations, including the Malaysian Bar, Suhakam, the Sabah Law Society, Advocates Association of Sarawak, Bersih and Transparency International Malaysia. She also said the proposed constitutional amendments would affect several provisions, including Articles 42, 132, 138, 145, 145A, and 145B of the Federal Constitution, as part of a broader push to improve institutional checks and balances. The PSSC is scheduled to hold further meetings on April 9, April 16, April 27 and May 4, culminating in a final session on May 18, when the committee expects to submit its report and recommendations to Parliament.

should come to Parliament,” she told reporters, while declining to comment on whether the PP would be made equally answerable. She emphasised that the committee’s work is aimed at reaching consensus among lawmakers to secure the two-thirds majority required to table the constitutional amendment in Parliament. “We are not going to sugarcoat that everything is in perfect condition. As MPs, we accept that we have to improve things for the nation.” “There must be a split and it must be done this year, if possible. We hope the committee can find that compromise and solution to take us to the split.” Acknowledging concerns over accountability in senior public offices, she said: “I am not going to deny that there is a big trust deficit today in reference to certain positions.

Minister calls on National Journalism Laureate Adibah Amin SHAH ALAM: Communications

PETALING JAYA: The government is signalling a bold push to hold the attorney-general (AG) directly accountable to Parliament as part of broader reforms aimed at restoring trust in the justice system, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said. After chairing a discussion with the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill to split the roles of the AG and public prosecutor (PP), Azalina said the committee is examining key governance measures, including the appointment process, remuneration, terms of office, age limits, qualifications and grounds for termination. “We hope the AG could come to Parliament. Our assumption is the AG