23/03/2026

e

IS S N

3 1 41- 0 8 63

MONDAY MAR 23, 2026

RM1

9 773141 086004

‘Non-transparent interfaith talks risk worsening tensions’

NGO slams ‘unstructured’ PICC meeting, calls for proper mandate and inclusion of key stakeholders.

GREEN GIVING ... Masjid Al-Quddus manager Ustaz Muhammad Fidaiey Zahari (right) and his assistant Amil Fitrah distribute duit raya to children attending Aidilfitri congregational prayers at the mosque in Taman Pinggiran Putra, Seri Kembangan on the first day of Hari Raya. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN Fuel subsidy bill hits RM3.2bil Sharp increase underscores govt commitment to safeguard welfare of people: PM www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY Malaysian Paper

Report on — page 6

SCAN ME No. 9099 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

DAP sec-gen cools simmering rift over quit rent

Report on — page 2

Report on — page 4

Penang CM Chow Kon Yeow to submit report on revised rates to Anthony Loke, end public spat with predecessor Lim Guan Eng.

A plate of lies Report on h page 3 CAP warns of persistent chemical contamination as well as adulterated and mislabelled food as enforcement gaps leave consumers at risk.

MONDAY | MAR 23, 2026

2

PM: Fuel subsidy bill surges to RM3.2b in less than a week

Efforts to tackle non-revenue water problem KUALA LUMPUR: The issue of non revenue water (NRW), which remains high in several states due to pipe leaks, water theft and ageing infrastructure, significantly impacts the efficiency of the country’s water supply system. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said continuous efforts are being intensified to upgrade the system, strengthen monitoring and reduce NRW rates to ensure that every drop of water reaches the people. Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation minister, said the government is committed to strengthening policies and implementation in the water sector through a more sustainable and integrated approach. “This includes investment in smart technology, holistic water resource management and inter-agency cooperation to ensure that the country’s water security is always guaranteed.” He said this in a post on his Facebook page in conjunction with World Water Day (WWD) celebrations yesterday. Fadillah said Malaysia is blessed with abundant water resources, but the challenges of management and sustainability are becoming increasingly complex in line with climate change and rapid development. “At the same time, we cannot take lightly the threat of water source pollution. Irresponsible activities, waste disposal and land use changes are putting pressure on our rivers and dams.” He said the Water Sector Transformation Roadmap 2040 also serves as Malaysia’s long-term plan to improve the country’s water management, ensure sufficient clean water supply and make the water sector more modern and sustainable. Fadillah said the government’s efforts alone are, however, not sufficient without the support of the people. He added that water-saving practices need to be made a daily culture. “Use water wisely, fix leaks at home and avoid wastage. Every small action we take has a big impact on the future of the country’s water supply.” The international WWD theme this year is “Water and Gender Equality”, which emphasises justice, equality and the role of all parties regardless of gender in managing water resources. Meanwhile, the national-level WWD theme is “Water Belongs to Everyone”, which reminds the people that every individual has the right to clean, safe and sufficient water for a prosperous life. – Bernama

situation could have a ripple effect on inbound tourism, businesses and the overall stability of the tourism ecosystem.” Tiong said the government would adopt a “stabilise and upgrade” approach, striking a balance between immediate support and longer-term structural improvements, including vehicle upgrades, stronger regulatory oversight and enhanced service standards. He stressed that any assistance would be carefully structured to strengthen the sector’s resilience and competitiveness, rather than serve as a short-term fix. “The government’s objective is not merely to mitigate the immediate impact but also to build a more resilient and competitive tourism transport system.” Tiong also urged industry players to remain calm and continue engaging constructively with the government as Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026. He added that the government would continue to balance economic pressures with the need to protect both consumers and industries amid the ongoing volatility in global oil markets.

o ‘Sharp increase underscores govt commitment to safeguarding people’s welfare in an increasingly uncertain global environment’

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s fuel subsidy bill has surged to RM3.2 billion in less than a week as global oil prices have been spiking amid escalating tensions in West Asia, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In a post on his Facebook page yesterday, he said the sharp increase in subsidy underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the people in an increasingly uncertain global environment. “The public and the majority of traders do not need to pay full market prices as these subsidies are channelled through Budi Madani RON95 and Budi Diesel.” Anwar said the rise in global oil prices, triggered by attacks by the Israeli regime and the United States (US) on Iran, has led to questions on why Malaysia, despite being an oil producing nation, is also affected. Ű BY HASHINI KAVISHTRI KANNAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

expenses for transport providers. He added that in response, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry has been directed to immediately engage with the Finance Ministry to address the impact of escalating diesel costs on the tourism transport sector. In a post on his Facebook page on Saturday, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the government’s move comes in response to feedback from industry players grappling with mounting cost pressures, with targeted and temporary measures among the options being considered to ease short-term strain linked to global developments. He warned that sustained increases in diesel prices could place significant pressure on the tourism transport sector, a key pillar of Malaysia’s tourism ecosystem, with wider implications for inbound tourism, businesses and overall industry stability. “If not properly addressed, this

He said shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route, has been disrupted by the conflict, tightening global supply and pushing prices higher. “Malaysia is affected as nearly 50% of our oil supply passes through the strait,” he said, adding that although the country produces oil, it imports more than it exports. On Feb 28, the US and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, including Tehran, resulting in damage and civilian casualties. He said Iran responded with retaliatory strikes on Israeli territory and US assets in West Asia, and moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, further straining global oil flows. Anwar said in the face of global volatility, the Madani government remains focused on protecting the well-being of the people. He said pressure from higher fuel costs is already being felt on the ground, with the tourism industry among the most exposed as rising diesel prices push up operating

UPHOLDING CULTURE ... People clad in traditional Orang Ulu Sarawak attire attending a Ramah Mesra Rakyat event organised by the Petra Jaya Penghulu and Community Leaders Association in Kuching yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Improve oversight, boost transparency to stem graft, says social activist PETALING JAYA: As the government steps up efforts to curb corruption, abuse of power and leakages of public funds, calls are mounting for systemic reforms to close gaps in oversight and strengthen transparency. power to approve permits or allocate funds without clear public scrutiny, the potential for corruption significantly increases.” Lee said many accounted for. “The public can view tender winners, track progress and monitor current spending, offering an immediate, transparent audit trail.” Lee said such transparency would serve as a strong deterrent to misconduct. He also suggested the use of virtual reality simulations to strengthen ethics training among civil servants by placing them in realistic, ethically challenging scenarios.

potential whistleblowers are deterred by a perceived lack of protection, making them reluctant to report wrongdoing. He said to address these concerns, the government should look towards high-tech and transparent systems to reduce human discretion and strengthen accountability. He proposed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that allows the public to monitor every stage of a project’s financial process, ensuring that every allocated ringgit is

He added that lengthy and complicated processes also fuel delays which in turn create demand for “grease payments” – unofficial fees to expedite services. “In some cases, small tokens of appreciation or favours become so common that they are viewed as a standard part of doing business, blurring ethical lines.”

Lee said the government should improve incentives for whistleblowers to encourage reporting of corruption. “These can create a more robust, transparent and efficient system, tackling corruption head-on and delivering results at an unprecedented pace.” – By Hashini Kavishtri Kannan

Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the current system – often bogged down by complex procedures and weak oversight – continues to create opportunities for corruption. “When a single official holds the

He added that AI could also analyse large volumes of contracts to detect suspicious trends such as repeated bidding patterns among the same companies or unusual price increases for common goods.

MONDAY | MAR 23, 2026

3 Call for tighter enforcement as food fraud persists

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Food fraud – from fake honey to mislabelled supplements and dubious halal claims – continues to infiltrate Malaysia’s market, raising concerns over public health and eroding consumer trust. Consumer groups warn that adulterated and mislabelled food products remain a persistent threat, with enforcement gaps allowing questionable items to slip through. Consumers’ Association of Penang honorary secretary Mageswari Sangaralingam said complaints related to food adulteration and mislabelling are not uncommon, although comprehensive recent data on frequently flagged products remains limited. “In the past, one of the most common complaints involved ‘fake honey’ being sold as pure honey. “We have also seen cases involving herbal and health supplements that are mislabelled in terms of ingredients, dosage or health claims, with some even containing undeclared pharmaceutical substances.” She also highlighted more serious incidents in previous years, including cases where horse and kangaroo meat were allegedly mixed and sold as certified halal beef, triggering alarm among Muslim consumers. Plant-based “fake meat” products have also come under scrutiny, with concerns that some may be nutritionally deficient or contain potentially harmful ingredients. Mageswari stressed that food fraud extends beyond product substitution, citing fraudulent halal certification as an ongoing issue. She said data from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry showed more than 140 cases of fraudulent halal certificates were reported between 2022 and October 2024, underscoring persistent vulnerabilities. While Malaysia has established legal frameworks such as the Food Experts warn that the true scale of food fraud remains largely hidden, with most cases only coming to light through enforcement raids or academic studies rather than routine monitoring. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu associate professor of food biochemistry and biophysics Mohamad Khairi Mohd Zainol said incidents of food fraud are significantly under-detected. “Food adulteration is not rare in Malaysia. It tends to surface only when authorities investigate or when academic studies highlight the issue,” he said. The 2020 halal meat cartel scandal remains a stark reminder of the risks, after authorities uncovered a syndicate importing non-halal or substandard frozen meat, repackaging it with fake halal labels and distributing it nationwide, exposing serious gaps in supply

o Consumer group warns enforcement gaps allow questionable items to enter the market, raising health and trust concerns

Other techniques help detect harmful or unauthorised substances, as well as determine whether products have been diluted or altered, particularly in cooking oils and processed foods. “These tools allow us to detect when food has been tampered with, whether through substitution, contamination or mislabelling,” he said. Several agencies are involved in enforcement, including the Health Ministry, Department of Islamic Development for halal compliance, the Quarantine and Inspection Services Department for imported food inspections, and the Department of Chemistry for forensic analysis in complex cases. However, Mohamad Khairi cautioned that technology alone is insufficient. “The challenge lies in implementing these methods at scale. Limited resources, complex supply chains and a reliance on reactive enforcement mean routine “Some imported products sold online may also bypass rigorous checks, making oversight more difficult.” She added that increasingly complex supply chains, particularly in digital marketplaces, have made detecting fraud more challenging than in traditional retail environments. To address the issue, the association is calling for stricter enforcement, greater transparency and stronger consumer empowerment. Proposals include introducing QR codes or digital tracking systems on packaging to allow consumers to verify product origin, halal certification and authenticity. It has also urged tighter regulation of e-commerce platforms, including requiring sellers to provide verified certification details and removing products found to carry false claims. Authorities are also being urged to step up random laboratory testing on high-risk categories such as honey, cooking oil, dairy products and supplements. At the same time, consumer groups stress that public education remains critical. Shoppers should be equipped to identify red flags, such as suspiciously cheap “pure honey” or fake halal logos, and encouraged to report questionable products

The Health Ministry records hundreds of food safety and labelling violations annually, while the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has repeatedly uncovered fake halal logos and misleading product claims. Scientific studies further reinforce these concerns. A 2015 study on processed meats found that only 21.7% of products were accurately labelled, while seafood mislabelling remains widespread, particularly among imported fish. “Foods most vulnerable to fraud include meat and processed meat, seafood, cooking oils, honey and dairy products, as well as herbal and traditional products,” Mohamad Khairi said. “These foods are high-value and widely consumed, making them prime targets for profit-driven fraud.” He said Malaysia relies on advanced scientific methods comparable to international Act 1983 and the Consumer Protection Act 1999, enforcement remains inconsistent. “Malaysia’s regulations provide a solid foundation, but there are challenges in enforcement, particularly when it comes to monitoring small and medium enterprises, rural markets and imported products,” she said. Public awareness has improved in recent years, particularly following high-profile scandals involving halal meat and mislabelled goods. However, many consumers still struggle to identify authentic products amid limited transparency and misleading labelling. “Categories such as honey, cooking oil, dairy products and halal-labelled food are among those most frequently associated with fraud risks. “Despite growing vigilance, consumers remain exposed, particularly when certification logos are misused or product claims are exaggerated.” The rise of e-commerce has further compounded the issue, with online purchases seen as more vulnerable due to the lack of physical inspection. “Online sellers often promote items as ‘organic’, ‘low sugar’, ‘premium’ or ‘halal’, but consumers have to rely entirely on the claims made.

industry work together to strengthen trust and integrity across the food supply chain.” players must

through existing channels. “Ensuring food safety is a shared responsibility,” Mageswari said. “Consumers, regulators and

Concerns mount over widespread adulteration PETALING JAYA: Food adulteration in Malaysia is no longer a sporadic concern but a persistent, systemic threat that continues to erode consumer trust, endanger public health and undermine confidence in the nation’s food supply chain. chain oversight, particularly for imported products. Beyond such high-profile cases, official data indicates a continuing problem. standards to detect food fraud. DNA testing is used to verify product authenticity, including identifying the presence of cheaper or non-halal meat.

testing is only partially effective,” he said. He stressed that food fraud is not merely an economic issue but a serious public health concern. “Hazardous chemicals such as formalin and borax, used to prolong shelf life or enhance appearance, can cause nausea, vomiting, organ damage and long-term chronic illnesses,” he said. “Undeclared ingredients may trigger severe allergic reactions, while the repackaging of spoiled food increases the risk of microbial contamination.” Beyond physical harm, food fraud also carries ethical and religious implications. The presence of non-halal materials can cause distress among Muslim consumers and erode confidence in Malaysia’s halal certification system, potentially affecting the country’s standing in the global halal market. Fraudulent practices typically follow identifiable patterns, including ingredient substitution, dilution with lower-quality materials, mislabelling of origin or quality, and the use of counterfeit certification such as fake halal logos.

Such activities can occur at multiple points along the supply chain – from importation to distribution – making detection particularly challenging. Mohamad Khairi said addressing the issue requires coordinated action involving regulators, industry players and consumers. Preventive measures include routine surveillance, randomised testing, digital traceability systems such as blockchain and QR codes, and stronger coordination among enforcement agencies. He added that the industry must also take greater responsibility. “Stricter internal controls, third party audits and transparent sourcing practices are essential to protect both consumers and brand reputation,” he said. Public awareness remains equally crucial, as informed consumers who report suspicious products form a critical line of defence. “Ensuring food authenticity is not just about legal compliance, it is about safeguarding public health, preserving trust and maintaining Malaysia’s standing in the global halal economy.” – by Kirtinee Ramesh

MONDAY | MAR 23, 2026

4 DAP public rift squashed after firm order by Loke stakeholders.

National Artiste Day celebrates arts community KUALA LUMPUR: National Artiste Day serves as a tribute to the country’s arts community for its role in shaping culture, nurturing creativity and fostering unity among Malaysians, the Communications Ministry said. It said the annual observance on March 22, which coincides with the birth anniversary of the late legendary artiste Tan Sri P. Ramlee, was gazetted to recognise the contributions of those in the arts industry who have enriched the nation’s cultural landscape. The day also honours the legacy of P. Ramlee, whose influence continues to resonate across generations. The National Archives said the occasion also marks what would have been the 97th birthday of the iconic figure, widely remembered for his versatility as an actor, director and musician. The agency noted that the late artiste, whose real name was Teuku Zakaria Teuku Nyak Puteh, was born in Penang to a seafarer from Lhokseumawe, Aceh, while his mother hailed from Kubang Buaya in Butterworth. According to the National Archives, P. Ramlee received his early education at several institutions, beginning with Sekolah Melayu Kampong Jawa from 1935 to 1938, followed by Francis Light English School (1939), the Japanese Navy Academy (Kaigun Gaiko) from 1942 to 1944 and later Penang Free School in 1947. “The spirit of unity he instilled and portrayed in his films has ensured they remain relevant to this day, while his songs continue to be cherished by people from all walks of life.” – Bernama

land use. Residential land is charged at about RM0.50 per square metre in rural areas and RM0.70 in urban areas, subject to a minimum of RM40 and RM50 per lot respectively. Commercial and industrial lands are charged at RM2.80 per square metre in rural zones and up to RM3.25 in urban zones. Overall increases range between 29% and 200%, although significantly higher hikes have been reported in cases involving land reclassification, such as agricultural land being taxed at commercial rates. To ease the burden, the state government has opened an appeals process and introduced a 50% rebate this year, provided the final payable amount does not fall below the 2025 rate. Non-profit educational institutions are subject to a capped annual rate of RM50 per title. Chow urged affected landowners to submit appeals to the relevant district land offices and the Penang Land and Mines Office at Komtar. State authorities have maintained that the revisions are part of efforts to update land valuations and ensure sustainable revenue for the state.

o Meeting between present and former CMs to be convened to resolve dispute amicably

He said while there is a need to review rates, particularly in commercial zones, the approach must be balanced, responsive and considerate. He added that quit rent involving educational institutions, including public schools, should not be increased excessively and should remain at a nominal level. Earlier reports indicated that more than 1,000 appeals had been filed following the implementation of the revised rates at the start of the year. Lim has been critical of the hikes. The former chief minister said voters would not have supported the state leadership had they been aware of the increases. In a separate statement, he welcomed Loke’s intervention and said he would refrain from making further public statements or holding press conferences on the issue until the meeting takes place. He claimed that some increases were “more than 3,000 times”, and said his parliamentary office in Bagan, along with his service centre in Air Putih, has assisted about 800 landowners in filing appeals. Under the revised structure, quit rent varies according to

Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Chow and Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng to end their public exchanges over the hikes, stressing the need to uphold party discipline. He said a meeting involving both leaders would be convened to resolve the dispute amicably, amid growing concern over their continued public disagreement. He also said the party’s central leadership views the spat seriously, noting that airing internal policy differences in public is “unhealthy and inappropriate”, particularly at a time of economic and geopolitical uncertainty. “Our focus must remain on serving the people and safeguarding public interest,” he said, adding that party leaders must refrain from public bickering and instead work together constructively. He added that differences of opinion should be addressed through internal channels. At the same time, Loke acknowledged that concerns over the revised quit rent rates must be taken seriously as they reflect grievances from various

PETALING JAYA: Once a familiar presence in homes and neighbourhoods, sparrows are now vanishing from Malaysia’s urban landscape, a quiet but alarming decline that could signal deeper environmental distress. As the world marked World Sparrow Day on Friday, concerns are mounting over the rapid disappearance of the birds, long regarded as one of the closest avian companions to humans. Consumers’ Association of Penang senior education and environmental officer N.V. Subbarow said sparrows, particularly the common house sparrow, are increasingly at risk of extinction due to a convergence of environmental and human-driven pressures. “Twenty-five years ago, sparrows were ubiquitous. They lived closely alongside humans and were part of our daily lives,” he said, recalling how the birds once nested within homes and fed on grains commonly found in traditional households. He said older architectural designs played a key role in sustaining sparrow populations. Wooden and thatched houses, often built with small gaps and exposed beams, provided ideal nesting sites that sheltered the birds from predators. “These structures allowed sparrows to build safe nests away from larger birds that would otherwise prey GEORGE TOWN: A simmering public rift within DAP over Penang’s controversial quit rent hikes appears to have been brought under control, with party leaders closing ranks following a firm directive from secretary-general Anthony Loke. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he would submit a detailed report on the revised quit rent rates to Loke and abide by instructions to refrain from further public comment on the matter. “I will prepare a report to be submitted to him on the implementation of the new quit rent rates that came into effect on Jan 1.” He added that he would comply with Loke’s directive not to discuss the issue in the media to “avoid negative perceptions and impact on the party, its leadership and the state government as a whole”. On Saturday, Loke, who is also Transport minister, called on Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Alarming drop in sparrow population in urban spaces

on their eggs and chicks.” However, he rapid urbanisation has since reshaped these environments. “Modern concrete buildings and the widespread use of air conditioning have eliminated many of the crevices and openings sparrows depend on. “Today’s housing structures are not sparrow-friendly. The small spaces they need simply no longer exist.” Changes in food storage and consumption patterns have further compounded the problem, he added. “In the past, grains were stored in sacks within homes, making them easily accessible to sparrows. Today, food is typically sealed in containers, cutting off a key food source. “At the same time, shifting urban lifestyles have reduced the availability of food scraps and grains the birds once relied on.” The use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in agriculture has also contributed significantly to the decline by reducing the insect population, a vital source of protein for sparrows, while contaminating their habitat, he said. “The scarcity of insects and grains is one of the main reasons sparrow numbers are falling.” Environmental degradation has worsened the situation, with the destruction of wetlands, loss of shrub vegetation and shrinking breeding grounds further diminishing their numbers, said Subbarow. “Urban expansion, pollution and even emerging concerns such as microwave radiation have also been said

Subbarow said the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in agriculture has contributed significantly to the decline by reducing the insect population, a vital source of protein for sparrows, while contaminating their habitat. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/ THESUN

awareness, research and proactive conservation efforts to reverse the trend, including preserving green spaces and reducing chemical use. “Our generation grew up watching sparrows and even singing songs about them. It is important that future generations also have the chance to experience their beauty.” He said without urgent intervention, the once-common sparrow could soon become a rarity or even disappear entirely from city life.

“When sparrows disappear, it is not just about losing a bird species. It indicates that the environment is becoming less suitable for life, including human life,” said Subbarow. In earlier generations, sparrows, alongside crows, pigeons and chickens, coexisted closely with humans. “Today, however, many children, particularly in urban areas, are growing up without ever encountering the small brown birds.” He stressed the need for greater

cited as additional stress factors.“ Globally, conservationists are increasingly focusing on the issue. The International Union for Conservation of Nature continues to monitor species under threat, underscoring the urgency of protecting even common birds such as sparrows. Beyond their ecological role, sparrows serve as vital bio-indicators of environmental health. Their decline may point to broader imbalances within urban ecosystems.

MONDAY | MAR 23, 2026 | 5

MONDAY | MAR 23, 2026

6

Call for govt to take decisive steps on interfaith issues

Motorists fume over bottleneck in Papar

Home Ministry, the Housing and Local Government Ministry, the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. “The dialogue should include recognised Hindu bodies, civil society organisations advocating minority rights, state representatives, members of the Malay Muslim community and other stakeholders,” said Kumaran. He suggested holding two preliminary sessions, one involving Islamic groups and another with non-Islamic groups, before a final consolidated discussion in Putrajaya. “Structured dialogue is essential. It cannot be symbolic or exclusionary,” he said. Secondly, the association proposed the involvement of government agencies as facilitators and observers to ensure fairness and transparency. The Prime Minister’s Department, police, the Home Ministry, the Housing and Local Government Ministry, the National Unity Ministry and state representatives should oversee the process and help strengthen confidence among all parties. Thirdly, it suggested the establishment of a dedicated government department for non-Islamic affairs, tentatively named the National Harmony and Non-Islamic Affairs Department. Operating under the Prime Minister’s Department, it would oversee temple land matters,

support interfaith engagement and act as a liaison with non-Islamic religious communities. “The department would provide a permanent and structured mechanism to help prevent future issues,” he added. “It should be led by someone with expertise in religious and legal matters to ensure balanced and careful handling of complex issues,” said Kumaran. The association also called for a temporary pause on enforcement actions involving Hindu temples, including eviction and relocation orders, to allow space for discussions. “This cooling-off period is necessary to allow meaningful engagement and rebuild trust,” said Kumaran, echoing the views of MHS, MHDM, NHTSC and GHRF. He added that long-term solutions must address historical, legal and policy gaps related to temple land status and recognition. “The government must continue to take fair, balanced and inclusive steps to address these matters. “Let us come together as Malaysians, across all races, to build a harmonious and united nation that is admired worldwide.” On Feb 19, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim praised the peace meeting as a reflection of Malaysians choosing harmony over division. He said such unity must not be taken for granted but continuously nurtured and strengthened.

o Any discussion conducted without proper mandate, inclusivity and transparency risks worsening crisis: National coalition

KOTA KINABALU: A prolonged bottleneck near the Benoni flyover in Papar, Sabah has triggered mounting frustration among road users, with traffic often reduced to bumper-to-bumper conditions during peak hours and public holidays for the past several months. Motorists said the stretch has been plagued by persistent congestion, significantly slowing travel time along the key route linking Kota Kinabalu, Papar and Beaufort under the Pan Borneo Highway network. Daily commuter Mohd Fadzil Rahman, 38, said the bottleneck has been causing delays of between 15 and 30 minutes during peak periods, compared with smoother travel conditions previously. “Every morning and evening, vehicles are almost at a standstill near the flyover. During public holidays, it becomes even worse as traffic builds up several kilometres.” Road user Noraini Kassim, 45, echoed similar frustrations, noting that traffic flow becomes chaotic especially when heavy vehicles and construction activity converge at the same stretch. “The road upgrade is good for the long term, but currently there is no proper traffic control. It feels like the situation has been dragging on for months without improvement.” The Benoni flyover, part of the broader Pan Borneo Highway upgrade, was introduced to improve connectivity and support rapid development in Papar, particularly around the Benoni Commercial Centre and surrounding townships. Authorities have acknowledged broader infrastructure challenges in the Papar and Kinarut areas, with multiple road and bridge projects being implemented to address congestion issues. Despite these long-term measures, road users are urging for immediate, short-term interventions to ease daily congestion. The suggestions put forward include better traffic management during peak hours, deployment of enforcement personnel to control vehicle flow, clearer signage at diversion points and temporary widening of bottleneck sections where feasible. A logistics driver, who only wished to be known as Lim, said delays at the bottleneck are affecting delivery schedules. “This route is critical for transporting goods between districts. When traffic is stuck, it impacts businesses and increases costs.” Observers noted that traffic flow adjustments have been periodically implemented to facilitate construction under the Pan Borneo Highway project, but inconsistent coordination may be contributing to prolonged congestion at certain hotspots. With Papar experiencing rapid urban and commercial development, stakeholders stressed the need for more proactive traffic mitigation measures to balance ongoing infrastructure upgrades with the immediate needs of road users. – Bernama

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS), National Hindu Temple Steering Committee (NHTSC), Malaysia Hindu Dharma Maamandram (MHDM) and the Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF), have expressed reservations about the PICC session. “These groups are rightfully concerned. Any dialogue that excludes established organisations cannot address the real issues facing our community.” The situation extends beyond temple land registration and interfaith misunderstandings, he emphasised. “It reflects a broader challenge in governance and enforcement.” Kumaran said despite multiple police reports and legal actions, concerns remain over individuals whose statements, speeches and online content are seen as contributing to tensions and affecting interfaith harmony. The association has proposed a three-pronged approach to support a more constructive way forward. Firstly, it called on the Prime Minister’s Department to convene a fully mandated and representative national dialogue involving relevant agencies, including police, the monitoring efforts would be intensified in hotspots frequently used by locals and Thai nationals for illegal crossings. “The public is reminded to use authorised Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complexes, such as those in Rantau Panjang, Pengkalan Kubor and Bukit Bunga.” Earlier, Rantau Panjang Border Control and Protection Agency deputy commander Bakri Sulaiman said about 50,000 travellers are expected to use the Rantau Panjang ICQS complex within three days before and three days after Hari Raya Aidilfitri. He said the figure includes inbound and outbound movements between the countries during the festive period. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Concerns over temple land disputes and interfaith relations have prompted calls for a more structured and inclusive approach as stakeholders seek to ease tensions and strengthen trust among communities. The Persatuan Bekas Pelajar Sekolah Tamil Malaysia has urged the federal government to take coordinated and decisive steps following a meeting aimed at addressing racial and religious matters on Wednesday at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). However, the association said the session has drawn criticism and has not fully addressed underlying concerns within the Hindu community. “The meeting was meant to foster dialogue but it has unfortunately aggravated tensions instead,” said its president Kumaran Marimuthu. “Any discussion conducted without proper mandate, inclusivity and transparency risks worsening the crisis rather than resolving it.” He claimed that several Hindu organisations, including the KOTA BHARU: Police have advised locals living along Sungai Golok river at the Malaysia-Thailand border to use legal routes if they wish to visit relatives in conjunction with Aidilfitri. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said police are looking into the matter seriously due to the possibility of an increase in illegal cross-border movement, especially as water levels in Sungai Golok have become increasingly shallow. “The shallow river conditions could create opportunities for certain parties to cross illegally, particularly during the festive season. I urge the public not to break the law and to use legal routes to avoid strict action.” He added that enforcement and

Police urge locals to use legal routes for Raya travel at Thai border

Mohd Yusoff said enforcement and monitoring efforts would be intensified in hotspots frequently used by locals and Thai nationals for illegal crossings. – BERNAMAPIC

Two boys found drowned at Bintulu waterfall SIBU: A day of swimming at a popular waterfall in Bintulu has ended in tragedy after two boys, both aged 12, were found drowned in separate discoveries hours apart. The victims were identified as Tristan Mariss Marissa Erna and Darren Dakun Paruscrum, who had gone to the Sungai Plan Lot waterfall in Kidurong with two other friends on Saturday afternoon. The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said the group, comprising two boys and two girls aged between 12 and 14, are believed to have been swimming at the waterfall at about 2pm. “They were last seen at around 2.30pm.” Concerned over their disappearance, an emergency call was made at 3.22pm, prompting a team from the Kidurong Fire and Rescue station to be despatched to

“After receiving a call at 11.20pm from the public regarding the discovery, firefighters rushed to the scene.” Following the discovery and after discussions with agencies involved at the scene, the search and rescue operation was called off at 12.33am yesterday. Both bodies were handed over to police for further action. – Bernama

the scene. Tristan’s body was recovered by rescuers at 5.20pm, about five metres from the riverbank, in waters estimated to be nine metres deep. A search and rescue operation was then launched for Darren, who remained missing into the night. The operation took a grim turn when Darren’s body was found by the public at 11.19pm, also about five metres from the riverbank.

MONDAY | MAR 23, 2026

7

Critical Pakistani voices silenced by arrests

Vietnam ruling party keeps majority MANILA: Vietnam’s Communist Party won nearly 97% of the 500 seats in the National Assembly, according to results released by the parliament on March 22, confirming its overwhelming dominance after a vote in which almost all candidates were fielded by the ruling party. The party’s 482-seat haul was roughly in line with the number it held in the outgoing parliament. Turnout at the five-yearly elections for members of the parliament and for local councils exceeded 99%, authorities have said, in line with past elections. The unicameral parliament has virtually no power to challenge the party’s key decisions, including on personnel, but it has occasionally amended proposed laws. The National Assembly is scheduled to hold its first weeks-long session from April 6. During that plenary, lawmakers are due to confirm new state leaders to be named by the party, including the prime minister and the president. To Lam, who was confirmed as general secretary at the party’s January congress, is widely expected to be chosen as president as well. Lam’s expected elevation would further align Vietnam’s political structure with that of China, where Xi Jinping also serves as general secretary of the Communist Party and president. Though the two neighbours have a long history of mistrust and territorial disputes, including over islands and waters in the South China Sea, their Communist parties remain officially close. – Reuters Mekong dolphin calf spotted PHNOM PENH: Another newborn Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin has been spotted, raising the number of newborn dolphins in Cambodia to three so far this year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said in a news release. The calf was sighted on Wednesday at the Kampi dolphin pool in northeast Kratie province’s Chetr Borei district by a research team of the Fisheries Administration and the World Wide Fund for Nature. “This two-day-old new calf was healthy and seen swimming alongside a pod of five adult dolphins,” the news release said. “It is the third baby dolphin born this year.” The Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins have been listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species since 2004. It’s estimated that there are about 115 Irrawaddy dolphins living along a 120km main channel of the Mekong River in northeast Kratie and Stung Treng provinces. – Bernama

o Shrinking space for dissent, warns Amnesty

The Committee to Protect Journalists said Pakistan remains among countries where journalists face significant risks. At least seven journalists were killed in 2024, the CPJ said, while others faced harassment and alleged enforced disappearances. New laws regulating mainstream and social media have been criticised as restrictive and excessive, limiting freedom of expression and independent reporting. As a result, voices critical of the state have been muted or silenced in newspapers, online or in broadcast. Sehrish Qureshi was one of three journalists held at the Women’s Day rally. “I went to the police station that day to find out why other journalists were held,” she said. “I was allowed inside the police station but later detained without any reason.” Press freedom groups such as Reporters Without Borders have similarly pointed to increasing state control over information and pressure on independent media outlets. Harris Khalique, secretary-general of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, called those restrictions “draconian”. A few days after her release, Bari told her friends: “It was scary. We didn’t know why we were arrested or what they would do to us.” Police told them afterwards that they were violating a law banning gatherings of more than four people. – AFP

“Today, we celebrate their strength, resilience, leadership, and the invaluable contributions they make to our families, our communities and our nation,” he wrote. Human rights monitors, however, have repeatedly voiced concern about the increasing use of arrest to stifle free speech and peaceful assembly. Amnesty International has warned that there is a “shrinking space for dissent”, with the authorities using arbitrary detention, force and restrictions. Those who find themselves detained are rarely told why. “Anything and everything is a national security issue, anyone can be punished,” said Usama Khilji, a digital rights activist. Khilji pointed to the case of human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari, who has taken on sensitive cases. Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha, a fellow lawyer, are both serving lengthy jail terms for “anti-state” social media posts. Sohrab Barkat, a digital journalist and YouTube host, has been held without trial since late last year on suspicion of spreading “derogatory remarks” and misinformation about state institutions. A Pakistani-origin doctoral student from Canada also disappeared for several days last month, reportedly for “anti-state” social media posts, Khilji said.

ISLAMABAD: Mavra Bari had intended to take part in a march for International Women’s Day in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, but spent it in a cramped prison cell. What was meant to be a celebration was instead a terrifying 12-hour ordeal in a suffocating space, with a broken toilet and the smell of damp concrete and sweat. Over 30 others – women, men and children – were also held. “We were in a horrible prison,” said Bari, a 36-year-old sociologist and activist. “We were beaten.” An AFP journalist saw detainees when they were released. All looked shaken and some had bruises and swelling. Outside the police station, one man said tearfully: “My daughter came here just to observe the march.” On the face of it, the Women’s Day march, like those elsewhere in the world, should have posed little concern for authorities. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on X on March 8 that women’s empowerment was “central to our government’s vision for Pakistan’s development”.

A woman holds a placard during a protest against the arrest of human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, fellow lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, in Karachi on Jan 26. – AFPFILEPIC

India blocks release of Gaza film NEW DELHI: India has blocked the release of The Voice of Hind Rajab, a film about the killing of a five-year-old Palestinian girl by Israeli forces. “After screening it for the board it was clear to me that they would not clear it for release in India,” Nandwana said, adding that he was not officially notified of the denial. “The film has been released all over the world including in Israel.

expression and has nothing to do with government to government relations,” he said on X. “This practice of banning films or books because of the offence they might cause to foreign countries must stop immediately. It’s unworthy of a mature democracy.” The Voice of Hind Rajab was nominated for Best International Feature at this year’s Oscars but lost to the Norwegian family drama Sentimental Value. Last year, the film won the Silver Lion grand jury prize at the Venice Film Festival. – AFP

technology and cybersecurity while balancing diplomatic interests in the Middle East and historically supporting Palestinian statehood. Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel for two days, his second trip since 2017, just days before Israel and the United States began a campaign of airstrikes on Iran. Parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor from the opposition Congress party said blocking the film was “disgraceful”. “In a democracy, screening a film is a reflection of our society’s freedom of

The Oscar-nominated docudrama by French-Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania (pic) recounts the real-life death of Hind Rajab in Gaza last year as her family attempted to flee during Israel’s war with Hamas. Manoj Nandwana of Jai Viratra Entertainment, the film’s Indian distributor, said a member of the Central Board of Film Certification told him that the film’s release would “hamper India’s relations with Israel”.

“Why is it bad or sensitive for Indians?” Nandwana asked. “It’s strange.” The film was, however, screened at an international film festival in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata in November last year, Nandwana said. New Delhi has expanded ties with Israel in defence, agriculture,

MONDAY | MAR 23, 2026

FOLLOW

ON FACEBOOK

8

Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Hawaii island of Oahu faces worst flooding in 20 years

Japan mulls deploying minesweepers TOKYO: Japan could consider deploying its military for minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies, if a ceasefire is reached in the US-Israeli war on Iran, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said yesterday. “If there were to be a complete ceasefire, hypothetically speaking, then things like minesweeping could come up,” Motegi said during a Fuji TV programme. “This is purely hypothetical, but if a ceasefire were established and naval mines were creating an obstacle, then I think that would be something to consider.” Japan’s military actions are limited under its postwar pacifist constitution, but 2015 security legislation allows Japan to use its Self-Defence Forces overseas if an attack, including on a close security partner, threatens Japan’s survival and no other means are available to address it. Tokyo has no immediate plans to seek arrangements to allow passage through the Strait of Hormuz for stranded Japanese vessels, Motegi said, adding it was “extremely important” to create conditions that allow all ships to navigate through the narrow waterway, the conduit for a fifth of the world’s oil shipments. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Kyodo news agency on Friday that he had spoken to Motegi about potentially letting Japanese-related vessels pass through the strait. Japan gets around 90% of its oil shipments via the strait, which Tehran has largely closed during the war, now in its fourth week. A spike in global oil prices has prompted Japan and other countries to release oil from their reserves. President Donald Trump met Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday, urging her to “step up” as he presses allies, so far unsuccessfully, to send warships to help open the strait. Takaichi told reporters after the Washington summit that she had briefed Trump on what support Japan could and could not provide in the strait under its laws. – Reuters

o Over 5,500 evacuated amid threat of dam collapse

LOS ANGELES: More than 5,500 people have been evacuated as the Hawaiian island of Oahu suffered its worst flooding in over 20 years, authorities said on Saturday. Heavy rain and thunderstorms will continue to pass over Hawaii, posing major risks to Oahu and Maui County, local officials warned. Hawaii Governor Josh Green said in a video on X that more rain is expected over the weekend. “The storm will deliver another 4in to 6in (10cm to 15cm) of rain on Oahu throughout this weekend, but it’s now moving to Maui, where we expect somewhere between 4in to 8in and as much as 12in in some areas,” said Green. “No loss of life so far. A few serious injuries. But don’t take this storm lightly.” The governor said conditions remain dangerous because the ground is already saturated, meaning it will take much less rain to trigger flooding, road closures and damage. He told the media on Friday that the cost of the storm could top US$1 billion (RM3.9 billion) in estimated damages to private and public property. While confirming that more than 230 people have been rescued during the storm, officials cautioned that a 120-year-old dam could fail. Authorities told ordered some 4,000 people to leave the area downstream of the Wahiawa dam, a 120-year-old dam on Oahu, warning it was “at risk of imminent failure”. The dam located in the north of Hawaii’s third

A flooded neighbourhood in Waialua on the north shore of Oahu. – US COAST GUARD HANDOUT/AFPPIC

recommending that people carpool to ease traffic congestion. Much of the US state, a remote archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, remains under a flood watch or warning, according to the National Weather Service. – Bernama/AFP

largest island, which is home to the state capital Honolulu, “is at imminent risk of failure”, the local emergency management agency warned. There is “potential life-threatening flooding” in areas below the dam, it said. “Leave downstream area now!” it said,

Taiwan to take delivery of advanced F-16s TAIPEI: Deliveries of delayed F-16V fighter jets for Taiwan will begin this year with production at “full capacity”, the island’s Defence Ministry said after senior defence officials visited the United States.

was committed to “delivering advanced deterrence capabilities to support Taiwan’s security goals”. “We continue to work closely with the US government to accelerate delivery where possible,” it said. Because the F-16V is a new model specially designed for Taiwan, continued test flights are still needed to fine-tune its systems, and tests must be carefully carried out, the ministry said. Taiwan has converted 141 older F-16A/B jets into the F-16V type and has ordered 66 new F-16Vs, which have advanced avionics, weapons and radar systems to better face down the Chinese air force, including its stealthy J-20 fighters. – Reuters

software problems. Deputy Minister Hsu Szu-chien, accompanied by Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff Tien Chung-yi, visited Lockheed Martin’s F-16V assembly line in South Carolina on Monday to view the first aircraft, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said in a statement late on Saturday. Deliveries will begin this year, the ministry said, without elaborating. Lockheed Martin has assigned several hundred personnel to assemble the remaining aircraft, and “there are no bottlenecks in either parts supply or manpower; production is proceeding at full capacity on a two-shift schedule”, it said. Lockheed Martin said in a statement that it

Taiwan, which faces a rising military threat from China, has complained of repeated delays to weapons ordered from the US, the most important international backer and arms supplier for the island, which Beijing claims as its territory. The United States in 2019 approved an US$8 billion (RM31.5 billion) sale of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan, a deal that would take the island’s F-16 fleet to more than 200 jets, but the project has been hit by issues including

Kenya, Uganda open key rail extension NAIROBI: The presidents of Kenya and Uganda met near their shared border on Saturday to mark the multi billion-dollar, long-delayed extension of a Chinese-built railway that has left Kenya heavily in debt. generates in revenue, around US$165 million last year, even if passenger and cargo numbers have been growing strongly over the past year. logistics costs that “undermine competitiveness” in east Africa. If the ambitious building schedule is to be believed, the line is due to reach Kisumu by June next year. The next phase will then take the line to Malaba, a town on the border.

A report by Kenya’s auditor general last year found more than US$260 million had been wasted on penalties and interest from late debt payments. Yet despite the controversy over the cost, Kenya has been keen to finish the line. Kenyan President William Ruto said the rail link will “define generations”, speaking at a ceremony in grand pomp and circumstance with his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni in Kisumu, near the border. Ruto argued the line would slash

The standard gauge railway, built from 2013 to 2019, connects the Kenyan port of Mombasa to its capital Nairobi, and on to the lake town of Naivasha, but China refused further lending before it could be extended to Uganda as planned. Kenya now spends roughly US$1 billion (RM3.9 billion) a year servicing Chinese debt, most of it borrowed to build the railway. That is far more than the line

“Cargo takes an average of 80 hours to move from Mombasa to Malaba and more than 100 hours to reach Kampala,” Ruto said. “We cannot build prosperity on inefficiency.” Museveni said the line would reduce the inefficiencies in his own country’s infrastructure. “The railway is part of the rationalisation of our transport

Ruto (right) and Museveni unveil a commemorative plaque at Kisumu. – AFPPIC

shifting bulk cargo from roads to rail and pipelines, we reduce transport costs, protect infrastructure and improve efficiency”. – AFP

system, especially on the Uganda side, which is irrational and wasteful,” he said. Later, he posted on X that “by