27/03/2026

e

IS S N

3 1 41- 0 8 63

Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: lifestyle@thesundaily.com Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: advertise@thesundaily.com

FRIDAY MAR 27, 2026

SCAN ME

RM1

Breaking dawn Top places in Klang Valley to capture sunrise – P12 FRIDAY | MAR 27, 2026

WEEKLY FOCUS MONDAY Technology and social media

9 773141 086004

Couple jailed 12 months for lewd acts at cemetery Sentence follows viral Facebook video of indecent behaviour at Batu Gantung in Penang.

Report on — page 5

TUESDAY Family and parenting

WEDNESDAY Fashion and beauty

THURSDAY Home and living

FRIDAY Travel and leisure

SATURDAY Food and beverage

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY

SCAN ME No. 9103 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

– 123RFPIC

p 21 Local colloquial slangs enter Oxford Dictionary

p 22 Asean tourists reshape travel trends after Raya

p 26 Over 18.4 million fans

celebrate BTS’s comeback

Report on — page 2 Budi95 quota realigned PM announces temporary adjustment of petrol subsidy threshold to 200 litres from April 1 to manage supply amid global uncertainty, RM1.99 price stays.

Novel food additives outpace safety checks Academic warns of long-term health risks as unreviewed ingredients slip into imported food supply. Report on — page 3

‘Higher fuel costs unlikely to derail VM2026’ While tourists may cut spending and shorten trips, sector’s

momentum expected to hold steady: Experts

Report on — page 4

A UiTM expert calls for strengthening of evaluation and public awareness as rapid food innovation challenges current regulations. – ADAM AM IR HAMZAH/THE SUN

FRIDAY | MAR 27, 2026

2

Expert: Prevent financial fraud

King advises public to take precautions during current hot spell KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia has advised the public to take precautionary measures in light of the hot weather currently affecting the country, which is expected to persist until early or mid-June. Sultan Ibrahim also decreed that the Education Ministry take the matter seriously to ensure that the health of pupils and students is not affected by the hot weather phenomenon. “At the same time, the public is also advised to avoid any open burning as hot and windy conditions can accelerate the spread of fire.

The King also commanded the Fire and Rescue Department to step up its level of preparedness in the wake of the hot spell, which has the potential to spark an increase in fire incidents. “His Majesty also expressed appreciation to all security and rescue agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Department, the Civil Defence Force and healthcare personnel who remain on standby for any eventuality throughout this period of hot weather.” – Bernama

by public servants Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

In a post on the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Facebook page yesterday, His Majesty stressed the importance of safeguarding health by reducing outdoor activities and ensuring adequate water intake throughout the hot weather period.

“Senior citizens as well as children with chronic illnesses are also advised not to be exposed to the hot weather to avoid any complications.”

KUALA LUMPUR: Timely and firm action is essential to prevent recalcitrant behaviour among government servants, said Malaysian Integrity and Governance Society president Datuk Seri Dr Akhbar Satar (pic) . “This must include

demotion, salary adjustments, revocation of perks or reassignment to senior management positions for those who are performing diligently. “This is also to show that no one is above accountability, reinforce integrity and deter repeated violations,”he told theSun yesterday. Akhbar was responding to a front-page report published by theSun on the 2026 Auditor-General’s report which revealed that there were 273 new cases of financial mismanagement. Former Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambrin Buang told theSun that the AG’s report, which is also facilitating RM316.68 million in government recoveries, only randomly covered a small fraction of the multitude of programmes and projects handled by the government. Akhbar said more attention must be given to human governance where ethical behaviour, accountability and responsible decision-making are critical for reducing fraud and leakages in ministries. “Digital systems reduce risk but cannot eliminate human governance failures. Even with digitalisation and systems like e-procurement, the human element remains the weakest link because people still make decisions, override controls or exploit loopholes.” Akhbar also pointed out that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki had revealed in September that Malaysia lost RM277 billion to corruption between 2018 and 2023, equivalent to an average loss of about RM55 billion per year. Akhbar said heads of departments should monitor and be accountable for fraud, leakages or mismanagement. “Lack of monitoring and failure to comply with policies are key drivers of corruption and spending leakages.” He said procurement fraud, especially bid-rigging, may not only be about high costs but also wastage of taxpayers’ money. Akhbar, who was Transparency International Malaysia former president (2013-2019), said all audit queries must be acted upon promptly. “It is not enough to identify discrepancies. Heads of departments must take immediate corrective action. This ensures accountability, prevents further leakage and reinforces a culture of integrity and human governance.” Akhbar said there is a possibility of bias when issuing contracts if they are awarded based on personal connections rather than merit. “Contracts should be awarded to only qualified, reliable and competent contractors through a system with strong oversight and continuous monitoring. “They must avoid giving contracts, for instance, based on friends or old boys’ connections or business connections,” said Akhbar, who is HELP University Institute of Crime and Criminology director and professor of criminolgy and criminal justice.

The King has stressed on the importance of safeguarding health by reducing outdoor activities and ensuring adequate water intake during the current hot weather.. – BE R NAMA PIC

Budi95 eligibility modified to 200 litres monthly

PETALING JAYA: The government will tighten fuel subsidy eligibility from April 1, adjusting the Budi95 threshold from 300 litres to 200 litres per month in a temporary move to manage supply amid global uncertainty, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday. He said the move is based on data showing that the majority of Malaysians consume around 100 litres of subsidised fuel per month, with nearly 90% using less than 200 litres. “Therefore, we will adjust the eligibility threshold for Budi95 from 300 litres per month to 200 litres per month starting April 1. “The adjustment is temporary and will remain in place pending improvements in global oil supply and the broader economic outlook, while the Budi95 petrol price will stay at RM1.99 per litre,” he said in a special address. Anwar said the ceiling limit for e-hailing drivers and gig workers would remain at 800 litres per month, taking into account their Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI AND HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com o Adjustment temporary, to remain in place pending improvements in global oil supply and economic outlook, says PM

to manage supply and prevent excessive buying, leakages and wastage. Under the new measures, the limits are as follows: 0 Light vehicles for public land transport, goods and private use: maximum 50 litres per purchase; 0 Public land transport and goods vehicles not exceeding three tonnes: maximum 100 litres per purchase; and 0 Vehicles exceeding three tonnes: maximum 150 litres per purchase. He said stricter enforcement actions would be taken against fuel smuggling activities involving losses amounting to hundreds of millions of ringgit. “I also wish to take this opportunity to thank members of the public who have shown awareness and patience in accepting these decisions. “Many have taken the responsibility to report suspected fraud and misuse at petrol stations to enforcement agencies or through social media, whether involving foreigners or locals colluding to exploit the nation’s wealth.” Anwar added that the government is also considering more flexible working arrangements, including expanded work-from home options for civil servants. An infographic shared later via the prime minister’s social media channel stated that the work from home arrangement would be rolled out in stages and in a selective manner. Anwar also encouraged the private sector to adopt similar practices, highlighting that several companies and banks had already done so.

work requirements. “The world is facing shocks from the Strait of Hormuz blockade due to ongoing conflicts, which have disrupted oil and gas supply. We cannot assume we are immune. “Food and fertiliser supplies are affected, oil and gas prices fluctuate. Action is necessary to manage demand and ensure fairness.” Anwar said Malaysia remains in a relatively stronger position due to Petronas’ capacity but cautioned that prudent measures are still needed to avoid supply disruptions and hoarding. He said the government is adopting a more comprehensive approach to safeguard supply while promoting more responsible consumption. “We will be implementing several measures, and I sincerely ask for the people’s understanding and cooperation, as these steps are necessary due to the pressures we are facing. “I acknowledge that there may be various criticisms and interpretations but I assure you that these measures are carefully considered and not intended to burden the people.” Anwar added that the government has maintained the diesel subsidy rate of RM2.15 per litre for Sabah and Sarawak despite rising global diesel prices, citing geographical and logistical constraints. “This means that when the price gap widens, we must remain vigilant and implement tighter control measures and more effective enforcement.” Anwar said fuel purchases would be temporarily capped based on vehicle categories

FRIDAY | MAR 27, 2026

3

‘Be wary of unreviewed additives in imported food’

CAP: Improve oversight of imported consumables PETALING JAYA: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has flagged a potential gap in Malaysia’s oversight of imported food after reports that more than 100 food related chemicals entered the United States (US) market without formal review. It said the issue, highlighted by the Environmental Working Group, points to weaknesses in the US food safety system that could also affect countries like Malaysia. CAP said in a statement that the substances were approved under the Generally Recognised As Safe system, which allows companies to decide if certain ingredients are safe without having to inform the US Food and Drug Administration. CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said while the system is legal, it raises concerns about transparency and oversight, especially in today’s global food supply chain. “Decisions made in one country can affect many others,” he said, adding that Malaysia imports large amounts of processed and packaged foods. He said the issue is not that these ingredients are proven harmful, but that some may enter the market without independent checks. Malaysia’s food safety system, governed by the Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985 under the Health Ministry, is generally strong, with strict rules on labelling and approved additives. CAP said Malaysia, like many countries, depends heavily on documents and certifications from exporting countries for approving food for import. “It is neither practical nor feasible to conduct full toxicological reassessments of every ingredient. This creates a potential blind spot. “Ingredients self-certified as safe in the country of origin and not explicitly prohibited under Malaysian laws may enter the domestic market without independent scrutiny. “Malaysia may therefore be indirectly relying on foreign regulatory systems, even where industry self-approval is permitted.” He said this is more common in highly processed and health foods which often contain new additives, plant extracts or bioactive ingredients. – BY HARITH KAMAL

toxicological data, allergenicity and safety assurance. She added that at the same time, authorities conduct surveillance focusing on immediate risks such as microbial contamination, heavy metals and banned substances. “The current system is excellent at preventing acute foodborne illnesses or high-level chemical poisoning. However, it is not yet adequate for managing sub-clinical, long-term and unknown chronic risks posed by food additives and novel ingredients.” Given these uncertainties, she urged consumers to take a more active role in understanding what they eat. “Consumers must transition from being passive purchasers to informed citizens by better understanding ingredient labels, including additive codes.” She called for reducing intake of ultra-processed foods and rotating brands to limit repeated exposure to specific additives.

gaps in oversight of imported foods. Siti Aimi said Malaysia does not solely depend on data from exporting countries but also on scientific evaluations by international bodies such as the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. She said the committee, made up of independent scientists from around the world, has evaluated more than 775 food additives as of October 2025 and removed from approved lists those substances found to have acute toxicity. She cautioned that science and innovation are moving faster than regulatory consensus. “It can take five to 10 years for a new additive or revised safety limit to go through international processes and be formally adopted. This is why some novel ingredients exist in a regulatory ‘grey zone,’ even within harmonised systems.” She said Malaysia requires safety dossiers for ingredients without a history of local use, covering

o Concerns being raised over long-term health risks caused by ingredients not widely used or fully studied, says academic

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

regulators and public health monitoring. “From an academic perspective, the introduction of unreviewed additives and novel ingredients is a significant challenge to public health surveillance.” While stressing that not all such ingredients are harmful, she warned of potential risks, including allergic reactions, cross-reactivity and diseases linked to bioaccumulation whereby substances build up in the body over time. “However, clinical research takes a long time before any firm conclusions can be made.” She was commenting on concerns raised by the Consumers Association of Penang over possible

PETALING JAYA: A new wave of unreviewed food additives and novel ingredients – substances not widely used or fully studied – could be slipping into imported foods, said Universiti Teknologi Mara Food Science and Technology senior lecturer Dr Siti Aimi Sarah Zainal Abidin. She said this has raised concerns over long-term health risks that current safety systems may struggle to detect. She added that rapid innovation in food ingredients is outpacing existing regulatory frameworks, creating new challenges for both

Minister’s 13 reforms in first 100 days in office KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh has introduced 13 reform measures in her first 100 days in office to strengthen governance and increase administrative transparency in the capital.

In a post on her Facebook page, she said the initiatives focus on improving administration and service delivery, including tackling tender cartels, widening public access to systems and reinforcing checks and balances. “Some of these reforms may be unpopular and some will take time to show results. That is the nature of reform, not all changes are immediately visible. “What matters is that the foundation has been laid, access has been expanded, transparency improved and decisions are now made more responsibly.” She said among the key measures is greater involvement of MPs in the budgeting and planning processes of Kuala Lumpur City Hall, ensuring that constituents’ voices are better represented. She added that efforts to combat tender cartels are also being intensified through collaboration with the Malaysian Competition Commission while space has been opened for the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission to take more

Yeoh observing how tuna is processed during a visit to the Labuan Food Industries factory. – PIC C OU R TESY O F HANNAH YEOH’S F A C EBOOK P AGE

beginning, and expressed hope for more time to continue driving reforms and enhancing service delivery in the Federal Territories. – Bernama

discount on gymnasium licence fees, a 50% reduction in hawker site rentals and lower Ramadan bazaar site rates. Hannah said 100 days is only the

systematic action against corruption. She said DBKL’s One-Stop Centre portal has been made accessible to the public. Other initiatives include an 80%

Call for better regulatory standards for ensuring safety of edible products PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s import regulations provide a basic framework for food safety but there are limitations when it comes to emerging or novel ingredients, according to the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca). Its CEO Saravanan Thambirajah said the presence of unreviewed or self-certified food additives in imported products is raising consumer safety concerns. “While such additives may be permitted in other jurisdictions, they may not have undergone independent evaluation under Malaysia’s regulatory standards. “The growing use of self certified additives and reliance on approvals from other countries underscores the need for stronger, proactive assessment mechanisms to ensure that imported products meet local safety expectations.” To enhance oversight, he recommended stronger pre-market evaluation of imported additives, better coordination among regulatory agencies and clearer labelling requirements. “Consumers can be better informed through targeted education and awareness programmes, particularly on

understanding food labels and the role of additives in processed and functional foods.” Saravanan said simplifying ingredient information and making it more accessible would help consumers make informed choices.” He also called for better monitoring. – BY HARITH KAMAL

FRIDAY | MAR 27, 2026

FOLLOW

ON FACEBOOK

4

Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Rising fuel prices unlikely to significantly affect VM2026

Langkawi ferry operator cuts trips to stay afloat

ALOR SETAR: The reduction of ferry service to Langkawi from five to three trips a day, which began yesterday, must be implemented to ensure the continuity of public transport operations so that they continue to survive and are not completely discontinued. Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd (Ferry Line) general manager Dr Baharin Baharom said reducing trips was a necessary step to prevent the Langkawi ferry industry from collapsing following a sudden spike in industrial diesel prices. He said the increase in diesel prices of more than 100% was putting great pressure on operating costs and ferry operators in Langkawi, and the steps taken were necessary to ensure the continuity of the company’s operations. “Some blame ferry operators for the reduction and believe it will affect transport facilities for users, but this perception does not take into account the true reality of the industry. “The ferry fare to Langkawi is among the lowest in Malaysia, at around 88 sen per nautical mile, much lower than the route to Pulau Tioman and Pulau Pangkor which is around RM2 per nautical mile,”he said in a statement yesterday. Baharin said low fares have long been maintained to ensure affordable tourism access, but in the face of increasing operating costs, it has become a major challenge. “This reduction is expected to impact the Langkawi tourism sector. Without the implementation of stabilisation measures such as schedule rationing, fare adjustments or policy support, the Langkawi ferry industry faces the risk of operational closure in the near future.” The media reported that Ferry Line has rearranged its post-Aidilfitri schedule following a 100% surge in industrial diesel prices. This adjustment is necessary to mitigate rising losses currently burdening ferry operators. – Bernama Fitri noted that the overall situation remained calm, with normal cross border movement still taking place. “I still saw quite a number of Malaysians around. Whether they were on longer trips or just moving about casually, I can’t be certain,” he added. He said his own visit was informal and not driven by any urgent needs or concerns over supplies. Malaysians have been advised to defer non-essential travel to southern Thailand amid fuel shortages triggered by panic buying, raising concerns ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period. Malaysia’s consul-general in Songkhla Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi said the advisory is particularly directed at those planning trips to popular destinations such as Hat Yai and Songkhla during the extended holiday weekend.

o Tourist arrivals expected to hold steady although visitors may cut spending and shorten trips, say experts

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Rising fuel prices are expected to slightly slow down momentum for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, but the tourism sector is unlikely to be significantly affected. Tourist arrivals are expected to hold steady even as visitors spending declines amid cost pressures, said experts. Universiti Teknologi Mara tourism economics expert Prof Dr Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah said travellers are becoming more price-sensitive, leading many to shorten trips and cut discretionary spending. “However, rising fuel prices are a structural headwind, not a collapse trigger. VMY2026 can still succeed, but I deemed growth may be slower and more cost-sensitive, especially for domestic and regional markets where price elasticity is high. “While arrivals may remain relatively resilient, spending behaviour will adjust downward.” Mohd Hafiz warned of emerging risks if Malaysia’s cost structure rises faster than regional peers, saying that while the impact is currently even across countries, a real competitiveness risk could emerge in the near future. “If Malaysia’s cost structure rises faster, especially in transport and PETALING JAYA: Reports of panic buying in southern Thailand appear to be overstated, with conditions on the ground mostly stable apart from isolated incidents at border areas. Businessman Muhammad Zaini Muhammad Nawawi, 43, who recently travelled to Thailand, said the situation remains under control despite viral claims on social media suggesting widespread shortages and rising prices. “From what I observed, the situation is still normal. The issue that went viral only occurred briefly at the border area, particularly in Betong, when supply lorries were delayed,” he told theSun . Zaini said the congestion at petrol stations in Betong was likely driven by concerns over delayed deliveries, Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Ida said tourism sector is likely to adjust rather than contract significantly, with demand gradually shifting towards domestic and regional travel amid rising cost pressures. – ADAM AM IR HAMZAH/THESUN

press time, said the situation remains largely under control despite claims that petrol stations are running out of fuel or temporarily closing. “The confusion seems to stem mainly from diesel issues. As for petrol, so far it is still fine,” he said. Amirul said petrol supply has not posed a significant problem as there has been no cap for tourist to purchase petrol at the momennt. “Tourists may not be fully aware of the limits. But based on what I observed, foreign vehicles are still generally allowed to refuel without much restriction.” He said throughout his trip, he was able to refuel his motorcycle and access food without difficulty, suggesting that essential services remain operational. Amirul also acknowledged that certain locations might face temporary shortages of specific “Fuel rationalisation is necessary, but if poorly timed, it can suppress travel demand indirectly. The solution is phased and targeted subsidies, with emphasis on protecting tourism-critical segments. “Malaysia needs to act fast. Destinations that adapt fastest will capture demand in any scenario, that’s what history tells us.” Putra Business School Assoc Prof Dr Ida Md Yasin said fuel price shocks would push up inflation, increasing travel costs and weighing on tourism demand through more expensive air fares, road transport and overall holiday spending. “This would have a knock-on effect on consumer behaviour, with travellers becoming more cautious. “Higher transport costs could weaken tourism’s multiplier effect, as reduced visitor spending would affect retail, food and beverage, and other related services.” Ida also stressed the importance of supporting domestic tourism, highlighting that Malaysia’s

prompting motorists to queue as a precaution. “In other places, everything is operating as usual. I stopped at several petrol stations, refuelled my vehicle and did not encounter any major problems. Supplies are still available and there was no chaos like what is being portrayed online,” he added. Zaini also dismissed claims of widespread shortages of essential goods, including household items, saying there was no clear evidence of such issues during his visit. He said he received information from contacts in Satun indicating that Malaysian travellers are allowed to refuel without restrictions. “I was informed that Malaysians are permitted to purchase fuel as usual, possibly with some level of prioritisation for tourists.” Amirul Faiz, who is in Thailand at basic materials, we may lose price sensitive segments to Thailand and Indonesia, which already have strong value propositions. “Good news, there will be growth in domestic and short-haul travel among locals. This is consistent during earlier fuel shocks and the pandemic globally.” He added that policy responses should focus on targeted and structural measures rather than broad subsidies. “Support should be directed at tourism-critical segments such as transport operators, while efforts to strengthen domestic tourism campaigns like Cuti-Cuti Malaysia should continue. “The focus must be on resilience, not dependency,” he said. Mohd Hafiz said policymakers must strike a careful balance between managing fuel costs and sustaining tourism growth. “Frankly, it’s not a trade-off but it must be policy alignment. Tourism is a luxury item and we have other necessities.

fuel types. “In some places, certain fuel grades like RON95 may not be available, but alternatives such as RON91 are still being sold.” He also dismissed concerns that Malaysians are being stranded or facing serious difficulties while in Thailand. “So far, I have not seen any cases of Malaysians being stuck there. “The situation is still under control,” he said. Fitri Mohd Ghazali, 50, a businessman from the north, said while he noticed several petrol stations were not operating during his recent trip to Thailand, there were no signs of panic or mass hysteria among the public. “Throughout my journey, I did come across a number of petrol stations that were closed – roughly about six to eight in total,” he said. relatively stable fuel supply and pricing position the sector for a structural adjustment rather than a collapse. “The tourism sector is likely to adjust rather than contract significantly, with demand gradually shifting towards domestic and regional travel amid rising cost pressures.” Taylor’s University research cluster lead for innovative management practices Prof Dr Poon Wai Ching said Malaysia’s tourism sector is expected to remain broadly resilient despite disruptions in Middle Eastern oil and gas supply chains. She said inbound tourism could even increase, particularly from the Middle East and China, as travellers shift towards stable and cost competitive destinations such as Malaysia. “At the same time, outbound tourism is likely to decline, especially to destinations affected by higher fuel costs and supply chain disruptions.”

No shortage of essentials, petrol in Thailand, say M’sian travellers

FRIDAY | MAR 27, 2026

5

Safety concern over lack of speed limit enforcement

sentenced to 12 months in prison by the Magistrate’s Court here for gross indecency. Magistrate Nadratun Naim Mohd Saidi meted out the sentence on M. Jegathesan, 58, and Halila Abu Bakar, 37, after they pleaded guilty to the charge here yesterday. They were charged with jointly committing gross indecency at a Chinese Cemetery at Batu Gantung, Ayer Itam, at 8.30am on March 22. The charge, under Section 377D of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34 of the same law, provides a maximum prison sentence of two years. According to the facts of the case, the incident came to light after a video was widely shared on Facebook showing two individuals engaging in indecent behaviour at the cemetery. Man held over insulting Prophet Muhammad KUALA LUMPUR: Police detained a 47-year-old local man suspected of insulting Prophet Muhammad over a Facebook post that was widely circulated recently. Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said a report was received at 1.30am last Sunday regarding the offensive post uploaded by an account using the name “Sakti Sakti Sakti”. He said the suspect was arrested by a police team at 8.32pm on Wednesday in Butterworth, Penang. “A mobile phone believed to have been used to upload the post was also seized,” he said in a statement. He added that a three-day remand order has been obtained until today to facilitate investigations. The case is being investigated under Section 298A of the Penal Code for causing disharmony or enmity on religious grounds, Section 505(c) of the Penal Code for statements made with intent to incite and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities. Fadil advised the public not to upload or share content touching on religious, racial or royal sensitivities. “Action without compromise will be taken against any individual who violates the law.” – Bernama

o Surge in road crashes during Raya period indicate current system still facing gaps in monitoring and implementation: Miros chief

among motorists. Hairolazaman said the continued misuse of emergency lanes and poor adherence to safe following distances, further highlight gaps in compliance, despite repeated enforcement efforts and safety reminders. He said such misuse not only violates traffic rules but also hampers emergency response, while failure to maintain safe distances continues to contribute to chain collisions, particularly during holiday traffic surges. “There is still room for improvement, especially in the misuse of emergency lanes and the failure to maintain a safe following distance, both of which continue to contribute to road safety risks,” he said. However, he said stricter enforcement has proven effective in improving compliance when motorists perceive a higher risk of being caught and penalised. “Strict enforcement has a direct effect on compliance. This shows that drivers are more likely to obey the rules when the risk of being detected and fined is high,” he said. He pointed to the implementation of Speed Limitation Devices for commercial vehicles as an example, citing Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s statement in the Dewan Rakyat in December 2025 that compliance had risen from 2.68% in October 2025 to 48.37% by December following stricter enforcement. – By Faiz Ruzman while studies show drivers in Malaysia typically travel up to 20km/h above posted limits. Wong said with festive traffic still heavy, the priority must remain on stricter compliance and stronger enforcement – not higher speed limits. “For enforcement to be effective, it must be sure, swift and severe. “People must know they will be caught, the action must reach them quickly enough for them to realise they have done something wrong, and the penalty must be severe enough to discourage repeat behaviour.” On March 6, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said in a written Dewan Negara reply to Senator Baharuddin Ahmad that Putrajaya had no immediate plans to raise the maximum highway speed limit for light vehicles to 130km/h. He said any revision must be carefully evaluated based on accident data, highway design, road user compliance and overall safety, adding that police statistics showed speeding-related accidents rose from 204 cases in 2024 to 239 in 2025. The Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department reported 1,649 road crashes and 15 deaths nationwide on March 24, compared with 1,654 crashes and 14 deaths the previous day, according to a Facebook update yesterday.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian motorists’ discipline on the roads remains driven more by fear of being caught than a genuine commitment to safety, with risky behaviour quickly resurfacing once congestion eases, said the Malaysian Road and Transportation Safety Association. Association president Md Hairolazaman Muhamed Nor said compliance during peak travel periods is often circumstantial rather than self-driven, as many drivers only slow down when traffic conditions force them to do so. “Driver discipline is still more about fear of being caught than awareness of safety. As long as the mentality of ‘as long as I don’t get fined’ remains, there will still be room to improve compliance through education and technology,” he told theSun. Hairolazaman said this pattern is particularly evident during festive travel periods when heavy congestion can create the impression of orderly driving, even though underlying attitudes remain unchanged. “When traffic is very congested, drivers are effectively forced to comply with the speed limit. “But once the road starts to clear, especially on overtaking lanes or after accident areas, some begin driving aggressively again to make up for lost time,” he said. He described this as “forced discipline”, noting that it reflects road conditions rather than a stronger sense of responsibility Wong also cautioned against the perception that modern or more powerful vehicles were inherently safer at higher speeds, noting that crash protection standards were tested at far lower thresholds than many motorists assume. “People may say cars are more advanced now, more powerful and more modern, and therefore they can go faster. “That does not mean the car can protect you at those speeds. “Under international safety regulations, frontal crash protection is tested at 56km/h, while a five-star Asean New Car Assessment Programme vehicle is tested at 64km/h. “For side impacts, the protection threshold is even lower, at 48km/h.” He said this was why lower speed limits were enforced in pedestrian heavy areas. “Where pedestrians and cyclists are exposed, survivability drops sharply once speed rises. “That is why zones such as school areas move towards limits of 30km/h, not higher,” he said. He added that reducing speed remained the simplest and most effective safety measure available to drivers. The Malaysia Road Safety Plan 2022–2030 states that Miros in-depth crash investigations found 41.7% of 367 cases were linked to speeding

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

He said the current system still faced gaps in both monitoring technology and enforcement consistency, pointing to speed cameras as one of the most effective tools that Malaysia still lacks in sufficient numbers. “Speed cameras make enforcement more certain, but at this stage, we still do not have enough of them. “What we want is to reach a stage where drivers do not want to speed, because that becomes their behaviour. “Point-to-point monitoring over a stretch, rather than just at one spot, can help train that behaviour,” he told theSun. Wong cited Australia as an example, where wider camera coverage and point-to-point enforcement over longer stretches – rather than single-location monitoring – have proven more effective in shaping driver behaviour. He said China’s extensive use of warning systems for speed, red-light and seatbelt violations further reinforced compliance.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s road safety problem is not how fast motorists are allowed to drive, but how rarely speed limits are enforced, experts warn, as Aidilfitri traffic surges and accident risks climb. Malaysia’s Hari Raya travel period over the past week has been marked by a relentless surge in road crashes, with more than 1,500 recorded daily as millions took to the roads for their balik kampung journeys and the return trip. Fatalities have remained stubbornly high, fluctuating between 14 and 26 deaths a day in recent days – a grim reminder of how quickly risks escalate during festive periods and how persistently deadly the roads remain. Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) chairman Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon said the more pressing issue was not whether speed limits should be raised, but whether existing rules were enforced credibly enough to change driver behaviour.

Motorists’ discipline driven by fear not safety: Expert

Couple get one year jail for lewd act at cemetery GEORGE TOWN: A couple who were caught engaging in lewd acts at a cemetery last Sunday were

Jegathesan and Halila plead guilty to a charge of jointly committing gross indecency yesterday. – BE R NAMA PIC

supporting his wife, who suffered a stroke, and their two children. Halila is single and financially dependent on her family. The case drew public attention after a 38-second video circulated online, showing the couple being confronted by a woman who warned them that she would report the incident to the authorities. – Bernama

Deputy public prosecutor Lau Shavin urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence as a deterrent, taking into account the public nature of the offence and sensitivities surrounding the location. Counsel R. Purantharan, representing both accused,

A complainant who viewed the clip was instructed by the cemetery management to lodge a police report. Teen girl among five remanded in baby death case appealed for leniency, citing Jegathesan’s role as a security guard earning RM1,800 monthly and

MALACCA: A 19-year-old girl believed to be the mother of a baby whose skeletal remains were found buried in front of her family home in Kelemak four months ago, is among five individuals remanded to assist investigations.

Taman

Putra,

Ampang

on

Also the teenager’s boyfriend and three family members – her mother, sister and 16-year-old brother. Meanwhile in the capital, a newborn baby girl was discovered in a rubbish bin outside a house in remanded were

Wednesday. Ampang Jaya District Police chief ACP Khairul Anuar Khalid said police received a report from a local man, who is also the occupant of the house, at 6.27pm. – Bernama

FRIDAY | MAR 27, 2026

6 Fearless in the face of fangs

Turning glass into elegant accessories

KUALA NERUS: For most people, just catching sight of a snake is enough to send shivers down the spine. But for a female officer of the Civil Defence Force in Terengganu, facing venomous reptiles is all in a day’s work and part of her mission to keep the community safe. Over her 16-year career, 2nd Lt Farah Nadia Abdullah has handled more than 700 snake cases, including highly venomous and dangerous species such as king cobras, monocled cobras and reticulated pythons. The 38-year-old, who is with the Kuala Nerus branch, said courage and knowledge of reptile behaviour are key to keeping operations safe for both officers and the public. “I learnt from a colleague skilled in snake handling how to understand the behaviour and safely tame a snake. When I receive an emergency call about a snake, I ask if it has been hit, because it tends to be more aggressive afterward. “When I get to a scene, I first observe the snake’s position and movements to judge if it’s aggressive. The hardest to handle, in my experience, are king cobras because of their fierce nature and rapid movements,” she told Bernama. Farah Nadia said her snake-handling skills were passed down from her late grandfather, Tahir Bidin, who was once a renowned and skilled snake catcher. With her natural talent and professional training at the Civil Defence Force, she is determined to prove that women can thrive in a field long dominated by men. The same fearless spirit runs through junior officer Nurin Qurratu Ain Norrozi, who admits she has never been afraid of snakes since she was a child, a courage that now makes handling them part of her daily duty. Nurin said new recruits are always guided by experienced officers before joining real operations. “We train in stages. Before any operation, senior officers show us how to handle and control snakes while keeping ourselves and o Civil defence women officers handle hundreds of deadly reptile cases with skill and grit to keep communities safe

KUALA LUMPUR: What began as a simple hobby – creating women’s accessories just for fun for family and close friends – unexpectedly grew into a brand with its own distinct identity. Nurul Zulaika Simon’s ZS Piece label has drawn attention for its unique use of glass as an alternative to crystals, offering elegant accessories at affordable prices. “Although I use glass, I make sure the colour combinations and designs are well-balanced so each piece has its own character. Customers can also choose designs based on their personal taste,” said Nurul Zulaika, who started producing accessories under her ZS Piece brand in August last year. Drawing on nearly five years of experience as an artist, the 30-year-old channels her artistic skills into designing motifs for rings, bracelets and phone straps. She added that her involvement in craft-making also serves as a form of emotional therapy. For Nurul Zulaika, who hails from Lahad Datu, Sabah, making accessories provides her creative escape and a moment of respite from her responsibilities as a part-time lecturer at the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage. “Creating accessories is therapeutic for me, and I hope those who wear them will feel more confident, even if the designs are simple. “Each piece goes through a sketching process and up to four or five design trials before it is completed. This is to ensure a balance of colours, contrast and visual elements that highlight its character.” Despite being priced affordably, from as low as RM11 to RM100 a piece depending on the materials used, her products are durable with proper care. Nurul Zulaika, who markets her products at various sales booths, said the influx of mass produced imported items has put pressure on local craft makers to remain competitive. A graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Design, she said the situation has affected the competitiveness of local handmade products as they are still produced manually, requiring more time and precision compared with large-scale manufacturing. Nurul Zulaika added that time constraints pose a challenge in expanding her business as she has to balance her roles as a part time lecturer, visual artist and accessory entrepreneur. “Still, I continue to produce accessories consistently and hope that locally made handmade products will continue to receive support.” – Bernama

Farah Nadia (right) during a training session on handling venomous snakes at the civil defence state headquarters recently. – BE R NAMA PIC

myself. Eventually, they understood and supported my choice.” Meanwhile, Civil Defence Force deputy director (Operations) Major Mohd Hafiz Asikin said 100 of the state’s 380 personnel are women, almost all trained to handle venomous animals. He said all new recruits must complete basic and venomous animal handling courses at either the state or the agency’s headquarters training centre. “New recruits are first trained in observation before being trusted to lead operations fully, based on their experience and skills.”

the public safe,” she said. Nurin joined the force after graduating from Politeknik Besut in 2022 and has since taken part in hundreds of snake capture and relocation operations, including those involving venomous and large snakes. “Some people questioned my decision to join the force, saying women like me should be in the kitchen or office. Even my parents worry every time I go out, knowing I face risks like venomous snakes. “But I was able to show them how passionate I am about this work and my desire to help as many people as possible. I also promised my parents I would always look after

FRIDAY | MAR 27, 2026

7

Russian crude arrives in Philippines amidst energy crisis

The city-state had planned to require departing flights to use the more expensive Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in their mix starting this year, and to collect a levy on tickets to finance that. SAF, a biofuel made from plant and animal materials such as cooking oil and fat, which produces lower carbon emissions than traditional jet fuel, is crucial to the airline industry’s bid to cut carbon emissions. Authorities previously said they would start charging the levy on tickets sold from April 1 for flights departing Singapore starting Oct 1. However, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said in a statement on Wednesday that the levy would now be applied to tickets sold from Oct 1 for flights departing from Jan 1, 2027. “The Civil Aviation Authority of Japan releases more oil reserves TOKYO: Japan yesterday said it has started to release another part of its strategic oil reserves as it looks to temper the impact on the resource-poor nation from the surge in prices caused by the Middle East war. Iran has virtually closed the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global crude and gas flows, since the United States and Israel began striking the country on Feb 28. Japan is the fifth-biggest importer of oil, with more than 90% of it from the Middle East. “The release (of the national stockpile) started at 10.59 am (0159 GMT) to oil refiners,” Kaname Morimoto, an official of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry told AFP. Government spokesman Minoru Kihara said he was aware that the “transfer of oil from half of the reserve stations to four oil refining companies is scheduled to start”. The move comes after Tokyo said this week it would release a month’s worth of government stockpiles, as officials started releasing 15 days’ worth of private-sector petroleum reserves. As of Wednesday, 45 Japan related vessels were stuck in the Persian Gulf, including 24 Japanese crew members, according to the Transport Ministry. Japanese Shipowners’ Association president Hitoshi Nagasawa on Wednesday said it was “strongly asking the government”to help reopen passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi this week said the waterway was “closed only to enemies”. The statement came after Tehran told the International Maritime Organisation that “non hostile vessels” could transit the strait if they met safety regulations. International Energy Agency head Fatih Birol on Wednesday said he was “ready” to approve the release of more oil reserves if needed. – AFP

CAAS director-general Han Kok Juan said while Singapore remains committed to cutting carbon emissions, “we are taking a pragmatic pause in view of the current situation”. CAAS said in a follow-up statement that with the deferment of the levy’s implementation, the target to require 1% SAF in the fuel mix would now apply from 2027. “Our intent is still to raise the target to 3% to 5% by 2030, subject to global developments and the wider availability and adoption of SAF,” the regulator added. Oil prices have soared since the US-Israeli war against Iran disrupted tanker shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, sending shockwaves through the global economy. “We will continue to work closely with our aviation industry partners and monitor global developments,” Han said. – AFP MANILA: A ship carrying more than 700,000 barrels of Russian crude oil has arrived in the Philippines, a source with knowledge of the matter told AFP yesterday, days after the country declared a national energy emergency over the Middle East war. The source, who asked to remain anonymous, said the Sierra Leone flagged Sara Sky , bearing high-quality crude from Russia’s ESPO pipeline arrived on Monday, with documents showing the consignee as Petron Corp, operator of the Philippines’ sole oil refinery. The Philippines is heavily dependent on imported fuel, the cost of which has skyrocketed since the US-Israeli war with Iran forced the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz. An AFP journalist yesterday saw the Sara Sky at anchor in the Limay port just outside Manila, where the Petron refinery is located. It is believed to be the first shipment of Russian oil to the Philippines in five years. Last week, Petron CEO Ramon Ang told AFP the company was “in talks” to potentially purchase Russian oil. He declined to confirm the arrival of the shipment yesterday. President Ferdinand Marcos on Wednesday said the Philippines is casting a wide net in its search for fuel, with the country’s dwindling stocks expected to last only another 45 days. “We have not only gone to our traditional oil suppliers, we have tried to explore other sources that are not affected by the war that is ongoing in o Country casting wide net in search for fuel, says president

The Sara Sky anchored at the Limay port in Bataan province. – A FPPIC

murder. The activist had just recorded a podcast episode on the subject of military expansion before the incident. Andrie has been in a Jakarta hospital since the attack and is currently in intensive care following surgery on Wednesday to treat injuries to his right eye, and skin grafts around his eye, chest and shoulder areas, the comission said. Responding to the handover of position, it urged Prabowo to form an independent team to investigate the case, adding that it should be handled by civil courts instead of the military court, echoing a call earlier this week from the Human Rights Watch. “What happened to Andrie Yunus is a serious crime that occurred in a civilian space, outside of the context of the military work as well as state defence operations,” the comission and other civil society groups said in a joint statement. – Reuters She said top coal supplier Indonesia had placed “no restriction” on the amount the Philippines could buy if it needs to increase imports. Meanwhile, Filipino Defence Minister Gilbert Teodoro on Wednesday said the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened “immediately”. “It is of vital importance to us that the Strait of Hormuz be opened immediately and kept safe,” Teodoro told AFP in an interview in Paris. “Not only for the seafarers, but also for Philippine consumers. The poor Filipinos who need to pay astronomical prices for electricity, fuel, and power. I think the effects are worldwide.” – AFP

members of the intelligence unit. He added that if found guilty, punishments range from disciplinary action to dishonourable discharge. Yudi, who Reuters could not immediately reach for comment, was not among the four. Concern over the erosion of democratic values has grown in Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, where the military’s involvement in civilian areas and state-run businesses has increased significantly under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto, a retired general. In a roundtable interview last week, Prabowo said the attack on Andrie was “terrorism,” pledging a thorough investigation and no impunity. Hundreds of civil society groups in Indonesia, including Amnesty International, have alleged the attack on Andrie was attempted 20 billion-peso (US$332 million) emergency fund that Energy Secretary Sharon Garin called a “proactive step” to securing fuel supplies. Garin added that the archipelago nation also planned to boost the output of its coal-fired power plants to keep electricity costs down as the war wreaks havoc with gas shipments. She also said with the cost of LNG (liquefied natural gas) soaring, the country would “temporarily” be forced to lean even more heavily on the fossil fuel, the main contributor of climate-warming carbon dioxide emissions from human sources.

JAKARTA: A senior officer in the Indonesian military has stepped down following an acid attack on an activist known for his opposition to the expanded role of the military, a spokesperson said yesterday. Andrie Yunus, a deputy coordinator with the rights group Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence, suffered burns to 20% of his face and body from acid thrown by assailants on a motorcycle on March 12. The case drew local and international condemnation. UN human rights chief Volker Turk said the attack was a “cowardly act of violence”. Military spokesperson Aulia Dwi Nasrullah confirmed to Reuters that there had been a “handing over of position” by Yudi Abrimantyo, the military’s intelligence unit chief, as a form of responsibility for the attack. Indonesia’s military had previously said it arrested four officers, all the Middle East,” he said in a press briefing addressing the state of emergency. “Nothing is off the table. We are looking at everything, everything that we can do.” The US this month eased some restrictions on sales of Russian crude, allowing countries to purchase oil that was already at sea until April 11. Kpler analyst Muyu Xu told AFP about 120 million barrels of Russian oil may have been at sea at the time, adding much of it may have already been pre-ordered by Chinese or Indian clients. The Philippines’ Department of Energy yesterday activated a

Indonesian military officer steps down following acid attack

Singapore defers green jet fuel levy SINGAPORE: Singapore will defer charging a levy on the use of green jet fuel to adjust to price rises caused by the Middle East war, regulators said on Wednesday. Singapore will defer the implementation of the SAF levy, in view of the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on airlines and passengers.“