27/03/2026

FRIDAY | MAR 27, 2026

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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