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No harm to public health in 14 years, says Lynas M’sia Rare earth refining does not increase radioactivity levels in residue stream: Company

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

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SCAN ME No. 9107 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

‘Act now to slash waste, overhaul management’

Call for death penalty to stop ‘road murders’

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Move towards zero waste central to meeting climate targets, says minister

Lawmaker says ultimate sentence needed as current punishments fail to deter drunk drivers.

A viral clip captures the fatal DUI-related crash in Jalan Raya Barat, Klang, that has reignited calls for capital punishment for reckless drivers. Inset: The suspect, who tested positive for alcohol and drugs, is led to remand.

– BERNAMAPIC

Guards ‘robbed’ of RM100m in pay Report on h page 3 Union demands reforms and justice for members, warning decades-long structural failures allow abuses to persist unchecked.

TUESDAY | MAR 31, 2026

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King briefed on Online Safety Act 2025 KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, was briefed on the Online Safety Act (Onsa) 2025 yesterday, which aims to make the internet safer for families and children in the country. involving fake accounts targeting the Malay Rulers and members of the royal family. Effective from Jan 1, Onsa provides a legal framework to enhance online safety and strengthen protections for users, particularly children and families.

According to a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s Facebook page, the briefing was delivered by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil during an audience with His Majesty at Istana Bukit Tunku here. “The implementation of Onsa is intended to make the internet safer for families and children by establishing clear responsibilities for online platforms. “It also enforces age verification mechanisms to prevent children aged under 16 from opening social media accounts,” it said. Fahmi, in the same post, said the Act also seeks to tackle issues

The Act outlines responsibilities and obligations for licensed service providers to address online harm, including implementing risk-based security measures, providing specific protections for children and establishing user reporting and assistance mechanisms. Onsa also applies to service providers holding Application Service Provider or Content Application Service Provider licences, as well as Network Service Providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. – Bernama

Fahmi explaining Onsa to His Majesty. – PIC COURTESY OF SULTAN IBRAHIM SULTAN ISKANDAR FACEOOK PAGE

Need for urgent action to achieve zero waste target

the Agriculture Department, so that they could make the necessary preparations,” he said. MetMalaysia had said the hot weather phenomenon affecting the country is expected to persist until the onset of the southwest monsoon in June due to drier atmospheric conditions and lower rainfall. – Bernama Unity ministry drafts 3R guidelines for MPs KUALA LUMPUR: The National Unity Ministry is drafting guidelines to prevent MPs from touching on sensitive issues of race, religion and the monarchy (3R) during debates in the Dewan Rakyat. Deputy Minister R. Yuneswaran said the report will be submitted to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul soon. “Although MPs have immunity in the Dewan Rakyat, every elected representative must act responsibly to ensure that statements made do not provoke anger or tension among the public. “Even if action may not be taken within the Dewan Rakyat, it does not mean we can freely make statements that touch on the sensitivities of race, religion and the royal institution,” he said at the launch of the Malaysian Racism Report 2025 by Pusat Komas here yesterday. He said all parties, including politicians, should focus on the national development agenda and the wellbeing of the people. Yuneswaran also said he supports a proposal by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia to introduce a National Harmony Act. He added that the matter is still at an early stage of discussion and requires support from the Prime Minister’s Office as a proactive step to strengthen national unity. “The ministry is also in discussions to establish a Harmony Commission. We also want to have a Harmony Act, but it is still in the early stages of discussion,” he said. – Bernama

o This requires strong political will, integrating climate measures into national policies and carrying out sustainable management: Minister

2,500 tonnes of waste daily, demonstrating how technology can enhance efficiency in dense urban settings. Enforcement efforts have also ramped up, with thousands of illegal dumping sites closed nationwide last year and over a thousand tonnes of solid waste removed. Malaysia continues to consolidate these initiatives through the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation, focusing on waste segregation at source, expanding recycling, and promoting nationwide awareness campaigns. “Cities are on the frontline of the global waste crisis. Without decisive action, waste generation is projected to surge by 2050, straining landfills, ecosystems and urban liveability. “Reducing waste is not just about cleaning up cities. “It is a vital practice for conserving energy, securing long-term energy resilience, and ensuring a sustainable future for all,” he said.

Also present were State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching and Taiping Municipal Council president Mohamed Akmal Dahalan. Wong stressed that the implementation of home-based learning would be carried out effectively and efficiently. Schools authorities have also that the measures taken are timely and effective,” he said after attending the Forest Conservation Certificate as Malaysia’s Trusted Platform for Conservation Finance programme here yesterday. Arthur said the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) would continue to play a key role in providing accurate weather three-pronged strategy: shift from the linear “take-make-dispose” model to a circular economy, accelerate smart technologies in waste systems and strengthen collaboration between governments, businesses and communities. He said Malaysia is already leading by example. Through the Housing and Local Government Ministry, the country has launched nationwide recycling drives, its “Trash to Cash” programme and a long-term Circular Economy Blueprint for 2025–2035, which includes extended producer responsibility and digital waste tracking. Ageing landfill sites are being transformed into green community spaces known as Lestari Parks, while waste-to-energy facilities in Negeri Sembilan and Malacca are being fast tracked to reduce landfill dependence. In Kuala Lumpur, an AI-powered transfer station now processes up to

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

as during unforeseen situations such as natural disasters, proving its effectiveness in ensuring the continuity of education. ‘It is important that the health and welfare of our children is given priority,” he said at the Taiping Municipal Council oath-taking ceremony press conference here yesterday. carried out based on prevailing needs, guided by data and technical reports from relevant agencies to ensure the impact of the weather phenomenon is effectively managed, particularly in sectors such as agriculture. “If necessary, we will carry out interventions such as cloud seeding based on available data to ensure “The 2030 climate goal demands urgent measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions nearly in half and limit global warming to 1.5°C. “Achieving this requires strong political will, integrating climate measures into national policies, enhancing resilience, and mobilising climate finance and sustainable waste management. All are central to this mission,” said Nga in a statement. Framing waste management as more than an environmental issue, Nga described it as a cornerstone of climate resilience, resource efficiency and public health – particularly in rapidly urbanising regions such as Southeast Asia. To tackle the crisis, Nga outlined a

PETALING JAYA: Cities worldwide are hurtling towards a tipping point, where overflowing landfills, environmental strain and declining liveability could become the norm unless urgent action is taken to slash waste and overhaul management, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming warned. Nga, who also serves as president of the UN-Habitat Assembly, said the move towards zero waste is no longer optional – it is central to meeting climate targets under the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. TAIPING: The implementation of Home-Based Teaching and Learning amid the hot weather will not affect students’ learning, but will remain as effective as physical learning. Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the approach is not new as it has been implemented since the Covid-19 pandemic as well SHAH ALAM: The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry is prepared to implement intervention measures, including cloud seeding, to mitigate the impact of the prolonged hot weather currently affecting several states nationwide. Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the measures would be

‘Home-based initiative will not affect student learning’

been informed that they could either carry out home-based or face-to face teaching and learning in classrooms, according to needs of the schools.

Wong said so far the Education Ministry has not received any reports of heat stroke cases involving children in schools. – Bernama Cloud seeding among efforts mulled to mitigate impact of hot spell

information to support follow-up actions, while helping relevant agencies and the public make necessary preparations. “Given the increasingly unpredictable climate conditions, we have an important role in providing early warnings, particularly to agencies such as the National Disaster Management Agency and

TUESDAY | MAR 31, 2026

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‘Private security industry plagued by systemic issues’

Guards across country speak out PETALING JAYA: Security guards across Malaysia have come forward with strikingly similar accounts of pay disputes, unclear deductions and workplace pressure, painting a picture of an industry in which raising concerns could come at a cost. Despite working for different companies, the guards’ experiences reveal recurring issues – long 12-hour shifts, disputed overtime calculations, delayed payslips and anxiety over possible repercussions. Ganesan Munusamy, 59, who has spent about 20 years in the industry, said such conditions were routine. “For years I worked 12-hour shifts, day and night, from 7am to 7pm or 7pm to 7am. “We were rarely given proper rest time. But when it came to salary, there were always problems. “They did not calculate everything correctly,” he told theSun . He alleged that overtime was underpaid and deductions often unexplained. “If they penalise us, they should state the reason. “Instead, they simply deduct RM100 or RM80 without explanation.” He added that speaking up frequently led to repercussions. “Whoever opens their mouth becomes a target. “They will find ways to take action against you.” Mohd Darus Jiran, 59, said he uncovered certain discrepancies after reviewing his payslips during two years at a hospital. “For 21 months, my overtime alone exceeded RM15,000.” He also noticed missing offer letters and inconsistent statutory deductions. “Socso was deducted but not fully remitted. EPF contributions were inconsistent. At my age, what choices do we have? Security work is all that is available.” Mohd Nordin Abdul Rahman, 43, and Mohd Saffuan Mohd Aris, 38, raised similar concerns over transparency and documentation. “Companies do not pay fairly, overtime is not calculated properly and deductions are not transparent. “The problem is common across many companies,” Nordin said, adding that other issues included delayed payslips and missing offer letters. Sham Mei Kwan, 55, said she was dismissed shortly after raising salary concerns. “At least give me a termination letter so I can make my claims properly.” Marinah Abdullah, 45, said her salary was reduced under a new contract, while she faced pressure to withdraw a complaint and was transferred to Johor without clear instructions. – By Ameen Hazizi

Ű BY AMEEN HAZIZI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Employees short-changed on wages, face retaliation over making complaints: Union chief

Security expert Khirudin Tajudin said structural weaknesses in the sector stem largely from pricing distortions and intense competition for contracts, which place compliant firms at a disadvantage. He called for comprehensive reform involving regulators, employers and worker representatives, emphasising the need for sustained engagement. “There must be reform. The government, employers and the union must sit together.” Mohd Ali agreed that a coordinated approach is crucial, acknowledging that reform would be challenging. “Unless a concerted effort is made among the three parties, it will not be easy.” He said frustration among guards has reached a tipping point. “My guards have reached a point of saturation. They are only asking for their rights.” industry

PETALING Systemic underpayment, unpaid overtime and alleged retaliation against workers continue to plague Malaysia’s private security industry, with the Malaysian Security Guard Union saying long-standing structural failures have allowed abuses to persist unchecked. Malaysia currently has 1,126 licensed security companies, a figure that union president Mohd Ali Ibrahim ( pic ) described as excessive for a country of its size, raising questions over the sustainability of the sector. “For a small country such as ours, this is excessive,” Mohd Ali told theSun . He said the core issue lies in wage compliance, particularly in the calculation of overtime for guards working extended shifts, emphasising that existing labour ‘Pricing distortions, weak governance fuelling crisis’ Deep-rooted pricing distortions and weak industry governance, rather than enforcement alone, are driving persistent problems in Malaysia’s private security sector, an industry expert said. Security industry expert Khirudin Tajudin said aggressive undercutting and an over-reliance on low-cost labour, including foreign hires, have created a market that rewards unsustainable pricing over compliance. “The playing field is not level,” he told theSun . He said companies that adhere to statutory requirements often lose tenders to operators quoting below viable rates, raising questions over how such contracts could be delivered without compromising standards. “When you quote a rate that is lower than the minimum, how can you operate?” he asked. He added that the situation has led to a structural imbalance, in which responsible firms face shrinking margins while weaker JAYA: PETALING JAYA:

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month after month.” He added that the issue is deeply entrenched, having persisted for decades. “This has been

“They work 12 hours a day. After eight hours, it is overtime. They are supposed to be paid overtime for those additional four hours each day.” However, he alleged that many companies underpay guards by between RM500 and

happening for the last 20 years, not just now.” He also alleged that guards who lodge complaints risk retaliation, including punitive action for union involvement. “The moment the company knows they are members of the union, they penalise them”. Citing cases within Kespa, he said: “Three of my guards are now out of work simply because they made a complaint.”

RM1,000 a month, describing the practice as widespread and systemic. Pointing to the scale of the industry, he said the financial impact is staggering. “If you look at 200,000 guards, an average shortfall of RM500 per month amounts to RM100 million.

Khirudin urged a shift in how security services are structured, advocating outcome-based contracts over manpower-driven models to improve

efficiency and accountability. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

“They describe what is being done on a daily basis, but there is nothing concrete to address the core issues. “To them it is a job. To us it is our livelihood.” Mohd Ali said the union plans to hold an assembly at the Home Ministry to submit a memorandum outlining its concerns and proposed reforms. He said while enforcement mechanisms exist, implementation must be improved to address recurring complaints. – By Ameen Hazizi stronger oversight to ensure accountability among member companies. Khirudin proposed setting up an independent oversight committee within the Security Services Association of Malaysia to reinforce self-regulation. “Self-regulation must have oversight.” He further called for the introduction of benchmark rates in procurement to curb unsustainable bidding practices. – By Ameen Hazizi

He proposed a formal tripartite cluster agreement to provide a unified platform for resolving structural issues and reducing reactive enforcement. “With a tripartite mechanism, there is a common platform to resolve structural issues instead of reacting case by case,” he said, adding that there could be a continued downward spiral in pricing if the issues is left unchecked. He also highlighted governance gaps within industry bodies, urging

operators gain ground through cost suppression. “This is a service industry. If pricing is compromised, quality and welfare would be compromised.” He emphasised that addressing individual violations would not resolve the issue, calling instead for systemic reforms targeting procurement practices and industry structure. “There must be reform. The government, the employers and the union must sit together.”

Human Resources Ministry outlines enforcement measures KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 821 complaints involving security guards were recorded between 2024 and 2025, the Human Resources Ministry said, as it outlined enforcement measures amid growing calls for deeper reform in the sector. proactive inspections and investigations, particularly in high-risk sectors such as private security, in which long working hours and delayed wage payments are frequently reported. The ministry added that against guards who lodge complaints, it said workers could file formal reports, which would be investigated in accordance with labour laws, with action taken if violations are proven. It also emphasised that the confidentiality of complainants is safeguarded to protect them from adverse action by employers. while labour enforcement falls under the Labour Department. From a broader policy perspective, the ministry said a key structural issue lies in the low economic valuation of the security profession, adding that wages often remain at minimum levels, with excessive overtime becoming a necessity rather than a choice.

enforcement action against errant employers may include compounds, prosecution and recovery of unpaid wages through Labour Court proceedings under Section 69 of the Employment Act 1955. On allegations of retaliation

In a written response to theSun , the ministry said the most common issues involved breaches of the Employment Act 1955, including unpaid wages and overtime. It said compliance with labour laws is continuously monitored through

On licensing, the ministry clarified that the authority to issue, renew or revoke licences for private security firms lies with the Home Ministry under the Private Agencies Act 1971,

However, Malaysian Security Guard Union president Mohd Ali Ibrahim described the response as inadequate.

TUESDAY | MAR 31, 2026

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‘Track record of Lynas plant underscores focus on safety’

radiation-related industries, with fears later spilling into debates about the plant. “Sometimes, public concern grew louder than what the scientific assessments were actually showing, even though data from monitoring remained within controlled limits.” He also highlighted Lynas’s strategic importance, adding that rare earth materials are central to modern manufacturing and advanced technology supply chains. “Rare earth income is not just billions, it is trillions. They are used in gadgets, handphones, drones, TVs and satellites. “So concerns about danger are very minor. But we still control it with good safety measures.” – By Faiz Ruzman “To capture emerging opportunities in high-growth sectors, Malaysia must position itself as both an investment and a talent hub. “Attracting expatriates should be seen as a strategic enabler of local talent development and economic expansion,” Syed Hussain said. On Jan 14, the Home Ministry announced that the revised expatriate employment policy will take effect on June 1, introducing higher salary thresholds across all Employment Pass categories as well as fixed employment periods. Category I has been raised from RM10,000 to RM20,000 and above, Category II from RM5,000–RM9,999 to RM10,000–RM19,999, and Category III from RM3,000–RM4,999 to RM5,000–RM9,999, with a RM7,000–RM9,999 exception for the manufacturing and related services sector. – By Faiz Ruzman Balance needed for expatriate employment PETALING JAYA: Employers have said rigid implementation of Malaysia’s revised expatriate employment policy could undermine efforts to grow high-value industries, as businesses grapple with a shortage of specialised talent needed to sustain investment momentum. Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said Putrajaya must strike a careful balance between reducing reliance on foreign labour and ensuring companies retain access to critical expertise in emerging sectors. “Malaysia must strike the right balance between developing local talent and attracting global expertise. “Expatriates play a critical catalytic role in accelerating knowledge transfer, capability building and innovation within our workforce.” MEF said the concern is particularly acute as Malaysia positions itself to attract investments in high-growth areas such as data centres, generative artificial intelligence, green energy, and environmental, social and governance compliance – sectors in which local capabilities are still evolving and highly experienced talent remains scarce. It emphasised that the revised framework should not be treated solely as a labour control mechanism but also as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the domestic talent pipeline without eroding the country’s appeal to multinational investors. “Knowledge transfer is not instantaneous. It requires time, structured engagement and continuous exposure. “Therefore, tenure policies must be sufficiently flexible to allow meaningful transfer of skills and expertise to Malaysians.” MEF also urged that succession planning requirements be applied in a practical, industry-sensitive manner, particularly for highly-specialised roles in which localisation may take longer to achieve. It added that Malaysia’s attractiveness to global talent hinges not only on employment regulations, but also on efficient immigration processes, ease of doing business and overall living conditions.

o Refining process does not increase or concentrate radioactive material: Spokesperson

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: For 14 years, Lynas Malaysia’s rare earth plant in Gebeng, Kuantan, has operated without a single incident harming public health or the environment, even as experts urge vigilance over radioactive waste in Malaysia’s tropical conditions. The company said the record underscores the safety of its operations as it embarks on a new decade under a renewed licence. In an email to theSun , a company spokesperson said concerns about radioactive elements such as thorium and uranium should be considered in the context of naturally occurring materials already present in soil and rocks. “Radioactivity is a natural part of life, and thorium and uranium are found naturally in soil and rocks all around the world. “The Water Leach Purification (WLP) residues generated from the Lynas plant have been scientifically tested and proven to be non-hazardous.” The company clarified that its refining process does not increase or concentrate radioactive content in its residue stream. “The first stage of processing at the Lynas Malaysia advanced materials plant separates the rare earths from the surrounding low-level naturally occurring radioactive material. “There is no enhancement or concentration during this process and levels remain the same,” the spokesperson added. On long-term environmental safeguards, Lynas said its residue storage systems, including the permanent disposal facility for WLP residue, are designed and managed to prevent any impact on surrounding soil, groundwater or nearby communities. The spokesperson said the company uses filter presses to produce dry residue stacks in line with international best practices, with facilities monitored regularly by independent scientific experts and regulators. “Lynas Malaysia’s residue storage facilities meet Malaysia’s regulations as well as international standards, including those adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency.”

Lynas said the plant has undergone four independent scientific reviews, including two by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which found it to be low risk, compliant with regulations and aligned with international best practices. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

strength of our processes and policies.” Lynas added that the plant has undergone four independent scientific reviews, including two by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which found it to be of low risk, compliant with regulations and aligned with international best practices. On March 2, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang announced that Lynas Malaysia had received a 10-year licence renewal for its rare earth processing plant in Gebeng from March 3 until March 2, 2036. Since the renewal, environmental experts have raised concerns over the long-term behaviour of radioactive traces in waste from rare earth refining, particularly in Malaysia’s tropical conditions. On March 16, experts told theSun that heavy rainfall and groundwater movement could affect how such materials behave over time if waste is not carefully managed, with potential pathways into soil, groundwater, rivers and the wider food chain.

The company added that research into the use of WLP residue as a soil conditioner has shown it to be safe for agricultural applications. It also said under the new licence, Lynas will stop producing WLP waste by 2031, and the company is already working to reduce the radioactivity of existing waste to very low, safe levels. “Over the past three years, Lynas has worked with the Department of Atomic Energy, and Malaysian and Australian academic institutions to remove thorium from WLP residue during production through low-temperature cracking. “The project has completed laboratory and pilot stages, with industrial-scale trials next.” Highlighting its operational record, Lynas said the Gebeng plant has run safely for 14 years without any incident affecting public health or the environment. “The Lynas Malaysia advanced materials plant has operated safely for 14 years since operations commenced. This reflects the

Radiation fears driven more by politics than actual risk: Expert PETALING JAYA: Public fear over Lynas Malaysia’s rare earth plant has often been driven more by politics than actual radiation risk, according to a former nuclear regulator who oversaw assessments of the plant’s radioactive activities during his years in government service. The former director-general of the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB), which previously handled licensing before the Department of Atomic Energy assumed full oversight, said concerns about Lynas should be separated from technical findings collected over years of monitoring. He requested not to be named. considered safe for workers, nearby communities and the environment,” he told theSun via phone yesterday. “When we say something needs a licence, it does not mean it is dangerous. It means we want to control it properly, so it does not harm individuals. “The hard limit for the public is one millisievert (mSv) per year, and that is what we calculate against. That dose determines whether something is dangerous. “Throughout my assessments, we recorded no effects at all. We only license the Lynas factory so it could be controlled safely.” on sampling, calculations and inter-agency review covering environmental, safety and radiation-related checks. “Monitoring includes water, groundwater, air and other environmental samples.” He described readings linked to Lynas during his tenure as “very low.” “When the factory is operating, we monitor it closely. We take water samples, groundwater samples, air samples and other environmental samples. When we analyse them, we see the content is really low. There’s a lot of calculation involved, so you cannot simply say, ‘Oh, it is dangerous’.”

“People often get worried by the word ‘radioactive’, but the real question for regulators is whether exposure stays within limits

He added that public anxiety around Lynas was shaped by earlier political battles involving

He said licensing for an industry such as Lynas is based on evidence, not assumptions, relying

TUESDAY | MAR 31, 2026

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Calls for harsher punishments against drunk drivers

More effort needed in treating DUI cases: MCA PETALING JAYA: Calls for tougher action against drunk and drug-impaired driving have intensified following Sunday’s fatal crash in Klang, sparking renewed scrutiny over enforcement, public awareness and whether victims’ families are adequately protected. MCA vice-president Datuk Lawrence Low said stronger follow-through is long overdue, stressing that punitive measures alone are not enough. “Efforts previously were not limited to stricter penalties alone, but were complemented by extensive public awareness campaigns to educate society on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as reckless driving.” He urged the Transport Ministry to clarify critical questions as he said: “Has enforcement been insufficient? Have the public awareness campaigns on the dangers of drug and alcohol-impaired driving, initiated in 2020, been discontinued following the change in government?” Amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 under sections 41 to 45 previously introduced heavier penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) but Low said implementation must be sustained to make an impact. Meanwhile, Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye rejected calls for the death penalty in fatal DUI cases, arguing that imprisonment remains the most appropriate course when guilt is established in court. “This is something that is very serious. But I feel that to call for the death penalty on that person is a bit on the extreme side. So, I feel that there should be mandatory imprisonment. “So, if he is charged and if it is proven that he is guilty, then I think he should be in prison. For how long? Maybe between three to five years of imprisonment. “But to sentence that person to death, I think that is, as I said, too extreme. That is why I say I disagree.” He added that enforcement must be carried out with integrity, particularly in breathalyser testing, and fines should remain high enough to deter repeat offending. Highlighting another systemic gap, Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said families of victims often receive little direct support, even when offenders are punished. “Malaysia lacks a dedicated compensation mechanism for victims of DUI cases, whether involving alcohol or drugs. As a result, families are effectively failed twice, first by the incident and then by the system meant to deliver justice. “The MMA considers this unacceptable and in urgent need of reform. Justice must not stop at punishment. It must extend to protection, support and dignity for the families left behind.” Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

The force of the impact flung the rider into the air and onto another car, killing him instantly. South Klang district police chief ACP Lim Jit Huey said the crash occurred at 11.40am and involved the motorcycle and two cars. Preliminary probes revealed that the car, driven by a man in his 20s, was travelling at high speed. He reportedly overtook several vehicles before veering into the opposite lane and colliding with the motorcyclist. Screening tests reportedly showed the driver was positive for alcohol and drugs. The case is being investigated under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries between 10 and 15 years’ jail, a fine of between RM50,000 and RM100,000, and immediate suspension of the driving licence upon conviction. Investigations also involve Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries a maximum fine of RM5,000 or up to two years’ jail, as well as supervision for two to three years. Magistrate Siti Zubaidah Mahat ordered the suspect to be remanded for four days from yesterday to facilitate ongoing investigations.

Echoing these calls, Selangor exco V. Papparaidu urged tougher legal action, including maximum jail terms and caning. “This is no longer an isolated case. Far too many tragedies such as this have occurred. “Stricter enforcement and heavier punishments are needed to send a clear message. “Immediate support must also be extended to the victim’s family, especially when the deceased was the head of the household, to uphold justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.” He extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. “I am saddened by the crash in Jalan Raya Barat, Klang, which took the life of an innocent motorcyclist and father of two young children. “This incident again shows how dangerous driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs can be. It is devastating when such negligence claims the life of someone entirely innocent.” The tragedy unfolded when a man driving under the influence collided with a motorcyclist. A video of the incident shows a car hurtling down the wrong side of the road before striking the motorcycle.

General’s Chambers for prosecution. “The ministry views this incident seriously and stresses that the government will not compromise with any individual who drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs because it clearly endangers the lives of other road users.” He added that the ministry is also seeking to amend the Road Transport Act 1987 to require offenders to compensate victims’ families. “The ministry is drafting further amendments to the RTA to mandate that offenders provide compensation to victims’ families, alongside custodial sentences,” he said in a statement. Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal described the collision as “extreme negligence”, adding that current penalties are failing to deter intoxicated drivers. “Incidents such as these keep repeating, proving that the current legal approach is no longer adequate to address an increasingly alarming issue of drunk driving. “When a person is under the influence of alcohol but still chooses to drive, the law properly assumes that he has an intention to kill because his actions are practically at a high risk of taking the life of another person.”

long-awaited Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872) comes into force today, but experts caution that the landmark law risks becoming more symbolic than transformative if urgent refinements are not made. Touted as a major step towards formalising the country’s growing gig economy, the Act has been widely welcomed, yet industry players say critical gaps in its implementation could undermine its intended protections from day one. Ahead of its enforcement, transport think tank MY Mobility Vision, together with a cross-sector coalition comprising industry partners, government agencies, academics and gig worker groups, has unveiled a policy roadmap aimed at bridging the gap between the Act’s ambitions and realities on the ground. Central to their concern is a fundamental issue often overlooked in policy design, namely what gig workers actually take home. MY Mobility Vision executive director Rahman Hussin said the current framework fails to adequately account for the heavy cost burden borne by workers, with expenses such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, insurance, platform commissions and social protection contributions consuming up to 80% of gross earnings. “Policies anchored on gross income risk overstating what workers actually earn and understating the protection they truly need. “That is not worker protection, it is the appearance of it.” He said key institutional and PETALING JAYA: The government must act decisively against drunk drivers, with calls rising for the death penalty and harsher punishments following a crash in Klang on Sunday that claimed the life of a motorcyclist. Transport Minister Anthony Loke noted that Putrajaya would take a zero-tolerance approach against motorists who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, describing the incident as “criminal negligence” that is wholly unacceptable. “This loss is deeply heartbreaking. Incidents such as this not only claim innocent lives but are also a form of criminal negligence that cannot be accepted at all,” he said, urging police to expedite investigations so that the case can be referred to the Attorney o Such incidents represent wholly unacceptable form of criminal negligence: Transport minister Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Policy roadmap aims to refine Gig Workers Act 2025 PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s

Rahman said the current framework fails to adequately account for the heavy cost burden borne by workers. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

“Gig workers do not need symbolic protection. They need a system that reflects real costs, ensures fair earnings and treats governance institutions as more than a box-ticking exercise.” MY Mobility Vision has submitted its full policy paper to the relevant government agencies and indicated its readiness to provide technical input once the Consultative Council is established. “Malaysia’s gig workers have waited long enough. The question is no longer whether to act, but whether the Act will be implemented well.” – BY HARITH KAMAL

These include establishing a transparent and representative Consultative Council, shifting towards net earnings as the policy benchmark, and introducing dynamic, data-driven earnings floors that reflect real-world costs. It also calls for clearer rules governing worker deactivation and dispute resolution, a phased approach to mandatory social protection and greater transparency in algorithms that influence job allocation and pay. Rahman stressed that without these measures, the Act risks becoming a paper safeguard rather than a substantive one.

technical components of the Act remain unresolved even as it takes effect. “Act 872 provides the right framework, but with implementation beginning today, the Consultative Council is not yet formed and the earnings methodology remains undefined. “The government now faces a clear choice: enforce the letter of the law and hope for the best or get the engineering details right and ensure this law actually changes lives.” The roadmap outlines 10 recommendations to translate the legislation into meaningful safeguards.

LYFE TUESDAY | MAR 31, 2026 6 Heat wave yields higher quality mangoes

Long drought turning river water green

KOTA BHARU: River water turning green and falling water levels in several rivers in Kelantan are due to prolonged dry weather and ecosystem stress, and not an indication that the rivers are getting cleaner. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Earth Sciences Faculty Climate, Water and Environmental Resilience Research Group head Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Faiz Mohd Amin said the situations are interrelated due to the lack of rain. He explained that during the rainy season, Sungai Kelantan usually carries a high load of suspended sediment due to erosion, causing the water to be murky and brown. However, he noted that the reduction in the amount of rainfall slows down the flow of water and reduces the rate of erosion, causing the quantity of suspended sediment entering the river to decrease significantly. “This change is often misinterpreted as an improvement in water quality. In fact, it is just a physical change. “When the water becomes clearer, sunlight penetrates deeper and highlights the natural colours of the aquatic system, including the presence of phytoplankton or algae to a certain extent,” he explained. Mohamad Faiz said flowing rivers such as the Sungai Kelantan are not prone to large-scale algal blooms. “This green colour is more likely to be linked to a reduction in sediment than the presence of algae as the main cause.” Commenting on the decline in the water level of Sungai Golok to 3.26m, well below the normal level of five metres, he said the situation reduces the river’s ability to dilute pollutants. According to him, when the volume of water decreases, substances such as nutrients from agricultural waste or waste discharges will become more concentrated while the water temperature will increase. “This situation could affect water quality and put pressure on aquatic life. The impact could extend to threats to raw water supplies and daily drinking water for residents.” He stressed that the situation in Kelantan is an early indicator of a water security crisis driven by climate change, given the increasingly erratic rainfall patterns and longer drought periods. “Rivers that look more ‘beautiful’ today may be losing their natural ability to support life. “The approach to water resource management needs to change to a more adaptive, data-based and responsive system to climate change.” – Bernama

ALOR SETAR: The hot weather phenomenon that is hitting Kedah is a boon to Harumanis mango farmers as it is one of the main factors in the production of sweeter and higher quality fruit this season. State Agriculture, Plantation and Transport Committee chairman Dzowahir Ab Ghani said Kedah is one of the most suitable areas for planting Harumanis because the hot weather helps yield sweeter fruit. “The sweetness of this Harumanis fruit from Kedah, Harumanis D’Aman, has been recognised by many. That is why the demand outstrips supply. Currently, there are only 150,000 Harumanis trees, which is why we are aiming to plant 100,000 trees a year. “If this plan is successful, within five years we will be able to plant 500,000 Harumanis trees. When the fruit yield increases, we could meet demand from international and domestic markets,” he told reporters at the Fiesta Mempelam Harumanis D’Aman Kedah press conference here yesterday. He said the public is invited to attend the festival, which will be held from April 30 to May 3 in Tok Keling, Alor Setar, during which visitors can learn and get information related to Harumanis plants from entrepreneurs and the Agriculture Department. Harumanis D’Aman entrepreneur Datuk Mohd Yusof Ismail said he welcomes the state government’s efforts to increase Harumanis plants in Kedah because currently the supply of the fruit is not sufficient to be marketed abroad. “Right now in Kedah there are only 150,000 trees. It cannot meet the market, which is why the price can reach RM50 per kg and above due to high demand. This year, thankfully, the fruit is ripe because in the early stages of flowering the weather was beautiful, with temperatures between 35°C and 36°C, but it is not enough.” o Entrepreneur welcomes govt efforts to increase Harumanis plants to meet local, global demand

Dzowahir Ab Ghani said Kedah is one of the most suitable areas for planting Harumanis because the hot weather helps produce sweeter fruit. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

rice farmers get water supply for their rice crops. Many areas have cracked due to lack of water, but this matter is beyond our control. “That is why the state government took the initiative to dig tube wells. We are also asking the federal government to thoroughly study and find ways to deal with the continued hot weather in the future.”

When asked if this hot weather is affecting other crops in Kedah, Dzowahir said the temperatures, which can reach up to 40°C, are clearly affecting the rice crop, and many complaints have been received from rice farmers, Bernama reported. “We are studying and looking at suitable areas to build tube wells. We want to ensure

TUESDAY | MAR 31, 2026

7

Myanmar military chief steps down, eyes presidency

74 held for falsifying data reports

HANOI: Authorities in Vietnam have arrested more than 70 people, including government officials, accused of falsifying data from air and wastewater monitors at power plants and other major emitters. People’s Police newspaper said police had identified “nearly 160 environmental monitoring stations that had been tampered with, altered and had their data falsified” – accounting for more than half of the stations nationwide. Police arrested 74 people, including officials at state environmental agencies and others at businesses that discharge wastewater and install monitoring equipment, on charges related to monitoring violations. “Even though the monitoring equipment is sealed and has its own surveillance camera system, it was still being remotely adjusted via software,” the newspaper said. “The perpetrators interfered to reduce the output indicators thereby ensuring that the data sent to the management agency always remained within permissible levels.” Authorities said data sent to local environment departments from large-scale emitters of air pollution and wastewater, including the Quang Ninh Thermal Power Plant, Hai Phong Thermal Power Plant and Thai Binh 2 Thermal Power Plant, as well as aluminium and steel companies, were “being manipulated and altered in a sophisticated manner”. – AFP JAKARTA: Indonesia’s Attorney General Office (AGO) said yesterday that it has raided companies linked to the coal tycoon Samin Tan after he was identified over the weekend as a suspect in alleged illegal mining activities. Samin Tan is a once-influential deal-maker known for his US$1 billion (RM4 billion) investment in Bumi Plc, which helped rescue Indonesia’s powerful Bakrie family from a looming default. The AGO said the contract of work for Tan’s coal company, PT Asmin Koalindo Tuhup (AKT), was terminated in 2017, but the company allegedly continued mining operations up to last year. The case is the latest in Jakarta’s crackdown against illegal mining after President Prabowo Subianto vowed to eradicate bad practices in the exploitation of natural resources.

Prosecutors have raided and seized a number of assets linked to AKT and Samin Tan, and have questioned more than 20 witnesses, AGO spokeperson Anang Supriatna told reporters yesterday. “The raids and seizures are aimed at searching assets suspected of being related to, or are the proceeds of, crime,” he said. A government taskforce had previously seized nearly 1,700ha of the AKT mine in Central Kalimantan. The AGO is calculating the losses to the state caused by the alleged crime, Anang said, and a government taskforce has imposed a U$247.20 million administration fine on the company. Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission named Tan as a suspect in a bribery case in 2019 but he was legally exonerated. – Reuters YANGON: State Administration Council chairman Min Aung Hlaing stepped down as military chief yesterday to stand as president in a parliamentary vote. The 69-year-old general, who had commanded Myanmar’s armed forces since 2011, was one of two people named as vice-presidential candidates by lawmakers from the country’s newly convened lower house of parliament. The country’s upper house will also nominate a vice-presidential candidate, with both houses to select a president from the three in a later vote. A date for that vote has not been announced. “Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is proposed as a vice-presidential candidate,” Kyaw Kyaw Htay, a lawmaker from a military-aligned party, said on the floor of the lower house of parliament, according to a live broadcast of proceedings on state media. The move follows an election held in December and January, won by the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party. At a separate ceremony in the capital Naypyidaw, Min Aung Hlaing handed over the position of o Ex-intelligence chief appointed successor

commander-in-chief of the armed forces to Ye Win Oo, a veteran officer. “I will continue to serve the interests of the people, the military, and the national interests of the country,” he said in a speech broadcast by media. Ye Win Oo was appointed Myanmar’s intelligence chief in 2020, and was promoted to commander-in-chief of the army earlier this month. “The fact that he received two major promotions within two months clearly demonstrates that he is one of Min Aung Hlaing’s most trusted loyalists,” said Aung Kyaw Soe, an independent analyst. A graduate of the Officer Training School, rather than the elite Defence Services Academy that has long been a crucible for the officer corps, Ye Win Oo previously led an infantry division and the Southwestern Command in the Ayeyarwady delta in the country’s south. “Since the coup, he has retained the rank of general and held one of the most sensitive portfolios at the apex of the military administration,” the Institute for Strategy and Policy – Myanmar, a think tank based in Thailand, wrote in a March analysis. “Even so, General Ye Win Oo appears to lack the breadth of leadership experience that spans both battlefield command and institutional administration.” Born to a family from Myanmar’s

Min Aung Hlaing (left) symbolically handing over duties to his military successor Ye Win Oo during a ceremony in Naypyidaw yesterday. – MYANMAR MILITARY INFORMATION TEAM HANDOUT/AFPPIC

political rivals. He long had his eyes on becoming the country’s president, even though Myanmar’s raging civil war has dented the military’s prestige and hold over the country, Reuters has reported. “This has been Min Aung Hlaing’s goal all along,” said independent analyst Htin Kyaw Aye. “It’s just a shift from ruling as a military leader to ruling as president.” – Reuters

south, Min Aung Hlaing studied law before entering the military and rising steadily through the ranks, culminating in his promotion to military chief on this day 15 years ago. A rigid military leader and considered a ruthless operator, Min Aung Hlaing has relied on a finely tuned ability to manage the country’s elites, using tactics that include handing important positions to loyalists and punishing

Indonesian coal tycoon Samin Tan’s offices raided

KEEP WORKERS SAFE ... A Filipino protester rallies in front of the Department of Migrant Workers headquarters in Mandaluyong City, Philippines, yesterday calling for the protection of migrant workers in the Middle East. – REUTERSPIC

Over 300 Vietnamese accused of internet fraud HANOI: More than 300 Vietnamese accused of internet fraud have been arrested in Vietnam after being repatriated from Cambodia this month where authorities dismantled a transnational cyberscam ring. carry out sophisticated online scams, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

border with Thailand, and used social media and messaging apps to “defraud internet users, especially the elderly, frequent social media users, online traders and those with limited technological knowledge” in Vietnam. Police did not say how much money the group had obtained from victims. – AFP

Cambodia”, Dong Nai police said. Cambodia’s Immigration Department said this month that 776 Vietnamese nationals “involved in online fraud cases”in the country were deported to Vietnam on March 17. Vietnamese police said the accused had worked at a casino in the Cambodian city of Poipet, on the

internet fraud charges were made on Friday, said police in Vietnam’s Dong Nai province, which borders Cambodia. They were among nearly 400 Vietnamese handed over by Cambodian authorities on March 17 who “were part of a transnational online fraud ring dismantled in

Cambodia hosts dozens of scam centres with tens of thousands of people perpetrating online scams, some willingly and others trafficked, rights monitors say. The arrests of 343 people on

Across Southeast Asia, crime syndicates have used casinos, hotels and fortified compounds as bases to