01/04/2026

WEDNESDAY | APR 1, 2026

3 Teen completes SPM despite facing cancer, paralysis

Prioritise local goods, says Anwar

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians to prioritise local goods and support homegrown entrepreneurs as the country braces for the fallout from a worsening global energy crisis. Speaking after chairing a National Economic Action Council meeting yesterday, he said bolstering the domestic economy is crucial to weathering external shocks. “Prioritise local goods and support our entrepreneurs, as internal strength is our primary shield in facing the global energy crisis following the conflict in West Asia.” The council conducted a detailed review of the increasingly severe global energy crisis and its potential impact on the country’s economy and public wellbeing. Anwar said the world is entering a more challenging and uncertain phase, adding that Malaysia is not immune to its effects. “Therefore, we must not be complacent or overly comfortable. We must remain prepared with discipline, resilience and a strong spirit of unity.” He added that despite the headwinds, Malaysia’s economic fundamentals remain strong and resilient, with the Madani government committed to proactive and data-driven measures. He also assured that the government would continue engaging with industry players, and small and medium enterprises to ensure policies are comprehensive, balanced and effective. “God willing, every decision will continue to be guided by responsibility and the interests of the public.” Budi Diesel aid to be maintained PETALING JAYA: The government will continue its Budi Madani Diesel (Budi Diesel) aid at RM300 per month for April 2026, as global energy markets remain volatile. The Finance Ministry announced yesterday in a statement that an additional interim RM100 will also be provided, keeping the total assistance for Budi Individu and Budi Agri-Komoditi recipients at RM300. The aid will be disbursed from April 8, benefiting about 340,000 recipients with a total allocation of approximately RM102 million. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that the government remains acutely aware of the pressures facing households amid surging global fuel prices. “This measure ensures diesel users, particularly individuals and the agri-commodity sector, continue to receive support and are shielded from full exposure to global fuel price hikes.” Since its launch in May 2024, Budi Diesel has disbursed RM1.12 billion in cash aid, targeting those most in need while maintaining fiscal discipline amid ongoing global energy pressures. “The government is also exploring medium and long-term measures to ensure the subsidy system remains sustainable, transparent and continues to benefit (the public). “Officials will closely monitor global energy markets and are ready to take further steps to maintain a stable and sufficient supply.” – By Harith Kamal

o Fernandez relied on self-studying, online tuition to keep up

hard. Other people (also struggle).” Support from his school proved invaluable to the journey. “Everyone here is very supportive; my teachers and classmates, they’ve all been very kind to me. My teachers even built a ramp so I could reach my classroom, which wasn’t wheelchair friendly. “The principal moved my classroom downstairs and allowed me to eat in class during recess. My friends would help buy food for me. I’m very grateful.” Fernandez hopes to pursue interior design at Universiti Teknologi Mara. His message to future SPM candidates is simple but heartfelt: “Never give up. If you give up, you will feel down. Life is difficult for everyone. Struggle first, comfort later.”

Discharged hospital yesterday just in time for the results announcement, Fernandez continues to receive treatment amidst recurrent fevers and kidney issues. “He still wants to continue studying. He is strong. He really keeps going,” said Roselind. Fernandez’s schooling has been heavily disrupted. He missed out on the 2023 academic year, and only managed to keep up with half of 2024, before returning in 2025 while juggling medical appointments. He relied on online tuition and self-study to keep up. “If I wanted to study, I would put on music. It gives me the (right) vibe. If I feel it’s hard to study, I remind myself that others also find it hard. “Some can’t even write. I tell myself, it can’t just be me who has it from

collected his results: three As and four Bs – a triumph against all odds. “I really didn’t expect it because I was admitted to the ward many times,” he said, expressing disbelief. “I missed a lot of school because of hospital appointments. So I really, really didn’t expect it.” Originally from Sarawak, Fernandez moved with his family to Selangor 15 years ago. At 14, he was diagnosed with cancer. His mother, Roselind Jelanan, 40, recalled the shock of the diagnosis. “At first, we thought it was back pain because he fell playing badminton. “The doctor first said it was arthritis. But then his legs became swollen, and he couldn’t sleep. Later, an MRI revealed it was cancer, and after surgery, the doctors told us he would be paralysed.”

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KAJANG: Fernandez Mingeat never imagined he would hold a slip of paper celebrating academic success. Left paralysed after cancer treatment, the 17-year-old arts stream student from SMK Tinggi Kajang had spent years shuttling between hospital wards and classrooms, wondering if he could even complete his SPM examination. Yesterday, those fears were swept aside when Fernandez

Students react after receiving their SPM 2025 results at SMJK Yu Hua yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Mix of joy, relief and pride as students collect results KAJANG: Relief, quiet

last-minute study. “Just try your best and do everything before the exams. Don’t do things last minute,” she said, adding that she hopes to enter matriculation or the Institute of Teacher Education. At SMK Tinggi Kajang, Navynesh Vijaya Kumar also celebrated 11 As, after giving up one of his biggest distractions – video games. “I used to play (for about) seven hours a day. But once I reached Form Four, I started feeling the pressure. I realised I needed to build a strong foundation early on. By Form Five, I stopped gaming altogether.” – By Faiz Ruzman

high. But Alhamdulillah , she did well.” At the same school, Ng Hui San’s results day was marked by tears of joy. The accounting stream student, who scored 11 As, broke down after seeing her slip, although her parents were unable to attend due to work. “I was so excited, and then I just cried. Because I was so happy. I didn’t expect it.” Ng said the Bahasa Melayu and Chinese language papers were among the toughest, particularly the essay sections. Still, she kept a simple routine of revision and discipline rather than relying on

satisfied. I know I did my best,” said the accounting stream student. She added that adjusting to the school environment had not always been easy, despite her fluency in Mandarin. “At first, it was a bit difficult because the majority in my class are Chinese. Even though I’m fluent in the language, there are still some cultural differences.” Her mother, Rabiatul Badriah, 45, said she had high expectations but was unsure how her daughter would fare in a Chinese-medium school. “As a mother seeing a Malay child competing in a Chinese secondary school, the expectations are very

disappointment and tears of joy played out across schools yesterday as students collected their SPM results – each slip of paper carrying a story of hard work, sacrifice and resilience. At SMJK Yu Hua, Danisha Daria Muhammad Nur Azlan, who has studied in the Chinese-vernacular school since Form One, obtained five As, but admitted to feeling a tinge of sadness when comparing her results with her peers. “Honestly, I’m okay. I’ve made peace with fate. But, when I look at my friends whose results are even better, I do feel a little sad. But I’m