05/04/2026

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Malaysian Paper

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APR 5, 2026 | RM1.00 PER COPY | www.thesun.my

No. 9112 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

SORE SIGHT ... The Kuala Lumpur cityscape seen shrouded in haze yesterday as hot and dry conditions continue in the Klang Valley. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

With aim of alleviating waiting time and exorbitant bills, govt engages stakeholders to review regulatory processes and legislation to address inefficiencies that result in higher costs. Private healthcare cheer page 2

INSIDE

Engage in solutions-driven discourse on global economic woes, PM tells Opposition.

Volunteer teachers conduct initiative to bridge indigenous languages with English.

Malaysian Bar expresses shock over arrest of news portal journalists.

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NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday APR 5, 2026

“His Sixth MCA president and former Transport minister dies at age 82 Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com dedication, Nation mourns death of statesman Tun Dr Ling

Passing of a visionary leader KUALA LUMPUR: Former Transport minister and MCA Honorary Life president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik died yesterday morning. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong confirmed the news. Born in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, on Sept 13, 1943, Ling received his early education at King Edward VII School in Taiping, before attending the Royal Military College in Sungai Besi and completing his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Singapore in 1966. He began his career as a medical officer at the Penang General Hospital before entering politics by joining MCA in 1968. Ling was married to Toh Puan Ong Ee Nah, and the couple was blessed with two sons, Ling Hee Leong and Ling Hee Keat. He served as Mata Kuching MP for three terms (1974-1982) and subsequently represented Labis for four terms from 1986 to 1999, holding several key positions in the government, including as Parliamentary Secretary, Information deputy minister, Finance deputy minister and Education deputy minister. Ling’s last ministerial role was as Transport minister, a position he held for 17 years from 1986 until his resignation in 2003. As Transport minister, he played a key role in modernising the country’s ports and contributed significantly to the development of the KL International Airport. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Preparations for Malaysian pilgrims to the Holy Land for the 2026 haj season are well in place, with the first flight scheduled for April 18, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan. “I have just returned from an official visit to Medina and held a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Haj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, which was attended by many religious affairs ministers and haj ministers from around the world. “ Haj operations will proceed as planned. We have carried out very detailed planning and TH (Tabung Haji) has made the best possible preparations,” he said at a media conference after the 16th Convocation Ceremony of University MAIWP International yesterday. He added that TH also has a solid contingency plan to deal with any unforeseen changes. – Bernama 2026 Haj preparations proceeding smoothly

regional trade hub. “Perhaps one of his most enduring legacies was his role in the realisation of the Tanjung Pelepas Port, which today stands as one of Southeast Asia’s busiest transshipment ports.” Former Communications and Multimedia minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa recounted his personal connection with Ling. “Ling was a senior of mine at the Royal Military College, a Cabinet colleague under Tun Dr Mahathir (former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad) and even my neighbour in Bukit Damansara. “His death is a significant loss to the nation. My family and I feel the departure of a close friend and neighbour.” MIC deputy president and former Human Resources minister Datuk M. Saravanan also paid tribute. “I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Tun Dr Ling, a statesman who dedicated his life to the nation and the Malaysian Chinese community. “His leadership, particularly during his tenure as MCA president and minister, leaves behind a legacy of service, resilience and nation-building that will not be forgotten.”

Rahman University College (now Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman) “He personally led fundraising efforts, raising RM30 million to match government grants totalling RM60 million, to complete the main campus. His visionary approach also expanded the

leadership and commitment to public service will always be remembered, and serve as an inspiration to future generations.” MCA President and former Transport minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong described Ling as a visionary leader

Services Act 1998 to address inefficiencies that push costs onto patients. In a statement on X, its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the move follows discussions at the Joint Ministerial Committee Meeting on Private Healthcare Costs with Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Bank Negara Malaysia and private hospital CEOs. Dzulkefly said the ministry has invited all private hospitals to join the Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful base plan as Tier 1 providers. The pilot programme will roll out in stages across the Greater Klang Valley from July. The ministry is also set to implement Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) for payments at Tier 1 hospitals starting January 2027. DRG aims to make healthcare PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is mourning the loss of one of its most respected statesmen, Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik (pic) , whose decades-long service has left a lasting mark on the nation and the Malaysian Chinese community. Ling, who served as the sixth MCA president from 1986 to 2003 and as Transport minister during the same period, died yesterday at the age of 82, prompting tributes from leaders across the political spectrum. His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, King and Queen of Malaysia, expressed their condolences on his demise via the official Facebook page of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil highlighted Ling’s enduring contributions. “I extend my deepest condolences to Toh Puan Ong Ee Nah and the entire family of Dr Ling. “He was a political figure who greatly contributed to the nation’s development, including his service as Information deputy minister from 1976 to 1982.

university with branches in Penang, Johor, Perak and Pahang. “Today, its graduates are found across the globe – a testament to his foresight and tireless dedication.” Former MCA vice-president and former National Unity deputy minister Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker described Ling as a steady hand during times of transformation, serving with quiet resolve, pragmatism and a deep sense of duty. “Serving as Transport minister, Ling oversaw major developments in the country’s infrastructure and connectivity. “Under his tenure, Malaysia witnessed significant progress in port expansion, aviation growth and logistics modernisation, laying the groundwork for the nation’s emergence as a

whose influence extended far beyond politics. “His life was one of unwavering determination and tireless dedication. From a doctor committed to healing others to a political leader steering the party with vision, he left an indelible mark on the history of MCA. “In the 1995 general election, the party achieved its greatest success under his leadership, winning 30 parliamentary and 71 state seats. “He won not just votes but also the hearts of the Chinese community, cementing MCA as the strongest voice for Malaysian Chinese.” Wee also highlighted Ling’s transformative contributions to Chinese education, describing them as “etched into every brick” of the Tunku Abdul

Govt moves to cut rising bills at private hospitals PETALING JAYA: Long waits and rising bills at private hospitals could soon ease as the Health Ministry is reviewing the licensing and regulatory processes under the Private Healthcare Facilities and

The Health Ministry is reviewing the licensing and regulatory processes under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 to address inefficiencies that push costs onto patients. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

Network and share radiology images to avoid duplicate tests and reduce costs. – BY HARITH KAMAL

patient health outcomes. Hospitals are also encouraged to join the Malaysia Digital Health Certification

pricing more transparent and predictable while shifting from fee-for-service models to value-based care that prioritises

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday APR 5, 2026 ‘Drop rhetoric and focus on solutions-driven efforts’

WFH policy signals strategic response GEORGE TOWN: Amid growing global energy supply uncertainty, the government’s implementation of the work from home (WFH) policy is increasingly being viewed as a strategic measure that extends beyond conventional administrative practice. Two scholars from the Universiti Sains Malaysia Centre for Social Sciences said the policy should be understood as part of a broader adjustment of economic and social structures in response to evolving global and regional challenges. Dr Hipolitus Y.R. Wangge and Dr Law Chee Hong, drawing on data-driven analyses and observations of current policies, said Malaysia’s WFH approach reflects a more mature form of governance, shifting from rigid control to a flexible framework that allows institutions to tailor implementation according to their specific needs. They said from an international perspective, experiences in developed countries, such as Finland and Sweden, demonstrate that sustained remote working practices could help reduce traffic congestion, improve work-life balance and enhance workforce flexibility. “However, the effectiveness of the model is not universal. Work culture factors, organisational discipline and social structure play an important role in determining the outcome of the implementation of the policy. “In the Asian context, including Japan and South Korea, implementation of WFH often faces challenges due to traditional work cultures that emphasise physical presence and hierarchical structures,” they said in a joint statement. Law said a key distinction between the current rollout and the model used during the Covid-19 pandemic lies in the policy itself, which was previously mandatory and comprehensive, while the current approach is more flexible and non-coercive. “The flexibility enables both the public and private sectors to design implementation mechanisms that are better suited to their needs, while minimising risks to productivity and economic growth.” Meanwhile, Wangge said from a macroeconomic standpoint, reducing fuel consumption is a primary driver of the policy. “By lowering the need for daily commuting, the government could better manage fuel subsidy expenditure and strengthen the country’s fiscal position.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

were also presented. “In addition, I emphasised the priority of allocating funds for repairing or expanding stalls for traders in need in the Kuantan district to improve the economic level of the majority of the people, and not just focus on large or mega projects.” Anwar also urged the Kuantan District Council and the Housing and Local Government Ministry to monitor the requirements of traders so that they could conduct their businesses more comfortably and increase their income. – Bernama subsidies for RON95 and diesel. “While diesel prices have been adjusted for the general market, subsidies remain for farmers, fishermen and public transport. “So, where will it (the money) come from? If we raise taxes, the public would be angry. If we don’t tax, there would be no money.” Anwar reiterated that the moment demands political maturity, not noise. “This is the time for constructive engagement between government and Opposition, not statements without understanding or knowledge. “Reflect on this. Malaysia is not insulated from global pressures. I hope the public understands both our limitations and our efforts.” He added that prolonged instability could force a reassessment of growth targets and development plans. “For now, we are holding steady,” he said, adding that the government is managing the situation through the National Economic Action Council and National Security Council. “A special task force has also been formed, and all ministers are working to navigate the crisis.” He also reaffirmed that education would remain a top priority. He emphasised that the approach is aimed at safeguarding the quality of education for future generations. “Our policy is to ensure that approved educational projects are implemented without delay. “Large-scale projects requiring longer timelines may take more time, but smaller initiatives, particularly in education and healthcare, will be prioritised.”

Anwar decries political posturing by Opposition amid global economic woes

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia cannot escape the global economic storm and all parties, especially the Opposition, must rise above empty rhetoric and engage in serious, solutions-driven discourse, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He added that while the country is grappling with external shocks beyond its control, its economic fundamentals remain intact. “While I sometimes hear the Opposition shouting criticisms, the reality is that the latest report by Bank Negara Malaysia shows our economic performance has improved (and is) better than projected. “Growth, investment and inflation are all stronger than expected,” he said during a

He called on the prime minister to recognise the depth of public frustration and the reasons behind the anger. Despite mounting pressures, Anwar defended Putrajaya’s handling of fuel prices, adding that Malaysia continues to shield consumers. “Oil prices have risen and both the government and I have been criticised. Yet, our RON95 price remains among the lowest globally. “Even when we reduced the subsidised quota from 300 litres to 200 litres in these difficult conditions, criticism persisted.” Anwar said the government is currently absorbing about RM6 billion a month in

meet-and-greet session at SMK Clifford in Kuala Kangsar, Perak yesterday. However, Anwar cautioned that the global landscape remains volatile and urged critics to move beyond political posturing. “The world has been shaken, not just by an oil and gas crisis, but also a wider economic shock. “This goes beyond the Strait of Hormuz, it is disrupting global oil production itself.” The fuel price issue has drawn attention in recent days. Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said consecutive diesel price hikes could have a ripple effect that would burden the public.

“This also creates room for targeted assistance to sectors affected by global uncertainties.” – Bernama Govt taking precautions to address impact of energy crisis KUALA LUMPUR: The government has taken precautionary measures in projects and state government initiatives, covering issues such as the increase in the price of construction materials for MEETING FUTURE LEADERS ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim interacting with students during a visit to the Malay College Kuala Kangsar in Perak yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

government – especially the Kuantan district – must focus primarily on ensuring that small projects under the Rolling Plan approved under the 13th Malaysia Plan are promptly implemented. Regarding land matters in project implementation, Anwar said the federal government would provide the best possible solutions to state governments to facilitate the implementation of approved projects and avoid long delays. He said he was earlier briefed on the status and progress of the implementation of federal

the public. “Regarding the increase in cost of living, the government is taking immediate and comprehensive measures to ensure the public are protected and supported, in the short term and long term, from the current economic pressures. “This development is continuously monitored and addressed from the early stages to ensure that its direct impact on the country’s economy could be minimised,” He said the federal government, with the close cooperation of the Pahang

coordinating the implementation of national policies, particularly to address the impact of the global energy crisis, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He added that the issue was emphasised at the Kuantan District Development Meeting during his one-day working visit to the district on Friday. He also said national defence and security have been strengthened to ensure the wellbeing of the government and

educational institutions such as schools, drainage maintenance for flood mitigation areas as well as areas that have never experienced floods. “The status of the public’s wellbeing, including hardcore poverty, the crime index, the Madani Adopted Village and Madani Adopted School initiatives, the status of stall development in the Kuantan district and the proposed Cakna Madani projects

NATIONAL 4 theSun on Sunday APR 5, 2026

Initiative to bridge indigenous languages with English

system used water from Sungai Semawak, located about 800m from a NERC turbine. He said following repairs, the system now supplies electricity to various facilities, including the surau , chalets, laboratory, halls and dormitories. “The main challenge is the dry season. Hence, efforts are being made to improve the system.” – Bernama Tuba fishing sparks concern DUNGUN: Residents of Felda Kerteh 3 in Paka near here have raised concern over increasingly rampant tuba (poison) fishing in Sungai Rasau, which is affecting the livelihoods of local fishermen. Felda Kerteh 3 Village Development and Security Committee chairman Alias Mamat said since January, four cases of fish poisoning using the plant-based toxin have been reported in the river, with the latest incident occurring on Wednesday. He added that such irresponsible acts damage the river ecosystem and threaten the sustainability of aquatic life. “In the latest incident, thousands of dead fish were seen floating at various points along Sungai Rasau, believed to have been poisoned. “The individuals responsible are thought to have carried out tuba fishing at multiple spots along the river, spanning about four kilometres from Felda Kerteh 1 to Felda Kerteh 3.” He said among the species found dead were lampam , baung , sebarau , selat , tilan , terbul and haruan . Meanwhile, 60-year-old villager Zawawi Ibrahim said he often fishes in the river, relying on his catch not only for daily meals but also to supplement his family’s income. “I catch lampam , baung and sebarau as they fetch high prices in the market, between RM15 and RM25 per kg. “The fish are becoming increasingly scarce in the river due to widespread tuba fishing, especially during the dry season.” Felda Kerteh 3 manager Mohamad Hairun Abd Rahman, 38, expressed disappointment over the actions of individuals who use tuba to catch large numbers of fish, even at the cost of killing young fish and damaging the ecosystem. He said the river is a popular spot for residents as well as outsiders for fishing, in addition to being an important source of livelihood for the local community. “We will report this to the Fisheries Department so that an investigation could be carried out and those responsible could be held accountable, to prevent such activities from happening again.” – Bernama

KUCHING: In efforts to encourage the learning and usage of Sarawakian indigenous languages and English, a group of children took part in a reading session on literature and local stories recently. The session, organised by NGO Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Malaysia and the Salvation Army Kuching, was conducted by volunteer teachers. It was held at the Salvation Army centre in Jalan Sekama on March 28. HWPL Malaysia deputy general-director (Public Relations Department) Kelly Sim told theSun that the initiative supports Malaysia’s National Reading Decade 2021–2030 initiative, led by the Education Ministry. “The session we organised aligns with national efforts to build a strong reading culture and strengthen social unity. “The inaugural reading session marked a meaningful step in supporting children’s literacy development. “Conducted in small groups, the session saw tutors guiding children through reading activities to build their vocabulary, pronunciation and confidence,” she said. She added that writers, educators and community members – especially those producing works in indigenous languages such as Bidayuh , Iban and other native dialects – were encouraged to share their stories with young readers. “Within the initial session, noticeable improvements were observed as students became more comfortable and expressive in reading aloud, demonstrating the value of Session aimed at building reading culture and fostering unity: Organiser Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Sim said HWPL welcomes collaboration with educational institutions, community organisations, authors and cultural groups that share a common vision of promoting literacy. – PIC COURTESY OF HWPL MALAYSIA

Through these partnerships and similar programmes, we are confident to reach more children and create meaningful learning opportunities across communities.” She also said, as highlighted by National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, that reading plays a key role in nation-building, as it “strengthens national unity through the sharing of knowledge, values and understanding among communities”. She added that reading, especially reading aloud, plays an important role in a child’s development. “It helps improve vocabulary and pronunciation while building confidence in communication. “With proper guidance, children are better equipped to express themselves, engage with others and grow into confident individuals within their communities. “By introducing children to books, be it in their mother tongue or English, the initiative supports both learning and the preservation of cultural identity.”.

She added that visual aids and group activities were also incorporated to enhance learning. “We used slides during the session and then provided printed materials for the children to practise together in groups. “Stories that actively engage the students could help them expand their English vocabulary and build confidence.” Salvation Army volunteer Thian Swee Choo, 32, noted positive response from children who attended the session. “It was very engaging. The children were divided into three groups, and each child had a chance to read different passages. There was also a warm-up video at the beginning to help them relax.” Sim said to further grow its impact, HWPL Malaysia welcomes collaboration with educational institutions, community organisations, authors and cultural groups that share a common vision of promoting literacy and cultural heritage. “We hope that we could collaborate with more groups.

consistent guidance in early learning. “Following this positive start, the session will be expanded to reach more communities, providing children with continued access to structured reading support. “Beyond literacy, the initiative also aims to foster unity by creating inclusive spaces in which children from different backgrounds could learn and grow together. “As a country rich in cultural diversity, such sessions would also promote the appreciation and preservation of local heritage.” Sharing her experience at the reading session, HWPL educator Christine Ting, 39, said it was designed to be interactive and engaging for young learners. “The reading session also involved a power-point presentation. “One of the stories we used was about a monkey who finds his laugh with the help of his animal friends. “It includes fun words such ‘Hello!’ and ‘Bang!’, which the children can say out loud while practising,” she said.

Varsity to deploy hybrid power system for Orang Asli community MERSING: Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) is set to broaden its deployment of a hybrid solar-micro-hydro system to benefit the Orang Asli community in Kampung Peta as a sustainable and more dependable source of electricity. National Parks Corporation at the Endau-Rompin National Park, has been in operation since 2013 and serves as the primary source of electricity for the Nature Education and Research Centre (NERC) in Mersing. during the UTHM-PTNJ Edutourism Field Trip Expedition at NERC in Endau-Rompin National Park. He said efforts to upgrade the electricity generation system, which has a capacity of about 15 kilowatts (kW), were underway following damage caused by a flood in 2023. He added that the new system is not only more sustainable, but also capable of reducing operating costs compared with diesel-powered generators. The programme aims to explore, strengthen and develop strategic collaborations to advance UTHM’s edutourism initiatives through the Living Lab @ NERC, which showcases the system as a key attraction for high-impact edutourism. UTHM Ecohydro Focus Group researcher Dr Izat Yahya said the UTHM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mas Fawzi Mohd Ali said the system, developed in collaboration with the Johor “The focus now is to ensure that the system at NERC and corporation facilities is stable before expanding it to the community,” he told Bernama

NATIONAL 5 theSun on Sunday APR 5, 2026

Malaysian Bar shocked by arrest of journalists

woman died after being trapped in a fire that destroyed a terrace house in Taman Mantin Baharu here on Friday. A Negeri Sembilan Fire and Rescue Department spokesperson said a report on the incident involving the 32-year-old woman was received at 11.33pm. “The fire involved a terrace house measuring 6m by 20m, which was completely Company manager falls victim to land sale scam JOHOR BAHRU: A company manager has lost more than RM1.3 million after allegedly falling victim to a fraudulent land sale scheme in Kulai earlier this year. District police chief ACP Tan Seng Lee said a report on the incident was lodged on Jan 8 by a 42-year-old man. Initial investigations found that the victim’s company, through its appointed lawyer, had expressed interest in purchasing a property and paid a deposit to a law firm purportedly representing the seller. “However, the victim was later informed that the deposit had been released to the seller even though the transaction had not been finalised.” He added that the victim discovered that the actual landowner had never appointed any party to sell the property, prompting him to lodge a police report after realising he had been cheated. The victim claimed that his company suffered losses of RM1,338,163.20 in a scam involving the law firm. Tan said the case concerned a proposed purchase of more than 80ha of land in the Mukim Sedenak area. He added that the law firm is believed to have been operating in the Kulai area for over 10 years. “No arrests have been made. The suspect has been identified and probes are ongoing to gather supporting documents and evidence.” The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a sentence of between one and 10 years’ jail, along with caning and a fine upon conviction. The public is urged to exercise caution and use official channels provided by the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), including the National Scam Response Centre, CCID Infoline and Semak Mule, to verify financial transactions. They can also stay informed on commercial crime methods via the official police Facebook page. – Bernama

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

‘Media must remain free from fear or favour, and report fairly at all times’

Man held over abuse of kitten SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Veterinary Services Department has detained a man suspected of abusing a kitten in an incident at a self-service laundrette in the Kajang area. The department said the man, believed to be in his 40s, was detained after a team was deployed to the scene at about 11am on Friday to conduct an inspection. It added that the action followed information and public complaints after a 59-second video was posted on social media showing a man repeatedly throwing a kitten against a wall and onto a mattress. An inspection at the premises found a kitten, believed to be the same as the one in the video at the location. “Further checks by officers found that the suspect was also present nearby. “Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect is believed to have committed the act between 3.40am and 3.50am,” it said, adding that the man was detained for further investigation and a remand application was made under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The kitten and a phone believed to belong to the suspect were seized for further examination and investigation under Subsection 29(1)(a) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015. – Bernama after ignoring warnings from two security guards. Kedah police chief Adzli Abu Shah said they did not have permission to enter the industrial park. Meanwhile, Nantha Kumar has denied claims that he requested RM100,000 from a Pakistani national, and later agreeing to bring the amount down to RM20,000. He is accused of receiving the said amount as inducement to remove and not publish stories related to a foreign worker syndicate on the Malaysiakini website. On Feb 28, he was arrested and remanded for four days to assist in a bribery probe. Last month, Malaysiakini published Nantha Kumar’s account of the events that led to his arrest. He maintains that he was working with a state Immigration director to expose a syndicate involved in exploiting foreign workers.

KUALA The Malaysian Bar has expressed shock over the arrest of Tamil news site Thinathanti journalist Kalidas Subramaniam and Malaysiakini senior journalist B. Nantha Kumar, in connection with their reporting on two migrant worker-related matters. Malaysian Bar president Anand Raj said in a statement the action was “incompatible with the rule of law for journalists and the media to be subjected to arrest for doing their job”. “The media must remain free from fear or favour, and report fairly at all times. “Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) 1966 codify and provide that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion LUMPUR:

the rule of law.” On Monday, Kalidas was arrested in Kulim by officers from the district police headquarters after he is said to have entered Kulim Hi-Tech Park without permission at 3pm on March 26. Kalidas was held for over 24 hours before being released on bail. He was working on a report on allegations that about 300 undocumented foreign workers were working at a refinery construction site. Police are investigating Kalidas under Section 447 of the Penal Code for criminal trespass and he faces up to six months’ prison or a RM3,000 fine, if convicted. Kalidas was arrested with 10 NGO members, who were also charged with trespass

and expression.” “The Malaysian Bar would like to reiterate our call for Malaysia to ratify the ICCPR, which is consistent with its commitment to uphold fundamental liberties and the rule of law.” Anand, who was elected president for the 2026/2027 term on March 14, said Malaysia’s ranking at 88th place in the World Press Freedom Index remains a source of great concern. “The Malaysian Bar calls for authorities to ensure any and all probes are conducted strictly in accordance with the rule of law, without in any way hindering journalistic work and without intimidation. “A free media is indispensable to democracy and a crucial prerequisite of

PROUD PARADE ... Army chief Jen Datuk Azhan Md Othman inspecting a guard-of-honour in conjunction with the 93rd Army Celebration at Kem Perdana Sungai Besi in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Paralysed woman dies in house fire SEREMBAN: A paralysed

investigations found no criminal elements linked to the incident. He said the victim’s remains have been sent to the Rembau Hospital Forensic Unit for a post-mortem and the case has been classified as sudden death. He urged anyone with information on the incident to assist the investigation by contacting the Nilai district police headquarters at 06-790 4222 or the nearest police station. – Bernama

when the fire broke out. “Her younger brother had gone out to buy food and was only informed later that the house was on fire. “According to neighbours, they heard the woman calling for help but could not enter as the fire was raging and the house door was closed, preventing anyone from rescuing her.” Nilai district police chief Supt Johari Yahya said preliminary

destroyed. The woman was found charred in the master bedroom by health officials.” The spokesperson added that the blaze was brought under control at 11.50pm, with 14 officers and personnel involved in the operation. Nilai assemblyman J. Arul Kumar said the woman, who had suffered a stroke and was partially paralysed, lived with her younger brother and is believed to have been asleep

NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday APR 5, 2026

Classic fire engine featured in Madani event IPOH: A classic British-made Dennis Fire Engine, estimated to be about a century old, has become one of the main attractions for visitors to the Madani Rakyat event at Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah here. Perak Fire and Rescue Department Fire Safety Division senior fire superintendent II Md Taufik Asyarun Zainuddin said the engine is one of the heritage assets preserved at the department’s Mechanical Engineering Centre in Sepang, Selangor. “It is not just a classic asset, but also carries high historical value as it is among the earliest fire engines used. “This engine is kept at the Engineering Division in Salak Tinggi, Selangor, which is responsible for its maintenance.” He said the vehicle is still operational for short distances and equipped with various basic tools that were once used in firefighting operations. “With its tall, elongated front grille, the prominent ‘Dennis’ badge at the front and classic round headlights, this engine stands out with its own identity. “Also complementing its classic features is a traditional bell that was once used as an emergency signal.” Md Taufik said the inclusion of the Dennis Fire Engine at the event allows visitors to understand the evolution of fire engines from the classic era to the modern age. “Visitors can not only view it up close but are also allowed to climb aboard, sit in the driver’s seat and experience holding the steering wheel of this classic vehicle.” – Bernama

Revamped Chinatown wows local, foreign visitors

KUALA LUMPUR: The Petaling Street area, better known as Chinatown, still features the familiar rhythm of bargaining voices and allure of street food. But today, the historic enclave offers a renewed charm that is captivating local and international visitors. It has become a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts and urban explorers, with a growing cluster of aesthetic cafes breathing new life into its ageing shophouses. Revitalisation efforts led by Kuala Lumpur City Hall, in collaboration with the private sector, have extended beyond Petaling Street. Previously neglected corners have been reimagined into vibrant spaces and transformed into popular backdrops for photos and social media content. Among the highlights is Kwai Chai Hong, between Lorong Panggung and Petaling Street. Once a dim alley, it has undergone a transformation into one of the city’s most Instagrammable mural spaces. Set against interactive murals depicting everyday life in the 1960s, Kwai Chai Hong, which translates from Cantonese as “Little Ghost Lane”, has become transformed into popular backdrops for photography Neglected corners reimagined into vibrant spaces and

The project’s main scope includes roof replacement, reorganisation of electrical wiring systems, as well as restructuring of hawker spaces into more orderly, covered areas, with a total cost of about RM7 million. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

maintenance would remain a priority, including prompt action on any reported facility damage to ensure upgraded amenities remain functional, Bernama reported. “City Hall is committed to ensuring infrastructure and public facilities are always in the best condition, clean, safe and well maintained, while ensuring hawker and business operations comply with established guidelines. “This is to provide a comfortable experience for visitors and enhance Kuala Lumpur’s appeal as a leading tourism destination.”

Street upgrading project, which began on March 3 last year, is expected to be fully completed by May 1 this year. The effort involves close collaboration with the Petaling Street Hawkers Association, Petaling Street Traders Association, consultants and contractors. The project’s main scope includes roof replacement, reorganisation of electrical wiring systems, as well as restructuring of hawker spaces into more orderly, covered areas, with a total cost of about RM7 million. City Hall said long-term

a focal point for visitors. Nearby, the revitalised Lee Lam Thye Market has also emerged as a key attraction. It stands as a landmark that blends traditional architecture with contemporary aesthetics. Known for its high green roof, earning it the nickname “Green Dragon”, the structure underwent a large upgrade, including the replacement of its old roofing system with a sturdier one. The project, completed in December 2025, was carried out in three phases beginning April the same year. City Hall said the Petaling

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

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theSun on Sunday APR 5, 2026

WORLD 7

Two arrested in Australia fugitive investigation MELBOURNE: Australian police said two people were arrested yesterday as part of an investigation into how a fugitive evaded capture for seven months after he had killed two police officers. Desmond Freeman was shot and killed by police at a remote property in northern Victoria state on Monday, ending a manhunt which began in August last year when the 56-year-old fled into dense bushland.

Following the shooting of Freeman, Victoria police chief commissioner Mike Bush described the manhunt as one of the “most significantly resourced police operations” in Australian history. – AFP

separate properties in northeast Victoria and would be interviewed. “The investigation remains ongoing and as such, we are not in a position to provide further details,” a police statement said.

Police resources were poured into the search for Freeman after he shot and killed two officers who had come to search his rural home in Victoria. Police said a man and woman were arrested yesterday at two

Astronauts to orbit Moon

Quake claims eight in Afghan family KABUL: An earthquake that struck Afghanistan on Friday night killed eight members of the same family in Kabul province, the Health Ministry said yesterday. The 5.8-magnitude quake struck at 8.42pm on Friday (12.12am yesterday in Malaysia) at a depth of 186km at the epicentre in northeastern Badakhshan province, according to the US Geological Survey. “In the Gosfand Dara area of Kabul Province, eight members of a family died as a result of the earthquake,” Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman said in a message to media. He said a child aged two was the only survivor from the household and the country’s disaster management agency said the boy had been injured in the tremor. Afghanistan is frequently jolted by earthquakes, particularly along the Hindu Kush mountain range near where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates meet. In August, a shallow magnitude 6 earthquake wiped out mountainside villages and killed more than 2,200 people in eastern Afghanistan, making it the deadliest tremor in the country’s recent history. – AFP 2,800 displaced in Central Java JAKARTA: A total of 2,839 people have been displaced by flooding in Demak Regency, Central Java Province, following days of heavy rainfall and the overflow of the Tuntang River. Head of the Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre at Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency Abdul Muhari said as of 9am yesterday, floodwaters had inundated several low-lying areas and triggered embankment breaches, forcing residents to evacuate. He said the situation worsened after embankments collapsed in the Guntur subdistrict, particularly in Trimulyo and Sidoharjo villages, causing water to flood residential areas and farmland. Flooding has affected eight villages across four subdistricts – Guntur, Karangtengah, Wonosalam and Kebonagung – he said in a statement. According to him, floodwaters in some areas, especially in Trimulyo and Ploso villages, reached depths of up to 150cm, cutting off road access for smaller vehicles and disrupting daily activities. Abdul Muhari said authorities in Demak Regency have set up evacuation centres at mosques, government offices and other community facilities. – Bernama

Feat last done more than 50 years ago

month and is already drawing many visitors. Borneo orangutans enter breeding age between 12 and 15. “She is smart, gentle and loves to eat, especially oranges from Ehime Prefecture,” said her keeper, Eriko Inoue. “We hope this matchmaking is successful,” she said, adding that she hopes visitors will learn about the situation facing wild orangutans through Jennifer. – Bernama Hawkins the photographs taken by mission commander Wiseman, calling them “amazing” during a briefing on Friday. “We continue to learn all about our spacecraft as we operate it in deep space with crew for the first time,” Hawkins said. “It’s important to remind ourselves of that as we learn a little bit more day by day.” Friday’s to-do list includes a CPR demonstration and medical kit checks, the US space agency said, as well as preparation for the scientific observations they would need to document when they are closest to the Moon on day six of their journey. Nasa officials reported on Friday that all systems were performing well, and that the astronauts were in “great spirits” and had spoken to their families. The next major milestone of the 10-day journey is expected on Sunday night, at which point the astronauts will enter the “lunar sphere of influence” – when the Moon’s gravity will have stronger pull on the spacecraft than Earth’s. If all proceeds smoothly, as Orion whips around the Moon the astronauts could set a record by venturing farther from Earth than any human before. “There is nothing normal about this,” said Wiseman on Thursday. “Sending four humans 250,000 miles away (402,336km) is a Herculean effort, and we are now just realising the gravity of that.” The Artemis 2 mission is part of a plan to repeatedly return to the Moon, with the goal of establishing a lunar base that will offer a platform for further exploration. – AFP praised

continued perform equipment checks and tests. “There has been a tremendous amount of disbelief for me, it’s just so extraordinary,” said Canadian Jeremy Hansen during a Q&A session with the press on Thursday. “I really like it up here. The views are extraordinary,” said Hansen, who is on his first ever journey to space. “It’s really fun to be floating around in zero gravity. It just makes me feel like a little kid,” he added. Hansen is on the crew with Americans Koch, Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman. They are due to loop around the Moon early next week – a feat not accomplished in more than 50 years. Nasa official Lakiesha to

the docking hatch right now, it is a beautiful sight,” Koch said at about 11pm on Friday (noon in Malaysia yesterday), according to the space agency’s official live broadcast. Nasa’s online dashboard showed early yesterday that the spacecraft carrying the astronauts was more than 229,000km from Earth. The space agency earlier released images from Orion that included a full portrait of Earth, featuring its deep blue oceans and billowing clouds. After a flurry of high-stakes activity, including a dramatic blast-off and an engine firing that catapulted them on their historic trajectory to circle the Moon, the four astronauts aboard were able to catch their breath, even as they

HOUSTON: 2 astronauts passed the halfway point between Earth and the Moon yesterday as they sped toward a planned lunar flyby, with Nasa releasing initial images of Earth taken from inside the Orion spacecraft. Astronaut Christina Koch said the crew had a collective “expression of joy” upon being told of the milestone, which was hit around two days, five hours and 24 minutes after the spacecraft blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. “We can see the Moon out of Artemis

(From left) Hansen, Wiseman, Koch and Glover heading to orbit the Moon. – AFPPIC

Zoos team up to breed endangered orangutan MATSUYAMA: A zoo in western Japan aims to breed as the species is limited in Japan and listed as critically

Indonesia signed a wildlife conservation agreement in 2024, followed by a breeding loan agreement between the two zoos last April. Tobe Zoo welcomed a female Bornean orangutan named Jennifer in December, bringing the total number of orangutans at the zoo to three, including a Sumatran orangutan. The 15-year-old female has been on public display since last

endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. A turning point came in 2018, when Taman Safari Indonesia proposed launching a joint orangutan conservation project with the prefecture-run zoo, a facility that had previously succeeded in breeding Sumatran orangutans. Ehime Prefecture and

endangered orangutans by pairing a male at the zoo with a female from an Indonesian zoo under a rare wildlife conservation agreement, Kyodo News reported. Hayato, a 15-year-old male Bornean orangutan at Tobe Zoological Park of Ehime Prefecture, has reached breeding age, but the zoo has struggled to find him a partner

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Race to find pilot of crashed US fighter jet

Call to tax windfall profits of energy firms BERLIN: Five European Union finance ministers are calling for a tax on windfall profits of energy companies in reaction to rising fuel prices, according to a letter from the ministers to the EU Commission seen by Reuters yesterday. The finance ministers of Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Austria made the joint call in a letter dated Friday, saying such a measure would be a signal that “we stand united and are able to take action”. “It would also send a clear message that those who profit from the consequences of the war must do their part to ease the burden on the general public,” they wrote. In the letter, addressed to EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, the ministers pointed to a similar emergency tax in 2022 to address high energy prices. “Given the current market distortions and fiscal constraints, the European Commission should swiftly develop a similar EU-wide contribution instrument grounded on a solid legal basis,” they wrote. The letter gave no details of what level of windfall tax the ministers were proposing, or on which companies it should fall. The bloc’s energy chief said on Tuesday it was considering reviving energy crisis measures used in 2022, including proposals to curb grid tariffs and taxes on electricity. The EU introduced a suite of emergency policies in 2022, after Russia cut gas deliveries. They included an EU-wide cap on gas prices, a tax on energy companies’ windfall profits, and targets to curb gas demand. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said Brussels was concerned about Europe’s supply of refined petroleum products. – Reuters but we are not having boots on the ground in Iran,” he said. Herald Sun reported that a small contingent of about 90 SAS members was sent to West Asia two weeks ago. According to the report, the soldiers most likely travelled to the Al Minhad Air Base. Communications Minister Anika Wells also did not rule out reports that Australia had sent special forces to West Asia when asked on ABC News Breakfast on Friday. “I want to reassure Australians, we are not involved in offensive action overseas in Iran,” she said. “Obviously, the specifics of when and where assets are deployed in the region, as you would imagine, are operational, and I can’t comment on them.” – Bernama

TEHRAN: and American forces raced each other yesterday to recover a crew member of the first US fighter jet to go down inside Iran. Tehran said it had shot down the F-15 warplane, while US media reported special forces had rescued one of its two crew members. Iran’s military also said it downed an A-10 ground attack aircraft in the Gulf, with US media saying the pilot was rescued. Iran offers reward Iranian

Iran parliament speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf mocked the Trump administration. He wrote on X: “After defeating Iran 37 times in a row, this brilliant no-strategy war they started has now been downgraded from ‘regime change’ to ‘Hey! Can anyone find our pilots? Please?’” Several blasts were heard coming from Tehran’s north yesterday. In the area around a bridge west of Tehran that was targeted by the United States, a reporter saw a villa and residential buildings with blown-out windows, but no military installations. According to the martyrs foundation of Alborz province, cited by the IRNA agency, the attack killed 13 civilians and wounded dozens. Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari warned that Iran would increase its own attacks on energy sites in the region in response to threats attacks on infrastructure. A drone attack on a refinery owned by Kuwait’s national oil company on Friday sparked fires, while a separate Iranian attack damaged a power and desalination complex. The Israeli military said on Friday it had struck more than 3,500 targets across Lebanon in a month. It said it would also attack two bridges in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa region “to prevent the transfer of reinforcements and military equipment”. Lebanese state media later reported that Israel destroyed one bridge in the region and local media said a second bridge was also hit. – AFP

anyone who captured a crew member alive would “receive a valuable reward”. The US military has announced the loss of several aircraft during Iran operations, including a tanker that crashed in Iraq and three F-15s shot down by Kuwaiti friendly fire. Retired US brigadier-general Houston Cantwell, who has 400 hours of combat flight experience, said a pilot’s training would kick in before he or she parachutes to the ground. “My priority would be, first of all, concealment, because I don’t want to be captured,” he said.

US Central Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the loss of the F-15, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “The president has been briefed.” President Donald Trump said the F-15 loss would not affect negotiations with Iran. A spokesperson for the Iranian military’s central operational command said “an American fighter jet in central Iranian airspace was destroyed by the IRGC Aerospace Force’s advanced air defence system.” An Iranian reporter said

SAS deployed to UAE ISTANBUL: Australia said it has responded to a request from the United Arab Emirates by dispatching a military plane but refused to confirm the deployment of troops.

An Iranian photographs the B1 bridge after a strike in Karaj, 35km southwest of Tehran. – AFPPIC

Russia jams VPNs, triggers payment system woes MOSCOW: Telegram founder Pavel Durov said yesterday that Russia’s attempt to block Virtual Private Networks (VPN) metro to allow entry without payment through its turnstiles, while a regional zoo had to ask visitors to use cash.

Russia has slowed down Telegram, which has more than one billion active users and is also widely used in Ukraine, and investigated Durov in a criminal case involving accusations of terrorism. Russian officials said Telegram had been penetrated by Ukraine and Nato member intelligence agencies, and that Russian soldiers had died as a result. Telegram has denied such penetration, saying Moscow is trying to force Russians to use MAX, a state-backed messenger app schools and universities have been told to use. – Reuters

“We don’t comment on the movements of our special forces. We are not having boots on the ground in Iran,” Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Friday. Marles did not directly answer questions regarding a media report that the Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment has been deployed to Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE. “The government’s posture is to provide support to the countries of the Gulf. We’ve responded to a request from the United Arab Emirates. Our E-7 Wedgetail is in the region providing that support,

“Welcome back to the Digital Resistance, my Russian brothers and sisters,” Durov said on Telegram. “The nation is now mobilised to bypass these absurd restrictions.” Russian officials say the clampdown on VPNs and messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram is essential for security as Moscow faces deadly attacks deep inside Russia from Ukraine and alleged attempts at sabotage by Western intelligence agencies.

triggered a problem with a domestic payment system, adding that tens of millions of Russians were resisting digital controls. Russia has repeatedly blocked mobile internet and granted sweeping powers to cut off mass communications while jamming messenger services and VPNs in what diplomats have called a “great crackdown”. Friday’s technical problem, which Russia has yet to fully explain, sowed chaos for some shoppers, forcing the Moscow