09/04/2026

THURSDAY | APR 9, 2026 5 Four remanded over alleged RM5m bribe IPOH: Four individuals, including two lecturers from a private higher education institution in northern Malaysia, have been remanded for four days to assist in an investigation into the solicitation and receipt of approximately RM5 million in bribes. The Magistrate’s Court issued a remand order, valid until April 11, following a request from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The three men and one woman arrived in court yesterday at 10.05am in MACC detention attire and were escorted out at 11.45am. On Tuesday, Bernama reported that the arrests were made at the Perak MACC office between 2pm and 5pm. The case also involves an oil company officer and an engineering company director in their 40s. Sources said the bribes were allegedly paid to help certain companies secure research projects, involving misappropriation of funds from the private institution research initiatives. Following the arrests, MACC froze 70 bank accounts holding RM8.5 million and seized seven vehicles. MACC Intelligence Division senior director Datuk Saiful Ezral Arifin confirmed the arrests and said the case is being investigated under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009. – Bernama Teen dies after motorcycle stunt BANDAR PERMAISURI: A 15-year-old boy died after performing a dangerous stunt on his motorcycle in Kampung Pelong, Sungai Tong in Terengganu on Tuesday. Setiu police chief Supt Mohd Zain Mat Dris said the incident occurred at 6.45pm and two other motorcyclists involved in the crash, aged 15 and 14, were not injured. “Preliminary investigations indicate the victim, a Form Three student, was performing a wheelie, a stunt in which the front wheel is lifted off the ground,” he said in a statement yesterday. He added that the stunt caused the victim to collide with another motorcycle, fall onto the road and was struck in the head by a third bike. The victim was taken to the Klinik Kesihatan Sungai Tong, where he was pronounced dead during treatment. His body was later sent to the Forensic Unit at the Setiu Hospital for an autopsy. “Teenagers should not engage in stunts that endanger themselves or others, and parents are advised to closely monitor their children to prevent them from riding vehicles without a licence.” – Bernama 36 probe papers opened over fake news PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has opened 36 investigation papers into the spread of fake news on social and digital media related to the global energy crisis. In a statement yesterday, it said 22 individuals from various locations nationwide have been called to record their statements to assist in the investigations. “Six investigation papers have been referred to the DPP for review and further action,” it said. The investigations are being conducted under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both. MCMC said it takes seriously any misuse of social and digital media platforms aimed at misleading the public through false information. “Strict action will be taken against any individual found to have violated existing laws.” The commission also urged the public to use digital platforms responsibly and not to misuse communication facilities to spread content that could disrupt social harmony. – Bernama

Malaysia in good stead to boost clean energy transition

o Position supported by abundant sunlight and strong solar potential

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

assemblywoman Amira Aisya Abd Aziz has condemned the arrest of three activists after they disrupted MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki’s speech at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, demanding their immediate release and calling on the Madani government to instead direct its attention toward Azam. “Using the right to speak out against corruption is not a crime,“ Amira, who is also Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia president, said in a statement yesterday. She claimed that the nation’s image risks being affected with Azam remaining free and in power despite alleged incidents of misconduct that warrant transparent PETALING JAYA: Southeast Asia is feeling the squeeze of rising fuel costs and the urgent push to meet climate targets. In the current economic climate, clean energy is being pushed beyond city limits, into rural and underserved communities where reliable electricity remains a daily challenge. For Malaysia, achieving its net-zero carbon target by 2050 would hinge not just on policy but also on how quickly practical, ground level solutions could be deployed, said GoRental Global founder and managing director Colin Peh. He highlighted Malaysia’s unique position to accelerate its clean energy transition, thanks to its strong solar potential and growing demand for energy resilience, particularly in Sabah, Sarawak and Orang Asli settlements across Peninsular Malaysia. “Malaysia has abundant sunlight, which makes solar (energy) a natural advantage. “However, the missing piece is storage. If we could make battery systems more accessible through financing models similar to car loans, then more households and communities could actually adopt clean energy,” he told theSun. He added that while solar panels are increasingly affordable, battery storage systems remain a major barrier, often costing twice as much. He expressed belief that collaboration between financial institutions, private companies and the government could close the gap. He also said rural Malaysia represents the area where such solutions could make the biggest immediate impact. Peh said extending the national grid to remote villages, especially in East Malaysia, is costly and logistically complex. “In places such as Sabah and Sarawak, or even Orang Asli villages, building power lines doesn’t always make sense. “But with modular solar and battery systems, you could bring power directly to communities without waiting for large-scale infrastructure.” He cited GoRental’s recent work at Huay Nam Rin village in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, as a model. He said the availability of reliable

Peh said modular solar and battery systems are not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable, reducing reliance on diesel generators, which remain costly and polluting. – KIRTINEE RAMESH/THESUN

freedom of expression as guaranteed under Article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution. Coordinator Rania Aljunied said the protest was peaceful at all times, with no threats, hate speech or acts of violence, and that no criminal offence had been committed. The University of Malaya Association of New Youth echoed the call for the release of the activists, with its president Tang Yi Ze saying the arrests represented a regression in Malaysia’s democratic progress. The association said the protest was rooted in publicly reported allegations against Azam, including Bloomberg reports on excess shareholdings and corporate misconduct. – By The Sun Team solutions across Singapore and the region. The company now positions itself as both a commercial energy provider and community focused innovator, guided by its ‘power to empower’ philosophy, using energy access not just to supply electricity, but also to uplift communities. “We started by solving a problem in film production – how to provide power without noise or pollution. “But that same technology could be applied to homes, businesses and entire communities.” Peh also called for stronger public-private partnerships to accelerate adoption. “It shouldn’t fall entirely on the government. “If companies invest, the government could match that. That’s how you scale impact faster.” GoRental is also preparing to deepen its presence in Malaysia, with plans to launch an experience store to educate the public on renewable energy and microgrid technology, while exploring collaborations with local foundations to expand community initiatives. For Peh, the message is clear – achieving net zero is not just about large-scale infrastructure, but also about ensuring solutions reach those who need them most. “The technology is already here. Now it’s about how we apply it, whether in cities, industries or rural communities. “If we do it right, Malaysia could move faster towards a more resilient and sustainable energy future.”

investigation. The three activists – identified as Hamdin Nordin, Ahsanul Akmal and Muhammad Fakrurrazzi – are affiliated with the Sekretariat Tangkap Azam Baki group. They were escorted out of the forum, jointly organised by MACC and Asia e University, after holding up placards reading “Tangkap Azam Baki” and “Reformasi” while Azam delivered his address. They were subsequently arrested and are understood to be facing a three-day remand at the Dang Wangi police headquarters. Civil liberties group Lawyers for Liberty described the arrests as authoritarian, unlawful and unconstitutional, adding that the activists were exercising their right to electricity transformed everyday life, from lighting and cooling to cooking and sanitation. “Once you have power, everything improves.” “You could have clean water systems, proper lighting and children (are able to) study at night. These are simple things, but they matter.” He added that such systems are not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable, reducing reliance on diesel generators, which remain costly and polluting. “In many rural areas, people still depend on diesel. It’s expensive, noisy and harmful to the environment. With solar and battery systems, you eliminate those issues while lowering long-term costs.” Beyond rural communities, Peh sees opportunities in Malaysia’s commercial and industrial sectors. He said for instance Johor is experiencing a boom in data centres, driving energy demand. “Johor is seeing a surge in data centres, and energy resilience is becoming a major concern. “You can’t rely solely on the grid. Storage solutions would be critical to support that growth.” Founded in 2014 as a film equipment rental company, GoRental Global has evolved into a climate technology firm, specialising in portable power and microgrid systems. Its work has supported major film productions, including Crazy Rich Asians, before expanding into broader energy

Rights groups call for release of detained activists PETALING JAYA: Puteri Wangsa