10/04/2026

e

IS S N

3 1 41- 0 8 63

FRIDAY APR 10, 2026

RM1

9 773141 086004

Unimas trio turn casual banter into biotech startup Former students develop cheaper substitute for costly ingredient used in fish feed production.

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

Report on — page 6

SCAN ME No. 9117 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Carpool to save fuel Report on h page 2 Transport Ministry refining guidelines to let e-hailing operators offer shared rides as more affordable travel option.

The initiative is expected to help ease fuel cost pressures while improving travel efficiency and expanding commuter choices. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Malaysia lacks infrastructure for nationwide biofuel rollout: Expert Despite successful vehicle trials, CPO supply and refinery capacity remain insufficient for large-scale adoption.

Caretaker pleads guilty to 15 counts of abusing minors Twelve charges relate to non-physical and physical sexual assault of boys at unlicensed children welfare home.

Report on — page 3

Report on — page 5

FRIDAY | APR 10, 2026

2

Sultan Abdul Samad Building restoration brings joy, pride to Selangor Sultan

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has expressed delight over Khazanah Nasional’s efforts at restoring and conserving the Sultan Abdul Samad Building here. Describing the building as a national heritage that must be preserved, His Royal Highness said he had previously voiced concerns over the condition of several Selangor historical buildings in the capital, which appeared increasingly neglected. Sultan Sharafuddin said he was concerned that the state’s invaluable historical heritage could be lost if preservation efforts were not undertaken. “I fear that in the end, there will be no evidence of Selangor’s heritage in Kuala Lumpur for future generations to appreciate,” the Ruler said during a visit to the iconic building yesterday. Sultan Sharafuddin said the building, built in 1894, holds great historical significance as it once served as the new Selangor state government office and as the federal administrative headquarters when Kuala Lumpur was declared the administrative centre of the Federated Malay States in 1896. He said the building was completed within two years and seven months, and officially opened on April 3, 1897 during the reign of Sultan Sir Abdul Samad, the fourth Sultan of Selangor. “For 77 years, this building was known as the Selangor Secretariat and the Federal Secretariat, reflecting its important dual role in the country’s administration at the time.”

The Sultan added that after Kuala Lumpur was declared a Federal Territory on Feb 1, 1974 with the consent of his father, the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj, and following the relocation of Selangor’s capital to Shah Alam, the building came under the federal government and was renamed the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. “Indeed, the handover of Kuala Lumpur to the federal government at that time was my father’s greatest sacrifice for the development and progress of Malaysia as a whole, and this building stands as a witness to that.” He said the building holds personal significance for him as he had served there in 1968 under the administration of then Selangor menteri besar, the late Datuk Seri Harun Idris, before being posted to the Kuala Lumpur Land Office at the Old Chartered Bank Building. Expressing admiration for Harun’s leadership, Sultan Sharafuddin said it was in the building that he learned the intricacies of state administration. His Royal Highness said following a meticulous restoration process, the building has now been revitalised as a public space and was opened to visitors for the first time on Feb 2. The Sultan expressed hope that such conservation efforts would continue to be strengthened, not only for the Sultan Abdul Samad Building but also for other heritage sites in Kuala Lumpur linked to Selangor’s history. “May the Sultan Abdul Samad Building continue to stand tall as a symbol of history, heritage and national pride.” – Bernama

Sultan Sharafuddin and the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. – PIC COURTESY OF ROYAL SELANGOR OFFICE FACEBOOK PAGE

Carpooling services on e-hailing platforms soon

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA: Carpooling for e-hailing rides may soon become the norm, as the government moves to encourage platforms to introduce shared-ride options as part of a more flexible transport policy framework. In a move aimed at expanding commuter choices and easing cost pressures, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Transport Ministry is refining guidelines to enable e hailing operators to roll out carpooling services. He said the initiative is expected to help users save on fuel costs while improving travel efficiency through shared journeys at more affordable fares. Loke admitted that the concept is not entirely new, pointing out that pilot programmes had already been conducted with several e-hailing companies. He said these proof-of-concept efforts provide a workable model for broader implementation.

o Govt move aimed at expanding commuter choices and easing cost pressures, says minister

Service and the Mass Rapid Transit to support economic resilience and public well-being. He added that meetings with industry players are ongoing to ensure the sustainability of the country’s aviation industry. He said Malaysians stand to gain considerably from the existing rail infrastructure across Peninsular Malaysia.

responses amid ongoing global uncertainties. He also projected a shift in commuter behaviour, with more Malaysians likely to turn to public transport and electric vehicles as cost-saving measures. Loke said the ministry remains committed to strengthening public transport networks nationwide, including services under Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad, the Electric Train

He added that the ministry is focused on ensuring that any regulatory adjustment remains balanced, allowing for greater flexibility without compromising safety standards or existing legal requirements. Speaking at the ministry’s monthly assembly, which was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Loke stressed the importance of proactive policy

Discourse on high fuel prices must be based on facts: PM PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians not to adopt a one-sided view when discussing rising fuel prices, stressing that the issue must be understood within the broader context of global developments rather than narrow or misleading narratives. misunderstanding of how global energy markets operate, adding that disruptions at critical supply chokepoints have widespread consequences. He highlighted the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil supply moves, and other key routes such as the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal. The Tambun MP said the delay not only impacted the end price but also insurance premiums. He said in some cases insurance premiums rose by 100% and freight charges had also increased.

government institutions, urging senior officials, including secretaries-general and department heads, to allow space for bottom-up feedback. “Meetings must not be one-way monologues. They should provide room for views from all levels. “There are individuals regarded as religious scholars who claim that oil prices have not increased. This reflects a clear lack of understanding, yet it is presented in a way that makes people believe it.” For the period from April 9 to 15, RON97 rose by 40 sen to RM5.35 per litre and RON95 has been priced at RM4.27 per litre for unsubsidised users, reflecting a 40 sen increase, while it is RM1.99 per litre under the Budi95 subsidy scheme. Diesel price in Peninsular Malaysia increased by 70 sen to a new record high of RM6.72 per litre while in East Malaysia it remains unchanged at RM2.15 per litre. – By IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE

“This means the oil that was initially cheaper becomes significantly more expensive by the time it reaches our refineries. These are real cost pressures that cannot be ignored.” Anwar said Malaysia remains exposed to global price fluctuations despite being an oil producing country as it is still a net importer of refined petroleum products. He also called on civil servants to take a more proactive role in explaining these complexities to the public. “This is not about defending the prime minister, ministers or the government blindly. It is about presenting the facts clearly.” He encouraged a more open culture within

Speaking at the Transport Ministry’s monthly assembly, he said public discourse must be grounded in facts. “We must not blur the line between what is true and what is false when we have the means to seek out the facts. Ultimately God is all knowing, and we are entrusted with the responsibility to act with integrity.” His remarks appeared directed at PAS president Tun Abdul Hadi Awang, who had questioned why Malaysia appeared to be the only country affected by fuel price increases following the West Asia conflict. Anwar said such claims reflect a

“Even if our ships are able to pass through, that does not mean costs remain unchanged.” Anwar said Malaysia had managed to secure safe passage for its vessels through diplomatic engagement, including cooperation with Iran, allowing shipments to continue reaching refineries such as Pengerang. He said the impact, however, goes beyond access to shipping routes. Anwar said oil that was purchased earlier at a lower price was delayed in transit and the cost structure had already changed significantly by the time it arrived.

FRIDAY | APR 10, 2026

3 ‘B100 biodiesel viable but supply limits block rollout’

Minister: Verify information before sharing

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians have been urged to practise the principle of tabayyun which emphasises verifying the authenticity of information before sharing any news, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan. He reminded the public not to be influenced by unverified information that could cause panic and confusion. “The issue of the global energy crisis is not a small matter. It is complex. It requires all of us to be more mature in dealing with it,” he said in a post on his Facebook page yesterday. Zulkifli said Malaysians should be grateful as the country remains stable despite the world currently grappling with the conflict in West Asia. He said this is the result of the government’s effective management of the impact of the conflict, which has also been recognised by JP Morgan and the Milken Institute. “In a time when the world is struggling, we still have sufficient supplies – chicken, eggs, rice, cooking oil, flour and so on. In fact, there is currently an oversupply of vegetables in the market. “ Aidilfitri celebrations are still lively, open houses are full and the roads remain congested. This is our reality today. “Petrol, diesel and gas are still available, Alhamdulillah . Subsidies? The Madani government continues to bear them on a large scale, amounting to billions of ringgit, so that the people are not burdened and our welfare is protected.” Zulkifli also encouraged the public to practise a moderate lifestyle, be thrifty and use energy wisely. “A strong nation is not built by the government alone but also by its people – those who are wise, calm, united, rational and responsible.” – Bernama Budi95 subsidy KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s targeted Budi95 fuel subsidy reform amid the West Asia crisis is a step in the right direction as the government seeks to better manage fiscal pressures while ensuring subsidies are distributed more efficiently. World Bank lead economist for Malaysia Dr Apurva Sanghi said adjusting fuel quota limits represents a more targeted approach, helping to ensure that subsidies are more fairly allocated across different income groups. “Fuel subsidies in Malaysia are regressive, with the T10, T20 benefiting much more compared with others. And if you look at who consumes most of the fuel, it is the T10, T20 segment. In fact, they have been known to consume more than 200 litres. “So, now that the quota is temporarily adjusted to 200 litres, I think it is absolutely okay. That is definitely a step in the right direction,” he said at a briefing on Part 1 of the World Bank’s April 2026 Malaysia Economic Monitor, titled “Raising the Ceiling, Raising the Floor, Advancing Malaysia’s Jobs and Productivity Agenda” yesterday. – Bernama reform right move, says World Bank

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Trials conducted show 100% palm oil-based fuel can perform reliably in both passenger and heavy-duty vehicles: Expert

fuels, as it would require major upgrades to Malaysia’s fuel distribution system. “B100’s chemical properties, such as its tendency to absorb moisture and act as a solvent, mean that existing pipelines, storage tanks and pumps would need to be retrofitted or replaced. “A nationwide shift would require extensive cleaning of existing systems and upgrades to ensure material compatibility and fuel stability.” He said B100 should be viewed as a medium-term transition fuel rather than a permanent solution. “B100 acts as a vital bridge between today’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels and a future powered by electrification and hydrogen. “Battery technology is still too heavy, and hydrogen remains costly for large-scale deployment in logistics, maritime and agriculture. B100 allows these sectors to cut emissions immediately using existing engines. “Relying entirely on palm oil for fuel would face hard limits due to land availability and could compete with food supply while also raising deforestation concerns.”

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s B100 biodiesel has proven its reliability in vehicle trials but supply shortages and infrastructure gaps make a nationwide rollout unrealistic for now, said Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment senior lecturer Dr Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi Mohd Zainuri. He said trials conducted in Malaysia show that the 100% palm oil-based biodiesel can perform reliably in both passenger and heavy-duty vehicles. Muhammad Ammirrul cited a 15-month passenger car trial covering more than 50,000km, along with a separate four-month tanker truck test, both of which were completed without major technical issues. The trials were carried out by the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) and FGV Holdings Berhad (FGV). “From a technical standpoint, B100 is viable as a fuel for vehicles,” he said, adding that modern diesel engines are capable of handling PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has thrown its support behind the government’s initiatives to safeguard the nation’s medicine and medical device supply chain amid the ongoing global energy crisis triggered by the West Asia conflict. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the MMA said measures announced by the Economy minister, through the National Economic Action Council, were both important and timely, reflecting an appropriate response to the mounting uncertainties rippling through global supply chains. Among the initiatives MMA endorsed were the introduction of a special access pathway to maintain availability of critical medicines and medical devices, centralised stock monitoring and diversification of import sources, the activation of emergency response plans, moves to establish a national strategic buffer stock and the development of a dedicated medicine security policy under the MyMedSecure framework alongside efforts to grow the domestic pharmaceutical industry. The Health Ministry has advised that Malaysia’s medicine supply remains stable, with no significant disruptions recorded to date. Local manufacturers are also reported to hold sufficient stocks of both raw materials and finished products to sustain operations for several months. MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo cautioned against complacency given the fluid Ű THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

to scale up production, likely through a mix of government support and private sector investment. Muhammad Ammirrul said while B100 performs well mechanically, it comes with trade offs. “Due to its lower energy density, vehicles running on B100 may experience a slight drop in fuel efficiency, requiring more fuel to travel the same distance. “However, this is offset by cleaner combustion and significantly lower emissions, with trials showing carbon emission reductions of up to 70% in heavy duty transport. “B100 burns more completely and produces fewer pollutants, making it a cleaner alternative to conventional diesel.” He cautioned that transitioning to B100 is not as simple as switching

it effectively. He said technical viability, however, does not translate into immediate large-scale adoption. “The biggest limitation is feedstock supply. Malaysia currently does not have sufficient crude palm oil reserves to support a nationwide rollout of B100.” Muhammad Ammirrul said engine compatibility is not a major barrier as trials have already demonstrated reliable performance across different vehicle types. He said the main obstacles lie in production capacity and infrastructure readiness. “Current processing facilities are insufficient to meet large-scale demand. Significant expansion of biodiesel plants is required before any nationwide implementation can take place.” He added that industry players such as Felda and FGV would need

Support for initiatives to safeguard medicine supply chain

The Health Ministry said Malaysia’s medicine supply remains stable, with no significant disruptions recorded to date. – BERNAMAPIC

pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity in a structured and sustained manner. It said building local production capability is a long-term imperative for achieving genuine national health sovereignty. The MMA said it would continue engaging with the Health Ministry, the National Economic Action Council and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that Malaysians have uninterrupted access to essential medicines and treatment.

Secondly, it called for greater transparency in the sharing of supply status information with the private healthcare sector. It said clinics and private hospitals must be kept informed on a proactive basis to ensure continuity of patient care across all healthcare settings, not just public facilities. Thirdly, and most expansively, the MMA urged Malaysia to treat the current crisis as a catalyst for accelerating domestic

nature of the global situation. He outlined three additional measures MMA is calling on the government to pursue. Its first recommendation is that strategic buffer stocks be built around medicines listed in the National Essential Medicines List, with particular emphasis on treatments for chronic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases – illnesses that affect a large and growing segment of Malaysians

FRIDAY | APR 10, 2026

READ OUR

HERE

4

Malaysian Paper

/thesun

UiTM responds to ‘corruption’ tag on higher education SHAH ALAM: Universiti Teknologi Mara vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib @ Sahibuddin said the university takes any issues related to misconduct seriously and will not compromise on abuse of power. In a statement yesterday, he said under UiTM’s High-Impact Transformation Plan 2030 the university continues to strengthen its checks and balances mechanisms. “This includes enhancing internal audits, integrity functions and risk management, as well as improving organisational structures and continuous monitoring to ensure all aspects of governance are carried out transparently and with accountability. “Integrity is not merely about systems and procedures, but about trust – trust to Allah SWT, to society and to future generations. “UiTM does not tolerate any form of corruption. If misconduct involving certain individuals occurs, action must be taken based on evidence and through proper channels, and isolated cases should not be used to label the entire higher education sector as a‘hotbed of corruption’. “ Jangan kerana nila setitik rosak susu sebelanga ,” he said, referring to the Malay proverb cautioning against letting a single flaw tarnish the whole. The statement was issued in support of Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, who had described it as inappropriate to label higher education institutions as a hotbed of corruption following media reports on alleged cases in the sector. Shahrin said in academic discourse and research, the concept of “hasty generalisation” refers to drawing broad conclusions from limited data or observations. “It is also known as a logical fallacy, an error in reasoning that makes an argument appear valid when it is actually weak due to insufficient evidence. “As an institution of knowledge, we must be cautious not to make sweeping conclusions without a strong basis. “Any assessment of institutions must be grounded in facts, evidence and proper context,” he said. – Bernama Landfill in Sabah nearing full capacity KOTA KINABALU: The main landfill at Kayu Madang near here is nearing full capacity, prompting urgent action on solid waste management in the city. Kota Kinabalu City Hall Solid Waste Management Department director Leong Tze Fui said the council is focusing on waste separation at source as a key strategy to extend the lifespan of the landfill. He said the approach forms part of DBKK’s plan to improve solid waste management, particularly among city residents and food vendors. “This programme is designed to separate compostable and recyclable waste. Guidance will be provided before it is rolled out, starting with raising awareness on the importance of sorting waste at the source. “At present, vendors are not separating their waste. Food vendors are urged to begin doing so and avoid disposing of everything in the same bins.” Leong said systematic waste management would ease pressure on the landfill, enable recyclables to be reused as raw materials and allow compostable waste to be converted into organic fertiliser, supporting environmental sustainability. He added that managing waste at source is critical as the Kayu Madang landfill, the city’s only site, also serves neighbouring districts and is nearing the end of its lifespan. – Bernama

Fahmi flanked by Teo and actress and entrepreneur Nor Fouziah Mohd Gous during the event. – BERNAMAPIC

Minister seeks answers from TikTok over Iran war impact

Communications

and

Multimedia

o Review to examine disruptions to e-commerce operations, including logistics and delivery services

Commission National Information Dissemination Centre, which has about 1,100 branches nationwide. “Many centres are located in rural areas and can be leveraged to nurture content creators and help communities sell local products online via TikTok Shop,” he said. He added that the commission’s chairman is scheduled to meet TikTok management in Singapore this Friday to discuss several matters, including the issue. Fahmi expressed hope that fast and widespread internet access in Malaysia will continue to support income generation without the need for people to leave their homes, while helping businesses expand through online sales. “This proves Malaysia’s ability to adapt to new technologies alongside the government’s efforts to ensure fast, widespread and affordable internet access,” he said. through the

KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil will seek an explanation from TikTok on how the global energy crisis and conflicts in West Asia are affecting the operations of TikTok Shop, particularly in logistics and delivery services. He said the information would be presented at the National Economic Action Council meeting scheduled for next Tuesday. “The review is important to understand the impact of geopolitical and energy crises on business partners and the overall TikTok Shop ecosystem, including related services that support the platform’s operations,” he said after attending the TikTok Shop Raikan Raya 2026 event.

Also present were Communications Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching and TikTok Shop Malaysia senior director of strategic partnerships Nur Azre Abdul Aziz. Fahmi said over seven million live streamers are involved in the TikTok Shop economy, which has generated RM1.9 billion in revenue and created about 147,000 job opportunities for Malaysians. He added the growth has opened up opportunities for the public to participate in the digital economy, either by marketing their own products or helping to sell the products of others through the platform or as affiliates. Meanwhile, he will propose that TikTok Shop collaborate with the Malaysian

State education dept probes student dehydration incident KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu Education Department is taking seriously an incident involving three students in Kemaman who experienced fatigue and symptoms of dehydration after participating in a cross-country activity yesterday. their parents. “One of the students was transferred to the Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre at Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia in Kuantan at the request of the parents and his condition is currently stable. It reminded school administrators to take appropriate precautions when conducting outdoor activities involving teachers and students, including arranging standby emergency support from agencies such as the Civil Defence Force and the Red Crescent Society.

“Another student received intravenous fluids and was discharged on Wednesday, while the third underwent examination but did not require further treatment,” the statement said. The department added that temperatures during the activity ranged between 28°C and 30°C, with all events concluding by 10.30am.

In a statement, the department said the district-level Hygiene, Health and Safety Committee has been instructed to review the incident and submit a report promptly. It added that the school took immediate action by sending the affected students to hospital for further examination and informing

Schools are also required to comply with current guidelines and advisories on weather conditions and temperature levels by referring to the official portal of the Meteorological Department before proceeding with outdoor events. – Bernama

FRIDAY | APR 10, 2026

5

Caretaker pleads guilty to 15 offences against minors

Illegal e-waste syndicate busted KUALA LUMPUR: The Central Brigade General Operations Force on Monday dismantled illegal electronic waste processing activities at 14 premises across Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Johor under an integrated operation dubbed Ops Hazard 3.0. Central Brigade GOF commander SAC Hakemal Hawari said seizures included 1,400 tonnes of e-waste, scrap materials and processed end-products, with an estimated value of RM187 million. A total of 56 foreign workers from China, Myanmar and Bangladesh, aged between 30 and 50 – believed to have been employed at the facilities – were also detained. “Preliminary investigations found that these illegal factories hired workers without valid permits, paying wages of between RM1,000 and RM1,200 a month. They are believed to have been operating over the past two to three years,”he said yesterday. He added that authorities believe the e-waste was brought in from abroad for processing, but no owners of the premises, whether local or foreign, have been identified or arrested yet. Hakemal said raids were carried out at 10 locations in Selangor and two each in Negeri Sembilan and Johor, involving multiple agencies, including the police air wing, Bukit Aman anti-money laundering unit, the Department of Environment, local authorities and the Inland Revenue Board. The case is being investigated under several laws, including the Environmental Quality Act 1974, Income Tax Act 1967, Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Anti-Money Laundering Act. – Bernama Former theSun editor found dead PETALING JAYA: Veteran journalist Joshua Purushotman (pic) , a former associate editor at theSun , has died at the age of 66. According to his brother, fellow veteran journalist G. Umakanthan, Gombak police informed him of Joshua’s death yesterday morning. It was learnt that Selayang, with an autopsy confirming he died of a heart attack, believed to have occurred on April 7. Gombak police has since classified the case as sudden death. Starting his career at theSun in 1995, he was instrumental in setting up the Johor bureau, where he served as staff correspondent for several years. According to his peers, he was pivotal in breaking several major stories related to water issues in the southern state, becoming one of the first journalists to hit the front-page of the newspaper more than five days in a row. He had also served at several publications in his career, including New Straits Times , Singapore’s Today , The Heat and The Phnom Penh Post in Cambodia before returning to theSun in 2021. Beyond print media, he also held positions at several public relations firms and served with the National Kidney Foundation. For those wishing to pay their final respects, the wake will be held today between 12pm and 10pm at the Fook Yee Memorial Centre at Jalan PJS 3/34, Taman Sri Manja while funeral services has been set for 9am on Saturday at the same venue. – THESUN TEAM his remains were discovered in the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle in

o Twelve charges relate to physical and non-physical sexual abuse of boys

surety, subject to conditions – including monthly reporting to a police station, surrendering of passport and no contact with prosecution witnesses. The case is set for next mention on June 10. During mitigation, counsel Nur Amalia Md Daud sought a lower bail, citing family circumstances, including a young child and a spouse working in Singapore. DPPs Nadia Malek Fauzie and Muhammad Hairuliqram Hairuddin appeared for the prosecution. Lawyers Kirthen Subramaniam and Premila Subramaniam held a watching brief for the families of the victims and Pertubuhan Kebangkitan Tiga Tangan Selangor, which exposed the alleged abuse at the home. On April 3, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri confirmed that a children’s home in Batu Caves, believed to have been operating for a decade, was under investigation following allegations of abuse. She said the ministry received a report on March 30, after which immediate action was taken by the Gombak Social Welfare Office. Investigations found the premises were unregistered and operating outside the provisions of the Care Centres Act 1993.

Children Act. Section 14(a) carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping, while Section 15(a)(i) provides for up to 10 years’ jail or a fine of up to RM20,000. The remaining three charges involve carnal intercourse against two boys aged eight and 10, allegedly committed at the same premises during February and March. These were framed under Section 377C of the Penal Code, which carries a prison term of between five and 20 years and whipping upon conviction. Both courts denied bail and fixed May 21 for sentencing. In a separate proceeding, the operator of the home, S. Valan, 31, claimed trial to four charges of physical and non-physical sexual abuse involving four boys aged between 13 and 16. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2019 and March this year at the Batu Caves home and another premises in Kalumpang, Hulu Selangor. The charges were framed under Sections 14(a) and (b) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping. The court granted bail of RM15,000 in one

Ű THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The caretaker of an unlicensed children welfare home in Gombak has admitted to 15 charges of sexual assault and unnatural carnal intercourse involving five underage boys, the youngest aged eight. Retna Velu, 25, pleaded guilty before Ampang Sessions Court judges Norshila Kamarudin and Ho Kwong Chin after the charges were read to him in Tamil. He was unrepresented and was dressed in a black T-shirt. Twelve charges relate to physical and non physical sexual abuse of boys aged between eight and 13, allegedly committed between November last year and February and March this year at a residential premises in Batu Caves. The charges were framed under Sections 14(a) and 15(a)(i) of the Sexual Offences Against

Retna (left) arriving at the court complex yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Man armed with cleaver held after running amok

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Tengku Ampuan Rahimah in Klang for examination. The case is being investigated under Section 353 of the Penal Code for using criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty, Section 427 for mischief and Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958 for possession of an offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority. Those with information on the incident have been urged to contact the Kuala Langat district police headquarters operations room at 03-3187 2222 or visit the nearest police station.

acting aggressively while armed with a meat cleaver and a rattan stick. “Initial investigations found that the suspect had damaged items inside a seafood restaurant at Jalan Pandan 2 in Telok Mengkuang, and also damaged three vehicles belonging to the public in the surrounding area,” he said in a statement. Mohd Akmalrizal said the suspect also turned violent towards police personnel, swinging the weapon at officers and their patrol vehicle, posing a threat to both authorities and the public. He added that the suspect was detained for further investigation and taken to Hospital

PETALING JAYA: Police have arrested a local man after he allegedly ran amok with a meat cleaver and damaged a police vehicle as well as three other vehicles in an incident at a restaurant in Telok Mengkuang. Kuala Langat police chief Supt Mohd Akmalrizal Radzi said police received information at about 3.30pm on Wednesday regarding a man behaving violently at the premises in Telok Panglima Garang. A police team was immediately deployed to the scene, where officers found the suspect

FRIDAY | APR 10, 2026

6

Trio creates cheaper fish feed ingredient

o Startup by former Unimas students processes water lettuce to produce substitute for expensive soybean formulations

Pavithran (left) and Neil said Lettuboost aims to reduce fish feed costs by between 15% and 20%. – BERNAMAPIC

KUCHING: What started as playful banter between three 23-year-old students at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) has since evolved into Lettuboost Enterprise, an innovation that transforms an invasive aquatic weed into an affordable ingredient for fish feed. Lettuboost Enterprise, founded in 2025, is the brainchild of S. Pavithran Julieus and Neil Erickson Nelyson, both Master of Biotechnology students from the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, and Mohammad Zulhilmi Abang Mohammad Reduan, an alumnus of the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology. Zulhilmi serves as CEO, Pavithran as chief technical officer and Neil as chief operating officer. However, the trio’s journey began with a simple pact – win a competition hosted by Unimas and start a company to turn their innovation into a product. “If we win this competition, we will open a company,” Zulhilmi recounted telling Pavithran. The team secured second place and the same year, went on to win at the Shell LiveWire Sarawak contest. “That was when it became real and the rest is history.” At the heart of their innovation is water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), an

invasive

aquatic

plant

that

clogs accelerates eutrophication (excessive algae growth) and threatens ecosystems. Using biotechnology processes, they render the water lettuce into powder form and incorporate it into fish feed formulations, partially replacing expensive ingredients such as fish and soybean meal. “For us, the turning point was when we realised water lettuce was not just biologically viable, but also economically viable,” said Pavithran, who is of Bidayuh and Indian parentage and has been fascinated with science since his teenage years. He said fish meal alone could account for 60% to 70% of feed formulation costs, while farmers typically spend up to 80% of their operating expenditure on feed. “When we saw that this raw material is abundant, essentially free and could replace part of the nutritional value in fish meal, we knew this could scale beyond the lab and into the real economy.” According to Neil, Lettuboost aims to reduce fish feed costs by 15% to 20%. With commercial feed priced at about RM9 per kg, the startup is proposing a price of approximately RM7 per kg. “Farmers buy in tonnes, not kilos, so every RM2 difference per kg waterways,

momentum. It opened doors to industry partners, mentors and leaders that we would not have had access to before.” He said the startup has since secured three confirmed investors, two from Peninsular Malaysia and one from Sarawak, and is currently formalising investment arrangements. “What sets us apart is that we’re solving two problems at once. An environmental problem and a social problem, while being backed by science and research and development.” From humble beginnings to national recognition and investor backing, Lettuboost reflects the growing potential of Sarawak’s youth in driving science-based and socially impactful enterprises.

knowledge exchange. The team will also be given a chance to compete in the Shell Global Top Ten Innovators Awards. To further encourage Sarawak participation, Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak awarded an additional RM20,000 cash incentive to Lettuboost. Beyond Shell LiveWire, the startup also placed second in the Vibes Innovation Challenge 2025 and emerged champion at the Youth Innovation Challenge 2025 (Zon Sarawak), organised by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry through Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia. Zulhilmi said winning at national level significantly strengthened investor confidence. “It boosted our credibility and

could translate into substantial savings,” he said. An extrovert who is active in sports, music and performing arts, Neil’s people-oriented nature now complements his role overseeing operations and community engagement, Bernama reported. After winning at the Sarawak level, Lettuboost went on to be named one of five national winners of Shell LiveWire Malaysia 2025, emerging from a pool of 180 entrepreneurs nationwide and selected among 15 state-level finalists from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. As a national winner, Lettuboost received RM30,000 in start-up funding and access to the global LiveWire network, opening doors for international collaboration and

Sabah beauty pageant to feature 52 finalists KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah state level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, which is a cultural beauty pageant, will bring together 52 finalists, including those residing in Peninsular Malaysia. According to a statement from the organising committee, preparations began as early as February with several initiatives aimed at improving the selection process, including an initial assessment of the finalists. “This step aims to enhance professionalism, transparency and the quality of participant selection,” the committee said, while also announcing the appointment of Dr Mary Gambidau from Telupid as event

“It

empowers

women

as

chairperson, and Datuk Joanna Kitingan as an advisor. “The event continues to serve as a prestigious platform for preserving and promoting Sabah’s cultural heritage.

custodians and strengthens the identity and self esteem of the Sabah community at both national and international levels.” – Bernama of tradition

FRIDAY | APR 10, 2026

7

Nepal issues arrest warrant for ex-PM in graft probe

Wolf forces school closure

SEOUL: A wolf that escaped from a zoo in South Korea remained at large yesterday, prompting a local school to close over safety concerns as the search continued, authorities said. The male wolf, born in 2024 and weighing about 30kg, escaped on Wednesday from a zoo at a theme park in Daejeon, about 150km south of Seoul, triggering a wide search in surrounding areas. “Daejeon Sanseong Elementary School is closed following the escape of a wolf from a zoo yesterday,“ a Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education spokesperson said. More than 300 people, including firefighters, police officers and military personnel, were taking part in the search operation, a Daejeon Fire Headquarters official said. “We deployed drone cameras early in the morning but had to pull them back due to the ongoing rain.“ The wolf dug into the ground and damaged the zoo’s installed fence before escaping, according to the official. Images released by local media showed it wandering in the middle of a road. In 2023, a male zebra became a global sensation after escaping from a zoo in Seoul and was seen roaming through the streets. – AFP

families, who China accuses of living there illegally. The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to a request for comment yesterday. The Philippines last month revealed plans to rename more than 100 island features in the Spratlys in a bid to reinforce its “sovereignty” in the South China Sea. China then accused Manila of breaking international law while threatening unspecified measures to protect its own claims. – AFP activities, including the use of underwater devices or equipment by unauthorised parties in Indonesian waters.” Mataram naval base chief Asep Tri Prabowo told reporters on Wednesday that the object was under strict monitoring and would be sent to Jakarta for further investigation. An initial examination by the West Nusa Tenggara police bomb squad confirmed that it did not contain any explosive or radioactive substances, he added. Indonesian media reported that lettering on the object suggested it may have been manufactured by the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. It appeared to be a device to measure the speed of currents. This is not the first time a foreign object has been found in Indonesian waters. In 2021, a fisherman discovered a seaglider in the Selayar Islands, South Sulawesi that the military suspected was being used for oceanographic research. – AFP following by long-standing frustration over corruption and economic hardship. Protesters set fire to the Parliament building and offices, and eventually toppled the government. Deuba’s home was among the buildings torched, and videos of protesters attacking the couple circulated widely online. Bundles of cash were reportedly discovered at the property. In his statement to the investigation commission on the protests, Deuba said the videos circulating on social media “must be AI-generated”. “This is a conspiracy, although I do not know who is behind it.” The commission has recommended further investigation into the cash allegedly found at Deuba’s home and other properties. Former Energy minister Deepak Khadka was also arrested last month as part of a money laundering investigation. – AFP day, fuelled

navy said yesterday it was investigating a torpedo-like object discovered by a fisherman near the Lombok Strait, a key maritime route connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The 3.7m-long and 65cm-wide object was fished from the ocean on Monday about 10km from the popular tourist island of Gili Trawangan in West Nusa Tenggara, the navy said. A 28-year-old fisherman immediately reported the unusual find to local authorities, which retrieved it. “The Indonesian navy will promptly carry out an in-depth examination of the object to determine its origin, function and the data contained within it,“ said navy spokesperson Tunggul, who like many Indonesians has only one name. “The Indonesian armed forces will remain fully committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and security of Indonesia’s territorial seas from all forms of unauthorised the establishment of a democratic system of governance in Nepal.” His tenure as party president ended in January, after young members pushed for a leadership change. Last month, authorities arrested former prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli and former Home minister Ramesh Lekhak for their alleged roles in a deadly crackdown on anti-corruption protests. Both have been released from custody after questioning, police said yesterday. Kathmandu police spokesperson Pawan Kumar Bhattarai added that “they have been released on the condition that they present themselves to police when required.” Neither man has been formally charged, and the duo deny responsibility for the violence. The youth-led uprising began in Kathmandu and was triggered by a brief social media ban. It spread countrywide the

property,” he added. Authorities also a warrant for Deuba’s wife, former Foreign minister Arzu Rana Deuba, court officials in Kathmandu said, following a request from the Money Laundering Investigation Department. Deuba said he and his wife are “currently abroad for long-term medical treatment”, without giving further details. Nepali media reported that the couple was recently in Singapore and police are seeking an Interpol notice. The warrants come a month after Prime Minister Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician, won a landslide election victory on a platform of youth-driven political change, the first elections since September 2025. Deuba, who served five terms as prime minister, is a senior leader of the Nepali Congress party. “My life has been an open book. I have spent my entire life striving for issued

KATHMANDU: Nepal has issued an arrest warrant for former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba for alleged corruption, officials said yesterday, making him the latest high-profile figure targeted under the new government. Deuba, 79, is abroad for medical treatment and said: “An investigation on money laundering has been initiated against me and my family.” He rejected the accusation of corruption. “False propaganda is being spread concerning my family’s o False propaganda being spread concerning my family’s property, says former leader

Indonesia investigates torpedo-like object found by fisherman JAKARTA: The Indonesian

VOTING VOYAGE ... Individuals yesterday travelling on a boat across the Brahmaputra River to cast their ballots during the Assam Legislative Assembly election in the Darrang district in India. – AFPPIC

Philippines unveils South China Sea command centre THITU ISLAND: The Philippine coast guard unveiled yesterday its first dedicated command centre in the Spratly island chain, a flashpoint in the disputed South China Sea that has been the site of repeated confrontations with Chinese vessels. The headquarters of a newly established coast guard district, formerly overseen from neighbouring Palawan, will cover an area of about 68,000 square kilometres. Island, known as Thitu in the Philippines, saw multiple Chinese coast guard vessels patrolling nearby waters. The vessels issued radio warnings to the plane carrying the journalist. Beijing claims the South China Sea in nearly its entirety, despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. Pagasa will now have a yesterday’s “activation” ceremony, along with a permanently stationed ship, more response vessels and an unspecified number of specialists. “The establishment of the coast guard district here would enhance the psyche, the mindset of each and every coast guard member that the defence of Kalayaan island group is a top priority,“ he said, using the Filipino name for the Spratlys. The far-flung Kota and Parola islands would see their substations raised to full station status, said coast guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela. The Pagasa upgrade would mean a bigger budget for greater community assistance to the island’s inhabitants, including more teachers and doctors, he said. vessels, which must currently ferry personnel to and from Pagasa on small boats.

The move would also include the dredging of a deeper port that would allow for the docking of coast guard

commodore-level commander on site, said Philippine coast guard Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan after

Pagasa Island is home to about 400 Filipinos, mostly fishermen and their

An AFP journalist travelling to the new command centre on Pagasa

FRIDAY | APR 10, 2026

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

8

Over 300 humanitarian workers killed last year NEW YORK:

Justice Dept sues veteran over classified intel leak

United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Affairs Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher said yesterday 326 humanitarian workers were killed across 21 countries in 2025. Emirates News Agency reported that the figure brought the total number of humanitarian personnel killed over the past three years to more than 1,010. In a briefing to the UN Security Council on the protection of humanitarian workers and UN personnel, Fletcher said more than 560 of the deaths were recorded in Gaza and the West Bank, 130 in Sudan, 60 in South Sudan, 25 in Ukraine and 25 in Congo. Fletcher said the death toll has tripled over the past three years compared with the previous three-year period. “This escalation is not a coincidence but a collapse of the protection system.” He added that these humanitarian workers were killed while distributing food, water, shelter and medicine, and lost their lives while travelling in clearly marked convoys and carrying out missions coordinated directly with the relevant authorities. – Bernama-WAM Venezuela interim leader announces raise in wages CARACAS: Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez on Wednesday promised a hike in wages, which have been eroded by years of inflation and economic collapse. The minimum hourly wage in Venezuela is currently equivalent to 27 US cents (RM1.08), with annual inflation exceeding 600%. For ordinary Venezuelans, monthly wages can reach US$150 with state-provided bonuses, but that is hardly enough to cover a family’s basic food needs, estimated at US$645. “I announce that on May 1, we will implement an increase, and that this increase will be a responsible one,“ said Rodríguez, without providing details. Rodríguez, in power since the US capture of Nicolas Maduro on Jan 3, declared that past economic “mistakes” must be “corrected”. She is governing under pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has stated that he is in charge of the country and the sale of its oil. Unions and workers complain about “poverty wages”that have been frozen for years. – AFP

WASHINGTON: A US army veteran was charged on Wednesday with providing classified information to a journalist for a book that alleges drug trafficking, murder and corruption at a military base where she had worked, the Justice Department said. Courtney Williams, 40, of Wagram in North Carolina was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to “her alleged transmission of classified national defence information to individuals not authorised to receive it, including a journalist”, it said. Prosecutors allege that Williams violated a provision of the US Espionage Act 1917. The case comes as free-speech advocates have raised concerns about the Trump administration’s aggressive posture towards media leaks from government employees upset with US policies and actions. Williams worked from 2010 to 2016 for a special military unit at a US army base in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and held “Top

Alleged refugee killer ruled unfit to stand trial WASHINGTON: A 35-year-old American man accused of murdering a Ukrainian refugee in a case that drew the attention of US President Donald Trump has been found mentally incompetent to stand trial in state court, US media reported on Wednesday. DeCarlos Brown Jr is charged with stabbing to death Iryna Zarutska, 23, as she rode home from work on a commuter train in Charlotte, North Carolina last August. He also faces charges in federal court, which prosecutors said would not be impacted by the latest motion. “Brown is in federal custody on a federal indictment. The state proceedings, including any competency finding in those proceedings, are separate,“ the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina said. WBTV and other local television stations said a state psychiatric facility has determined that Brown is “incapable to proceed”and his lawyer is asking the judge to delay his trial until his competency is restored. The case became a political rallying point for the US right, and Trump called Brown, who is African-American, an “animal” on Truth Social. Security camera footage of the knife assault was widely shared on right-wing outlets and social media accounts to bolster Trump’s crackdown on crime. Brown has many prior convictions, including an armed robbery that led to five years’ prison. – AFP Prior US administrations have on rare occasions pursued legal cases against sources of leaks to the media that have aimed to expose government wrongdoing, dating as far back as the “Pentagon Papers” from the Vietnam War and as recently as the Iraq war logs. – Reuters cast the charges against her as “vague and weak”. The Justice Department cited messages from Williams to the journalist from the time of the book’s release, in which she expressed concerns “about the amount of classified information being disclosed”. She also messaged another person, who the department did not identify, expressing fear that she might get arrested for the disclosure, prosecutors said. Williams signed a classified information NDA when she joined the special military unit in 2010 and again when she left that job, according to the complaint filed against her.

o Reporter labels soldier ‘courageous whistleblower who exposed rampant gender discrimination, sexual harassment in US army’

specific statements to her. The Justice Department alleges that some of those statements contain “classified national defence information”. Prosecutors also noted that Williams made what they called unauthorised disclosures of national defence information through her social media accounts. A representative for Williams could not immediately be reached for comment. After the indictment, Harp said Williams was a “courageous whistleblower who exposed rampant gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the US army Delta Force”. He also said Williams wanted to be quoted by name in his work and

Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance”, the department said. Prosecutors allege that between 2022 and 2025, Williams repeatedly communicated by phone and text message with a journalist who was seeking information for an article and book about the unit. Williams and the journalist spent more than 10 hours on phone calls and exchanged more than 180 messages, the department said. While court filings did not identify the reporter, journalist Seth Harp wrote a book published last year titled “The Fort Bragg Cartel: Drug Trafficking and Murder in the Special Forces” and an accompanying article that named Williams as a source and attributed

WARM WELCOME ... French President Emmanuel Macron (right) shaking hands with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet before a meeting at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris on Wednesday. – AFPPIC

Man arrested after wife goes missing at sea WASHINGTON: A Michigan man has been arrested by Bahamian cause we have,“ said police officer Advardo Dames. by providing aerial surveillance. Despite these efforts, there were no confirmed sightings.”

vessel’s engine to shut off before strong currents carried her away. Hooker paddled to shore after losing sight of his wife, it said. After arriving on shore, he informed an individual of the incident and police were alerted, the Police Force said. Before being taken into custody, Hooker posted on Facebook that he was “heartbroken over the recent boat accident”. “Despite attempts to reach her, the winds and currents drove us apart. We continue to search for her and that is my sole focus.” – Reuters

Hooker, 59, has yet to be charged and it was not immediately clear if he had legal representation. Bahamian authorities on Tuesday called off rescue efforts and started recovery operations in the area where Lynette went missing, said a Bahamas Defence Force spokesperson. “The Defence Force, along with police, conducted extensive search efforts between Elbow Cay and mainland Abaco,“ a Bahamian naval military forces spokesperson said. “The US coast guard also assisted

authorities after his wife went missing at sea over the weekend, the police assistant commissioner in the Caribbean nation said on Wednesday, after search and rescue efforts were called off. Brian Hooker’s arrest came after the US coast guard launched a criminal investigation into the case following the disappearance of his wife Lynette, 55, a US official said. “We took him into custody at 7.30pm in Abaco for additional questioning based on some probable

The spokesperson said only a flotation device was discovered along the shoreline during its search. Lynette went missing while travelling at sea with her husband in the Abacos on April 4, police said. Hooker said they left Hope Town, Abaco at 7.30pm EDT (2300 GMT) on a 2.4m hard-bottom dinghy en route to Elbow Cay, police said. According to the police report, Hooker said his wife fell overboard with the boat’s keys, causing the