10/04/2026

FRIDAY | APR 10, 2026

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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.