13/04/2026

MONDAY | APR 13, 2026

FOLLOW

ON FACEBOOK

4

Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Pet expo gains entry into Malaysia Book of Records

Cloud seeding brings rainfall in Malacca MALACCA: A cloud seeding operation carried out in Malacca, particularly at the Jus Dam in Jasin on April 9, has successfully produced rainfall at several targeted areas. State Secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad said the operation was conducted at 1.30pm using a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) C-130 aircraft after cloud conditions were deemed suitable. He said rainfall data showed that Batu Berendam in Central Malacca recorded 28.2mm of rain, while Ladang Devon in Alor Gajah received 14.5mm. “Although the rainfall distribution was uneven, the operation achieved its initial objective of inducing rain in the targeted areas. “Monitoring shows that the Jus Dam is at a cautionary level but remains stable. “The state government would like to stress that any rise in water levels resulting from the operation would take time to be fully recorded. However, current developments indicate positive signs,” he said in a statement. Azhar said the Malacca government has given an assurance that all efforts are being made and will continue to be intensified to ensure that the state’s water supply remains sufficient, stable and well-managed for the wellbeing of the people. He added that the government will continue to prioritise public welfare, particularly basic needs such as water supply, with close monitoring carried out from time to time. Azhar said any additional measures, including further cloud seeding operations, will be implemented without delay if necessary. He also urged the people of Malacca to play their part by using water prudently and avoiding wastage. “This is a shared responsibility in ensuring the sustainability of the state’s water resources. The state government also records its appreciation to the National Disaster Management Agency and all relevant agencies for their swift action, close cooperation and strong commitment in making this operation a success. He said the state government remains committed, focused and prepared to face any eventuality, with the utmost priority being the welfare of the people. – Bernama ‘Address worker issue ahead of link launch’ JOHOR BAHRU: Johor must refine its cross border economic strategy and sharpen policy clarity to address the outflow of skilled labour ahead of the planned launch of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link early next year. Johor Economic, Tourism and Cultural Office (Jetco) Singapore executive chairman Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad said the RTS Link, which will connect Johor Bahru and Singapore, is set to boost cross-border mobility and could accelerate the migration of skilled workers from Johor to the city-state. “Previously, these workers had to wake up as early as 4am and endure congestion crossing the Johor Causeway by bus or motorcycle. “With the RTS Link, travel will be much easier, which could encourage more skilled workers to opt for jobs in Singapore.” He said the issue was discussed at a recent Jetco meeting in Singapore, attended by representatives from the Malaysian embassy, Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority. The RTS Link, slated to begin operations in January 2027, will have the capacity to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, linking Bukit Chagar in Johor and Woodlands North in Singapore in about five minutes. Hasni said the state government should reassess the attractiveness of entry-level salaries of around RM4,000 to RM5,000, and consider additional incentives to retain local talent. – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: The final day of the OhMyPet! Expo 2026 at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre yesterday saw large crowds flocking to the venue, as pet lovers filled the halls showcasing pets for adoption, pet products and animal welfare initiatives. A steady flow of visitors streamed in throughout the day, with many bringing their pets along, adding to the lively atmosphere at the event, which started on Friday. The expo, held across Halls 1, 2 and 3 at Mid Valley, offered free entry and featured a wide range of activities, including pet adoption drives, animal nutrition booths, grooming services and promotional deals from various pet-related brands. Organisers highlighted that the event, which was listed in the Malaysia Book of Records as “Malaysia’s Largest Pet Expo”, aimed to promote responsible pet ownership while providing a platform for shelters and businesses to connect with the public. A key attraction was the pet adoption section, where several animal shelters showcased cats and other animals in need of homes. Among them was Ulik Mayang Pet Care, an animal welfare group that has been operating for 16 years. Its founder Azizah Ibrahim said the expo has been an important platform for increasing adoption rates, with more than 30 cats successfully rehomed over the three-day event. She added that the shelter currently cares for around 130 cats, although the number fluctuates due to ongoing rescues and adoptions. “We are still rescuing cats as well, sometimes even from places such as o Event aimed at promoting responsible animal ownership while providing platform for shelters and businesses to connect with public, say organisers Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

The main attraction at the expo was the adoption section, where several animal shelters showcased cats and other animals in need of homes. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

low-cost and easy for children to practise at home. “These classes are held twice a month, in the second and fourth weeks, involving 50 participants per session at four locations around Putrajaya and will run throughout the year,” she said. Yeoh added that the initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Health Ministry, focusing on providing programmes and cultivating interest in sports, while aspects of nutrition and health are monitored by the ministry. She also said the government plans to obtain data on obese children in Putrajaya through cooperation with the Education Ministy to expand the programme’s reach to target groups before extending it to other areas, including Kuala Lumpur. – Bernama for sterilisation and responsible pet ownership to reduce stray populations. Beyond adoption drives, the expo also featured community participation from students and volunteers. Chong Jia En, 20, a first-year veterinary student from Universiti Putra Malaysia, said her involvement in Dogathon 2026 was her first experience volunteering at a large-scale pet event. She described the experience as rewarding, adding that there was a good number of pet registrations and high level of enthusiasm from participants. Student Tan Yun Zee, 18, who is a volunteer, said she enjoyed being part of the event, highlighting the opportunity to interact with animals and encourage public engagement in pet welfare. “Volunteering here is meaningful because we get to see how people interact with animals, especially children. “Some of them really want to adopt and it’s very heartwarming,” she added.

car parks. “So, the number keeps changing because as many as we sucessfully rehome, new rescues also come in,” she said. Azizah explained that each adoption goes through a screening process, including interviews to ensure potential owners are suitable and able to provide proper care. “We don’t simply give away the cats. We interview adopters carefully because we want to make sure the animals are going to safe and responsible homes,” she said, adding that students and those without stable income are generally not encouraged to adopt unless they meet care requirements. She added that while running booths at expos can cost about RM5,000, participation is still worthwhile due to the wide reach compared to smaller events. “At bigger expos like this, people come from all over the country. “That gives the cats a better chance of finding homes,” she said, adding that adoption efforts are also paired with advocacy

Rentals halved for 10,000 FT traders PUTRAJAYA: Some 10,000 traders under the supervision of Kuala Lumpur City Hall will receive a 50% rental reduction for two years, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh. Yeoh said Putrajaya Corporation is still studying the best approach before implementing a similar measure, including assessing additional forms of assistance beyond rental discounts.

However, she said the government is prioritising rental reductions over other forms of subsidies, taking into account financial constraints and the need to generate alternative revenue. “When we reduce rent, we need to find other sources of revenue as we are also facing rising operating costs, including higher fuel prices.” Yeoh said the government has also launched free sports classes involving s epak takraw and skipping in Putrajaya as a targeted effort to address obesity among children. She said the programme was chosen as it is

She said City Hall and Labuan Corporation are among the earliest local authorities to announce the initiative, aimed at easing the cost-of-living burden on traders, particularly following rising fuel prices. “We have a long list (of recipients under) City Hall, involving 10,000 traders across all sites, including food courts and markets,” she said after launching the Putrajaya Actif Programme yesterday. The rental reduction for hawker sites and selected premises under City Hall takes effect from April 1 until Dec 31, 2027.