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‘Jewellery, cash spilt onto floor during condo raid’ Police struggled to count 12,000 pieces of gems during 2018 operation, says Rosmah trial witness. Report on — page 5

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY Govt fast-tracks biodiesel to curb energy volatility Raising blending rates to B15 will leverage 2.36m tonne capacity and existing infrastructure for immediate fuel security. SCAN ME No. 9122 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

No national fuel shortage, assures Loke Minister attributes isolated petrol station outages to logistical disruptions, sudden spike in demand. No national fuel

Report on — page 2

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Significantly fewer cars were seen on Sungai Besi Expressway yesterday morning at the start of work-from-home rollout for civil servants. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

WFH for 200,000 Report on h page 4 Chief secretary warns civil servants against treating remote working as holiday; expects zero dip in productivity.

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Unite for uncertain times and prolonged crisis: Sultan Nazrin IPOH: The people and the government must unite to confront mounting economic and energy challenges arising from the global energy crisis following the conflict in West Asia, said the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah. He warned that the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran is not merely a political or military manoeuvre but one with far-reaching implications for global stability, regional security, economic resilience and humanitarian sentiment. In light of these risks, Sultan Nazrin called for comprehensive national preparedness, both physically and mentally, to face the possibility of a prolonged global crisis. He emphasised that unity between the government and the people is essential in navigating what could be a difficult and uncertain period. “The strength of the domestic economy must be reinforced, food security safeguarded, financial stability maintained, and national unity preserved so that the country is not easily swayed by sentiment or speculation. “Beyond government-led initiatives, citizens also share responsibility in easing the burden by adopting prudent spending habits, practising thrift, and helping to reduce fuel consumption, thereby reducing government subsidies,” said the Sultan. Sultan Nazrin was delivering the Royal Address at the opening of the fourth year of the 15th state legislative assembly at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building here, yesterday. He further stressed the importance of a clear and effective communication strategy to help the public understand the causes, scale, and real-life impact of the crisis in simple and accessible terms, adding that the current situation is not the time for any party to fish in troubled waters or exploit the situation for narrow political purposes. “The government and opposition alike, along with community leaders and the private sector, must find common ground and work collaboratively. All must demonstrate unity and work together in addressing the looming economic challenges.” Sultan Nazrin also described the crisis as a “warning bell” for Malaysia to accelerate long-term structural reforms, particularly in reducing dependence on fossil fuels.. He added that investment in renewable energy is no longer optional, but a strategic imperative. – Bernama

Biodiesel fast-tracked to cushion energy shocks

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Govt to raise blending rates as ready-to deploy fuel leverages existing capacity and infrastructure: Minister

adequate only until end-May, with preparations already underway for June and beyond.” Targeted diesel assistance has been enhanced to ease the burden on vulnerable groups. Incentives for padi farmers have been raised to RM300 per ha per season, while cash assistance for farmers, smallholders and eligible diesel vehicle owners has been increased to RM400 per month. Enforcement will also be intensified to curb leakages, hoarding and smuggling of controlled fuel. Akmal said the crisis underscored the urgency for Malaysia to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and accelerate its transition to renewable energy. “This is to build long-term resilience as this crisis could last up to 18 months.” – By Harith Kamal services sectors, without requiring the development of a new energy ecosystem. “This means the government does not need to wait before taking action. The current situation shows that the country is in a position to accelerate implementation.” He added that Malaysia already has significant unused capacity within its biodiesel industry. In 2025, production stood at 975,207mt, compared with a total installed capacity of 2.36 million mt. “This indicates that the industrial base, supply chain and blending capabilities are already in place and only need to be strengthened in a structured manner to maximise benefits,” he said. Akmal said as part of the next phase, the government has agreed to increase the biodiesel blending rate from B10 to B15, beginning with a transition to B12. The move, he said, will not involve additional costs and will utilise existing blending infrastructure. He added that higher biodiesel usage is expected to help extend Malaysia’s diesel supply, supported by a broader biofuel mitigation strategy. This includes phased upgrades to B20 and B30 depot infrastructure under the 13th Malaysia Plan, as well as preparations for a future B30 mandate for the commercial and public transport sectors. Akmal said the government will also engage with the Oil Industry Technical Committee (OITC) to ensure smooth implementation and industry alignment. Last week, Felda chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said B100 could emerge as a more competitive and sustainable alternative energy source, particularly given uncertainties arising from the Middle East conflict. He said the rollout would begin within the Felda ecosystem and that a government policy framework was needed as current crude palm oil supplies may not be sufficient for immediate implementation.

PETALING JAYA: Biodiesel will be fast-tracked as Malaysia’s most immediate and practical alternative fuel, with the government moving to raise blending rates in an effort to cushion the impact of global energy volatility. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) has agreed in principle that biodiesel is the most ready-to deploy option in the near term, given its compatibility with existing

alternative energy source that can help reduce dependence on increasingly uncertain fossil fuel supplies,” he said during a briefing on the global energy crisis. Akmal said biodiesel’s key advantage lies in its immediate usability, particularly across the transport, logistics, agriculture and

systems and strong domestic production capacity. He said Putrajaya is prioritising solutions that can be implemented quickly, deliver direct impact and make full use of existing infrastructure. “Biodiesel meets these requirements because it is an

See also page 31

TAKRAW TALK ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim engages with students during a visit to the facilities and courts at the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy after officiating its complex in Kampung Bharu yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

‘Disciplined approach needed to manage rising costs’ PETALING JAYA: Malaysia must brace for a prolonged period of elevated fuel prices as global energy risks intensify, signalling a “new normal” that could reshape costs, consumption and economic stability. the crisis,” he said at a briefing on the global energy situation yesterday. we see cost pressures, but the impact on jobs and incomes may only emerge weeks or months later.” Early signs of strain have begun to surface across sectors. with sufficient stock of key items such as rice, chicken, eggs, vegetables, fish, milk and fruits.

Akmal said the government’s immediate priority is to safeguard the supply of essential goods, manage consumption prudently, contain inflationary pressures within fiscal limits and strengthen long-term economic resilience. He said the challenge goes beyond fuel prices, extending to broader cost of living pressures, supply chain stability and national economic security. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, he added, has disrupted global energy flows, with early spillover effects already being felt domestically. He cautioned that the full economic impact would not be immediate. “This crisis has a lag effect. Today

However, cost pressures are building at the production level, particularly from key inputs such as diesel, fertiliser and animal feed, which account for about 40% of agricultural costs. “Fertiliser prices could increase by up to 20%, while animal feed costs may rise by around 8%, raising the risk of higher consumer prices if not managed early. “In response, the government is taking a proactive approach, managing both supply and demand while rolling out targeted support measures. “This includes strengthening energy supply planning, with current stock levels expected to remain

“While land and sea transport activities remain stable, the aviation and tourism sectors have begun to feel the impact, with 55 weekly flights involving six airlines cancelled between March 23 and 28,”said Akmal. Tourist arrivals have also weakened, with passenger numbers from West Asia projected to decline by 1.5 million this year. To track developments, he said the government is monitoring 107 economic indicators, including 61 high-frequency indicators, on a real time basis. At the same time, he assured that essential food supplies remain stable,

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said expectations of a return to pre-crisis oil prices were no longer realistic, with geopolitical tensions continuing to unsettle global energy markets. He stressed that while Malaysia’s economic fundamentals remain intact, rising external pressures demand a calibrated and disciplined response. “The message is clear. We cannot be too comfortable, but neither should we be overly alarmed. We must adapt to a new normal where oil prices are likely to remain higher than before

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‘Petrol station outages do not point to national supply issue’

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is exploring the potential of palm oil–based biodiesel (B100) not only as a cleaner transport fuel but also as a stabilising force for power generation during fuel price shocks. Taylor’s University engineering expert Assoc Prof Dr Rifqi Irzuan Abdul Jalal said biodiesel could support diesel generator sets and grid support engines, helping protect the electricity grid when high diesel costs strain operating budgets for backup power and remote generation. However, he noted that technical readiness remains a major hurdle as generator engines and components must be tested, validated and certified for B100 to ensure reliability. Without this, the idea of using biodiesel for grid stability cannot be scaled safely. Even if technical readiness improves, supply constraints will ultimately determine feasibility. Meeting meaningful demand could require production capacity to more than double, making yield and efficiency improvements critical. While Rifqi acknowledged efforts by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, he said Malaysia lags behind countries such as China, which have aggressively modernised agriculture through technology, mechanisation and data driven management. He stressed that Malaysia must rely more on technology rather than land expansion to support biodiesel growth. Operational challenges also persist. Palm-based biodiesel has a natural cleaning effect that can benefit engines, but it thickens in colder conditions, potentially causing hard starts or clogged filters in cooler regions. Storage and handling also differ from fossil diesel, requiring stricter quality control and disciplined supply management. These upgrades add cost but are necessary for reliable scaling. Another hurdle is equipment and component readiness. Malaysia’s industry is still largely built around B20 expectations, while wider adoption of B100 requires systematic testing and validation. Components such as seals, fuel systems and after-treatment systems must be proven under local conditions. Rifqi added that coordinated action is necessary, with Original Equipment Manufacturers speeding up certification for B100 use, supported by government incentives for testing and validation. Ultimately, Rifqi argued that biodiesel offers promise as a transitional energy source, but Malaysia must balance technical readiness, supply capacity and food security. Without careful planning, the push for B100 could recreate the same cost of living pressures it seeks to ease. – BY HARITH KAMAL Biodiesel could stabilise grid during fuel price shocks

Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, while KTM Komuter is run by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd, making integration financially and operationally complex. At the same time, recurring rail disruptions, particularly on the Kelana Jaya Line, continue to test commuter patience. “No one wants these disruptions to continue, but these are technical issues. I have raised this with Prasarana to ensure such disruptions are minimised.” Acknowledging rising frustration, Loke noted that he shares public concerns and has directed Prasarana to tighten maintenance and address technical weaknesses. “When we encourage the public to use trains, we understand they will question why there are still delays and disruptions. These are not intentional, but they do happen.” Loke said Prasarana has been instructed to strengthen maintenance and give greater attention to technical issues to ensure more reliable services.

continued recording payments despite diesel supplies being exhausted. Investigations found that the station lacked an automatic cutoff system to halt transactions when fuel runs out. Separately, Loke said external pressures could yet test Malaysia’s energy stability, pointing to rising geopolitical tensions following the United States’ move to cordon off the Strait of Hormuz. He said the issue would be tabled at a National Economic Action Council meeting, with the National Security Council expected to assess potential fallout. Pressure is also mounting within the public transport system. Loke ruled out integrating the My50 unlimited travel pass with KTM Komuter services, citing structural and cost disparities between operators. “The systems are different. KTM services cover a much wider, intercity network unlike the more urban-focused LRT and MRT.” He added that LRT, MRT and Monorail services operate under

o Minister attributes shortages to logistical disruptions, delayed deliveries, sudden spikes in demand at certain locations

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

logistical disruptions, delayed deliveries and sudden spikes in demand at certain locations. “There are certain stations where, at times, demand may be too high, causing them to run out, and they are unable to be resupplied as quickly as possible.” However, the incidents, widely shared online, have unsettled motorists and put a spotlight on distribution gaps, even as Putrajaya seeks to reassure the public. Loke said the matter must be addressed by oil companies and suppliers, under the supervision of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.

PUTRAJAYA: The Transport Ministry has rolled out a sweeping package of rail, air and public transport incentives to encourage Malaysians to shift away from private vehicles, as rising fuel costs driven by geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to strain household budgets. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the measures form part of a broader strategy to ease cost-of-living pressures while raising reliance on public transport nationwide. He said escalating tensions in West Asia have pushed up fuel prices, adding pressure to transport-related household expenses. “Crises in West Asia have led to a significant increase in fuel costs, and this is affecting the people, especially in terms of transport costs.” Under the package, the government, together with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd, is offering a 30% discount on ETS tickets for all routes, as well as the Ekspres Rakyat Timuran service between JB Sentral and Tumpat, effective immediately. The discount applies to travel from Monday to Thursday, excluding school and public holidays to manage peak demand. The promotion will run from today to Oct 14, with passengers required to use a promotional code to be announced by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd. However, the discount does not apply to ETS Business Class, Ekspres Rakyat Timuran first class and sleeper seats or concession tickets. Loke urged commuters to plan their journeys early to take advantage of the savings. The government will also provide a RM50 airfare rebate for travel between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan in conjunction with the Gawai and Kaamatan celebrations, from May 15 to June 14. Loke said the initiative is expected to benefit about 100,000 passengers, PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is not facing a fuel shortage, with isolated petrol station outages and rail service disruptions attributed to distribution and operational challenges. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said reports of petrol stations running out of fuel in parts of the country were isolated incidents and do not reflect a nationwide supply issue. “I think those are isolated cases. It is not due to a lack of overall supply. “This does not mean that Malaysia has run out of fuel,” he said at a press conference here yesterday. He said national fuel levels remain stable, attributing the shortages to

The ministry is also probing a petrol station where pumps Incentives aim to boost public transport reliance

Loke urged commuters to plan their journeys early to take advantage of the savings. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

government’s flagship urban rail subsidy under Prasarana. “The government hopes more Malaysians will take advantage of this,” he said, adding that the scheme helps commuters manage monthly transport costs more effectively. Other Prasarana initiatives, such as Rapid Kota and Rapid Keluarga passes, remain in place to provide wider affordable travel options. Loke said the overall strategy is aimed at reducing reliance on private vehicles and fuel consumption while ensuring mobility remains affordable and accessible. “These measures are to ensure the public can continue travelling without being overly burdened by rising fuel costs.” – BY HARITH KAMAL

airlines welcomed the move following discussions with them yesterday.” Express Rail Link will also introduce two new monthly travel cards offering discounts of up to 90%, the MyPutrajaya Monthly Travel Card for civil servants working or residing in Putrajaya, and the MyKLIA Monthly Travel Card for employees at KL International Airport (KLIA). Loke said both passes are targeted at civil servants and Malaysian workers at KLIA, adding that the government is continuing the My50 pass priced at RM50, which provides a 67% subsidy for unlimited rail and bus travel in the Klang Valley, with about 40% of public transport users currently using the scheme. He said the My50 pass remains the

with the Civil Aviation Authority allocating RM5 million to the scheme. “The initiative is aimed at sustaining the aviation industry while providing meaningful benefits to the public, especially those travelling for work, education, family matters and other essential needs.” He said the move reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring public transport is accessible across all segments of society. Loke also announced that the government will extend the payment credit period for aviation fees and charges from 30 days to 60 days, effective May 1, to ease cash flow pressures on airlines. “This will help improve their cash flow over a two-month period. The

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/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

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Over 200,000 civil servants begin work-from-home

Rising kidney failure cases strain national

healthcare system PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is facing a fast-escalating kidney failure crisis, with the cost of treating end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) surging six-fold over the past decade to RM3.3 billion annually, placing mounting pressure on the country’s healthcare system. MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the sharp rise reflects a widening “silent epidemic” driven largely by non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus and hypertension, adding that Malaysia must urgently shift its healthcare focus from treatment to prevention. “The most effective and sustainable solution is prevention. Greater emphasis must be placed on early intervention, including nationwide screening for high-risk groups and tighter control of diabetes and blood pressure.” He also said the expanded use of SGLT2 inhibitors (prescription medications) marks a positive step, noting that the treatment not only improves diabetes control, but also slows the progression of kidney disease. Mah said early detection efforts must be strengthened, with routine kidney function testing integrated into primary care, especially for high-risk patients. “Detecting chronic kidney disease (CKD) earlier could delay or even prevent progression to ESKD, reducing long term healthcare costs.” On Monday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said CKD has become one of the most pressing health challenges facing Malaysians today. He said more than five million people in the country are estimated to be living with CKD, but only about 5% are aware of their condition. He added that the prevalence of CKD has risen significantly, from 9% in 2011 to 15.5% in 2025. He supported the Health Ministry’s “PD-first” approach, which prioritises peritoneal dialysis as a cost-effective option that could ease congestion in dialysis centres while offering patients greater independence. Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment in which fluid is put into the stomach area to clean waste and extra water from the blood using the body’s lining. However, he stressed that stronger patient education, improved home support systems and better incentives are needed to increase uptake. Mah said Malaysia must accelerate efforts to expand kidney transplant services, which is the most cost-effective long-term treatment option. “This requires boosting organ donation rates, strengthening transplant infrastructure, offering tax relief for donors and enhancing public awareness.” He added that financial protection for patients must not be overlooked, calling for targeted subsidies, transport assistance and low-interest financing schemes to ease the burden on families, particularly amid rising living costs. He highlighted the need for more sustainable healthcare practices, noting that dialysis, especially haemodialysis, consumes significant resources and generates substantial waste. “A comprehensive, prevention-first strategy is essential to safeguard public health and the long-term sustainability of Malaysia’s healthcare system.” – BY THE SUN TEAM

or defer them unless it is truly necessary.” In his address at the event, Shamsul underscored that the capacity to innovate has shifted from being an advantage to an absolute necessity for the public service. He called on civil servants to build a model of innovation rooted in Malaysian realities, arguing that the country possesses a strong domestic foundation from which to grow. “The public service is required to move with greater agility, adaptability and foresight in crafting solutions that are not merely responsive, but also capable of early prevention and long-term resilience.” Shamsul outlined a broad spectrum of innovation opportunities available to the public sector, highlighting the use of big data analytics to more accurately anticipate the needs of the public, as well as the comprehensive digitalisation of government services to accelerate delivery. “Innovation is not merely about creating new technology. It is also about renewing systems, improving processes and enhancing the wellbeing of the people.”

o Not all workers automatically qualify for arrangement, approval rests with department heads: Govt official

Ű THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Shamsul moved to address concerns that allowing civil servants to work remotely could undermine the efficiency of public administration, expressing confidence that the workforce would remain productive and disciplined throughout the arrangement. “I am confident that civil servants will not simply lie around, sit back and rest, or go shopping at supermarkets during work-from-home hours.” He was equally firm that the policy should not be used as a pretext for delays or deferrals to existing programmes and commitments. “We cannot allow the implementation of work-from-home to become an excuse to slow down or postpone any programmes that have been scheduled. What we need to do is review those programmes to ensure they are in line with current cost-saving measures, and to not cancel

SHAH ALAM: More than 200,000 civil servants across Malaysia have begun a work-from-home arrangement, although eligibility remains subject to individual circumstances and approval from respective department heads. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar confirmed the rollout after officiating at the Public Sector Innovation Programme, noting that not all civil servants would automatically qualify for the arrangement. “Not everyone will be involved. There are several factors we will take into consideration. Approval for work-from-home rests with department heads,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the event yesterday.

Financial aid disbursed to eligible students PUTRAJAYA: A total of 4,165 students from public higher education institutions and private higher education institutions have been identified as eligible to receive financial assistance under the IPT 5.0 programme after meeting the stipulated eligibility requirements. The Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) yesterday announced that the disbursement of funds has begun in stages starting April 9 to approved recipients. “The full list of students will be uploaded through the official portal and Mitra social media pages.“ The programme is part of Mitra’s ongoing efforts to strengthen access to higher education among the Malaysian Indian community to ease their financial burden, especially at the initial stage of entry. The eligibility requirements set for aid recipients include being from B40 families, pursuing studies at the diploma and bachelor’s degree levels, being first-year students for the 2025/2026 Academic Session only and submitting complete application documents. Any questions regarding the programme can be directed to Mitra officers at 03-8886 6192 from 9am to 5pm on weekdays or the email spl@mitra.gov.my. Mitra emphasised its continued commitment to ensuring more inclusive and equitable educational opportunities, in line with efforts to produce competitive and highly skilled human capital. – Bernama

Ramanan said the

simultaneous celebrations reflect unity in diversity, cultural richness and shared spiritual renewal. – SYED AZAHAR SYED

OSMAN/ THESUN

Anwar shares Chithirai Puthandu, Vaisakhi and Vishu blessings

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended Chithirai New Year, Vaisakhi and Vishu greetings to the Tamil, Sikh and Malayalee communities in Malaysia, calling for continued unity and mutual respect in the country’s diversity. He expressed hope that the new year period would bring peace of mind, good health and blessings to all those celebrating. “In this spirit, let us continue to preserve unity with full awareness and responsibility so that Malaysia remains steadfast as a prosperous and harmonious nation. “The diversity we inherit is the foundation that binds us together in a shared bond, with a spirit of mutual respect, understanding and strengthening.” Chithirai Puthandu, Vaisakhi and Vishu—observed within days of each other—mark renewal, hope and fresh beginnings for the respective communities.

of the multiracial and multireligious Malaysian society.” He stressed that unity remains key to national progress. “With strong unity, Malaysia can stand majestically as a peaceful, inclusive and progressive country. The diversity we have is not a weakness, but the country’s greatest asset that needs to be preserved and celebrated together.” Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said Vaisakhi commemorates the birth of the Khalsa, rooted in values of courage, equality and determination to uphold truth, also symbolising identity and resilience within the Sikh community. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the simultaneous celebrations reflect unity in diversity, cultural richness and shared spiritual renewal. He said the occasion encourages renewed commitment to values while guiding the younger generation. – Bernama

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the occasion symbolises not only a new beginning, but also a chance to reinforce shared values, determination and unity among Malaysia’s multiracial society. He said the family institution remains central in shaping unity from an early age. “Children raised in an atmosphere of harmony will grow up as individuals who appreciate diversity. Every parent and family member plays an important role as early educators in shaping a generation with a big heart and high morals.” Aaron added that unity is built in everyday life, not only in public spaces. “Unity does not begin on the big stage but at the dining table, living room and in every daily interaction in the family, and when this value is instilled consistently, it becomes a strong foundation for the harmony

WEDNESDAY | APR 15, 2026

5 Rosmah trial: ‘Overwhelming’ cash, jewellery found in raid

‘Zara Qairina was breathing normally en route to hospital’ KOTA KINABALU: An assistant medical officer told the Coroner’s Court that Zara Qairina Mahathir was found unconscious but still breathing normally when first attended to. Kinarut Health Clinic assistant medical officer Mohd Faiszal Md Saimi, 40, the first responder at the scene, said the victim had a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) reading of 3/15, a level typically associated with severe traumatic brain injury. He added that despite the low GCS score, the victim’s vital signs remained stable during transport to the hospital. “While in the ambulance, I continuously monitored her condition. Her blood pressure was 108/83 mmHg, pulse rate 82 per minute, respiratory rate 20 per minute and oxygen saturation 98%, all within normal range,” he said when reading his witness statement before coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan. Mohd Faiszal said he received an emergency call at 3.23am regarding a student who had fallen at the dormitory of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Tun Datu Mustapha in Kinaru and arrived at the scene at about 3.45am. Upon arriving at the location, he found the victim lying unconscious on a cement floor near the dormitory building. Initial emergency treatment included the application of a cervical collar, oxygen support and other stabilisation measures before she was transported to the Queen Elizabeth I Hospital. He said further examination showed the victim did not respond to light, sound or painful stimuli, including the trapezius squeeze test. He also confirmed that no medication, including anticonvulsants such as Phenytoin, was administered during the initial treatment. Previously, the court heard that post-mortem laboratory tests detected the presence of Phenytoin in the victim’s kidney tissue. Responding to questions from the legal team led by lawyer Shahlan Jufri, Mohd Faiszal explained that Phenytoin is a Group B drug that could only be administered with a doctor’s approval and is typically used for seizures that cannot be controlled with first-line treatment such as diazepam. “Phenytoin is usually a last-resort option when seizures cannot be controlled,” he said, adding that the medication is available in tablet, capsule or injection form but requires a prescription. Zara Qairina, 13, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17, 2025, a day after she was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory at about 4am. On Aug 13, 2025, the Attorney General’s Chambers ordered an inquest after reviewing the police investigation report. – Bernama

o Volume of valuables made immediate inventory impossible, says ex-CCID director

KUALA Former Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Seri Amar Singh Ishar Singh told the High Court yesterday that bags of cash and jewellery were found spilling onto the floor during a raid at a luxury Pavilion Residences condominium unit eight years ago. Amar Singh, 67, who retired from the police in December 2018, said officers discovered 71 luggage bags, one plastic box and 284 other boxes during the 5.30pm operation on May 17, 2018, Bernama reported. “Initially, we wanted to count each and every exhibit. But the minute we opened a few bags, the number of exhibits in each bag was just overwhelming. “When we saw bags of cash, it was not properly bundled. It was loosely packed and the contents spilt onto the floor. We had to quickly push back all the items and zip the bags.” He said the raid was conducted following instructions to search premises linked to former prime LUMPUR:

reported to have sustained injuries to his hand, the back of his head and his ribs after being hit from behind by the suspect’s vehicle while he was controlling traffic at Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra. Police have also urged any other vehicle owners affected by the latest incident to come forward and lodge reports at the nearest traffic police station to assist in the investigation. – Bernama Toddler dies from alleged abuse KUALA TERENGGANU: A three year-old boy died, believed to have been abused by his foster family, according to police. Kuala Terengganu police chief Azli Mohd Noor said police received a report at 3.46pm on Sunday from a medical officer at the Bukit Payong health clinic, who had informed authorities that a child patient was brought in unconscious with multiple injuries to his limbs. The victim had been living with his foster family in Kampung Banggol Katong, Kuala Terengganu. Azli said a post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be complications from acute limb ischemia, in which a fractured thigh bone reportedly pressed against muscles and major blood vessels, leading to severe complications if not treated promptly. Following the discovery, police arrested three suspects, two men and a woman, believed to be the child’s foster family, to assist in investigations. – Bernama “The jewellery mark has been positively identified and returned to them. If this is so, then it was together with a total of 1,041 jewellery pieces found in bags stored in a room at the premises.” On March 29, 2023, Global Royalty filed a lawsuit against Rosmah, alleging she falsely claimed that 44 pieces of jewellery sent to her by the company’s agent, had been seized by authorities. everything did we allow everyone to leave.” Amar said inspection and valuation of the jewellery took place from May 30 to June 25, 2018, at the 34th floor of Menara KPJ. He also said at the end of each counting, valuing and tabulating process, the exhibits were escorted under tight security to Bank Negara for safekeeping in its vault. “I was informed that the AMLA (Anti-Money Laundering) investigating officer, together with a representative from Global Royalty, had positively identified one piece of the jewellery as belonging to them.

were so many chains. “We didn’t have a weighing machine with us. Neither were we experts in tabulating the exhibits. We were not able to determine whether they were real gold, fake gold, diamonds or otherwise,” he said during cross-examination by senior federal counsel Liew Horng Bin. He added that officers secured the items using plastic wrapping, similar to airport luggage wrapping, to preserve their integrity before transporting them to Bukit Aman in five secured trucks. “Each vehicle was escorted by patrol cars. Our entire team followed the convoy to ensure the exhibits arrived at Bukit Aman in their original condition. Upon arrival, we followed the same process, escorting items in batches into the lock-up. Only after sealing

minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his family in connection with the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case. Amar Singh was testifying on the second day of a US$14.57 million lawsuit filed by Lebanese jeweller Global Royalty Trading SAL against Najib’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, over the alleged loss of more than 40 pieces of jewellery, before Judge Datuk Quay Chew Soon. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the government are third parties in the suit. He said the sheer volume of jewellery made immediate inventory impossible. “We couldn’t count and tabulate the exhibits. There were just too many. Imagine if I tabulated the exhibits, I would be writing one jewellery item, and there would be 12,000 pieces for one chain. There

PRESTIGIOUS PRESENTATION ... Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department director Hassan ‘As’ari Omar (left) presents the Fire Certificate to PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad CEO Izwan Ibrahim during a ceremony held at Merdeka 118 yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Police inspector identified as hit-and-run suspect KUALA LUMPUR: A driver detained for allegedly being involved in a hit and-run case involving a traffic policeman last Friday is a police inspector who suffers from a mental health condition, according to police. Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said the 40-year-old male suspect has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is currently on special medical leave, as well as in the process of being retired on medical grounds upon the recommendation of the Medical Board. He added that the suspect was arrested at 3.45pm on Sunday at Jalan Empat, Chan Sow Lin after personnel from the Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department tracked down his vehicle in the Jalan Cheras area through intelligence and closed-circuit television footage checks. “However, attempts to stop the vehicle failed when the driver fled in a dangerous manner. “In his attempt to escape, the suspect rammed several public vehicles before he was eventually surrounded and arrested.” Fadil said a breathalyser test conducted on the suspect returned a negative result, while a urine screening test will be carried out to complete the investigation. He said seven vehicles have so far

been reported damaged in the collisions, involving five civilian cars, a police MPV and a motorcycle belonging to a police officer. The case is being investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving and Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant in the discharge of his duties. In the first incident last Friday, Constable Roslan Salleh, 27, was

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‘Active parenting key to digital safety for children’

Malaysian scientist joins Nasa research programme KUALA LUMPUR: A 33-year-old Malaysian researcher has earned a place in one of the United States’ most forward-looking aviation research programmes, working alongside Nasa and the Georgia Institute of Technology on a project that could reshape urban air travel. Dr Raja Akif Raja Zahirudin, originally from Kerteh, Terengganu, currently serves as a postdoctoral fellow at Georgia Tech’s Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering. He is among the researchers contributing to the Nasa Raven-GT project, short for Research Aircraft for eVTOL Enabling Technologies, which explores electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, a new class of vehicles capable of operating like conventional planes while lifting off and touching down vertically. His specific research examines rotor performance and the aerodynamic interactions between aircraft components that influence thrust during take-off and landing phases, with the goal of producing more efficient and operationally viable eVTOL designs. Raja Akif said the technology holds significant promise as an urban transport alternative, offering quieter and cleaner short-distance travel in populated cities. He identified noise reduction and energy efficiency as the central engineering challenges, adding that public acceptance in built-up areas hinges on those factors. – Bernama

evolved from an option into an essential component of the modern learning environment, with platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and WhatsApp serving as important sources of information and exposure. However, he emphasised that such exposure must be supervised, as parents play a critical role in monitoring their children’s online activities and helping them distinguish beneficial content from potential harm. Echoing the sentiment, Amira Azman, a 47-year-old mother of two said while regulations provide a necessary safety net, the ultimate moral and legal responsibility for a child’s online conduct rests with the parents. She said the evolving legal landscape has heightened parental anxiety, as guardians could now be held accountable for their children’s online behaviour. However, she added that constant monitoring is not entirely realistic as tech savvy children are often “three steps ahead”, making it necessary for parents to move from merely monitoring to actively mentoring. “A filter could block a website, but it cannot teach a child how to handle a predator who appears normal. “When my child encountered minor inappropriate content, I addressed it immediately by having a serious conversation and adjusting the settings.” She also said the situation is compounded by peer pressure for children to remain connected.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s plan to delay social media access for individuals under 16 in the second half of the year is a constructive step towards ensuring online safety for children. However, an expert said the move will be more effective when paired with active parental involvement. He believed that while managing children’s digital access through filters and screen time limits is vital, it also provides an opportunity for families to bond through shared digital experiences, Bernama reported. The approach encourages a transition from using devices as “digital babysitters” to a more rewarding role in which parents actively mentor their children, teaching them to navigate the online world with resilience. National Defence University of Malaysia Faculty of Defence Studies and Management counseling psychologist Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzil Che Din said parental controls alone are insufficient, as effective protection requires a combination of technical barriers and robust supervision. He added that from a psychological o Effective protection requires technical barriers and robust supervision, says psychologist

perspective, form perceptions, both positive and negative, based on their online encounters and to shape these perceptions positively, parents must guide and educate them. He also said beyond the learning phase, the next crucial stage is building a child’s personality to ensure they grow into balanced and well-adjusted adults. “At the same time, motivation is crucial. Parents need to nurture and guide a child’s motivation so it aligns with their personal and family goals.” Mohamed Fadzil said social media has Mohamed Fadzil said parents need to nurture a child’s motivation so it aligns with their personal and family goals. – AI-GENERATED IMAGE BY SYED AZAHAR/THESUN children naturally

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‘Delay US overflight deal’ JAKARTA: Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry has warned the Defence Ministry in a letter that an American proposal to give its military “blanket” permission to fly over Indonesian territory risked entangling Jakarta in potential South China Sea conflicts, sources said. mean they were not discussed in private. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. o Plan risks regional ties, says Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry

Uphold rule of law: Xi BEIJING: The international rule of law must be upheld for peace and stability to prevail in the Middle East, President Xi Jinping said yesterday, in a rebuke of the US-Israeli war on Iran. While Beijing has repeatedly criticised the US-Israeli campaign as illegal, Xi has made few public comments about the conflict. He will hold talks with US President Donald Trump in an expected meeting in Beijing next month. The rule of law cannot be “used when convenient and discarded when not”, Xi told Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the visiting crown prince of Abu Dhabi, according to Xinhua news agency. “We must not allow the world to revert to the law of the jungle,” Xi told Sheikh Khaled, the eldest son of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Xi told Sheikh Khaled, who also chairs the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, that China was willing to work with the UAE to build a more robust, resilient, and dynamic strategic partnership. The visit by the crown prince of the largest of the UAE’s seven emirates underscores a long-term commitment to expand a growing economic corridor with China, building on momentum generated by the 2024 visit of Sheikh Khaled’s father. On Monday, the UAE’s national airline, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, announced a plan to significantly expand its network of flights between the UAE capital and Chinese cities. Highlighting the UAE’s push to deepen economic ties with China, Sheikh Khaled’s delegation included Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and industry minister, Investment Minister Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi and Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. On Monday, Prime Ministier Li Qiang told the crown prince that Beijing was willing to explore cooperation in energy storage, hydrogen and new energy vehicles. Bilateral trade should be “expanded in scale, but also optimised structurally,” Li said, adding that China welcomed more UAE investment in sectors such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and life sciences. Later this year, China plans to host the second China-Arab States Summit, where Beijing hopes to complete talks on a free trade pact between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. – Reuters

national security risks because it places Indonesia as a potential target in a regional conflict situation”. It noted that a number of US military aircraft had carried out surveillance operations in South China Sea on 18 occasions between January 2024 and April 2025, which constituted a violation of Indonesia’s territorial waters and airspace. Indonesia’s protests regarding this operation have never received a proper response from the US, it added. Spokespersons for Indonesia’s foreign and defence ministries, as well as the Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the reservations raised by the Indonesian Foreign Ministry. Indonesia has a non-aligned foreign policy and President Prabowo Subianto has vowed to befriend all countries. Indonesia is a key member of President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace initiative, and has committed the largest contingent of troops for the body’s proposed stabilisation force in Gaza. He has also remained close to Beijing. His first foreign visit as president in 2024 was to Beijing and he attended a military parade hosted by President Xi Jinping late last year, being photographed with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The US and Australia joined the Philippines for their second joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea this year, amid tensions with China in the disputed waterway. – Reuters

Indonesia’s Defence Ministry did not respond to a Reuters question on whether the proposal was discussed between the two, but said the US proposal was being carefully reviewed by Jakarta, which had made a number of adjustments keeping in mind the country’s sovereignty and national interests. Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, is strategically located on the southern entry point of the South China Sea where it controls the Natuna Islands, and balances close ties with both China and the United States. China claims sovereignty over almost all the South China Sea despite overlapping claims by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam. The letter from the Foreign Ministry said the US proposal should be treated with caution because it would allow Washington to maximise surveillance and reconnaissance using Indonesian waters and territory, and could affect relations with other strategic partners in the region, including China. It said an agreement with the US would give “the impression that Indonesia is involved in an alliance with the implication of increased

The letter, marked as urgent and confidential, was delivered early this month ahead of a meeting of Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth in Washington on Monday, according to two Indonesian sources with knowledge of the matter. The letter has not been previously reported and it urged the Defence Ministry to delay any final agreement with Washington. It is not clear if the overflight proposal was discussed by Hegseth and Sjafrie. The two Indonesian sources said the proposal had been slated to be signed at Monday’s meeting. A Pentagon statement that followed the meeting said the two countries established a major defence cooperation partnership and listed a number of ways in which the two countries would build defence ties, but did not refer to overflights. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that just because the overflights were not mentioned in the statement did not Evergrande boss pleads guilty to fraud BEIJING: The founder of Chinese property giant Evergrande has pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and bribery, a court said yesterday. Evergrande’s rise was propelled by decades of rapid urbanisation and rising living standards, but in 2020, its access to credit dramatically narrowed when the government introduced curbs on excessive borrowing and speculation. The company defaulted in 2021 after struggling to repay creditors. Founder Xu Jiayin, known as Hui Ka Yan in Cantonese, was reportedly held by police in 2023”. A public hearing was held on Monday and yesterday on a case against Xu for “illegally absorbing public deposits, fundraising fraud, illegally issuing loans, illegally using funds, fraudulently issuing securities, disclosing important information in violation of regulations, embezzlement and (corporate) bribery”, a court statement said. “Xu Jiayin pleaded guilty and expressed remorse,” the Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court in southern Guangdong province said. Evergrande Group and its real estate arm also stood trial. The court said it would announce a verdict at a later date. – AFP

ELEGANCE IN MOTION ... Dancers performing during Khmer New Year (Nokor Sankranta) celebrations at Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh yesterday. – AFPPIC

Songkran breathes new life into Hat Yai SONGKHLA: Several months after devastating floods submerged business premises and disrupted livelihoods, Songkhla is showing signs of recovery as an influx of tourists during the Songkran festival breathes new life into its economy.

in line with the rise in tourist arrivals. Local authorities have stepped up safety measures and traffic control to ensure the celebrations proceed smoothly and safely. These measures include deploying security personnel at key locations and monitoring to prevent any untoward incidents. Overall, this year’s Songkran celebration not only reflects the vibrancy of Thai culture but also symbolises Hat Yai’s recovery as a tourism destination following the disaster. Earlier reports stated that prolonged heavy rainfall caused severe flooding across eight provinces in southern Thailand, affecting nearly 360,000 people in 48 districts. Hat Yai is located about 26km southwest of Songkhla City. – Bernama

hardships,” he said. Another youth, Pimchanok Rattanawong, 19, said the festival is not only about enjoyment but also about restoring community spirit. “Songkran makes us feel that the city is alive again. With so many tourists, the atmosphere has returned to how it used to be,” he said. Hotel and accommodation operators have also recorded a surge in bookings. Hotel operator Chalida Kittisak, 48, said occupancy rates have risen significantly this week. “We are fully booked for several days. This is what we have been hoping for after such a difficult period,” she said. Tuk-tuk drivers and transport service providers are benefiting from increased demand

some traders taking weeks to resume operations. “Water rose into our shops and we could not operate at all,” he said. He said the situation has improved markedly with the influx of tourists. Another trader, Naree Chaiyaporn, 38, said this year’s Songkran celebration has brought renewed hope. Although recovery remains incomplete, she said the increase in customers has strengthened confidence that the local economy will stabilise. University student Anan Srisawat, 21, said this year’s celebration signals a return to normalcy. “After the floods, many people felt sad and stressed. But when Songkran arrives, everyone comes out, celebrates and forgets their

Celebrated annually from April 13 to 15, Songkran marks the Thai New Year and has evolved into a major tourism event. Thousands of tourists were crowding the main streets of Hat Yai yesterday to take part in water festivities. For small traders, the celebration presents an opportunity to rebuild their lives. A street food vendor, Somchai Wongsawat, 45, said the floods caused significant losses as equipment and supplies were damaged, with