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Malaysia’s military must evolve or be left behind Digital infrastructure now

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

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as vital as boots on ground, say analysts.

SCAN ME No. 9123 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

EPF lifeline Report on h page 3 Lower-income Malaysians forced to tap EPF Flexible Account 3 as rising living costs outpace stagnant wages.

Earlier data from the Employees Provident Fund showed that contributors earning below RM3,000 made up 51% of withdrawals from Account 3. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THE SUN

Shipping costs soar as Hormuz crisis bites Shipowners association warns of inflation risk for food and energy as insurers pull cover for Strait routes.

Meta rolls out Instagram teen account guardrails Sleep mode and ‘13+’ filters now default for Malaysians under 18.

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Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Malaysia faces rising shipping costs amid Hormuz tensions

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians may start paying more even before shortages emerge as uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz prompts businesses to adjust prices and households to brace for higher living costs. Economists warn that the earliest impact of the crisis may come not from physical disruptions but from sentiment-driven behaviour that influences pricing, spending and investment decisions across the economy. Malaysian Institute of Economic Research and Universiti Malaya Social Wellbeing Research Centre senior research fellow Dr Zulkiply Omar said market sentiment would be the fastest transmission channel, ahead of actual cost pressures. He said while higher oil prices, freight costs, fuel subsidies and imported inflation would eventually filter through the economy, these effects typically take longer to materialise along the supply chain. “Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz will raise oil prices and global shipping costs. This will increase fuel subsidy costs, logistics costs and imported inflation. It will also have a multiplier effect on production costs across the supply chain. “However, the impact through those channels is not immediate. It is slower. The fastest channel is market sentiment, which takes effect almost instantly. “Sentiment will influence the behaviour of producers and consumers, and markets will respond based on expectations, even if the actual impact is not yet certain,” he told theSun. Zulkiply cautioned that the situation should not be viewed as a temporary shock, warning that a more volatile external environment could persist and reshape economic PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is beginning to feel the strain from escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, as shipping costs surge, insurance cover is pulled and vessel access tightens – raising the risk of higher prices at home. Shipowners warn that war-risk insurance for vessels operating in the area has been cancelled, while bunker fuel costs have surged by as much as 140%, sharply increasing operating expenses. Malaysia Shipowners Association (Masa) chairman Mohamed Safwan Othman said the fallout had moved beyond the maritime sector, given Malaysia’s heavy reliance on shipping for strategic cargo such as food imports, coal for energy and palm oil exports. He warned the disruption could soon feed into higher freight charges and broader inflation. “We are indeed very concerned about the statements made by the United States president regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Under international maritime conventions, any strait or waterway in the world is a free passageway. “It cannot simply be blocked by any country and the countries helping to administer that strait are supposed to facilitate passage,” he

o Tighter vessel access, insurance pullbacks and fuel spikes risk lifting import prices and inflation: Shipowners association

Ibrahim, on possible security support for Malaysian cargo vessels. However, he said such measures were not required at this stage, as Putrajaya continues to rely on diplomatic engagement. “What we told the government is that our priority is, first, the safety of the seafarers on board. Second is our assets, meaning the ships, and third is the cargo we are carrying, because that cargo is critical to the continuity and needs of the Malaysian people.” The latest uncertainty follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a naval blockade on ships entering and leaving Iranian ports after ceasefire talks with Tehran collapsed. The blockade came into force on Monday, with the US military reporting that six merchant vessels had turned back within the first 24 hours. See also page 18

regional exporter, we need a large number of vessels to carry strategic cargo such as food. We also export palm oil, and for energy we import coal.” He added that the impact was already spilling into land and air transport, pushing up costs across the board. “We expect inflation to rise as food and other goods become more expensive in the near term.” A United Nations Development Programme assessment released on Tuesday reinforced those concerns, warning that the latest Middle East escalation could cost the Asia-Pacific region between US$97 billion (RM383.3 billion) and US$299 billion (RM1.18 trillion) with up to 8.8 million people at risk of falling into poverty. Safwan said discussions had been held with the government, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar

behaviour over time. He said businesses would need to improve efficiency, adopt appropriate technologies and strengthen innovation, while households may have to adjust spending habits, conserve energy and rely more on alternatives such as public transport and home cooking to manage rising costs. Putra Business School director of MBA programmes Prof Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff said the more immediate pressure point for Malaysia would be fiscal, particularly the cost of sustaining fuel subsidies if global oil prices remain elevated. He said while the government could still absorb the pressure in the short term, prolonged disruption would significantly strain fiscal management and narrow policy space. “If tensions in the Strait of Hormuz persist, the fastest pressure on Malaysia’s economy will come through fiscal stress driven by rising fuel subsidies. With subsidy costs already exceeding RM3 billion a month, Malaysia may still be able to absorb the pressure in the short term if prices remain high but stable. “However, if the disruption continues and oil prices remain elevated over a longer period, pressure on the fiscal deficit and consolidation commitments will intensify.” Ahmed Razman said if the crisis drags on, the impact would widen across supply chains, with transport and logistics sectors likely to be affected first, followed by energy intensive manufacturing and food industries dependent on imports. He added that lower and middle income households would bear the greatest burden as the cost of essential goods continues to rise. – By Faiz Ruzman told theSun. Safwan said the situation had already escalated beyond rising costs, with some vessels now unable to secure insurance for Hormuz-linked routes. “The effects are already being felt. Insurance is not merely increasing, it has actually been cancelled. “What they call the war-risk premium – many insurance companies are no longer covering ships that want to berth in or pass through the Strait of Hormuz.” He said fuel costs had also climbed sharply since tensions escalated. “Since the tension began, fuel

costs have also risen. Just the cost of fuel for ships has gone up by 140%.” The Foreign Affairs Ministry earlier confirmed that one of seven Malaysia-linked vessels had safely transited the waterway, while six others remain in the area awaiting clearance. Safwan warned that the bigger risk was not only rising costs, but whether enough vessels would remain available to carry essential cargo if the disruption drags on. He said countries and shipowners would prioritise their own strategic needs in a prolonged crisis. “One direct effect is a shortage of ships. As an importing country and a

‘Market sentiment likely to drive early price increases’

Petronas reaffirms its commitment in ensuring a stable and reliable fuel supply and urges the public to purchase fuel responsibly and avoid panic buying or hoarding. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Supply secure through June: Petronas

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Canadian energy sector. Meanwhile, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the government is implementing measures to cushion the impact of global fuel supply disruptions, including exploring alternative feedstock such as increasing the biodiesel blend from B10 to B15. He warned that any fuel shortage could also affect the supply of other materials, particularly those derived from petroleum. “June and July will be a very critical period in ensuring fuel supplies remain stable and sufficient. It is equally important to ensure industries have adequate access to other raw materials, including those derived from fuel,” he added.

companies operating in the country. The company reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a stable and reliable fuel supply, while urging the public to purchase fuel responsibly and avoid panic buying or hoarding to maintain continued accessibility. Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia has sufficient fuel supply to meet domestic demand until June, crediting Petronas’ strong ties with oil producing nations for helping secure supplies despite geopolitical tensions. He also said the country has adequate liquefied natural gas (LNG), supported by strong domestic production, long-standing import relationships with Australia and Petronas’ partnerships with the

PETALING JAYA: Fuel supply at Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) stations nationwide is secured through to the end of June, extending the company’s earlier projection of end-May coverage. In a statement yesterday, the national oil company said it is actively managing its supply chain to maintain sufficient stock levels amid a global energy squeeze triggered by escalating conflict in West Asia. Petronas, through its listed subsidiary Petronas Dagangan Berhad, supplies about 50% of Malaysia’s fuel requirements, with the remainder provided by other oil

THURSDAY | APR 16, 2026

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Soaring cost of living raising EPF withdrawals

forwarded to social media platforms. “Of the total, 54 investigation papers have been opened, with 12 submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers and not pursued further, while 42 cases remain under investigation,” he noted. “The public is reminded that fuel price updates are only announced every Wednesday at 6pm or 7pm via official channels, and any information released outside this timeframe is likely false.” In a separate matter, Fahmi said following the implementation of the work-from-home policy for the federal public service nationwide yesterday, Anwar has instructed the chief secretary to the government to monitor its implementation. He said these include verifying employee presence, while ensuring public-facing services, particularly counter operations, continue as usual. Remote work policy leaves public services unaffected KUALA LUMPUR: The country has implemented a nationwide work-from-home (WFH) policy for federal civil servants, beginning yesterday, as part of a strategic response to the global energy crisis triggered by the West Asia conflict. While most government offices now operate with minimal staff, public services continue to run smoothly, particularly counter transactions at Urban Transformation Centres, Immigration and police departments. Putrajaya, the federal administrative capital, appeared quieter than usual, with most ministry staff working remotely. Government buildings were in low power mode, with dimmed lighting and reduced lift operations. Civil servants reported adapting well, citing structured workflows, online attendance systems and VPN access to maintain productivity. Officers are required to log tasks, check in hourly and prioritise core duties, ensuring continuity of essential functions. The policy applies to federal civil servants in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and state capitals who live more than 8km from their offices. It excludes staff in security, defence, health and education sectors. WFH days vary depending on state holidays: Tuesday to Thursday for states with Sunday holidays, and Monday to Wednesday for states with Friday holidays. Civil servants across states shared positive experiences following a nationwide check by Bernama. In Kedah, past pandemic WFH practices helped staff prepare more systematically. In Selangor, attendance is tracked online, with staff ready to return to offices if required. Penang civil officers reported smooth operations using the SPOT Me geolocation system. Negeri Sembilan’s city council maintained open counters despite rotational WFH for over 200 staff. Pahang officials said the system improved task management while ensuring readiness to return to office when needed. Perak’s secretary emphasised that the rollout balances energy savings with service efficiency. In contrast, states such as Malacca, Perlis, Kelantan and Johor saw limited adoption as most civil servants live within commuting distance. Sarawak faced challenges due to weak internet and electricity in rural areas, restricting WFH to about 30% of staff. In Sabah, eligible officers welcomed the policy as practical relief from long commutes and rising living costs. IT staff noted improved efficiency for technical tasks, while others highlighted savings on fuel and better focus at home. The WFH initiative is seen as a cost saving, energy efficient measure that preserves public service delivery while easing burdens on civil servants. Experiences from the Covid 19 pandemic have helped staff adapt quickly, although uneven adoption across states reflects infrastructure and demographic differences. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Mounting cost-of-living pressures are forcing lower-income Malaysians to rely on their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Flexible Account 3 savings for daily survival as wages fail to keep pace with rising expenses. Putra Business School economist Assoc Prof Dr Ida Md Yasin said the high frequency of withdrawals among lower-income contributors reflects structural income constraints and individual financial behaviour. “Insufficient income relative to rising expenses is a key driver, but spending discipline also plays a role. “At the end of the day, individuals must try to ensure their income is equal to or exceeds their expenses. If not, they may rely on withdrawals or debt.” She said EPF Account 3 effectively functions as a social safety net, given that its design allows contributors to access part of their savings when needed. “The moment withdrawals are permitted, it means contributors are allowed to spend part of their savings. “However, the remaining balance is still meant for retirement,” she said, adding that the facility has largely achieved its intended purpose. She also pointed to inflationary pressures as a key driver, saying the rise in living costs appears to be outpacing income growth, particularly among lower-income groups. “This creates a situation in which people turn to their savings for immediate needs. But it is not solely about inflation as individual spending patterns and financial priorities also matter.” Ida added that withdrawals could, in some cases, serve as a short-term coping strategy, provided individuals are able to rebuild their savings through higher income and disciplined financial management. “However, repeated withdrawals will gradually reduce retirement savings. Retirement planning requires a long-term perspective,” she noted. For Harith Kamal, who earns below RM3,000 a month, EPF withdrawals have become necessary to cope with rising daily expenses. “It is mainly for daily expenses. My salary is not enough to cover basic needs, such as food, fuel and tolls. “With the current economic situation, things have become even more difficult,” he Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the Finance Ministry to immediately review the process of targeting diesel subsidies using a mechanism similar to that implemented for Budi95. Speaking at a weekly press conference yesterday, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the ministry is set to present its findings either at the next council meeting or at the Cabinet meeting in the coming week. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir on Tuesday announced that targeted diesel assistance has been enhanced to ease the burden on vulnerable groups. Incentives for padi farmers have been raised to RM300 per hectare per season, while cash assistance for farmers, smallholders and Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI AND HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Economist points to inflation, individual spending patterns, financial priorities as contributing factors

The work-from-home policy applies to federal civil servants in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and state capitals who live more than 8km from their offices. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

“It made more sense to use the funds to clear the debt rather than let it accumulate,” she said, adding that the withdrawal was also influenced by a period of temporary unemployment. While she said her current income is sufficient for now, she expressed concern about future affordability, particularly with family planning and broader economic uncertainty. “The money is meant for retirement. This was just a temporary solution. This experience was a wake-up call. It reflects poor financial planning and I would avoid doing it again unless absolutely necessary.” Earlier, data from EPF showed that contributors earning below RM3,000 made up 51.1% of withdrawals from the Flexible Account, but accounted for only 28.6% of total withdrawal value. In contrast, those earning RM10,000 and above comprised just 4% of withdrawals, yet contributed 17.7% of total withdrawals, indicating more strategic use of the facility among higher-income contributors. The Flexible Account was introduced in May 2024 as part of a broader restructuring of members’ savings. for biodiesel blending.” Fahmi, who is government spokesperson, said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will undertake an official visit starting today, with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations and witnessing the signing of several memoranda of understanding. “Discussions between the leaders of Malaysia and Australia will, among others, focus on the global energy crisis affecting the world, with further details to be announced following the meeting scheduled for tomorrow.” Fahmi also revealed that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has identified 441 pieces of false content related to the global energy crisis from March 29, as of 7am yesterday. He said public complaints have been lodged and takedown requests have been also

said, adding that he has made withdrawals for two consecutive months just to get by. He said even after cutting back on non-essential spending, he still struggles to make ends meet. “I try to avoid eating out, but even groceries are expensive now. Bills are also high and transport costs, especially fuel, make it even tougher. I am barely making ends meet.” Having already depleted his personal savings, Harith said withdrawals from EPF have become unavoidable to cover essential and work-related expenses. “Of course I am worried about my retirement savings. But right now, I need to survive. I do not really have a choice. “Earning below RM3,000 while handling significant responsibilities feels unsustainable. Higher pay would at least give me room to plan ahead and set aside emergency funds.” Meanwhile, Nur Nafisah Hamdan, who earns above RM3,000, said she turned to EPF withdrawals as a strategic step to manage financial obligations. She said the decision was driven by a need to settle debt carrying monthly interest rates higher than EPF dividends. eligible diesel vehicle owners has been increased from RM300 to RM400 per month. Enforcement will also be intensified to curb leakages, hoarding and smuggling of controlled fuel. “The Cabinet also reviewed the biodiesel aspect, in which the biodiesel blending rate has been decided to be increased from B10 to B15, beginning with a B12 blend, without incurring any additional cost to the government and by utilising existing biodiesel blending infrastructure,” said Fahmi. He added that the Plantation and Commodities minister has informed the Cabinet that the current infrastructure for B20 biodiesel is available throughout Sarawak except in Bintulu, and is also present in Labuan and Langkawi. “The government will examine the next steps and Akmal will conduct a site visit on Saturday to observe the base materials used

Anwar orders review of targeted diesel subsidy process

THURSDAY | APR 16, 2026

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Safety updates launched on Instagram o Expansion of Teen Accounts system aims to limit unwanted or unkind interactions, establish more secure baseline experience: Meta

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

In addition, a sleep mode will automatically activate between 10pm and 7am, during which notifications are silenced and direct messages receive automated replies. Koh said the feature is designed to reduce late-night distractions and support healthier sleep habits among teenagers. A key update in Malaysia is the introduction of content standards aligned with 13+ film classification guidelines, which Meta said would make content rules more familiar and transparent for parents. “We have aligned our policies with a standard parents already understand: movie ratings for ages 13+. The goal is to make the experience more intuitive.” Under the updated system, teens aged under 18 will be automatically placed under the 13+ content setting, with no option to opt out without parental approval. While Meta acknowledged that 13+ films may occasionally include mild suggestive content or strong language, it said such instances would be minimised on the platform. The new standards apply across Instagram, including Feed, Explore, Reels, Stories, search, messaging and even AI-generated responses. The updated system introduces broader restrictions across multiple areas: 0 Accounts: Teens will be prevented from following or interacting with accounts that regularly share age-inappropriate content. Existing interactions with such accounts will also be restricted. 0 Search: A wider range of mature search terms will be blocked, including topics such as alcohol and She said the framework is intended to strike a careful balance, giving parents visibility into social interactions without intruding into private communications. On whether parents can gradually introduce more mature content access, Koh said the system is designed to guide teenagers rather than transfer full control of content decisions to parents. She said parents can view accounts followed by teens and use that as a basis for discussions on online behaviour. Even if a teen follows an account intended for adults, Instagram will continue filtering content so that only age-appropriate material is shown. “When a teen turns 18 years old, the protections do not suddenly disappear,” she noted. “They can adjust settings, but over time, with parental guidance, they are better prepared to make those decisions.” Lim said the tools are intended to

PETALING JAYA: Meta Platforms Inc has rolled out a major expansion of its Teen Accounts system on Instagram in Malaysia, introducing default safety protections modelled on 13+ film ratings, enhanced content filtering and a new “Limited Content” setting for families seeking stricter controls. Speaking at Meta’s media briefing, Public Policy for Central and Southeast Asia and Asean director Clara Koh said the updates are designed to make teen safety settings more automatic, intuitive and comprehensive, while easing the burden on parents. She said many of Instagram’s safety features, such as hidden-word filters, will now be switched on by default for all teen users, with no manual setup required. “This is not something users need to turn on. It will be automatically activated when teens enter the platform,” she noted. The hidden-words feature also allows users to customise their experience by adding specific terms, emojis or phrases they do not want to see. Meta added that the broader aim is to limit unwanted or unkind interactions and establish a safer baseline experience for teenagers. As part of its time-management tools, Instagram will now issue a daily reminder after 60 minutes of usage, encouraging teens to reflect on their screen time. The reminder resets daily and is intended as a “nudge” for users to consider taking breaks or stepping away from the app. meaningful oversight during the rollout of new safety tools in Malaysia. At Meta’s media briefing on Instagram Teen Account updates, the panel comprising Public Policy for Central Southeast Asia and Asean director Clara Koh and Public Policy Malaysia and Brunei head Daniel Lim fielded questions on how the platform balances safety, privacy and parental involvement in guiding young users online. One of the key issues raised was data privacy within parental supervision tools, specifically whether parents would be able to access their teens’ private messages. Koh said privacy remains a core principle of the Teen Accounts design. “Parents will not be able to see the content of private messages. What they can see are insights, such as who their teen is interacting with.

Koh explained that under the updated system, teens aged under 18 will be automatically placed under the 13+ content setting, with no option to opt out without parental approval. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

estimation technology and ID verification in cases where there is suspicion of incorrect age reporting. Meta said it relies on behavioural signals, such as account activity patterns and connections, to detect potential age misrepresentation. The updated Teen Accounts system has already begun rolling out in Malaysia and is expected to be fully implemented over the coming months. Meta said the changes reflect its broader goal of creating a safer, more standardised teen experience across its platforms. It also said the updates give parents clearer tools to guide their children’s digital activity. require parental approval to adjust settings, older teens aged 16 and 17 are given more autonomy. “The goal is to strike the right balance. We want to ensure safety, but also allow older teens to gradually gain independence.” On digital literacy, Lim said Meta is working with schools and government agencies in Malaysia to strengthen online safety awareness. “We have worked with hundreds of schools and thousands of students,” he said, adding that the company is open to expanding such initiatives further. Meta also confirmed that advertising will continue on teen accounts, however it will remain age appropriate, with sensitive categories such as weight-loss products excluded. While Malaysia-specific data on parental supervision uptake is not yet available, Koh cited US findings showing that 94% of parents surveyed reported a positive experience using the tools. –By Kirtinee Ramesh

parental control option called “Limited Content”, which provides an even more restrictive experience than the default 13+ setting. This mode reduces exposure to potentially sensitive material and removes teens’ ability to view, leave or receive comments on posts. Koh said the feature is designed for families who feel the default 13+ setting remains too permissive. To ensure accurate age classification, Meta described a multi-layered age verification approach that includes self-declared age, community reporting, behavioural signals and additional verification methods when required. The company also uses facial age The session also addressed broader policy discussions in Malaysia, including proposals to restrict social media access for minors. Koh cited international examples, including Australia, where similar restrictions have reportedly led some young users to migrate to less regulated platforms. “What we have seen is that bans could sometimes push teens to spaces that are less safe. We believe there is a more effective, balanced approach,” she said. Meta confirmed that it is continuing engagement with Malaysian authorities and will comply with regulatory frameworks while advocating policies that balance safety, access and education. Questions were raised on whether teens might feel overly restricted and shift to other platforms. Koh said the system differentiates between age groups, noting that while younger teens

explicit content, with protections extending to misspellings. 0 Content recommendations: Posts violating teen safety standards will be excluded from recommendations, even if shared by accounts a teen follows. 0 Messaging: Links to inappropriate content shared via direct messages will be blocked. 0 AI tools: Meta AI responses will be restricted to ensure age-appropriate outputs aligned with the 13+ standard. Meta said it has also strengthened detection systems to proactively identify and limit exposure to inappropriate content. The company is introducing a new On supervision settings, Koh explained that adding a “parent” requires mutual consent from the teen and the adult. The system is not limited to biological parents, but the supervising account must belong to an adult. “We understand families are different. It could be a grandparent, sibling or guardian, but there is always a two-way validation.” Meta said safeguards are in place to prevent misuse of the feature, including measures against accounts that misrepresent their identity. Koh added that Teen Accounts are designed to be low friction, with all users aged under 18 automatically placed into protected settings, requiring no action from parents at sign-up. Parental involvement is only required if a teen seeks to loosen restrictions, in which case approval is

Meta balances security, privacy and parental action, says panel PETALING JAYA: Meta Platforms Inc has defended its Instagram Teen Accounts framework, saying its approach to teen safety is built on a “balanced model” that safeguards privacy while giving parents “This creates an opportunity for conversations, while still respecting the teen’s privacy.” support, not replace, family communication, helping parents engage more confidently with digital platforms. needed, an approach Meta says is intended to encourage conversations around digital boundaries.

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Malaysia risks falling behind in cyber defence

Court sets June 10

for Rosmah’s jewellery case decision KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court has fixed June 10 to deliver its decision in the US$14.57 million (RM57.5 million) civil suit filed by Lebanon-based jeweller Global Royalty Trading SAL against Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor over the alleged loss of more than 40 pieces of jewellery. Judge Quay Chew Soon set the date after proceedings concluded with testimony from Chong Tong Leong, the sixth witness for the third parties, namely the Inspector-General of Police and the Malaysian Government. “The court has fixed May 13 for the filing of written submissions, with replies due on May 28. The decision will be delivered on June 10 at 9am via Zoom,” he said. Earlier, Chong, 53, told the court he carried out renovation works at a Pavilion Residences condominium unit between March and May 2018 after being engaged by the unit owner, identified as Nadziff. He said on May 14, 2018, between 11am and noon, he returned to the double-storey unit ahead of air conditioning installation and found several large suitcases in a ground-floor room that were not there previously. “After seeing that, I left the unit and contacted Nadziff, who instructed me to temporarily stop renovation works. I later returned the access card and keys after completing the job,” he said. Chong said the renovation works – valued at about RM10,000 – involved general repairs, including air conditioning installation, and were carried out with one local worker and five Myanmar workers from 9am to 6pm daily, in line with building management rules. He added that the project was paused for two weeks in early May 2018 while awaiting the arrival of air-conditioning units. “I was the only person with access to the unit, and I was always present with the workers during renovation works until the end of each day,” he said. On Tuesday, former Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Amar Singh Ishar Singh told the court that bags of cash and jewellery were found spilling onto the floor during a police raid on the condominium unit on May 17, 2018. The three-day hearing, which began on Monday, also heard testimony from Global Royalty managing director Samer Hassib Halimeh as the sole plaintiff’s witness, followed by Rosmah as the defendant, and six witnesses for the third parties, including senior police officers. On March 29, 2023, Global Royalty filed the suit, alleging that Rosmah had falsely claimed 44 pieces of jewellery, including diamond necklaces, bracelets and tiaras, sent to her by the company’s agent had been seized by Malaysian authorities under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. The company further claimed that only one of the 44 pieces was retained by police, while the remaining 43 were not in their custody, and alleged that responsibility was later shifted to the Malaysian Government over the missing items. – Bernama

o Experts urge faster shift from conventional systems as digital threats reshape modern warfare

ill-suited to cyber warfare scenarios. “Malaysia’s laws are stronger on post incident response rather than anticipating cross-border, state-linked hybrid campaigns that blur the line between war, espionage and disinformation,” he said. He added that the current framework remains largely inward-looking and does not adequately address coordinated responses to transnational, AI-driven campaigns, including attacks on civilian infrastructure and social cohesion seen in conflicts such as Iran-Israel. “There is still fragmentation between cybersecurity regulation, data protection and online safety laws, despite the likelihood that future conflicts will combine technical attacks with information warfare and deepfake-driven manipulation,” he said. Mahyuddin also pointed to gaps in the protection of critical private digital infrastructure and weaknesses in coordination across regulatory domains. While Malaysia is developing an AI governance framework, he said stronger safeguards are needed, particularly for high-risk systems. “High-risk AI systems used in defence and cybersecurity should undergo mandatory risk and impact assessments, with clear human-in the-loop requirements,” he said. He added that Malaysia still lacks a coherent legal architecture to address AI-driven, state linked cyber operations, despite existing criminal provisions covering cyber offences. Mahyuddin outlined five key reforms that should be prioritised: fully operationalising the Cyber Security Act 2024 framework, modernising the Computer Crimes Act 1997, introducing a dedicated AI governance law, integrating cyber-related regulations into a unified digital resilience strategy and strengthening regional cooperation on cyber norms and incident response.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

industrial base to accelerate technological advancement. On cyber threats, Mohamad Faisol said Malaysia must continuously reassess whether its systems are evolving in step with emerging risks, especially as much of the nation’s critical infrastructure is now digitised. “The question is whether these systems and equipment move in line with the advancement of current threats,” he said, stressing the need to strengthen system effectiveness against cyber risks and update defence doctrine accordingly. He added that Malaysia should draw lessons from ongoing global conflicts, where technology has fundamentally altered the nature of warfare. “The Iran-Israel conflict, the India-Pakistan conflict, as well as the Ukraine war should serve as benchmarks for Malaysia,” he said. Recent conflicts, he added, have demonstrated how so-called “third world” technologies can challenge more advanced military systems, reshaping long-held assumptions. “The success of the Iranian and Pakistani armies in using ‘third world’ technology against ‘first world’ systems shows that the dominance of developed countries is no longer absolute,” he said. Meanwhile, International Islamic University Malaysia’s Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws senior lecturer and cyber law expert Associate Professor Dr Mahyuddin Daud said while Malaysia has made progress with the Cyber Security Act 2024, significant gaps remain in addressing modern hybrid threats. He warned that the country’s broader legal framework still relies heavily on outdated laws

PETALING JAYA: The battlefield is no longer defined by tanks and troops alone. It is increasingly shaped by algorithms, cyber strikes and unseen digital threats, with analysts warning Malaysia risks falling behind if it does not urgently strengthen its technological defences. As geopolitical tensions deepen, experts say digital infrastructure is now as critical as conventional military power and Putrajaya must move faster to bolster its cyber, legal and defence capabilities. Universiti Utara Malaysia defence and geopolitical analyst Associate Professor Dr Mohamad Faisol Keling said the country must recognise that modern defence is rapidly shifting away from traditional systems. “Malaysia’s defence development is still focused on conventional systems and equipment compared to high-tech. “Although Malaysia began paying attention to high-tech and electronic advancements in the early 2000s, these efforts need to be strengthened,” he said. He added that while Malaysia has established strengths in electronics and semiconductors, its defence industry has yet to fully capitalise on these advantages in developing AI-driven capabilities. “The production of the national defence industry still revolves around conventional equipment such as light armoured vehicles, while Malaysia is known for semiconductors,” he said, adding that the country should leverage its

Over 200,000 migrants return under repatriation programme PUTRAJAYA: About 229,000 foreign nationals have registered under the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0, with more than 204,000 already returning home as Malaysia’s voluntary return exercise gains momentum ahead of its deadline. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said a total of 228,961 foreign nationals had registered for the programme, which has so far generated RM114.59 million in revenue for the government. He said Indonesians formed the largest group, followed by Bangladeshis.

Zakaria said participation typically begins slowly before surging as the deadline approaches, often causing congestion at Immigration offices nationwide due to limited daily processing capacity. “This programme moves in phases. At the beginning, the response is rather slow. But as it gets closer to the end, the numbers increase sharply,” he said at the Ops Serkap press conference at the Immigration Department headquarters yesterday. “That is why you now see immigration offices full of foreign nationals who want to join the programme, but we have a daily limit on how many we can process.” He said the department has applied for an extension to the programme, but no decision has been made. Any announcement would be made by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail in due course. The programme, which began on May 19 last year, is scheduled to run until April 30 in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan. It allows undocumented migrants, including overstayers and those without valid passes, to leave Malaysia voluntarily through immigration without

Zakaria (third from left) showcasing the forged documents. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN facing prosecution during enforcement operations. Meanwhile, Zakaria said Immigration has crippled a document falsification syndicate believed to have generated more than RM100 million over more than seven years following coordinated raids under Ops Serkap on April 13 and 14 at six locations. The operation was launched after six months of intelligence gathering based on public information and media reports.

three Indian men, one Bangladeshi man, one local man and one Vietnamese woman, who is a permanent resident. The local man and the Vietnamese woman are believed to be company owners and directors linked to the syndicate. The main suspect has been identified as Mahendra Jung Shah, also known as“MJ”, a 43-year old Nepalese national and valid expatriate pass holder. He said the syndicate’s modus operandi involved processing foreign workers for certain parties using falsified long-term immigration passes, making them appear legally employed. – by Faiz Ruzman

Authorities seized 111 passports of various nationalities, 10 laptops, six mobile phones and RM3,950 in cash, while nine individuals aged between 26 and 61 were detained. Those arrested include three Nepalese men,

THURSDAY | APR 16, 2026

6

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Young couples drive dog ownership in Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: Pet ownership in Malaysia is becoming increasingly lifestyle-driven, with more young couples embracing dogs as integral family members and reshaping how they live, spend and plan their daily routines. According to PuppySchool-certified dog trainer Rubini Maruthian, one of the most noticeable changes is the growing number of young couples choosing to own dogs, a trend closely linked to the rise of pet-friendly condominiums and residential developments in urban areas. More significantly, pet owners are no longer simply adapting their pets to their environment but are actively choosing living spaces that accommodate them. “Dogs have genuinely become integrated family members rather than mere pets kept at home. This shift reflects a broader cultural change, where pets are no longer peripheral but central to lifestyle decisions, from housing to leisure activities,” she said. Beyond demographics, there has been a marked shift in how Malaysians approach dog ownership. Rubini observed that owners are becoming more inquisitive, asking deeper and more thoughtful questions about their pets’ behaviour, focusing on

o Shift towards pet-first living fuels demand for training, better care and pet-friendly homes

Malaysian pet owners found that while emotional attachment to pets is strong, spending remains modest for many households. A total of 61% of respondents spend under RM300 per month on their pets. The study also found that cats are the most common pet in Malaysia owned by respondents (71%), followed by dogs (26%) and fish (23%). The most common way Malaysians acquire pets is through rescuing or taking in strays (31%), followed by receiving pets as gifts (19%), adopting from shelters (17%) and purchasing from pet shops (13%). Emotional motivations remain dominant regardless of how pets are acquired, with a combined 59% citing companionship and emotional support as their primary reasons for getting a pet, aligning with observations that dogs are increasingly valued for the comfort, structure and companionship they provide in urban environments. Challenges persist despite growing enthusiasm. High veterinary costs were cited as the top concern by pet owners (37%), followed by limited access to pet friendly public spaces (34%) and travel restrictions (30%). Housing limitations also remain a barrier, particularly in densely populated urban areas. These constraints may partly explain why professional pet services remain underutilised. The study found that 44% of respondents had not used services such as grooming, boarding or training in the past year, while only 6% reported having pet insurance or using online veterinary consultations.

understanding underlying causes rather than simply correcting problems. “Owners are moving from ‘how do I stop this behaviour?’ to ‘why does my dog do this?’” she said. This reflects a more informed and empathetic approach, with emphasis on building genuine relationships with pets. It is also evident in spending habits among committed owners, with increased investment in quality nutrition, professional training and proper boarding services. A March study by market research platform Milieu Insight involving 776

will fundamentally change their life. They are willing to adapt and build a consistent relationship with their dog,” she said. Looking ahead, awareness among pet owners is expected to grow further, driven by increased access to information and resources. Demand for pet-friendly infrastructure, including parks and cafes, is also set to rise as more Malaysians integrate pets into their daily lives. The pet care industry is expected to diversify further, offering more specialised services in training, nutrition and behavioural support, reflecting a maturing market moving beyond basic care towards more holistic and tailored solutions. “Pet ownership is becoming more intentional and more integrated into everyday life,” she said.

Among those who do engage such services, a shift towards early and preventative care is evident. Rubini noted that more owners are seeking training during puppyhood to establish good habits before behavioural issues develop. “The most common issues we see – excessive barking, leash-pulling and difficulty staying calm in public – are often interconnected. What has changed is that owners are coming to us earlier, which makes training more effective,” she said. This proactive mindset reflects a broader trend towards personalised pet care, with owners recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and seeking solutions tailored to their lifestyle, living environment and individual pet. “The owners who succeed are the ones who recognise that owning a dog

Rubini said pet ownership is becoming more intentional and more integrated into everyday life. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. 03-7784 6688 advertise@thesundaily.com

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THURSDAY | APR 16, 2026

7

Agency triggers N. Korea alert

Rohingya boat capsizes, 250 missing BENGALURU: Around 250 people were missing after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea, UN refugee and migration agencies said. The UN agencies said the trawler carrying around 250 men, women and children reportedly sank due to heavy winds, rough seas and overcrowding. It had departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and was bound for Malaysia. “This tragedy highlights the devastating human cost of protracted displacement and the continued absence of durable solutions for the Rohingya,” said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and the International Organisation for Migration. For years, many of Myanmar’s Rohingya minority have embarked on rickety wooden boats to flee persecution in Myanmar or overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh. The agencies called on the international community to step up and sustain funding for lifesaving assistance for refugees in Bangladesh as well as support for Bangladeshi host communities. In 2017, Myanmar’s armed forces launched an offensive that forced at least 730,000 Rohingya flee to Bangladesh, where they recounted killings, rape and arson. A UN fact-finding mission concluded the 2017 offensive had included “genocidal acts”. Myanmar has denied genocide and says the mission was not objective or reliable. – Reuters

o IAEA chief reports reactor activity

SEOUL: North Korea has made “very serious” advances in its abilities to turn out nuclear weapons, with the probable addition of a new uranium enrichment facility, as it stepped up activity at a key complex, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said yesterday. Enriching uranium can provide an alternative, and experts say, a more effective, path to acquiring weapons grade material in addition to reprocessing spent plutonium extracted from a nuclear reactor. Speaking in Seoul, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed a rapid rise in activity at the five-megawatt reactor, the reprocessing unit, a light water reactor and other facilities at the North’s Yongbyon nuclear complex. North Korea’s nuclear programme was estimated at a few dozen warheads, he told a news conference, citing signs of activity such as the operation of a light water reactor and activation of other facilities besides Yongbyon. “All of them point to a very serious increase in the capabilities of the DPRK in the area of nuclear weapons production,” Grossi said, using the initials of the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The watchdog had observed construction of a new facility similar to Yongbyon’s uranium enrichment halls, he said, adding that analysis of external features showed a significant expansion of enrichment capacity.

No evidence of Russian technology being used, Grossi tells a news conference in Seoul. – REUTERSPIC

patrol vessel can be glimpsed just outside the entrance on April 10. China’s Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. The traditionally rich fishing ground of the Scarborough Shoal lies entirely within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, but China also claims it as part of its territory. Last year, China approved establishment of a national nature reserve there, alarming Philippine security officials, who called the move a “clear pretext for occupation”. Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard, said yesterday the Chinese government had installed a 352m floating barrier at the entrance on April 10-11. – Reuters in People’s Daily on Tuesday that ties with China were a “strategic priority” . “Cooperation needs to move from ‘increasing scale’ to ‘improving quality’; from expanding trade to deeper connections between development strategies, economic corridors, production chains, supply chains and strategic infrastructure,” he wrote. He reiterated that China was a “strategic choice and top priority” during a speech at Beijing’s Tsinghua University on Tuesday, Vietnamese state media reported. – AFP Naval reactors pose special challenges as nuclear fuel on submarines can go uninspected for long periods during missions. “It is essential that this activity is not conducive to proliferation of nuclear weapons,” Grossi said, adding that the IAEA would seek an “ironclad guarantee” against any diversion of the material. South Korea’s submarine ambitions advanced after President Lee Jae Myung and President Donald Trump finalised joint steps on trade and security last November, in which Washington approved its ally’s plan to build the nuclear-powered vehicles. – Reuters

technology being used. References in a cooperation pact both countries signed last year appeared to be limited to civilian nuclear projects, though it was too early to draw firm conclusions, he said. “Moving towards nuclear weapons would never give any country increased security,” Grossi said, but could instead trigger proliferation. Turning to South Korea’s programme to build nuclear powered submarines, Grossi said he invited Seoul to work closely with the agency to avert proliferation risks, with formal talks to begin soon.

Grossi told a meeting of the agency’s governors this month that it was monitoring a new building at Yongbyon with similarities to an enrichment facility at Kangson, another key nuclear site near the capital, Pyongyang. Satellite imagery supported the IAEA’s assessment, the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies said on Monday. It indicated completion of a suspected uranium enrichment plant, capable of producing weapons-grade material, the centre said in a report. Grossi said yesterday the agency had not seen any evidence of Russian

Jakarta, Paris boost defence industry ties JAKARTA: Indonesia, fresh off concluding a defence pact with Washington and an oil deal with Russia, has also agreed to boost defence industry cooperation with France, Jakarta said yesterday after the countries’ presidents met in Paris. President Prabowo Subianto was hosted by Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace on Tuesday, where they “discussed strengthening strategic cooperation”, a statement from the government said.

China moves to block shoal MANILA: China is using ships and a barrier to tighten control of the entrance to Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, satellite imagery obtained by Reuters shows.

The presence of four fishing boats, a Chinese naval or coast guard ship and a new floating barrier comes as the Philippines sends its own coast guard and fisheries vessels to support its fishermen. Photographs taken on April 10 and 11 show the fishing boats anchored along the entrance to the shoal, in addition to a floating barrier stretching across it in the April 11 image. Satellite image provider Vantor, formerly Maxar Technologies, said a probable Chinese naval or coast guard

“This includes the procurement of defence equipment and the strengthening of the defence industry,” it said, citing France as a strategic partner for Indonesia in Europe. The leaders also agreed on cooperation in “energy transition and the development of new and renewable energy”, it said. Prabowo met Putin at the Kremlin on Monday, flying directly from the Russian capital to Paris. With Putin, he had discussed “strengthening their strategic partnership, particularly in the sectors of energy, mineral resources, and national industrial development”, according to Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. Jakarta, while defending a non aligned diplomatic posture, last year joined the BRICS bloc of emerging economies that includes Russia and China. Prabowo has also signed a trade deal with US President Donald

Hanoi, Beijing tie up deals BEIJING: Vietnam’s President To Lam met President Xi Jinping in Beijing yesterday.

Macron welcomes Prabowo at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris. – AFPPIC

military assets. On Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth hosted Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and announced a “Major Defence Cooperation Partnership”. Jakarta on Tuesday said it was still considering a US request for “overflight clearance” which, if approved, analysts say could be seen as an alignment with Washington over Beijing. – AFP Monday, US

Trump and joined the so-called “Board of Peace”, although he has insisted his country would not pay the US$1 billion (RM3.9 billion) joining fee for permanent membership. Indonesia is a major arms buyer from France, with then-defence minister Prabowo inking a US$8.1 billion (RM32 billion) deal in 2022 to buy 42 French-made Rafale jets. Prabowo has sought to modernise Indonesia’s ageing

The visit is Lam’s first trip abroad since he was elected last week as president. He has called ties with Beijing a “top priority” but faces a precarious balancing act between the US, Vietnam’s main export market, and the country’s largest supplier China. Xi and Lam met in the Great Hall of the People and signed several cooperation agreements. Lam wrote in an article published