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Death penalty for fatal drink-driving cases unlikely: Lawyer

‘Move unaligned with shift away from use of capital punishment and restoring judicial discretion.’

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY PN leaders in no hurry to decide on status of splinter group ‘No urgency to decide if faction led by former Bersatu deputy president may maintain ties with coalition.’

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SCAN ME No. 9124 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

MB unveils RM130m stimulus initiative for Selangor residents Plan designed to cushion escalating living costs, boost food supply chains and counter inflation impact. MB unveils RM130

Report on — page 3

Report on — page 4

MOMENTOUS MEETING ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a press conference yesterday with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, with whom he discussed strengthening bilateral ties and navigating energy security issues amid tensions in West Asia. – BERNAMAPIC

Join WFH move, firms urged Report on h page 2 Private sector companies should consider hybrid or remote work models to help reduce both operational and commuting costs for businesses and employees: Minister

FRIDAY | APR 17, 2026

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Private sector urged to implement WFH

o Companies should consider hybrid or remote work models to help reduce both operational and commuting costs for businesses and employees: Minister

similar flexible work models even before government implementation. He expressed hope that more private sector employers would follow suit. Concerns over productivity under WFH arrangements have been addressed through monitoring systems used by the public sector. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar previously stressed that working from home does not mean reduced accountability. He urged civil servants to maintain or exceed performance expectations under the policy. He said WFH must be implemented in line with established rules and KPIs, adding that productivity must be maintained at office-level standards or higher. trusted and reliable trading partner, emphasising that freedom of navigation remains a key principle underpinning international trade. Responding to questions on a fire at the Viva Energy refinery in Geelong, he said Australia has secured an additional 100 million litres of diesel from Brunei and South Korea to bolster supply amid concerns over potential shortages. “This is the first of many expected shipments secured under the government’s new strategic reserve powers with the support of Export Finance Australia.” Albanese expressed relief that no workers were harmed during what he described as “very distressing scenes”, adding that the blaze had been extinguished, Bernama reported. He also thanked Fire Rescue Victoria and the Country Fire Authority for their swift response. He added that while a full damage assessment is still underway, the additional supply, equivalent to more than 570,000 barrels, would be directed to areas of greatest need, particularly to support the agricultural sector. “It’s a practical outcome of the engagement and the interventions that my government has had to deal with.” Media reports earlier said a major fire broke out at Viva Energy’s oil refinery in Geelong, one of Australia’s last two operational refineries, due to equipment failure. The blaze was contained to a section known as the transfer area, with no injuries reported. The refinery processes about

According government circulars, WFH schedules vary by state based on weekly rest days, with each department responsible for determining essential roles and assigning remote work arrangements according to operational needs. Employees are required to register their home address in the Human Resource Management Information System. To ensure accountability, officers working remotely are required to use the Spot-Me system, which records attendance through electronic check-ins and geolocation tracking. Staff are also expected to provide regular updates on their tasks throughout the day. Ramanan said many banking institutions and multinational companies have already adopted to PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will pursue a balanced foreign policy by engaging all major powers while prioritising national interests and regional stability, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Stressing the need for peace and uninterrupted global trade flows, he said Malaysia maintains constructive relations with all major powers, including the United States, Russia and Iran. He also conveyed concerns from countries in the Gulf and the broader Arab world amid the ongoing tensions. “We have been engaging with more countries. My priority, the mandate that I have, is to protect the interests of the people in this country,” he said at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese yesterday. Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s support for freedom of navigation along key maritime routes such as the Straits of Malacca and the Strait of Hormuz, while acknowledging security concerns arising from ongoing conflicts. “You cannot ignore the fact that when a country has been attacked and there is no assurance of security, those concerns must be addressed. “While supporting the position of freedom of navigation, we also want clear guarantees from all countries, including major powers, to end animosity, attacks and even sanctions against others.” Anwar said Malaysia prioritises peace and stability of global trade routes. “So, we look at it in a more comprehensive manner but ultimately, we are for peace and the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to the international community.” Albanese described Australia as a

employees to work from home up to three days a week, excluding Mondays and Fridays which he described as key working days. His remarks came as the federal public sector began implementing its nationwide WFH policy on April 15. Under the policy, federal civil servants in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor and state capitals, who live more than 8km from their workplaces, are eligible to work from home. However, essential services remain excluded, including security and defence agencies, healthcare personnel and education officers involved in school operations. The arrangement revives and refines earlier remote working measures first introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Seri R. Ramanan has said private companies should seriously consider hybrid or remote work models to help reduce both operational and commuting costs for businesses and employees. “This also saves the government on subsidies, which can be channelled to other deserving causes,” he said at a dialogue session titled “Work, Wages and Future”. Ramanan suggested that private sector firms consider allowing

PETALING JAYA: The private sector has been urged to follow the government’s lead in embracing work-from-home (WFH) arrangements as Malaysia expands flexible working policies amid rising cost pressures and global energy concerns. According to a news report, Human Resources Minister Datuk

Nation to continue pursuing balanced foreign policy, says PM

Over 12,000 cases of children without valid documents resolved Saifuddin said the Mekar Didik initiative focuses on children lacking birth certificates, MyKad or MyKid, which are vital for access to education and basic services. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

KUALA LUMPUR: The government, under the Mekar Didik initiative, has processed 12,101 cases of students without complete identification documents, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said the initiative, a collaboration between the Home Ministry and Education Ministry, focuses on children lacking birth certificates, MyKad or MyKid, which are vital for access to education and basic services. “All cases have been decided. Some are confirmed as Malaysian citizens while others are not. For those who qualify, we issued the relevant documents in accordance with the law,” he said at a document handover Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

days in Sabah and Sarawak. “Even if this period lapses, late registration is still allowed but it becomes a more complex process.” Late birth registrations remain significant, with 13,474 cases in 2023, 12,363 in 2024 and 10,527 in 2025. As of March 31 this year, 1,970 cases were recorded. Delays also occur in MyKad issuance at age 12, with thousands of late registrations annually. Saifuddin said in cases of unregistered marriages, parents must formalise their union before children’s documentation could be processed. He emphasised that the programme is being expanded to rural areas to close registration gaps. “The ultimate goal is clear – no child in Malaysia should be left without documentation or access to schooling.”

ceremony yesterday, during which 31 children received their papers. Saifuddin said causes for lack of documents include unregistered marriages, parental incarceration or detention at rehabilitation centres. “These factors contribute to children being left without proper documentation.” The initiative builds on the National Registration Department outreach programme Mekar but specifically targets school-age children. He said 496 cases have been resolved in Kuala Lumpur alone. “Many government assistance programmes today require a MyKad. If we do not resolve this issue early, they will continue to be left behind.” He urged parents to register births within the stipulated timeframe – 60 days in Peninsular Malaysia and 40

120,000 barrels per day, accounting for 50% of Victoria’s fuel needs and 10% per cent of national supply.

See also page 7

Correction theSun ’s news article published on April 16 titled“Supply secure through June: Petronas”, inaccurately identified the Economy minister as Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. The correct name is Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. The oversight is regretted.

FRIDAY | APR 17, 2026

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Use of artificial intelligence surges across M’sian workplaces

PUTRAJAYA: A total of 299 pieces of fake content related to the global energy crisis have been taken down by social media platform providers so far, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the number was out of 450 pieces of fake content identified by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to be taken down from Mar 29 to 7am yesterday morning. “The take down rate is 66%. The rest are still in the process of being taken down by the platforms involved because taking down content takes some time at the platform level,”he told reporters after attending the Communications Ministry’s monthly assembly here yesterday. Also present were Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and Bernama CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. Detailing the matter, Fahmi said 147 pieces of content related to the Strait of Hormuz had been requested to be taken down, with 122 of them taken down this morning. “The platform that spread the most false information was Facebook with 180 pieces of content involving various issues, while the second most was TikTok with 134 pieces of content.” Fahmi also said 57 investigation papers have been opened so far regarding the dissemination of false content related to the global energy crisis. – Bernama Fake content on energy crisis removed, says Fahmi Ministry seeks further details from UM over theatre scene CYBERJAYA: The Higher Education Ministry will obtain further details from Universiti Malaya (UM) over a scene from a theatre performance at the university that waswidelycirculatedonsocialmedia,said its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. “I too saw it on social media. I will get more information from UM,” he told reporters after attending the launch of the University of Cyberjaya Digital Library Upgrading Ceremony yesterday. A theatre performance staged at UM allegedly had a scene with indecent elements, drawing mixed reactions from the public. UM, in a statement, issued an apology for the oversight and said it would not compromise on any violation of programme guidelines or regulations. It also said investigation found that the scene was not part of the original script and this constituted a clear violation of the competition rules, which stated that each performance must be free from negative elements, provocation or any content that could affect religious values, morals, ethics, culture and the university’s good name. – Bernama

government offices, with UiPath ranking among the country’s top three AI services. That suggests AI in Malaysia is no longer confined to chatbots and writing tools, but is also being used to help handle documents and streamline office workflows. Still, Flores said companies should not rush into using AI for everything at once. “Companies need to take this step by step. The use case must match the actual capability of the system, rather than expecting the technology to do everything at once.” The same briefing also found that many Malaysian organisations were feeling pressure to approve AI use despite security concerns, underlining how quickly AI is moving from curiosity to everyday workplace tool even as safeguards continue to catch up. The briefing also found 75% of Malaysian IT decision-makers and 70% of business leaders felt pressured to approve AI despite security concerns, while only 29% of business decision-makers felt very or extremely confident about legal frameworks. Flores said firms should not wait for regulations alone, but create internal rules early as adoption is moving faster than oversight in many organisations.

TrendAI data and technology research leader Ryan Flores said some of the clearest examples seen in Malaysia were in customer support and hiring. “The use cases we are seeing in Malaysia, such as AirAsia’s customer support chatbot and locally developed AI tools for HR and talent management, are relatively well matched to the current capabilities and safety tolerances of large language models,” Flores said. Flores said this during the Readiness vs. Reality: Why AI Adoption is Outpacing Security media briefing at their Malaysia branch office. He said AI was already useful in areas where the job was focused and clearly defined. “Using AI to support chat services is already a fairly stable use case at this stage. “Having AI review resumes and match them against job descriptions is also one of the more acceptable applications for organisations right now.” The briefing also pointed to a government angle. Flores said Malaysia appeared to be the only Southeast Asian country in the comparison showing notable use of AI to help automate routine work in

o From hiring to customer service, companies embed AI into daily operations, with data showing 22.8% of web traffic expanding beyond chat-based interaction

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

media briefing. ChatGPT was the most-used service, with a traffic score of 143. It was followed by Lovart AI (90), UiPath (64), Canva (44), ChatGLM (31), Dify (30), Grammarly (22), Botsonic (19) and AirAsia AI together with Microsoft Power Platform/AI Builder (17 each). The figures suggest that many workplaces are using AI for several simple and familiar purposes. Tools like ChatGPT and ChatGLM point to use in writing, summarising, research and general office work.

PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders are under no pressure to vote on the status of Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin’s faction within the coalition, as the group currently lacks recognition as a formal political party, said former Bersatu Supreme Council member Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan. The Tasek Gelugor MP said PN’s framework is built on party-based representation, meaning that any bid for coalition membership must come through a registered entity rather than a collection of individuals. “An unlikely scenario would be a vote on individuals. There must first be a registered party to formally apply to join PN,“ he said in a WhatsApp exchange with theSun. His remarks came in response to statements by Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who was quoted by a newsportal saying that senior figures from Bersatu, Pas, Gerakan and Malaysian Indian People Party would collectively decide through a vote whether Hamzah and his supporters could maintain ties with PN following his expulsion from Bersatu. Hamzah, who previously held the post of Bersatu deputy president, was removed from the party alongside several close allies, throwing their political standing and future coalition alignment into question. Wan Saiful emphasised that no formal announcement had been made and there was no need for urgency on his camp’s part. “At this point, there is nothing to rush. No formal announcement has KUALA Malaysian workplaces are using artificial intelligence (AI) for far more than simple queries or drafting emails. New findings presented by TrendAI show that businesses and organisations are deploying AI across a wide range of functions – including customer service, recruitment, design, writing support and everyday office tasks – signalling that the technology is fast becoming embedded in routine operations rather than remaining a novelty. TrendAI’s Malaysia data showed 22.8% of web traffic in the country was going to AI services, while 24.1% of devices were using them. Malaysia also recorded 77 different AI services, making it one of the more varied AI markets among the four countries compared at the LUMPUR: Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Lovart AI, Canva and Grammarly suggest AI is being used for designing visuals, preparing presentation materials and improving written content. UiPath and Botsonic, meanwhile, point to the growing use in customer service and administration office processes. ‘No urgency to act on ex-Bersatu deputy president faction’

Hamzah’s (in blue) removal from Bersatu has cast uncertainty over his political standing and that of his close allies, as well as their future coalition

alignment. – THESUN FILEPIC

exploring a takeover of an existing political party as he maps out his next steps following the split from Bersatu. The move is seen as a strategic approach to preserve organisational continuity for his faction and pave the way for a potential return to coalition politics. The identity of the said party has not yet been revealed.

Wan Saiful maintained that PN remains focused on its wider political goals and is not under any obligation to act quickly on the matter. “The process must follow proper channels. There is no necessity for PN leadership to convene or vote on this issue.” Reports suggest Hamzah is currently

been made and there is no urgency for us to make a decision.” He further noted that for Hamzah’s faction to be formally considered for PN membership, they would likely need to either establish a new political party or align themselves with an existing registered one before submitting any application.

FRIDAY | APR 17, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

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Govt committed to identifying green areas in KL

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is committed to continue the identification of green and open spaces in the capital city on a monthly basis to ensure more public spaces are protected for the use of the people. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the measure was implemented through a fast-track approach by the Special Task Force on the Declaration of Open and Green Spaces, which was established to expedite the process. “There are still many areas – now the Kuala Lumpur City Hall is working hard with the Lands and Mines director to increase the identification every month. This is our focus and priority. “This will continue every month with more areas being identified for GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Health Department has ordered the immediate closure of a cafeteria at a private hospital here after an inspection found the premises to be dirty, with the presence of cockroaches. Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the action was taken following a public complaint received last Monday over concerns of possible food contamination at the premises. “The health department conducted an immediate inspection upon receiving the complaint and found the cafeteria’s cleanliness to be unsatisfactory. “So the closure order and compound were issued on the same day in accordance with standard operating procedures on food safety,” he said. Gooi said the cafeteria operator had been instructed to carry out thorough cleaning before being allowed to resume operations and that regular monitoring would be conducted to ensure all food handlers complied with the prescribed hygiene standards for consumer safety. Earlier, images of a cafeteria at a private hospital, reportedly in a dirty condition, was widely circulated on social media, prompting public concern over the level of cleanliness at the premises, including those in healthcare facilities. – Bernama Hospital cafe closed due to poor hygiene

community,

family

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gazetting from time to time,” she said at a press conference regarding the addition of gazetted green and open spaces in Kuala Lumpur. Also present were Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud, Federal Territory Lands and Mines director Datin Rahilah Rahmat, Federal Territory Department director-general Datuk Muhammad Azmi Mohd Zain and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok. Yeoh also announced the gazetting of 45 more green and open spaces covering 27.76 ha or 277,663.90 square metres, bringing the total number of protected areas to 539 locations so far. “These areas are now secured as public property. Gazetting them means that the areas can no longer be arbitrarily converted for other purposes and will remain as public spaces for

generations.” Yeoh said the move is also part of a long-term strategy to make Kuala Lumpur a more sustainable and resilient city, including adapting to the sponge city concept to address flooding issues and the city’s rising temperatures. The sponge city concept utilises nature-based solutions – such as green roofs, permeable pavements and wetlands to absorb, store, purify and reuse rainwater, acting like a natural sponge. The approach mitigates urban flooding, reduces water pollution and recharges groundwater. Yeoh said the public can check the full list of gazetted areas at www.ptgwp.gov.my/portal. – Bernama

Yeoh (fifth from right) said once green and open spaces are gazzeted, they are secured as public spaces and cannot be converted for other purposes. – BERNAMAPIC

S’gor rolls out RM130 million stimulus to ease cost of living

communities across Sarawak have made substantial economic contributions and the state, despite contributing third highest to Malaysia’s GDP and covering a land mass comparable to Peninsular Malaysia, accounts for only around 6.7% of the national population. Sarawak Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the matter carries constitutional weight and should be examined by the Council for Native Customs and Traditions. He said any outcome must safeguard the rights of indigenous communities while remaining consistent with state and federal constitutional requirements. development of a Selangor Food Warehouse and continued funding for the Jelajah Ehsan Rahmah programme, which provides essential goods to lower-income households. He said the package was formulated following a review of the state budget and cost-saving measures and is part of broader efforts to strengthen economic resilience, manage inflationary pressures and ensure inclusive support for those most in need. Looking further ahead, Amirudin highlighted plans to expand solar energy systems with battery storage across government buildings and to commission waste-to-energy plants in Jeram and Tanjung Dua Belas. He also noted that a 5.1MW mini hydrogen plant developed by Worldwide Holdings in Kerling, Hulu Selangor, can now power approximately 12,900 homes. The menteri besar added that the state is exploring nuclear energy development with international partners, including efforts to cultivate local expertise at the university level. He stressed the need to diversify Selangor’s energy mix, accelerating the adoption of solar, hydrogen and potentially biodiesel.

o MB says initiative aimed at shielding lower-income, at-risk groups from financial hardship and those facing loss of income, employment

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

legislation that formally annulled the native status it conferred on locally born Chinese and Indians. Under current law, however, nativity in Sarawak remains tied to indigenous racial identity rather than birthplace, as reflected in Article 161A and Sarawak’s Interpretation Ordinance. That being said, constitutional amendments passed in December 2021 removed the enumerated list of indigenous races from Article 161A and restored to Sarawak the authority to define “native” through state law, potentially reopening the question. Ng raised the proposal on April 3, arguing that third-generation Acknowledging the strain on those in agriculture and fisheries, Amirudin said the state has set aside RM25 million to assist farmers, fishermen, livestock breeders and padi growers hit by rising diesel and input costs. The aid is intended to sustain food production capacity and protect the livelihoods of those in these sectors. He noted that the package is financed through state savings generated by austerity measures, including the cancellation of official Hari Raya celebrations and cuts to overseas expenditure. He framed the broader initiative as part of the government’s ongoing commitment to economic stability and inclusive welfare. “These initiatives are part of our continued efforts to strengthen resilience among the rakyat and ensure that no one is left behind during this challenging economic period.” Amirudin said the state is also investing in food security through the

finding expression in Article 161A. He said there was no explicit legislative act that formally stripped Sarawakian Chinese of native status, rather they were “redefined out of it” through successive legal reframings. He added that restoring that recognition would not mark a departure from Sarawak’s traditions but “in the most precise historical sense, a return to it”. A parallel argument was raised during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly in February 2022 by Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, who reportedly cited the same 1920 land law and said he could find no subsequent package includes targeted measures to reduce daily expenses and strengthen economic resilience. This includes a RM30 monthly public transport subsidy for 50,000 residents over six months, applicable to travel on demand-responsive transit (DRT) vans, buses, and trains. The allocation for this component stands at RM5.4 million, up from an earlier RM5 million provision, bringing the combined public transport assistance to RM10.4 million. The measure also aims to shift residents toward greater reliance on public transport in the longer term. Additionally, families with school going children will benefit from a free breakfast programme to be rolled out across all 873 schools in Selangor through the state’s 12 local authorities, beginning August. The programme is structured so that one school per local authority receives the assistance each day, with the dual aim of easing parental expenses and ensuring students are adequately nourished.

PETALING JAYA: The Selangor government has rolled out a RM130.42 million stimulus package under the first phase of its Resilience Strengthening Package (RSP), with a strong focus on easing cost-of-living pressures and supporting vulnerable groups. At the centre of the initiative is the Baucar Kita Selangor programme, which will provide RM100 monthly for six months to 50,000 recipients, involving a total allocation of RM30 million. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the scheme is aimed at shielding lower-income and at-risk households from financial hardship, particularly those facing loss of income or employment. He described the programme as a key safeguard to prevent households from slipping into hardcore poverty amid rising living costs and inflationary pressures. Beyond direct cash assistance, the

‘Brooke-era law gives Sarawak Chinese legal native status’

Ű BY T.C KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

is framed around nationality and place of birth rather than racial identity. “A Chinese born in Sarawak was, by the plain reading of that Order, a native of Sarawak,“ he said, adding that the claim has “a documented legal foundation that was quietly dismantled and never formally repealed”. Ng argued that the shift away from this birth-based definition began in the early 1930s, when the legal framework began aligning nativity with race instead. That race-based definition was subsequently reinforced under British colonial rule and carried into Malaysia’s constitutional architecture when Sarawak joined the federation in 1963,

PETALING JAYA: A historian has lent academic weight to a proposal by Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng to grant Bumiputera status to third-generation Sarawakian Chinese, arguing that the idea is not a novel political demand but one grounded in the territory’s own legal history. Dr Jason Ng Sze Chieh pointed to the Land Regulations Order No. VIII of 1920, enacted under Brooke rule, which defined a native as a natural-born subject of the Rajah. Crucially, he noted that the definition

FRIDAY | APR 17, 2026 5 Police bust migrant smuggling ring IPOH: Police have crippled a syndicate involved in smuggling undocumented Indonesian migrants, with 40 individuals detained in raids conducted from Jalan Besar Segari to Batu Hilal near Segari on April 4. Manjung police chief ACP Hasbullah Abd Rahman said the operation followed intelligence gathering and public tip-offs on suspicious movements in the area. “Those detained comprised 40 Indonesians and a local woman believed to have acted as a transporter, bringing in and moving undocumented migrants to designated locations. “The case is being investigated under Sections 26A and 26J of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, as well as Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63,” he said in a statement. Hasbullah said police later intensified follow up operations to curb migrant entry through illegal routes, particularly along coastal areas. In an operation at 2.30am on Wednesday, carried out with the Kampung Acheh Marine Police, 10 more Indonesians were detained in Kampung Sungai Lombong near Lekir for failing to produce valid identification documents. “On the same day, another seven Indonesians were detained at a separate location, bringing the total arrests in the follow-up operations to 17,” he said. – Bernama Man held over alleged puppy abuse SHAH ALAM: Police have arrested a local man suspected of animal cruelty after allegedly submerging a puppy in a water tank at Section 32. Shah Alam district police chief ACP Ramsay Embol said the suspect, believed to be in his 20s, was detained at a construction site at 3.40pm after police received a report from the public who had seen a video of the incident circulating on TikTok at 2.14am the same day. “During the arrest, three dogs were also seized from the suspect with the assistance of the Selangor Department of Veterinary Services for further action. “The case is being investigated under Section 29 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and Section 428 of the Penal Code,” he said in a statement. Ramsay said those with information can contact the investigating officer Insp Laymand Rayne at 014-6907071. It was not immediately known whether the puppy had died. Earlier, a 22-second video widely shared online showed a man behaving violently by submerging a puppy in a tank filled with water. – Bernama KUCHING: A 64-year-old man in Miri has lost more than RM1.17 million after falling victim to a scam conducted via social media platforms. Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the victim initially received a message on TikTok before continuing communication through WhatsApp. Initial investigations found that the suspect posed as a foreign national, using photos of other individuals and edited personal documents to gain the victim’s trust. “The suspect claimed to be managing an approved exploration project but said he was facing issues with his bank account being blocked or hacked. “He then requested financial assistance from the victim for down payments and project-related costs, promising to repay the money in US dollars,” he said in a statement. Mohd Farhan said the victim, swayed by the suspect’s assurances, made 59 transactions to nine different third-party bank accounts, amounting to RM1,173,700. – Bernama Senior citizen loses over RM1m in scam

‘Death penalty unlikely for fatal drink-driving cases’

o Legal framework, lack of intent and recent reforms make capital punishment difficult to apply, says former S’gor Bar president

impose capital punishment, which current laws do not provide for. She said the biggest legal obstacle remains the issue of intent as murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code requires proof of mens rea (criminal intent). She highlighted that drink-driving-related deaths generally arise from recklessness or negligence rather than a clear intention to kill. “In our opinion, intoxication is usually not enough because the prosecution has to prove that the accused has the intention to kill or knew it was virtually certain that his or her act can cause death. “This is hard to prove because generally, the person under the influence of alcohol is not aware of their conduct, which clearly shows no intention to kill,” she said. Kokila added that a more practical reform would be to strengthen compensation for victims’ families within criminal proceedings. She noted that Section 426(1A) of the Criminal Procedure Code allows the court to order compensation to a victim, while Section 426(1B) allows payment to a representative where the victim is deceased. Strengthening this route would be more workable than requiring families to pursue separate civil action.

Penalty Act 2023 reflects a significant shift towards limiting the use of capital punishment and restoring judicial discretion to consider mitigating and aggravating factors. “From a human rights perspective, there is also no clear evidence that the death penalty serves as an effective deterrent, and the justice system should focus more on rehabilitation where it is appropriate. “This shows that the principle of proportionality remains relevant, where the punishment must

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

correspond to the harm caused and the offender’s level of culpability,” she told theSun . Kokila said the position is reinforced by the statutory framework as drink-driving causing death is dealt with under the Road Transport Act 1987 rather than as a capital offence. She added that Article 5(1) of the

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s legal constraints in classifying fatal drink driving offences make the death penalty an unlikely option in such cases, said former Selangor Bar president Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo (pic). She said the country’s recent legal

Federal Constitution protects the right to life and personal liberty although the protection is not absolute, where punishment is expressly provided by law. This means Parliament would first have to classify fatal drink-driving as an offence punishable by death before the courts could

direction has moved towards limiting the use of capital punishment and restoring judicial discretion. This makes any move to extend the death penalty to fatal driving under the influence cases difficult both in principle and in law. “The Abolition of Mandatory Death

Kokila said drink-driving-related deaths generally arise from recklessness or negligence rather than a clear intention to kill. – BERNAMAPIC

Perak records 4,800 scam cases involving RM124m IPOH: A total of 4,848 online fraud cases involving losses amounting to RM124.99 million were recorded in Perak last year, with a worrying rise in cases among students, the State Assembly was told yesterday. serious issue of online fraud. Mohd Azlan said the most common scams include telecommunications fraud, such as fake calls and phishing, followed by non-existent investment schemes, e-commerce scams, love scams and increasingly sophisticated fraud involving artificial intelligence. government is focusing on strengthening digital literacy, leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics for early detection, and enhancing legal frameworks to enable stricter action against scam syndicates and mule account holders.

He added that efforts are also being intensified to strengthen the country’s financial security ecosystem through cross-agency collaboration, while targeted prevention programmes are being developed to better protect high-risk groups such as senior citizens, pensioners and students. “Emphasis is placed on digital literacy education, the use of AI technology and data analysis for early detection, as well as strengthening laws, including strict action against syndicates and mule account holders. “The financial security ecosystem is also strengthened through cooperation between relevant agencies.”– Bernama

State Communications, Multimedia and NGO Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi said data from the police showed online scams affected individuals across all segments of society in 2025, regardless of age, occupation or background, including students, civil servants, retirees and private sector workers. “It was also found that male and female victims are almost evenly split. While senior citizens remain the most vulnerable group, recent trends indicate a growing number of cases involving students,” he said. He was replying to Wong May Ing (PH–Pantai Remis) on the state government’s short- and long-term strategies to address the increasingly

He added that alongside initiatives by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the Safe Internet Campaign has been implemented in 906 schools across Perak over the past year, involving both primary and secondary students. “For 2026, the programme will be expanded to village, mukim and district levels to ensure that internet safety awareness, including fraud prevention and digital crime, reaches all segments of society in a more accessible and effective manner.” On long-term measures, Mohd Azlan said the

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Malaysian Embassy in Thailand celebrates Songkran

Food trader beats odds to rake in RM150,000 monthly

o Grilled cuttlefish eatery recognised under Pahang Safe Dining Destination programme, named must-visit culinary spot for tourists

KUANTAN: Starting modestly with a roadside business under a canopy, a local entrepreneur is now recording monthly sales of up to RM150,000. For Sotong Bakar Gergasi Maran Enterprise owner Muhammad Hafizudin Muhammad Sarudin, 36, the success did not come easily, but was the result of a 15-year journey filled with challenges and sacrifices. The business, which he runs with his wife, was also selected for the Pahang Safe Dining Destination programme organised by Tourism Pahang, and has become a must-visit eateries for tourists

creation category award. The father of three said his eatery now provides employment to about 15 permanent workers and between 20 and 25 part-time workers. Recounting the difficult times, he said the Covid-19 pandemic and floods were the biggest tests he faced, when he suffered losses of nearly RM300,000, forcing him to sell his food truck, Bernama reported. “At the time, I truly lost everything. I had to sell my first food truck and start again from scratch by operating under a canopy. During that challenging period, Agrobank once again stepped in to help with additional financing of RM20,000, along with moral support and guidance programmes.” On future plans, Muhammad Hafizudin said he hopes to expand the Sotong Bakar Gergasi Maran brand to the Kuala Lumpur market within the next two years. Agrobank president and group CEO Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said the implementation of the Agrobank Upward Migration Programme in Pahang involved 23 local entrepreneurs. He said 19 companies had successfully recorded increased sales, with total cumulative sales for 2025 exceeding RM10 million, while seven companies secured additional financing amounting to RM434,000. “In terms of capacity development, six companies have expanded their business operations through the addition of new assets. In line with this progress, the companies involved have also made strategic investments in assets and modern technology to enhance operational efficiency.”

BANGKOK: The Malaysian Embassy in Thailand celebrated Songkran with Malaysian and Thai staff as well as their family members, reflecting close-knit ties within the diplomatic community. Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah said the celebration provided an opportunity to strengthen camaraderie and foster greater cultural understanding among staff in an informal setting. “This meaningful occasion is not only a time of joy and festivity but also one of reflection, renewal and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of Thailand, our gracious host country.” He said Songkran, which symbolises renewal, gratitude and togetherness, is deeply rooted in Thai culture and serves as a meaningful occasion to appreciate local traditions. “It brings us together as one community, strengthens our bonds and promotes mutual respect and understanding among all members of the embassy.” Wan Zaidi said the embassy employs about 45 Thai staff who assist in its daily operations. The celebration featured a simple yet meaningful programme, including the traditional Rod Nam Dam Hua ceremony in which staff and family members poured scented water over the hands of senior colleagues as a gesture of respect and to seek blessings for the new year. The event also included a symbolic water-splashing activity involving the children of staff members. Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year observed from April 13 to 15, is marked by family reunions, the paying of respect to elders and ancestors as well as the cleansing of Buddha images. The Unesco-recognised festival is also a key highlight of Thailand’s tourism calendar, attracting visitors from around the world to take part in the vibrant Songkran celebrations. – Bernama

the business gradually. Today, the total financing is nearly RM150,000. If not for Agrobank I might not be where I am today,” he said after the Agrobank Upward Migration Programme Excellence Aspiration ceremony recently. Muhammad Hafizudin was selected as a recipient of the job

heading to Maran. Muhammad Hafizudin revealed that in the early stages, he faced difficulties obtaining loans from financial institutions to start the business, and Agrobank was the first to place trust in him by extending a loan of RM5,000. “From that small amount, I built

Muhammad Hafizudin started the business with a bank loan of RM5,000 and operated under a canopy by the roadside. – PIC COURTESY OF MUHAMMAD HAFIZUDIN FACEBOOK PAGE

FRIDAY | APR 17, 2026

7

Fire at Australia refinery heightens fuel supply fears

Nepal to probe assets of politicians KATHMANDU: Nepal’s government, led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, has set up a panel to investigate the property and assets of past and present politicians and officials, a move aimed at controlling corruption in the Himalayan nation. Shah, 35, became prime minister after the March 5 parliamentary election. In his three-year stint as mayor of Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city, Shah gained popularity for his fight against corruption and reformist credentials. The five-member panel would be headed by retired Supreme Court judge Rajendra Kumar Bhandari, said Cabinet spokesperson Sasmit Pokhrel. “An impartial investigation will be carried out on the basis of evidence based on legal standards. Its report and recommendations will be implemented by concerned agencies of the government,“ Pokhrel said after a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, without mentioning the time frame given to the panel. JAKARTA: A leading Indonesian university suspended 16 law students yesterday after a sexually explicit group chat about their female peers was widely spread, sparking a debate on gender violence in the Muslim-majority country. Screenshots of a conversation between 16 male students at the University of Indonesia were posted on social media this week, eliciting shock and anger from female peers and a wider societal discussion. The university said yesterday it has suspended the men for two weeks pending an investigation. “This step was taken as part of the university’s commitment to maintaining a conducive academic environment,“ said spokesperson Erwin Agustian Panigoro. The men are accused of making vulgar and explicit sexual jokes about female peers and lecturers. One message read “silence means consent”, suggesting that women who do not verbally refuse a sexual advance are implicitly agreeing to sex. Days later, a group of women students at the university berated the men in a public forum. A video of the confrontation, in which the accused men stare at their feet as they are chewed out by women who said they were made to feel unsafe, was also widely spread. The university student body is demanding the men be brought before an ethics board and given strict sanctions. The incident has triggered a public debate about verbal sexual abuse and harassment, often brushed off as inconsequential in conservative Indonesia. More than a quarter of women in Indonesia reported having experienced gender-based violence, said the latest United Nations Development Programme survey. The Indonesian Education Monitoring Network said it has

it was a “very challenging incident”. “Production is not our primary priority today. It is getting the site safe.” Australia holds roughly 38 days’ worth of petrol in reserve, according to government figures, far below the 90-day minimum advocated by the International Energy Agency. While the government has resisted moves to ration fuel, it has urged drivers to conserve petrol where they can and use public transport if possible. Like most nations in Asia and the South Pacific, Australia is heavily reliant on oil shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, which at one point carried one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas. Shipping traffic through the vital waterway has essentially ceased since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb 28. – AFP

fuel and diesel had been spared the worst of the blaze. Geographically isolated and with only two oil refineries, Australia is heavily exposed to disruptions in global fuel supply and imports most of its petrol. Bowen urged Australians to ignore the impulse to rush out and panic buy more fuel. “It is important that people buy as much fuel as they need. But no more, no less.” A “significant leak” of highly flammable gases and liquid hydrocarbons triggered the fire, said Incident controller Mark McGuinness. “It was quite ferocious. It went from a small fire through several explosions to a large, intense fire,” he told reporters. Images taken yesterday showed thick clouds of smoke billowing over the industrial complex. Viva Energy boss Scott Wyatt said

Fire Rescue Victoria yesterday said the blaze has been contained, but it could smoulder throughout the day. “The major impact at this point appears to be on petrol production,” said Energy Minister Chris Bowen. “It is not great. It is not great timing, is it?” he told national broadcaster ABC, as the nation’s fuel supplies are under pressure due to war in the Mideast. The refinery is capable of processing up to 120,000 barrels of oil each day, company figures stated. Analysts said, together with the Ampol refinery in Brisbane, it produces between 10% and 20% of Australia’s total fuel supply. The fire ripped through a section of the refinery responsible for the production of high-octane petrol, added Bowen. By triggering isolation valves, other parts of the plant producing jet

GEELONG: Columns of fire engulfed a crucial Australian oil refinery after a chain of explosions, authorities said yesterday as they warned of disruptions to domestic fuel supply. Flames as tall as 60m erupted on Wednesday after a gas leak caught fire at the Viva fuel plant in Victoria state, one of two working oil refineries in Australia, firefighters said. The refinery, about an hour’s drive southwest of state capital Melbourne, pumps out about 10% of Australia’s fuel, according to energy company Viva. o Citizens urged to ignore impulse to rush out and panic buy more oil

The probe is expected to cover hundreds of politicians and officials who held public offices after the popular movement that led to the abolition of the 239-year-old monarchy in 2008, analysts said. – Reuters Indonesia suspends students over lewd chat

recorded more than 200 cases of violence in education institutions in the past three months countrywide, nearly half involving sexual abuse. The NGO is demanding the government declare a state of emergency on violence in education and make it a national priority. The country passed a law on sexual violence in 2022 criminalising harassment, including online. In another development, Indonesia’s Mount Marapi in West Sumatra erupted yesterday morning, sending volcanic ash 1.6km into the sky, while Mount Semeru in East Java recorded multiple eruptions on the same day, signalling heightened volcanic activity across the archipelago. Mount Marapi erupted at 8.43am local time, sending a column of grey ash drifting towards the northeast, while authorities confirmed multiple eruptions at Mount Semeru earlier in the day. “The ash column was grey with moderate intensity,” said Marapi Volcano Observation Post officer Ilhamdi Saputra. Mount Marapi, which rises 2,891m above sea level and is located on the border of Agam and Tanah Datar regencies in West Sumatra, was at Alert Level II. Mount Semeru, the highest volcano on Java island at 3,676m, erupted at least five times between 5.11am and 7.32am local time. Semeru Observation Post officer Liswanto said the strongest eruption at 6.21am produced an ash column reaching 1,200m above the summit, with ash clouds drifting to the northeast. Subsequent eruptions sent ash columns ranging between 500m and 1,100m in height, with plumes moving in various directions, including northeast and north. Mount Semeru was at Alert Level III. – AFP

DAINTY DRESSES ... Students wear festive clothing as they participate in a parade celebrating the Khmer New Year, known as Nokor Sankranta , in Phnom Penh on Wednesday. – AFPPIC

Jakarta to tighten vape regulations in July JAKARTA: Indonesia will roll out stricter regulations on electronic cigarettes, or vapes, from July, aimed at boosting public health protection. Health Ministry Public must comply with maximum nicotine content standards and are not allowed to contain additives with adverse health effects.

improving the credibility and governance of carbon trading in the forestry sector and refining the way the“carbon economy”is deployed, the ministry said. The regulation calls on the government to introduce a carbon trading road map, which includes targets to set aside at least 48.7 million hectares of forest for emission offsets and at least 3.5 million hectares of degraded land for carbon sequestration, the regulation document showed. The regulation also expands carbon market participants beyond companies to include indigenous communities, community-based organisations and carbon ecosystem service managers, among others. – Reuters

The regulation also mandates pictorial health warnings and prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in smoke-free areas, he said. He said the ministry is preparing derivative regulations, including ministerial regulations and decrees, to serve as guidelines for implementation ahead of the rollout. In a separate development, Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry has issued a new regulation detailing the procedures of carbon trading using emission offsets generated by the forestry sector, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The regulation is aimed at

Communication and Service Bureau head Aji Muhawarman said the measures, introduced under Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024, will align e-cigarette oversight with conventional tobacco products. “The regulation of e-cigarettes includes age restrictions, advertising controls, as well as product content standards,” he said, according to Antara News Agency yesterday. Aji said the regulation prohibits the use of e-cigarettes by individuals aged under 21 and restricts advertising, including on social media platforms. In addition, he said vape products