24/04/2026

FRIDAY | APR 24, 2026

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N. Sembilan assembly meeting postponed indefinitely

Stop-work order issued against two property developers JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor government has taken firm action against two property developers in Johor Bahru and Kulai following their failure to comply with technical and drainage control requirements, identified as the cause of flooding in the areas. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the relevant local authorities have issued a 14-day stop-work order to both developers under the Roads, Drains and Buildings Act 1974, until corrective and mitigation measures are fully implemented. “The state government views the flooding seriously. All development in Johor must fully comply with the stipulated technical requirements, including drainage management, erosion control and effective flood mitigation measures. “Failure to comply not only harms the environment but also directly impacts the well-being of the people,” he said in a statement. “Good development is balanced, resilient and does not disrupt the lives of local communities.” He issued a stern warning to all developers to strictly adhere to established guidelines and approved plans. He said the state’s 16 local authorities would intensify on-site monitoring and would not hesitate to take stern legal action, including project halts, fines or further penalties if violations occur. – Bernama Minister chides parties for creating confusion over water festival KUALA LUMPUR: The International Workers’ Day celebration with the Rain Rave Water Music Festival scheduled to take place from April 30 to May 2 in Bukit Bintang is an annual tourism event that is held in an organised manner under strict monitoring, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministr Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. He said the organisation of the event is in line with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, which aims to stimulate the Kuala Lumpur city economy, drive the tourism industry and support SMEs. He added that the event is being organised on a medium scale with the aim of providing a positive, healthy and inclusive interaction platform for local and international participants. “I strongly condemn several inflammatory and defamatory posts on the social media platform Threads by certain parties who deliberately caused confusion and do not agree with the action. “The statement in question has distorted the nature and purpose of the event, thus creating a misleading narrative and clouding the public’s view,” he said in a post on his Facebook page. Tiong said the public has the right to express their views but it must be based on facts and not for incitement or manipulation of perceptions that could incite emotions and threaten social harmony. He pointed out that every year, many Malaysians go to Thailand to experience Songkran festival. He said efforts to stir up controversy or distort facts would only undermine the country’s economic recovery efforts and social stability. – Bernama

o Decision for adjournment sine die after opening ceremony by Yang di-Pertuan Besar amid constitutional, traditional leadership dispute

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The 15th Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly meeting has been adjourned indefinitely amid an escalating constitutional and traditional leadership dispute in the state, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun yesterday. He said the adjournment sine die was decided following the official opening ceremony officiated by Yang Di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir. “The state assembly sitting has been adjourned sine die in view of the current circumstances.” The sitting was originally scheduled for four days beginning yesterday, before resuming on April 27. State Assembly Speaker Datuk M.K. Ibrahim Abd Rahman had earlier announced the adjournment, saying the decision was made after considering prevailing conditions and the need to ensure orderly proceedings moving forward. He said new dates would be submitted for Tuanku Muhriz’s consent before being communicated to all assembly members. “Today’s opening ceremony has fulfilled the necessary procedural requirements, enabling the sitting to be adjourned. I hope the issues in Negeri Sembilan will be resolved before we reconvene.” During the opening ceremony, Tuanku Muhriz said the state administration must continue functioning as normal to ensure orderly governance and safeguard the interests of the people. He said the absence of key state dignitaries – the four Undang Luak and the Tunku Besar of Tampin Tunku Syed Razman Tunku Syed Idrus Al Qadri – who traditionally accompany him at the opening of the assembly, did not affect the legitimacy or conduct of proceedings. “I pray to Allah SWT that my state and its people will continue to be blessed with prosperity and harmony under the leadership of Aminuddin and the state executive council. “I am also deeply appreciative that the strong cooperation within the administration has sustained commendable performance over the past year,” he said in his royal address at the opening of the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th State Legislative Assembly at Wisma Negeri yesterday.

Aminuddin presenting the text of the royal address to Tuanku Muhriz at the opening ceremony of the state assembly. – BERNAMAPIC

On April 19, the four Undang had announced the removal of Tuanku Muhriz on grounds of alleged misconduct, although no details were disclosed. They also named the Tunku Panglima of Negeri Sembilan Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar. While Istana Negara has yet to issue an official statement, Aminuddin has questioned the legality of the move, arguing that Mubarak Dohak no longer holds authority after being removed as Undang on April 17. He said the removal was linked to alleged breaches of adat and customary law following a meeting of the Dewan Keadilan Undang, the highest body overseeing the Undang. The four Undang, however, have disputed this and have counter-claimed that Aminuddin is no longer fit to lead the state administration, calling for his replacement. On Monday, Aminuddin reiterated that the state government does not recognise the move to depose Tuanku Muhriz. The Undang – traditional territorial chiefs under the Adat Perpatih system – play a pivotal role in the selection of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and in advising on matters of customary law in Negeri Sembilan.

The ceremony was attended by the Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud. The opening came against a backdrop of unprecedented tension after the four Undang representing the traditional districts of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol and Rembau, together with the Tunku Besar of Tampin, had earlier called for the postponement of the sitting. In a joint statement on Wednesday, the Undang of Sungai Ujong Datuk Mubarak Dohak, the Undang of Jelebu Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, the Undang of Johol Datuk Muhammed Abdullah and the Undang of Rembau Datuk Abdul Rahim Yasin, along with Tunku Syed Razman, said they would not attend the opening ceremony. They maintained that Tuanku Muhriz was no longer in a position to officiate at the meeting, citing his alleged removal on April 19. “In line with Article 10(2) of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, the menteri besar has no other option but to abide by this. “This is also in accordance with Article 71(1) and 71(2) of the Federal Constitution and Article 79 of the state laws,” they said, adding that their presence forms part of protocol.

Nod for over 330 small-scale gold panning permits KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan government has approved 333 applications for small gold panning licences since the scheme opened early this year, said Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan. approved. So far, 54 licences have been taken up by applicants,” he told the state assembly yesterday. time basis, Bernama reported. He said two purchasing companies have been appointed to ensure that mineral resources are bought in accordance with regulations and to protect panners from exploitation.

He was responding to a question from Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim (BN-Galas), who sought details on the number of approved applications since the initiative began. Mohamed Fadzli said the number of active licence holders is difficult to determine, as most individuals engage in gold panning on a part

He said a total of 493 applications were received and evaluated based on stipulated conditions and guidelines before approvals were granted. “Of that number, 333 applications have been

He added that the licences come with strict technical requirements, including designated operating areas, approved methods and adherence to environmental standards.