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Chithirai Pournami Festival urged to adopt green theme

Single-use plastics, polystyrene containers and cups should not be provided, says CAP official.

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY ‘Perpetual monitoring needed to curb reckless driving’ Road safety expert proposes 24-hour, year-round AI-backed traffic enforcement system.

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SCAN ME No. 9137 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Security guards irked over alleged wage irregularities Group sends memo to national industry association calling for resolution of work condition issues.

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The suggestion is a departure from the current practice of relying on sporadic manual operations that are unable to sustain awareness impact once they end. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Fossil fuel foe Report on h page 3 Natural gas remains among most significant yet under-scrutinised contributors to global climate change, says environmental NGO RimbaWatch.

THURSDAY | APR 30, 2026

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N. Sembilan crisis spurs new calls for electoral reform o Current model fractured and no longer reflects political realities, says analyst

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s electoral system is increasingly out of step with its political realities, reform advocates observed, as the latest turbulence in Negeri Sembilan reignites concerns over the stability and credibility of coalition governments. Project Stability and Accountability for Malaysia (Projek Sama) said the crisis highlights a growing disconnect between how governments are elected and how power is ultimately exercised, urging pertinent reforms to restore voter trust. Under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system, candidates can win seats with a plurality of votes, even if most voters backed other contenders. Projek Sama said this has led to a recurring pattern in which voters are asked to support pre election alliances that may not survive beyond polling day – a dynamic it described as eroding political accountability. “When no party can win a majority alone, coalition governments become necessary – a normal feature of mature parliamentary democracies. However, under Malaysia’s FPTP system, parties often form pre-election coalitions or electoral pacts that require voters to support allied parties who may later withdraw from those arrangements.” It cited both the Negeri Sembilan developments and the 2020 Sheraton Move as examples of post-election realignments that have shaken public confidence. “In both cases, voters feel betrayed when alliances collapse after elections,” it said, adding that such shifts expose structural weaknesses in how coalitions are formed and sustained. While anti-hopping laws introduced after the “There is little connection between voter perception and how political coalitions function,”he said, noting that Malaysia’s political landscape is largely shaped by formal alliances such as Barisan Nasional (BN), Pakatan Harapan (PH), Perikatan Nasional (PN) and others. Malaysia’s current Unity (Madani) government is a coalition comprising PH, BN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. It was formed after the 15th General Election resulted in a hung parliament, necessitating cross-coalition cooperation to form a government. Manimaran said Malaysia’s coalition politics has long been defined by alliances rather than individual parties. In 2018, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad led PH to a historic victory, ending BN’s decades-long dominance. Prior to that general election, opposition parties had often contested under separate logos despite cooperating as a coalition. However, in 2018 PH unified under a single logo to signal stronger cohesion and present a united front to voters. BN’s long dominance also meant public awareness of FPTP remained low. Under the system, the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they secured an absolute majority, meaning election outcomes reflect vote distribution rather than voter understanding of the mechanism itself. He said in 2020, the ERC had proposed introducing CLPR as part of wider electoral reform. The suggested model was a hybrid system, retaining FPTP at state level while introducing proportional representation at federal level, particularly for parliamentary seats. “The proposal also recommended dividing representation into three regions – Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak – and allocating one third of parliamentary seats to Sabah and Sarawak

stressed that any administration must command the confidence of the majority in the state assembly, whether through a single-party majority, coalition or a minority government backed by a confidence and supply agreement. It added that any transition of power must take place through formal confidence or no confidence votes, with safeguards to prevent prolonged deadlock beyond six months without fresh elections. Addressing constitutional concerns, Projek Sama said the authority of the state’s royal institution remains intact, noting that conditions for the removal of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar have not been met and that Tuanku Muhriz ibni Tuanku Munawir remains the legitimate head of state. Amid global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, the group urged political actors to act responsibly. “Malaysians deserve stability, not the absence of change, but the maintenance of predictability and public trust amidst necessary political evolution,” it said. to 18 in 2019, with amendments gazetted on Sept 10 that year. However, implementation of Undi18 and automatic voter registration was delayed until after September 2022 due to Covid-19 disruptions. Another key reform, the anti-hopping law, came into force in October 2022 following political instability triggered by the 2020 “Sheraton Move”. The law requires MPs who switch parties to vacate their seats, aimed at strengthening political stability and voter accountability. Ultimately, Manimaran stressed, greater political education is needed, as many Malaysians still lack awareness of how electoral systems shape governance. As part of broader institutional reform, he said the government should seriously consider reviewing Malaysia’s electoral system. – By Kirtinee Ramesh

allocation would be PH (five), BN (five) and PN (two). Projek Sama said such a hybrid model would strengthen voter engagement and reduce political manipulation by compelling parties to maintain support across coalition lines. “This would compel parties to work harder to earn the confidence of voters beyond their immediate base, rather than relying on coalition arrangements to secure power.” Projek Sama acknowledged that constitutional amendments to Articles 116 and 117 would be required, but stressed that the issue must be openly debated. Pending reform, it urged political parties to adopt more cautious coalition strategies, including avoiding rigid alliances that limit voter choice. It also warned voters against disengagement, saying abstention would only weaken their influence and encouraged continued participation alongside closer scrutiny of coalition dynamics. On governance in Negeri Sembilan, the group representation (PR), where voters choose parties and seats are allocated based on vote share – reducing “wasted votes” and improving fairness in representation. He reiterated that the ERC’s 2020 proposal for CLPR at federal level remains relevant. Importantly, he said such reform would not require dismantling the existing system. FPTP could remain for state elections, while proportional representation could be used for federal parliamentary seats, allowing MPs to focus on national policymaking and strengthening legislative debate. He pointed to countries such as Australia and Indonesia, which use mixed electoral systems combining FPTP, preferential voting and proportional representation. Malaysia has also undertaken gradual electoral reforms, including lowering the voting age from 21

Sheraton Move have curbed individual defections, Projek Sama said they fail to address the withdrawal of entire parties from governing coalitions. “Had Umno/BN contested under a permanent coalition banner with Pakatan Harapan in 2023, the Negeri Sembilan anti-hopping law might have triggered as many as 14 by-elections,” it said, pointing to the unintended consequences of partial reforms. To address what it described as a “fundamental design flaw”, the group proposed introducing closed list proportional representation (CLPR) seats alongside the existing system. Under the proposal, voters would cast two votes – one for a local candidate and another for a preferred political party – allowing them to back parties without being forced to endorse coalition partners. Using Negeri Sembilan as an example, Projek Sama simulated adding 12 CLPR seats to the existing 36 constituencies. Based on the 2023 vote shares – Pakatan Harapan (39%), Barisan Nasional (38%) and Perikatan Nasional (22%) – the

Poor grasp of voting system by Malaysians raises concerns PETALING JAYA: Public understanding of Malaysia’s electoral systems remains strikingly low, raising concerns over how voters engage with democracy and how election outcomes are ultimately shaped, according to election analyst Dr G. Manimaran. The former member of the Electoral Reform Committee (ERC) said most Malaysians have limited awareness of key electoral systems such as the first past-the-post (FPTP) and closed list proportional representation (CLPR) even though these frameworks fundamentally determine how votes translate into seats. to improve regional balance.” Under such a system, multiple coalitions would still exist but would be represented proportionally in Parliament. However, although the proposal was submitted in August 2020, it has not been meaningfully debated. Manimaran said implementing such reforms would require major legal amendments, including changes to the Federal Constitution, state constitutions and election laws. While possible, he stressed it would be a long and complex process requiring strong political will and sustained public support.

He noted that reform is not merely administrative but a structural shift aimed at improving representation in a maturing democracy. While FPTP remains the current system, there is growing global interest in proportional

DIPLOMATIC DIALOGUE ... Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (left) in discussion with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Brunei’s Second Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Erywan Yusof (right) during the 125th Asean-European Union Ministerial Meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

THURSDAY | APR 30, 2026

3

Marine treasures under threat

o Oil, gas ventures and expansion near protected waters raise ecological concerns, says environmentalist

Adam urged Malaysians to pay closer attention to the environmental impact of oil and gas developments, particularly in ecologically sensitive marine areas. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.c om

of Sabah. Adam revealed that the block overlaps entirely with two gazetted marine protected areas in Sabah – the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area and Turtle Islands Park – while also bordering the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary. “Some of the geological exploration leads are located directly within these protected zones,” he said, warning that such overlaps could have severe implications for biodiversity and conservation efforts in the region. While offshore oil and gas projects are concentrated in Sabah, Adam stressed that deforestation remains a nationwide concern. “Even areas close to Kuala Lumpur are not spared,” he said, pointing to mounting threats to green lungs such as North Kiara Forest situated near Taman Tun Dr Ismail and Sri Hartamas and Ayer Itam Forest Reserve in Puchong. He added that ongoing and upcoming developments could place additional strain on forests, biodiversity and local communities over the next six to 12 months. Adam also raised concerns about systemic weaknesses in Malaysia’s environmental governance, particularly in relation to climate policy. “Despite fossil fuels being the

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s fossil fuel industry – particularly its growing role as a major exporter of fossil gas – remains one of the country’s most significant yet under-scrutinised contributors to global climate change, according to RimbaWatch director Adam Farhan. He said many large-scale oil and gas developments are taking place within or near protected marine ecosystems, but continue to escape public attention due to limited transparency and weak regulatory scrutiny. “The single biggest contributor towards global climate change is our fossil fuel industry. Many of the projects are located in marine protected areas, such as Tun Mustapha Park located off the north coast of Sabah and Luconia Shoals National Park in the South China Sea, about 163km to 254 km off the coast of Sarawak, yet they are often overlooked because of a lack of publicly accessible environmental impact assessments and broader scrutiny,” he said. Among the most concerning developments is the recently identified SB304 oil and gas exploration block off the coast sufficient: Minister KUALA LUMPUR: The country’s food supply remains stable for now, with the rice buffer stock reaching 300,000 tonnes, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He said that the local production of chicken and eggs was also close to achieving full self-sufficiency. However, Mohamad said the government remained cautious of challenges from rising costs of animal feed, which still relied on imports, as well as fuel prices. “For vegetables, there are times when oversupply occurs, causing prices to drop. Consumers are happy, but farmers are under pressure. The government is assisting through planting schedules and contract farming systems. Fish supply, however, is slightly affected due to hot weather and rising costs for fishermen, which is why we are intensifying aquaculture as an alternative,”he said in a Facebook post. Mohamad said the real impact of the global supply crisis was expected to be more pronounced within the next three to six months, especially as the costs of fertiliser, animal feed and fuel rise. “Food prices may increase slightly, but the government is working to ensure that there is no sharp hike.” He said the government had also taken various measures to help ease the burden on the people, including increasing rice stockpiles, opening new padi fields, improving irrigation systems and developing the local corn industry. – Bernama Food supply stable and

carried out via a dedicated lift. “This is a measure to future-proof our facilities to face the challenges of post-pandemic infectious diseases, while ensuring the safety of healthcare workers.” He said with the new facilities, specialist services can also be expanded to include Sports Medicine, the Pink Ribbon Clinic for breast cancer, as well as colorectal, urology and plastic and reconstructive surgery. He said cochlear implant surgical services and disaster management facilities are also provided, thereby demonstrating the ministry’s commitment to bringing specialist services closer to the public. The government, he added, has also approved 1,308 new positions as of February this year. – Bernama Present were Tengku Maimun and Malaysian Bar President Anand Raj. Sharing personal experience as a father of six daughters, Wan Ahmad Farid said each of them had pursued her own path in different fields, including in engineering, communications, filmmaking and law. “Each created her own path, in her own voice and on her own terms,” he said, adding that he never imposed expectations on them. – Bernama obscure underlying realities. “For instance, our pledge to maintain 50% forest cover can be misleading when industrial monoculture plantations – such as timber latex clone and acacia – are counted as forests. In theory, natural forests could be replaced with monocultures while still meeting that target.” He stressed that both corporate and government claims on sustainability must be closely examined. “The devil is often in the details,” he said.

additional block at HTAN, costing RM153.4 million, was built on a 4.18ha site, with site ownership on March 10, adding that it was fully completed under the design-and build method and the Certificate of Practical Completion was issued on Monday. According to him, the additional six-storey block, known as Block B, not only adds another 132 beds in the normal wards and 12 in the intensive care units, but also increases HTAN’s total capacity to 458 beds, along with six new operating theatres. “Block B houses Malaysia’s first Emergency and Trauma Department, which was designed holistically with negative-pressure isolation facilities. Continuity of care from the emergency department to the isolation ward can now be Marine Ecoregion and the Coral Triangle Initiative, both recognised for their extraordinary marine biodiversity. “The ecosystems are among the most biodiverse in the world, but oil and gas activities pose serious risks – from habitat destruction and underwater noise to the potential for oil spills.” Adam also cautioned against taking broad environmental commitments at face value, noting that official metrics can sometimes

levels will continue to be strengthened. Our focus is not on new hospitals but more towards upgrading existing hospitals.” Dzulkefly said this after officiating at the handing-over of an additional block of the Tuanku Ampuan Najihah Hospital (HTAN), which was also attended by Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan here on Tuesday. Dzulkefly said the ministry is also focusing on the construction of three new hospitals – the Petra Jaya Hospital in Sarawak, which is expected to be completed this year; the Sultanah Aminah Hospital 2 in Johor Bahru (at the tender process); and the Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital 2 in this state (Negeri Sembilan), which has just been approved for site acquisition. Meanwhile, he said the primary driver of climate change, there is effectively no climate-based regulation of the industry. At the same time, the government is pursuing growth in this sector rather than a phase-out, which runs counter to climate science.” He urged Malaysians to pay closer attention to the environmental impact of oil and gas developments, particularly in ecologically sensitive marine areas. Malaysia’s waters form part of the globally important Sulu-Sulawesi

Health Ministry to prioritise hospital upgrades nationwide KUALA PILAH: The Health Ministry is focusing on efforts to upgrade existing healthcare facilities,

including hospitals, nationwide to meet the increasing demand for health services, said its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the approach was taken since many public hospitals currently operate at nearly 100% capacity, thus requiring facility expansion, including the construction of an additional block. “The addition of this new block will provide added value to the quality of services, especially in several areas of specialisation. We want to emphasise healthcare and wellbeing that focus on care and the early detection of diseases. “At the same time, the development of facilities at the secondary and tertiary healthcare

Chief justice lauds accomplishments by women in judiciary KUALA LUMPUR: Four women who have held the highest offices in Malaysia’s judiciary stand as testament to merit, integrity and the nation’s commitment to gender equality, said Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh. Malaya the late Tan Sri Siti Norma Yaakob and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Datuk Azizah Nawawi, to their respective highest positions reflected the steady progress of women breaking barriers and reshaping the country’s legal landscape. “These are not merely courage, discipline and excellence. “Women must be free to be their true selves and determine their own paths. When women lead, advocate, adjudicate and innovate, it does not diminish others – it expands what power can achieve for everyone.”

Wan Ahmad Farid said this in his special address at the Women’s Rights Conference 2026 held at the Asian International Arbitration Centre yesterday.

The nation’s top judge said the appointment of former Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, former Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Rohana Yusuf, former Chief Judge of

appointments but milestones that prove talent knows no gender. The glass ceiling was not just cracked, it was shattered repeatedly through

THURSDAY | APR 30, 2026

4

‘AI traffic enforcement system needed to curb reckless driving’

Sabah attains 98% digital coverage as of February KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has achieved 98.7% internet and communications coverage in populated areas as of Feb 28, marking a significant improvement from 73.41% before the rollout of the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela). Sabah Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib said the progress reflects the federal government’s continued commitment, together with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), to strengthening digital infrastructure across the country, particularly in Sabah. Under Jendela, 663 new telecommunications towers have been completed and are operational in Sabah, while all 5,304 existing transmitter stations have been upgraded. In addition, 335,254 premises now have access to fibre optic connectivity, while 138 locations are receiving internet services through satellite-based Broadband Wireless Access technology. James said the developments form part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure rural communities are not left behind in the digital economy. He was responding to a question from Alias Sani during the Sabah assembly sitting yesterday. He said for the Sekong constituency specifically, three new telecommunications towers have been completed and are operational, while 98 existing transmitter stations have been upgraded. He added that the government is also expanding collective internet access through the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) network. Nationwide, 1,099 Nadi centres are in operation, including 131 in Sabah. The Point of Presence project has also been expanded to improve broadband accessibility through the installation of fibre optic hubs near schools and industrial areas. Meanwhile, Sabah Assistant Minister of Works and Utilities Ruddy Awah said the state government is upgrading sewerage pipelines in Kota Kinabalu using Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) technology. The project, implemented under the Kota Kinabalu Sewerage Scheme Programme, allows for pipe rehabilitation without open excavation, minimising disruption to the public while improving long-term system efficiency. The CIPP method could extend the lifespan of sewer pipelines by about 50 years, making it a sustainable, efficient and cost-effective solution. He added that the Sabah Sewerage Services Department is also planning further asset upgrades under the 13th Malaysia Plan, including the use of CCTV robotic technology for pipe inspection and structural reinforcement. Responding to a question from Loi Kok Liang (Api-Api, Warisan), Ruddy added that one of the main causes of sewer blockages in urban areas is the improper disposal of rubbish and FOG (fats, oils and grease) into the sewerage system. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia needs a 24-hour, all-year-round AI-backed traffic enforcement system to deter reckless and dangerous driving, instead of relying on periodic operations that lose impact once they end, said Road Safety Council of Malaysia executive council member Datuk Suret Singh. Suret, who previously chaired the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research from 2019 to 2022, said enforcement must be strategic, continuous and backed by technology if authorities want to deter dangerous behaviour before lives are lost. “The current approach of enforcement based on operations is ineffective as it is not consistent for 365 days a year. “To be effective, enforcement should be heavily reliant on artificial intelligience (AI) so it can monitor and (detect) reckless drivers 365 days, 24 hours, seven days a week. “Effective year-round enforcement is key to deter reckless and dangerous behaviour on our roads,” he told theSun via WhatsApp. His remarks come as transport authorities have been expanding technology 242 health facilities to be built nationwide KUALA PILAH: The Works Ministry has been mandated to implement 242 health facility projects nationwide, at a total cost of RM21.3 billion. Its deputy minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said these include 58 completed projects costing RM4.88 billion, 57 projects currently under construction valued at RM7.28 billion and 91 projects in the pre-construction or planning phase worth RM9.14 billion. “These projects, assigned to the ministry as the implementing agency, span various periods from the 11th Malaysia Plan through to the 13th Malaysia Plan,” he said after the handover of the Tuanku Ampuan Najihah Hospital’s (HTAN) additional block, which was officiated by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad on Wednesday. Ahmad added that the new block was built on a 4.18-acre site. The site was acquired on March 10, and the project reached full completion with the issuance of the Certificate of Practical Completion on Monday. On projects in Negeri Sembilan, he said under the ninth through 13th Malaysia plans, there were 13 projects, with a total cost of RM1.39 billion. This includes five projects in the planning stage costing RM234 million, seven in the construction phase valued at RM1.1 billion and one completed project worth RM32 million. He also said although the hospital additional block is now under the Health Ministry, the o Current procedure based on periodic manual operations not effective and unable to deliver 24-hour, all-year-round monitoring for violations, says road safety expert Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

measures such as checks near entertainment outlets, parking exits, highway entry points and other high-risk locations as proactive strategies to stop intoxicated motorists before entering major roads. However, he said while drink-driving is a serious offence, it should not dominate the road safety agenda at the expense of the larger pattern of deaths involving motorcyclists. “Bear in mind that DUI is not a major cause of deaths on our roads. (It represents) less than 1% of road deaths. “Of average daily deaths of 18 per day on our roads, 12 are deaths of young individuals, aged 25 and below, who rode small-cc vehicles in mixed traffic roads, and were knocked down by bigger vehicles. “This is our big road safety issue, the elephant in the room,” he said. Suret said the media and authorities should avoid focusing only on high-profile fatal cases before public attention fades. “The media play needs to move away from reactive to proactive awareness,” he said, adding that injured motorcyclists and daily road trauma should also be highlighted to improve rider and road user safety. “It is time to prevent reckless behaviour rather than reacting after fatal crashes, which is a loser’s game,” he said. Suret’s comments follow the fatal April 23 MEX Highway crash involving an e-hailing vehicle carrying Bangladeshi tourists and a car driven by a 31-year-old military officer. Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief ACP Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa said the remand for the car driver has been extended until today. He added that statements have been recorded from 12 witnesses, with the investigation paper to be completed and submitted to prosecutors.

based enforcement. On Jan 6 last year, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Automated Awareness Safety System cameras would be improved through point-to-point monitoring, which measures a vehicle’s average speed between two checkpoints instead of relying only on static cameras. The upgraded system has been reported to support wider automated detection, including mobile phone use and seatbelt violations, while use of drones and body-worn cameras by the Road Transport Deparment (RTD) has expanded real-time monitoring during operations. As of March 20 during Op Hari Raya Aidilfitri, RTD recorded 2,384 offences using the upgraded drones. Enforcement senior director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said the drone detected offences mainly involved dangerous overtaking, emergency lane misuse and traffic light violations, with each category recording more than 500 cases. Suret added that the wider weakness was not the absence of action, but the lack of consistent and unified enforcement across agencies. “Enforcement effectiveness is very weak. A total overhaul is required. “It is time for a single traffic law enforcement agency. The current system is fragmented, so where does accountability sit... with RTD, police or local authorities?” On drink-driving, Suret said preventive measures should be strenghtened, including reducing the legal alcohol limit to zero, encouraging pubs to provide free non alcoholic drinks to designated drivers and intensifying community education against driving under the influence (DUI). He also supported targeted enforcement

Dzulkefly with Ahmad (right) at the event on Wednesday. – PIC COURTESY OF HEALTH MINISTRY FACEBOOK PAGE

remain responsive in addressing complaints or rectifying any defects during the period. Ahmad expressed hope that such projects would contribute significantly to the wellbeing of the people. – Bernama

contractor is still required to fulfill its obligations during the 24-month defect liability period as stipulated in the contract. He reminded contractors to perform scheduled preventive maintenance and to

THURSDAY | APR 30, 2026

5

Security guards group irked by alleged wage dispute

Man jailed over death of adopted son KUALA TERENGGANU: A lorry attendant was sentenced to 18 years’ jail and two strokes of the cane by the Sessions Court yesterday after pleading guilty to charges linked to the injury and death of his adopted son. Judge Mohd Zul Zakiqudin Zulkifli sentenced Muhammad Firdaus Zamri, 31, to 18 years’ jail for causing the death of four-year-old Muhammad Adamdanial Abdul Khafidh at an unnumbered house in Kampung Banggol Katong, Terengganu at about 6pm on April 11. The charge was framed under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 30 years. He was also sentenced to four years’ jail and two strokes of the cane for causing injury to the child with a cane at the same time, date and location. The offence, under Section 324 of the Penal Code, carries a jail term of up to 10 years or a fine, whipping, or any two of the punishments. Both jail terms were ordered to run concurrently from the date of arrest on April 13. In delivering the sentence, Mohd Zul Zakiqudin said public interest must take priority. He said the victim, who had been entrusted to the care of the accused, was “gradually abused until death”, describing the offence as a serious breach of trust against a helpless child. – Bernama Businessman loses RM610,000 in scam MUAR: A businessman lost RM610,000 after falling victim to a non-existent investment scheme that promised unusually high returns. Muar police chief ACP Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said the 49-year-old was drawn to an investment advertisement on Facebook before contacting an individual via WhatsApp. Lured by promised returns of up to 750%, the victim made multiple payments into different bank accounts from April 1, he said in a statement yesterday. He added that the victim was told all investment matters would be handled by a broker. “The victim only realised he had been scammed when he was asked to make an additional payment to withdraw profits purportedly earned from the investment. “He then lodged a police report on Tuesday for insurance claims over the losses suffered.” The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code. Raiz Mukhliz advised the public to be cautious of online investment offers promising extraordinarily high returns. – Bernama Bid by Namewee to review drug charges rejected KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney-General’s Chambers has rejected a representation submitted by rapper and filmmaker Namewee seeking a review of two charges related to the possession of drugs and sildenafil. DPP Nurainizatul Farhana Zainal informed the court of the decision during proceedings before Magistrate Nurul Izzah Hasan Basri yesterday. The court then fixed May 29 for mention. Namewee, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, had filed the representation in an attempt to have the charges withdrawn or reduced to lower offences. Under the first charge, the 43-year-old is accused of possessing 1.57g of methamphetamine in a hotel room on Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur, at about 4.30pm on Oct 22 last year. He also faces a second charge of possessing 0.78g of sildenafil at the same location, date and time. On Dec 22 last year, Namewee was acquitted of a separate charge of self-administering a dangerous drug after the prosecution withdrew the case following negative pathology test results. – Bernama

o Memorandum submitted to national association calling for resolution of work-related issues

relevant authority. Do not make deductions without reason. We have submitted (a memo) before. This time, we are showing our dissatisfaction.” He added that the next step would be to push for a formal engagement involving regulators, industry bodies and relevant stakeholders. “We want a serious meeting. Call everyone, the authorities, the association, whoever is involved. We must sit down and resolve this.” He said if no progress was made, the group would escalate the matter further. “If nothing happens, we will take the next step. The guards have reached a critical point.” Mohd Ali also said active intervention from the authorities was needed to ensure all parties came to the table. “If we call them, they may not come. But if the authorities call, they will come. So, we need that support.” He stressed that the grievances were not new issues and had persisted for years. An Industrial Relations Department officer who observed the submission said the memorandum would be documented and escalated internally. “The report will be forwarded to the head of the office for further review,” the officer said, adding that the process was carried out in an orderly manner. “We appreciate that everything was conducted properly without disruption to the public.”

The memorandum was directed at the association, which Kespa allege had failed to take decisive action against member companies accused of malpractice, particularly involving wage compliance and working conditions. Mohd Ali said the body held significant influence over its members, especially in certification and licence renewals. “They hold an important responsibility, but they are not actually using it. If members are not following the law, action must be taken,” he said. Among the key issues raised were wage compliance, improper deductions and disputes over rest hours. He said inconsistent interpretations of rest periods had led to recurring disputes across companies. “Some companies say there are two hours of rest, but guards are still at the post and cannot leave. That becomes an issue.” The group is also calling for clearer, standardised contract terms, particularly in government-linked security work, to prevent ambiguity over overtime, public holidays and rest days. “We need a standard understanding. Overtime, public holidays and rest days must be clearly agreed,” he said. The memorandum also urged stricter enforcement of existing labour requirements, including timely salary payments and statutory contributions. “Pay salary according to the law. If there is a deduction, it must be paid to the

Ű BY AMEEN HAZIZI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: A group of security guards have submitted a memorandum to the Malaysian Security Industry Association, saying that industrial action may be taken if long-standing issues over wages and working conditions remain unresolved. The move follows allegations of wage discrepancies, including unpaid overtime, issues previously highlighted by theSun in a report published on March 31. The memorandum was submitted peacefully by about 15 union members yesterday after advice from the Labour Department to avoid a larger public demonstration. National Association of Security Guards in Peninsular Malaysia (Kespa) president Mohd Ali Ibrahim said the decision to scale down the gathering was decided in good faith. “This is a peaceful submission of a memorandum. We just want to show our dissatisfaction,” he said.

MACC freezes US$1.7 million linked to 1MDB KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian The group is also calling for clearer, standardised contract terms, particularly in government-linked security work, to prevent ambiguity over overtime, public holidays and rest days. – AMEEN HAZIZI/THESUN

the action reflected the commission’s continued commitment to ensuring all misappropriated funds were traced and returned to the country. He said amid challenging global economic conditions, including uncertainties arising from conflicts in the Middle East, asset recovery efforts were not merely enforcement measures but also a responsibility to safeguard the nation’s financial interests. “Every ringgit successfully recovered belongs to Malaysians and will continue to be pursued. MACC will continue to strengthen international cooperation and utilise all available legal avenues to ensure assets hidden abroad can be traced, frozen and forfeited.” – Bernama

linked to money laundering activities based on investigations by the MACC Special Operations Division. Investigations found that between 2014 and 2019, several individuals who were account holders and directors of offshore companies were suspected of receiving, concealing, transferring and converting proceeds of unlawful activities through the companies’ bank accounts in Barbados. Following this, the High Court allowed a prohibitory order on financial transactions involving US$56,285.88 in an account owned by Lambasa Global Opportunity Fund BV and US$1,649,118.40 in an account owned by Universal Ventures Fund SCC. Chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said

Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has obtained a prohibitory order on transactions involving funds amounting to US$1.7 million (RM6.7 million) held in Barbados, believed to be linked to money misappropriated from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). In a statement, the commission said the funds were held in two bank accounts at Amicorp Bank and Trust Limited in Barbados. It said the order was issued by Kuala Lumpur High Court Judge Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid after he was satisfied with the prosecution application under Section 53 of the Anti Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. The application showed the funds were

THURSDAY | APR 30, 2026

6

Chithirai Pournami festival to adopt green theme

Orchestra festival to be

held from May 28 to June 28

o Association calls to drop usage of plastics while urging devotees, guests to curb food wastage and littering

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall is set to host the Kuala Lumpur Orchestra Festival (KLOF) 2026, featuring 45 events including concerts, pocket performances, workshops, forums and a carnival. The festival will be held at various iconic locations around the capital from May 28 to June 28. City Hall executive director of socioeconomic development Ismadi Sakirin said the festival, now in its third year, has become an important platform for elevating Kuala Lumpur’s standing as an international city of arts, culture and creativity. “More than 2,000 participants will be involved in the festival. Orchestras from Thailand, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines and China will also be participating, alongside local ensembles such as the Kuala Lumpur Orchestra, Kuala Lumpur Youth Orchestra, Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and RTM Orchestra,” he said in a statement yesterday. He added that KLOF would feature a special collaboration with the Yogyakarta Royal Orchestra of Indonesia, to be presented online via YouTube, opening the artistic space to a wider audience. Ismadi said KLOF 2026 would also place strong emphasis on nurturing young talent through workshops, auditions and performing arts training programmes. He said the festival would further strengthen Kuala Lumpur’s position as a member of the Unesco Creative Cities Network, which recognises the role of arts and creativity in urban development. – Bernama

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

IPOH: Devotees and visitors have been urged to avoid using plastics and not waste food offered at stalls during the Chithirai Pournami festival, which falls tomorrow. Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) consumer and environmental education officer N. V. Subbarow said large crowds are expected at Sri Thandayuthabani Temple in Teluk Intan. “We are expecting at least 100,000 devotees and public visitors from all over Malaysia, as well as neighbouring countries. “Organisations setting up thanneer panthals (refreshment stalls) offering free food and drinks, and devotees are urged to refrain from using single-use plastics, polystyrene containers and cups during the event. “Instead, they should use reusable plates and cups, or leaves. At festivals across the country, plastic plates, cups, spoons and forks dominate refreshment stalls,” he said in a statement yesterday. Stall operators and vendors often cited convenience as the reason for using such containers, cutlery and cups when serving large crowds. However, he said there were better ways to serve food without generating excessive waste that harms the

Subbarow said there were better ways to serve food without generating excessive waste that harms the environment, adding that plastics do not decompose. – PIC COURTESY OF CONSUMERS’ ASSOCIATION OF PENANG

refreshment stall operators to provide only one pack of food per person. “Let’s use this festival as a platform to care for the environment by freeing ourselves from single-use plastics and products. We must leave behind a cleaner and safer earth for our children,” he said. The Chithirai Pournami festival, which marks the full moon of the Tamil month of Chithirai , is regarded as a spiritually and culturally significant occasion for Tamils.

such as festivals, the more plastic waste will flow into the environment and end up as pollution. “The alternatives to single-use plastics are reusable items, washing utensils, leaves used as plates and food wraps, while bringing your own containers to pack food, bottles to refill drinks and cloth bags to carry your belongings,” he said. Subbarow also called for efforts to reduce food wastage, saying CAP urged those serving meals to reduce portion sizes and urged

environment, adding that plastics do not decompose, while so-called biodegradable and compostable plastics only break down under specific conditions. He also said plastic pollution has rapidly become one of the most pressing environmental threats to people and the planet, while the production and use of single-use plastics posed serious concerns to public health and the environment. “The more plastics that are used and discarded during major events

THURSDAY | APR 30, 2026

7 Philippine VP faces impeachment vote

o A‘ llegations politically motivated’

joint ticket in 2022 elections that they both won in landslides. With Marcos limited by the constitution to a single term in office, Duterte is the clear favourite to succeed him in 2028. Announcing her decision in February to run for the top job, Duterte apologised for helping Marcos to become president. The vice-president’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the house committee’s decision. Duterte has previously dismissed the complaint as “just a piece of paper”. The vice-president has been subjected to intense scrutiny since the fallout with Marcos and her latest battle comes as her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, prepares to go on trial at the International Criminal Court in The Hague over thousands of killings during his signature “war on drugs”. Sara Duterte could become the second most senior office holder to be impeached in the Philippines after former president Joseph Estrada, whose 2001 Senate trial was aborted when some prosecutors walked out. Three other top officials have been impeached and include an ombudsman and an election commission head who both resigned before their trials, and former Supreme Court chief justice Renato

MANILA: The Philippine House justice committee yesterday found probable cause to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, moving a step closer to a process that could derail her bid to become the next president. The complaint will go to the plenary for a vote when Congress resumes session next month, with the backing of a third of its members needed to advance to an impeachment trial in the Senate, where if convicted she would be removed from office and banned from politics for life. Duterte’s impeachment was sought by civil society and leftist groups, who accuse her of misusing public funds, accumulating unexplained wealth and of threatening the lives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, his wife and his cousin, the former house speaker. In a vote of the committee, all 53 members agreed there was probable cause to impeach Duterte. She denies wrongdoing and says the complaint is politically motivated. Duterte remains locked in an acrimonious public feud with former ally Marcos, with whom she ran on a

Footage of the vice-president is shown on screens as lawmakers conduct a committee hearing at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Metro Manila yesterday. – AFPPIC

impeachment bid in February after his allies in Congress voted to dismiss it. He has distanced himself from the proceedings against Duterte. – Reuters

Congress stacked with allies of Marcos but it was thrown out in July last year by the Supreme Court, which ruled it was unconstitutional. Marcos survived a separate

Corona, who was the only one convicted so far. A previous attempt to impeach Duterte on similar allegations was backed overwhelmingly by a

Forest felling slows, but still worrying PARIS: The pace of tropical forest destruction slowed last year after record losses the year before but remained at worrying levels equivalent to 11 football fields per minute, researchers said yesterday. The world lost 4.3 million hectares of primary rainforest last year, down 36% from 2024, said researchers from the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the University of Maryland. “A good year is a good year, but you need good years forever if you’re going to conserve, for example, the rainforest,” said Matthew Hansen, director of the GLAD Lab at University of Maryland. Much of last year’s slowdown was due to sharp declines in Brazil. Brazil’s forest loss, excluding fires, was 41% lower than in 2024, its lowest rate on record. “Brazil’s declines are associated with stronger environmental policies and enforcement,” Goldman said.

“A drop of this scale in a single year is encouraging, it shows what decisive government action can achieve,” said Elizabeth Goldman, co-director of WRI’s Global Forest Watch platform. The researchers noted that last year’s forest loss was still significant – about the size of Denmark and 46% higher than a decade ago. Despite last year’s progress, forest loss remains 70% above the level required to meet the 2030 goal of halting and reversing forest loss. MANILA: A Russian super-yacht trapped in the Gulf by the Middle East war carried stranded Filipino seafarers out through the perilous Strait of Hormuz, the Philippines government said. The Russia-flagged Nord , a 142m long yacht reportedly linked to the Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov, passed the strait on Saturday, the Department of Migrant Workers said in a statement. On board the yacht and a bulk cargo ship that also passed that day “were 36 Filipino seafarers, bringing the total Filipino crew of vessels out of the strait to close to 1,200”, it said.

But the country’s forests are still threatened by agriculture, which remains the largest driver of forest loss to make room for soy fields and cattle ranches. Some states in the Amazon have passed legislation to weaken environmental protections.

Forest loss in Colombia fell 17% due to government policies and forest clearing limits. – AFP Yacht, cruise ships rescue seafarers

The accused personnel at a military court in Jakarta yesterday. – AFPPIC

Four in military court over acid attack JAKARTA: Military prosecutors here charged four officers yesterday for their alleged involvement in an acid attack on an activist known for campaigning against the expanding public role of the armed forces, seeking a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison. Andrie Yunus, a deputy international condemnation. The four officers were charged under Indonesia’s criminal code with serious premeditated assault, carrying a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison, court documents showed.

alleged defendants used a mixture of car battery acid and rust remover. In a separate investigation, Indonesia’s top human rights watchdog, Komnas HAM, said there were at least 14 people linked to the attack. It said the fact that Andrie’s case is being handled by the military court shows a lack of public participation and could mean the officers will be treated more leniently. It urged police to investigate the other 10 people allegedly linked to the attack in civilian courts. President Prabowo Subianto said last month that the attack on Andrie was an act of “terrorism”. – Reuters

The department’s secretary Hans Leo Cacdac told a news conference last week that about 800 of them had been taken through the strait in cruise ships that escaped the strait with passengers. Maritime trackers indicated that several cruise ships managed to make it through the route on April 18, after Iran briefly announced it was lifting its closure of the strait. Cacdac said 15 other Filipino seafarers were on board two container ships that were later seized by Iranian forces on April 22: the Epaminondas and the Francesca . – AFP

Mohammad Iswadi, a military prosecutor, said the four officers from the military’s intelligence unit allegedly attacked Andrie because they felt affronted by his protest last year against legal changes allowing more military officers to be appointed to civilian government posts. “With the incident, the suspects deemed Andrie Yunus to have insulted and stomped on the military as an institution,” he said, adding the

coordinator with the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence, a rights group also known as KontraS, suffered burns to 20% of his face and body from acid thrown by assailants on March 12. The attack, which left Andrie permanently scarred and his right eye heavily damaged, drew local and