02/05/2026

SATURDAY | MAY 2, 2026

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Islamic Dept objects to water festival over moral concerns

Decision on diesel road tax cut to be announced soon KUALA LUMPUR: The decision on the proposed reduction of road tax for diesel powered vehicles will be announced soon. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry is reviewing a suitable mechanism, including evaluating any potential impacts on government revenue. “We are conducting the study promptly, which requires a thorough review before any final decision is made, as not all diesel vehicles are excluded from subsidies. Some still receive assistance through targeted pricing. “Therefore, we must find a balanced approach to assist those not receiving subsidies by reducing their tax burden.” He was speaking after attending the Readers’ Forum on the English edition of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, Volume V on Thursday. Last Saturday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is considering lowering road tax on diesel vehicles to help ease public burden amid rising fuel prices. Anwar, who is also Finance minister, said he had requested that the Transport Ministry find a suitable mechanism to reduce the diesel price, taking into account the impact of diesel price increases on users, especially in sectors still dependent on diesel-powered vehicles. Loke also said the ministry is working to implement initiatives that encourage greater use of public transport as a cost-saving measure during the current global supply crisis. “We are trying to ensure that the use of public transport is optimised. I am aware many have complained due to occasional service disruptions, but we take the concerns seriously to ensure our systems serve the public effectively.” – Bernama AirBorneo launches festive discount KUCHING: Sarawak-owned airline AirBorneo has introduced its “Harvest in Unity” festive campaign, offering a 20% discount on all 21 destinations in its Rural Air Services network. The promotion offers a 20% discount on normal fares, with the sales period running from May 1 to May 5 for the travel period of May 23 to June 7. It aims to facilitate the “balik kampung” journey for thousands of Sabahans and Sarawakians returning home for the Pesta Kaamatan and Hari Gawai celebrations. AirBorneo CEO Megat Ardian Wira said the campaign reflects its commitment to serving as more than just a carrier, but also as a vital link for family reunions, particularly for those travelling to interior areas. “The airline aims to ensure that distance is no barrier for those wishing to celebrate the peak of the harvest season with their families and communities in longhouses and villages across Borneo.” He added that the campaign highlighted the spiritual and communal significance of the festive season. “‘We understand that for our passengers, the flights are not just about travel, but about the long-awaited embrace of a parent, a shared meal in a longhouse and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage. “As we help our community ‘balik kampung’ this year, our priority is on ensuring operational reliability and consistent service for all our guests.” – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department has objected to the Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026 in the capital, citing concerns it could harm moral standards and social norms. Its director Hanifuddin Roslan said the department regretted the organisation of the event and urged the organisers to review its concept, taking into account the sensitivities of Malaysia’s multi-racial, multi-religious and multicultural society, Bernama reported. “(The department) calls on all parties to ensure that entertainment programmes do not contain elements that could affect the sanctity of religion and public morals.” He also referred to the Bayan Linnas (religious advisory) Series 351 titled “Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026: Entertainment Has Limits, Organisers Bear Responsibility and Immoral Concerts Must Be Stopped”, issued by the Federal Territories Mufti Department, which states that Islam does not reject entertainment outright but requires it to comply with syariah guidelines. He added that the department would continue organising religious programmes, including lectures, talks, forums, tausiyah (religious reminder) sessions, social media campaigns and Friday sermons to remind Muslims to adhere to Allah ’s commands and avoid activities deemed immoral. He also said the department would hold simultaneous yasin recitations and special prayers after Maghrib across Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan to pray for the wellbeing and harmony of residents in the Federal Territories and Malaysians nationwide. Meanwhile, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry has issued an assurance that tight security measures are in place at the festival, which started on Thursday and ends today. Its minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said police and enforcement agencies are closely monitoring public order at the event venue o Organisers urged to review concept in light of religious, cultural norms

Tiong (centre) during the launch ceremony for the festival at Pavillion Bukit Bintang. – BERNAMAPIC

“Second, the aspiration to realise a modern transport system is becoming a reality through the Mutiara Line LRT project. Entering a critical construction phase this year, the project reflects our commitment to ‘returning time’ to the public, time previously lost in traffic congestion could now be used for family and a better quality of life.” He added that apart from physical infrastructure development, an investment of RM15 million in Technical and Vocational Education and Training as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programmes is being planned to ensure the young generation possesses a globally recognised “skills passport”. He also said the state government aims to produce a workforce that is not only capable of carrying out instructions but also able to innovate and create solutions to global challenges and problems. “As we pursue productivity, we must never neglect human values. I urge employers to view mental health and work-life balance as an investment, not a cost burden.” – Bernama He said such programmes not only provide recreational opportunities for the public but also serve to promote the uniqueness of local food and cultural performances to foreign tourists. “If we do not organise such programmes, tourists would not come and the B40 group would not be able to do business. How can we boost the economy? Where programmes are needed, we will carry them out to stabilise the economy.” On the impact of the global supply crisis, Tiong said the country’s tourism sector remains on a good trajectory. He said although there has been a slight decline in tourist arrivals from West Asia, the overall international arrivals to Malaysia continue to rise, driven by increased arrivals from Asean countries and Europe.

and will not compromise on any unlawful behaviour. “We are organising the programme for the public, so the safety of tourists and local visitors are assured,” he told reporters after officiating at the launch of the festival at Pavilion Bukit Bintang on Thursday. Earlier, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said 500 officers and personnel, including support from Bukit Aman and all district police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, have been deployed to various strategic locations to maintain public order and ensure the smooth running of the festival. Tiong said the event, held in conjunction with the Labour Day celebration, is a strategic government effort to drive the local economy, particularly in supporting the business sustainability of the B40 group.

Penang maintains lead in national exports GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s economy is on strong footing as it moves into the second quarter of the year, and the state continues to maintain its position as Malaysia’s “Export Engine,” contributing nearly 45% to total national exports. that behind every growth figure and every skyscraper standing tall in Penang, (there is) the sweat and sacrifices of every individual who is called a worker,” he said in a message in conjunction with Labour Day yesterday.

He also said the unemployment rate, now stable at 2.7%, proves that Penang’s labour market remains dynamic and resilient. However, Chow said the real challenge this year is the “skills revolution,” as it faces the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the shift toward a green economy. He said the state government would not leave the public to face the changes alone, and through allocated development funding, it is building an ecosystem that not only protects but also empowers the workforce. “Two landmark projects are now transforming the career landscape in the state. First is the development of Silicon Island through the Green Tech Park, which would emerge as a hub for future jobs. It is not just a new industrial area but also a progressive ecosystem that integrates advanced technology with environmental sustainability.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the achievement was driven by a jump in investment in the manufacturing sector, which recorded a value of RM22.4 billion last year. However, he said the figures are only meaningful when translated into the wellbeing of the public, with 24,633 new job opportunities expected to be created from the investment projects. He added that the focus now is to ensure that the people of Penang are not merely observers but also emerge as key players in high-value industries. “Today, May 1, we are not merely commemorating a date on the calendar. Rather, we are celebrating the heartbeat of this state’s economy. You, the workers are the backbone of progress. “The theme ‘Pekerja Madani Kesuma Bangsa’ highlighted this year is the highest recognition