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p 24 5SOS set for return to Malaysia after 10 years

p 25 MPO to honour Sharifah Aini with tribute concert

p 26 Horror TV series chases mood over scares

Lower rental rates now: PM Anwar calls for immediate cuts to ease pressure on hawkers; Rahmah programme scaled up to 30,000 events.

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PARKING PREDATORS ... Motorists urged to prioritise safety amid reports of carjacking tactics targeting drivers.– AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

New Undang for Sungei Ujong Young professional with royal matrilineal lineage takes key Negeri Sembilan adat post by unanimous consent.

Country ranks third in region as firms face rising data theft, surveillance risks. Spyware attacks spike in Malaysia

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WEDNESDAY | MAY 6, 2026

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Lower rents now for petty traders: PM o Local authorities, agencies urged to follow DBKL’s lead to ease burden on small businesses, hawkers

Action Council meeting, it was also agreed that an advance payment under the ploughing incentive will be provided, as farmers require machinery rental and working capital to continue their operations. “The Special Padi Planting Incentive Assistance announced on April 14 by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has been increased from RM160 to RM300 per hectare, following the increase in commercial diesel prices.” Anwar added that to support padi farmers affected by a prolonged dry season in northern Kedah, the government has intensified cloud seeding operations. “Cloud-seeding efforts will be strengthened by the Royal Malaysian Air Force, while the Fire and Rescue Department has also been instructed to continue supporting operations despite its limited capacity.” Anwar said the dry spell, which is longer than usual, has caused difficulties for farmers and padi planters in the affected areas. He said the combined measures are aimed at easing the burden on padi farmers and ensuring continuity of planting activities amid current weather and cost challenges. “While we acknowledge it is not easy, as we can see, RON95, even with subsidies and diesel assistance, has caused the government to bear an additional RM5 billion every month. “Nevertheless, we have to face these challenges and do our utmost to ease the burden borne by the people and their families, especially those in the lower-income, poor and vulnerable groups.” M’sia to press on with Gaza aid mission SEPANG: The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the humanitarian mission to Gaza despite the detention of Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 (GSF2.0) participants, including Malaysians, by Israeli forces on May 1. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who is the mission’s patron minister, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s consistent support reflects Malaysia’s commitment to championing humanitarian causes on the international stage. “Our support will only grow stronger as we value the sacrifices made by activists, including Malaysians, who give up their time, money and comfort voluntarily. Malaysia should be proud of these individuals. “They expose themselves to risk solely to ‘Break the Silence’ and ‘Break the Siege’, the two missions carried out consistently,” he said after visiting the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) operations centre here. He added that the mission’s more organised approach increases the likelihood of achieving its goals and ensures greater international awareness of the situation in Gaza. Amirudin said that support for the cause is growing louder in Europe, prompting Malaysia to take a clear and firm stance. He said Malaysia is currently the only country providing official government-level recognition of the mission, while others have offered support individually, financially or morally. “This approach has drawn attention from other countries, which appreciate Malaysia’s willingness, and that of the prime minister, to act as patron not just in a personal capacity, but officially on behalf of the government,” he said. He noted that the humanitarian mission is not limited to Muslims, but involves participants from Europe and the Nusantara region in efforts to break the blockade on Gaza and raise global awareness. The current mission adopts both land and sea approaches, with aid deliveries via Rafah, where 30 containers carrying 374 tonnes are en route. – Bernama

SEPANG: Ten Malaysians involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 (GSF) humanitarian mission, who were previously held by Israeli forces in international waters, are now in stable health in Istanbul and are expected to take part in a reorganised second wave of the mission. Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) director-general Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said all of them underwent medical checks upon arrival in Turkiye and were confirmed to have no serious injuries despite reports they were unlawfully abducted at midnight while sailing towards Gaza. “So far, we can confirm they are stable, remain in high spirits and have chosen not to return to Malaysia as the mission will continue. Assignments will be given from time to time,” he said. He said the mission organisers are assessing the next steps, including combining flotilla assets from Greece and Turkiye to resume the voyage soon. Sani Araby also revealed that of the 21 vessels detained on April 30, three have been successfully towed by the Open Arms vessel from Barcelona, after being found in severely damaged condition. “One vessel, Goleta , has been confirmed sunk and is believed to have been sabotaged, while 17 others remain at sea and efforts are underway to tow them,” he said. Sani Araby said that the mission is restructuring its logistical assets, including vessels, to redeploy activists currently in Turkiye. “With 17 vessels still adrift and some damaged due to suspected sabotage, this is not an easy task. However, we have prepared for various contingencies since the mission began from Barcelona,” he noted. Meanwhile, he said that of the 175 individuals detained in the incident, some were reportedly assaulted and abused, with 31 requiring hospital treatment. “The SNCC condemns the mistreatment of PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged local authorities and state governments to immediately reduce rental rates for business premises, as part of efforts to ease the financial burden faced by small traders and hawkers amid rising living costs. Speaking at the Global Supply Crisis press conference yesterday, Anwar said as many of these shop lots are owned by government agencies such as Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and the Urban Development Authority, rental reductions will be implemented nationwide and announced progressively by district. He said the move follows similar efforts by Kuala Lumpur City Hall, which has already reduced rental rates for its premises. “Last week, before Friday prayers, I went to a food stall in Rawang, and although the lady there was polite and courteous, I could sense her grievances as she had to deal with increasing input costs. “Even though she said it is only a small increase, it accumulates every week. If it continues for four weeks, it certainly has an impact and makes it difficult for her business.” While acknowledging that rental Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

two key GSF activists, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila, who were detained for more than 96 hours at Shikma Prison in Ashkelon. “Both of them deserve a fair trial and should be released immediately without conditions,” he stressed. Sani Araby also announced the launch of a seven-day countdown campaign as part of the second wave of #BreakTheSilence and #BreakTheSiege, calling for a united global push to intensify efforts towards the liberation of Gaza. “During this period, we will step up our efforts and may announce the next voyage at adjustments fall under the jurisdiction of state governments and local councils, he stressed the need for urgent action to reduce cost pressures on traders. “I would also like to thank the Selangor menteri besar for responding positively, and that in the near future, rental rates for all business premises will be reduced, especially for small businesses, hawkers and food outlets.” In addition to rental relief, Anwar said the government will also expand the Jualan Rahmah Madani, which has been identified as a key mechanism to lower the cost of essential goods. “Under the expansion, the number of Jualan Rahmah programmes will be increased to 30,000 nationwide starting this year, up from more than 25,000 implemented previously. “The programme will also be standardised to take place at least once a week in all state constituencies,” he said, adding that the initiative aims to provide consumers with more predictable access to lower-priced goods, with some items reportedly sold at 5% to 30% below market prices. He noted that the programme will expand beyond urban fringes into selected rural areas. By including small traders, the initiative aims to provide direct benefits rather than allowing large corporations to dominate.

any time,” he said. He added that the mission has received international backing, including from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations. SNCC also urged Malaysians to continue voicing support for Palestine through various platforms, including social media, while ensuring information shared is based on credible and authoritative sources. The public is further encouraged to perform special prayers, including solat hajat and Qunut Nazilah , as a sign of solidarity with the humanitarian mission. – Bernama In another development, Anwar also said the government has agreed to provide an advance payment of RM200 under the Special Padi Planting Incentive Assistance programme to assist padi farmers in securing machinery rental and working capital. He said the initiative involves a total allocation of RM48 million and is expected to benefit about 240,000 registered farmers nationwide. “At today’s (Tuesday) National Economic Anwar said the government will also expand the Jualan Rahmah Madani. – BERNAMAPIC

10 M’sian activists safe in Istanbul, to rejoin flotilla

LANDMARK LAUNCH ... The Raja Muda of Selangor, His Royal Highness Tengku Amir Shah, officially opened the new Selangor JKR Headquarters Complex in Shah Alam yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

WEDNESDAY | MAY 6, 2026

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KLIA must remain alert amid high visitor arrivals: Minister airport border security continues to face several challenges.

o Enforcement to be strengthened through risk profiling and intelligence-led checks, says Saifuddin SEPANG: KL International Airport’s (KLIA) main entry points must stay on high alert after visitor arrivals through Terminals 1 and 2 reached 4.6 million in the first three months of this year, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said the increase, driven partly by preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026, is positive for tourism but places greater pressure on border control operations at the country’s main air gateway. “From the Home Ministry’s perspective, this high entry trend means the country’s main entry points must be at a high level of preparedness,” he noted. Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com SEPANG: The Border Control and Protection Agency will move towards equipping its personnel with weapons, with tasers possibly considered as an initial option, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said the matter has been discussed in principle with Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman and would be managed by the ministry soon. “Organisational discipline must be consistent. It cannot be disrupted. “We also want to move towards fully utilising technology to ensure smooth movement, while national security remains the top priority,” he said after inspecting KLIA Terminal 1 operations under the ministry’s Citra Negara programme yesterday. Saifuddin was accompanied by Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman, Border Control and Protection Agency director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain and Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban. Briefing after the visit, he said PETALING JAYA: DAP’s central executive committee (CEC) has directed the party’s grassroots machinery to gear up for the possibility of early state elections in Negeri Sembilan, Malacca and Johor, according to its secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook. The directive was among several resolutions adopted at the CEC’s meeting on Monday night, as speculation mounts over the potential early dissolution of all three state assemblies. Under their current

maintenance components. He said the ministry would work to minimise such glitches, but they should be expected as part of the phased migration to the new system. On the new autogates, he said over 60 units would eventually be used for inbound and outbound movements at KLIA, with some already installed. He said travellers could clear checks through facial recognition, QR code or passport verification, with the process observed during his visit taking about four to five seconds. “This is significant because we do not want to face airport congestion, whether for departures or arrivals. This is a game changer. “I am satisfied with the performance shown through the use of this autogate system, which will replace the old system in phases.”

responsible for ensuring the smooth movement of passengers and goods, including preventing prohibited items such as drugs and weapons from entering through baggage. He said baggage control is guided by two main principles of screening and sorting, while separate “Nothing to Declare” and “Goods to Declare” lanes have been introduced to speed up passenger movement without weakening legal compliance. He added that enforcement would be strengthened through risk profiling and intelligence-led checks, in which inspections would focus on high-risk passengers instead of slowing down all travellers. Saifuddin said minor technical disruptions could occur during the transition from the old Malaysian Immigration System to National Integrated Immigration System as it involves system, infrastructure and

He cited attempts by travellers to evade inspection, failure to comply with entry conditions and misconduct within terminal areas among the risks faced by authorities. He said technology-driven monitoring has become more important, with KLIA alone equipped with nearly 5,000 CCTVs. “CCTV monitoring has become one of the most important tools in helping enforce all measures to address security issues. “I saw how every corner of the terminal is monitored. That is very helpful, especially for the Home Ministry through the Border Control and Protection Agency and Immigration Department, in detecting potential threats or breaches of the law.” Saifuddin said the agency is also

PETALING JAYA: A young accountant with royal matrilineal lineage has been elevated to one of Negeri Sembilan’s most significant traditional posts, with Muhammad Faris Johari ( pic ) named the 11th undang of Luak Sungei Ujong. The appointment was announced yesterday via a statement posted on the Majlis Dato Lembaga Adat Sungei Ujong Facebook page. It was issued by Waris Nan Tua Klana Hulu Orang Kaya Datuk Laksamana Shaharumzaman Abdul Malek, together with the Ibu Soko and Waris of Klana Hulu. The statement confirmed that the selection was reached by unanimous consensus and carried out free from outside influence, in accordance with Article 14(1) of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959. The formal investiture ceremony took place on April 22 at Telaga Undang, conducted in keeping with adat and customary law, and was witnessed by representatives of the Ibu Soko Waris Negeri, Dato Lembaga Lingkungan, To Buapak Lingkungan and various government officials. The appointment was then confirmed by Tua Lembaga Waris di-Darat Datuk Andulika Mandalika Zainol Ariffin Ibrahim, who holds recognition from the Negeri Sembilan government. Muhammad Faris, 27, is the second son of Johari Meor Ngah and Ibu Soko Klana Hulu Shazlina Sinda Maharaja Abd Karim. Through his maternal lineage, he traces his descent directly to Datuk Klana Petra Bador Datuk Penghulu Menteri Chantek, the founding undang of Luak Sungei Ujong. Educated at Maktab Rendah Sains Mara Beseri in Perlis, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Universiti Teknologi Mara before completing his professional qualification under the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants programme in 2022. He works as an accountant at Marsh, a multinational insurance and risk advisory firm with a presence in over 130 countries. He married Sharifah Amirah Syed Ismail Ash-Shahab on April 20, 2024. His appointment fills the vacancy left by Datuk Mubarak Dohak, whose dismissal was accepted by the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang Negeri Sembilan following a special sitting at Istana Besar Seri Menanti, Kuala Pilah. Man with royal lineage named undang of Sungei Ujong Ű THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Saifuddin said minor technical disruptions could occur during the transition from the old Malaysian Immigration System to National Integrated Immigration System as the change involves system, infrastructure and maintenance components. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/ THESUN

Border control agency to arm personnel with weapons

backgrounds have firearms training and could be equipped accordingly. He added that the agency is allowed to recruit up to 200 personnel this year, with the first phase involving 50 personnel already completed. He also said the personnel would be deployed at several entry points, including KLIA and Port Klang, based on operational needs and their respective skills. – BY FAIZ RUZMAN Sembilan traces back to April 19, when former Sungei Ujong undang Mubarak Dohak and three fellow undangs announced that Tuanku Muhriz had been deposed as Yang di-Pertuan Besar. The state government dismissed the claim outright, noting that Mubarak had been removed from his position the prior year. The situation escalated on April 27 when all 14 Umno-Barisan Nasional assemblymen withdrew support for Aminuddin. – BY THE SUN TEAM

vary. There may be cases involving people in which firearms are not required,” he said. “But the bottom line is this: will the agency move towards the use of weapons? The answer is yes.” Asked whether commanders in high-risk areas would be armed, Saifuddin said it would depend on their background and operational requirements. He said commanders with police Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, after the ruler issued a decree for the state administration to carry on as normal. “DAP will continue to support and give its full backing to Aminuddin as Negeri Sembilan menteri besar.“ He reiterated the party’s commitment to constitutional monarchy, stressing that matters involving the royal institution and adat pepatih must be handled with due respect and in accordance with the federal and state constitutions. The political turbulence in Negeri

“This is our direction moving forward,” he told reporters after inspecting KL International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 operations yesterday. Saifuddin said tasers could be considered first as not every border situation requires firearms. “There is also a view that, to start with, perhaps taser guns should be considered first. “This is because border situations mandates, Negeri Sembilan’s assembly is scheduled to expire in August 2028 while Malacca and Johor are due for polls by early and mid-2027 respectively, unless dissolved sooner. On the question of Negeri Sembilan’s leadership, Loke made clear that DAP would oppose any move to replace Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun, following a series of failed manoeuvres to destabilise the state’s Unity government. He affirmed the party’s loyalty to the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku

DAP braces for possible snap polls in N9, Malacca and Johor

WEDNESDAY | MAY 6, 2026

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Over 190,000 spyware attacks recorded in 2025

Momogun proposed as

inclusive Sabah ethnic identity KOTA KINABALU: The term “momogun” has been proposed as a shared identity for Sabah’s indigenous groups, replacing the acronym “KDMR”, referring to Kadazan, Dusun, Murut and Rungus, which is seen as insufficiently inclusive. Sabah Institute for Development Studies CEO Prof Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul said the acronym should be reassessed as it is viewed as systemically marginalising certain ethnic groups. He explained that the term is dominated by representation from the Dusunic cluster, including Kadazan and Dusun, and the Murutic group, such as Murut, but lacks representation from the Paitanic cluster, including the Sungai community. “The proposal is strongly supported by a resolution from the Momogun Convention in August 2024, in which 74 ethnic associations across Sabah agreed to adopt momogun as a common identity. “As such, momogun should be elevated as a more generic, equitable and inclusive umbrella identity to unite the three main clusters – Dusunic, Murutic and Paitanic – without discriminatory sentiment.” The term momogun refers to original inhabitants, landowners or early settlers, derived from the old local word pogun , meaning ancestral land. It is also broadly equivalent to “indigenous” or “native” in English. Sabah is home to 35 indigenous groups and more than 200 sub-ethnic communities, speaking more than 50 languages and about 90 dialects. Ramzah, a former deputy vice-chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah, emphasised that adopting the term would not erase distinct ethnic identities. “Communities will still identify with their respective groups, such as Dusun Bundu, Rungus or Lundayeh. Momogun serves only as a unifying label, replacing KDMR, which does not reflect Sabah’s unique socio cultural diversity.” He added that from a public policy perspective, unifying communities is crucial as a common denominator in national demographic statistics. He also likened the move to the successful grouping of “Orang Asli” in Peninsular Malaysia and the “Dayak” identity in Sarawak. He said consolidating diverse sub-ethnic groups into a larger, unified data category would enable more accurate and effective policymaking. “It would facilitate targeted allocation of resources and interventions, particularly in addressing rural poverty, economic access and educational opportunities in Sabah.” Therefore, he called on the Kadazandusun Cultural Association to formally recognise the term momogun to lend institutional legitimacy to the grassroots resolution. – Bernama

o Current trend places Southeast Asian firms at growing risk, says expert

communications over extended periods. “Designed for stealth and persistence, the tools allow threat actors to build a detailed picture of organisational activity and extract high-value intelligence, reinforcing the growing role of advanced spyware in long-term, targeted intelligence gathering. “Spyware is particularly dangerous for businesses in Southeast Asia because it operates silently, extracting what matters most: sensitive data, strategic insight and corporate intelligence. “In today’s uncertain economic environment and complex geopolitical climate, the intelligence becomes even more valuable, allowing attackers to observe, collect and exploit information over time, turning a single infection into a sustained breach of trust, competitiveness and operational security. “To counter this, organisations from the region need to move beyond traditional security, adopting intelligence-led, AI-powered solutions that are able detect and disrupt threats before data is compromised.” Tung said to reduce the risks of malicious spyware attacks, Kaspersky experts recommend organisations to always keep software

which is secretly installed on a user’s computer to collect their data. “Spyware’s surveillance activity leaves users open to data breaches and misuse of private, confidential data. It also affects network and device performance, slowing down daily user activities. “On a year-on-year (YoY) basis, Kaspersky monitored the highest surge in spyware attacks against organisations in Singapore (111%), followed by the Philippines (85%) and Malaysia (75%). “Indonesia logged a 35% surge and Vietnam has an 8% YoY increase. Only Thailand witnessed a decline of 53%.” In March 2025, Kaspersky uncovered Operation ForumTroll, a targeted cyberespionage campaign that exploited browser vulnerability to infiltrate organisations across media, government, education and finance, Tung said. “Attackers used highly personalised phishing emails, disguised as invitations to the Primakov Readings forum, to gain initial access. “Once inside, they deployed spyware tools such as LeetAgent and a more advanced variant known as Dante, both linked through shared infrastructure and techniques, pointing to a coordinated and well-resourced operation.” He also said the campaign highlights how spyware underpins modern cyber-espionage by enabling attackers to covertly monitor systems, capture sensitive data and track internal

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia recorded a total of 194,692 cases of spyware attacks last year, ranking it the third behind the Philippines and Singapore in the Southeast Asia region. Kaspersky Asean and Asia Emerging Countries general manager Simon Tung said the surge in spyware attacks is placing Southeast Asian businesses at greater risk. Tung said in 2025, Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company, foiled more than 800,000 spyware attacks targeting organisations in the region. “A total of 818,939 attacks were blocked last year, 18% more than the detections in 2024. “Our business solutions and data showed we are entering an era of threat actors looking beyond business disruption. “We are seeing a rise in targeted intelligence gathering in Southeast Asia, turning corporate networks into rich hunting grounds for sensitive information,” Tung said in a statement. He added that spyware is a type of software Johor leading state in affordable housing agenda ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor has strengthened its position as a leading state in the affordable housing agenda after recording Malaysia’s highest performance for applications under the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme, with financing reaching RM1.1 billion. Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the achievement involved 8,963 approved applications to help B40 and M40 groups facing documentation constraints or irregular incomes own homes. “This year, the prime minister has allocated over RM20 billion for (the scheme). “It covers 8,963 applications and RM1.1 billion in funding, proving Johor builds the most affordable homes under RM200,000,” he said during the question-and-answer session at the Johor State Legislative Assembly in the Sultan Ismail Building at Kota Iskandar yesterday. He was replying to a question raised by Nor Rashidah Ramli (BN-Parit Raja) on the latest status of the state’s affordable housing projects, especially in Batu Pahat and Parit Raja, and the measures to ensure young individuals could afford to own homes.

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updated on all the devices they use to prevent attackers from infiltrating their network by exploiting vulnerabilities

Mohd Jafni said the initiative is part of the state’s strategy to turn the homeownership dreams of the younger generation into reality. – MASRY CHE ANI/THE SUN

He added that in Parit Raja, development includes 497 units, including the Bandar Genting Pura Kencana project slated for completion in January 2028. He also said Johor offers the Bangsa Johor Transit Homes initiative, a rent-and-save scheme helping tenants accumulate up to RM11,000 for home deposits over five years. He said the initiative is part of the state’s strategy to turn the homeownership dreams of the younger generation into reality. – Bernama

Mohd Jafni said the state government rolled out major 2025-2026 reforms with direct aid, including RM5,000 home purchase grants, RM2,000 move-in aid and RM2,500 rental support, allowing them to receive up to RM7,000 in financial aid. On the status of projects in Batu Pahat district, he said 3,142 Johor Affordable Homes units have been identified to date, covering completed units, under construction and those planned up to 2030.

Call to embrace diversity, strengthen unity PUTRAJAYA: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming called on Malaysians to embrace diversity and strengthen unity as the solid foundation for building a stronger and resilient nation. mutual respect, understanding and inclusivity. “Malaysia’s diversity is not a weakness, but one of our greatest strengths. We must live up to the true spirit of ‘Malaysian Dream’ and nation building by fostering unity, respecting differences and working together for the common good.” Speaking at a closed-door dialogue session with church leaders nationwide, Nga emphasised that Malaysia’s strength lies in its multicultural fabric, urging all citizens to uphold He added that the Madani government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s

He said the government is expected to pay RM60 billion in petrol subsidy this year due to the war that erupted in West Asia. He also highlighted encouraging economic indicators, including rising foreign direct investment, a strengthening ringgit and improving macroeconomic stability, which he said reflect renewed investor confidence. – Bernama

leadership is on the right track in restoring investors’ confidence and rebuilding the nation’s economic and social foundations. Nga, who is also UN-Habitat Assembly president, said targeted subsidy programmes such as the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah, Sumbangan Asas Rahmah and the Budi Madani fuel subsidy initiative are helping to ease the cost of living and providing relief to the public.

WEDNESDAY | MAY 6, 2026 5 Cause of Sabah water village fires identified KOTA KINABALU: Unsafe electrical wiring and illegal connections, along with negligent use, have been identified as major causes of fires that hit water villages in Sabah, causing losses of up to RM156.07 million last year. State Fire and Rescue Department director Mohd Pisar Aziz said various factors, such as using candles, open flames and open burning near homes, worsen the situation as fires can spread rapidly through the closely packed houses, most of which are built with highly flammable wood. “Last year, fires in water settlements claimed 15 lives and injured 51 individuals. Awareness of installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers among residents also remains low.” He said the department remains proactive but faces operational access challenges due to narrow and potentially unstable accessways, adding that platforms and limited water sources can endanger firefighters on duty. He noted while response times currently meet standards, physical access constraints continue to delay rescues, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of safety construction guidelines. Measures such as having dedicated emergency access routes, using fire-resistant building materials and enforcing strict control over utility connections could prevent the recurrence of tragedies such as the Kampung Bahagia fire that destroyed 1,000 homes on April 19 and the Kampung Karamunting fire that destroyed 30 homes less than two weeks later, said Mohd Pisar. Sabah community activist Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto said fires are no longer isolated incidents but directly reflect the need for inclusive and safe urban development. He pointed out that large-scale relocation is not the only practical solution as it involves high costs and has significant social impacts on residents. “Gradual in-situ upgrading is seen as more practical and realistic, and immediate action should be taken to improve electrical wiring systems and expand the network of fire hydrants. “The layout of housing lanes also needs to be redesigned to create properly planned emergency routes. Homeowners must fully cooperate without compromise for the safety of the community.” – Bernama Nothing to hide, says ex-Economy minister PUTRAJAYA: Former Economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli presented himself at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters again yesterday to continue giving his statement in an investigation into alleged abuse of power and misappropriation involving RM1.1 billion in investments. He said the probe does not involve elements of corruption or financial transactions, but is instead focused on procedural matters. “It is straightforward because the investigation, at this stage, is not related to money or corruption, but concerns procedures, all of which are in government records. “(I have) nothing to hide,” he said to reporters waiting outside the headquarters at 9.30am. The Pandan MP, who had also given a statement on Monday, said he could not comment further as investigations are ongoing. Rafizi is being questioned over allegations linked to a semiconductor investment deal involving a strategic collaboration between the Economy Ministry and Arm Holdings. As of press time, Rafizi had yet to leave the MACC building following the session. Last Saturday, MACC senior investigations director Datuk Mohd Hafaz Nazar confirmed that Rafizi had been called in to assist investigations under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, which relates to abuse of position for gratification. In another statement, he said Rafizi’s attendance is part of efforts to assist the commission in completing its probe. – Bernama

Call to boost public safety after car theft tactic alert

o NGO urges authorities to improve lighting in common spaces and security presence in higher-risk areas

one group alone.” Zulikhwan said concerns over personal safety, even in routine situations, could affect women’s mobility and participation in daily activities over time. “This is why ongoing efforts to improve safety are so important. Not just for protection, but to enable fuller participation in daily and economic activities.” He urged authorities and communities to continue improving lighting, visibility in public spaces, security presence in higher-risk areas and reporting mechanisms. “A lot of positive work is already being done and there is room to continue strengthening it through collaboration between authorities, community organisations and the public. “What is equally important is continued collaboration between authorities, community organisations and the public in order to build environments where safety is embedded into how spaces are designed and managed.” As of press time, theSun had reached out to Bukit Aman for verification but had yet to receive a response. Previously, a story circulating online alleged that carjackers were placing stickers or sheets of paper on the rear windscreens of vehicles to trick drivers into stepping out of their cars. According to the report, drivers would notice the obstruction when reversing, get out to remove it, and at that moment, carjackers would allegedly enter the vehicle and drive away. It also claimed that the tactic had been used to hijack vehicles and urged motorists to remove any obstruction only after reaching a safer location.

PETALING JAYA: A women’s advocacy group has called for stronger public safety measures and greater community responsibility following widespread concern over a report describing a car theft method targeting unsuspecting drivers. Women of Will chief operating officer Zulikhwan Ayub said even unverified reports of this nature tend to strike a chord because they mirror safety anxieties that many women navigate on a daily basis. “From our work, especially with women from lower-income communities, we see that safety is often a daily consideration, rather than an occasional one. “So, while we should rely on verified information, these situations do highlight the importance of continuing efforts by authorities and communities to strengthen awareness and reassurance around public safety,” he noted. He said such incidents often reinforce an already cautious approach among women, especially when it comes to routine activities such as parking and returning to vehicles. “Many women are making practical decisions around safety, such as choosing well-lit areas, being mindful of surroundings and planning movements more carefully. “What incidents such as this do is heighten that awareness further. In some ways, that can Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

be helpful, but it also reminds us that creating safer environments is just as important as encouraging individual vigilance.” He stressed that while awareness is important, personal safety must always take priority in any suspicious situation. “If something feels out of place, the priority is to move to a safer and more visible environment.” Zulikhwan also cautioned against allowing awareness messages to create fear, saying the goal should be to build confidence rather than anxiety. “The goal is not to create fear but to build confidence through practical habits and awareness,” he stressed. He added that improving safety cannot fall solely on individuals, stressing the need for better public infrastructure and stronger enforcement. He also said awareness efforts must not place the burden of safety solely on women. “Awareness should be shared, not targeted. While it is important to equip women with practical knowledge, safety is ultimately a collective responsibility. “This includes public education for all, visible enforcement and community involvement,” he said. “We see our role, alongside government and other stakeholders, as helping to support these efforts, ensuring awareness initiatives are inclusive and do not unintentionally place the responsibility on

CONFISCATED WEAPONS ... Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah (second, right) showing the real and imitation firearms seized after the arrest of a 45-year-old man at a vehicle repair premises in Baling on May 1, at the state police contingent headquarters in Alor Setar yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Commercial crime cases up 13% this year KUALA LUMPUR: Commercial crime cases have increased by 12.89%, with 64,643 reports recorded in the first quarter of this year compared with 57,260 in the same period last year. He said overall, online scam cases remained the largest contributor, accounting for 87.74% of total commercial crime cases in the period. Rusdi said 16,880 online scam cases were recorded in the first quarter of this year, involving losses of more than RM555.7 million, compared with 12,110 cases with losses of RM573.6 million last year. He said telecommunications-related

with 4,858 cases and losses exceeding RM30.4 million, non-existent investment scams with 2,204 cases and losses of RM246.7 million, and non-existent loan scams with 2,101 cases and losses of RM15.5 million. “Also recorded were e-financial crimes with 1,485 cases involving losses of RM83.4 million as well as love scams with 251 cases and losses of RM6.6 million.” He added that the department recorded a 1.5% increase in arrests in the first quarter of this year, with 7,190 individuals detained compared with 7,084 last year. – Bernama

However, Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said total losses declined by 2.8% from RM787 million last year to RM764 million this year. “In terms of prosecution, the number of investigation papers charged in court rose by 13.59% to 5,140 cases from 4,525 previously.”

crimes were the largest contributor, with 5,981 cases recorded involving losses exceeding RM173 million. “This was followed by e-commerce crimes

WEDNESDAY | MAY 6, 2026

6

Age of ancient perahu being assessed

TANAH MERAH: The age of an ancient perahu (traditional Malay boat) discovered in Kampung Bukit Kechik, Kelantan is being assessed by the National Heritage Department to determine whether it holds significant historical value. Its Archaeology Division senior curator Rokiah Abdul Samat said an initial survey was o Further study, analysis needed to determine historical value: Archaeologist

“It’s not just a place for the five daily prayers – we’ve also held tarawih , Aidilfitri, and Aidiladha prayers here,“ he said, adding that a weekly tahlil is held every Friday in remembrance of his son. Beyond congregational prayers, the surau hosts religious learning sessions led by qualified teachers twice a month, drawing steady participation from residents of all ages. Azhar noted with pride that even youths turn up on weekends and visitors from outside the village have also begun attending. Part of Ahmad Azza’s savings went towards equipping the surau with air conditioners and other essentials, ensuring worshippers remain comfortable during programmes and prayers. “It’s one way to turn his savings into an ongoing charity. “I hope the benefits it brings will earn him endless rewards.“ – Bernama this area, which was once a docking point for villagers from Danau Tok Uban, Pasir Mas and Batang Merbau, about 15km from here.” He also said the discovery holds significant historical value for the village and has the potential to become a subject of research. He expressed hope that relevant parties, including historians and archaeologists, would conduct further studies on the find. “We hope experts will come to examine the boat structure to confirm its actual age and its historical significance.” After a survey on May 2, the department said based on its physical characteristics, the boat is believed to have been constructed using local hardwood such as cengal or meranti .

was discovered when several villagers noticed what appeared to be part of a boat frame partially buried along the riverbank. He said receding water levels in recent weeks had made the structure more visible. “Initially, only a small part of the frame was visible. However, as the water level dropped, the entire structure became clearer. “Villagers then took the initiative to excavate the area to get a closer look at the actual shape of the boat.” He added that the boat’s age has yet to be determined and requires a comprehensive study by all relevant parties. “Some villagers believe the boat could be hundreds of years old, based on the history of

conducted on May 2 following the discovery to verify the findings and for documentation purposes. She added that while the discovery may not appear significant to some, the villagers’ decision to report the finding was an important step and should be emulated. “Determining the age of the boat requires further study and analysis before any conclusion could be made,” she told Bernama. Rokiah said the villagers have also shown interest in preserving and conserving the boat, including proposing that it be kept at a suitable location for display to younger generations. Meanwhile, Bukit Kechik neighbourhood watch chairman Md Noor Hassan said the boat

Surau named after fallen cop brings comfort to grieving father TAPAH: For Azhar Khaiden, 56, watching worshippers gather at Surau Al-Fahmi in Kampung Poh Tambahan near Bidor has become a quiet source of healing since the loss of his son.

His son, Constable Ahmad Azza Fahmi Azhar, 22, was among two police officers killed during an armed attack at the Ulu Tiram police station in Johor on May 17, 2024. Constable Muhamad Syafiq Ahmad Said, 24, also died in the assault, while Corporal Mohd Hasif Roslan, 38, sustained injuries. The attacker was shot and killed at the scene. Named in Ahmad Azza’s memory, the surau was established in August 2024 using a donation from the Retired Senior Police Officers Association of Malaysia, and began operations in March 2025. The retired teacher said the modest prayer hall has since grown into a thriving focal point for the village.

Azhar keeps Ahmad Azza’s uniform framed on the wall of his home in Kampung Poh Tambahan, a reminder of his son’s bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty. – BERNAMAPIC

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WEDNESDAY | MAY 6, 2026 7 Thailand scraps joint exploration pact BANGKOK: Thailand yesterday cancelled a longstanding agreement with Cambodia to work towards joint offshore energy exploration, its prime minister said yesterday, defying calls from its neighbour to stay the course on the 25 year-old pact. The Thai Cabinet’s cancellation of the 2001 agreement, which seeks to develop a framework to jointly explore hydrocarbons in the Gulf of Thailand where claims overlap, had long been expected and follows conflict between the two countries last year. The withdrawal was an election campaign pledge of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who earlier this year rode a wave of nationalism stoked by the fierce fighting with Cambodia to become the first Thai premier to be reelected in two decades. “Cancelling the deal is not related to the border conflict but part of my policy. It has been 25 years and there has been no progress,” Anutin told reporters, adding that Cambodia would be informed of the decision. Cambodia’s government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Phnom Penh had recently described Thailand’s plan to withdraw from the agreement, known as Memorandum of Understanding 44, as “deeply regrettable”, adding it remained “firmly and consistently committed” to it. MOU 44 has made little progress since it was signed, with the process derailed by political instability in Thailand, disputes and fierce opposition from Thai nationalists. The two-track agreement had proposed creating a framework to allow offshore oil and gas to be jointly explored in overlapping areas while talks take place on formal demarcation. Thai officials have said they intend to rely on terms set out in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, for future negotiations. A ceasefire has been in place between Thailand and Cambodia since late December after fighting along stretches of their border. Each side blames the other for triggering the clashes, which killed close to 150 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. – Reuters Pilots link technical causes to deadly crash MUMBAI: A pilot group has submitted a letter to the Indian Aviation Ministry suggesting that electrical failure, and not pilot action, could have caused the Air India crash last year. The submission by the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), which has more than 5,000 members, comes ahead of the expected final report into the crash of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that killed 260 people shortly after takeoff on June 12. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau published a preliminary report on July 12, one month after the disaster, when the plane exploded shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. That 15-page document said the fuel supply to the engines was cut off moments before impact. It did not mention whether the turning off of the fuel switches could have been caused by pilot manoeuvre or malfunction. The FIP letter, dated May 1 and seen by AFP, offers what it called a “technical note” that “suggests a credible cause” requiring further investigation. “A prelift-off electrical disturbance could have caused unintended relay operation and dual engine fuel cut-off without pilot input,” it reads. “Media reports ... continue to suggest pilot action,” it adds. “However, the International Civil Aviation Organisation ... requires all credible technical causes be ruled out first. “It is submitted that this may be treated as a testable hypothesis and examined through detailed electrical analysis ... Technical causes cannot be ruled out till this analysis is made.” – AFP

India state polls deliver electrifying outcomes

o Actor Vijay set to be Tamil Nadu chief minister

her assembly seat of Bhabanipur to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari by about 15,000 votes. Banerjee and her allies criticised the “Special Intensive Revision” of voter rolls in which nine million voters, representing 12% of the state’s electorate, were controversially removed. The Election Commission has called the elections fair, defended the voter list revision to take into account absentee or deceased voters and hailed high voter turnouts in West Bengal. The BJP won 206 seats in West Bengal’s 294-member assembly, with the TMC getting 81 and the Congress party managing just two wins. The BJP’s vote share is 45.8% compared with 40.8% support for the TMC. Modi also hailed the party’s victory in Assam, where it will form a government for the third consecutive term. The BJP’s seat tally in Assam is 82, followed by 19 seats for the Congress, and 10 each for the Bodoland Peoples Front and the Asom Gana Parishad. In Puducherry, the BJP scored wins in four seats and its regional ally All India N.R. Congress won 12 seats to secure a combined majority in the 30-member legislature. In Kerala, the Indian National Congress emerged as the single largest party by winning 63 seats and its alliance partner Indian Union Muslim League won 22 seats, enough to enjoy a comfortable majority in the 140-member house. – Bernama

the TVK’s V.S. Babu by a margin of 8,795 votes. Stalin in his post-result reaction said he has seen victories as well as defeats in his public life but the DMK’s political journey will continue and it will act as a good opposition party. Outgoing deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin emerged victorious in the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency. Tamil Nadu is no stranger to creating big politicians out of film stars. The AIADMK was started by actor-turned politician M.G. Ramachandran, after breaking away from the DMK in 1972. He later served as chief minister. J. Jayalalithaa, popularly known as Amma, took over the party upon MGR’s death in 1987, and dominated Tamil Nadu’s politics for three decades during which she served as chief minister six times. Now Vijay is being hailed as a new political icon in the state whose more than 80 million people have a strong sense of regional and linguistic identity. The assembly elections were held in the states of Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the federally-administered territory of Puducherry last month and votes were counted on Monday. In West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a landslide win against three-term chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC). Banerjee, a strong critic of BJP policies, lost

HYDERABAD: India’s key state elections have produced stunning results in the states of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, electrifying its national politics. The most unexpected result came from Tamil Nadu, where C. Joseph Vijay, aged 51, unfancied as a political contender but popular as a movie icon, led his newly-formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to victory against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Commonly known as Vijay or Thalapathy (leader), he was not seen as a major political threat either to the DMK or the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the two parties that have ruled Tamil Nadu for more than six decades. The TVK has secured 108 seats in the 234 member assembly, followed by 59 for the DMK and 47 won by AIADMK, with the rest going to other parties, according to the Election Commission’s website. Vijay is poised to lead the state as chief minister, even though the party, launched in 2024, has fallen short of the 118 seats required to form a majority government on its own. DMK leader and outgoing chief minister M.K. Stalin lost his own seat of Kolathur, which he had won three times since 2011, to

TVK party members blow a whistle (party symbol) and hold a cut-out of Vijay to celebrate during vote counting in Chennai on Monday. – AFPPIC

All systems go for Asean summit MANILA: The Philippines is all set to host the 48th Asean Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu from today to Friday, the Asean National Organising Council (NOC) said yesterday at the opening of the International Media Centre. Philippine News Agency reported that the centre will serve as the central hub for journalists covering the high-level meetings in Cebu. Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area Summit in Cebu tomorrow. De La Vega said the Philippines is also “ready for any contingency” ahead of a tropical cyclone forecast for Saturday. De La Vega said austerity measures are in place to keep the summit practical but the Philippines expects a fruitful meeting among the attending leaders, who will focus on key deliverables on energy, economic and food security, among others.

prudent balance, one that upholds the high standards expected of the Asean chair, while ensuring that national and natural resources are used responsibly, sustainably, compassionately and are accountable for our people’s needs,” she said. Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez assured the agency’s full support to enable timely reporting and seamless coverage. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cynthia Chan were also guests of honour at the media centre. The centre is expecting an estimated 800 to 1,000 local and international media personnel. – Bernama

NOC Director-General Ma Hellen De La Vega said the summit proper will open on Friday, preceded by a series of senior officials meetings from today. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, together with leaders of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Malaysia, will also meet for the Special

“As we carry out our international commitment, we continue to be mindful of our place in the scheme of things,” she said. “The unprecedented realities remind us that our preparations must continue to strike a