06/05/2026

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