06/05/2026

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