21/05/2026

IS S N 314 1 -1517

THURSDAY MAY 21, 2026

RM1

9 773141 151009

US Dept of Justice charges ex-telco staff over siphoned US$20m

Senior employees of Telekom M’sia subsidiary accused of using false statements, forged records to divert funds.

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY DAP duo acknowledge royal directive on Rukun Negara Wong Siew Ki, Ronnie Liu issue declarations of personal respect and high regard for National Philosophy. SET TO SOAR ... (From third left) Berjaya Aviation Group of Companies non-executive director Datuk Chester Voo, Berjaya Property Berhad Group CEO Syed Ali Shahul Hameed, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia CEO Datuk Capt Norazman Mahmud and ATR managing director and head of Asia Pacific region Jean Pierre Clercin during the launch of the world’s first ATR 72-600 premium business-class-only flight service by Berjaya Air held yesterday at Subang Skypark in Selangor. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Report on — page 5

SCAN ME No. 9158 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Govt to introduce nationwide cement price control scheme Simen Rahmah initiative offers 32% discount at RM290 per metric tonne for affordable housing projects. G t t i t d

Report on — page 2

Report on — page 4

Story on — page 3

We’ll stay the term Report on h page 3 Cabinet affirms current administration will see out full tenure of mandate, effectively quashing speculation of early general election.

THURSDAY | MAY 21, 2026

REGISTER HERE

MAIN SPONSOR

VENUE SPONSOR

2

TH 2 PM - 5 PM 19

Cake Decorating CONTEST

JUNE 2026 (REGISTRATION STARTS AT 1:00 PM)

CILANTRO CULINARY & PASTRY ACADEMY

*Terms & Conditions Apply

King pilots speedboat to inspect waters around Mersing

M’sia-S’pore sign MoU to boost healthcare KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Singapore have signed an MoU to deepen cooperation in healthcare, focusing on non-communicable diseases (NCD), Nutri-Grade food labelling and medical tourism. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the agreement reflects strong trust and commitment between both nations. Key initiatives include aligning Nutri-Grade labelling to combat NCD and implementing the Medical Device Regulatory Reliance Programme to accelerate access to innovative medical technologies. Both countries are also exploring cross-border health tourism, with plans to facilitate patient referrals from Singapore to Johor’s private healthcare facilities and expand Medisave insurance coverage. In a post on his Facebook page, Dzulkefly said this would improve healthcare access while boosting economic spillovers in southern Malaysia. He added that Malaysia-Singapore cooperation is vital in building a sustainable, resilient and people centred regional health system. Separately, during a high-level discussion in Geneva, Dzulkefly highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. He said AI must be implemented safely, ethically and transparently to maintain public trust, with secure data management and interoperable digital health systems being critical. Malaysia has already deployed AI-powered lung screenings nationwide, with 9,174 patients screened. Of these, 26.9% showed abnormal chest X-rays, leading to the detection of 724 lung nodules, 73 high-risk cancer cases and several suspected tuberculosis cases. He said AI would never replace medical practitioners but only augment their expertise. – Bernama Call to end atrocities against Rohingya PETALING JAYA: The Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organisation in Malaysia has issued an urgent appeal to Malaysian leaders, Asean governments and the United Nations (UN) to take coordinated action to end ongoing atrocities against Rohingya communities in Myanmar and address the continued detention of refugees trapped in stateless conditions. Its president Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani called on them to prioritise urgent humanitarian intervention. The organisation said thousands of Rohingya who fled violence remain detained or stranded due to statelessness, which prevents deportation but has led to indefinite confinement. It urged immediate legal and humanitarian action, including access to healthcare, counselling and psychosocial support. The organisation also called for the strengthening of Malaysia’s Refugee Registration Document (MRRD) initiative, saying it could improve refugee documentation, facilitate detainee release and expand access to essential services for survivors in Malaysia. It highlighted ongoing persecution in Myanmar, with repeated waves of violence in 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2024, adding that many Rohingya remain in internally displaced persons camps in Rakhine State, which it described as long-term confinement sites. It added that Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh and neighbouring countries continue to face overcrowded camps, limited basic needs and insecurity, forcing some into dangerous secondary migration routes. “The tragedy is ongoing. Many have died in conflict zones, refugee camps, at sea or at the hands of traffickers. Where else can they seek safety?” It urged Asean, the UN and Bangladesh to intensify efforts to dismantle trafficking syndicates and strengthen regional protection systems. Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail clarified that the MRRD programme does not grant permanent residency, with outcomes limited to repatriation, third-country resettlement or deportation. – BY KIRTINEE RAMESH

MERSING: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim piloted a speedboat to inspect the waters around Mersing yesterday, reflecting his continued concern for marine preservation and environmental sustainability. According to a post on the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Facebook page, His Majesty, who places strong emphasis on beach cleanliness and the preservation of marine ecosystems, also dived underwater during the visit to observe conditions beneath the surface. Earlier in the morning, Sultan Ibrahim stopped for breakfast at the Midway Rest and Recreation (R&R) area in Dusun Panti, Kota Tinggi, where the King enjoyed lontong . The King’s presence pleasantly surprised customers who were also having breakfast at the R&R stop, with many taking the opportunity to greet and take photographs with him. – Bernama

The King piloting the speedboat in Mersing yesterday. – PIC COURTESY OF SULTAN IBRAHIM SULTAN ISKANDAR FACEBOOK PAGE

Selangor DAP duo heed royal directive

Malaysia’s political landscape, Liu said he has consistently held the Constitution in the highest regard, describing it as one of the most critical pillars of national stability and social harmony. In a personal detail that underscored the depth of his stated conviction, Liu revealed that he had named his son Zun Xian – a Chinese name meaning “respect for the constitution”. The royal call to action followed a visit by Sultan Sharafuddin to Dataran Selangor in Shah Alam. The Selangor Royal Office confirmed that the Sultan had gone to view the Rukun Negara monument situated in front of the state flagpole on Tuesday. The Selangor Royal Office announced via a post on its Facebook page that the Sultan had called on all state elected representatives, singling out Wong and Liu in particular, to make it a practice to visit Dataran Selangor twice a month to read and reflect on the meaning of the principles inscribed on the monument. democratic and The ministry said various measures are being implemented, including enhanced surveillance at all international entry points, improved early case detection and greater readiness of healthcare facilities to isolate and manage suspected cases. It said personal protective equipment preparedness and training for healthcare workers are being kept at an optimal level while laboratory diagnostic capacity is being strengthened in collaboration with the Institute for Medical Research and the National Public Health Laboratory. “Individuals who have travelled to affected countries are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms within 21 days of returning.” – Bernama

o Seri Kembangan assemblyman Wong Siew Ki and former state exco member Ronnie Liu issue declaration on high regard of Rukun Negara principles

Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

out her duties as a people’s representative. She said the principles serve as a guide, inspiration and foundation in fulfilling the public trust placed on her, adding that she prioritises the interests of the people of both Selangor and Malaysia in all her actions. Former Selangor state executive councillor Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew responded on Tuesday, saying that the five principles – Belief in God, Loyalty to King and Country, Supremacy of the Constitution, Rule of Law as well as Courtesy and Morality – must be embraced as a unified whole rather than applied selectively to suit political convenience. Drawing on his long involvement in

PETALING JAYA: Two Selangor DAP politicians have publicly acknowledged a royal directive from Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to deepen their appreciation of the Rukun Negara and to demonstrate greater respect for the royal institution. Seri Kembangan assemblyman Wong Siew Ki issued a statement about a day after the Sultan’s decree was made public. In a post on her Facebook page, Wong said she humbly upholds the royal directive, reaffirming that the Rukun Negara’s five principles remain central to how she carries

Ministry steps up Ebola monitoring measures PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has stepped up preparedness and monitoring measures following the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaration on Sunday of an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. are being intensified to support public health risk assessments and enable early preventive measures.

Eight laboratory-confirmed cases and 246 suspected cases have been reported to WHO as of May 16, along with 80 suspected deaths in Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda, two confirmed cases, including one death, were reported in Kampala, involving an individual with a travel history to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ebola is a serious infectious disease that can be fatal, and is spread through close contact with the blood or body fluids of infected people or animals, with common symptoms including fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhoea, and in some cases, bleeding.

It said in a statement yesterday that no Ebola cases have been reported in Malaysia since the WHO declaration. “The ministry is monitoring travellers entering Malaysia from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, including those transiting through international hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Singapore. There are currently no direct flights from either country to Malaysia.” It said monitoring and screening efforts

THURSDAY | MAY 21, 2026

3

Longer business licence terms to benefit 95,000 traders from July PUTRAJAYA: Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s initiative to introduce business licence renewals of up to three years beginning July 1 is expected to benefit nearly 95,000 licence holders while strengthening a more business-friendly and efficient urban business ecosystem. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the initiative was introduced to ease the burden of annual licence renewals, which often place pressure on traders, especially towards the end of the year. “They (traders) can still choose to renew their licences annually but those who are able now have the option to renew for two or three years. “If they have no compounds or outstanding payments, they will be eligible for discounts if they opt for the two or three-year renewal period,” she told a joint press conference with Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud yesterday. Yeoh said City Hall would offer a 5% discount on licence fees for two-year renewals and 10% for three-year renewals. She said the initiative would also benefit traders seeking financing from banks or financial institutions, as licences valid for a longer duration could strengthen confidence in the stability of a business. In addition, Yeoh said the move could help reduce operational and hidden costs incurred by traders during each renewal process, including the need to repeatedly submit documents. “The implementation of multi-year licence renewals is expected to reduce the burden of annual renewals, save time and compliance costs, while improving the efficiency of service delivery to the business community,” she said. She said City Hall remained committed to making Kuala Lumpur more business friendly by reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and processes. “We just want to make KL really business-friendly to everybody and to ease doing business in KL,” she added. Meanwhile, Fadlun said City Hall has upgraded its e-License system to simplify its business licence renewal process, with transactions now taking only about three minutes online. He said under the improved system, licence holders no longer need to visit City Hall offices as payments can be made through an online payment platform before applicants print their licences themselves. “We have introduced the use of barcodes for monitoring purposes (on site). When we conduct inspections at premises, we only use the barcode.” Fadlun said the system enables real time monitoring of licence data, including the number of applications currently being processed and active licences. “At present, there are about 42,000 applications being processed and 92,263 active licences. These licences are dynamic in nature and continue to increase daily.” Fadlun said the renewal process has also been simplified with users only needing to make a few clicks to access the list of active licences and renew them directly through the system. He also explained that licence holders with outstanding payments must settle the arrears first before qualifying for the 10% discount and a three-year licence renewal. – Bernama

Govt rules out early polls

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH news@thesundaily.com

o Anwar administration to focus on economy, welfare of the people and fiscal discipline: Fahmi

Separately, he said an incident involving journalists during a Johor convention was under review following a complaint lodged with the secretariat. He said investigations had been instructed to identify the circumstances of the incident and determine appropriate action, adding that journalists must be given full space to carry out their duties. “However, in crowded or confined situations, unwanted incidents can sometimes occur,” he said, adding that improvements would be made. On proposed restrictions for social media access for users under 16, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission would hold a dedicated briefing for the media to address technical and policy concerns, particularly on age verification methods using MyKad and eKYC systems. He said identity verification mechanisms are already widely used across various sectors, including e-wallet services and digital platforms, and stressed that personal data protection safeguards remain governed under the Personal Data Protection Act. “There is no contradiction in using official identification documents for age verification, especially when such practices already exist in other services.”

PETALING Despite continued political speculation over a possible early general election, the Unity government has moved to put the matter to rest by reaffirming its commitment to serve a full term. All component parties also reiterated their support during Cabinet discussions, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said yesterday. The 16th General Election (GE16) is due only by February 2028 under the current parliamentary mandate. Speaking at his weekly press conference, Fahmi, who is also the government spokesman, said the matter had been previously raised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and was again acknowledged by the Cabinet in its latest meeting. “The commitment was reiterated in today’s Cabinet meeting.” Fahmi said the reaffirmation reflects continued political stability within the administration, enabling the government to remain focused on key national priorities, including economic recovery and public welfare. He said the prime minister had expressed appreciation for the continued support of coalition partners within the Madani JAYA: SUBANG: Berjaya Air has launched the world’s first ATR 72-600 premium business-class-only flight service from Subang Skypark, targeting niche leisure destinations and non scheduled charter demand amid rising aviation costs and ongoing global supply chain challenges. Independent non-executive director of Berjaya Aviation Group of Companies, Datuk Chester Voo said the airline’s business model focuses on underserved routes and smaller scale premium travel instead of competing directly with conventional carriers on high frequency routes. “We are not looking to compete with traditional airlines. We are looking to carry dedicated 26 passengers who want to travel in comfort and quietly at their own time,” he told reporters after the launch yesterday. Voo said Berjaya Air currently operates one aircraft, with a second aircraft expected to arrive in October. He said the airline plans to operate between four and six flights daily with the first aircraft, increasing to about 10 flights daily once the second aircraft enters service. He added that the airline’s 26-seat aircraft is configured entirely for business-class travel, with onboard meals prepared by chefs from Berjaya Hotels and Resorts. “The airline would focus on destinations within a two-and-a-half hour flight radius, including Redang and Langkawi, where we also have Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

government, including Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). According to Fahmi, the stable political environment allows the government to address economic challenges, particularly those linked to external developments in West Asia while safeguarding the welfare of Malaysians. He added that the prime minister also noted a more prudent and cost-conscious approach in the organisation of national programmes, including Youth Day and Teacher’s Day celebrations, as well as other official government events. Fahmi said these measures reflect a broader push towards fiscal discipline and more targeted public spending aligned with current national needs, without compromising programme objectives. He added that early efforts to streamline operating expenditure across ministries have begun to show positive results, while public service delivery remains unaffected.

Priority, he said, continues to be placed on strengthening frontline services in the health, security and education sectors. The Cabinet also welcomed an initiative by the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers to conduct a survey identifying key challenges faced by the industrial sector, which will help the government formulate more targeted and effective policies. On parliamentary matters, Fahmi said preparations for the upcoming Dewan Rakyat meeting beginning June 22 were underway, with two parliamentary seats confirmed to have been vacated. He also said expenditure rationalisation efforts had reached about 50% of the overall target, although a detailed breakdown by ministry had yet to be finalised. “However, the prime minister has stated that the estimated target or priority allocation has reached about 50% of the overall goal.” Fahmi clarified that there were no Cabinet discussions on the resignation of MPs or government officials as part of governance conditions.

Berjaya Air premium flights take off

Voo said Berjaya Air’s all-business-class cabin offers a luxury travel experience focused on comfort and personalised service. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

resort operations. “We are also looking at destinations such as Koh Samui and several points in Indonesia. Currently, there is no Malaysian operator flying directly to Koh Samui.” Voo also said the aircraft would support non-scheduled charter services during festive peak periods, offering travellers an alternative premium travel option within Peninsular Malaysia. He said the airline is also positioning itself as a solution provider for non-scheduled charter services, especially during peak travel periods such as festive seasons.

first aircraft.” Voo highlighted that among the destinations being considered are Koh Samui, Medan, Pekanbaru, Batam and Langkawi. He said the airline is also planning bundled travel offerings involving hotel stays and travel vouchers through collaborations with hospitality partners and Berjaya affiliated resorts. He added fares are expected to be priced below conventional business-class offerings by traditional airlines, with round-trip fares from Subang starting from around RM2,000.

“Instead of chartering a plane with 150 or 180 seats, customers can opt for a smaller 26-seat aircraft designed as a business-class concept focused on ambience and onboard dining,” he said. Voo said operations are scheduled to begin on May 22 with flights between Subang and Redang. “This will be followed by a ‘W cycle’ route connecting Singapore’s Seletar Airport, Redang and Subang to attract Singaporean tourists travelling directly to the island destination. “Initially, each route will operate three times weekly using the

THURSDAY | MAY 21, 2026

FOLLOW

ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper

4

@thesundaily

1.6 million tonnes of subsidised cement for affordable housing

Search for injured elephant continues KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin has voiced concern over a Bornean elephant reportedly injured in Felda “Preliminary veterinary feedback (based on the video clip) suggests the wound has shown partial healing, although the closure is not ideal. “Importantly, there are no signs of severe infection that could

Through strategic collaboration with the police, Road Transport Department, Malaysian Highway Authority and other agencies, PLUS is committed to easing traffic flow and maintaining peak safety levels. Motorists can get live traffic updates via the PLUS app, PUTRI virtual assistant, X accounts @plustrafik and @lpt2trafik, variable message signs and major national radio stations. “PLUS advises highway users to use the Plus app, Waze or Google MECCA: Plush camel toys hanging in shops around the Masjid al-Haram are among the first “travellers” making their way back to Malaysia, aspilgrims begin sending home souvenirs ahead of the peak haj period. The camel plushies are among the most popular gifts, alongside dates, robes and other keepsakes for family members back home. The luggage and parcel delivery service coordinated by Tabung Haji has recorded 133 tonnes of shipments in the first 22 days of operations. Assistant manager of the Masyair Unit, External Services, Mohd Roshidi Loman said an average of five tonnes of items are being shipped daily, with the volume expected to increase further ahead of the wukuf (Day of Arafah) next week. “Most pilgrims are now trying to travel lighter before the masyair (peak phase of the pilgrimage), so they are sending their items early to focus more on their worship. Selangor recorded the highest usage of the delivery service so far,” he told reporters recently. Mohd Roshidi said total shipments this season are expected to rise to as much as 400 tonnes, compared with about 300 tonnes Kalabakan Selatan, Kalabakan. A picture and video clip showing the elephant with a wounded trunk prompted authorities to launch search and monitoring operations on May 13 and 14. However, the animal could not be located, delaying immediate rescue intervention. The case comes soon after the recent death of another Bornean elephant in Tongod, which is still under investigation. In a statement, yesterday, Jafry stressed that trunk injuries related to the missing pachyderm are particularly complex, with veterinary experts warning that even surgical reconstruction offers limited chances of restoring normal function. “Treatment would likely involve surgery to remove damaged tissue or reconstruct muscles, followed by intensive post-surgical care, feeding management and continuous monitoring for one to two weeks.

o Scheme extended to federal, state and private projects under 13MP

Maps to plan trips and check real time traffic throughout the festive season,“ the statement read. Highway users are reminded to ensure sufficient Touch ‘n Go or eWallet balance (for RFID and JustGO users), keep vehicles in good condition, drive carefully, rest adequately and follow traffic rules for everyone’s safety. For emergency assistance, call PLUSLine at 1800-88-0000 or LPT2Line at 1800-88-0220. – Bernama last year. For the 1447H/2026M haj season, Tabung Haji has appointed five logistics companies to handle pilgrims’ belongings – MASkargo Logistics, FGV Transport Services, TH Travel & Services, KTH Logistics and Pos Malaysia. Mohd Roshidi said all companies were selected following a comprehensive assessment of their operational capacity in the Holy Land and Malaysia, as well as their tracking systems, to ensure shipments can be properly monitored. He said Tabung Haji has standardised delivery rates at RM18 per kg for shipments to Peninsular Malaysia and RM23 per kg for Sabah and Sarawak. He reminded pilgrims to use only companies appointed by Tabung Haji to avoid issues such as loss or damage of belongings. “Pilgrims are not allowed to send certain items, such as zamzam water, without specific permission from Tabung Haji.” Mohd Roshidi added that deliveries to Malaysia take between seven and 21 days and so far, no additional taxes have been imposed on shipments belonging to Malaysian pilgrims. – Bernama immediately threaten the elephant’s survival. Rangers from the Sabah Wildlife Department are continuing close field monitoring,“ he said. The cause of the injury to the endangered animal remains uncertain. He stressed while snaring is being considered as a possibility, authorities are also investigating other possibilities, including accidental contact with sharp tools used in oil palm plantations. Jafry urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations are ongoing. He emphasised that the Bornean elephant is one of Sabah’s most iconic species and a vital part of the state’s environmental heritage. His ministry, together with the Sabah Wildlife Department and other stakeholders, remains

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

priced at about RM90,000, will be sold at RM70,000, with the government absorbing around RM20,000 per unit. For buyers unable to secure financing, the government has allocated RM40 billion under the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme, offering financing guarantees of up to 120% and repayment periods of up to 16 years. Nga said monthly repayments could be as low as RM300 or roughly RM10 a day. He added that the main objective of the initiative is to help control construction costs so that affordable housing prices do not increase. “When building material costs are controlled, there is no reason for house prices to go up. Supply must also remain sufficient. We hope more industry players will come forward to help the rakyat , just as the Cement and Concrete Association of Malaysia has done. “A good government is one that solves problems, not one that merely talks about them,” he added.

track usage volumes across projects nationwide.” Nga said the initiative is part of the Madani government’s broader cost-of-living response, alongside Budi95, Budi Diesel, STR, SARA and the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme. He warned that enforcement will be strict against any developer found misusing the scheme, including blacklisting and withdrawal of licences. “We do not want anyone receiving subsidised cement and then reselling it for profit. To prevent abuse, I will use the ministry’s powers against any developer who misuses this scheme. “They can be blacklisted and denied future Advertising Permit and Developer’s Licence approvals,” he said. The minister said the programme also supports Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad’s Rumah Mesra Rakyat projects, with nearly 6,000 units planned this year. He said each unit, originally

PUTRAJAYA: In a move to shield Malaysia’s construction sector from global economic headwinds and rising material costs, the government will continue the Simen Rahmah scheme, allocating 1.6 million metric tonnes of cement to support the construction of 500,000 affordable homes under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the scheme, which offers cement below market prices, has been expanded to include affordable housing pro jects by the Federal Government, state governments and the private sector. Nga said that under the scheme, implemented in collaboration with the Cement and Concrete Association of Malaysia, bulk cement is priced at RM290 per tonne — 31.8% or RM135 lower than the market price of RM425 — while 50kg bagged cement costs RM17.50 per bag, a saving of 29.7% or RM7.40 compared with the market rate of RM24.90. “This is a very large subsidy pro vided by the industry. We are deeply grateful to the cement industry for stepping forward to help Malaysians, particularly those in need of affordable housing,” he said at a press conference yesterday. Nga said the move is aimed at stabilising construction input costs and preventing knock-on increases in house prices amid inflationary pressures and global economic uncertainty. “Through this measure, I hope construction material costs can be controlled. I also want to ensure that housing prices do not increase.” He stressed that strict governance mechanisms will be enforced through the national Housing Department’s Housing Integrated Management System (HIMS), with quantity surveyors (QS) required to certify usage to prevent leakage and abuse. “To ensure there is no leakage, all applications must be processed through the HIMS. Developers must also obtain verified QS certification before accessing subsidised cement, while real-time monitoring will

committed to ensuring that wildlife cases are managed responsibly, professionally, and based on scientific assessment. – Bernama Haj pilgrims send gifts home early

Nga said the initiative will lower cement prices for eligible projects from the market rate of RM425 per metric tonne to RM290 per metric tonne. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

PLUS activates holiday traffic plan KUALA LUMPUR: Plus Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) expects more than 2.2 million vehicles on its highway network daily during the back-to back holidays beginning tomorrow. For the East Coast Expressway Phase 2 (LPT2), traffic flow is expected to reach up to 50,000 vehicles per day during peak periods. celebrations – Hari Raya Aidiladha, Wesak Day and the official birthday of His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim. Peak travel days for vehicles leaving the Klang Valley are expected to fall on May 22, 23, 26, 28, 29, 30 and 31. For return journeys to the Klang Valley, peak days are forecast for June 4, 5, 6 and 7.

and obtain the MyPlus-TTA digital travel schedule via the PLUS app,“ the statement read. To ensure optimal safety and comfort, PLUS will activate Smart Lanes at 33 traffic-prone locations to boost lane capacity, while deploying over 500 PlusRonda and LPT2Ronda personnel for 24-hour patrols. PLUS is also optimising operations by opening all toll plaza lanes and monitoring real-time traffic through its Traffic Monitoring Centre.

“Highway users are advised to plan their balik kampung or holiday trips earlier to avoid congestion. The public is also encouraged to refer to

In a statement yesterday, PLUS said the surge in traffic is due to the convergence of the mid-year school holidays with three major

THURSDAY | MAY 21, 2026 5 Zara harassed by ‘tomboy’ student, court told KOTA KINABALU: The Coroner’s Court here was told that the late Zara Qairina Mahathir had claimed she was being harassed by a “tomboy” student while staying at the hostel. The deceased’s aunt, Nur Shira Abdullah, 46, who appeared as the 71st witness in the inquest into the teenager’s death, said Zara Qairina had personally told her about the matter when she returned home for the Aidilfitri holidays last year. Nur Shira added that Zara Qairina said her roommate had told her that the student in question had been physically harassing her while she was asleep and she also experienced several other situations that made her feel uncomfortable throughout her time at the hostel. “While Zara was telling us about the matter, my child accidentally recorded Zara’s account,” she said on Tuesday while testifying before Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan. The witness also told the court that Zara Qairina, who was staying on the third floor of the hostel, had complained that she was instructed to fetch hot water from a water dispenser located at the lower floor between 1am and 2am. She added that Zara Qairina also told her that some of her money had gone missing and believed it was stolen. Nur Shira said Zaira Qairina would share matters related to school and hostel life as well as relationships with friends, rather than about family problems. “Zara had never said she was unloved by her mother or was afraid of her mother,” she said. The witness also claimed that Zara Qairina had told her she had lodged a complaint with a warden, but that the latter did not believe her. On the refusal to conduct a post-mortem examination, the witness denied that the family had made a hasty decision, saying that a doctor in the forensic room had merely instructed her to sign a form without a detailed explanation. She also denied allegations that the family had discussed the post-mortem issue in a public area, stressing that the deceased’s mother, Noraidah Lamat, had only voiced the matter once inside the ward when there were no other visitors around. Zara Qairina, 13, was confirmed dead at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17, 2025, a day after she was found unconscious in a drain near her school hostel at about 4am. The Attorney General’s Chambers had previously directed that an inquest be conducted after reviewing the police investigation report. – Bernama Woman loses RM163,500 in scam NILAI: An assistant manager at a private company lost RM163,500 after allegedly falling victim to a non-existent stock investment scheme promoted on social media in March. Nilai police chief Supt Johari Yahya said the local woman, in her early 40s, lodged a police report at 6.33pm on Tuesday after realising she was duped by the syndicate. He said the victim, who lives in Kajang, told police she had been dealing with an unknown individual on Facebook who offered a stock investment scheme promising lucrative returns. The victim was instructed to download an application known as “AB Limited” onto her mobile phone before making several fund transfers to bank accounts provided by the suspect. “She realised she had been scammed after repeated attempts to withdraw the purported profits through the application failed,“ he said in a statement here yesterday. Johari said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and efforts are underway to trace the suspect. – Bernama

Ex-Telekom M’sia staff in US charged with siphoning $20m

o Trio alleged to have diverted funds from telcommunications company for own financial benefit, deceiving counterparties, suppliers, auditors and supervisors: American authorities

a US multinational for US$54 million, when in fact only six terabytes were purchased. The defendants then allegedly sold the excess capacity to other companies, diverting funds from the illicit sales through a sham entity, the DOJ said. They were also accused of inflating the cost of cable purchases, redirecting nearly US$2.9 million in payments to a bank account they controlled, and allegedly claimed reimbursements for fabricated work expenses, it said. The three also allegedly impersonated employees and interns to capture their salaries and on one occasion used an AI-assisted imposter to deceive human resources staff, the DOJ said. Meanwhile, Telekom Malaysia Bhd said it will continue to extend its full cooperation with the DOJ concerning former employees of TM USA Inc. The telecommunications company said in a statement yesterday that it had earlier initiated its own investigation pursuant to the suspicion of misconduct by the individuals, which led to their dismissal. “Information from the investigation was then shared with the relevant authorities. The matter is currently under the purview of the DOJ and the US court,” it added. TM said it upholds strict governance and compliance standards and does not tolerate any form of misconduct. – Reuters/Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States has charged three senior employees of Telekom Malaysia (TM) for allegedly misappropriating over US$20 million (RM79.56 million) from the Malaysian state telecommunications firm, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Tuesday. Mohd Hafiz Lockman, Mohd Yuzaimi Yusof and Khanh Thuong Nguyen, who were senior executives at the US subsidiary of TM, were accused of using false statements and forged records to siphon funds from the company and deceive counterparties, suppliers, auditors and supervisors in the United States on various occasions between July 2020 and February 2026, authorities said. “The three individuals are alleged to have conducted a deliberate and calculated embezzlement scheme, falsifying corporate records for their own financial benefit,” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr said in a statement. Mohd Hafiz was arrested at San Francisco Director Mohd Misuari Abdullah said the special operation was conducted to ensure that owners of imported and luxury vehicles comply with traffic laws and to prevent leakage of government revenue. He said among the primary offences detected were expired Motor Vehicle Licences involving 35 cases, lack of insurance coverage with 31 cases, the use of fake trade registration numbers and unauthorised engine replacement. “Operations throughout Kelantan found that many luxury vehicle owners still failed to renew their licences or road tax despite driving high-value vehicles. “Some owners renewed their insurance but did not extend their road tax. More shockingly, vehicles were still driven despite road tax and insurance expiring since 2020,” he said at the Op Kenderaan Mewah (Luxury) and Op Hari Raya Aidiladha (HRA) 2026 press conference here on Tuesday. “All vehicles were seized for further investigation and to prevent recurring offences. Among the models facing action are the Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche Panamera V6, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Alphard, Toyota Vellfire, BMW 528i Limousine, Audi TTS, and Mercedes Benz,” he said. Mohd Misuari said the operation revealed an estimated annual loss of RM34,547.80 in government revenue from unpaid road tax on all seized vehicles. “The highest road tax recorded was RM6,612 annually, while the lowest was RM70. Despite owning luxury vehicles, compliance with the law is mandatory. “RTD will not compromise with any vehicle owner who fails to follow traffic regulations,” he said. He added that the status or ownership of a luxury vehicle does not shield it from

airport, while the other two accused turned themselves in to authorities last month. The trio were charged with wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, the DOJ said. Mohd Hafiz, Mohd Yuzaimi and Nguyen could not be immediately reached for comment. The DOJ said it declined to file charges against TM itself, after the company self-reported the criminal conduct and pledged to cooperate with authorities. Reuters reported in March that the department was rolling out a policy to encourage firms to report criminal misconduct in exchange for reduced penalties and other benefits. The defendants were accused of diverting millions of dollars from TM into bank accounts they controlled, according to the US indictment. On one occasion, TM was asked to approve a sale of eight terabytes of capacity to

42 luxury vehicles seized over expired road tax, insurance KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan Road Transport Department (RTD) has seized 42 luxury vehicles through Op Luxury 2.0, conducted statewide since Jan 1, for offences including expired road tax and lack of insurance.

Mohd Misuari (left) with some of the seized vehicles at the press conference on Tuesday. – BERNAMAPIC enforcement action.

involving 50 teams across the state, including branches and Kelantan RTD enforcement stations,” he said. He added that checks were also conducted at the Lembah Sireh Bus Terminal in Kota Bharu, including on outstanding summonses, driving licences, driver logbooks and technical inspections of buses. Additionally, RTD is utilising technologies such as the Falcon motorcycle unit and drones to monitor traffic flow and detect traffic violations. – Bernama

Meanwhile, Mohd Misuari said RTD will increase monitoring during Op Khas HRA, from May 24 to 31, to ensure road safety and smooth traffic flow throughout the festive season. “This operation targets nine major offences, including speeding, using mobile phones while driving, overtaking on double lines and driving in the emergency lane. “A total of 187 enforcement personnel and 33 operational vehicles will be deployed,

THURSDAY | MAY 21, 2026

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

6

Plan for virtual Palestinian museum

o Move aims to bring story of suffering, dignity and hope closer to Malaysians through establishment of platforms in Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR: Behind every shattered home in Gaza today is a child learning to live with grief too heavy for his young heart to bear. As bombs continue to scar the Palestinian enclave, a quiet but determined effort is unfolding to preserve not only lives but also memories, dignity and hope for future generations. During a maiden visit to Malaysia, a delegation from the Palestinian organisation Taawon outlined two urgent missions – caring for thousands of orphaned children and bringing the story of Palestine closer to Malaysians through a virtual Palestinian Museum initiative in Kuala Lumpur. Taawon chairman Dr Nabil Qaddumi, who described Malaysians as steadfast supporters of the Palestinian cause, said the organisation hopes to forge strategic partnerships with Malaysian institutions and organisations. “Malaysian people are very supportive of the Palestinian cause. Taawon wants to leverage that support by working with like minded groups. Among the platforms identified are conferences, forums and exhibitions,” he said at Seri Negara on Tuesday. However, it was the staggering number of orphaned children in Gaza that cast the darkest shadow over its mission. Taawon director-general Tareq Emtairah said the genocide in Gaza since October 2023 had left 64,000 children orphaned, with more than half below the age of six. He said Taawon is currently caring for 20,000 of them. “They also need mental and psychological support because most of them wake up in fear because of

the sounds of bombing, and are very traumatised. Taawon will commit to supporting them until they reach 18.” He said for many of the children, nights are haunted by explosions and loss while mornings begin without parents to hold or comfort them. “Children are the most vulnerable group in Gaza. Taawon wants to create a safe environment for them so that they can grow up enjoying dignified living.” Tareq said Taawon signed an MoU with Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief last week to support welfare efforts for orphans. Beyond humanitarian aid, Taawon is also fighting another battle – preserving Palestine’s identity and history amid decades of displacement and occupation. Palestinian Museum director general Amer Shomali said the museum, which was built by Taawon in the West Bank, was opened in 2016. He said it was created to preserve and amplify the Palestinian narrative after their original national museum in Jerusalem was lost following Israeli occupation. “Our national museum was in Jerusalem but when Israel took over and occupied Jerusalem, they controlled and confiscated the museum and its collection. Years later, we opened this museum to try to fill the gap.” Amer said most of the Palestinian museum’s collection were looted in the past 78 years by Israeli soldiers. He described the museum as unlike any other in the world, one that many Palestinians themselves are unable to visit, Bernama reported. “Even our own people, the Palestinian diaspora all around the

Nabil (left) and Tareq viewing a photograph of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat at the gallery in Seri Negara during their visit. – BERNAMAPIC

world and those in refugee camps, have no right to visit Palestine and visit the museum. “Nevertheless, we keep travelling around the world to serve our community. “We are a unique museum. The museum travels more around the world than people visiting the museum. We travelled to Scotland, Japan and Mexico. “Now, we are in conversations with Malaysian organisations and galleries in exploring ideas to set up

The Taawon delegation also visited Seri Negara to learn about Malaysia’s own journey to independence – a visit that stirred both admiration and longing among the Palestinian representatives. Moved by the history housed within Seri Negara, the delegation expressed hope that one day Palestine would also have its own place to tell its story freely. “Hopefully one day, after the Occupation, Palestine will have its own Seri Negara,” said Amer.

something like a satellite Palestine museum in Kuala Lumpur,” said Amer. Among the ideas discussed was a virtual experience allowing Malaysians to walk through Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth while learning the stories behind the land and its people. “This is just Taawon’s first visit and there will be more visits. At the end of this year, there will be the Palestine-Kuala Lumpur Film Festival.”

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. 03-7784 6688 advertise@thesundaily.com

thesun.my

THURSDAY | MAY 21, 2026

7

Myanmar military recaptures border town

Philippine senator fails in bid to block arrest MANILA: The Philippine Supreme Court yesterday rejected a bid by Senator Ronald dela Rosa for a temporary restraining order to prevent his arrest and transfer to the International Criminal Court. Dela Rosa, whose whereabouts are unknown, is wanted for alleged crimes against humanity over his role in a “war on drugs” during Rodrigo Duterte’s 2016-2022 presidency. He has denied involvement in illegal killings. Philippine authorities confirmed last week that they were seeking to arrest the former police chief and top enforcer of the crackdown, who had argued in a petition to the court that law enforcement had no legal authority to execute an arrest warrant issued by a foreign court. Dela Rosa’s lawyer said they will exhaust all legal remedies, including filing a motion for reconsideration. “Today’s resolution is not a judgment on the merits. It is not a final ruling on the legality of enforcing an ICC process within Philippine territory,” dela Rosa’s lawyers said in a statement. Dela Rosa emerged from six months of hiding last week and took refuge at the Senate for several days before slipping away in the early hours of May 14, after a night of chaos and gunfire following his appeal for help and claims that his arrest was imminent. Dela Rosa was Duterte’s top enforcer of a crackdown during which thousands of drug dealers were shot dead. The chief of the National Bureau of Investigation declined to comment, saying he has yet to see the court’s decision. The court said while the restraining order had been denied, other issues had yet to be addressed. Dela Rosa had argued the ICC warrant could not be enforced in the Philippines without a corresponding warrant from a local court. “The fight for due process, constitutional sovereignty, and the lawful protection of every Filipino, continues,” dela Rosa’s lawyers said. – Reuters Some military members “also heroically sacrificed their lives”, it said, without specifying the death toll. “Cross-border trade flows and transport YANGON: Myanmar’s military said yesterday it recaptured a town on the Thai border, expanding the frontier trade crossings it claims to control in the grinding civil war. The southern Myanmar border town of Mawtaung is a relatively minor trading post, transiting US$26.7 million (RM106 million) of freight in the 2023-24 financial year, according to Myanmar official statistics. But its capture would represent another boost for the military, adding to a string of recent victories against ethnic minority armies and pro-democracy guerillas it has warred with since staging a 2021 coup. Myanmar state media said the military lost control of Mawtaung in Tanintharyi region in November, but retook it on Tuesday after a two-week counter-offensive. The battle included more than 200 “major and minor clashes”, killing at least 24 rebel fighters, according to The Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper.

movement is in danger of being politically outmanoeuvred. After five years of martial rule, the military government oversaw a tightly restricted election excluding detained Suu Kyi’s party and returning a walkover win in January for its allies in civilian politics. Lawmakers elected former military leader Min Aung Hlaing to serve as civilian president. Despite criticism of the election, there are signs some nations in the region are now willing to ramp up diplomatic engagement, providing de facto recognition to the new administration. – AFP

campaign stalled, the armed forces have more recently seized the initiative. The military this month claimed to retake a key northern highway that leads towards the Chinese border, and last month staged a ceremony celebrating the recapture of the road towards the busiest trade crossing with Thailand. Two ethnic minority armies which were key to the 2023 offensive have signed Beijing brokered truces, leaving lesser-trained and worse-equipped pro-democracy partisans exposed on the battlefield. There are also signs the pro-democracy

o Victory boost for govt

activities between the two countries via the Tanintharyi-Mawtaung route will be able to resume,” said the newspaper. Civil war has engulfed Myanmar since the military coup five years ago deposed the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, ending a decade-long experiment with democracy. In late 2023, a combined rebel offensive put the military on the back foot, but after the

A small lorry is partially submerged in floodwaters in Duyun, Guizhou Province. – SOCIAL MEDIA/REUTERSPIC

Stranded residents evacuated from flood-hit areas BEIJING: Rescue workers used boats or swam through floodwaters to evacuate people in waterlogged areas across central and southwest China yesterday after torrential rain killed at least 25 people and shut businesses, schools and transport links. handlebars visible, while rescue staff in an inflatable boat rescued a man who had climbed a tree to escape the flooding, videos on Chinese platform Douyin showed.

Aerial footage showed floods swamping vast areas across Hubei as well as its southern neighbour, Hunan. The unusually large area of intense rainfall, spanning more than 1,000km, was due to the convergence of abundant moisture from the Bay of Bengal, the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The slow-moving nature of the weather system also led to high cumulative rainfall, according to meteorologists. “A new round of rainfall will arrive tomorrow (Thursday), bringing significant precipitation to many areas in both the north and south,“ China’s weather bureau said. – Reuters fairness for all parties, I hereby resign from my duties as an employee and executive ... until the matter is clarified and conclusively proved.” Sunit previously denied the accusations of sexual abuse but acknowledged roughhouse play between boys. The Bhirombhakdi family are listed as Thailand’s 15th richest by Forbes magazine, which estimates their net worth at US$1.75 billion (RM7 billion). As well as Singha Beer, the group’s other interests include food manufacturing, hotels, power and property. – AFP

In the central province of Hubei, emergency and military personnel were helping residents escape danger, many of them senior citizens. Elderly residents were rescued from their homes by boats, with some staff swimming inside buildings to reach trapped residents, footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed. One scene broadcast by CCTV showed rescuers struggling to reach a man trapped in chest-high water behind a door. It said they took an hour to get him to safety.

Heavy rain is expected to continue across southern and central parts of the country, including Jiangxi, Anhui, Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou, Guangxi, Guangdong and Hainan, with high risks of landslides, flash floods and severe urban flooding and waterlogging, authorities said. In Dachong, a town in southern Guangdong, scooters were submerged with only parts of

Thai beer heir sacked following abuse controversy BANGKOK: One of Thailand’s richest men dismissed his cousin from the Singha beer business empire on Tuesday, the company said, after days of controversy over allegations the man had abused his own brother. but no one took action, he said, declaring that he no longer wanted to be referred to as a “Singha heir”. Siranudh’s brother Sunit had been “dismissed” from all his positions, the conglomerate’s parent company Boonrawd Brewery Company said in a statement.

“I don’t want to stay in a family that doesn’t value me or have empathy for me. I can’t live with this kind of people,” he said through tears. The 29-year-old, whose father is Scottish, is a prominent and sometimes controversial marine conservationist, who founded a group called Sea You Strong active in the seas off southern Thailand. His declarations prompted days of headlines in Thai media.

The company “would like to express its deepest regret to Siranudh Scott for what happened”, it said. The company said it was cooperating with authorities in their investigations. It was signed by CEO Bhurit Bhirombhakdi – the two men’s cousin. He also posted online a letter from Sunit in which the accused man said: “In order to ensure

Environmental activist Siranudh Scott, a scion of the Bhirombhakdi family who control the beer brand ubiquitous in Thailand, posted an emotional video on his Facebook page this month accusing his elder brother of repeatedly abusing him in his teenage years. “Everyone in my family knows it because they listened to the tape I recorded of his confession”