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Roads outside gates still under responsibility of schools: Expert

Miros chief says outdated environments putting children at growing risk amid worsening traffic conditions.

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY

Report on — page 5

SCAN ME No. 9159 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Push for Senior Citizens Bill Report on h page 3 Ministry optimistic on tabling proposal at next Parliament meeting as draft ready and consultation process ongoing, with more stakeholders submitting views.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the fact that many parties want their views to be included is a positive sign that shows concern on the welfare of the elderly. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

No by-elections for Pandan and Setiawangsa parliamentary seats EC informed polls not required as vacancies occurred within two years of scheduled dissolution of Dewan.

Ops on unregistered F&B operators to tighten service tax compliance Nationwide crackdown by Customs Dept aims to boost national revenue and awareness on SST obligations.

Report on — page 2

Report on — page 4

FRIDAY | MAY 22, 2026

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No by-elections for Pandan, Setiawangsa Parliament seats

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: No by-elections will be held for the parliamentary seats of Pandan and Setiawangsa that fell vacant recently, the Election Commission (EC) said yesterday. It said in a statement that it had received official notification from Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Dr Johari Abdul through a letter dated May 20 regarding the status of the two seats after they were declared vacant under Article 51 of the Federal Constitution. EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said the Speaker had informed the commission that there is no requirement to fill the vacancies in accordance with Article 54(1) of the Federal Constitution, that stipulates any casual vacancy in the Dewan Rakyat must be filled within 60 days of the EC officially determining the vacancy. However, it provides key exceptions, including a provision that a by-election is not required if the vacancy arises less that two years before the expiry of Parliament’s five-year term. In such circumstances the seat may remain vacant until the next general election. The vacancies arose after former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and former PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced on Sunday that they were leaving PKR and vacating their parliamentary seats. PKR secretary-general Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh later confirmed that the party had received notification of their intention to leave PKR and relinquish their seats. She said the declarations made by Rafizi and Nik Nazmi were in line with Article 49A(1)(a)(ii) of the Federal Constitution, which states that a Dewan Rakyat seat becomes vacant if an elected representative particularly pneumonia, are among the most commonly detected illnesses among Malaysian haj pilgrims. Head of haj medical specialists Dr Taufik Rosli said most of the cases involve elderly pilgrims as well as those with a history of chronic illnesses and high-risk conditions. He said the situation is caused by factors such as extreme fatigue, dehydration and failure to take medication regularly because pilgrims are overly focused on religious activities. “Some pilgrims drink less water because they worry about difficulty accessing toilets at Masjid al-Haram. Others become so exhausted that they forget to take their high blood pressure and diabetes medications.” Taufik said the situation causes pilgrims’ blood pressure to become uncontrolled and also increases the risk of lung infections due to a weakened immune system. In an effort to identify pilgrims who may potentially develop complications, the medical team this season has introduced a mobile

ceases to be a member of the political party under which he was elected. Fuziah also said the matter would be referred to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker for further action regarding their status under the Federal Constitution. Earlier, Rafizi and Nik Nazmi said their decision to vacate their seats before formally leaving PKR was aimed at ensuring compliance with the Anti-Party Hopping Act. Rafizi said the move was carefully structured to avoid triggering anti-hopping provisions or breaching the RM10 million party bond imposed by PKR. “The legal or bond issue only applies if we leave and immediately switch parties while still holding our seats. But we are vacating our seats first and returning the mandate to the people.” The two former ministers also confirmed they had joined Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), a small political party registered in Penang in 2016 by its founder Tan Gin Theam, which will serve as their new political platform. Rafizi said letters notifying the Dewan Rakyat Speaker of the vacancies in Pandan and Setiawangsa were submitted on Monday, while their resignation letters from PKR were sent to the party secretary-general on Tuesday. Both leaders also indicated they intend to contest their respective constituencies under Bersama in the next general election. for an individual or household to sustain a reasonable standard of living,” he said after the ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday. Asked whether the approach would replace existing income classifications such as B40, M40 and T20, Akmal Nasrullah said no decision has been made as the matter is still at the discussion stage and requires collective agreement at the government level, including from the Cabinet and the National Economic Action Council. He pointed out that one family may have a different Basic Expenditure of Decent Living assessment although it earns the same salary as another. “That is why comparisons based solely on income are sometimes not an apples-to-apples comparison.” He said the calculation does not rely on fixed classifications such as T20 or B40 because two families with the same income may face vastly different levels of financial burden. He added that the approach is seen as more accurate in reflecting the actual capabilities of households, especially for families in urban areas facing higher living costs and commitments despite belonging to higher income groups. – Bernama

o No requirement to fill positions as vacancies occurred within two years of scheduled dissolution of Dewan, Speaker tells Election Commission

The Federal Constitution provides that under the current circumstances, the vacant parliamentary seats may remain unoccupied until the next general election. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

Lung infections among common maladies affecting Malaysian haj pilgrims MECCA: Lung infections,

Ministry studying fairer approach to determine subsidy, aid eligibility

PUTRAJAYA: The Economy Ministry is studying a fairer and more comprehensive approach to determine eligibility for public aid and subsidies by taking into account net disposable income and the actual commitments of households, instead of relying solely on the existing B40, M40 and T20 classifications. Its minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the approach is being developed based on the Basic Expenditure of Decent Living concept, which enables a more accurate assessment of the actual condition of a household. He said it also takes into account the reality of the current global crisis, which could further increase the cost-of-living burden on the people if prolonged. He added that the approach considers the basic costs of a reasonable standard of living for a household, including residential location, number of dependants and financial commitments that need to be borne. “We are bringing forward discussions on how to assess people’s living capacity not solely based on income. “The income earned must take into account the basic expenditures needed

emergency response units. “If things already seem busy now, actually, we haven’t even reached 50% yet. The real challenge will begin during Masyair .” Despite the operational pressure, Taufik said all personnel are constantly reminded that serving and caring for the guests of Allah is itself a form of worship that carries great rewards. He admitted that the greatest challenge is not only treating patients but also ensuring that the morale of the staff remains strong throughout the long and demanding operations. “Sometimes, there are unconscious patients but when the time for wuquf arrives, they regain consciousness and realise they are in Arafah. Those are among the moments that make us believe that in the Holy Land, there is a strength that is difficult to explain through ordinary logic.” For the 2026 haj season, a total of 224 medical personnel, including specialists, doctors and nurses, have been assigned to the Masyair operations. – Bernama

specialist clinic initiative at pilgrims’ accommodation centres to conduct screenings and close monitoring. He said medical specialists would visit pilgrims to carry out health examinations and identify those who require close observation. “In the past, patients came to us. Now, we go to the patients. This proactive approach not only speeds up the treatment process but also helps the health team identify high-risk pilgrims before they travel to Arafah and Mina.” On preparations for Masyair , Taufik said Malaysian medical personnel are now entering the most challenging phase of operations in the Holy Land, describing the period as the true test of the physical, mental and emotional endurance of both staff and pilgrims. He said nearly half of the healthcare operational burden is concentrated within the five-day Masyair phase involving Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina, while teams continue actively coordinating the work of specialist doctors, medical officers, pharmacists and

FRIDAY | MAY 22, 2026

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Sultan Selangor calls for stronger solidarity among Muslims

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

peaceful coexistence among diverse communities, including during the Ottoman era. “In conjunction with this Aidiladha celebration, I also call upon all races, communities and followers of every religion in this country to respect one another’s sensitivities and live together in peace and harmony.” Sultan Sharafuddin and the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor also prayed for Malaysian haj pilgrims, wishing them safe journeys, good health and a blessed and accepted pilgrimage. They also expressed hope that all pilgrims would have their religious obligations eased and return safely to Malaysia.

pilgrimage in Mecca as a powerful symbol of global Islamic solidarity, where millions gather regardless of rank, race or status. “Aidiladha teaches us the meaning of sacrifice, sincerity and the unity of the ummah ,” he said, adding that the pilgrimage reflects “a form of unity that carries immense value for the entire Islamic world”. Extending his message beyond the Malay-Muslim community, the Sultan also called on Malaysians of all races and religions to respect sensitivities and uphold harmony. He said Islamic civilisation had historically flourished during periods of

At the same time, he stressed that calls for Malay unity must not be misinterpreted as hostility towards other ethnic communities in the country. “I wish to stress that Malay unity should not be misinterpreted as an effort to create hostility towards other races in this country. “The strength of a united community will make the nation more peaceful, stable and foster mutual respect among its people,” he said. On Aidiladha, Sultan Sharafuddin said the occasion carries deep lessons of sacrifice, sincerity and unity within the ummah , pointing to the annual haj

Sultan Sharafuddin urged Malays and Muslims, from political leaders to ordinary citizens, to remain united, cautioning that continued disunity would ultimately lead to collective weakness. “If we continue to be divided and quarrel among ourselves, we will ultimately be the ones to suffer the losses and weaknesses that follow,” he warned. Drawing lessons from history, the Sultan said divisions within the Malay Muslim community had in the past allowed external forces to take advantage and weaken their position in the region.

PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has called for stronger unity among Malays and Muslims in Malaysia, warning that ongoing infighting and political disputes risk weakening the community and opening the door to external exploitation. In his Hari Raya Aidiladha 2026 royal address, the Sultan expressed concern over rising divisions, particularly among political actors, saying that recent disputes have caused unease among the public. MCMC issues demand against TikTok for offensive royal content Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued a statutory demand against TikTok over its alleged failure to promptly remove offensive and defamatory content targeting the royal institution. MCMC said the action followed the circulation of material linked to an account purportedly associated with His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim. It said the content included AI-generated videos, manipulated images and other material deemed offensive which could potentially contravene Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, as well as other penal provisions. “MCMC takes a serious view of any misuse of online platforms to disseminate content that is grossly offensive, false, menacing or detrimental to public order, particularly when it involves the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay Rulers,” it said in a statement yesterday. MCMC stressed that issues involving race, religion and royalty are highly sensitive and could undermine public order, national harmony and respect for constitutional institutions. It said despite prior engagements and notifications to TikTok, the platform’s moderation response remained unsatisfactory, particularly in ensuring the swift removal of harmful content and preventing its continued spread. It added that social media service providers are expected to exercise a higher degree of responsibility in safeguarding their platforms from unlawful and harmful content. Under the statutory demand, TikTok is required to undertake immediate remedial measures, including strengthening its content moderation systems, improving enforcement against content that violates Malaysian laws and community standards, and providing a formal explanation over the alleged moderation failures. “MCMC emphasises that it will continue to take necessary and proportionate action within its regulatory powers, including further legal measures where appropriate, to address the misuse of online platforms. On Wednesday, the Royal Press Office, via a post on the official Facebook page of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, revealed that an account using the name “Sultan Ibrahim Ismail” had allegedly used AI to circulate insulting content targeting the King. and Ű THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian

Seniors Bill to be tabled at next Parliament meeting

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Department officers as well as others involved in caregiving and we will also extend training opportunities externally.” Nancy said the government aims to train 2,000 professional caregivers this year, including welfare officers, caregivers for bedridden patients and community-based providers. “Caregivers play a vital role in ensuring human wellbeing, dignity and national resilience, and should be treated as frontline contributors rather than informal helpers.” She added that caregiving responsibilities continue to fall disproportionately on women, citing Malaysia’s female labour force participation rate of 56.6%, compared with over 83% for men, as many women leave the workforce due to unpaid care duties. Citing global figures, Nancy said more than 708 million women are excluded from economic participation due to unpaid caregiving responsibilities, describing it as a structural issue rather than a personal choice. She added that the government is developing National Care Standards for older persons and persons with disabilities to establish minimum benchmarks for safe, ethical and rights-based care. “The standards are being formulated through collaboration between industry players, academia, NGOs and government agencies to improve governance, competency and the long-term sustainability of the care sector.” Nancy said the direction is guided by key national frameworks, including the National Ageing Blueprint and the 13th Malaysia Plan, stressing the need for an integrated health and long-term care system. She added that Malaysia must move towards a system where caregivers are properly trained, supported and respected, as quality care reflects a more inclusive and progressive nation. She also said Malaysia is undergoing a significant demographic shift, with projections showing that by 2040, those aged 65 and above will account for more than 15% of the population. As of last year, the elderly population already exceeds 2.9 million people.

o Minister says delay due to ongoing stakeholder input and consultations on areas requiring improvement

PETALING JAYA: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is pushing to table the long-awaited Senior Citizens Bill at the upcoming Parliament meeting, although its progress remains subject to final procedural clearance and continued review by the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC). Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the legislation, which has faced repeated delays due to ongoing stakeholder input, remains a priority and could be tabled within the next six months. “The draft is already there. We are hoping for the next Parliament meeting. It is now a matter of procedures with other ministries and resubmitting it to the AGC for guidance and further input on areas that require improvement.” Nancy said the consultation process is still ongoing as more

proposed law is crucial in addressing issues such as elderly abandonment, while also strengthening standards in the caregiving sector, including training for welfare officers and other caregivers. On concerns over rising care costs, she said the government is currently providing support through tax relief for children caring for elderly parents at home, including those with disabilities. She added that proposals are also being considered to assist families who place elderly parents in private care homes, with recommendations submitted to the Finance Ministry for further review. “We want to develop trained professionals in this field. This includes our own Welfare

stakeholders continue to submit views. “There are still parties who want their views to be included. That is a positive sign. It shows people care and want us to take into account various aspects for the benefit of senior citizens.” She was speaking after officiating the Malaysian Care Ecosystem – Assuring the Quality of Caregivers seminar and stakeholder consultation jointly organised by the National Council of Women’s Organisations Malaysia and Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Medicine. Nancy said the Bill is being developed through a bipartisan Select Committee to secure cross party support. She stressed that the

BATTER BONANZA ... An exhibitor prepares pancakes at the Franchise International Malaysia 2026 exhibition at KLCC yesterday. The four-day trade investment event aims to accelerate cross-border partnerships and business matching opportunities. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

FRIDAY | MAY 22, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

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Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Nationwide blitz on unregistered F&B operators

GEORGE TOWN: The Customs Department has launched a nationwide sweep targeting unregistered food and beverage (F&B) operators to tighten service tax compliance and raise revenue collection. In a statement on Wednesday, the Customs Department said Operasi Pendaftaran F&B 2026 began simultaneously nationwide on May 11 and will run until July 10. Launched at the Seberang Jaya Customs Complex yesterday, the operation will track and locate companies and individuals providing F&B services that are subject to service tax under Group B of the First Schedule of the Service Tax Regulations 2018. Besides restaurants and cafes, the operation will also cover catering businesses, food service providers and companies awarded government tenders involving F&B services. The department said in a statement the operation will also help F&B operators better understand their obligations under the Service Tax Act 2018. As of May 2026, 11,604 entities in F&B were registered under the

o Two-month ops by Customs Dept aims to increase national revenue and boost awareness on SST obligations service tax system, representing 10.98% of the overall 105,681 entities registered under the Service Tax Act 2018. The department said it remained committed to strengthening tax compliance, increasing national revenue collection and supporting economic development under the

“As a result, untreated wastewater can overflow into drains, pollute water sources, emit foul odors and cause a nuisance to neighbours.” Meanwhile, for the commercial category, Ainal Yusman said only 22 premises or 1.8% of the 1,209 notices issued last year carried out the desludging process for their respective septic tanks. According to him, under Regulation 2(1) of the Water Services Industry (Desludging Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2023, septic tank desludging must be done once every two years for premises located within local authority areas and once every three years for premises outside local authority areas. He warned that septic tank owners who fail to maintain their sewerage system and do not appoint a licensee or permit holder to carry out desludging works can face action under Section 65(1)(c) of the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655). “Upon conviction, premise owners can be fined not exceeding RM50,000.” He added that a total of 20,063 individual septic tanks have been recorded in Perlis to date, while more than 1.38 million individual septic tanks were recorded across Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan as of last year. – Bernama for the Kuching-Sibu, Kuching-Miri and Kuching-Bintulu routes, which were allegedly linked to an agreement signed by the Federal Government in 2019. The Sarawak state government took over MASWings through AirBorneo, effective Jan 1. – Bernama time may still be required to pay SST retrospectively, even if the tax was never collected from customers, tax specialists say. Failure to register can also lead to fines of up to RM30,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both upon conviction, according to SST-related guidance materials. The SST registration can be completed online through Customs’ MySST portal by submitting company information and taxable turnover details. Successful applicants will then receive an SST registration number and are required to begin charging service tax. More information can be found at the MySST portal at https://mysst.customs.gov.my and the Customs Department website at https://www.customs.gov.my.

revealed that 8,520 septic tank desludging notices were issued to domestic premise owners in Perlis throughout last year, yet public compliance remains critically low. SPAN operations division enforcement section director Ainal Yusman Mohamad Yusop said out of that total, only 302 domestic owners or approximately 3.5% carried out the septic tank emptying works. “Even though Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) has been actively running engagement programmes with residents, village chiefs, state executive councillors, elected representatives and NGOs, public awareness is still very low,” he said after leading a surprise enforcement operation (Ops Haruman) here on Wednesday. The three-day operation involved inspections of 205 premises around Kangar, consisting of 74 commercial premises and 131 domestic premises identified as having failed to carry out scheduled septic tank desludging. Ainal Yusman noted that there were even homeowners who admitted they had never once emptied their septic tanks since moving into their homes back in the 1980s. He explained that many people assume their sewerage system is fine as long as the toilet is not clogged, failing to realise that an subsequently provide air travellers in rural Sabah and Sarawak with more flight options,” the ministry said in a statement. The ministry is seeking to clarify issues raised at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly regarding the absence of AirBorneo flight services collect service tax from customers and remit the tax to the government. For the F&B sector, service tax generally applies to restaurants, cafes, caterers and food service operators that exceed the threshold prescribed under SST regulations. The service tax rate for F&B services remains at 6%, although Putrajaya increased the rate for several other taxable service sectors from 6% to 8% in March 2024 to strengthen government revenue. The F&B industry has also undergone changes since SST was reintroduced, with the growth of food delivery platforms, cloud kitchens, digital payments and online food brands making it easier to track business activity electronically. Businesses that fail to register on

Madani economic framework, which emphasises balance between economic prosperity, public wellbeing and national sustainability. The Service Tax Act 2018 is part of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) system, which replaced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2018 after the Pakatan Harapan government abolished GST following the 14th general election. Unlike GST, which was a broad based consumption tax imposed across multiple stages of the supply chain, SST applies only to selected goods and services specified under the law. Under the system, businesses providing taxable services above a prescribed annual threshold are required to register with Customs,

‘Compliance for septic tank desludging in Perlis low’ KANGAR: The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) unmaintained septic tank can lose its ability to treat wastewater.

Abang Johari said AirBorneo will improve accessibility for Sarawakians and create new avenues for trade, investment and tourism.

Sarawak to establish own space agency KUCHING: Sarawak is planning to establish its own space agency, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg. Sarawak State Legislative Assembly here on Wednesday.

service rural routes within Sabah and Sarawak. He said in phase two, AirBorneo will expand into strategic domestic and regional commercial routes based on market demand and aircraft availability. “For the initial jet operations, AirBorneo plans to begin targeted routes from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Jakarta and Singapore by July. “It is our vision to connect Sarawak to major towns and cities of Borneo. Through direct air links, AirBorneo will improve accessibility for Sarawakians, investors and tourists, while creating new avenues for trade, investment and tourism,” he said. – Bernama “Therefore, flights on these routes should not receive subsidies as they involve two cities, similar to any inter city flight in Peninsular Malaysia. “The change in status of these routes to commercial routes will further encourage the participation of local airlines to operate and

Abang Johari said Sarawak is also targeting the launch of Sarawak’s first nanosatellite by 2030, through CubeSat-based technology, which involves the use of small satellites for real-time data and earth observation. “Sarawak will have the capability to develop its own satellite system to obtain earth imagery, geolocation data and strategic information for planning, environmental monitoring and resource management,” he said. Meanwhile, on AirBorneo, Abang Johari said the airline is being developed in phases, with phase one focusing on consolidating public service obligation operations to routes were intercity flights based on a RAS review by the Malaysian Aviation Commission in 2017, because the routes no longer fulfilled the definition of Public Service Obligations (PSO) as they were jointly operated by MASwings with AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines or both.

He said the agency will be the main coordinating entity with the role of planning, forging partnerships and developing local capabilities. “Apart from that, the Sarawak Aerospace Advisory Council has been established to provide strategic direction and comprehensive guidance in driving the establishment of Sarawak’s aerospace sector, in line with current global industry standards,” he said when winding up the debate on the Sarawak Premier’s Department on the motion of thanks to the Yang Dipertua Negeri at the

AirBorneo to operate intercity flights PUTRAJAYA: AirBorneo may submit applications to provide flight services for the Kuching-Sibu, Kuching-Miri and Kuching-Bintulu routes on a commercial basis as the routes are not categorised as Rural Air Services (RAS). The Transport Ministry said such

FRIDAY | MAY 22, 2026

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Border agency to build up manpower before July 1

‘Improve road safety for students’

Ű BY T.C KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Schools can no longer treat roads outside their gates as someone else’s responsibility, road safety experts say, warning that outdated school environments are putting children at growing risk amid worsening traffic conditions. Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research chairman Wong Shaw Voon said many older schools, once located along quieter roads, are now surrounded by busy trunk routes due to rapid urban development. He said schools often regard areas outside their compounds as beyond their jurisdiction, despite students continuing to face danger the moment they leave school grounds. “Schools, parents and authorities must work together to identify traffic risks and improve safety around schools,” he told theSun. Wong said separating pedestrian and vehicle movements remains one of the most effective ways to reduce school-zone crashes, although implementation is often constrained by space, cost and existing road layouts. “The roads may have been small when the schools were first built, but over time many have developed into major roads with much heavier traffic,” he said. “However, there are constraints such as space, cost and even the local context.” Wong said interactions between pedestrians and vehicles are unavoidable in modern transport systems, but the risks can still be minimised through better planning and traffic management. “If there is no interaction between pedestrians and vehicles, then there will be no crashes involving pedestrians,” he said. He also stressed that vehicle speed remains one of the biggest factors determining the severity of injuries in school-zone accidents. “The likelihood of being severely injured at 30kph would be very much less,”he said, referring to school-zone speed limits. Wong warned that roads with lighter traffic could sometimes pose a greater threat because motorists tend to drive faster even when schoolchildren are nearby. “The challenging part is that when roads become quieter, cars start moving faster even though there are still schoolchildren around.” On May 6, Johor announced plans to tighten traffic management around schools following the death of a pupil who was hit by a vehicle outside SK Sri Maimon in Parit Sulong, Batu Pahat, a day earlier. Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the measures would include stricter control of school entry and exit points, wider implementation of one-way traffic systems, improvements to pick-up and drop-off zones and better separation of pedestrian and vehicle routes. Universiti Putra Malaysia road safety researcher Law Teik Hua said poor traffic design was likely the root cause behind many school-zone accidents. He said environments that rely heavily on ideal driver behaviour, such as obeying warning signs and traffic rules, are considered “weak systems” in traffic management. “With poor design, including shared-use lanes, drop-off confusion or inadequate buffer zones, cognitive overload and unpredictability will occur with vehicles,” he said. Law added that mixed pedestrian and vehicle movement during school drop-off and pick-up periods created dangerous conditions around schools. Separate walkways, crossings and designated drop-off areas could reduce conflict points where pedestrians and vehicles intersect. Traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps, raised crossings, one-way systems and properly engineered drop-off zones would improve safety only if implemented together. Law said enforcement alone would not be enough without broader improvements to traffic flow systems and school-zone infrastructure. “A complete overhaul will entail the rearrangement of circulation flows, reallocation of roadways and pedestrian-friendly zones,” he said.

o AKPS needs 13,721 posts for optimum strength, still lacks 5,726 for full operations: DG

Shuhaily said he aims to change the work culture of future AKPS officers, preferring personnel capable of handling border movement activities as a singular process, instead of intra agency involvement. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry’s newest border agency already has the powers. What it is still building is the muscle to use them. For the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), the challenge now is turning a young agency into a disciplined border force with real field reach. Director-General Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the agency must now turn authority on paper into field strength as it enters its own service structure from July 1. Racing towards the July clock The manpower gap now sits at the centre of the agency’s build-up, as it readies its first intake for Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link trial operations in October, ahead of full service in January 2027. While racing against time, Shuhaily said AKPS needs 13,721 posts to operate at optimum strength, with Phase 1 of its operations involving 6,883 posts, including 103 at headquarters. Balance of 1,112 reallocation posts are currently being sorted under Phase 2, leaving AKPS still short of 5,726 posts from its fully fledged operational requirement. For RTS, AKPS was allocated 640 posts, with 478 recruits to begin three months’ training on June 22 before trials. However, Shuhaily warned that RTS preparations could be hit if agencies withdraw personnel and resources while AKPS remains short-staffed. “Come July 1, with the numbers we have, obviously we are short of manpower. Whatever has been extended to us by the main agencies must be continued. “If these agencies pull their men, everything will collapse,” he told theSun at the AKPS headquarters in the Setia Perkasa complex. Shuhaily said the July 1 scheme is meant to move AKPS away from previous border units that depended on borrowed officers. The scheme will absorb officers who opt in from existing enforcement agencies, giving AKPS its own workforce instead of relying on secondments.

injury of children occur at unregistered babysitting homes and childcare centres.” He advised parents to always choose registered childcare centres to ensure their children are cared for according to established regulations. Meanwhile, Azahar said a five-hour post mortem conducted at Hospital Rembau confirmed that there was pressure on the victim’s neck. “Police are still awaiting the results of further tests. Investigations also found that the babysitter was not registered with any department and was providing childcare services privately for payment,” he said. – Bernama find? What was the modus operandi ? What time did it come? Those kinds of things allow you to profile an area and profile activities,” Shuhaily said. He stressed that AKPS currently controls only two out of eight checkpoints in the northern border context, limiting its ability to give a full picture of checkpoint effectiveness there. The remaining checkpoints are currently under the purview of the Immigration Department. Training beyond counter checks Shuhaily also aims to change the work culture of future AKPS officers, preferring personnel capable of handling border movement activities as a singular process, instead of intra-agency involvement. His aim is for future AKPS officers to be exposed to immigration, customs, Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis) and other border function processes. “AKPS officers must know Customs work. They must know Immigration work. They must know Maqis and quarantine related work. They must know everything.” Shuhaily said AKPS has identified Segamat Pulapol as the proposed training facility for its first recruit batch, with recruits expected to report there on June 22 if approval is granted by the inspector-general of police. The real test for AKPS comes after July 1: whether a new service structure can produce officers who make the border work as one force, not separate counters under one roof.

The stakes are especially high for the RTS Link, which will connect Bukit Chagar and Woodlands North and is expected to handle up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction once operational. Northern field readiness and intelligence gap Up north where operations are no longer theoretical, AKPS’s build-up is already being tested on the ground. Recalling the Feb 25 Bukit Kayu Hitam shooting involving the border’s AKPS commander SAC Mohd Nasaruddin Mohd Nasir, Shuhaily said it had shaped the agency’s preparations in the region, including plans to equip personnel based on operational risk. He said firearms would not be issued across the board, with AKPS instead looking at a limited, risk-based approach involving pistols and some rifles only in critical areas. But for the no-nonsense law enforcement veteran, field readiness could not stop at firearms. “For AKPS, we do not have people that gather intelligence and do investigations. We have people who just do daily physical inspections. “So it depends on what we find and what we do not find. It needs to be digested. This is where the commander’s role comes into play.” Shuhaily said this was why high-risk checkpoints should be led by police officers with investigative thinking that binds both inspection and analytical skills. “How many people passed? What did you

Six-day remand for babysitter over death of infant SEREMBAN: A babysitter detained to assist investigations into the death of a seven month-old boy at a house in Bandar Sri Sendayan near here last Tuesday has been remanded for six days until May 25. for further treatment, but was pronounced dead after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) efforts were carried out. Investigations found that at the time of the incident, the baby was believed to have been laid down to sleep in a cradle and given a silicone pacifier.

Seremban police chief ACP Azahar Abdul Rahim said the remand order against the 38 year-old woman began on Wednesday, and the case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001. The media reported that the baby was believed to have become unconscious while under the care of the babysitter at her house in Bandar Sri Sendayan. The victim was taken to a nearby clinic before being sent to Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Social Welfare Department director Muhammad Yusry Che Dah said the childcare centre was unregistered and operating without approval under the Child Care Centre Act 1984. “Based on preliminary reports, several children were under the care of the woman, and we have ordered the premises to cease operations. Most cases involving the death or

FRIDAY | MAY 22, 2026

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

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Perak Orang Asli to gain from mushroom cultivation project

items – coffee, tea and dipping sauce – which have strong demand, including from the United States. Muhammad Hakim said the project has received full backing from the Perak government, adding that Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad planted the first tiger milk mushroom seedling at the site in September 2024. He said 500 seedlings have been planted, with plans to ramp up cultivation to 2,000 seedlings per month starting in July. Muhammad Hakim said aside from its economic value (it can reach up to RM3 per gramme), the mushroom is traditionally believed to help with respiratory conditions such as asthma and lung infections. “Demand for tiger milk mushroom increased significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic, as many people began paying closer attention to products linked to lung health and the respiratory system.” collaborating with several related agencies to realise a Proof of Concept project in Ulu Slim, Perak, which has been identified as one of the high potential locations for geothermal development in Peninsular Malaysia. Meanwhile, UKM Earth Sciences and Environment Department senior lecturer Dr Muhammad Taqiuddin Zakaria said the country should also pay attention to the potential of other earth resources, including rare earth elements. – Bernama

o Initiative at Piah Forest Reserve successfully reintroduces species into native wild forest habitat to develop commercial products

LENGGONG: A tiger milk mushroom preservation project by Yayasan Bambusa at the Piah Forest Reserve has enabled the reintroduction of the species, scientifically known as Lignosus rhinocerus , into its native wild forest habitat. The project, launched in 2024 in collaboration with the Lanoh Orang Asli community from Kampung Air Bah, has also helped boost the community’s economic standing through their direct participation throughout the project chain. Yayasan Bambusa founder and CEO Dr Muhammad Hakim Abdullah said the project covers about 100ha in Compartment 194 of appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme on Wednesday. Mohd Hariri, who is also Geological Society of Malaysia former president, said several related agencies, including the Minerals and Geoscience Department, Sustainable Energy Development Authority and the Energy Commission, are actively studying the sector’s development potential. He said the main constraint in

the forest reserve, which has been identified as a propagation site for tiger milk mushroom, purported to be one of the few areas where the species is being bred in its natural forest habitat, Bernama reported. “The tiger milk mushroom, which has existed for thousands of years, is a fungal species that has long disappeared from the wild. The project is therefore fully funded by Yayasan Bambusa and managed entirely by the Orang Asli community.” He added that tiger milk mushroom is being developed into a commercial product, with plans to produce three mushroom-based accelerating the development of the industry is not technology but the absence of a specific policy framework. “We need a National Geothermal Policy to attract investment and guide proper and sustainable exploration methods. Neighbouring countries such as Indonesia and Thailand have long benefitted from this energy source.” He said Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is currently

Yayasan Bambusa forest rangers working at the tiger milk mushroom project site at the Piah Forest Reserve. – BERNAMAPIC Plan to explore potential of geothermal energy development

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has strong potential to transition towards renewable energy through the exploration of geothermal energy following the discovery of more than 100 hot spring locations nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak, said Geology expert Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Hariri Arifin. He said his research showed a wide distribution of hot spring areas across Malaysia, although their use remains limited to tourism, recreational and

light domestic applications. “It is unfortunate because most of these hot spring areas are left idle without large-scale management. Some are also poorly managed and polluted with waste such as eggshells and food containers. “If we apply expertise in earth sciences and geophysics, these geothermal resources have the potential to power turbines to generate cleaner and more sustainable electricity,” he said when

FRIDAY | MAY 22, 2026

7

Philippines orders arrest of fugitive senator

MANILA: government

The

Philippine

Indonesia’s restive eastern Papua region have shot and killed eight gold miners they claimed were undercover members of the security forces, the military said yesterday. The miners were attacked while working in the far-flung district of Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan province on Wednesday, military spokesman Wirya Arthadiguna said in a statement. The victims, he said, were Eldest Thai princess critical BANGKOK: The health condition of a Thai princess who has been hospitalised for more than three years has deteriorated, the palace said yesterday. Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, the king’s eldest daughter, fell ill during a military dog training session in December 2022 and has remained in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. She suffered from a severe blood infection and her lung and kidney functions were being supported by medical devices and medication, the palace previously said. The Bureau of the Royal Household said in a statement that the princess had developed an abdominal infection from inflammation of the large intestine and was experiencing “unstable vital signs, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and abnormal blood coagulation”. The palace said Bajrakitiyabha was still relying on medical equipment to support her lung and kidney functions, as well as medication. “Her condition has continued to deteriorate,” the statement said, adding that the infection had become “uncontrollable and affected other organs”. Educated in Britain, the United States and Thailand, Bajrakitiyabha yesterday ordered police to arrest a senator wanted by the International Criminal Court over his role in ex-president Rodrigo Duterte’s drug crackdown. Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa served as national police chief from 2016 to 2018 during the early phase of Duterte’s anti-drug campaign and was elected to two successive six year terms in the Senate after retiring from the force Dela Rosa is on the run after fleeing the Senate building last week, hours after a shooting incident. “I would like to confirm that the Philippine law enforcement agencies ... are now tasked to effect the arrest of Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa,” Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida told reporters. The ICC last week unsealed an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa, accused along with Duterte and other “co-perpetrators” of murder. Vida insisted the warrant dated November was enforceable despite the senator challenging its legality on the basis of the Philippines’ 2019 withdrawal from the court’s founding treaty. The Philippine Supreme Court’s interim ruling on Wednesday denying dela Rosa’s bid for a temporary restraining order means

“civilians panning for gold in the area”. The West Papua National Liberation Army, however, said it had carried out a successful “cleansing operation” against “soldiers/police officers disguised as illegal gold miners”. Rebel spokesman Sebby Sambom said the operation was in retaliation for the deaths of two of its members at the hands of the military in Yahukimo last week. the ICC warrant can now be enforced, Vida said. “We’re pursuing this so that the ends of justice may be achieved,” Vida said. He did not elaborate on leads authorities had on the location of dela Rosa Dela Rosa’s lawyer said on Wednesday he will appeal the Supreme Court ruling. Former president Duterte was arrested last year and is awaiting trial by the ICC in The Hague on charges stemming from the drug crackdown. o Police state respect for constitutional rights of all parties

Wirya said the military has deployed teams to track down the shooters and evacuate the victims’ bodies by helicopter. Papua, which shares an island with Papua New Guinea, is a former Dutch colony that declared independence in 1961. Indonesia took control two years later, followed by a 1969 referendum in which 1,000 Papuans out of a population of some 800,000 voted in favour of integration. The drug war left thousands of people dead, mostly drug users and low-level traffickers from urban slums according to human rights monitors. Philippine police say more than 6,000 drug suspects were killed in legitimate police operations during the Duterte presidency in 2016-2022. National Police chief Jose Melencio Nartatez yesterday said the PNP took note of the Justice Ministry’s directive and would perform its mandate under the law, but stopped short of saying it would arrest dela Rosa. “The PNP likewise assures the public that all actions undertaken shall remain impartial, professional, and within the bounds of the law, with full respect for the constitutional rights of all parties concerned,” Nartatez said in a statement. – AFP/Reuters

Dela Rosa during a senate session on May 13. – AFPFILEPIC

Papua rebels kill eight gold miners JAYAPURA: Separatists in

Singapore Zoo celebrates orangutan birth SINGAPORE: The Singapore Zoo has welcomed the birth of a male Sumatran orangutan named Ayaan on March 18 via a caesarean section, following a high-risk pregnancy. Ayaan was born to a 29-year-old female Sumatran orangutan named Chomel and 48-year-old male Sumatran orangutan Charlie. Mandai Wildlife Group said the procedure is believed to be the first documented case of its kind in an orangutan where both mother and infant survived. “Ayaan, whose name means blessing, and his mother Chomel are doing well. “Following two months of recovery and bonding in off exhibit care, the pair has returned to the orangutan exhibit, where guests may see them,” it said. The pairing of Charlie and Chomel was recommended under the Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums Association Species Management Programme for the Sumatran orangutan , a regional breeding programme coordinated by Mandai Wildlife Group. Despite attempts at pairing since 2018, none have resulted in a successful conception, and the team turned to assisted reproductive methods, it said. Deputy chief executive officer of life sciences and chief life sciences officer, Dr Cheng Wen Haur, said Ayaan’s birth is the result of years of careful planning and teamwork behind the scenes. “Faced with a complex and high-risk pregnancy, our teams brought together all available expertise to give the mother and infant the best possible chance. “This reflects the value of science-led, collaborative breeding programmes in safeguarding critically endangered species,” he said. – Bernama

Papuan independence activists regularly criticise the vote and call for fresh polls, but Jakarta says its sovereignty over Papua is supported by the United Nations. Indonesia’s National Commission on Human Rights is investigating the killing of more than a dozen civilians, including women and children, in a military operation in the Papuan village of Kembru in April. The military claimed it had taken out rebel fighters. – AFP

Thai well-wishers bow in front of an image of Princess Bajrakitiyabha on Dec 16, 2022. – AFPFILEPIC

held several positions with the United Nations and campaigned for better treatment of women in prisons. Known in Thailand as “Princess

Bha”, the 47-year-old is the only child from King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s first marriage. She is seen as close to her father, and was appointed to a senior role in

his bodyguard command a year before her hospitalisation. The 73-year-old king, who has seven children from four marriages, has not announced his heir. –AFP