23/05/2026

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‘Malaysia cannot keep resetting after every crisis’

Tougher crackdown on illegal gold mining after deadly landslide KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan government has stressed that enforcement action against illegal gold mining activities continues to be carried out consistently by the relevant authorities in identified areas, including Jeli and other interior regions of the state. Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the state government was deeply saddened by a landslide incident that claimed the lives of two men, aged 32 and 38, while they were carrying out gold mining activities at the Kampung Jerimbong oil palm estate in Kuala Balah, Jeli. He said the tragedy proved that illegal mining activities not only violate the law, but also pose serious risks to lives, safety and the environment. “Monitoring operations, intelligence gathering and field enforcement actions are continuously being intensified to curb the illegal exploitation of natural resources in a firmer and more effective manner. “Individuals or parties involved in extracting natural resources without valid licences and approvals may face action under the State Mineral Enactment and related laws without compromise,” he said in a statement. Mohamed Fadzli also reminded all parties to comply with stipulated operating procedures and safety requirements, in addition to obtaining valid permits and approvals before carrying out any mining activities. “The obsession with seeking profit must not override concerns for safety and compliance with the law,” he said. He also expressed appreciation to police, the Fire and Rescue Department and all rescue personnel involved in the operation at the incident site. In earlier reports on the incident, two men were confirmed dead after being buried in a landslide at a tributary area near the Jerimbong oil palm estate in Jeli. – Bernama Whale bone fragments JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor Fisheries Department has confirmed the discovery of bone fragments believed to belong to a whale species in the waters around Desaru Beach recently. The department said the specimen was discovered by a Singaporean tourist on May 3, who later submitted an email notification to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. “We received information regarding the discovery on May 12. Following that, immediate action was taken by deploying four personnel from the Tanjung Sedili Fisheries Conservation and Protection Base to the location to meet the complainant and retrieve the specimen,” the department said in a statement. The bone fragments have since been sent to the Fisheries Research Institute for species identification and further analysis. The case falls under the Fisheries (Control of Endangered Species of Fish) Regulations 1999 and Section 27 of the Fisheries Act 1985. – Bernama discovered near Desaru waters

o Terengganu MB calls for long-term safeguards and stronger policy execution against future global shocks

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must move beyond merely reacting to global economic shocks and instead strengthen long-term safeguards to better withstand recurring crises linked to growing geopolitical uncertainty, said Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar. Warning that future disruptions are inevitable, he said Malaysia risked being dragged “back to square one” each time a global crisis erupts if durable economic safeguards are not put in place. “There may be another war somewhere else 10 or 15 years from now. We do not want to return to square one every time something happens, going back to the drawing board again and again without end,” Ahmad Samsuri said during a roundtable discourse on the West Asia crisis and its economic implications on Thursday. Ahmad Samsuri said Malaysia must move away from short-term reactive policymaking and adopt more coordinated and forward looking strategies across key economic sectors. Earlier, he announced Phase One of the Terengganu government’s Economic Stimulus Action Plan, aimed at addressing global supply pressures, strengthening economic growth, supporting micro, small and medium enterprises and boosting padi production activities. The PAS vice-president said many well-intentioned policies fail not because the ideas are weak, but due to poor execution and a failure to account for public sentiment and realities on the ground. “Most good policies fail because of the way they are carried out. Teachers have widely expressed appreciation for the initiative, saying it reflects the state government’s concern for their welfare, while complimenting the Education Ministry’s efforts to improve the quality of learning environments. A RM5,000 grant, distributed over the past four years, is seen as recognition of teachers as a key pillar in education development. One beneficiary, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bandar Baru Uda, used the allocation to upgrade its facilities by transforming a pantry into a relaxed picnic themed lounge. The modern-style space now features new tables and chairs, as well as a smart television. Its principal Azliza Mat Lazim said the assistance not only added value to the education sector but also served as a meaningful appreciation for the school’s 120 teachers and nearly 1,600 students. She said the physical and mental wellbeing of

Ahmad Samsuri called on financial regulators to explore practical measures that could cushion external shocks without undermining national financial stability. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

with new tables, furniture and pantry amenities, including a water filter dispenser. Its principal Shakira Irfah Abdullah said every improvement was based on the actual needs of teachers to ensure the facilities are fully utilised. “This is a large school with many buildings. With 118 teachers placed across two teacher rooms in separate blocks, we distributed the aid where it was most needed, including the Special Education Integration Programme,” she said, adding that the school has 1,976 students. Design and Technology teacher Zainal Zakaria said a cheerful environment helps motivate teachers in the classroom. “Teachers become more motivated and enthusiastic, helping them feel comfortable and be more productive when preparing teaching materials,” he said. Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said allocation had been consistently channelled to 1,195 schools over four consecutive years, involving a total of RM5.975 million. He added that the initiative has successfully transformed teacher rooms into more comfortable and conducive working spaces. fail if they misread complex social realities. “He failed not because his policies were bad, but because he failed to fully grasp the extremely complex social structure of Afghanistan, although he is an anthropology expert. “So at the end of the day, it is not just about policy. It is also about how you understand the people who will be affected by the intervention,” he said. He urged policymakers, economists and regulators to formulate both immediate and medium-term strategies to strengthen Malaysia’s resilience, particularly in food security, energy, logistics and finance. “What we need are proposals that can be implemented now for future use, so that our economy becomes more robust than before,” he said. He also called on financial regulators, as well as state and federal authorities, to explore practical measures that could cushion external shocks without undermining national financial stability. “We need to examine how strategic sectors such as food security, energy, logistics and finance can be strengthened to become more stable and resilient in the years ahead. “Most importantly, all of this is for the benefit of the people.”

“We may have 10 excellent ideas to address an energy crisis. The idea itself may sound brilliant. “But once it reaches the implementation stage within government or government agencies, that becomes the critical point,” he said. Ahmad Samsuri stressed that effective policymaking depends not only on substance, but also on communication and public acceptance. “It is not 100% about the value. It is also about the packaging,” he said, adding that poorly communicated policies could trigger public backlash even when economically sound. He cited former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher and the controversial poll tax as an example, saying public anger was fuelled more by perceptions of unfairness than by the actual financial burden. “Because the packaging of the policy was poor and people saw it as (unfair), public anger erupted. “Massive demonstrations took place, and eventually Margaret Thatcher was forced to step down,” he said. Ahmad Samsuri also referenced former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani as an example of how even highly qualified technocrats could

Teachers laud Johor classroom support initiative JOHOR BAHRU: The state government initiative to allocate funds for teacher room upgrades has been welcomed as a meaningful gesture for educators that helps create a more comfortable and conducive working environment. teachers require continuous attention, adding that a more conducive work environment could help boost morale and motivation. “In fact, this teacher rest area has a huge impact because teachers need time to unwind due to their very packed schedules.

“This assistance enabled us to improve the space, which in turn revitalises their spirit,” she told Bernama. Senior assistant for administration Mohd Razi Mat Yeeh said the upgraded space now functions not only as a rest area but also as a venue for programmes and gatherings. “I am truly happy because we now have a good system in place. For instance, if there’s a farewell party, we no longer need to hold it elsewhere as this space saves us extra expenses,” he said. Teachers’ Room Club chairperson Rohiza Amin, who teaches Design and Technology, expressed hope the state government would continue the initiative as support for the Education Ministry’s efforts to upgrade school facilities. Meanwhile, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sri Rahmat has also upgraded its teacher room