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Fomca opposes requiring Malaysians to upload MyKad, passport details to foreign platforms.

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SCAN ME No. 9164 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

National Security Council outlines approval process amid scrutiny over training activities in Pahang. Military exercises closely regulated

Bravo leads the herd From korban to crowdpuller, premium cattle lembu sado attracts strong Aidiladha demand and tourists. Bravo leads the he

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LEMANG BLISS ... A local vendor tends to rows of glutinous rice cooked in bamboo casings over an open fire in Kuang, Sungai Buloh, as Muslims celebrate Aidiladha today, marking the culmination of the annual haj pilgrimage and the Feast of Sacrifice. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Driving competition forward Report on h page 3 Govt expands vehicle inspection services beyond single operator Puspakom; new centres to open next month: Loke

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Strict SOPs for all military drills: NSC o Approvals required from state governments, security committees and technical agencies

KUALA LUMPUR: Members of the Cabinet urged Muslims to embrace the blessings of the Arafah Day and use it as an opportunity for spiritual reflection, unity and prayer for the peace and prosperity of Malaysia. The Arafah Day, observed on the ninth day of Zulhijjah , marks the climax of the haj pilgrimage as millions of Muslims gather for wukuf at the Plain of Arafah in Saudi Arabia. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, in a Facebook post, encouraged Muslims to take advantage of the sacred occasion by increasing prayers, remembrance, repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah SWT. “Happy fasting on the Day of Arafah. May we always remain under His mercy, love and protection,” he said. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said Arafah Day carries important lessons in nation-building within the framework of Malaysia Madani. She said this is because, on the Arafah Day, millions of haj pilgrims come together, dressed alike, regardless of their race, background or social status, standing on the same ground and worshipping the one and only Allah SWT. “This is the important lesson we must embrace from the Day of Arafah in building a harmonious nation founded on diversity, strengthened through unity and guided by compassion and mutual respect,” she said. – Bernama Muslims urged to embrace Arafah Day blessings Earlier, Agency Integrity Commission chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar said leading a department carries a heavy burden, as unaddressed wrongdoing tarnishes the entire enforcement agency’s credibility. According to him, the role of heads of department is critical and they must always prioritise integrity in carrying out the trust entrusted to them, while ensuring justice is upheld promptly without delay. – Bernama Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim following approval by the Special Cabinet Committee on National Governance in December 2025, would function more effectively than existing monitoring agencies. “The EAIC welcomes this decision and hopes the Malaysian Ombudsman will function more effectively than existing monitoring agencies, thereby demonstrating that every ringgit allocated by the government delivers real change,” he said. Enforcement

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Military exercises in Malaysia are subject to strict approval procedures involving state governments, security committees and technical agencies before any drill can be carried out, the National Security Council (NSC) said amid heightened scrutiny over defence training activities in Pahang. In a statement, NSC said all military exercises conducted by the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) must undergo a stringent approval and coordination process involving relevant ministries, agencies and state authorities to ensure operations are carried out safely, professionally and in compliance with established procedures. The council said applications for military drills, whether in gazetted or non-gazetted training areas, must first be reviewed and approved by the relevant authorities, including the state security working committee chaired by the menteri besar or chief minister as well as technical agencies. “Applications must also be submitted within the stipulated timeframe to ensure safety aspects, procedural compliance and local sensitivities are taken into consideration,” it said. NSC said military exercises are also required to comply with all operational guidelines and directives, including those related to public safety and environmental preservation. It added that standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing military drills would continue to be strengthened from time to time, while post-exercise assessments would be conducted to evaluate effectiveness, assess any impact caused and determine responsibilities for repair works if damage occurs. The council stressed that defence readiness remains a critical component in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, security and strategic interests. PUTRAJAYA: The work-from-home (WFH) initiative has helped save RM4.22 million in RON95 petrol subsidies, equivalent to 2.14 million litres to date, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. In delivering his address and officiating the ERAT (Encouraging, Responsibility, Accountability and Trustworthiness) Appreciation Ceremony on Monday night, Shamsul Azri said the latest data covered the proposed establishment of a Malaysian Ombudsman is seen as a positive step towards ensuring that public complaints regarding government service delivery are handled more effectively, thereby enhancing the quality of public services. Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar said the Malaysian Ombudsman would serve as a platform for the public to lodge complaints on misconduct, PUTRAJAYA: The

training or exercises in the state. Tengku Hassanal voiced concern over a planned military training exercise near islands off Pahang, saying it could affect the surrounding environmental ecosystem, flora and fauna. While stressing that he did not object to military training aimed at strengthening the capabilities of security personnel, he said such activities must be carried out in a “controlled and responsible manner, and in harmony with the environment and all parties”. On May 24, MAF headquarters said it respected and would comply with the decree issued by the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang regarding military activities in the state.

“At the same time, the balance between defence operational requirements and local sensitivities must continue to be given due attention through ongoing engagement and coordination with all stakeholders. “In this regard, military exercises are carried out through close cooperation between the MAF, state governments and related agencies

to ensure that military activities are implemented in an organised, safe and prudent manner in line with national security interests and the well-being of the people,” it said. The statement comes days after the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, decreed that the MAF must seek prior consent from the Sultan of Pahang before conducting any military

REGAL REVERIE ... Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Queen of Malaysia, appreciates an artefact at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul on the last day of her three-day visit to Turkiye, on Monday. – SULTAN IBRAHIM SULTAN ISKANDAR FACEBOOK PIC

WFH initiative saved RM4.22m in petrol subsidies: Chief sec

services regardless of an individual’s status in society. “Do not differentiate treatment based on position. When dignitaries come, we smile brightly, but when a cleaner comes for matters, do we treat them the same way we treat dignitaries?” he said. He stressed that civil servants must understand that the responsibilities they carry are a trust to be fulfilled to the best of their ability, and not something to boast about. system under a single agency. Earlier in his speech, Ismail said the EAIC welcomed the government’s decision to establish the Malaysian Ombudsman to handle complaints across all public agencies, describing it as a move that would strengthen the system of checks and balances and enhance the efficiency of government service delivery, Bernama reported. He expressed hope that the establishment of the Malaysian Ombudsman, announced by Prime

are not affected,” he said. To ensure WFH is implemented effectively without affecting service delivery to the public, he urged every head of department to uphold the T.E.G.A.S concept, which stands for swift action, empathy, clear ideas, adaptability and effective strategies. In addition, he called on all civil servants to reflect on the values of M.A.L.A.Y.S.I.A, namely friendly, fair, noble, trustworthy, confident, loyal, reformative and wise, when delivering provide the best possible services to the people,” he told reporters after attending the ERAT (Encouraging, Responsibility, Accountability and Trustworthiness) Appreciation Ceremony here on Monday night. Previous media reports stated that the proposed Malaysian Ombudsman is expected to serve as the main mechanism to strengthen whistleblower protection, including preventing the disclosure of complainants’ identities through a centralised complaints management

period from the launch on April 15 to May 25, helping the government manage financial burdens arising from the global supply crisis. “It should be reminded once again that WFH does not mean ‘lying down, sitting and resting’. It is aimed at controlling petrol consumption, which is why the government approved WFH beginning April 15. “Although subsidy pressures have increased sharply, the government will ensure that services to the people maladministration or weaknesses in government service delivery, while also helping to transform public services to be more efficient and responsive to the needs of the people. “ Insya-Allah , the Malaysian Ombudsman will begin operations next year once it is passed by Parliament. At present, it is still at the bill-drafting stage. “This is a positive step towards transforming the public service, especially in enhancing the way we

Ombudsman will boost public service delivery, says EAIC chief

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Not all in T20 bracket financially secure, says PPP chief

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

based living costs, debt levels and actual spending power. Loga Bala said such a data-driven approach would ensure that financial assistance is better targeted, while preventing the unfair exclusion of households that are still under economic strain. He stressed that subsidy reforms must be implemented with fairness and compassion. “The government must move beyond rigid income labels and ensure that no struggling family is left behind simply because of how they are categorised.”

He said the current framework fails to reflect the diverse economic realities faced by Malaysians, especially those living in urban centres where the cost of living is significantly higher. “Economic hardship today is no longer confined to a single income group. Many households in the lower T20 segment are also struggling due to inflationary pressures and declining purchasing power.” PPP Malaysia has urged the government to adopt a more dynamic classification system that considers disposable income, household size, number of dependents, location

and education expenses, vehicle repayments, rising food and utility bills, healthcare costs, stagnant wages as well as taxes and mandatory contributions. He added that after accounting for these commitments, disposable income and actual purchasing power often differ little from those of middle income households. Loga Bala said it is therefore unjust for the government to continue relying solely on broad income categories when determining subsidy rationalisation and financial assistance policies.

without adequately considering the real financial pressures faced by many families within the group. He added that while the T20 bracket is intended to represent the nation’s top earners, not all households within this category enjoy financial comfort or security, particularly amid inflation and economic slowdown. “A family earning between RM11,000 and RM13,000 a month in urban areas may technically fall under the T20 category but that does not automatically make them wealthy.” He said many such households are burdened by housing loans, childcare

PETALING JAYA: As rising living costs blur traditional income boundaries, Malaysia’s continued use of the T20 income classification as a blanket indicator of “high income” households is increasingly outdated and unfair, says People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Malaysia president Datuk Dr Loga Bala Mohan. He said the current system of categorising all T20 households as high-income earners has led to policies that reduce or remove subsidies MACC, Judiciary cooperate to fast-track graft cases PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Judiciary have agreed to streamline court processes to improve the handling and disposal of corruption cases. This follows a recent courtesy call by MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman on Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya. Abdul Halim said in a statement yesterday that closer coordination between enforcement agencies and the courts is essential to improve case proceedings in keeping with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree on strengthening the country’s judicial system. He said discussions also covered preventive education, with MACC planning to broaden anti-corruption awareness programmes from primary and secondary schools through to university level. “Educational efforts are a continuous commitment that will be emphasised up to university level to ensure that the prevention message does not stop after schooling ends.” He said at the university level, MACC has established the Anti Corruption Student Volunteer Corps Cadets, with Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin in Terengganu serving as the pioneer public university. He also said the commission would move away from conventional outreach such as poster campaigns and lectures to dialogue sessions and interactive forums to better understand public expectations.

Multiple licensed operators to offer vehicle inspections

PETALING JAYA: Motorists and used car dealers will enjoy greater convenience for vehicle inspections from next month as the government expands approved inspection services beyond a single operator to multiple licensed providers across urban and semi-urban areas. The move also gives users an alternative to the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom), which was previously the only authorised facility for vehicle ownership transfer inspections. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry welcomes the launch of new Motor Vehicle Inspection Centres for private ownership transfer inspections by Carro Technology Sdn Bhd which will begin operations at eight locations from June 16. The eight centres are located in Glenmarie, Wangsa Melawati, Kajang, Klang, Bayan Lepas, Malacca, Muar and Johor Bahru. dealers alternative to Puspakom, the only authorised facility for ownership transfer inspections previously, says minister Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com o Move gives motorists, used car

Loke said the opening of new inspection centres is aimed at widening consumer choice while improving overall system efficiency. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

government concession. “As a result, there were many complaints from the public that the process was often slow and users had no alternative but to rely on a single inspection provider.” Under the reformed system, inspection categories have been separated, including mandatory commercial vehicle inspections and ownership transfer checks, allowing smaller “mini inspection centres” to operate closer to communities. Loke said inspection centres could now be set up in commercial shoplots and service areas, reducing travel time for users. “If companies fail to meet RTD standards, their licences can be revoked,” he said, adding that compliance checks would be carried out regularly and may also be conducted without prior notice.

Each operator is also required to provide dedicated inspection lanes and separate staffing for ownership transfer inspections. He said other companies are also preparing to enter the market, including Carsome Academy Sdn Bhd, Car Medic Sdn Bhd and Beriman Gold Sdn Bhd, with additional centres planned in Selangor and Sarawak. The policy shift follows the end of the Puspakom concession in 2024, which previously gave a single operator nationwide exclusivity for mandatory vehicle inspections for 30 years. “All vehicle inspections, whether for commercial vehicles or for ownership transfer purposes, had to be carried out at Puspakom centres, as it was the only company granted the authority under the

Act 1987 to qualified companies as part of broader reforms to improve service delivery and reduce congestion at inspection facilities. Loke said the expansion is aimed at widening consumer choice while improving overall system efficiency. “The opening of these new inspection centres reflects the government’s commitment to expanding public access to vehicle inspection services that are more efficient and of higher quality,” he said after visiting the Carro Technology inspection centre here yesterday. The new centres will operate under strict requirements set by the Road Transport Department (RTD), including certified vehicle inspectors, integration with the MySikap system and compliance with ISO/IEC 17020:2012 inspection standards.

Wan Ahmad Farid echoed the call for early education, urging MACC cadet units to be set up in schools as instilling integrity from a young age is key. – Bernama Portal launched to help curb ticket fraud He said the move is in line with the Cabinet decision on March 17, 2023 to open up motor vehicle inspection services under the Road Transport

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians now have a dedicated reference platform to combat ticket touts and concert scams following the launch of the belitiketselamat.my portal. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the portal, introduced under the Beli Tiket

assistance in filing NSRC reports within just 15 minutes. He said the measure was introduced in conjunction with KL Headline Season which is expected to attract thousands of spectators to the capital for various international standard concerts. – Bernama

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. “It strengthens enforcement efforts by providing actionable intelligence to support faster intervention.” Fahmi said the campaign would provide help desks at event venues to enable scam victims to obtain

is announced, especially when official tickets have sold out,” he said at the pre-launch of the BTS campaign at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. “BTS does not replace the role of the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), Commercial Crime Investigation Department or the

Selamat (BTS) campaign, would enable local entertainment fans to verify the authenticity of tickets before making any transaction. “Fake ticket advertisements spread very rapidly on social media and messaging apps, with some appearing just minutes after an event

WEDNESDAY | MAY 27, 2026

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Lembu sado emerge as prized attraction in Kelantan

tourism, hospitality, retail and transport. He added that Malaysia hosted more than 400 concerts in 2024 alone, generating over RM553 million in tourism and economic impact, while the industry is projected to contribute close to RM1.7 billion to the national economy this year. He also said fans from neighbouring countries including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines were increasingly travelling to Kuala Lumpur specifically for concerts, reflecting the city’s growing influence within the regional live entertainment landscape. He said the newly-launched KL Headline Season 2026 was created to place the city firmly on the global touring map and position it as a premier entertainment capital in Asia. – Bernama RM90 million to develop Orang Asli settlement CYBERJAYA: The Selangor State Development Corporation has allocated nearly RM90 million for a cluster-based solution to develop and relocate the Bukit Baja Orang Asli Community. State Housing and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Borhan Aman Shah said the initiative aims to ensure the welfare of the Orang Asli community remains protected amid the development of the Cyber Valley area. He said the state government and the corporation had considered various factors, including the duration of community settlement on the land, before deciding on the compensation and relocation arrangements. “As I have said before, we have carefully considered the interests of the Orang Asli community, including how much of the land they have worked on and how long they have been living in the area. “Among the support provided are RM7,000 for relocation and demolition costs, a 1,000-square-foot house and a RM100,000 cash goodwill payment,” he told reporters after the cheque presentation ceremony for settlers of the Bukit Baja Orang Asli village yesterday. Borhan said the corporation would also provide a special RM3 million contribution to set up a customary fund, an education fund and a village committee fund for the benefit of the Kampung Bukit Baja Orang Asli. He said in addition to the land, residents’ crops and farms were also evaluated, with compensation of up to RM200,000 per acre, depending on the size of the land and the type of crops. “I believe that from the outset, all the recipients, and the Orang Asli community more broadly, have been satisfied with the system and process we have carried out, as the calculations were done fairly.” Meanwhile, Selangor State Development Corporation deputy group CEO (Strategic Partnership) Md Kamarzan Md Rais said the corporation understands that any change involving people’s homes and way of life is never easy. – Bernama

o Colossal cattle prove boon to state livestock ecosystem and agrotourism

Today, he keeps several breeds including Charolais, Limousin, Belgian Blue, Brahman and Angus cattle. He said breeders are able to produce hybrid calves locally using imported semen straws from France for artificial insemination, with prices starting from RM60 per straw depending on breed and quality. He added that hybrid cattle could reach more than 500kg within two years, making them commercially attractive compared with traditional village breeds. However, he also said rising feed costs remain a major challenge. Zulkifli said cattle feed now costs between RM40 and RM100 per sack, while Bravo alone consumes about 6kg of bran daily in addition to grass. To manage costs, he relie on grass grown and collected around the farm. “Feed is one of the main costs. At my shed, I use more grass to offset high costs.” Beyond the Aidiladha season, Zulkifli believes lembu sado should be developed further as an agrotourism and education asset rather than purely livestock for meat production. His farm regularly receives visitors including families, school groups, veterinary teams and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan students seeking hands-on exposure to cattle rearing. Visitors have also come from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and several Arab countries, many drawn by videos of Bravo that were circulated online. Certain Indonesian visitors had even expressed interest in bringing his cattle into their country but logistical costs made it impractical. “The price is one

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

BACHOK: Weighing up to a tonne and fetching prices as high as RM60,000, Kelantan’s famed lembu sado are no longer just Aidiladha korban cattle but have also become prized attractions driving a booming culture of breeding, competitions and agrotourism. At a farm in Bachok, Kelantan, breeder Mohd Zulkifli Ali has already secured bookings for 22 of his giant cattle weighing between 550kg and one tonne ahead of this year’s Aidiladha season – a demand he says reflects the growing commercial and cultural value of the animals. He added that the cattle now represent far more than seasonal korban supply, forming part of Kelantan’s premium livestock ecosystem that includes breeding, livestock competitions, farm tourism and social media visibility. At the centre of attention is Bravo, a nearly one-tonne Charolais hybrid bull that has become both the pride of Zulkifli’s farm and one of Bachok’s most recognisable lembu sado attractions. Four years old and built like a boulder, Bravo responds calmly to commands from his owner, drinking on instruction, walking back into his stable when told and standing still as he is groomed. Zulkifli said the award-winning bull is his most prized animal, having won several lembu sado competitions.

Zulkifli with his prized Bravo at his agrofarm. – FAIZ RUZMAN/THESUN

or competitions could fetch between RM20,000 and RM30,000 depending on breed, size and quality. He also said Bravo has been valued at RM60,000, with offers even higher already made. Despite this, Zulkifli has no plans to sell the bull he raised from birth. “One reason people choose lembu sado for korban is because there is a lot of meat. When there is a lot of meat for Aidiladha korban , they feel it is worthwhile. “For those who (are able to) afford it, they do not only look at money. They look at satisfaction.” Zulkifli began cattle breeding in 2019 before moving seriously into hybrid cattle production in 2021. He started with seven Kedah Kelantan cattle before transitioning to Charolais and Limousin beef hybrids. His farm has since become a reference point for other breeders and agriculture agencies.

Bravo also drew large crowds at the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (Maha) 2024, where visitors gathered to see the gentle giant that has also gained traction on TikTok. “If you treat them (well) every day, they feel happy. They feel they have a companion. They may not reply with words, but when they understand us, that is their communication. Their behaviour makes us feel calm,” he told theSun when met at his agrofarm in Kampung Panjang, Perupok. Zulkifli said demand for larger cattle remained strong during Aidiladha as they produce more meat for distribution in korban sacrifices. He added that korban shares at his farm are usually priced between RM1,000 and RM1,200 per portion. However, he said premium lembu sado reared for breeding, exhibitions

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thing, but the animal itself becomes the passion.”

KL set to be leading player in regional entertainment circuit KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur is set to emerge as a leading player in the regional entertainment circuit, with the government committed to slashing red tape and accelerating approval processes for international events. She highlighted the massive economic impact of live events, citing the recent Water Festival in Kuala Lumpur, which generated RM320 million for the economy in a single weekend. venues throughout 2026. It is expected to attract an estimated 500,000 fans from Malaysia and across the region, with a lineup that includes major international acts such as Post Malone, The Weeknd, BTS, Laufey and LANY. Meanwhile, Live Nation Malaysia He added that Malaysia’s live entertainment industry must also work together to strengthen the international perception of Kuala Lumpur as a reliable concert destination.

He also said the issue was not solely about facilities, as the city already had the necessary infrastructure to host large-scale productions, although some venues required upgrading to meet current fan and production expectations. “Fans are paying a lot for tickets today. They expect better seating, better views and proper facilities. So, venue maintenance and upgrades are important.” Paramananthan said the live entertainment industry should no longer be viewed purely as entertainment, adding that concerts generated significant economic spillover across sectors including

“The return for our Malaysian economy came in from international visitors, about 100,000 of them for the Water Festival, and they spent about RM255 million just for that weekend. For our local guests, 150,000 of them spent about RM64 million.” She added that to further lower the barrier for organisers, the government has already reduced and slashed deposits for local shows, concerts as well as stage and cultural performances. Live Nation Malaysia in collaboration with PR Worldwide, Tourism Malaysia and CelcomDigi, is expected to bring 25 international music performances across six major

Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh said she has directed Kuala Lumpur City Hall to facilitate and speed up applications to ensure the capital remains a preferred destination for global industry players. “Time is money, speed is the currency. And this is how I want to drive City Hall forward in facilitating approvals when they’re dealing with applications. We cannot just sit and wait for things to happen, we have to facilitate and move the file,” she said at the launch of KL Headline Season 2026 held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Monday.

managing director Paramananthan Rajagopal said Kuala Lumpur already possesses many of the key elements needed to become a major touring destination in Asia, including infrastructure, passionate fans and a strategic location, but improvements in coordination, venue readiness and industry support remain crucial. “Actually, Kuala Lumpur has everything. Maybe even more than some other cities, but what we need now is coordination. “Events cannot be done by one person alone. Everybody has to coordinate to make a show happen.”

WEDNESDAY | MAY 27, 2026

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Fomca opposes ID uploads to foreign platforms

PETALING JAYA: The Immigration Department has postponed the planned June 1 launch of the redesigned Malaysian passport, announcing the delay less than a week before the new document was due to enter circulation, with no new rollout date mentioned. In a statement yesterday, Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the move was aimed at safeguarding service quality and ensuring smooth transactions at Immigration counters. No specific technical or administrative reason was given for the postponement, although he confirmed a new implementation date would be announced through the department’s official channels in due course. “The move was taken to ensure smooth service delivery and to ensure the public’s transaction experience remains at the best level,” he said. Passport holders need not be concerned in the meantime. Zakaria said renewals for the existing passports would continue as usual and all valid passports remain accepted for international travel until their expiry dates. The postponement comes only days after he announced on May 19 that the upgraded passport would be introduced from June 1, featuring 94 security elements, nearly double the 49 incorporated in the current version. The rollout was scheduled to begin at selected Immigration offices before being expanded nationwide in phases to ensure an orderly transition. The redesigned passport is part of a broader overhaul of national identity documents, which also includes a revamped MyKad. – by Faiz Ruzman Immigration postpones launch of redesigned passport HULU SELANGOR: A teenage girl believed to have lost her way while hiking at Bukit Changkat Asa here four days ago was found dead by rescuers yesterday. Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant operations director Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar said the body of Nur Izzati Humaira Azizul, 19, was discovered off the hiking trail by the search and rescue (SAR) team at about 11.59am. “The victim’s body was found about 500m from the last known location where she was seen and one kilometre from the incident control post. “It took the SAR team about 20 minutes to bring the body to the control post using a stretcher,” he told Bernama at the control post. Ahmad Mukhlis said the body was handed over to police before being taken to Kuala Kubu Bharu Hospital. Earlier, the SAR operation, which entered its fourth day yesterday, resumed at 8am involving various security agencies after it was suspended at 6.30pm on Monday. – Bernama Missing teen found dead off hiking trail

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minimum information required for verification, without exposing full identity documents to multiple entities,” he said. He pointed out that international experience has shown age-verification systems could easily become controversial when implemented without strong privacy safeguards. “Several countries have faced criticism after citizens raised concerns over surveillance, excessive data collection, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the possibility of sensitive information being commercially exploited. “Malaysia must learn from these global concerns instead of rushing implementation without proper public consultation. Policies involving personal identity data require public trust, and trust cannot exist without transparency.” Saravanan said the government must first present a clear and transparent framework explaining how the system would function, who would manage the data, what legal protections exist, how independent oversight would be conducted and how consumers’ rights would be protected.

o Consumer group warns MyKad and passport verification risks exposing Malaysians to cyber threats

information. “MyKad data contains extremely sensitive details that could be abused if they fall into the wrong hands. Consumers are already facing increasing threats from scams, phishing syndicates, fake loans, mule account activities and identity fraud. “Requiring citizens to upload identity documents across multiple social media platforms may significantly increase those risks.” Saravanan added that Fomca also rejects any approach allowing international companies to become gatekeepers of Malaysians’ identities. “Verification of citizens’ identity should remain under strict national control and must be governed through secure local infrastructure that fully complies with Malaysian laws and national cybersecurity requirements. “Any digital verification mechanism must follow the principles of necessity, proportionality, transparency, accountability and data minimisation. Consumers should only provide the

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

concerned that the system could open the door to large-scale exploitation of Malaysians’ identity data by private technology companies whose business models heavily depend on data collection and user profiling. Saravanan said consumers must not become products in a digital economy where personal identities are treated as commercial assets. “The issue goes far beyond age verification. This involves highly sensitive national identity information belonging to millions of Malaysians. “Any data breach, leak, hacking incident or misuse could expose consumers to identity theft, financial fraud, cybercrime, impersonation, scams and long-term privacy violations,” he said. He stressed that national identity

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has strongly opposed any requirement for Malaysians to submit their MyKad, passport or other sensitive personal identification documents directly to international social media platforms, foreign technology companies or overseas based verification providers. Its chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said citizens should not be compelled to upload copies of official identification documents to companies operating outside Malaysia’s jurisdiction. “The current proposal raises extremely serious concerns involving privacy, cybersecurity, misuse of personal information and loss of national control over Malaysians’ personal identity data. “While Fomca acknowledges the need to protect children and minors online, consumer safety and national data sovereignty must never be sacrificed in the process. “Once such sensitive data leaves the country or is managed by international corporations, consumers lose visibility and control over how their information is used, stored, analysed, shared, monetised or retained.” Saravanan added that major questions surrounding the implementation remained unanswered. “Consumers still do not know who exactly would manage the verification system, where the data would be stored, how long the data would be retained and whether the information would be transferred overseas. “It is also unclear whether third party vendors are involved, and whether the collected data could eventually be used for profiling, behavioural advertising, artificial intelligence training, commercial analytics or data mining activities.” He said Fomca was particularly

WEAPONS HAUL ... Bukit Aman CID director Datuk M. Kumar (third from right) and senior police officers display weapons, ammunition and tools recovered from a violent robbery syndicate during a press conference at the Kajang district police headquarters yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com KL hotel drug party busted following guest’s death

36 individuals tested positive for drugs and 15 tested negative,” he said. All suspects have been remanded between three and six days to assist investigations. Police checks also found one suspect had a previous criminal record under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug trafficking, Section 39A(1) for possession of certain quantities of dangerous drugs, Section 12(2) for possession and Section 15(1)(a) for drug consumption.

unconscious at the hotel lobby. “The man was rushed to Kuala Lumpur Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival,” Hussein Omar said. Police did not disclose the victim’s identity or cause of death. He said the drugs seized included 15g of liquid synthetic stimulant drug MDMA, 284g of MDMA powder, 8.65g of ecstasy pills, 87g of ecstasy powder and 11.61g of ketamine. “The group was detected using luxury hotel rooms as a place for entertainment and drug abuse, and was also believed to be involved in immoral activities. “Initial urine screening found that

intelligence on suspected drug abuse and immoral activities, with police describing the gathering as involving a “drug party” and “gay party”. Those detained comprised 23 local men and 28 foreign women aged between 21 and 52. The operation was carried out by Bukit Aman together with the Kuala Lumpur police contingent narcotics division and the Brickfields district police narcotics division through four raids at the hotel. The man who died was believed to have taken part in the gathering. “Before the raid was conducted, police found that a man suspected of having attended the drug party was

PETALING JAYA: A private gathering at a prominent hotel in Kuala Lumpur turned into a narcotics raid after a suspected participant was found unconscious in the lobby and was later confirmed dead on arrival at Kuala Lumpur Hospital. Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department director CP Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said police arrested 51 individuals and seized drugs worth RM103,070 during the operation conducted at 2.35am on May 24. He said the case stemmed from

WEDNESDAY | MAY 27, 2026

6

Man behind M’sia’s historic Everest images

SHAH ALAM: When Malaysia celebrated the conquest of Mount Everest in 1997, national attention was focused on climbers Datuk M. Magendran and Datuk N. Mohanadas raising the Jalur Gemilang at the world’s highest peak on May 23 that year. Far fewer knew the story of the man stationed at Base Camp below – battling temperatures between -19°C and -36°C – processing film by hand and hoping a slow satellite connection would hold long enough to transmit history back home. Mohd Noor Mat Amin, then a photographer with Utusan Malaysia , was solely responsible for capturing and transmitting the historic images from Everest Base Camp, situated at roughly 5,000m above sea level. Now 59 and based in Pokhara, the Kuala Terengganu-born veteran looks back on the assignment as the most demanding chapter of a career spanning more than three decades. Getting to Base Camp was no small feat. Mohd Noor carried close to 50kg of equipment – cameras, a scanning machine, a satellite phone, a laptop and a complete set of analogue film-processing tools – from the mountain gateway town of Lukla with the help of three porters. There were no digital shortcuts available at the time. Everything that followed had to be done o Veteran photographer recalls freezing struggle to transmit history from Base Camp in 1997

were rinsed in water kept between 25°C and 30°C for about three minutes to stabilise the emulsion. “If the temperature shifted drastically because of the weather, the entire process could fail and had to be repeated from the beginning, placing tremendous emotional pressure on the photographer.” Once dried, the negatives were scanned and transmitted via satellite phone, a process taking between two and four hours depending on signal strength and one that occasionally failed altogether. Each image had to be captioned before being sent through an agonisingly slow connection. The entire effort was driven by one objective – ensuring Malaysians could open their newspapers the next morning and see authentic, unmanipulated photographs of their countrymen standing at the top of the world. The Everest experience left a lasting impact beyond journalism, sparking a passion for mountaineering that later earned Mohd Noor recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records for completing 111 solo ascents of Mount Kinabalu in 2010. He retired from photojournalism in 2018 and now lives in Pokhara with his Nepalese wife, whom he married in late 2022, where they jointly operate a tourism and mountaineering company, Bernama reported. Reflecting on the state of journalism today, Mohd Noor urged younger practitioners not to allow technology to erode the instinct to report from the ground. His remarks were made in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day 2026, themed “Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility”, which he described as especially relevant at a time when artificial intelligence and digital manipulation are increasingly shaping the way information is consumed by the public.

Mohd Noor was solely responsible for capturing and transmitting the historic images from Everest Base Camp, situated at about 5,000m above sea level. – PIC COURTESY OF MOHD NOOR MAT AMIN

manually wound to shield it from light. The chemical development process required precision, with colour developer and bleach-fix solutions maintained at stable temperatures between 38°C and 40°C before the negatives

entirely by hand. Working with SLR cameras and analogue film, he developed every negative on-site under conditions that left almost no room for error. Each roll had to be placed into a dark bag and

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WEDNESDAY | MAY 27, 2026

7

Hope fades for building collapse victims ANGELES: Authorities here called off search and rescue operations on Monday evening after rescuers, using life locator equipment, determined there were no longer signs of life beneath the rubble. The focus shifted yesterday to recovering the remains of the victims. “My hope of still finding him alive has collapsed,” said Lea Casilao, her voice breaking. Casilao said she and her husband, Joselito, had planned to meet at the work site on Sunday, with her husband supposed to pick her up. When she was unable to reach him, she went to the site and saw the tangle of concrete, mangled metal and collapsed scaffolding. “I kept calling his number, but nothing,” said Casilao, 47, sitting in a makeshift tent as a bulldozer outside began clearing debris from the road. Beside her were other families waiting anxiously for news. At least four people have been confirmed dead, including a Malaysian whose body was recovered on Sunday. Another 16 remain missing. Authorities have launched an investigation into why the building collapsed, and whether or not it violated terms of its construction permit: though only nine storeys were approved, a swimming pool was under construction on the 10th floor. The Philippine labour agency stopped work in September 2025 over safety violations, but lifted the order a month later after the company complied with regulations. – Reuters Seoul overpass collapse kills three SEOUL: A section of an overpass under demolition in the South Korean capital, Seoul, collapsed yesterday, killing three people who were conducting a safety inspection and injuring three others, fire and city officials said. Television footage showed emergency workers conducting a search-and-rescue operation as a long segment of the structure lay collapsed on the street below, near a railway crossing in central Seoul. Workers detected signs of instability in the structure overnight and suspended the demolition early yesterday for a safety inspection, a Seoul city official said. The section collapsed yesterday afternoon while safety inspectors were inside the support structure. All the people killed and injured were senior city public works officials and a private sector expert conducting the inspection. The overpass, built in 1966, was being demolished due to safety defects in the structure. – Reuters

Muslim pilgrims gathering at the mount yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat MOUNT ARAFAT: Huge numbers of Muslims prayed on Mount Arafat yesterday at the climax of the haj pilgrimage, as a punishing desert sun sent temperatures soaring towards 40ºC. o 1.5 million join haj the tens of thousands of pilgrims as they made their way toward Mount Arafat. “It is an indescribable feeling,” said Ahmoud Abou Elezz, a 35-year old Egyptian engineer, as he approached Mount Arafat for the first time. More than 30,000 Iranians have made the journey, about a third of the 86,000 originally expected. Irna state news agency said the “wartime situation” explained the drop. Despite the war, Saudi officials said over the weekend that more pilgrims had travelled from abroad this year than last year. mostly outdoor rituals, which can take five days or more to complete. Since men are prohibited from wearing hats, many carry umbrellas to try to keep the blistering sun at bay. After Mount Arafat, pilgrims will spend the night in Muzdalifah, where they will collect pebbles for the symbolic “stoning” ritual in Mina, starting today.

More than 1.5 million people have joined the haj this year despite the shadow of war across the Middle East from the US and Israeli war with Iran. During the fighting, Tehran retaliated with waves of drone and ballistic missile strikes, hitting major infrastructure and energy installations across the Gulf, including in Saudi Arabia.

The haj , one of the five pillars of Islam, must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means to do so. With temperatures hitting 44ºC in Mecca in recent days, Saudi authorities have urged pilgrims to drink plenty of water and protect themselves from the sun during the

The haj is said to follow the path of the Prophet Muhammad’s final pilgrimage, about 1,400 years ago. It has long been an important source of legitimacy for the Al Saud dynasty, whose monarch has the title “Custodian of the Holy Mosques”, in Mecca and Medina. – AFP

From daybreak, thousands of white-robed worshippers recited Quranic verses on the 70m rocky hill near Mecca, where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon. Volunteers handed out bottles of water, parasols and food packages to

Cambodian king pardons former opposition leader

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s king has pardoned former opposition leader Kem Sokha for a treason conviction, just weeks after he lost an appeal to overturn that verdict, according to a royal decree released on Monday. Kem Sokha, 72, co-founder of the defunct Cambodia National Rescue Party, has been held under house arrest since he was found guilty of treason in March 2023. He was accused of conspiring with a foreign power to topple then-premier Hun Sen. Last month a court in Phnom Penh upheld his 27-year sentence and banned him from leaving the country for five years once that term ends. The royal decree said the pardon only applied to the original sentence. A lawyer for Kem Sokha did not immediately answer phone calls seeking comment on the pardon. Kem Sokha’s case was among the most prominent in a sweeping

crackdown on opponents of the Cambodian People’s Party, which has ruled Cambodia for more than four decades. The United States said at the time that his conviction was based on “fabricated conspiracy theories”. He was among only a few remaining opposition figures in the Southeast Asian country, after many others fled in the wake of a 2017 Supreme Court ruling that banned the CNRP. The Khmer Movement for Democracy, an organisation led by one of those exiled figures, Mu Sochua, said in a statement that the pardon was an attempt to whitewash the government’s campaign against its political opponents. “The decision to mitigate only the prison sentence while maintaining the ban on political activity and restricting freedom of travel abroad is merely shifting the form of

Kem Sokha visiting his mother on the outskirts of Phnom Penh on Monday. – AFPPIC

says those convicted were law breakers. Hun Sen, who now serves as senate president, signed the decree on behalf of King Norodom Sihamoni, who is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. – Reuters

detention from house arrest to political confinement,” it said. Cambodia’s government, now headed by Hun Manet, the US- and British-educated son of the still influential former prime minister Hun Sen, denies targeting opponents and