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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