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Young children learn deep meaning of faith on Aidiladha

Observing qurban ritual teaches next generation empathy, humility and obedience to God.

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

Report on — page 6

SCAN ME No. 9165 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Shattered trust Report on h page 3 Rising reported cases of sexual misconduct involving teachers expose culture of silence, prompting parents to question safety in schools.

PIOUS PERSEVERANCE ... Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia during the spiritual peak of the haj pilgrimage a day before Aidiladha. – AFPPIC

Selangor to fast-track land for proposed PJ Hospital: MB Federal and state officials to conduct urgent site visit this week.

Cabinet to review alleged Taiping Prison abuse next week Minister pledges thorough probe over Suhakam report on 2025 incident that left 100 hurt, one dead.

Report on — page 4

Report on — page 5

THURSDAY | MAY 28, 2026

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King, Queen enjoy Aidiladha meal with family JOHOR BAHRU: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, got together with family members and grandchildren to share a meal in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration at Istana Bukit Serene yesterday. According to a post on the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Facebook page, the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail and Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor, together with their children, were also in attendance. Also present were the Tunku Panglima of

‘Balanced, fair reporting vital to boost trust in media outlets’ ALOR SETAR: As media practitioners navigate an increasingly complex political landscape and an ever-tougher digital environment, those covering opposition states or territories, in particular, must tread carefully, providing balanced and fair reporting without appearing to favour any side. As social media floods the public with information, and competition for attention intensifies, credibility has become a media organisation’s most valuable asset. Universiti Teknologi Mara Shah Alam Faculty of Communication and Media Studies senior lecturer Dr Khairun Nizam Mohammad Yusuff said media practitioners in opposition held territories feel this challenge more acutely, as every report they produce is often viewed through the lens of political bias. “Media cannot be overly harsh on opposition state governments, yet must be cautious when it comes to the federal government or vice versa. “For example, if a media outlet criticises local issues such as damaged roads, water problems or weak state administration, it must also have the courage to call out delays in federal projects. “A fair and consistent approach will strengthen public trust in the integrity of the media.” Khairun Nizam said media practitioners must back every report with solid facts and thorough verification. He added that before running a story, whether on water pollution, the rising cost of living or troubled development projects, the media must get confirmation from all sides – state governments, technical agencies, independent experts and the affected people. He said media organisations must resist the pull of a viral, sensationalist culture, the desperate chase for clicks and instant attention, adding that one wrong step could damage a media outlet’s reputation for years. “Avoid a sensational headline like ‘The people are suffering, the government has totally failed!’ Such a headline may grab attention but it can damage the media’s reputation. “Instead, a more professional headline, such as ‘Cost of living rises, people urge immediate government action’, is seen as more mature and ethical. “This helps build a media image that is credible, composed and never seen as exploiting readers’ emotions just to chase popularity.” Khairun Nizam said media practitioners must also draw a clear line between news, analysis and editorial content. “For example, a news report simply delivers the facts. For instance, a government announcement on a flood mitigation plan. An analysis then probes whether that plan can actually solve long-term problems. “An editorial, on the other hand, might argue that the government needs to be far more transparent in how it runs projects.” – Bernama

Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ibrahim, the Tunku Putera of Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim as well as Tunku Tun Aminah Sultan Ibrahim, her husband Datuk Dennis Muhammad Abdullah and their children. – Bernama

Anwar being greeted by congregants at Masjid Putra in Putrajaya yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Hari Korban celebrated with prayers, takbir nationwide o Royalty, prime minister and state leaders joined thousands of congregants to worship, listen to sermons on a day of national celebration marked by sacrifice and communal spirit

KUALA LUMPUR: Muslims across Malaysia celebrated Aidiladha with devotion and gratitude as thousands of worshippers, including the prime minister, royalty and state leaders, filled mosques to recite the takbir and perform morning prayers. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail joined more than 10,000 congregants at Masjid Putra in Putrajaya, where they listened to a sermon titled Pengorbanan Menuntut Keikhlasan (Sacrifice Demands Sincerity) delivered by the grand imam Dr Muhammad Zakuwa Rodzali. In Selangor, the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah along with the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah joined more than 15,000 congregants at Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah in Shah Alam. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari was also in attendance. Twenty-eight cattle, including one contributed by the Sultan, were sacrificed during the ibadah korban at the

Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir and the Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud arrived at Dewan Awam Tuanku Najihah in Kuala Pilah at 8.30am, accompanied by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, to pray alongside about 1,500 congregants. Kelantan’s Crown Prince Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra joined thousands of worshippers at Masjid Jamek Al-Ismaili in Bandar Baru Pasir Pekan, Tumpat, while in Terengganu, the Regent of Terengganu Tengku Muhammad Ismail Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin performed the prayers at Masjid Al-Muktafi Billah Shah in Kuala Terengganu alongside Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Bernama reported. The Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail joined more than 1,200 worshippers at Dataran Istiadat Istana Arau, while in Penang, Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his wife Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah prayed alongside more than 5,000 Muslims at Masjid Abdullah Fahim in Bertam, Kepala Batas.

mosque compound. The Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, accompanied by the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, performed the prayers at Masjid Tengku Ampuan Afzan in Indera Mahkota, Kuantan. The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah as well as the Raja Muda of Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad performed the Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Sultan Idris Shah II in Ipoh with more than 1,000 congregants. The Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail attended prayers at Masjid Negeri Sultan Abu Bakar in Johor Bahru along with more than 1,000 congregants. In Kedah, Sultan Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah performed the prayers at Masjid Zahir in Alor Setar with more than 2,000 worshippers, including Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor. In Negeri Sembilan, the state’s Yang di

Armed forces thank Johor Regent for unwavering support KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) has expressed its utmost gratitude and appreciation to the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim who voiced unwavering support for the armed forces in strengthening the country’s defence preparedness. The MAF said in a statement yesterday that the support was demonstrated through the Johor government’s provision of space for the implementation of military exercises in the state. It said the support reflects a strong strategic synergy among the royal institution, the state government and the armed forces. The MAF also extended its appreciation to the

armed forces personnel while ensuring that the country’s defence readiness remains at the highest level.” It also reaffirmed its professionalism and pledged to always place the safety of the people and the sovereignty of the nation as its utmost priorities under the reign of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. – Bernama

Regent for his assurance of continued care for armed forces veterans. “The recognition of the sacrifices made by military veterans proves that their contributions continue to be deeply valued. “Consistent and realistic training in actual field environments is a mandatory prerequisite in strengthening the tactical competency of

THURSDAY | MAY 28, 2026

3

‘Protect students from sexual abuse’

o Many schools struggle with culture of silence, fear and uncertainty when dealing with misconduct allegations: Parent action group chief

that many victims may be too afraid to come forward due to fear, shame, intimidation or concern that they may not be believed.” Lee said such cases must never be treated merely as internal disciplinary matters, and called for all allegations to be investigated professionally, independently and transparently. He proposed several urgent measures, including a strict zero tolerance policy against sexual misconduct in schools, stricter background screening for educators and safe, confidential reporting channels for students. He also stressed the need for regular child protection training for teachers and greater awareness among students about personal safety and reporting inappropriate behaviour. He called for stronger cooperation between parents and schools, firm legal action against offenders as well as adequate counselling and psychosocial support for victims.

chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye described sexual misconduct involving teachers and students as “deeply alarming” and said such incidents risk eroding public trust in the education system. “Although the vast majority of educators are dedicated and ethical professionals, the actions of a small number of teachers who exploit students not only tarnish the teaching profession but also destroy the trust placed by parents and society in our educational institutions. “When a teacher commits sexual harassment, sexual exploitation or any inappropriate sexual behaviour against a student, it is a betrayal of trust and a form of abuse that can leave long-lasting psychological trauma.” He said victims could suffer emotional distress, depression, anxiety, academic difficulties and long-term psychological harm that may continue into adulthood. “What is even more concerning is

safeguarding audits to prevent abuse before it escalates. “Early warning signs such as favouritism, excessive private communication or attempts to isolate students must be taken seriously before they escalate into abuse.” Noor Azimah also emphasised the importance of educating students about inappropriate behaviour, even when it involves authority figures such as teachers. “Equally important is ensuring that students know where to seek help safely and confidentially.” She said victims should never be blamed, isolated or pressured into silence, while parents must be assured that safeguarding is treated as a fundamental responsibility rather than a public relations exercise. “Trust is rebuilt when institutions demonstrate that protecting children comes before protecting reputations.” Alliance for a Safe Community

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

with abuse allegations. “Students may fear not being believed, while peers or staff may hesitate to report suspicious behaviour involving a respected authority figure.” Noor Azimah said many schools also lack specialised safeguarding officers, trauma-informed reporting procedures and regular training for teachers and students to identify grooming behaviour. “Policies tend to become reactive after incidents occur rather than preventive.” She said schools must strengthen monitoring systems, enforce clear professional boundary guidelines, introduce mandatory reporting obligations and conduct regular

PETALING JAYA: Schools are meant to be safe spaces in which children learn, grow and prepare for the future, but a growing number of sexual harassment and misconduct cases involving teachers and students have shattered that sense of security. The incidents have left victims traumatised and parents questioning whether schools are doing enough to protect children. Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said many schools still struggle with a culture of silence, fear and uncertainty when dealing

Prices of petrol and diesel reduced KUALA LUMPUR: The retail prices of RON95 and RON97 petrol have been reduced by 15 sen and 20 sen per litre respectively, while the price of diesel in Peninsular Malaysia has been reduced by 10 sen per litre for the period May 28 to June 3. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced in a statement yesterday that the retail price of RON95 petrol has been reduced to RM3.92 per litre from RM4.07, RON97 to RM4.65 from RM4.85, while diesel in Peninsular Malaysia has been reduced to RM4.87 from RM4.97. According to the ministry, in line with the Automatic Price Mechanism (APM) formula, the retail prices of petrol and diesel for the week in question were reduced following the decline in the average international market price in the previous week. “However, this decline does not indicate that the pressure on the global petroleum market has subsided as market uncertainty following the conflict in the Middle East that has lasted for more than 12 weeks still persists. In addition, the damage to oil production and refining facilities in the Middle East will require a long period of time to recover,” the statement said. MOF said the Madani government continues to maintain the price of subsidised petroleum products in a targeted manner to preserve the livelihood of the people and the operations of certain sectors in the uncertain global market conditions. The subsidised prices maintained are RON95 through Budi95 at RM1.99 per litre, diesel in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan (RM2.15), while for the Subsidised Petrol Control System and the Subsidised Diesel Control System at RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre respectively. MOF said the government, through Budi95, continues to maintain the subsidised RON95 price for more than 14 million eligible recipients, with more than 90% of the total fuel consumption in the country involving subsidy recipients. “At the current unsubsidised RON95 price of RM3.92 per litre, the consumption of 200 litres will cost RM784. This means that the Madani government will bear RM386 for each recipient who uses the full Budi95 entitlement. Through the monthly eligibility ceiling of up to 200 litres, Budi95 recipients will only pay up to RM398 per month for the full use of the entitlement.” The government calls on the people to practise fuel consumption prudently through more efficient travel planning and reducing unnecessary travel. – Bernama

Better financial awareness needed among middle-income earners KUALA LUMPUR: Middle-income borrowers are increasingly turning to credit cards, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) facilities and personal financing. snowball, particularly when only minimum repayments are made on credit cards. Ng said many consumers underestimate how quickly small unsecured debts could snowball, particularly when only minimum repayments are made on credit cards. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ /HESUN

borrowing in the country. Ng said borrowers within the RM5,000 RM10,000 and RM10,000-RM20,000 income brackets recorded among the highest debt service ratios in cases handled by the firm. He said the firm receives 30 to 40 debt consolidation enquiries daily, with many borrowers only realising how quickly interest, minimum repayments and penalties could accumulate once debts became difficult to manage. He added that many clients now have less than 10% of their salaries remaining after servicing debts. Ng said official indicators such as Malaysia’s household debt-to-GDP ratio may not fully capture what he described as a growing “pre default” layer, meaning that borrowers are technically still paying but surviving only through minimum repayments and refinancing. He said some borrowers resort to family borrowings, EPF withdrawals and non-bank financing to remain afloat financially. Ng said many consumers underestimate how quickly small unsecured debts could

“A RM5,000 credit card balance can eventually grow into much larger debt over time if borrowers continue relying on minimum payments while still spending on the cards.” The consultancy also said BNPL facilities, widely perceived by consumers as merely a payment option, are increasingly influencing lending assessments by banks. It said banks are becoming more cautious towards borrowers with multiple BNPL commitments, even when the outstanding amounts are relatively small, as such facilities may indicate stretched cash flow management, Bernama reported. Among others, Ng proposed that there should be mandatory short financial literacy modules for consumers applying for credit cards, personal loans and BNPL facilities. “I believe this is important before loans are approved to ensure that borrowers fully understand effective interest rates, repayment obligations, penalties and long-term debt risks before taking on financing commitments.”

Financial consultancy firm Bluebricks Holding Sdn Bhd said observations from debt restructuring and financing consultation cases show that financial strain is no longer concentrated among low-income households. Its managing director Karl Ng said many borrowers earning between RM5,000 and RM20,000 a month are struggling with high debt servicing commitments, leaving them financially vulnerable to unexpected shocks such as medical emergencies, job loss or vehicle repairs. “What we are seeing is not necessarily an income problem but a leverage problem. Many people earn enough to qualify for multiple credit facilities but they do not have enough buffer when unexpected expenses arise.” According to Bank Negara Malaysia, household debt remained elevated at 84.8% of GDP, or RM1.67 trillion, as of end-2025, underscoring the scale of consumer

THURSDAY | MAY 28, 2026

4

Selangor ready to fast-track Petaling Jaya Hospital project

Digital overhaul speeds up Penang port processes GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Port Commission’s (PPC) newly enforced e-PDCFZ platform has reduced approval processing time for Free Commercial Zone operations from four hours to 90 minutes through a centralised digital workflow system, said its chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin. He said the platform officially came into effect on May 1 following the termination of the previous PPC.FCZONLINE system on April 30. Under the new system, all Free Commercial Zone declarations and cargo-related applications must now be submitted digitally through the e PDCFZ platform, which automates end-to-end workflows for port and Free Commercial Zone operations, including dangerous cargo management and monitoring processes. “Operational users input information directly into the platform. The system processes and structures the data automatically. Approvers then receive digitally verified workflows for faster review, monitoring and decision-making,”he told theSun. Yeoh said the system eliminates fragmented manual processes by centralising digital workflows and governance oversight under a unified platform. He added that the system was developed locally to support Malaysia’s digital port governance. According to Yeoh, the platform provides real time operational visibility through an Administrator Command Centre, enabling multiple stakeholders to coordinate digitally within a shared operational environment. These include administrators, approvers, cargo agents, dangerous goods operators, bunker suppliers, port operators and enforcement agencies. “This command environment provides real time operational visibility across the entire platform. “It enables operational control, advanced analytics, Key Performance Indicator reporting, audit trail monitoring, Application Programming Interface integration oversight and AI-enabled system support governance capabilities.” Yeoh said faster approvals and integrated monitoring capabilities are expected to improve cargo handling efficiency, operational coordination and compliance oversight across port and Free Commercial Zone activities. He said ports would increasingly compete on digital capability, governance efficiency and regional operational integration. “With the e-PDCFZ system having taken effect on May 1, this initiative marks an important step in PPC’s journey towards smarter, more transparent and future-ready port governance.” The platform forms part of PPC’s broader push towards smarter governance and digital transformation amid evolving global supply chain and maritime operational demands. Yeoh was recently in Nanning, China, where he highlighted the port’s new digital platform during the Dialogue of Jointly Explore Port AI & Digital Transformation, officiated by Transport Minister Anthony Loke. Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com technological shock. Beyond the economic sector, he said efforts to develop highly skilled human capital are also being introduced at primary school level through collaboration with the Pontian district education office to expose pupils to the AI ecosystem and strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training. He said the move aligns with the nation’s aspiration to produce a future workforce capable of meeting the needs of foreign investors under the special economic zone framework. – Bernama

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government is ready to facilitate and expedite land-related matters for the construction of the Petaling Jaya Hospital by the Health Ministry. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the facility is expected to benefit residents in the Petaling district, particularly those in Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya and Puchong. He said the ministry, relevant agencies and state government officers, including the State Economic Planning Unit, the Petaling District and Land Office as well as the Petaling Jaya City Council, will conduct an urgent site visit this o Proposed facility expected to ease congestion at public hospitals, says menteri besar

He said the location would allow the 500 bed hospital to be developed using a vertical concept similar to the Ampang Hospital, without requiring excessively large land areas, while also optimising ministry costs. “Efforts to identify a site for the Petaling Jaya Hospital have been actively pursued by the state government since 2018, taking into account the growing population in the Petaling district, which has now reached 2.3 million. “In Petaling Jaya alone, there are more than 800,000 residents. Currently, residents in the Petaling district depend on Sungai Buloh Hospital, Shah Alam Hospital and the University Malaya Medical Centre, which is managed by the Higher Education Ministry,” he said, as reported by Bernama. Amirudin added that the state government is also working closely with the Health Ministry to address access and congestion issues at public hospitals across Selangor.

week for the initiative. “The state government welcomes the announcement by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad regarding the agreement on the proposed site location for the construction of the Petaling Jaya Hospital. “This decision follows the latest coordination meeting held on May 14 involving federal and state agencies as well as local authorities,” he said in a statement yesterday. An online portal has reported that a 6ha site in Taman Medan, currently occupied by a modern sports complex, could help address the urgent need for a public hospital serving the densely populated Petaling Jaya-Subang Jaya Puchong corridor. Amirudin said the proposed site identified by the ministry is highly suitable to meet the needs of residents in Petaling Jaya, particularly in terms of accessibility, capacity, land cost and proximity to local communities.

Transport hubs see surge in festive travellers KUALA LUMPUR: Major public transport terminals around the capital are seeing a surge in travellers heading back to their hometowns ahead of the long holiday and Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration. A Bernama survey found increasing crowds at key terminals, including Terminal Bersepadu Gombak, Terminal Bersepadu Selatan and KL Sentral, as passengers began making early travel preparations to avoid last-minute congestion.

A Terminal Bersepadu Gombak representative Mohd Raimi Jusoh said ticket sales for the festive season opened two months ago to give passengers more time to plan their journeys. He said daily ticket sales at the terminal, which usually average about 1,000, have surged to about 7,000 during the long holiday and Aidiladha period. “There has been a sharp increase in ticket sales and bus trips as Aidiladha coincides with the long school holidays. “Terminal Bersepadu Gombak is widely known as a gateway to the East Coast, with 70% to 80% of bus operations serving destinations there, although the terminal also caters to other routes,” he told Bernama. To cope with increased demand, Mohd Raimi said daily bus trips had been raised to between 200 and 210 from about 150 on normal days, following approval from the Land Public Transport Agency. He said the two-week school holidays had also allowed travellers to spread out their journeys and avoid the usual last-minute rush seen during festive periods. Terminal Bersepadu Gombak management has also provided 14 special buses in collaboration with several boarding schools in Pahang, Malacca and Negri Sembilan to facilitate students’ travel. Meanwhile, passenger Muhammad Aiman Nor Hakim, 25, said he purchased his ticket two weeks earlier through a bus booking app to avoid ticket

Crowds were seen increasing at key terminals as passengers began making early travel preparations to avoid last-minute congestion. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

domestic preparations must begin now as several rural and suburban areas in Pontian are already within the impact perimeter of the mega economic corridor. As an example, he said Pekan Nanas, traditionally known as an agricultural area, is now undergoing a rapid transition towards sectors driven by industry, logistics and high-tech services. “The geographical position near rapidly developing hubs such as Iskandar Puteri and the Port of Tanjung Pelepas places this rural area as a shortages and higher fares. “I live in Setapak and will return to Bachok, Kelantan for Aidiladha with my family. Booking early is cheaper because ticket prices usually increase closer to the festive season,” said the first-time bus user at the terminal. Meanwhile, TMAS Sdn Bhd – the operator of Terminal Bersepadu Selatan – said ticket sales at the terminal began rising on May 22 and are expected to remain high until June 7. A company representative, who declined to be named, said about 50 additional buses had been deployed for various destinations based on routes approved by the Land Public Transport Agency.

critical overflow zone. “Therefore, the local market, including rural small and medium enterprises, is being aggressively encouraged to adopt the digital economy through collaboration with Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd,” he said on Bernama Radio during the J ohor Tersohor programme yesterday. Commenting on efforts to modernise the agro food sector, Tan said the automation and agricultural technology agenda is being refined to ensure traditional farmers can integrate with the JS SEZ supply chain standards without experiencing “Overall, ticket sales have increased by about 20% compared with last year’s festive season, driven by Aidiladha and the school holidays,” she said. The company has also carried out system upgrades, scheduled maintenance and increased manpower to ensure smooth operations during the peak travel period. At KL Sentral, many Electric Train Service passengers were also seen booking tickets early for their journeys home. Passenger Zanariyah Awang, 60, hoped transport operators would add more train coaches to accommodate the increase in travellers during the festive season.

Rural Johor eyes digital transformation JOHOR BAHRU: The implementation of the Johor Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is set to transform the state’s rural landscape through the adoption of artificial intelligence technology and a macro-scale digital economy, beginning at the grassroots level.

The strategic move is aimed at ensuring the economic spillover from the international special zone is not concentrated solely in urban areas, but also empowers rural communities as part of a competitive value chain. Pekan Nanas assemblyman Tan Eng Meng said

THURSDAY | MAY 28, 2026

5

Cabinet to review prison abuse findings next week

Former MACC chief preparing suit against businessman Ű THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“Whenever I go there, there will definitely be cases involving punctured tyres or broken-down vehicles,” he said. According to Amir, his volunteer work is entirely self-funded and mostly carried out during weekends and festive periods when traffic volume increases. However, following the reduction in the Budi Madani diesel subsidy from 300 litres to 200 litres, he now makes fewer trips. Amir said his intention in sharing the warnings online was simply to encourage motorists to be more cautious and better prepared before travelling along the East-West Highway. The Gerik-Jeli route has previously drawn attention due to wildlife-related incidents, including elephant sightings and tiger attacks near the highway. groups and enforcement agencies, particularly over allegations involving prison personnel. Earlier, the Prisons Department said it would extend full cooperation to all relevant authorities reviewing Suhakam’s findings. In a statement, the department said the report, including its findings and recommendations, would be examined comprehensively, thoroughly and with integrity, particularly matters relating to prison management and personnel. It also reaffirmed its commitment to addressing all concerns raised in accordance with existing laws, regulations and correctional standards. At the same time, the department urged all parties not to speculate or draw premature conclusions that could interfere with ongoing investigations and any subsequent action by the authorities. Meanwhile, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo called for greater transparency and accountability in handling the case. Gobind urged the inspector general of police and the Attorney General’s Chambers to clarify the actions taken following Suhakam’s findings, saying those responsible must be held accountable regardless of rank. He said the inquiry’s findings pointed to alleged abuse involving prison personnel. Gobind also questioned why a prison warden was charged under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code for culpable homicide not amounting to murder despite Suhakam’s findings allegedly suggesting more serious wrongdoing. He further called for immediate action over allegations of medical negligence and the falsification of medical records highlighted in the inquiry. Gobind said he intends to raise the matter at the upcoming Cabinet meeting.

Perdana event. Fahmi the government would carefully study all findings raised by Suhakam before making any policy or administrative decisions. “From the government’s side, we should indeed be concerned about Suhakam’s findings and we will study the matter fully before taking any further action.” The issue has drawn renewed attention following Suhakam’s public inquiry into the January 2025 incident at Taiping Prison, which reportedly left more than 100 inmates injured and one prisoner dead. The inquiry has prompted responses from lawmakers, rights stressed that

Cabinet meeting next week, as scrutiny intensifies over claims of abuse, medical negligence and a custodial death. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the government takes the findings seriously and will study the report in detail before deciding on the next course of action. “The matter was not brought to the Cabinet meeting either last week or this week. Usually, Suhakam’s annual report will be tabled and debated in Parliament. “We will look into whether this issue will be brought up at next week’s Cabinet meeting,” he said yesterday after attending the Lembah Pantai Korban

o Govt expected to deliberate on human rights commission report into alleged incident in Taiping

PETALING JAYA:

Former

GEORGE TOWN: A volunteer who spends nearly every weekend patrolling the East-West Highway between Gerik in Perak and Jeli in Kelantan is urging motorists, particularly first-time users, to avoid travelling along the route after dark and to resist stopping unnecessarily, citing the dual risks of wildlife encounters and the near-total absence of emergency assistance along the isolated 100km corridor. Mohd Amir Faizal, 48, from Sungai Petani, has made it his personal mission to assist stranded motorists on the route officially known as Jalan Raya Timur-Barat. Operating on a self-funded basis mainly during weekends and festive seasons, he said the dangers of the road are often Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki is taking legal action against businessman Albert Tei, with his lawyers preparing the necessary documents to file a suit over allegations that he had threatened Tei in connection with an alleged Sabah corruption scandal. Azam confirmed the move when approached by several media outlets, saying: “Yes, my lawyers are preparing the documents.” He described Tei’s claims as baseless, stressing that he had never had any contact with the businessman, either directly or through a third party. “Honestly, I have never dealt with him, never communicated with him and never sent my lawyer to speak with him,” Azam reportedly said. The dispute follows a police report lodged by Tei on May 13, in which he alleged that Azam had threatened him while he was attempting to expose corruption involving politicians in Sabah. Bukit Aman CID director Datuk M. Kumar subsequently confirmed that police would summon Azam to assist in investigations under Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation. Rather than shying away from scrutiny, Azam said he welcomed the police investigation and had already been in contact with the authorities, confirming he was prepared to provide a full statement. He also urged police to investigate Tei as well. The case has drawn considerable attention given Azam’s former role leading the country’s anti-graft agency and comes amid ongoing scrutiny over alleged corruption networks in Sabah. Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Putrajaya is expected to deliberate on findings by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) on an alleged Taiping Prison incident at the

The Prisons Department said it would extend full cooperation to all relevant authorities reviewing Suhakam’s findings on the alleged incident involving inmates last year. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Volunteer warns of dangers along East-West Highway

roadside, particularly during long festive traffic jams. He frequently uploads safety reminders and warnings for road users on his Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts. During the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri balik kampung period, he said some motorists were seen setting up tables and preparing drinks by the roadside while waiting for congestion to ease. “Sometimes, people stop to prepare milk for their children or sit too long by the roadside,” he said, adding that such situations increase the risk of encounters with wild animals. Amir said he travels along the route almost every week on a voluntary basis to help motorists facing breakdowns, punctured tyres and minor vehicle problems that are usually not handled by emergency responders.

“If your car breaks down in the middle of that road, it’s very difficult to get help. There are no mechanics there, especially at night.” Amir said motorists should ensure their vehicles are properly prepared before using the route, adding that he frequently encounters stranded drivers without spare tyres or proper emergency tools. “Sometimes, they don’t even have a spare tyre. Sometimes, they don’t even have the tools,” he said. He added that rainy conditions further increase the risk of crashes along the highway as oil residue from vehicles can resurface on wet roads. “Most of the accidents I’ve seen usually happen during rainy conditions,” he said. Amir also advised motorists against stopping casually by the

underestimated, especially during peak travel periods. “If possible, don’t use the road at night. This road has elephants, tigers, bears and all sorts of wildlife,” he recently told theSun . According to Amir, elephants are commonly seen emerging from forest areas and lingering near the roadside between evening and early morning. “Usually, elephants come out from the forest and stay by the roadside from about 7pm until 8am,” he said. He said the warning was especially important for inexperienced motorists and those unfamiliar with the East-West Highway. The route cuts through forested terrain and stretches about 100km, with limited access to mechanics, workshops and emergency services.

THURSDAY | MAY 28, 2026

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Children introduced to spirit of Aidiladha

care through a combination of traditional hand chiselling techniques and modern machinery to ensure finer, neater and higher-quality results. “The prices for my carvings range from RM50 to RM2,000, depending on the size, design and type of wood used, such as meranti, cengal, seraya, merawan and raya hitam . “Beyond producing wood carvings, I have also showcased my talent internationally through several carving competitions, including in South Korea in 2000, where I created a bird carving, and in India in 2009, for a sculpture carving competition.” Mazri also shared that he won third place at the 7th International Abilympics in Shizuoka, Japan, in 2007 for his cherry blossom wood carving. “That achievement was not only a recognition of my talent and craftsmanship, but it also brought pride to the country on the world stage in the field of wood carving artistry.” Exploring potential reach of food heritage KUALA LUMPUR: The multicultural food heritage of Malaysia may hold greater value than many realise. Beyond tourism campaigns and food festivals, veteran culinary professional chef Rossham Rosli believes the diverse gastronomic ecosystem, shaped by Malay, Chinese, Indian, Nyonya and regional influences, could emerge as a stronger option for soft diplomacy, tourism promotion and talent development. “Malaysia may be a small country, but when they consider the skills (we have), they see Malaysia,” he told Bernama in an interview, reflecting his years representing Malaysia on international culinary platforms. Rossham, who is Berjaya Times Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur head of culinary, believes Malaysia has an advantage not easily replicated elsewhere – diversity. He recently coached Malaysia’s representative for the Young Chef International tournament held alongside the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2026” in Russia, while simultaneously serving as an international judge. He said Malaysia was recognised under culinary tradition categories, adding that international culinary participation should not only focus on medals. “Food brings people together. From cultural exchanges and tourism promotion to diplomatic engagement and international networking, food increasingly serves as a bridge connecting people and countries.” For Rossham, who is also the Gastronomy Association of Malaysia president, strengthening Malaysia’s culinary standing internationally begins with developing young talent early. “Malaysia possesses strong culinary fundamentals through vocational pathways, hotel industry exposure and multicultural food foundations. Yet, gaps remain.” Global opportunities exist all year round, but funding limitations, sponsorship challenges and limited participation platforms restrict exposure to international culinary competitions. “We sometimes miss opportunities (to compete internationally). Countries such as Thailand have already developed stronger institutional culinary ecosystems,” he said. A dedicated gastronomy academy focused on mentorship, practical exposure and accelerated talent development is among the proposals to strengthen the ecosystem. He said Malaysia should not underestimate the broader economic and strategic value of gastronomy as the sector increasingly intersects with tourism growth, heritage preservation, halal ecosystem expansion, cultural promotion and nation branding.

o Exposure to qurban ritual seen as living lesson in empathy, humility and obedience to God

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

SUBANG JAYA: As the takbir of Hari Raya Aidiladha echoed across mosque compounds yesterday morning, parents came not only for prayers and celebration but also to allow their children witness the meaning of sacrifice, compassion and faith. At several mosques here, children in matching baju Melayu and baju kurung clung closely to their parents, their curiosity drawn to rows of cattle and goats assembled for the annual ibadah qurban (ritual sacrifice). For many families, Aidiladha is more than the act of slaughter. It is a living lesson in empathy, humility and obedience to God. “It is important they do not grow up thinking meat simply appears on supermarket shelves,” said Nur Aisyah Rahman, 38, who brought her two children to observe the qurban process after prayers. “I explained to them that every animal is treated properly – fed, rested and slaughtered humanely according to Islamic principles. There is respect and responsibility involved.” Her 10-year-old son, Danish, admitted he was initially nervous seeing a cow up close before the sacrifice. “My father told me the animal is not tortured and that we say prayers first. I learned that we should be thankful for food and not waste it,” he said. Aidiladha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his beloved son, Prophet Ismail, as an act of obedience to God. According to Islamic tradition, just as Prophet Ibrahim was about to carry out the command, God replaced Prophet Ismail with a ram, sparing his life and affirming Ibrahim’s devotion and faith. The annual qurban ritual performed by Muslims worldwide serves as a reminder of that sacrifice and submission, while also Mohamed, 55, never allowed his limitations to stand in the way of his dreams, mastering the delicate art of wood carving through sheer determination and passion, eventually earning recognition on the international stage. Mazri, who once competed in the shot put, discus throw and javelin events, said he first became involved in wood carving more than four decades ago after learning the intricate craft as a teenager. Having lost the use of his left leg due to a high fever when he was six years old, he shared that his deep passion for the art of wood carving became the driving force that kept him creating, while also providing him with a source of income. “At first, I treated wood carving as nothing more than a hobby. But over time, I began to see its potential to grow much further, especially

Meat from ibadah qurban being distributed at Masjid Nurul Islam in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

about a decade ago. “I have also received commissions from several prominent figures, including former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the late Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, as well as members of the royal family. “Every carving comes with its own challenges, especially as there are times when my physical condition limits my movement. Some pieces can be completed within two or three days, while others may take up to two weeks, depending on the design and level of intricacy.” He added that among the motifs most favoured by customers are the hibiscus flower, betel leaves and the tree of life – designs that beautifully reflect the identity and rich heritage of Malay cultural artistry, while also complementing various wooden structures such as staircases, doors and wall decorations. He said every carving is crafted with great and carefully to minimise suffering, reflecting Islam’s emphasis on mercy even towards animals. For teacher Siti Nur Hajar Abdullah, 41, early exposure to the qurban experience helps cultivate empathy and humanity in children. “Some people think children should not see it, but I believe it depends on how parents guide them through it. If explained properly, they don’t just see an animal being sacrificed. They understand compassion, gratitude and respect for life itself,” she said. “They also learn that sacrifice is not only about animals, but about giving up something for the sake of others and for God.” For 15-year-old Amirul Ayman, watching volunteers carefully prepare and distribute food packs left a quiet impression. “I like seeing everyone help one another. We learn in school that qurban is about sharing blessings, not just eating meat. It makes me happy when I see people getting food,” he said. As families lingered around mosque compounds, exchanging greetings and helping with preparations, Aidiladha once again unfolded beyond a religious obligation. For many parents, it became a living classroom where faith, sacrifice and kindness were not only explained, but quietly witnessed and absorbed across generations.

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“After years of refining my skills and deepening my knowledge, I finally gained the confidence to accept commissioned work. My very first order came from villagers who wanted carved wooden designs for a staircase structure,” he said during an interview with Bernama at his workshop near Kampung Pulau Pisang Hilir recently. The father of five children aged between eight and 26 said he produces a wide range of carvings, including mosque pulpits, Quran rehal (stands), traditional dikir barat musical instruments, doors and decorative pieces for traditional homes. He said his craftsmanship not only attracted orders from the local community, but also earned him the honour of contributing wood carvings to the staircase of the Istana Balai Besar responsibility. Meat from qurban animals is distributed among family members, neighbours and especially the underprivileged, ensuring poorer communities are also able to share in the festive meal. For Mohd Faizal Mohd Hamdan, 45, the ritual is a way to ground his children in values often overshadowed by modern comforts, while also reminding them of the broader purpose of ibadah qurban in Islam. “We live in a time where children are surrounded by gadgets and convenience, but Aidiladha teaches them that faith requires sincerity and sacrifice. “It also teaches them to care for others because a large portion of the meat goes to people in need,” he said. Standing beside him, his 11-year-old daughter Nur Jazlin said she was most moved watching volunteers carefully divide the meat into portions for distribution. “My father told me some families only get to eat beef during this occasion. I think it is nice because everyone gets to share together,” she said Islamic scholars have long stressed that animals selected for qurban must be healthy and treated ethically throughout the process. The slaughter must be conducted swiftly

Former para-athlete finds niche in wood carving KOTA BHARU: Despite his physical disability, former Kelantanese para-athlete Mazri since very few people are willing to dedicate themselves to preserving this traditional heritage craft.

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‘Race against time’ to rescue Laos villagers

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned of the dangers of “extreme heat” gripping the world’s most populous country yesterday, with troops battling forest fires and local authorities reporting deaths from heatstroke. International air-quality monitoring platform AQI recorded that the top 45 hottest cities in the world were all in India yesterday, all with temperatures above 43°C. “Different parts of India are witnessing soaring temperatures, and the challenges that come with it. “This heat is harsh on all of us, and I urge you all to take as many precautions as possible,“ he said in a statement issued by his office. Extreme heat could lead to dehydration that thickens the blood and, in particularly severe cases, causes organs to shut down. At least 16 individuals died of heatstroke in southern Telangana state last week. Modi added that ignoring warning signs “can quickly turn dangerous and may even lead to heatstroke”. “Children, the elderly and those working outdoors are especially vulnerable during extreme heat.” The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday recorded the highest temperature of 47.4°C in the city of Banda in Uttar Pradesh state, 465km southeast of New Delhi, 3.8°C above normal. The man was on a 3.3m boat with a 10-horsepower motor when he was spotted about 38 nautical miles off the west coast on Monday by a fishing vessel whose crew alerted authorities, the Taean coast guard said in a statement. It added that the individual was arrested and is being questioned on suspicion of immigration law violations. The location where he was picked up was inside South Korean territorial waters, the statement said. A coast guard official declined to confirm the name of the suspect or explain how he may have reached Minister Vivian Balakrishnan met his North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui on Tuesday in Pyongyang and discussed strengthening bilateral ties, KCNA state news agency said yesterday. Balakrishnan and Choe also exchanged views on regional and global affairs, KCNA reported. He is expected to visit South Korea following his stop in the North, a rare trip to both Koreas by a Singaporean envoy.

The city hit 48.2°C earlier this month. Temperatures in New Delhi were 40°C at midday yesterday, according to IMD. Years of scientific research have found climate change is causing heatwaves to become longer, more frequent and more intense. Soaring temperatures that come before monsoon rains also increase the risk of forest fires. The Indian army yesterday issued photographs of its soldiers, who battled for more than 16 hours to contain a raging blaze near the Himalayan hill town of Kasauli. Air force helicopters dropped giant buckets of water, which the army said was “decisive in containing the blaze”, but firefighting operations were ongoing. IMD also warned about water shortages as the heatwave stretches on. “From drying rivers and falling groundwater levels to drought and water scarcity, every drop matters,“ it said yesterday, urging residents to conserve water. In addition to searing midday heat, India’s minimum temperatures during the night are still hot, giving residents little respite. The country’s highest officially recorded temperature is 51°C, measured at Phalodi in Rajasthan in 2016. – AFP the location, but described him as a Chinese male in his sixties. The time and the circumstances of his arrest matched the case of a Chinese dissident identified by The New York Times as Dong Guangping, who it said had previously escaped to Thailand, Vietnam and Taiwan, only to be sent back to China. The location where he was found is located approximately on the shortest line between South Korea and China of about 310km. Officials at the Chinese embassy in Seoul could not be reached for comment. The Chinese foreign ministry in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In 2023, another Chinese

resumed to perform a traditional spiritual ceremony, offering chickens and rice alcohol to sacred spirits believed to protect the mountain and rescuers, a Laotian rescue group said. Images shared by rescue teams on social media showed the offerings laid beside the cave entrance. The cave system, located in a remote area, extends deep underground, with multiple levels and narrow passages. Paasi said inside the cave “you have to navigate hundreds of metres of constant restrictions, flood waters, collapse hazards and high risk of contaminated air quality”. He added that the missing seven “should be trapped in the terminal chamber” about 300m from the exit. “We are still in high spirits that we will find the miners alive as they entered the mine with resources to stay sub-terrain for several days.” – AFP

o Seven trapped in flooded cave for one week

VIENTIANE: Rescuers were “racing against time” to extract seven individuals trapped in a flooded cave for a week in Laos, a specialist diver involved in the operation said yesterday. “If all the possible safety matters could be met today, we are considering a final search dive into the last chamber to locate them,” Finnish diver Mikko Paasi said in a social media post. “We are racing against time as today marks the seventh day and the way in is full of challenges,” added Paasi, one of the rescuers who aided the 2018 retrieval of a football team from a flooded cave in Thailand. The villagers entered the cave in central Xaysomboun province, about 125km northeast of the capital

Vientiane on May 20, Laotian state media said this week. They were searching for gold but instead got trapped inside the cave – what Paasi called an “abandoned gold mine” – after heavy rain triggered flash flooding, blocking their exit. Authorities and villagers have worked to pump water out, but rescue teams were not able to reach the group, state media said on Monday. Yesterday, the water level in the cave had dried up considerably, with rescuers continuing to pump it out, state-run Lao Economic Daily reported. Laotian rescuers, local officials and villagers gathered outside the cave before rescue operations

S. Korea detains China refugee SEOUL: South Korean authorities are questioning a Chinese national found in a rubber boat off the west coast, the coast guard said yesterday, with a media report identifying him as likely to be a dissident who had repeatedly tried to flee China.

national, who a South Korean activist said was fleeing authorities at home, was detained by South Korea’s coast guard after riding more than 300km on a jet ski with five containers of fuel. – Reuters Singapore minister visits N. Korea SEOUL: Singaporean Foreign

FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS ... Muslims performing Eid-al-Adha prayers at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh yesterday. – AFPPIC

Japan to launch new intelligence council TOKYO: Japan’s parliament passed legislation yesterday to launch a new intelligence council, a key move in Prime Minister Sanae Takichi’s push to bolster the nation’s security agenda. Officials have long argued for enhanced intelligence capabilities to deter foreign spies, prevent terrorism, safeguard sensitive technologies and improve national security. row erupted with Beijing, after Takaichi suggested in November 2025 that Tokyo might intervene militarily in any Chinese attempt to take Taiwan. Takaichi on Tuesday told the legislature that the step enables Japan to integrate intelligence activities, currently fragmented across multiple ministries, such as police, the foreign ministry and the defence ministry.

Under the new law, which was approved by the upper house yesterday and cleared by the lower house last month, the government will upgrade an existing intelligence body to serve as the central command for collecting and analysing information related to security and public safety. The new council will be chaired by the prime minister. However, Takaichi’s critics have voiced concerns that the upgraded intelligence apparatus might lead to the government’s overreach and infringe upon individual freedom and privacy. – AFP

He was a member of Cabinet in Singapore when it hosted the first summit meeting between the leaders of North Korea and the United States in 2018. United States President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a joint statement in June 2018 to open new peaceful relations and work on ending Pyongyang’s nuclear programme. Trump has said he wants to meet Kim again for talks but North Korea has not responded. – Reuters

“To maintain peace and prosperity and pre-empt serious crises, it is of the utmost importance to establish a system in which the intelligence community provides robust support for sound decision-making by policymakers,“ Takaichi said.

Tokyo has faced criticism that its existing policies and law enforcement against espionage are too relaxed, with some labelling the nation a “spies’ paradise”. The issue has gained a renewed sense of urgency since a diplomatic