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PwD workers get thumbs up from employers: Survey

Findings indicate 80% of such staff rated as having competency level equal to able-bodied peers.

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY ‘Aye’ to proposed construction of new public hospital in PJ Taman Medan assemblyman lauds move, amid concerns over costly land acquisitions.

SCAN ME No. 9166 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Call to ensure equal access to constituency allocations Group proposes framework to guarantee fairness for all MPs, regardless of party affiliation.

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A special task force has been created to probe the derailment on the Ampang-Sri Petaling line, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke assuring that systemic accountability would be enforced at the highest level. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Report on h page 5 Transport minister warns of ‘maximum enforcement action’ on officials found to be negligent in recent LRT derailment incident. Heads will roll will roll

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PM: Reading helps shape more mature, thoughtful society KUALA LUMPUR: The practice of reading can help shape a more mature and broad-minded society in facing an increasingly complex world, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In a post on his Facebook page, he said books not only provide knowledge but also educate society to be more patient in thinking and wiser in making judgements. “Books teach us to be more patient in thought, more mature in judgement and not easily swept away by a culture of condemnation or short-lived sensationalism. “ Insya-Allah , I will launch the 2026 Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair as a sign of continued support for the culture of knowledge and reading among the people, particularly the young generation.” Anwar said he read several of his favourite books during the Aidiladha holiday. In a video shared in the post, Anwar also recited poetry from Dari Derita Bangsa , related to his struggle and imprisonment in 1999, which also mentioned the resilience of his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in facing challenges during the Reformasi era. – Bernama

PM gifts sacrificial cows to media for Aidiladha

delivering information and serving as a bridge between the government and the people,” said Pahang Press chairman Fazli Ahmad. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok hosted an Aidiladha celebration on Thursday, coinciding with Thailand’s observance of the festive day. The gathering, which brought together embassy staff and guests, was held in conjunction with the visit of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Deputy Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin, who was in Bangkok on a five-day trade mission. Malaysia’s Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah used the occasion to remind staff that serving abroad is itself a form of sacrifice. “Never let this sacrifice go to waste. Continue to work with full dedication and excellence,” he said, urging the embassy to function as one unified family in fulfilling the nation’s responsibilities.

o Gesture reflects appreciation of media workers and recognition of role in serving as bridge between govt, public

More employers recognising work ethics of persons with disabilities PUTRAJAYA: The work ethics of persons with disabilities (PwD) continue to gain recognition, with nearly 81% of employers rating their performance on par with other workers, according to the Statistics Department’s 2025 Employment Survey of Persons with Disabilities in Malaysia. Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the survey, involving 1,830 employers, also found that 71.9% recognised the role of PwD in driving productivity and innovation in the workplace, with nearly 22% of employers currently hiring PwD. He said the effort reflects growing employer awareness on workforce diversity. He added that nearly 91% of employers who had previously hired PwD provided employment opportunities for between one and five workers, while 47.5% expressed their intention to continue hiring PwD. Mohd Uzir said the survey also found that 86.5% of employed PwD workers possessed the PwD card as official verification of their disability. He said the majority of employers showed support towards efforts to strengthen the inclusive employment ecosystem. He added that 90.6% support the establishment of specific guidelines related to PwD employment while 77.3% agree that job training should be tailored according to the type of disability. Mohd Uzir said the survey also identified several challenges, with 63.3% of employers citing high cost of modifying workplaces to be PwD-friendly, 78.6% reporting difficulties in finding suitable candidates and the need to further improve awareness on the benefits and incentives of hiring PwD. “Holistic cooperation among the government, employers, PwD organisations and all stakeholders is important to strengthen the inclusive participation of the group in the labour market and support the country’s socio economic development.” – Bernama Five animals were sacrificed at the event, with the remaining 20 set to be slaughtered in Kuala Kedah the following day. Club committee member Wan Nabil KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim marked Aidiladha by donating sacrificial cows to media practitioners in two states yesterday, in a gesture described as recognition of their role in serving as a bridge between the government and the public. In Kedah, a cow was presented to Kelab Media Elit Kedah as part of a larger contribution of 25 cattle for the Madani Sacrificial Ritual programme in Jerlun, said Anwar’s senior political secretary Romli Ishak.

Nasir said the gesture reflects the prime minister’s concern for the welfare of media workers in the state, with the meat distributed to those in need. In Pahang, Anwar donated a sacrificial cow to Pahang Press in what the organisation described as a first-time contribution, Bernama reported. The korban programme was held at Kampung Anak Air in Kuantan with the assistance of about 40 members of the Tok Peramu Qurban Squad. The sacrificial meat was distributed to journalists, photographers and local residents. “This gesture carries special meaning as it reflects recognition of our role in

Book choices of Madani leaders showcased at fair KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2026, which begins today, comes with various innovations and new attractions. said organising committee adviser Mohd Khair Ngadiron. Located at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, the fair will run until June 7 and features over 1,000 booths for the public to visit from 10am to 10pm. organising the Largest Malaysian Academic Book Gathering, with the participation of 24 university publishers offering more than 5,000 scholarly titles across various disciplines. The Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2026 reflects the organisers’ commitment to empowering the reading culture and making books a medium for shaping a knowledgeable society. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

The organisers have also provided a Children’s Literature Festival platform to foster interest in reading through several art activities, coloring contests, drawing classes and costume shows. The development of young talent continues to be empowered through the Malaysia Innovative Futuristic Library Academia Junior programme, which facilitates school librarians, and the School Resource Centre TV programme, which trains school students in broadcasting, journalism and communication skills. The fair aims to cultivate a deeper reading culture while providing a platform for intellectual discussions, book industry development and international collaboration. “The book fair is not just an exhibition event but also a major platform for the dissemination of knowledge, creativity and innovation in the book world.” – Bernama

In an effort to invigorate the reading culture in society, the fair sees the inclusion of a special gallery of “Madani Leaders’ Book Choices” and a “Children’s Literature Festival”. Upholding the theme “Malaysia Reads: Celebrating Books”, this edition of the fair reflects the organisers’ commitment to empowering the reading culture and making books a medium for shaping a knowledgeable society. According to its organisers, the Madani Leaders’ Book Choices is a gallery showcasing books that are the favorites of the country’s top figures. “This gallery not only provides visitors with an opportunity to understand the thoughts of national leaders through the reading materials that shape their core values but also displays each copy alongside a summary, context and shared reflections from those figures,”

The book fair is also aggressively driving the book economy through the organisation of the Asian Rights Fair from today until Sunday, which is hoped to create a major impact on copyright trading and expand the reach of Malaysian works into the global market. It sees the participation of 24 countries, including China, the United Kingdom, Turkiye and India. The fair is continuing the VIP Buyers Programme managed by Perbadanan Kota Buku to facilitate schools to buy reading materials digitally through the Kota Buku Digital platform. “This initiative aims to expand access to quality reading materials in a more transparent, systematic and high-impact manner.” For the higher education segment, the Malaysian Scholarly Publishing Council is also

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Plan to build new public hospital in PJ welcomed

Call to expedite Residential Tenancy Act KUALA LUMPUR: The National House Rental Association (NHRA) has urged the government to expedite the enactment and implementation of the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) to safeguard the rights and interests of homeowners and tenants. Its president Prakash P. Kalivanan said the move was necessary amid growing public concern over the misuse of rented residential properties for illegal activities such as bitcoin mining operations, prostitution, harbouring illegal immigrants, storing stolen goods, loansharking activities and other unlawful conduct. He said under existing laws, homeowners could face investigation or possible legal action if authorities determined that they had knowledge of the illegal activities or failed to take reasonable steps to prevent such activities from taking place on their property. “As NHRA president, I would like to emphasise that the majority of homeowners rent out their properties in good faith and are often unaware of the activities carried out by irresponsible tenants. “Many property owners are ordinary Malaysians who rely on rental income (to meet) their financial commitments and should not be unfairly victimised due to the actions of tenants acting without their knowledge,” he said in a statement yesterday. He said NHRA strongly believes that Malaysia urgently require a comprehensive RTA to provide proper legal protection and clearer guidelines for both homeowners and tenants. “Such legislation would help regulate the residential rental market more effectively by outlining the rights, responsibilities and obligations of all parties involved.” He said the introduction of a comprehensive RTA was necessary to create a balanced, transparent and legally protected rental ecosystem in Malaysia, while helping to reduce disputes, improve accountability and provide clearer enforcement mechanisms involving tenancy-related issues. At the same time, Prakash said homeowners must also exercise reasonable responsibility and due diligence when renting out their properties, including taking precautionary measures to protect themselves from potential legal complications. He said among the measures suggested were preparing proper written tenancy agreements, conducting tenant verification and background checks. – Bernama ‘Extend validity period of childcare centres’ KUANTAN: The Malaysian Association of Childcare Centres has proposed that the government extend the validity period for the registration of childcare centres from five years to 10 years. Association founder and chairman Simon Ng said this would allow operators to focus on improving teaching quality while reducing repetitive administrative procedures and enhancing the overall operational efficiency of the industry. “The centres are not only responsible for overseeing children’s learning and safety after school hours, but also bear labour, training and operational costs. If the registration validity period can be extended, it would help operators plan long-term development more steadily,” he said in a statement. He added that the association encourages all unregistered childcare centres nationwide to complete the registration process promptly and provide a safer and more secure learning environment for children. “The registration system not only helps improve the overall quality of the centre services, but also boosts the confidence of parents as their children are able to learn and grow in a more structured and well-monitored environment,” he said. – Bernama

Speaking to theSun, Taman Medan resident Muhammad Nizam Ahmad Ghazali, 34, said while the proposed hospital would clearly benefit the community, traffic and infrastructure issues must be addressed before construction commences. “I think it would be a very good thing for residents here because it will make it more convenient for us to get medical treatment without travelling far,” he said. “However, I am concerned about the traffic situation. The roads here are already quite busy, so I think it could get worse if a large hospital is built unless proper upgrades and planning are done.” He added that authorities should carefully assess infrastructure capacity before proceeding. “I think they should really look at traffic flow, parking and access roads first before building the hospital, to make sure it does not create more problems for residents in the PETALING Medan assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin has welcomed the proposed construction of a new public hospital here, describing it as a much-needed facility for residents, while raising concerns over the financial feasibility of the project and the high cost of land acquisition. Afif claimed he was the first to raise the need for a new public hospital in Petaling Jaya during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting in 2023. “A new public hospital is definitely something I welcome, whether it is initiated by the state or federal government,” he told theSun yesterday. He said the proposal was important as the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre has become increasingly costly for the public seeking treatment and admission. “I raised this matter in 2023 because there was already a clear need for another public hospital in Petaling Jaya. “It was later supported by several other assemblymen and submitted under the Malaysia Plan through the state government,” he said. Afif, a former doctor, said he was encouraged by recent reports suggesting that the proposed hospital could be built in Taman Medan, adding that such a facility would greatly benefit the local community. However, he questioned whether the government would be able to finance the project, particularly if compulsory land acquisition is required. “I am still not fully convinced the hospital can be realised because it ultimately depends JAYA: Taman o Taman Medan assemblyman describes proposed project as much-needed facility, while expessing concern over costly land acquisitions Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

The site was identified through recent technical discussions between federal and state authorities as a possible solution to meet rising demand for a public hospital. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Medan, currently occupied by the X Park PJ South sports complex, as a potential location for the new hospital. The site was identified through recent technical discussions between federal and state authorities as a possible solution to meet rising demand along the densely populated Petaling Jaya–Subang Jaya–Puchong corridor. The Selangor government on Wednesday, welcomed the announcement by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad regarding the proposed site agreed upon for the construction of the Petaling Jaya General Hospital. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the decision followed a recent coordination meeting held on May 14 involving federal and state agencies, as well as local authorities. Amirudin said the proposed site accepted by the ministry was considered highly suitable due to its accessibility, proximity to population centres, cost efficiency in land acquisition and overall capacity planning. He added that the hospital is expected to adopt a vertical development model similar to the Ampang Hospital, enabling a 500-bed facility to be built without requiring extensive land while optimising construction costs.

on the government’s financial capability and whether sufficient funding can be secured.” The Bersatu lawmaker estimated that constructing a 500-bed hospital could cost about RM500 million, excluding the cost of acquiring land in Petaling Jaya, where property prices are high. He suggested that if the Health Ministry faces difficulties securing funding due to land costs, both the state and federal governments could consider using existing institutional land already under government control. Among the sites proposed were land owned by Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia in Petaling Jaya and Universiti Teknologi Mara land in Jalan Othman. “I think these institutional lands are more feasible because they are already within government control. “Converting them into hospital land would be more sustainable and practical for the government to implement,” he said. Afif added that such an approach could significantly reduce costs and ensure better use of public funds while still addressing the urgent need for improved healthcare access in Petaling Jaya. The Health Ministry is reportedly considering a six-hectare site in Taman

Proposed site of building sparks traffic concerns PETALING JAYA: The suitability of the proposed site for the Petaling Jaya General Hospital has drawn mixed reactions from both residents and netizens, who have raised concerns over traffic congestion and infrastructure capacity. long run.” Another resident Rais Zulfahmi, 26, said the proposed hospital would not only benefit residents in Taman Medan, but also those travelling from nearby areas such as Puchong and Shah Alam, as the XPark area near Sri Manja serves as a direct access route connecting the locations. hospital is built as a high-rise facility, saying: “Can imagine the queues for the lifts and the traffic around the lobby area, drop-off and emergency if it’s a small footprint but a tall building?” The same user added that while the site has strong catchment potential, traffic congestion could be a major issue.

“Location will be one of the best in terms of catchment but the traffic there is going to be a nightmare.” It was also noted that the land may be viable for development. “Not a big loss honestly, it’s a private golf driving range so the land owners would be compensated.” Recent checks by theSun showed the surrounding area is relatively large and presents potential for a hospital development. However, access roads in the vicinity are narrow, and the site is surrounded by established residential areas, which could contribute to increased congestion if the project proceeds. However, the land located near the entrance to X Park is also sizeable, offering space for possible development. – BY KIRTINEE RAMESH

Expressing similar concern over the already congested conditions in Taman Medan, particularly the lack of sufficient parking spaces, he cautioned that vehicles parked along roadsides could narrow roads further, worsen traffic congestion and pose safety risks. The government should consider a “condominium-style” hospital design, in which the lower floors are dedicated to parking facilities to accommodate visitors and prevent roadside parking from disrupting traffic flow, he said. On Reddit, user iamatwork420 lamented road conditions in the area, writing:“The area is very poorly maintained. I hate driving there. The roads are messy with random roundabouts, and it is difficult to make U-turns.” User cosine-t highlighted potential operational challenges, particularly if the

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Call for equal, non-partisan access to constituency funds

‘Repeated traffic alerts may deter visitors to Penang’ GEORGE TOWN: A hotel industry group has lamented that repeated public alerts over severe traffic congestion in Penang during the current holiday period could discourage tourists from visiting the state. Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) national president Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel said public communication on traffic conditions should strike a balance between safety preparedness and maintaining confidence in tourism destinations. “Repeated statements highlighting massive congestion, overcrowding or travel difficulties could unintentionally create fear and hesitation among domestic tourists when choosing Penang and other destinations for their holidays” he said in a statement. It was earlier reported that Penang was expected to receive about 1.9 million vehicles during the long public holiday period, with Aidiladha, Wesak Day and the King’s birthday stretching from May 27 to June 2. The announcement was made by police to inform the public that increased monitoring and enforcement operations statewide were necessary to ensure smoother traffic flow and road safety during the holiday period. Among the congestion hotspots identified were Jalan Teluk Air Tawar-Jalan Bagan Luar in Seberang Perai Utara, Jalan Perusahaan Perai Jalan Kulim in Seberang Perai Tengah, Jalan Besar Simpang Empat in Seberang Perai Selatan and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway. Police had also announced that 145 officers and personnel from the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department would be deployed for the operation in collaboration with the Road Transport Department, local authorities and PLUS Malaysia Berhad. Sri Ganesh said the tourism and hospitality sector was still rebuilding confidence following previous challenging periods. “During previous festive and holiday periods, similar statements regarding extraordinary traffic conditions were issued, and hotel occupancy rates in many areas remained at about only 50%, far below expectations and industry projections.” He urged public communication to focus on preparedness, safe travel planning and positive tourism encouragement rather than creating unnecessary anxiety among travellers. Sri Ganesh said negative perceptions affect the livelihood of hoteliers, restaurateurs, retailers, tourism attractions operators, transport providers, event organisers and even small traders who rely heavily on visitor arrivals. He also urged travellers to choose licensed accommodation providers for safety and consumer protection reasons, while encouraging visitors to make early reservations and plan their journeys properly. Sri Ganesh said Penang remains one of the country’s key tourism hubs, offering cultural, heritage, food and hospitality experiences for both domestic and international visitors. Meanwhile, Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said tourist arrivals to the state are expected to remain robust despite the traffic alerts. Wong said as 2026 is also Visit Malaysia Year, he expects a positive trajectory in the tourism sector, especially medical tourism. “Apart from seeking healthcare, tourists also go shopping at Gurney, visit the heritage enclave in George Town or go on a food trail. Now that it is durian season, I expect many visitors will be looking to sample our famous durians too,” Wong told theSun. Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: A civil society group is calling for legislation to ensure equal and non-partisan access to constituency development funds (CDF), following a dispute involving access to the Subang parliamentary office funding portal. Projek Sama said Malaysia should move towards a clearer legal framework that guarantees all MPs, regardless of party affiliation, have equal access to constituency allocations. It urged the federal government to institutionalise CDF allocation through Parliament, adding that current arrangements leave room for selective access and administrative discretion. “Every elected MP represents taxpayers, and their constituents are entitled to equal access to public resources “The CDF comes from public funds and o Govt needs to institutionalise allocation through Parliament as current arrangements leave room for selective access, administrative discretion: Civil society group Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com Amid the festive spirit of Aidiladha, which is synonymous with sacrifice and gratitude, the assistance is especially meaningful for fishermen who depend on the sea as their source of income. The handover of the assets was part of the Penang government’s Social Impact Management Plan under the Silicon Island project, which aims to equip 294 eligible fishermen with upgraded fishing assets by 2027. Veteran fisherman from the Sungai Batu unit, Che Anuar Puteh, 64, said the gift came a day after his birthday, and as someone who has spent more than four decades at sea, he was deeply touched by the contribution. “Although this new boat feels like a birthday present, it is actually a blessing from God, as our family depends on the sea for our livelihood, including my two sons who are also fishermen,” he said at the handover ceremony officiated by Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz on Wednesday. Yeoh Mah Kee, 78, from Gertak Sanggul, shared the same sentiment. He said the new boat and engine were a great relief after years of bearing the high cost of maintaining his old engine. “Previously, I used a 60-horsepower engine that required constant maintenance and repairs, which were very costly,” he said. Meanwhile, Mohamad Shafiq Rostam, 28, described receiving the new assets as a fresh

and said disruptions to funding channels could delay local development and welfare programmes. Projek Sama said the immediate restoration of access to the Subang MP’s office would be an appropriate step towards ensuring administrative fairness while broader reforms are considered. It added that a rules-based system governing constituency allocations would help reduce political tension and strengthen institutional trust. Last Friday, Wong said his office had been denied access to the MyKhas portal, which is used to process constituency related applications under the Projek Mesra Rakyat programme. He said it raised serious concerns as to why the Subang parliamentary office was the sole constituency being affected from having access. He added that if selective treatment had taken place it was deeply regrettable and directly contradicted the principles of fair, transparent and professional administration. He also said the Subang parliamentary office had previously been recognised by the Implementation Coordination Unit in Selangor as a well-managed constituency office, noting its record of orderly documentation and financial compliance. He added that denying access without notice or justification disrupted welfare initiatives in Subang and risked damaging the reputation of his administrative staff. Wong said his office has formally requested that the access to the MyKhas portal be restored and an explanation be given for the apparent restriction.

must not be used in a partisan manner,” the group said in a statement on Wednesday. Projek Sama also proposed that political parties commit ahead of the next general election to supporting a dedicated CDF law, including tabling a private member’s Bill if necessary, to ensure allocations are administered independently rather than by the Prime Minister’s Office. The call comes after Subang MP Wong Chen’s office was reportedly blocked from uploading Projek Mesra Rakyat applications for schools in the Subang constituency via the MyKhas portal on May 20. Projek Sama said the incident occurred shortly after Wong indicated his intention to contest under a different political banner in the next general election. It also claimed that while Subang’s access was restricted, other MPs in Selangor did not face similar issues, although it stressed that no official written explanation had been provided by the authorities. The government had not publicly responded to the specific allegations regarding access restrictions at press time. Projek Sama said any perception of selective access to constituency funds could undermine public confidence in administrative neutrality. “Any withholding of access does not only affect the MP, but also constituents, including schools, welfare recipients and community projects,” it said. It added that such allocations ultimately benefit voters regardless of political affiliation. The group added that the Subang constituency has more than 130,000 voters

New boats bring Aidiladha cheer for fishermen GEORGE TOWN: This year’s Aidiladha celebration has brought renewed hope to the fishing community in southern Penang as they received new boats and high-powered engines to sustain their livelihood.

Fishermen showing their ownership certificates after receiving new boats and engines. – PIC COURTESY OF SILICON ISLAND DEVELOPMENT

conjunction with Aidiladha. Meanwhile, Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said to date, 158 fishermen have received new boats with high-powered engines. A total of 795 out of 877 registered fishermen have also received ex-gratia payments totalling RM11.84 million. Silicon Island, spanning 930.78ha, is a Penang-owned reclamation project that marks the first time the state government has directly undertaken such an initiative to drive long-term economic growth. – Bernama

start in his life as he continues the legacy of his late father, who passed away from a heart attack five years ago. “This boat represents more than assistance, it is a responsibility for me to carry on my family’s legacy as fishermen,” said the Sungai Batu resident. In addition to receiving new boats and engines, there was also an engagement session with the local fishing community through a community programme organised by the Fishermen Service Centre on Monday, during which 70 families received fresh chicken in

FRIDAY | MAY 29, 2026

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Rail woes risk pushing commuters back to cars

Action to be taken over LRT derailment

PETALING JAYA: Repeated rail disruptions in the Klang Valley risk eroding public confidence in the mass transit system and could drive commuters back to private vehicles despite worsening congestion and rising travel costs. The latest service interruptions have renewed scrutiny over both operational reliability and the long-term governance of the rail network, with experts saying ongoing expansion must be matched by stronger maintenance systems and lifecycle planning. Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua said continued investment in rail infrastructure remains necessary as urban demand is expected to rise over the next decade. “It is critical that Malaysia continue expanding its rail systems to mitigate traffic congestion and growing demand over the next 10 years or so. “At the same time, expansion must never happen without proper regard for sustainability,” he said. Law added that reliability is central to sustaining ridership and public trust in rail transport. “Such disruptions could pose a real threat to the reputation of the entire public transport system. “This will cause people to stop using it altogether in favour of private vehicles despite worsening traffic congestion and the higher costs of driving around the city,” he said. He also said rapid expansion without sufficient operational preparation has created difficulties in other countries, particularly in managing increasingly complex rail assets. “Too often in other countries, fast-paced expansion results in financial, organisational and technical challenges related to operations management, spare parts procurement and scheduling because these processes are unable to keep up with the increased scope of assets in operation,” he said. He added that lifecycle management of infrastructure is often overlooked during the expansion phase. Commenting on yesterday’s disruption in the Klang Valley rail network caused by a faulty track switch, Law said frequent incidents point to deeper structural issues within the system rather than isolated technical faults. “The recurring disruptions on routes in the Klang Valley clearly suggest potential underlying problems within the rail network.

“Modern transport systems are built around preventive and predictive maintenance, allowing them to function for decades without major breakdowns,” he added. He said frequent issues such as signal failures, rolling stock breakdowns and power supply interruptions should not be treated as normal occurrences in a well maintained system. “When such problems and similar disruptions begin occurring more frequently, it becomes quite obvious that something is wrong,” he said, adding that ageing infrastructure naturally increases maintenance complexity. Law said repeated disruptions risk shifting the issue from engineering performance to governance credibility. “Eventually, disruptions reach a point at which they go beyond mere technical malfunctions and begin causing broader systemic concerns. Any rail network in any country will face technical issues once in a while. “But when these disruptions happen regularly, the public will begin questioning not only maintenance standards but also the governance behind operations and long-term planning.” He said authorities must prioritise lifecycle-based infrastructure management, stronger preventive maintenance regimes, workforce capability development and greater transparency to rebuild public trust. “Rail infrastructure needs to be maintained with lifecycle considerations in mind. “There should be more information made available to the public regarding the condition of the system, its maintenance, disruption risks and improvement plans so that trust can be restored,” he said, adding that while expansion remains necessary, maintenance and reliability must now be given equal priority. Yesterday morning, a train on the Ampang and Sri Petaling Line derailed while passing through a track switch area near the Chan Sow Lin station, disrupting services along the affected route. Rapid KL confirmed in a statement that the incident was caused by a faulty track switch, which left the train immobilised and disrupted scheduled operations on the line. Shuttle trains and free shuttle bus services were deployed to assist affected commuters. The operator also said all 25 passengers on board were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported. – By Harith Kamal especially for fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids. Beginning June, we will conduct operations and test individuals using the device,” he said after attending the agency’s Aidiladha and korban ritual event yesterday. He said the agency is now facing a new challenge involving synthetic drugs such as fentanyl, which are more dangerous than traditional drugs such as cannabis and heroin. Ruslin said the detection kits are capable of identifying fentanyl, synthetic cannabinoids and cocaine used in vape liquids. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: The Transport Ministry (MOT) has established a special task force to investigate the LRT derailment on the Ampang-Sri Petaling line, with minister Anthony Loke assuring that “maximum enforcement action” will be taken and that no one in the rail operator’s top management will be exempted from accountability. The incident near the Chan Sow Lin station occurred yesterday morning when a train derailed during operations, disrupting services along the line. o Special task force created, while minister vows ‘maximum enforcement action’ against those found negligent Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

the matter,” Loke said. He also issued a strong warning to the rail operator’s leadership, saying accountability must extend to the highest levels. “I would like to stress that the board of directors and management team of Prasarana cannot continue with a ‘business-as-usual’ attitude. “Incidents such as this must be treated with utmost seriousness and no one in Prasarana’s top management will be exempted from accountability over this incident,” he said. Loke further stressed that disciplinary action could follow depending on the outcome of the investigation. “Safety standards and the reliability of public transport services are not matters that can be compromised. “Serious action, including dismissal, must be taken by Prasarana’s board of directors against any party found negligent in carrying out their responsibilities in order to restore public confidence in the reliability of rail services operated under Prasarana.”

All 25 passengers on board were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported. However, Loke stressed that the matter is being treated as a serious safety breach rather than a routine service disruption. “A train derailment poses significant safety risks to both passengers and operational staff. “Although all 25 passengers involved in the incident were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported, MOT maintains a firm stance on this matter and will not compromise on public safety issues,” he said in a statement yesterday. He added that the government had moved swiftly to establish a formal investigation mechanism. “I have directed that the findings of the investigation be submitted to the Cabinet as soon as possible and that the report be made public. “I have also instructed the Land Public Transport Agency to take the maximum possible enforcement action against Prasarana Malaysia Bhd in relation to this incident. “The agency has immediately opened an investigation paper into

Man dies after being struck by reversing car at home KUALA LUMPUR: An elderly man died after being hit by his own reversing car in an incident believed to have occurred after he forgot to engage the handbrake when parking the vehicle at his home in Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor, yesterday afternoon. reversed on its own and struck the victim, causing him to fall and become pinned underneath it.” Ibrahim said preliminary findings suggest the victim is believed to have failed to engage the vehicle’s handbrake, combined with the sloping driveway leading towards the gate. the incident are urged to assist investigations by contacting investigating officer Insp Nurul Anati Zulkifli at 03-6064 1222. Meanwhile, Selangor Fire and Rescue Department Operations Division assistant director Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar said firefighters assisted in extricating the victim, who was trapped beneath the car, after arriving at the scene at 5.43pm. Firefighters extricating the victim, who was trapped beneath the car. – PIC COURTESY OF SELANGOR FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT

Drug agency to deploy test kits SEPANG: The National Anti-Drugs Agency will begin deploying new synthetic drug detection kits nationwide from June, including for fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids increasingly found in vape liquids, as authorities move to curb a growing drug threat in Malaysia.

District police chief ACP Ibrahim Husin said police received a report on the incident involving the 67-year-old victim at 5.30pm. “Initial investigations found that the incident occurred at 5.18pm when the victim parked his vehicle inside the driveway before stepping out to close the gate. “However, the vehicle suddenly

He said the victim was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe head injuries and was later taken to the Kuala Kubu Baharu Hospital for an autopsy. He added that the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. Individuals with information on

Its director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the detection kits have been distributed to all agency offices nationwide and would be used by enforcement personnel during field operations. “We will begin conducting tests using the synthetic drug test kits,

The operation involved five firefighters and a Compact Fire Rescue Tender unit from the Bukit Sentosa Fire and Rescue station, and was concluded at 6.05pm. – Bernama

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Dayak community strives to preserve Gawai traditions

Journalists final defence against misinformation, say experts KUALA LUMPUR: As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates the spread of unverified content online, communication experts have said mainstream media and professional journalists have become the critical buffer between the public and the information that could destabilise national security and social harmony. Universiti Malaysia Sabah Communication Programme head Dr Aisah Meri said the role of journalists has fundamentally shifted from simply reporting events to actively verifying information before it reaches the public. She described mainstream media as an essential gatekeeper in the digital space, particularly as social media platforms amplify content designed to provoke emotional responses, stoke racial tension and erode confidence in national institutions. “Digital platform algorithms today prioritise interaction over the authenticity of information, which is why the media must be better prepared to face the new challenges.” On the threat posed by deepfakes and AI-generated content, Aisah said media organisations could no longer afford a conservative approach. She said journalists need to be equipped with digital forensic skills and content verification tools while newsrooms must establish clear ethical guidelines on the use of AI in reporting. Universiti Malaya senior lecturer Dr Muhammad Zaiamri Zainal Abidin said rebuilding public trust remains a pressing challenge, with some segments of society still viewing media institutions as politically influenced. He called for greater investment in media literacy, adding that the public need to understand how professional verification differs from unfiltered citizen journalism. Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris lecturer Dr Ahmad Sauffiyan Abu Hasan urged mainstream outlets to be more aggressive on social media, mastering algorithm strategies to ensure verified content reaches wider audiences. He cited an MIT study finding that emotionally-charged fake news spreads six times faster than accurate information. The remarks were made in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day. – Bernama

KUCHING: As preparations for Hari Gawai gather pace across Sarawak, concerns are growing over the gradual fading of traditional Dayak customs and rituals amid changing lifestyles and modern influences. Former Sarawak Customs Council research assistant Philip Igai said today’s Gawai celebrations differ greatly from those held between the 1960s and 1980s, when rituals and traditional practices played a much bigger role in the festivities. He said one of the main reasons many rituals are no longer widely practised is the change in religious beliefs among the Dayak community, particularly after many embraced Christianity. “In the past, there were more traditional elements such as Gawai Umai and Gawai Tuah , which involved elders and various customary rituals.” Philip, 76, a former teacher, said Gawai organising committees at longhouses are now focusing more on activities that appeal to young individuals to encourage greater participation in the celebration, such as sepak takraw and futsal competitions as well as karaoke activities. “Even so, efforts to preserve cultural heritage are still ongoing. In Betong, for example, there are clubs and associations helping young people learn traditional cultural arts.” He said although some customary practices have diminished over time, Hari Gawai (celebrated on June 1 and 2) continues to symbolise the identity and o ‘Celebrations today differ greatly from those held between 1960s and 1980s, when rituals and traditional practices played a much bigger role in festivities’

Philip said Gawai organising committees at longhouses are now focusing more on activities that appeal to young individuals to encourage greater participation in the celebration. – BERNAMAPIC

unity of the Dayak community, which comprises nearly 30 ethnic groups in Sarawak, Bernama reported. He said efforts to elevate Gawai Dayak into a national-level celebration have been discussed since the early 1960s by leaders such as the late Datuk Seri Tra Zehnder. “Before it was officially recognised, the Dayak community celebrated various Gawai festivals according to their respective ethnic groups as a sign of gratitude to God for a bountiful harvest, although the dates differed according to local customs and areas. “After the formation of Malaysia in 1963, Sarawak’s first chief minister Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan agreed for the festival to be gazetted, and the first official Gawai Day celebration was held on June 1, 1965.” Philip said preparations for Gawai usually begin days before June 1 through special meetings to form organising committees at longhouses. “May 30 usually begins with food

preparation such as slaughtering chickens, cooking lemang and other traditional dishes. “On the morning of May 31, longhouse residents begin laying mats along the ruai (veranda that runs the entire length of a longhouse) as a sign that the actual Gawai celebration has begun. Some also take the opportunity to visit family graves.” He said on the night of May 31, residents gather at the ruai for the Gawai ceremony, accompanied by the sound of the gendang rayah , a special ceremonial drum played during the celebration. “There is also the berayah ceremony, in which representatives from each family room walk around the ruai wearing traditional attire and carrying parang as a symbol of custom and tradition. “As midnight approaches, the Gawai chief delivers a speech and at exactly 12.01am on June 1, all longhouse residents drink air pengayu as a symbol of the beginning of the new Gawai year before shaking hands as a gesture of forgiveness.”

FRIDAY | MAY 29, 2026

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Ashes of French Korean War veterans buried alongside fallen comrades BUSAN: Two French veterans of the Korean War were laid to rest on Wednesday in South Korea, their ashes buried alongside fallen soldiers who had fought with them more than seven decades ago. war who have chosen to be buried at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan. this magnificent international cemetery. It was meaningful for him,“ Grisolet’s daughter, Elisabeth Magrou, told AFP. “will never be alone. He will rest in peace on Korean soil, in this incredible country that he loved”. Since the war ended, ties between South Korea and France have remained close. Many foreign veterans have visited numerous times, watching the Asian country transform in just a few decades into a global economic power. – AFP Rescuers find five survivors in Laos cave Warrant Officer Jacques Grisolet and Cpl Andre Datcharry, who died recently in France, were among 37 foreign veterans of the 1950-1953 The world’s only UN cemetery, located in the heart of South Korea’s second city, holds the remains of more than 2,300 soldiers from 14 nations. “We are very happy that dad chose to have his ashes interred in The children of both veterans – members of the French UN battalion formed in 1950 to help counter North Korean forces – attended the military ceremony in the vast burial ground. Magrou said now, her late father Patrick Beaudouin, a French former lawmaker who heads a national association of UN veterans, told AFP that many former soldiers felt a deep connection to Korea. The sight of war refugees “reminded them of what they had themselves lived through in their youth, when France was occupied in 1940.”

VIENTIANE: Specialist divers found five of seven individuals trapped for a week in a flooded cave in Laos alive on Wednesday, with one rescuer saying their extraction from its terminal chamber was the next challenge. The seven Laotians entered the cave in central Xaysomboun province, northeast of the capital Vientiane on May 20, according to state media. They were searching for gold but got trapped inside the cave after heavy rain triggered flash flooding, blocking their exit. Five men with their clothes, hands and faces covered in mud huddled in a tight passage of the cave, while two rescuers in dive gear and standing in stomach-deep water filmed them, a video posted by Thai rescuer Chakkit Taengtan showed. “We found five Laotians. Everybody is safe. We’ll continue to provide help,” Thai rescue diver Norrased Palasing said in the video. Finnish diver Mikko Paasi, also seen in the cave footage, said he and Norrased needed to “dive straight back” and bring the men more supplies to gain strength and prepare o Divers to bring stranded men supplies in preparation for exit

The discovered survivors huddled within the cave terminal chamber. – REUTERSPIC

nearly three weeks trapped by flash floods in the Tham Luang cave complex in Thailand’s north. The Laos cave system extends deep underground, with multiple levels and narrow passages. – AFP

Norrased and Paasi, who arrived at the Laos cave on Monday, were among the rescuers who aided the 2018 retrieval of a youth football team from a flooded cave in Thailand. The “Wild Boars” team spent

Paasi in a social media post. State-run Lao Security News said rescuers would now bring food and medicine to the five survivors and continue searching for the two others who are missing.

to exit the cave. “This is only a brief relief as the five survivors are still in the terminal chamber, all healthy and in good spirits, but the extraction is still ahead and it is not going to be easy,” said

Thai court dismisses royal defamation case BANGKOK: A Thai court yesterday dismissed a royal defamation case against a former opposition leader over comments he made during the Covid-19 pandemic, in a rare ruling in favour of a prominent government critic. criticising the government’s procurement of Covid-19 vaccines, linked to a company owned by the king. whom rights advocates say have been targeted by judicial processes because they are perceived as challenging to the nation’s conservative establishment.

Van crash in China kills 13

reform the strict law. If found guilty, they could face lifetime bans on holding political office and be stripped of their right to vote for 10 years. The 47-year-old heir to one of Thailand’s largest auto parts manufacturers, Thanathorn was banned from holding office in a separate case in 2020. However, he remains active in politics and helped campaign for the People’s Party, the latest iteration of Future Forward, in the last election in February. – AFP partly by trafficking victims living in brutal conditions have proliferated across Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines and lawless areas of the Myanmar-Thai border. The United Nations estimates hundreds of thousands of individuals have worked in the centres, some lured with the promise of a well-paid job but many forced to do so under threats of violence. – Reuters

BEIJING: An overloaded minivan collided with a truck in central China yesterday, killing 13 individuals and injuring three, police said. The van, which had a maximum capacity of nine passengers but was carrying 16, hit the rear of the truck while on an expressway in the Henan province at 2:40am (1840 GMT Wednesday), the traffic management bureau of China’s Public Security Ministry said. It added that the truck was travelling on the G40 expressway in the city of Nanyang when it “rear-ended a semi-trailer truck travelling ahead of it. The ministry said it “attached great importance” to the incident, “immediately dispatching a working group to Nanyang led by a traffic management bureau official to direct investigations and handling work.” Deadly traffic crashes occur frequently in China due to lax safety standards and widespread disorderly driving. – AFP

Bangkok’s Criminal Court ruled the comments were aimed at then-prime minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha’s vaccine administration and did not amount to royal defamation, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. “The evidence brought by the plaintiff was not sufficient,“ the group wrote on social media. The verdict is a rare success for a major opposition figure, many of

At least three former MPs from the opposition Move Forward Party, a successor of Future Forward, have previously been sentenced under the lese majeste law over their political activities. Another 10 MPs, including current opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, are under court investigation over their support to

Thailand’s strict lese majeste law protects the royal family from criticism and carries jail terms of up to 15 years per offence. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, former leader of the now-defunct Future Forward Party, was charged over a Facebook live broadcast in 2021

Six sentenced to life over torture, murder of scam centre victim PHNOM PENH: A Cambodian court has convicted and sentenced six Chinese nationals to life in prison on charges they tortured and murdered a South Korean student involved with one of Cambodia’s notorious scam centres, a court spokesperson said on Wednesday. travel bans for parts of Cambodia, imposed sanctions and launched joint efforts to crack down on the sprawling centres, which have been accused of enslaving and abusing workers, and stealing billions of dollars from scam victims around the world. spokesperson said in a statement. According to an autopsy report released by Korean authorities in November 2025, the 22-year-old victim died from blunt force trauma after beatings and torture. Southeast Asia has emerged in recent years as an epicentre of the global cyberfraud industry.

The Kampot Provincial Court found all six men guilty of torture, murder and aggravated fraud, the

The student’s death in August 2025 kicked off a diplomatic firestorm with Seoul, which issued

Compounds that are mostly run by Chinese criminal gangs and staffed