30/05/2026

SATURDAY | MAY 30, 2026

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Grocery salesman wins RM33.9m jackpot

EV motorcycles used for public cleaning MALACCA: SWM Environment Sdn Bhd has introduced electric vehicle (EV) side-car motorcycles for public cleaning operations in tourist hotspots around Bandar Hilir here to support the state Low Carbon City Agenda. Its corporate general manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin said the use of the EV machines is a strategic step by the company to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting Malacca’s aspiration to become a Green State by 2035. “The use of these EV side-car motorcycles not only helps improve the efficiency of cleaning operations but also reduces noise pollution and carbon emissions from fuel combustion, especially in tourism and heritage areas that are sensitive to environmental pollution. “It also reflects SWM Environment’s continuous commitment to strengthening the green technology agenda and supporting the development of cleaner, greener, more modern and sustainable cities,” he said, adding that five EV side-car motorcycles have been operating since April. The vehicles are being used for solid waste collection and public cleaning operations, particularly in narrow routes and high-intensity locations, he added. “The implementation of the EV vehicles is part of the company’s operational improvement efforts towards a smarter, more innovative and sustainable solid waste management system, in line with current technological developments and the needs of today’s urban communities.” He said the green technology approach is believed to have a positive impact on the environment while creating a cleaner, more conducive and comfortable atmosphere for tourists and local communities. “The EV side-car motorcycle operations are carried out from Monday to Thursday from 7.30am to 6pm. From Friday to Sunday, operations are conducted in the Car Free Zone area from 6.30pm to 10.30pm to ensure the cleanliness level of tourist areas remains at an optimum level. “The company will continue evaluating the effectiveness of the EV vehicles before expanding its implementation to other strategic locations within its operational area.” He urged the public to play their role in maintaining the cleanliness of public and tourist areas to ensure environmental sustainability for future generations. – Bernama Malaysia leads world Islamic economy PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has retained its position as the world’s leading Islamic economy in 2025, a recognition that highlights the country’s Islamic financial system, halal industry, innovation and development ecosystem. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the achievement, based on the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2024/2025, reflects international confidence in Malaysia’s political stability, clear economic policies and overall development direction. He said the ranking demonstrates that the Madani government’s emphasis on good governance, investor confidence and inclusive development continues to receive recognition at the global level. “The success of Malaysia in maintaining its position as the world’s top Islamic economy proves that the Malaysia Madani approach has placed the country on a strong, progressive and globally respected footing.” Nga added that the government would continue to strengthen its development agenda through the provision of quality housing, sustainable urban development and initiatives aimed at enhancing community wellbeing, ensuring the benefits of economic growth are enjoyed more broadly. – Bernama

Ű BY ANDEW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

entire night. I kept rechecking my ticket again and again to make sure that my numbers had really struck the jackpot.” Still trying to process the unexpected windfall, he said he would need time to decide how to utilise the prize money. “I still have not decided what I will do with my winnings. That said, one of my immediate priorities would be to settle all my outstanding debts first.” STM Lottery Sdn Bhd also said the jackpot is the second highest winning this year. The highest winning in a Sports Toto jackpot game this year was RM40.1 million, which was won by a 72-year-old woman from Penang on Jan 28. The grandmother, who had been playing Sports Toto games since the 1980s, became an instant multimillionaire with a winning System 10 Lucky Pick ticket that she bought during a routine grocery shopping run.

He said it was the first time in his life he has ever won a major prize. He added that he tries to participate in every single Sports Toto draw, especially when the jackpot grows to a huge amount, and usually spends about RM20 per draw. “My winning combination 3, 7, 10, 38, 42 and 52 has always been my favourite set of numbers, that I have been betting on consistently for the past few months. “I would also occasionally mix and match different number combinations on my bets from time to time.” He only discovered his good fortune totalling RM33,908,263.95 after a friend alerted him that someone had won the Supreme Toto 6/58 Jackpot. Upon checking his betting slip, he was stunned to find that he was the jackpot winner. “I was so happy that I could not sleep the

PETALING JAYA: A grocery salesman from Negeri Sembilan has won the Sports Toto Supreme Toto 6/58 Jackpot prize of RM33.9 million with his favourite set of numbers. STM Lottery Sdn Bhd yesterday said the 46-year-old, who sells products to grocery stores and retail outlets in the state, struck the jackpot on Wednesday. “I have been playing Sports Toto games for decades. I never expected that I would win a life-changing RM33.9 million jackpot with my favourite set of numbers. “Last week, I had a very strong feeling that I was going to win something big, and my intuition turned out to be right,” he said when he came to collect his winnings at the STM Lottery Sdn Bhd headquarters in Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur.

Youths help keep Wesak Day float tradition alive

Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Celebration also serves as fundraising platform for charitable causes through lighting of oil lamps

GEORGE TOWN: More than four decades since its inception, the tradition of building elaborate Wesak floats at Sian Chye Tong Temple in Ayer Itam continues to thrive through the dedication of its youth members. Known for its colourful and intricately decorated Buddha floats, the temple has become a familiar part of Penang’s Wesak celebrations, drawing devotees and visitors each year. Wesak Day commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and is observed by Buddhists worldwide through prayers, charitable acts and religious ceremonies. According to the temple’s Youth Section chairman and float designer Loh Choon Teik, preparations for this year’s floats and temple decorations took more than a month to complete. “The float is adorned with various artificial flowers, including lotuses, roses, orchids, sunflowers, chrysanthemums, carnations, tulips and ferns,” he said on Tuesday. The main Buddha float, measuring 9.14m in length, is also fitted with LED lights, bulbs and spotlights to brighten and enhance its appearance. “In conjunction with the Year of the Horse, the Buddha float features two 1.5m-tall horses,” he said, adding that the 1.22m-tall statue of the Buddha would be placed on the carriage. A second float bearing the temple’s logo and a large lotus flower will also join the Penang Wesak Day procession tomorrow, beginning from Lee Sih Chong Soo (Lee Kongsi) at 6pm. The procession will follow a 7km route through Jalan Burma, Jalan Kelawai, Lorong Burma, Lebuhraya Peel, Jalan Macalister, Jalan Perak, Jalan Anson and Lorong Madras before returning to its starting point. It was previously reported that a total of 23 floats themed “Bridging Through Digital, Cultivating Wisdom Together” would be featured in this year’s Wesak procession. Loh said the design and creativity of the temple’s past floats have always received admiration from the public, inspiring the

The main Buddha float, measuring 9.14m in length, is fitted with LED lights, bulbs and spotlights to brighten and enhance its appearance. – PIC COURTESY OF SIAN CHYE TONG

Seck Zhen Cheng, the Youth Section’s religious advisor,” said Loh. The official unveiling of the Buddha floats by guests and sponsors will also take place during the event. “All are welcome to sponsor the lighting of oil lamps for a good cause, good health, good luck and prosperity,” the organisers said. The Sian Chye Tong Temple Wesak Eve celebration will begin at 7pm today at the temple premises in Hye Keat Estate, while the floats will join the main Penang Wesak Day procession at Lee Sih Chong Soo tomorrow. A vegetarian buffet will also be served to devotees and visitors attending the celebration.

team to be even more creative each year. Apart from preserving tradition, the celebration serves as a fundraising platform for charitable causes through the lighting of oil lamps. This year, the temple raised RM12,000 for its charity fund, matching the amount raised last year. The funds will be channelled to society to aid the underprivileged and various charitable organisations. The Wesak Eve celebration will include the lighting of oil lamps, the singing of The Triple Gems song, speeches, chanting sessions, prayers for world peace and the “bathing of the Buddha” ceremony. “Prayers and the offering of light for world peace will be led by The Reverend