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JUN 7, 2026 | RM1.00 PER COPY | www.thesun.my

No. 9175 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Apart from the limited number of power ports, the low charging speed and outdated hardware used also contribute to the bane of EV owners travelling long distances. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

EV gridlock

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Weekend and festive season congestion exposes acute shortage of charging stations at R&R facilities along highways.

INSIDE

Settle Negeri rulership row through dialogue: Zahid

Early intervention vital to address autism, says NGO.

Hiker missing in jungle for two weeks found safe. H f

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NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday JUNE 7, 2026

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‘Not apt to take Negeri Sembilan issue to court’

Malacca elections only after Johor polls: CM ALOR GAJAH: Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has hinted that the state election would be held after the Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls are concluded. He said the situation in Johor and Negeri Sembilan is different from that in Malacca, which does not require the state legislative assembly to be dissolved in the near future. “The current term of the Malacca State Legislative Assembly ends on Dec 30. We (Barisan Nasional) will continue to administer government affairs and look after the people’s welfare until a date to be officially announced. We are not following either Johor or Negeri Sembilan, and we will deploy (party) machinery to assist in the elections in both states,” he said at his residence in Kampung Pulau on Friday. Ab Rauf added that he would study the results of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections before deciding on a suitable date to dissolve the state assembly. He said he was not under any pressure to dissolve the state assembly, as had happened in Johor and Negeri Sembilan. Commenting on the future of the state assembly, Ab Rauf described politics as an “art with 1,001 possibilities”. The Malacca state election in 2021 saw Barisan Nasional form the state government after winning 21 seats, while Pakatan Harapan secured five seats and Perikatan Nasional attained two seats. – Bernama Malaysians flock to Thailand SONGKHLA: Over 300,000 Malaysian tourists flocked to southern Thailand during the Aidiladha festive break and school holidays from May 27 to June 4, generating more than one bilion baht (RM123.2 million) for the country’s tourism sector. Hat Yai-Songkhla Hotel Association president Sittipong Sitthiphataraprabah said Malaysian tourists entered Thailand through nine land crossings in Narathiwat, Yala, Songkhla and Satun. He said Songkhla, Satun, Phatthalung, Trang, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat are among the favourite destinations. He added that more than 30,000 hotel rooms were filled for the duration. Sittipong expressed unhappiness that many tourists had to wait between three to four hours to get through immigration checks, in particular at the Sadao Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex. “Some tourists were stranded on their way back to Malaysia, to the point that they had to spend the night in their vehicles or by the roadside due to the unusual congestion.” He said he had conveyed the matter to the relevant agencies and expressed hope that remedial action would be taken soon to ensure that southern Thailand continues to be the destination of choice for Malaysians. Meanwhile, Faizul Nasruddin, 40, from Banting in Selangor said he and his wife found it worth their while to ride their motorbike for more than eight hours to get to Hat Yai for their holiday to enjoy its variety of delicious and reasonably priced food. “Even if there is congestion at the land crossing, I will still come because there is no other place quite like Hat Yai.” Hasbul Hisyam Yusuf, 42, from Terengganu, said he took advantage of the school holiday to take his family on a vacation to Hat Yai. – Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: Issues related to the rulership of Negeri Sembilan should be resolved through dialogue, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Stressing the importance of respecting the Negeri Sembilan Council of Justice and Laws, he said such an approach would be more appropriate than taking the matter to court. He was speaking after attending the opening ceremony of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Day 2026 yesterday. Matters related to rulership problem should be resolved through dialogue, says DPM

“For Johor, the matter is almost settled, and tomorrow (today) I will hold discussions with BN component parties, particularly MCA, for the party to finalise it. As for Umno, it is nearly complete. “ Insya-Allah , we will fully finalise the matter next week and announce it one week before nomination day,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president. The Election Commission has announced that a special meeting on the 16th Johor state election would be held on June 12, while for Negeri Sembilan, official notification of the dissolution of the state legislative assembly was received on Friday. The Johor assembly, which has 56 seats, was dissolved on June 1, followed by the 36-seat Negeri Sembilan assembly on June 5.

On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the federal government continues to recognise the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, and remains committed to upholding the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers’ institution in the country. Anwar said although the federal government is not directly involved in issues concerning the rulership of Negeri Sembilan, the dignity of the royal institution must continue to be protected and all prescribed procedures and regulations must be followed, Bernama reported. In a separate development, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said the allocation of seats for the Johor state election has almost been finalised.

The launch of Malaysia Fair 2026 in Jakarta on Friday, featuring Siti Nurhaliza, was a colourful and grand event. – BERNAMAPIC

Malaysia Fair 2026 launched in Jakarta JAKARTA: The Malaysia Fair 2026, a one-stop showcase of the nation’s healthcare, tourism, education and cultural attractions, is now underway here as the country intensifies efforts to attract more Indonesian visitors.

Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.” He said a new direct route linking Jakarta and Kota Bharu in Kelantan would commence on June 16. Suriaghandi said Malaysia Fair 2026 reflects MHTC’s commitment to strengthening the presence of the Malaysian healthcare sector in Indonesia, its most important market. He said Jakarta remains a key gateway for Indonesians seeking first-rate, reliable and timely healthcare services in Malaysia. According to MHTC, Indonesia generated about RM2.2 billion in healthcare travel revenue in 2025, up 23% from the previous year. More than 970,000 Indonesians travelled to Malaysia for medical treatment, contributing nearly 66% of the industry’s total healthcare travel revenue.

Tourism Malaysia director-general Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said Indonesia remains one of Malaysia’s most important tourism markets, with more than 4.3 million visitor arrivals recorded from the country in 2025. Also present were Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta Charge d’Affaires Farzamie Sarkawi, MHTC CEO Suriaghandi Suppiah and Tourism Malaysia Jakarta director Hairi Mohd Yakzan. Mohd Amirul Rizal said the growing travel demand between the two countries has been supported by strong air connectivity, with more than 610 direct flights operating weekly offering over 110,000 seats, Bernama reported. “From Jakarta alone, there are 224 direct flights every week connecting Indonesia with various key destinations in Malaysia such as Kuala Lumpur, Subang,

The four-day event, which opened on Friday at Gandaria City Mall, is jointly organised by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and Tourism Malaysia in support of the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 and Visit Malaysia 2026 campaigns. Malaysian music icon and MHTC brand ambassador Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin added star power to the opening ceremony, captivating visitors with several of her popular hit songs. It also featured cultural dance performances and a teh tarik demo by Malaysia’s “TehTarik King”.

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday JUNE 7, 2026

TVET institutions post 99.5% employability rate

Up to RM50m for vocational programme PUTRAJAYA: The government has agreed to allow the use of up to RM50 million from the High-Impact Programme fund under the Skills Development Fund Corporation to strengthen the implementation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) 2.0, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He added that the use of the fund is subject to conditions, namely that employers and industry players must work closely with the government to ensure the success of the TVET 2.0 agenda. “I reiterate the decision to allow up to RM50 million from the High-Impact Programme fund to be utilised for TVET 2.0. “Employers and industry must cooperate with the government, particularly through the TVET Council, to make it a success so that there is proper coordination. This will also enhance training programmes and exposure opportunities,” he said when officiating at the National TVET Day 2026 celebration yesterday. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Cabinet ministers and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Under the framework of Budget 2026, the total allocation for the corporation has been set at RM650 million. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid said that TVET 2.0 represents a restructuring of the TVET curriculum, with a focus on strengthening high-technology fields to meet the needs of future industries. Anwar also said the implementation of TVET 2.0 is a wise decision as artificial intelligence (AI), cryptology and the energy transition have become key global priorities. “We are aware of the new technological changes that have been mentioned. All of these demand new areas of expertise that were beyond the imagination and reach of our generation 20 to 30 years ago. “If we remain confined within the cocoon of outdated thinking, we will not be able to drive the country’s economic growth.” He emphasised that the success of TVET 2.0 requires strong support and commitment from the private sector. – Bernama No health facilities to be closed: Minister MALACCA: The government has assured the public that no healthcare facilities in the country, including Segamat Hospital in Johor, will be shut down, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said. He said the situation at the Segamat Hospital stemmed from service pressures and did not involve any suspension of services, adding that the Health Ministry had activated a cluster crisis management mechanism to ensure patient care remains uninterrupted. “If such situations arise due to a high number of patients, inpatients will continue to receive treatment, while outpatients will be referred to the nearest healthcare facilities for care. “There is no closure of services, and this is important because patient care cannot be compromised. “The hospital remains operational, including its obstetrics and gynaecology services,” he told reporters after officiating at the closing ceremony of the Health Ministry’s 2026 Malaysian Nutrition Month celebration on Friday. Also present were Health Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad and Malacca Health Department director Dr Husnina Ibrahim. – Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: A total of 270 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions under Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) have recorded a graduate employability rate of 99.5%, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. He said the impressive achievement demonstrated that Mara’s TVET institutions are at the forefront of advancing the nation’s TVET agenda, which has now entered the TVET 2.0 phase. “I also greatly appreciate the private sector for being at the forefront of supporting TVET nationwide. They have not only introduced new training modules but have also extended their support through the provision of equipment, machinery and other facilities for selected TVET institutions. “They have embraced TVET 2.0 not only through the various contributions I mentioned earlier but also by signing agreements with the National TVET Council and most TVET institutions across the country to ensure that all students will be employed by the industry, with 100% absorption into the workforce,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also National TVET Council chairman, in his welcoming remarks at the National TVET Day 2026 celebration yesterday. He added that the implementation of TVET 2.0 would place greater emphasis on emerging high-demand fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and renewable energy, while continuing to strengthen

Ahmad Zahid views an exhibition for National TVET Day 2026 at the Tun Azizan Zainal Abidin Auditorium. – BERNAMAPIC

RM2,500, above the current minimum wage. The employability rate of TVET graduates nationwide rose to 98.7% as of the end of May this year, compared with 95.1% previously. “This is an achievement we are grateful for. As I have often said, achieving success is difficult, but sustaining it is even more challenging. Our task and responsibility are not only to preserve this success, but to continue building on it and raising the bar even further.” – Bernama

conventional sectors that remain in demand. “In TVET 2.0, in addition to the priorities I have outlined, we have also sent instructors from selected TVET institutions abroad for training at no cost to the government. The programmes are fully funded by industry players overseas, enabling our instructors to acquire the latest knowledge and skills.” He said industry players are also offering premium salaries to TVET graduates, with holders of the Malaysian Skills Certificate receiving a minimum starting salary of

Jobseekers drawn to urban, industrial hubs

Beyond pay, Lam said jobseekers are increasingly weighing factors such as flexibility, career progression, upskilling opportunities and long-term stability when evaluating employers. “As workforce expectations continue evolving, employers may need to strengthen their overall employee value proposition rather than relying solely on salary competitiveness. “Organisations that combine fair compensation

Klang Valley, Penang and Johor dominating interest of applicants: Jobstreet

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM andrew@thesundaily.com

strongest demand clustered around the RM2,500 to RM3,500 range for entry-level and support roles. Lam said administrative, customer service and retail candidates typically expect between RM2,000 and RM3,500, while those applying for accounting, marketing, human resources

PETALING JAYA: For many Malaysians hunting for work, the search still leads to the same destinations: the Klang Valley, Johor and Penang. Despite growing economic activity elsewhere, the country’s largest urban and industrial hubs continue to dominate both job opportunities and jobseeker interest, according to Jobstreet by Seek. Its marketing communications managing director Nicholas Lam ( pic ) said Selangor accounted for 38% of all job applications, followed by Kuala Lumpur (20%), Penang (8%) and Johor (7%), with the four locations collectively attracting about 73% of applications nationwide. “This reflects the concentration of economic activity, population density and employment opportunities within Malaysia’s urban and industrial hubs. “The distribution also aligns with broader labour market data showing that job vacancies remain heavily focused in developed and urbanised regions.” While opportunities remain concentrated in key economic centres, most applicants are seeking salaries between RM2,000 and RM5,000, with the

with clear career growth pathways, learning opportunities and a positive workplace culture are likely to remain more competitive in attracting and retaining talent.” He said hiring challenges remain particularly pronounced in frontline service, retail, digital, engineering and technology-related roles, in which employers are competing for talent in an increasingly specialised labour market. As Malaysia pushes ahead with digitalisation and artificial intelligence adoption, demand for skilled workers in ICT, engineering, STEM and emerging digital fields is expected to remain strong. Based on Jobstreet by Seek’s application trends from mid-2025 to early 2026, logistics, administrative and accounting positions were the three most popular job categories among Malaysian jobseekers.

and other specialised positions generally seek between RM3,000 and RM5,000, depending on experience and technical skills. He said the expectations broadly reflect Malaysia’s wage landscape, adding that the national median monthly wage rose to RM2,864 in June 2025, up 4.3% year-on-year. “Wage growth was recorded across all age groups, sectors and states, reflecting continued upward movement in salary expectations as workers respond to rising living costs and evolving career priorities.” Salary expectations also vary significantly by industry, seniority and location. Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang recorded median wages above the national average, while higher paying sectors such as mining and quarrying continued to outpace agriculture and lower-skilled industries.

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Early screening, support vital to address autism

‘Lasting change goes beyond funding’

Ű BY THESUN TEAM

PETALING JAYA: After supporting over 1,100 projects across Malaysia over the past decade, Yayasan Hasanah said funding may help initiate change, but lasting progress depends on much more than financial support alone. The impact-based foundation of Khazanah Nasional Berhad recently unveiled The Hasanah Report 2025, titled The Long Harvest , highlighting lessons learned from 1,134 projects implemented nationwide and the factors that have enabled positive outcomes to endure beyond project timelines. Drawing on a decade of experience working alongside communities, civil society organisations, government agencies, academic institutions and private sector partners, Yayasan Hasanah said sustainable impact is often built on less visible foundations such as trust, strong partnerships, local leadership and adaptability. Supported by funding from the Finance Ministry, the foundation’s initiatives have reached more than 4.01 million individuals across Malaysia. In 2025 alone, Hasanah supported 172 new projects and welcomed 102 new partners. Speaking at the report launch, Yayasan Hasanah trustee and managing director Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki said according to the report, meaningful progress is not always reflected through conventional performance indicators. “Instead, some of the strongest signs of long-term success emerge when communities take ownership of initiatives, local leaders step forward and partnerships continue independently after formal project support has ended. “Funding could help start something. But what helps it endure is often much less visible – trust, relationships, local leadership and the confidence individuals build over time. “Those things rarely appear as a line item in a budget. Yet, they are often what determine whether progress continues.” She added that the foundation’s role extends beyond funding programmes to creating the conditions that allow solutions to grow organically and remain relevant as circumstances change. “The work is not just about supporting programmes. “It is about creating the conditions for progress, building trust, learning alongside communities and partners, and shaping solutions together that could adapt and grow over time.”

SUBANG JAYA: The ages of three to 12 are a critical period for intervention and skill development among children with autism, making early screening and support essential in helping them reach their full potential, according to the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom). Its marketing communications manager Mohd Zakwan Zainal said growing public awareness of autism has led more parents to seek early screening and professional assessments, enabling children to receive support sooner. “Some parents may notice that their child is developing differently but are hesitant to seek help. “We always encourage early screening because it helps identify the child’s needs and allows support to begin as early as possible,” he said during the Taylor’s College World Play Day celebration at the Taylor’s Lakeside Campus yesterday. He emphasised that autism is not a disease that can be cured, but a developmental condition that could be better supported through timely intervention. “With early intervention, we could help children develop communication, social and behavioural skills that support their independence and quality of life.” He also said increased awareness through social media, online resources and parents sharing their experiences has contributed to more families recognising developmental signs and seeking assessments for their children. “Many people are aware of autism today. The next step is acceptance and understanding that every autistic individual is unique and deserves to be included in society,” he said, adding that Nasom currently supports about 500 children annually through various Intervention could help children develop social, behavioural skills: NGO Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Children and volunteers share a joyful moment during an inclusive play experience at the event. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

collaboration with Nasom was aimed at exposing students to inclusive educational practices and helping them better understand how to support children with autism and other special needs. “We wanted our students to think about how to adapt activities and make them more inclusive. Nasom also briefed them on managing children with autism, so it became a learning opportunity for the students as well.” She also said inclusive play provides a natural environment in which children focus on enjoyment rather than differences. “When children are having fun together, they do not see differences and it creates an inclusive environment in which children of different abilities could learn and grow together. “At the same time, our students are trained to recognise signs of sensory overload in children with autism and respond appropriately.” Nurul Iman also encouraged parents to incorporate play-based learning into everyday activities at home. “We want parents to see that learning can happen during everyday activities. “Even something as simple as grocery shopping could be turned into an opportunity for children to practise reading, writing and numeracy skills.”

programmes nationwide. The World Play Day event organised by Taylor’s College in collaboration with Nasom brought together children with and without special needs through a range of inclusive activities. Mohd Zakwan said such programmes help foster understanding among families and the wider community by creating opportunities for meaningful interaction. He added that the activities were designed to encourage communication, social interaction and participation, while allowing children to learn and play together in an inclusive environment. Meanwhile, Taylor’s College Diploma in Early Childhood Education (DECE) programme director Nurul Iman Arshad said the initiative was intended to demonstrate how role-acting could be a powerful learning tool while fostering inclusion among children of different abilities. She said the annual programme also serves as a hands-on learning opportunity for future educators. “Students learn about role-acting based learning in lectures, but we wanted them to engage with the community and gain hands-on experience working with real children and families.” She added that this year’s

Event helps prospective educators understand special-needs individuals SUBANG JAYA: From role-play grocery shopping to rolling balls by number, the World Play Day event gave students a clearer understanding of how children learn through play in inclusive environments involving children with special needs. Taylor’s College Diploma in Early Childhood Education needs engaged with the activities when given the right support. was, although we had just met.” Another student, Yee Ke En, 19, said she facilitated a “tiny shop” activity in which children picked fruits, counted items and practised basic numeracy skills such as addition and money concepts. special needs successfully complete tasks during the activities. “It made me happy to see them manage the activities well. Some of them can count and complete the tasks independently,” she said, adding that simple gestures such as high-fives made the experience more rewarding. as materials had to be safe, durable and suitable for children. “Such an experience strengthened our commitment to working in early childhood and special needs education in the future.

“When you sit at their level, you realise they are actually making meaning in their play. They have their own way of understanding and they have a lot of potential. “Today is beyond being a celebration – this programme helps children build friendships, confidence and independence, while developing communication skills through interaction with new people.” Sharing a memorable moment during a play-toy session, she said one child left a lasting impression on her after the session. “One child held my hand and kissed it when leaving. It showed how meaningful the interaction

“We want to continue in the field because every child deserves support to reach their potential.” Yee added that the programme helped them realise the importance of patience, adaptability and understanding when working with diverse learners. “Be more inclusive. Every child has potential, you just need to help them discover it.” – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi

“We let them go around, pick fruits and count them. It helps them learn numbers and daily life skills such as grocery shopping.” She added that working with children with special needs required more patience and simpler instructions. “You need step-by-step guidance because some children may find it difficult to focus for long instructions.” She also said they were encouraged to see children with

Yee added that the experience also allowed children to socialise and follow instructions in a structured but fun environment. “Because they don’t know us, it’s a good opportunity for them to interact with others and build communication skills with strangers.” Both students said preparing the activities was time-consuming,

student Hasiba Saada, 20, said she was inspired by the idea that every child is unique and that early childhood education plays a key role in shaping their development. “I enjoy working with children, and I believe they learn best through play in a fun and engaging way.” She also said she was surprised by how children with special

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Hiker missing for two weeks found safe

had raised concern within the hiking community, given the remote and rugged nature of the expedition route. Authorities said she was found in good physical condition, although further coordination was underway to ensure she was medically checked and reunited with her family. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim joined the public in expressing relief over her safe return, posting on X: “ Alhamdulillah , praise be to God. Thank you to the volunteers and rescue teams, as well as the Orang Asli community of Lubuk Gaharu for protecting sister Jaslinda.” The case has highlighted the risks associated with long-distance jungle trekking in Malaysia’s highland regions, where changing weather conditions, dense foliage and limited connectivity can complicate navigation even for experienced hikers. For now, the focus has shifted from search efforts to relief as families and rescuers received confirmation that Jaslinda had been located alive after more than a week of uncertainty.

Her discovery marked the end of a missing-person case that began after she was last seen on May 24 during a multi-day trek along the Trans Spencer Chapman expedition route, which cuts through challenging terrain in the Tapah highlands. Jaslinda had been part of a 14-member hiking group accompanied by two Forestry Mountain Guides. The expedition began at 2am on May 23 via the Pos Gedung– Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih Kuala Woh route, a demanding trail known for its steep ascents and dense forest cover. She and another hiker, Mohd Hanafi Neikmad, 41, were reported to have experienced health difficulties during the climb and initially halted their ascent, Bernama reported. However, Jaslinda later continued towards the summit and was last seen on May 24 before she was reported missing. The disappearance triggered search efforts in the surrounding forested area as authorities worked to locate her in challenging and heavily wooded terrain. Her discovery in a nearby village area on Friday afternoon brought an unexpected but welcomed outcome to an incident that

IPOH: Relief swept through search teams yesterday after a hiker who has been missing for nearly two weeks in the Tapah highlands was found safe near a remote Orang Asli village. Jaslinda Saludin, 49, who disappeared while taking part in a high-altitude expedition at Gunung Batu Putih, was discovered at about 3pm near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu in Pos Musoh, bringing closure to a case that had drawn concern among rescue teams and fellow hikers since late last month. Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Sayani Saidon said the supply chain executive from a private company was found by an Orang Asli community member, Nazri Bah Eng, who alerted her family. “Upon finding the hiker, he informed his nephew in Johor, who then lodged a report with the authorities,” he said in a statement. According to Sayani, Jaslinda was found safe and uninjured and had been temporarily placed under the care of the Tok Batin of Kampung Lubuk Gaharu while arrangements were made for her to be received by the relevant authorities.

IPOH: The Perak Forestry Department has imposed an immediate ban on day hikes and compressed hiking activities on several high-risk mountain routes across the state. In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the department said the decision was made following a risk assessment of the affected routes and terrain conditions, with climber safety being the primary consideration. Among the routes affected is the Mount Korbu trail via the Mount Korbu Mount Gayong route, which now requires a minimum climbing period of three days. The Trans Spencer Chapman route, which passes through Mount Bah Gading, Mount Kak and Mount Batu Putih, must now be completed over a minimum of five days. Other routes subject to the restriction include the Trans Jerging route (Mount Suku-Mount Irau), Trans Batu (Mount Batu Putih-Mount Batu Bujang-Mount Kak-Mount Batu Dara) and Trans Slim (Mount Liang East/West-Mount Chondong Geliting-Mount Tumang Batak), all of which require a minimum climbing period of three days. According to the department, the Trans Titiwangsa V1 route, which includes Mount Korbu, Mount Gayong and Mount Yong Belar, must be completed over at least five days. The Trans Beratih route, involving Bukit Berapit, Mount Rayu and Mount Batu Putih, now requires a minimum climbing duration of four days. “Any changes or amendments to the list of routes will be updated from time to time based on the department’s assessment,“ the statement said. The department warned that failure to comply with the directive could result in the immediate suspension and blacklisting of a Forestry Mountain Guide identification card for six months or longer, depending on the circumstances. Members of the public are advised to refer to the department’s official portal for the latest information and updates on hiking regulations and route requirements. – Bernama Day treks banned on high-risk mountain routes Jaslinda resting at the home of the Orang Asli village chief in Kampung Lubuk Gaharu while waiting to be transported out of the jungle. – PIC COURTESY OF PERAK FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT

EV growth in M’sia racing ahead of infrastructure

heavy traffic. On proposals to mandate fire extinguishers in EVs, Shahrol said compact automotive extinguishers were generally ineffective against lithium-ion battery thermal runaway incidents. “Mandating them could inadvertently encourage drivers to remain near a burning vehicle and attempt to fight a fire they are unable to contain.” He stressed that the priority during EV battery fires should be immediate evacuation and professional emergency response due to the risk of highly toxic gases being released. However, Road Safety Association of Penang chairman Rafiq Michael Abdullah said newer firefighting technologies, including some developed in South Korea, could still play a useful role. “These newer extinguishers are designed to withstand high temperatures inside vehicles and can help suppress small fires quickly before they spread.” While such devices may not completely stop thermal runaway events, they could provide valuable time for occupants to evacuate safely or contain secondary fires in their early stages. Recent battery-related fire incidents involving Volvo’s EX30 electric SUV in Thailand have also drawn attention within the EV community. Thailand’s Office of Consumer Protection Board said it would file civil suits seeking damages and refunds after discussions between affected customers and Volvo failed to reach a resolution. Reuters reported that Volvo had previously advised EX30 owners not to charge their vehicles beyond 70% as a temporary measure while the company addressed battery module defects linked to overheating risks. The incidents have heightened discussions among Malaysian EV owners as local adoption increases, particularly over vehicle safety and emergency response preparedness.

Growing ownership placing increasing pressure on ageing highway network and charging ecosystem

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

for operators. According to Shahrol, the perception of EVs as “second cars” may have applied to early adopters, but this was rapidly changing as households increasingly factored fuel subsidy rationalisation and future petrol prices into purchasing decisions. To address the challenge of seasonal demand, he suggested Malaysia adopt models used in more mature EV markets, in which critical highway charging corridors receive partial government support to ensure adequate public charging infrastructure. Shahrol also said the number of installed chargers alone does not accurately reflect infrastructure readiness. “Many charging stations currently operate on shared power architecture, causing charging speeds to slow significantly when multiple vehicles are connected simultaneously. “The moment a second or third vehicle plugs in, the available power drops dynamically, extending charging times, creating bottlenecks and frustrating users.” He said the issue was particularly evident at highway rest and recreation (R&R) areas because the North-South Expressway was conceived in the 1970s and constructed in the 1980s, long before EV charging infrastructure existed. “A modern high-speed EV charging hub requires a minimum power capacity of 1,000kVA, roughly equivalent to the electricity consumption of 50 single-storey shophouses.” While several R&R locations have undergone upgrades, Shahrol said many continue to face power supply constraints. He added that charge point operators had turned to battery energy storage systems, but described the solution as expensive and difficult to sustain during periods of

KUALA LUMPUR: Ageing highway infrastructure is emerging as a challenge to electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Malaysia, particularly during festive periods such as Hari Raya when balik kampung traffic places significant pressure on major routes. Long queues at charging stations in Tapah, Gambang, Gua Musang and Ayer Hitam during recent festive travel periods have highlighted growing strains within the country’s EV charging ecosystem as adoption continues to rise. According to the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), Malaysia had 5,624 charging bays as of Dec 31 last year, achieving only 56.24% of its target of 10,000 charging points. Malaysia Electric Vehicle Owners Club president Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi said the shortfall could be attributed to several factors, including commercial viability. He added that DC fast chargers generally provide a faster return on investment than AC chargers, partly explaining why operators had exceeded deployment targets for DC charging infrastructure. However, Shahrol said the arrival of more affordable and shorter-range EVs, such as the Proton e.MAS 5, had increased the urgency of expanding charging networks along major highways. “The economic challenge is that highway charging demand is highly seasonal. Utilisation spikes sharply during weekends and festive holidays but falls significantly on weekdays,” he told theSun . He said the instability of demand, coupled with the high cost of upgrading grid connections, made highway charging infrastructure a financially risky investment

NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday JUNE 7, 2026

M’sian diplomat wins global award KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian diplomat Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar (pic) has been named a recipient of the Icons of Change International Awards 2026, becoming the first Malaysian to receive the global recognition for advancing sustainable development initiatives. The award was presented

Veggie bars add fresh twist to weddings events

KUALA LUMPUR: While ice cream counters, popcorn stations and dessert bars have long been staples at wedding receptions, a new concept is beginning to capture guests’ attention – the “veggie bar”, where fresh vegetables are offered as take-home gifts. Neatly arranged with an assortment of colourful produce such as cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, okra and chillies, the booth allows guests to select their preferred vegetables to bring home as wedding favours. For entrepreneur and founder of floresto.my, Erni Eliani Zailani, 34, growing up in a family of vegetable traders inspired her to present local farm produce in a more creative and contemporary way. “My parents were vegetable traders at a public market, so I grew up in that environment. When I entered the workforce, I began thinking about how vegetables could be marketed in a more premium and aesthetically appealing manner that suited different event themes,” she told Bernama. Erni, who is also a set designer and decorator, said her more than 10 years of experience in visual merchandising and event styling had helped her realise the potential of local agricultural produce through the business. The holder of a bachelor’s degree in arts management from Universiti Teknologi Mara said the concept was first introduced on a small scale during her younger sibling’s engagement ceremony last year before evolving into a business catering to weddings, community programmes and corporate events. Guests swap sweets for produce as take-home gifts at receptions

in conjunction with the United Nations-designated International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026. The Icons of Change movement is an international recognition platform that honours changemakers and

organisations whose leadership, vision and innovative initiatives have delivered measurable impact across industries and communities worldwide. Currently serving as Minister-Counsellor (Economic Affairs) at the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing, Unny Sankar is responsible for strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations between Malaysia and China. Prior to his current posting, he served as director of the China Section and Europe II Section at the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, overseeing matters related to Malaysia’s Belt and Road Initiative as well as economic relations with China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, the European Union and selected Western European countries. In his acceptance speech, Unny Sankar described the award as a significant personal honour and a recognition of efforts to foster stronger international partnerships. “It is with profound humility and gratitude that I accept the Icons of Change International Awards 2026. This recognition deeply honours me as an individual committed to fostering meaningful connections between nations. “In my current role, I lead efforts to strengthen bilateral economic and trade ties between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China, two dynamic nations whose partnership is shaping a more connected and prosperous Asia,” he said, noting that cooperation between the two countries has expanded through major regional and international economic frameworks. Describing the recognition as a motivation to continue advancing sustainable economic partnerships, Unny Sankar stressed the importance of translating diplomacy into tangible outcomes. – Bernama

Erni said the concept has created opportunities for social interaction, with visitors often discussing their selections and the dishes they intend to prepare. – BERNAMAPIC

pieces of okra, enough for one or two meals,” she said, adding that packages are priced at about RM1,200 for up to 200 guests. Erni said the business has also created opportunities for small-scale farmers to market their produce, with some vegetables sourced from growers in areas such as Meru and Kapar. “We support villagers who grow vegetables on a small scale. Some do not know where to market their produce, so we purchase their harvests for use in our business,” said the eldest of five siblings, who earns a four-figure side income each month. Describing the concept as a direct link between local producers and consumers, she said veggie bars have also become a feature at corporate programmes, health campaigns and government agency events promoting healthy living and sustainability.

“Many guests told me they had never seen vegetables being given away as wedding favours before. After that, friends started asking whether I could do the same for their events,” she said, adding that fruits are also available upon request. She said the concept has unintentionally created opportunities for social interaction, with visitors often discussing their vegetable selections and the dishes they intend to prepare. “Usually when guests come to the booth, I ask them what they plan to cook. Some choose certain vegetables because they already have a menu in mind. We chat just like people do at the market. Sometimes, they ask which vegetables are suitable for particular dishes, while others share recipes. “They may take a carrot, two tomatoes, a cucumber or several

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

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Thailand to join UN arbitration process

Rescuers call off search for duo in Laos cave VIENTIANE: Rescuers called off their search yesterday for two men trapped in a semi-submerged cave in Laos for more than two weeks, as the site became unstable and survival hopes faded. Seven villagers became trapped in the cave in central Xaysomboun province on May 20 when flash floods blocked their exit as they hunted bats for food and searched for gold in old mining areas, state media said. Rescue teams located five of the men alive a week later, with one extracted by divers on May 29 and four guided out the following day after water was pumped from the flooded cavern. The two others remained missing despite an intensive search by Laos and international rescue teams. Lee Kian Lie, a Malaysian cave diver who joined the operation on May 28, told AFP it was at an “end” as the risks of continuing outweighed the slim chances of the men’s rescue. “We were so close,” Lee said. “The water in the cave was already manageable, but the cave entrance started to become unstable.” “To continue the operation is high risk,” he added. “They will continue to manage the water by pumping and digging at possible resurgence points to let the water flow out faster. Perhaps a miracle will happen. “Everyone tried. We tried. I am sorry for the family.” Lee described the mission as the most dangerous rescue operation he had experienced, saying the team faced flooding, unstable cave structures, tight restrictions and poor air quality. – AFP Chinese ships approach key islands TAIPEI: Taiwan said yesterday that a Chinese coast guard ship and a survey ship had carried out the first coordinated operation to “provoke” Taiwan, in waters around strategically located islands in the South China Sea. The Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands, a national park towards the northern end of the South China Sea and lightly defended by the coast guard, have emerged as a new pressure point in China’s military and quasi-military operations around Taiwan in an effort to assert Beijing’s sovereignty claims. The islands between southern Taiwan and Hong Kong are seen by some security experts as vulnerable to Chinese attack due to their distance, more than 400km, from Taiwan island. Taiwan’s coast guard said in a statement that along with a Chinese coast guard ship that had approached the islands on Friday, a Chinese oceanographic survey vessel approached the islands yesterday. “This is the first observed instance of Chinese coast guard and survey vessels acting in coordination to provoke Taiwan,” it said. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to a request for comment. “These acts are highly provocative ... causing trouble across the region,” Taiwan National Security Council Secretary General Joseph Wu said on X. – Reuters

had

been

exhausted,

prompting

Bangkok halts other border talks with Cambodia

Cambodia’s choice. “Cambodia hopes that the Thai government will engage with this process in good faith,” he said. Despite joining the mediation, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Bangkok would not hold any other two way talks, including those to manage and resolve land border issues. “We will use Unclos, which means from now ߑ on there will be no more talks ... or other forms of cooperation,” he added. “We will not discuss the restoration of relations yet.” All border gates between Thailand and Cambodia would stay closed, he said. Ties have been on edge after two rounds of intense border clashes last year killed nearly 150 people and displaced at least 300,000 on both sides but a December ceasefire still holds. Cambodia’s choice of compulsory conciliation, in which a five-member panel makes non-binding recommendations, will not improve overall ties between the two countries, said Sihasak, who is also Thai deputy prime ߑ minister. – Reuters

BANGKOK: Thailand said it will join a UN arbitration process chosen by Cambodia to resolve a festering maritime boundary dispute, but put on hold for now other two way efforts to settle their contested borders. Cambodia launched a compulsory conciliation process on Tuesday under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) after Bangkok decided last month to unilaterally end a 2001 framework pact for talks on a disputed ߑ maritime belt. For more than 25 years, both have claimed about 26,000 sq km of sea in the Gulf of Thailand, estimated to hold nearly 12 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and large volumes of oil, for a total value of US$300 billion (RM1.2 trillion). Thailand will send two representatives to the UN-backed negotiations, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Friday, but expressed dismay at Cambodia’s move to also use the talks to tackle questions of resource sharing. “I told my Cambodian colleagues, ‘Why

don’t we give talks a chance? Six months or something’,” ߑ he said. “If we cannot make progress, then we can agree on the next step, which of course includes compulsory conciliation, but it also includes voluntary conciliation.” Sihasak said Cambodia made public its decision to use the compulsory conciliation process on Tuesday, before officially notifying Thailand. “And since June 2, we’ve not had any discussion informally, formally with the Cambodian side.” A spokesperson for the Cambodian government denied Sihasak’s assertion that Thailand had not been notified ahead of the announcement. They shared images of a timestamped email and paper copy of the notification that they said had been delivered on Tuesday morning. Reuters could not immediately independently verify the notices. In response ߑ to Reuters’ queries, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said two-way efforts to resolve the dispute

Students protesting in New Delhi yesterday over alleged irregularities in major examinations. – AFPPIC

Hundreds of students join exam-leak protest NEW DELHI: Hundreds of young students gathered in New Delhi yesterday for the first street protest by the satirical “Cockroach People’s Party” over alleged irregularities in recent major examinations. Carrying paper cockroach masks and pamphlets, the protesters called for the resignation of Education Minister “How is it that exam papers get leaked in this country? How is this right?” said Raj, 16. Protesters were led by Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old Boston University graduate who arrived in New Delhi from the United States yesterday.

for the opposition Aam Aadmi Party, told supporters at the rally. “Cockroaches don’t ever fear, they never die either,” said Dipke, as others shouted in unison. The movement emerged after India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant reportedly likened young people who criticised the government to “cockroaches” and “parasites” during a court hearing, sparking outrage among the youth. Kant later said his comments were taken out of context. CJP’s popularity has soared, using the slogan “a political front for the youth, by the youth, for the youth”. – AFP

His parody party – “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP), a play on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – has won millions of followers on social media since its launch last month. “The youth of the country will no longer fear anyone, they will fight,” Dipke, a former political communications strategist

Dharmendra Pradhan, who has faced criticism over the irregularities, including question paper leaks and technical glitches. “We want accountability from the government,” said Utkarsh Raj, a medical college aspirant.