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Rising cost of fertiliser threat to agricultural food chain

Impact not only inflates costs but also weighs on output as farmers cut back on usage, says minister.

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

Report on — page 2

SCAN ME No. 9176 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

‘No’ to fines for graft Report on h page 5 Cash penalties for corruption cases may encourage offenders as absence of jail time would dilute punishment to merely ‘cost of doing business’: Criminologist

An expert said such a practice would make corruption ‘affordable’ as it would no longer be about ethics, integrity and breaking the law. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Govt aims to eradicate ‘degrading’ outdated policies

Urban planning challenges hitch to data centre hub plan Vast requirement for electricity, water and land could place growing pressure on ageing locations.

Report on — page 3

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Disrespectful to make people stand in long queues to receive aid in current digital era: Anwar

MONDAY | JUNE 8, 2026

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Anwar departs for official visit to Japan PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim departs today for Japan on a three-day official visit aimed at advancing a sweeping bilateral agenda, from green energy and defence to high-value investment as Malaysia deepens a partnership worth RM142.96 billion in annual trade. December 2023 and May 2024. He will be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, and Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, along with senior government officials.

RM1 million extra allocation for Kedah varsity SUNGAI PETANI: The federal government has approved an additional RM1 million allocation for AIMST University to ensure students from underprivileged families continue to receive education assistance. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the additional allocation would supplement the annual grant given to the private university. “The Madani government will ensure that the poorest students at the university continue to receive guaranteed assistance. Therefore, I am adding RM1 million specifically for that purpose. “Last week, we announced an allocation of RM100 for every secondary school and university student to purchase books,“ he said when speaking at the annual government grant presentation ceremony for AIMST University in Bedong yesterday. Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and MIC president Tan Sri Dr SA Vigneswaran, who is also AIMST University chancellor and chairman. At the ceremony, AIMST University received an annual grant amounting to RM25 million. Anwar added that despite various global challenges, the country’s economic growth remains resilient and strong. He said the national unemployment rate is currently at its lowest level, while investment performance has recorded an all-time high in the country’s history. “We are certainly grateful, but as I always say, ‘ we shouldn’t be lulled into complacency’. One of the major challenges, of course, is education; how to ensure that we continue to excel.” He also said education is an important instrument in uplifting the dignity of the public and building a better future. Anwar said therefore, the government places education as a key component that receives the highest budget allocation every year. – Bernama foundations underpinning the visit are substantial. Japan ranks as Malaysia’s fifth-largest trading partner globally, with total bilateral trade reaching RM142.96 billion (US$33.39 billion) in 2025. As of December 2025, some 2,872 Japanese-linked manufacturing projects had been implemented in Malaysia, with cumulative investments of RM107.9 billion (US$31.0 billion) generating 347,346 jobs. – by theSun Team I will go (to Turkmenistan). And hopefully we can secure large gas reserves in the region.” He also expressed hoped that the commitment and sacrifice made amid a tight schedule would yield significant results for the country’s energy sector in the future. He said efforts were being specifically driven to support national development and the economy, including in Johor. – Bernama opportunities in Malaysia. The economic

views on regional and international developments of mutual concern. Beyond the bilateral summit, Anwar is scheduled to deliver a special lecture at the University of Tokyo and a keynote address at the 31st Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia – engagements that underscore Malaysia’s commitment to deepening ties with Japan and the broader region. He will also take part in business roundtable sessions with leading Japanese industry players to explore fresh high-value investment

The Foreign Ministry said the meeting would serve as an important platform for both leaders to take stock of bilateral progress and explore new areas of cooperation, building on the elevation of Malaysia-Japan ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in December 2023. Discussions are expected to span green technology, energy transition and resilience, environmental cooperation, defence and regional security, and higher education. Both leaders are also expected to exchange

According to Wisma Putra, Anwar will be accorded an official welcoming ceremony before holding bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

The visit, which runs from June 8 to June 10 at the invitation of the Japanese government, marks Anwar’s third trip to Japan since assuming office in 2022, following earlier visits in

‘Fertiliser costs could double due to global energy crisis’

o Strain on agri-food chain compounded by fuel prices: Minister

Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Mohamad said to ease immediate strain, the government has raised cash assistance under the Budi Agri Commodity and Budi Diesel Individual

PETALING JAYA: Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu yesterday said fertiliser costs for crops such as bananas could double if global energy tensions persist as geopolitical instability threatens to drive up production expenses across Malaysia’s entire agri-food chain. The minister said urea fertiliser prices have already surged 72% as of May 3, driven by Middle East disruptions, with further increases on the horizon should the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz worsen. He added that fertiliser remains the single largest cost burden in farming, accounting for up to 50% of production costs in fruit and vegetable cultivation and about 13% for padi . “If the crisis continues, fertiliser costs for crops such as bananas could rise by as much as 100%,” he told Sinar Ahad . He also said the shock would not only inflate costs but also weigh on output, as farmers delay purchases, cut back application or face disrupted supply chains for key inputs. Mohamad said fuel costs are compounding the pressure, adding that diesel remains the backbone of Malaysia’s agri-food logistics and production network, accounting for 70% to 80% of operating costs for fishing vessels, 20% to 50% for agricultural machinery and up to

schemes to RM400 per

month. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

diesel costs; livestock is more exposed due to reliance on imported feed such as corn and soy; and fisheries face direct pressure from rising diesel prices. He also said to ease immediate strain, the government has raised cash assistance under the Budi Agri Commodity and Budi Diesel Individual schemes to RM400 per month. Mohamad said padi incentives have also been increased for the 2026 planting season, while existing subsidies for fertiliser, seeds and pesticides remain in place. He said despite mounting pressures, the government remained committed to keeping the agri-food system stable, resilient and capable of sustaining national food security through an increasingly volatile global environment.

advancing a longer-term overhaul under the National Food Security Policy 2030, focused on energy efficiency, logistics optimisation and a gradual shift towards renewable energy in agriculture. Mohamad said strategies under consideration include converting agricultural waste into energy, expanding regenerative and circular farming systems, and introducing a National Food Security Act to strengthen governance. He added that the ministry is also studying buffer stock mechanisms for key inputs such as fertiliser, and exploring domestic fertiliser production using industrial by-products, including waste from Lynas. He said the impact varies across subsectors: crop production is squeezed by fertiliser, pesticide and

40% for fertiliser and pesticide processing. “The global energy shock, particularly the surge in Brent crude prices, is feeding directly into higher operating costs across the agri-food system,” he said, adding that disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz would further amplify freight costs and delivery delays. On long-term food security risks, he said Malaysia’s vulnerability was structural rather than cyclical, given its reliance on imported inputs including fertiliser, animal feed and petrochemical-based materials. He added that rising input costs are ultimately passed down the supply chain from farm to retail, intensifying inflationary pressure on households. He also said to address the structural exposure, the ministry is

M’sia poised to access major gas field via Turkmenistan talks BATU PAHAT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia has the potential to secure access to a gas field zone described as among the largest in the world through negotiations involving national petroleum company Petronas with Turkmenistan. process of signing the planned agreement. “There is a delegation going to Turkmenistan (in mid-June). I told Petronas, ‘Don’t, there is an election coming. The trip would require two days’. launch of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) election machinery for the 16th Johor State Election on Saturday. Anwar said although his schedule was packed with various commitments, including state He also said the effort was in line with the government’s aim to strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global energy industry while ensuring national energy supply security.

Anwar acknowledged that he was no longer a young man and did not enjoy long-distance travel as much as before, but described the task as a sacrifice that must be undertaken. “For the country, I have no choice.

elections, the country’s strategic interests in the energy sector required the government’s continuous commitment to exploring new opportunities across the globe.

“But if I go, the guarantee from Turkmenistan is, God willing, Petronas will obtain a gas field zone which is among the largest in the world,” he said when speaking at the

He added that the opportunity was very important for the country and required his personal involvement as prime minister in the

MONDAY | JUNE 8, 2026

3

End demeaning policies, says PM

o ‘Digital-era assistance should reach recipients directly, without lengthy waits’

BATU PAHAT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the Madani government’s commitment to ending outdated practices that undermine the dignity of the people, including forcing those in need to queue for long hours to receive financial aid. He said such an approach should no longer exist in the current digital era, as it appeared to be disrespectful to the people and akin to outdated systems from centuries ago. “I do not agree that, in 2026, the people still have to queue (to receive assistance). This is not about election politics. Do not treat the people as slaves. We are now independent, sovereign; the people have dignity, rights, freedom and the spirit of independence,” he said when speaking at the launch of Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) election machinery for the Johor state election at Kim’s Park Business Centre here on Saturday night. Also present were DAP secretary general Anthony Loke Siew Fook, PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Also in attendance were PKR vice president and Johor PKR chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Johor Amanah chairman Aminolhuda Hassan and Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching. Further commenting on reforms to the aid delivery system, Anwar said

the Madani government was now prioritising direct bank transfers to ensure citizens’ welfare was protected with dignity. He questioned the need to maintain old methods when financial assistance such as the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and school aid could now be credited directly. According to Anwar, direct disbursement of financial assistance should be implemented to ensure that no one is forced to queue for long periods to receive aid, reflecting the government’s commitment to respecting people’s dignity. In addition, Anwar said the government remained committed to ensuring educational equity by guaranteeing matriculation programme placements for all students who achieved 10As and above in the SPM examination, regardless of race. He said the move was made to recognise outstanding achievements of local students while dismissing claims by certain parties that the issue had been politicised for narrow interests. According to Anwar, the decision to guarantee matriculation places for all students with 10As, regardless of race, was collectively agreed upon by all Cabinet members in the Federal government. He also reminded all parties not to use political platforms to incite racial sentiments that could divide society, but instead focus on building

Anwar greeting supporters after launching PH’s election machinery in Batu Pahat on Saturday night, where he urged for more dignified delivery methods for disbursement of government aid. – PIC COURTESY OF ANWAR IBRAHIM FACEBOOK PAGE

challenges (to govern).” He added that the people should use their power to evaluate and choose a government that serves the people, rather than one that engages in abuse of power or racial politics. – Bernama

“Testing (support) is best done during elections. There are many parties, every week there is a new party (formed), each has its own right, but I want to ask what difference and uniqueness (can they bring). This is a country full of

educational excellence for the future of the nation’s youth. Touching on the emergence of new political parties ahead of the Johor polls, Anwar said everyone had the right to form parties as platforms for their political struggle.

DAP eyes 17 seats in Johor polls

Bersama to go solo in state election PETALING JAYA: Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) will go it alone in the upcoming Johor state election, even at the risk of losing its deposits as the fledgling party takes its first serious electoral test. De facto leader Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said the decision was deliberate, positioning Bersama as an alternative for voters who have grown disillusioned with the country’s existing political coalitions. He ruled out any electoral pact with other parties, calling the stance firm despite continuing speculation over possible alliances. “Established parties have lost deposits before, so we are not immune to that possibility. “If we do not lose our deposit, it shows that what we are building is starting to take root. “If we do, then we must work harder and reassess our weaknesses,“ he told reporters after the party’s Jelajah Kancil roadshow in Johor on Saturday. The former PKR leader said Bersama was still finalising its list of constituencies and would announce the seats within a week, following the completion of grassroots assessments across target areas. Candidate selection, he added, was expected to take about a fortnight, with online applications opening on Monday. Rafizi said the party was committed to a thorough vetting process rather than rushing to fill seats. “We have not finalised candidates yet because we need to go through the full process,“ he said, adding that while potential seats had been identified, the final list would be refined based on field feedback and organisational readiness. Rafizi also said the party would prioritise candidates who are capable of serving constituents effectively – including young professionals and seasoned figures. – by theSun Team

Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

electoral viability. On candidate selection, Teo confirmed DAP will field a mix of new faces, including younger candidates and women, although she decined to reveal the proportion of first-timers as nominations have not been finalised. Asked about a successor for the Skudai seat following the announced retirement of incumbent assemblywoman Marina Ibrahim, she said the candidate list would be confirmed soon. DAP remains the strongest component party within PH in Johor. In the 2022 state election, PH won 12 of the 56 state seats, with DAP securing 10 – Jementah, Tangkak, Bentayan, Penggaram, Mengkibol, Johor Jaya, Stulang, Perling, Skudai and Senai. PKR and Amanah each won one seat, at Bukit Batu and Simpang Jeram respectively.

seats in the upcoming Johor state election,“ Loke told reporters at a press conference following the launch of a special documentary on DAP’s Federal Territories chapter yesterday. Johor DAP chief Teo Nie Ching echoed the 17-seat target but cautioned that nothing is binding until agreements are formalised. “DAP intends to contest 17 seats. All seat negotiations are nearly completed, but nothing is final until the agreement is signed.” Teo said seat talks within PH are in their final stage, with only a few outstanding matters remaining. She added that the party’s preparations are already being structured around the 17-seat plan, pending the outcome of coalition talks. She also said seat allocation takes into account party machinery strength, candidate suitability and each constituency’s

PETALING JAYA: DAP is set to contest 17 seats in the upcoming Johor state election – three more than the 14 it fielded previously – as the party moves to defend its dominant position within PH in the state. Secretary-general Anthony Loke confirmed the expanded electoral ambition, saying DAP would defend all 10 seats it currently holds, reclaim four it lost in the last election and contest three constituencies it has never previously entered. However, one seat remains subject to ongoing negotiations with coalition partners PKR and Amanah, with talks expected to conclude within one to two days. “I can confirm that DAP will be contesting 17

Political uncertainty forced fresh mandate: N. Sembilan caretaker MB BATU PAHAT: Negeri Sembilan PH chairman Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the state election was called due to political uncertainty after several coalition partners switched positions and withdrew support for the government at the time. damaged a ship that was sailing smoothly. One moment they supported us, the next they withdrew their support. Ultimately, we believed the mandate should be returned to the people,” he said while speaking at the launch of Johor PH’s election machinery, attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. chairman Teo Nie Ching. Aminuddin said the experience in Negeri Sembilan should serve as a reminder to Johor voters to select a stable government that upholds agreed political cooperation, stressing that any administration can only work well if all sides remain committed to honesty, sincerity and respect for the people’s mandate.

The Negeri Sembilan state government is currently serving in a caretaker capacity following the dissolution of the state legislative assembly. Aminuddin, who is caretaker menteri besar, said the situation had undermined the stability of the state administration, leading it to seek a fresh mandate from voters through an election. “Unfortunately, some of our allies at the time lost patience. They sought to undermine us and

Also present were DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook, PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. The event was also attended by PKR vice president and Johor PKR chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, alongside Johor Amanah chairman Aminolhuda Hassan and Johor DAP

“The people of Johor should remember and take heed that what happened in Negeri Sembilan should not be repeated elsewhere. We do not want a situation where, while we are respecting one another and ensuring smooth governance of the state, they suddenly punch holes in the ship we have built,” he added. – Bernama

MONDAY | JUNE 8, 2026

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‘Data centre boom could pressure urban zones’

Govt to strengthen food bank programme

KOTA KINABALU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry plans to strengthen the Ihsan Food Bank (i-FB) programme this year through the development of a comprehensive action plan aimed at enhancing its implementation nationwide. Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the initiative would serve as a guide for all stakeholders involved in carrying out the programme more effectively and systematically. “We intend to strengthen the i-FB programme so that we can develop and publish an action plan that will serve as a reference for all parties involved in implementing the initiative,” he told reporters after officiating at the Ihsan Food Bank (i-FB) Initiative Programme yesterday. He added that the action plan would help align the direction and objectives of the programme while improving coordination among participating organisations and agencies. He also called on the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGO) and related institutions to participate in the initiative, either as food contributors or as partners in distribution efforts and the identification of target groups. Armizan said the involvement of various stakeholders would help create a more conducive ecosystem for the programme and ensure its objectives are achieved in a more organised and effective manner. “The i-FB initiative emphasises the values of kindness and compassion by encouraging society to work together in caring for communities, particularly vulnerable and underserved groups. “It combines three main objectives; caring for the community, protecting the environment and rescuing surplus food that remains safe for consumption.” On the programme’s implementation, Armizan said QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd was among the ministry’s earliest strategic partners in strengthening the initiative through the i-FB@KFC project. The project currently involves 10 KFC restaurants in Sabah working in collaboration with 10 NGO to distribute surplus food to those in need. He added that the initiative would be expanded nationwide in phases, with the participation of more restaurants, NGO and related institutions to enhance food rescue efforts and provide greater assistance to vulnerable communities. He added that the expansion reflects the government’s commitment to reducing food waste while strengthening food security support for those most in need. – Bernama

infrastructure. No single authority is evaluating the cumulative impact of the facilities on an urban area as a whole.“ Universiti Malaya Institute for Advanced Studies senior lecturer and urban planning expert Dr Fong Chng Saun said data centres should no longer be viewed solely as digital infrastructure, as their physical footprint carries direct implications for land use, water security, energy demand and urban liveability. “In mature townships, hyperscale data centres should not be treated as ordinary commercial or light industrial projects.“ While acknowledging the economic value of data centre investments, he said rapid approvals risk creating a perception that investment priorities are moving faster than liveability considerations. He called for stronger safeguards, including transparent siting criteria, cumulative impact assessments, noise modelling, utility-capacity studies, water and energy disclosure requirements, emergency risk planning and meaningful community engagement before approvals were granted. “What appears to be missing is an integrated planning lens. Data centres sit at the intersection of land use, energy, water, climate resilience and digital economy policy, yet decision-making often remains fragmented across multiple agencies.” Fong said cities risked losing their liveability balance when infrastructure designed to serve the digital economy began shifting its environmental and social costs onto residents through noise, heat and pressure on public utilities. “In my view, data centres should be planned as strategic infrastructure, preferably clustered in suitable zones with clear buffers, renewable energy pathways, water efficiency requirements and transparent monitoring. “For mature residential or mixed-use townships, the planning test should be stricter.“

country’s total electricity generation capacity. He also said concentrating large facilities within existing urban networks could strain electricity supplies, water systems and surrounding communities, adding that a single 100-megawatt data centre could consume up to four million litres of water daily for cooling, equivalent to the needs of a small town. “The challenge is not just electricity. Water infrastructure is increasingly becoming a limiting factor.“ Ammirrul said beyond resource consumption, some of the most overlooked impacts were those felt directly by residents living nearby. “People often assume data centres operate quietly, but the constant hum generated by cooling systems, ventilation equipment and backup generators could create persistent low frequency noise. “This is capable of penetrating residential buildings, potentially affecting sleep quality and increasing stress levels. “The facilities could also intensify localised urban heat island effects by releasing large volumes of extracted heat into the surrounding environment, raising ambient temperatures in nearby neighbourhoods.” He added that routine testing of diesel-powered backup generators may contribute to localised air pollution through emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, while chemically treated cooling water discharged into municipal sewer systems could place additional burdens on treatment facilities. He also questioned whether Malaysia’s existing environmental impact assessment (EIA) framework was sufficiently equipped to evaluate the long-term infrastructure burden posed by hyperscale facilities, adding that data centres are not explicitly listed as prescribed activities requiring comprehensive federal EIA. “The current EIA process was developed long before the rise of hyperscale data centres and AI

o Existing utilities not meant to support extensive resource demand, says academic

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Nga Kor Ming said the high-impact project, valued at RM80.5 million, would bring an end to more than five decades of flood-related concerns among residents and is scheduled for completion on May 19, 2028. “In less than 30 months, we will witness a new face of Teluk Intan. Once this project is completed, it will feature dedicated cycling and jogging tracks, and plans are also in place for a floating restaurant. “I am confident that when this project is completed in 2028, we will be able to declare Teluk Intan a flood-free zone,” he told reporters after attending a briefing on the Phase One Integrated River Basin Development Project for Sungai Perak and the Phase Two Teluk Intan RTB Zone A project, along with related works in the Lower Perak district yesterday. During the event, Nga also launched the Teluk Intan RTB Zone A Phase Two project, which commenced in December last year. He expressed confidence that the project would emerge as a new tourism attraction for the town, complementing the iconic Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan with its recreational facilities and planned floating restaurant. “When the Teluk Intan Smart RTB is completed, PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s ambition to become Southeast Asia’s next digital infrastructure powerhouse is colliding with an increasingly urgent question: Can the country’s cities keep pace with the relentless demands of a runaway data centre boom? What was once largely invisible infrastructure powering cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a visible urban planning challenge, particularly in mature townships where new data centre developments are being proposed near established residential neighbourhoods. Urban planners and infrastructure experts say while data centres are expected to bring billions of ringgit in investments and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional digital hub, their vast appetite for electricity, water and land could place growing pressure on ageing urban systems if expansion is not carefully managed. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment senior lecturer Dr Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi Mohd Zainuri said existing utilities in mature urban areas were never designed to accommodate multiple hyperscale facilities operating continuously at industrial-scale capacity. “Urban grids are built for mixed residential and commercial use, not facilities running 24 hours a day at maximum load.” He added that data centre power requests across Peninsular Malaysia have surpassed 11,000 megawatts – equivalent to nearly half the

Teluk Intan set to be flood-free by 2028: Minister TELUK INTAN: Teluk Intan is expected to be declared a flood-free zone by 2028 through the implementation of the Phase Two Teluk Intan Flood Mitigation Plan, also known as the Teluk Intan Smart RTB project, which is currently in progress.

Nga surveys the project site in Teluk Intan alongside Pasir Bedamar exco Woo Kah Leong (in blue pants), Jajahan Hilir Perak Orang Besar Datuk Mejar (Honorary) Meor Redwan Mahayudin (second from right) and other officials. – BERNAMAPIC

campaign at RM1,000 for one tree. The donors’ names will be permanently engraved on the trees as a tribute to their contribution.” Nga said the initiative aims to foster a sense of ownership among contributors and encourage greater community involvement in the development and beautification of the town. – Bernama

the ministry will undertake a beautification programme in collaboration with various agencies and departments, including a large-scale tree-planting initiative. “We have identified the White Bucida Tree for planting along the seven-kilometre cycling and jogging corridor. “Today, we are also launching a tree donation

MONDAY | JUNE 8, 2026

5

‘Fines for corruption cases may hinder anti-graft fight’ o Criminologist warns opaque settlements risk weakening deterrence, turning penalties into business cost

Former Kedah deputy speaker found dead ALOR SETAR: Former Kedah state assembly deputy speaker Datuk Mohd Jamil Md Idross was found dead after he is believed to have fallen into Sungai Teluk Bagan along Jalan Tandop yesterday. Kota Setar police chief ACP Syed Basri Syed Ali said the body of the 78-year-old was discovered by personnel from the Alor Setar Fire and Rescue Department at 8.10am. He said the victim was found about 50m from the spot where he is believed to have fallen, based on the discovery of a pair of slippers believed to belong to him near the riverbank. According to Syed Basri, family members last saw Mohd Jamil at about 11.30pm on Saturday. At about 5am yesterday, they realised he was not at home before finding his slippers near the river and suspecting that he had fallen into the water. A police report was lodged at the Kota Setar district police headquarters at 7.18am, prompting a search and rescue operation. “Initial investigations found that the victim had been discharged from hospital about a month ago and had a history of chronic illnesses, including diabetes and high blood pressure. He had also received treatment for a lung infection,“ Syed Basri said in a statement yesterday. He added that the victim lived with his wife and two daughters, aged 29 and 27, and that family members informed police he had no history of depression or psychiatric illness. Investigations also revealed that Mohd Jamil routinely moved his vehicle from inside his house to an area outside the residence, which is located near the river. “A white Perodua Kancil is believed to have been moved by the victim before the incident and was found near the location,“ he said. The body was taken to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital for an autopsy while police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Mohd Jamil served as Pengkalan Kundor assemblyman representing Umno from 1995 to 1999 and again from 2004 to 2008. He was appointed deputy speaker of the 14th Kedah state assembly and held the position from 2018 to 2023. – Bernama Woman crashes sports car into hotel lobby GEORGE TOWN: An elderly woman lost control of a sports car she was driving and crashed into a hotel lobby at Gurney Drive yesterday, in an incident that has been widely shared on social media. Northeast district police chief ACP Abdul Rozak Muhammad said police received a report regarding the incident from the 61-year-old local woman at 12:05pm and investigations revealed that the incident occurred at 11:15am. “The incident happened as the senior citizen was preparing to head home after visiting family members. “No casualties were reported, and the estimated losses are still under investigation,“ he said in a statement yesterday. He added that the case is being investigated under Section 43 of the Road Transport Act 1987. Earlier, photographs widely circulated on social media showed a grey sports car inside a hotel lobby after its driver is believed to have lost control and crashed into the premises. – Bernama

the repeated use of compounds without adequate explanation could deepen public suspicion that the wealthy and influential are treated differently from ordinary Malaysians. “Some may say these matters can be settled behind closed doors. Others may believe the rich and powerful receive special treatment. “Ordinary people go to prison, but those with influence, or who may have connections, simply pay a compound and make the problem disappear.” He called for full transparency in every settlement, including disclosure of the individuals involved, the nature of the offence, the amount paid, the reasons prosecution was not pursued and whether any additional conditions were imposed. Shahul also said certain categories of cases should never be resolved through compounds, particularly those involving public interest, public safety and essential services such as healthcare, education, construction, infrastructure and food safety. “If corruption occurs in these sectors, quality could decline, lives could be put at risk and the impact on the public could be severe. Such cases cannot simply be paid off and forgotten.” He added that cases involving large sums of money, repeat offenders, senior officials, abuse of power, serious breaches of trust or organised criminal networks should be prosecuted in court. “For minor cases, such as a RM50 bribe to a traffic policeman, compounds may be considered, but the amount imposed should be a substantial multiple of the bribe to serve as a genuine deterrent.”

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

RM2 million from a project and the risk is a compound of RM200,000, I still make a substantial profit. So, why not do it?’ “The offence will then be repeated. Corruption becomes a profit-and-loss calculation rather than a question of ethics, integrity and the rule of law.” Under Section 92 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla), the competent authority or relevant enforcement agency may, with the consent of the public prosecutor, compound offences under the Act by accepting payment of up to 50% of the maximum fine. The First Schedule of Amla also lists several offences under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act as serious offences, including gratification, bribery of public officials and abuse of office for gratification. The warning follows concerns raised on June 5 by Transparency International Malaysia president Dr Raymond Ram, who said the increasing use of compounds, settlements and withdrawals of charges in corruption linked cases risked creating a “pay-to-settle” culture. He called on the Attorney-General’s Chambers and MACC to publicly explain instances when charges are withdrawn or quashed following such arrangements. Shahul echoed those concerns, adding that

PETALING JAYA: Settling corruption cases through compound fines without public explanation risks turning graft into a calculated business decision rather than a crime, a criminologist has warned. Independent criminologist Datuk Shahul Hamid Abdul Rahim said while compounds are permitted under the law, the greater danger lies in the perception that offenders can simply pay their way out of a case, avoid a criminal record and walk away without meaningful consequences. “For those who calculate risk, they will think: ‘If I am caught, I just pay. I do not need to go to prison.’ The remedy becomes very simple: ‘It’s okay, it’s just a compound. Just pay.’ There is no stigma, no long-term consequences, no disclosure and no public explanation” he told theSun yesterday. “This directly undermines the primary purpose of punishment. We want punishment to act as a deterrent, not merely allow someone to pay a compound and move on.” Shahul said the risk was particularly acute in white-collar crime and corruption cases involving companies, contractors and individuals in positions of power. “When corruption is treated as a business cost, the thinking becomes: ‘If I profit

Jaslinda receiving medical attention from rescue personnel after being taken out of the jungle. – BERNAMAPIC

Police record statements from hiker’s rescuers TAPAH: Police have recorded statements from several Orang Asli who found and rescued hiker Jaslinda Saludin, 49, after she spent 14 days missing in the Gunung Batu Putih area. completing investigations into the case,“ he said when contacted. Abdul Malik said the statements were important in helping investigators establish a clearer picture of the victim’s condition and whereabouts when she was found.

the Gunung Batu Putih area on May 24, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation involving multiple agencies and volunteers. She was found safe by a group of Orang Asli at about 5pm on Saturday before being taken for medical treatment. Jaslinda had joined a hike with 13 other participants and two Forestry Mountain Guides via the Trans Spencer Chapman trail, which began at 2am on May 23 along the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route. – Bernama

Tapah district police chief Supt Abdul Malik Hasim said those who had provided statements included Nazri Bah Eng, 51, and two of his friends, who found the victim in a forested area near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu in Pos Musoh on Saturday. “Police are also waiting for Jaslinda’s condition to stabilise before recording her statement and

According to him, Jaslinda remains under treatment at Tapah Hospital after being taken out of the jungle by rescuers on Saturday evening. “We have been informed that the victim sustained an injury to her left ankle,“ he said. Jaslinda was reported missing while hiking in

MONDAY | JUNE 8, 2026

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Millions of Chinese students sit for gruelling college test

North Korea reaffirms nuclear status SEOUL: North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme is “absolutely non-negotiable”, the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong Un said in a statement carried by state media yesterday, ahead of a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Pyongyang has long insisted on its right to a nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programmes although they are forbidden under UN Security Council sanctions. It enshrined its nuclear status in its constitution in 2023. “Our status as a nuclear power is absolutely non-negotiable,” Kim’s sister Kim Yo Jong said in a statement published by North Korea’s official Rodong Sinmun , adding that the North “will not tolerate any threats”. A key player in the country’s communications and foreign policy, Kim Yo Jong’s statement came on the eve of Xi’s visit to North Korea, scheduled to take place today and tomorrow. Beijing is a vital source of political and economic support to North Korea, which is one of the most diplomatically isolated countries in the world and under heavy international sanctions. Kim Yo Jong went on to slam Washington over its comments that the goal of North Korea’s denuclearisation had been reaffirmed during last month’s summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing. The White House posted a fact sheet following the summit stating that Trump and Xi confirmed their goal to denuclearise North Korea, which Kim Yo Jong said was false. – AFP TOKYO: Heavy rain lashed southern Kyushu in southwestern Japan yesterday, sharply increasing the risk of disasters. Linear rainbands developed in Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures through yesterday morning, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, advising caution over possible landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and swollen or overflowing rivers. Rainfall is expected to reach up to 300mm in Shikoku and 150mm in southern Kyushu and the Amami region within a 24-hour period ending at 6am today. Atmospheric conditions are likely to remain highly unstable across western Japan, the agency said. – Bernama CONTAINER VESSEL SINKS OFF BATAM, CREW SAFE SINGAPORE: A Tanzania-registered container vessel, Golden Star 1 , sank 6km off Batam Island. The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) said the vessel reportedly took on water and sank on Friday night, with nine crew members safely rescued by Indonesian authorities. It issued navigational broadcasts advising vessels to exercise caution when transiting the area and to report any sighting of containers adrift. “Vessel traffic in the Strait of Malacca and Singapore remains unaffected. There were no reports of oil pollution in Singapore waters. MPA has informed the Indonesian authorities and is monitoring the situation. – Bernama HEAVY RAIN BATTERS SOUTHWEST JAPAN

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o Attitudes toward entrance exam changing

jobless, according to official data. Attitudes toward the test are changing, with students and parents more and more unwilling to trade physical and mental health for high test scores. “I’m pretty free range,” said mother Deng Ju, standing across from the exam hall holding a stack of practice books for her daughter, revising last minute with her friend nearby. “Just perform normally, that’s enough. I care more about physical health, the test is just a formality,” said Deng, 53. For Deng, whose daughter is not aiming for a “name school” such as the elite Tsinghua or Peking University in the capital, doing away with the gaokao would be ideal. “No more gaokao . Let’s not gaokao anymore. But that’s impossible” she said. For many Beijing students, the gaokao was still a step toward achieving their dream. “I hope I can go to my ideal university,” said Zhang. His friends also cared about the exam, he added. “But if we can calm down, we should be able to get to a stable mentality,” said Zhang. “Mentality is the most important when it comes to the gaokao .” – AFP

become harder to respond to. But, wearing his school uniform, the 18-year-old said despite the jitters, he thought he would do well, having spent the last year drilling practice questions. “The things we needed to master have been mastered,” said Zhang, who hopes to work with new energy vehicles. “Just go in with self-confidence, you’ll be solid.” Some mothers and fathers clustered outside the exam halls dressed in red, a symbol of good fortune in Chinese culture. Dozens of police and security guards milled about as parents stood beside the line of students waiting to enter the exam hall, hoping to film their children walking inside. High-level education has expanded rapidly in China in recent decades as an economic boom pushed up living standards – as well as parental expectations for their children’s careers. Yet the job market that fresh graduates enter is no longer as rosy as it once was, with high youth unemployment a significant concern. Roughly one in six Chinese between the ages of 16 and 24, excluding students, are

BEIJING: Hundreds of young Chinese students clutching pens and their IDs shuffled into a testing centre in blue-skied Beijing yesterday, swarmed by parents, joining millions sitting for the national high-stakes university entrance exam. Around 12.9 million students nationwide registered for this year’s “ gaokao ”, according to the Ministry of Education, which for most is the sole determining factor in admission to a Chinese university. The multi-day exam, which began yesterday, drills students on subjects including Chinese, mathematics, English, science and the humanities – with the tallied scores to be released later this month. “It’s my first time, so I’m a bit anxious,” said student Zhang Xinnan moments before entering the exam hall. The spectacled Beijinger admitted he was nervous for the essay portion of the Chinese test, as he said he thought the prompts had

Students line up to enter a school in Beijing yesterday on the first day of China’s National College Entrance Examination known as ‘gaokao’. – AFPPIC

Taiwan coast guard responds to China naval operation TAIPEI: Taiwan’s coast guard said yesterday it has deployed vessels “to respond appropriately” to a Chinese operation in waters east of the island, which it said “violates international law”. China, which asserts Taiwan is part of its territory, called the talks “illegal” and has claimed exclusive control over the waters. departing from Xiamen port, which had sailed outside Taiwanese restricted waters southwest of the island. delimit the maritime boundary” of an economic zone and continental shelf between them, angering Beijing.

lasted or whether it was still ongoing, and it did not say whether maritime police dispatched ships to the area. The operation was “a necessary action taken against Japan and the Philippines’ unilateral announcement they would start ‘negotiations on delimiting a maritime boundary’ near Taiwan”, Xinhua added. Taiwan said on Wednesday it should be consulted on the Japan Philippines talks. – AFP

On Saturday, Beijing’s Transport Ministry organised maritime police from coastal provinces Fujian and Guangdong to “conduct a special maritime traffic law enforcement operation in waters east of Taiwan Island”, Xinhua news agency said. The report did not give details of the operation, including how long it

Taiwan’s coast guard dispatched more than five vessels “to assist with surveillance”. It said “China does not enjoy any sovereign rights in the waters east of Taiwan”. Tokyo and Manila said last month they would start formal talks “to

The Chinese ships have been monitored “throughout the entire process” and Taiwan “has deployed the necessary vessels to respond appropriately”, the Taiwanese coast guard said in a statement. Taiwan said it had detected four Chinese government vessels

It comes after Chinese state media reported on Saturday that the “law enforcement operation” was in response to talks between Japan and the Philippines to draw a boundary in the affected waters.

MONDAY | JUNE 8, 2026

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Pope Leo laments ‘flames of polarisation’ Royal Palace in Madrid.

Hunt for funeral venue gunman SYDNEY: A manhunt was underway in Sydney yesterday after shots were fired at the venue of a planned funeral for a prominent underworld figure killed in Vietnam. Purported leader of Sydney’s so called “Coconut Cartel” Lorenzo Lemalu was shot dead last month outside a seafood restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnamese police arrested two suspects, both of Samoan nationality, who later admitted to the killing in a televised confession. Footage emerged yesterday of a gunman in a car firing shots at a venue slated to host Lemalu’s funeral in Sydney’s west. The video on a social media channel sharing updates about the city’s underworld showed a man firing an assault rifle while another tells him to aim for the venue’s windows and laughing. Police said no-one was wounded and they later found an abandoned car linked to the shooting set alight. The funeral was held at a prominent Sydney mosque yesterday, national broadcaster ABC said. Regular Sydneysiders have found themselves in the crosshairs of escalating gang violence in Australia’s largest city this year. In February, elderly grandfather Chris Baghsarian was found dead after being kidnapped in what police said was a case of mistaken identity. Neither Baghsarian nor his family had any underworld connections and the kidnappers were instead targeting the relative of a man linked to the west Sydney-based Alameddine crime network, police said. Leading Australian criminologist Vince Hurley has warned the city’s organised crime groups are becoming “more reckless”. – AFP

Over a million people filled the streets of Madrid and one of its main squares yesterday morning to catch a glimpse of Pope Leo as he made his way to an open-air Mass in what was expected to be the largest event during his week-long visit to Spain. People waved flags and shouted, “Long live the pope” as Leo was driven in the popemobile down Madrid’s main thoroughfare Paseo de la Castellana toward Cibeles Square, where he was due to preside over the Mass. Some tossed flower petals as he arrived in the square. Some 1.2 million people were in the square and its surrounding streets, the Vatican and local organisers said. “May Madrid remain a welcoming and inclusive city, where social life is inspired by genuine human values,” Leo wrote in a guest book as he was handed the key to the city by its mayor. – Reuters

o Pontiff urges leaders to stop dividing electorates MADRID: Pope Leo has urged global leaders to stop dividing their electorates with “sterile simplifications” to gain popularity and called on them to listen to the world’s cries for peace, in a forceful speech opening a week-long tour of Spain. Leo said before touching down in Spain on Saturday he hoped the tour would set an example to the world about respecting “every human being”. “Today, the temptation to gain popularity by fanning the flames of polarisation seems to have grown rather than diminished, and human dignity continues to be violated,” Leo said in a speech before King Felipe VI at the

“I invite everyone to set aside the divisive and polarising narratives of your societal reality and history, so as to overcome sterile simplifications through the fruitful appreciation of complexity,” he said. Technology was partly to blame for creating an environment which magnifies prejudices and weakens critical thinking, Leo said. He drew on Spain’s history as an example of peaceful co-habitation between religions and cultures, making reference to how Christians, Muslims and Jews cooperated during medieval times to enhance human knowledge by translating Arabic texts into Latin, Spanish and Hebrew at the School of Translators in Toledo. “Your own history suggests that a culture of encounter, not confrontation, is what fosters stability and prosperity,” he said.

Seoul nominates first female prime minister SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has chosen Han Seong-sook (pic) , the country’s minister for small and midsize businesses and startups, to be prime minister, the presidential office said yesterday. medium-sized enterprises,” Kang said. The role of prime minister is largely ceremonial and administrative under South Korea’s presidential system.

Han, a former chief executive of online portal giant Naver who spent most of her career in the internet industry, took up her current post upon the inauguration of the Lee administration. Referring to outgoing Prime Minister Kim, Kang expressed the presidential office’s gratitude for his service in the post, saying the government’s policy results could rightly be attributed to Kim’s performance. Earlier reports said the Prime Minister’s Office has formed a team in advance to help the prime minister nominee prepare for her parliamentary confirmation hearing. – Reuters/Bernama

If approved by parliament, Han would become South Korea’s first female prime minister in 20 years. Han, who had also previously served as chief executive of South Korean internet giant Naver, is expected to lead the country’s AI transformation, South Korea’s presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said at a press briefing. “Han will be able to transform South Korea’s economic growth – driven by the semiconductor boom and rising exports – into inclusive growth that reaches everyone, including small and

Kosovo holds another snap election PRISTINA: Kosovo headed to the polls in a parliamentary election yesterday, the third in just 18 months, as no one party has been able to gain a strong enough majority to pull the Balkan country out of a political crisis.

Europe’s youngest and one of the poorest nations has aspirations to join the European Union but has had no functioning government for much of the last year as its fractured parliaments failed to elect first a speaker and then a new head of state. No opinion polls have been conducted recently but analysts predict victory again for Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetevendosje party. However, he will still need to reach a compromise with opposition parties to secure the two-thirds majority required to elect a new president, they say. Kurti’s party won 51.1% of the vote in the last election in December, up from 42% in February 2025, but could not agree with other parties on a candidate for the largely ceremonial presidency, triggering the dissolution of parliament in April and another snap election. The repeated elections have delayed reforms and the flowing of much-needed EU funding. Kosovars are keen to see the end of the political deadlock as they seek higher salaries and more affordable goods to benefit from a growing economy. “The political elite needs to be ready to reach an agreement. There has been a very deep division caused over recent years, and this must come to an end,” said Fatos Selimi after casting his ballot in capital Pristina.

A voter registering

before casting her ballot at a polling station

in Pristina yesterday. – AFPPIC

coalition groups are competing for seats in the 120-seat parliament. About 2.1 million voters are registered – more than Kosovo’s 1.6 million resident population due to a large diaspora, which is based mostly in western Europe. – Reuters

Like all parties in Kosovo, it has a pro-Western orientation. It also opposes further concessions to Serbia, with which relations remain strained. Kosovo’s election commission has said more than 900 candidates from 17 parties and three

The EU has urged politicians in Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, to create strong institutions that can deliver the reforms needed to join the bloc. Kurti’s party first came to power in 2021 with a more nationalist, welfare-focused agenda.