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Rosmah ordered to pay RM67.5m to Lebanese jeweller

High Court rules former PM’s wife negligent over 43 missing pieces of jewellery.

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY Future-proofing Malaysia’s export-reliant economy Economist urges proactive planning to shield businesses from geopolitical and supply chain risks.

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SCAN ME No. 9179 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Five-pillar strategy ensures 150,000 registered individuals become equal development partners. New Selangor action plan empowers PWD community N S l t

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New policy mandates universal design requirements for future state developments. – BERNAMAPIC

Tap RM78b more tax Report on h page 13

Broader collection could unlock billions annually to support healthcare, education and infrastructure, says ex-minister.

THURSDAY | JUNE 11, 2026

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Speak up for free trade, nations urged o Anwar says countries must openly oppose punitive tariffs and discriminatory policies

Putting people at heart of AI

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitmenttoahuman-centredfutureofworkatthe 114th International Labour Conference (ILC), as artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms the world of work and raises concerns over rights, equality and inclusion. Speaking at the plenary session of the conference in Geneva, Switzerland, onTuesday, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan stressed that technology only progresses when it advances decent work and human dignity. “The question is no longer whether AI will transform our societies, because it already has. The real challenge is whether we can shape this transformation in a way that remains fair, inclusive and centred on human dignity, while ensuring that no one is left behind,“ he said in his speech posted on Facebook. Ramanan said Malaysia’s approach was guided by the Malaysia Madani framework, which emphasises compassion, justice and humanity in development. “Our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded us that technology without values will only widen inequality and deepen division,”he said, adding that the future must remain people-centred rather than driven solely by algorithms, machines or markets. Ramanan said Malaysia, with a workforce of more than 17 million, remained focused on ensuring every worker is equipped and protected to thrive in an AI-driven economy. He highlighted several national initiatives, including AI and digital technology training programmes under the Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skills Training, aimed at strengthening workforce readiness. In parallel with these efforts, he said the Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan 2026-2030, which integrates emerging technologies to address new workplace risks arising from AI, automation and digitalisation. “Through these efforts, Malaysia’s Digital Risk Assessment System has already benefited nearly 270,000 users nationwide, reflecting our commitment to building safer and future ready workplaces,” he said. To strengthen industrial justice, Ramanan said the Malaysian Industrial Court has modernised its operations through AI-supported technologies and real-time digital recording systems, replacing manual note-taking. Ramanan added that labour courts are also being upgraded with digital recording systems in phases, with full implementation expected by 2030 in Peninsular Malaysia to enhance efficiency and fairness in industrial justice. To support industry adaptation, he said the AI and Cybersecurity Training Tax Deduction under the MyMahir-National AI Council for Industry ecosystem would help employers, particularly small and medium enterprises, invest in upskilling and reskilling workers. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his historic milestone of becoming the country’s longest-serving elected prime minister. In a Facebook post, Anwar said the achievement reflects Modi’s years of dedicated public service and leadership in advancing India’s development, prosperity and standing on the global stage. “Heartiest congratulations to PM Modi on this historic milestone of becoming India’s longest serving elected prime minister.” Modi has been serving as prime minister since May 2014. Anwar said Malaysia values its close and long standing friendship with India and looks forward to continuing cooperation to strengthen bilateral ties and expand opportunities for the peoples of both countries. “I wish PM Modi continued success and the people of India continued peace, progress and prosperity.” – Bernama Modi sets record as longest-serving PM

participation in BRICS does not mean abandoning its strong trade and investment ties with the US. Malaysia will continue to deepen cooperation with BRICS, as well as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which he described as a vibrant grouping with significant progress in technology and energy transition. Earlier, Anwar Ibrahim was accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, marking his first official visit to Japan since taking office. Upon arrival, Anwar was warmly received by his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, and presented with a guard of honour, as the national anthems of Malaysia and Japan were played in tribute. Anwar was then introduced to Japanese Cabinet ministers and senior government officials, after which he introduced the Malaysian delegation to Takaichi. Following the ceremony, both leaders proceeded to a bilateral meeting to discuss matters of mutual interest and enhance regional cooperation. This visit is Anwar’s first official trip to Japan since becoming Malaysia’s 10th prime minister in November 2022, although he previously made two working visits in 2023 and 2024. – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Sovereign countries should not be timid in defending free trade and opposing punitive tariffs or discriminatory policies, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said as a sovereign interdependent country, Malaysia took its position on tariffs very clearly and has been appealing to countries to be more affirmative and pronounced in their views on free trade and multilateralism. “Do we agree that there should be punitive tariffs or discriminatory policies? (No,) we don’t. Do we support free trade? (If yes), then say it as a policy. “Of course, you know the limits, but you (still) have to say it. Otherwise, you are not contributing to this new thinking,“ he said during a question-and-answer session following his keynote address at the Nikkei Forum in Tokyo, Japan yesterday. Anwar was asked how Asean could effectively address protectionist policies by major powers and internal differences among member states, including whether engagement He said the country is positioning itself to move beyond traditional growth sectors by embracing digitalisation, AI and other emerging technologies, while strengthening its role as a regional semiconductor hub. “(As for) semiconductors, we are more fortunate, because now Malaysia has become the semiconductor hub in the region, not only for the low-end but also more high-end (products). “We are talking about packaging and advanced packaging. That is where collaboration with Japanese industries and support from the Japanese government are critical,” he said during a question-and answer session following his keynote address at the Nikkei Forum in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. Anwar said Malaysia is also focusing on developing capabilities in quantum technologies, noting that the country is learning from international partners that are further ahead in the field. Beyond technology, he said, energy transition would be another key driver of Malaysia’s next phase of growth, supported by the country’s existing strengths in the energy sector. “We are fortunate we have Petronas. Then we have this thinking of the Asean (power) grid, which I promoted very strongly and is supported by the Vietnamese government, Laos and now Singapore, and we are also working with Sarawak,” he said. While these are new areas, he noted that there are stages of growth even with regard to old technologies. Anwar said Malaysia would continue to maintain its traditional growth engines while simultaneously pursuing new areas and disciplines to accelerate economic transformation and achieve high-income nation status. He also highlighted that political stability, strong institutions and a clear policy direction remain essential in supporting the country’s long-term development agenda. “Our duty is to ensure that reforms take place gradually, to fortify and strengthen. And this means, with the political stability which we are fortunate (to have), then we should start embarking on clarity of policies.” – Bernama

with groups such as BRICS – comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – form part of a broader strategic diversification. Anwar said it is of critical importance for Asean to continue engaging vibrantly and aggressively with all countries while maintaining its centrality and independent stance. In Malaysia, he said the country enjoys excellent relations with the United States, its largest trading and investment partner. However, Malaysia disagrees with the unilateral imposition of tariffs. “Did I say it to President Donald Trump? Of course, although very politely during the (Asean Summit) meeting Malaysia hosted. We expect the same from other countries, so that we can build consensus. “Of course countries will have their own priorities but it is not a zero-sum game,” he said, adding that it is not true that he is tilting towards any particular country, as perceived by some in the media. Anwar emphasised that Malaysia’s

‘Japan key to M’sia’s tech ambitions’ KUALA LUMPUR: The Japanese government and industries’ support is critical to helping Malaysia build its capabilities in advanced technologies, particularly semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and advanced packaging, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar shaking hands with Takaichi during an official welcoming ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday. Anwar said Malaysia is positioning itself to move beyond traditional growth sectors by embracing digitalisation and AI. – BERNAMAPIC

THURSDAY | JUNE 11, 2026

3 Economist calls for stronger economic buffers

Juveniles detained for

capital offences in legal limbo, says lawyer

KUALA LUMPUR: Seven individuals detained as children for capital offences face an open-ended imprisonment with no fixed release date – a legal limbo that experts say amounts to a life sentence in all but name. The plight of the seven, held under Section 97(2) of the Child Act 2001, was laid bare at the Legal Symposium on Children’s Rights to Access to Justice and Effective Remedies at Wisma Badan Peguam Malaysia yesterday. Child rights lawyers and academics warned that Malaysia’s failure to bring juvenile detainees under the 2023 death penalty reforms had left a generation of former child offenders in legal freefall. Seira & Sharizad partner and child rights lawyer Khaizan Sharizad Ab Razak said the seven individuals were below 18 when convicted of offences carrying the death penalty but were spared execution because of their age and instead ordered to be detained at the pleasure of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or state Ruler. When the 2023 death penalty reforms allowed adults sentenced to death or natural life imprisonment to be resentenced, those held under Section 97 were excluded, creating a gap that Khaizan said left them worse off than adult convicts. “One of the seven applicants was charged under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act and has been in detention for more than 20 years.” “At this moment, they don’t know (when they will be released). It’s akin to a natural life sentence, without saying it’s natural life.” Khaizan called for Section 97 to be amended to bring those detained under the provision within a resentencing framework, with a lower sentencing range than that applied to adults. She also raised concerns about the Board of Visiting Justices, which is empowered to review such cases at least once a year and recommend early release or continued detention, saying the process operated without scrutiny. “The problem is that it is not transparent. The problem is that we have no access to this board. The problem is that we do not know how often they go in and what information they take from these cases.” The calls for reform were reinforced by Leiden University Unicef chair in Children’s Rights Prof Ton Liefaard, who said prolonged detention of children is both a rights violation and a policy failure. “Locking up a child for a long period of time is not only an infringement of his rights but also very ineffective. “When they return, they have nothing to build on, nothing to rely on and nothing to fall back on. That causes all kinds of issues for society again.” Ton said courts and authorities need to address the root causes of juvenile offending rather than defaulting to punitive responses. Bar Council Child Rights Committee co-deputy chairperson Collin Andrew said access to legal representation is indispensable as children frequently require lawyers to challenge detention or contest decisions affecting their rights. – BY FAIZ RUZMAN

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o ‘Contingency planning no longer optional as geopolitical fault lines, trade fragmentation and supply chain shocks increasingly threaten country’s industrial base’

carbon-based green financing that SMEs must not be locked out of. “If SMEs are left out of these systems, they could fall behind as Asean carbon markets develop and as rules like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism take effect.” She called for a swift rollout of SME-focused carbon finance and circular economy pilot projects, particularly in steel, chemicals, palm oil and manufacturing. She said delayed contingency planning would compound structural risks beyond short-term market volatility, eroding industrial competitiveness and burdening Malaysia’s social fabric. “SMEs are expected to be most affected, as limited supplier networks and financial buffers could heighten risks of input shortages and cash flow pressure.” She said inaction would also slow Malaysia’s transition towards sustainable and digitalised systems, weakening its position under emerging carbon trade rules. Poon called on the government, industry and SMEs to shift from reactive crisis management to proactive resilience-building.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s export dependent economy is facing growing vulnerabilities, with concerns that it may be operating with limited buffers, said economist Prof Dr Poon Wai Ching. She warned that contingency planning is no longer optional as geopolitical fault lines, trade fragmentation and supply chain shocks increasingly threaten the country’s industrial base. “Bank Negara Malaysia has consistently highlighted that intensifying geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, energy insecurity and supply chain disruptions pose significant downside risks to macroeconomic stability, trade competitiveness and financial markets,” said Poon, who leads the Cluster for Innovative Management Practices at Taylor’s University Centre for Future of Work. She said strategic domestic industries, including semiconductors, electrical and electronics, palm oil and downstream manufacturing, KUALA LUMPUR: Rohingya children risk bearing the brunt of rising anti refugee sentiment if public pressure to expel the community is allowed to override legal safeguards for minors, said Bar Council Child Rights Committee co-deputy chairperson Collin Andrew. He said his “biggest worry” is whether children would be affected by a viral petition calling for Rohingya refugees to be expelled from Malaysia. “The refugees have their own children, so it will eventually trickle down to them as well. I think it is okay to have public discourse but it should not descend into hatred, vilification and dehumanising. “They are humans. They have to be treated with dignity,” Andrew told theSun on the sidelines of the Legal Symposium on Children’s Rights to Access to Justice and Effective Remedies yesterday. Andrew said the issue must be addressed through legal safeguards, public education and better cooperation between enforcement agencies, lawyers and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He cited a case involving a 15-year old Rohingya girl detained at the Belantik Immigration Detention Depot, where lawyers faced difficulty accessing her for a habeas corpus application. After a court order was obtained, lawyers entered the detention centre, secured her affidavit and she was eventually released. Andrew said UNHCR assessments Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

structural reform. She added that while no official forecast predicts a “June shock”, multiple risk indicators are converging in 2026, with the Finance Ministry itself flagging concerns over geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation and climate-related disruptions. She added that short-term buffers such as fuel stockpiling, import diversification and targeted subsidies could cushion energy price spikes. “The real priority is to strengthen long-term resilience by building a circular economy and using digital green finance systems.” Poon said the digital finance space presents an early-mover opportunity, and pointed to Bank Negara Malaysia’s asset tokenisation plans as a vehicle for

remain particularly vulnerable to localised geopolitical shocks that could rapidly cascade across regional production systems. Poon said effective preparedness requires scenario planning, diversified supply chains, robust digital infrastructure and coordinated regional mechanisms to contain price and supply volatility. She said the urgency is especially acute for SMEs, which make up about 98.5% of businesses in Malaysia. “Unlike large multinational companies, SMEs usually have less cash reserves, fewer suppliers and are less able to quickly adjust when external shocks or crises happen.” Poon said the anticipated economic stress by mid-2026 should be treated not as a fixed deadline but as a call to accelerate

‘Rohingya children at risk of anti-refugee sentiment’

Andrew said UNHCR assessments must be given due recognition when authorities deal with refugee children, particularly on documentation issues. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THE SUN

had their detention successfully challenged at the Alor Setar High Court, which held that their continued detention violated Article 22 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. “The moment a person leaves the country fearing persecution he becomes a refugee. What UNHCR is merely trying to do is give recognition that this is indeed a genuine asylum seeker. How can

must be given due recognition when authorities deal with refugee children, particularly on documentation issues. “At the end of the day, they are refugees. UNHCR is the only body that can give that kind of evidence and assessment. So enough consideration must be given to that.” He also highlighted the 2018 Belantik case where Rohingya minors aged between five and 14

that be an afterthought?” On the proposed Refugee Registration Document, Andrew called it a positive step, but stressed it must come with clear rights. “Rights must be attached to this document. They must not be at constant risk of arrest and detention. They must be allowed some basic necessities and also be allowed to contribute to the economy.”

THURSDAY | JUNE 11, 2026

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ON TELEGRAM m RAM

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Selangor rolls out disability policy to boost inclusion

Kelantan Arts Festival aims for 150,000 visitors KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan Arts Festival is targeting an attendance of around 150,000 visitors over its four-day run from July 1 to 4 at the Tok Bali Tourist Jetty in Pasir Puteh. The festival, now in its ninth edition, serves as a major platform to showcase Kelantan’s arts, culture and heritage to locals and visitors, said state National Culture and Arts Department director Rohaniza Abdullah. She said the festival will run daily from 10am to 11pm, featuring a range of programmes that highlight the state’s unique cultural heritage, including dikir barat, makyong, wayang kulit, rebana ubi, kertok, martial arts, traditional music and multicultural performances. “We are also organising various competitions and community activities to give visitors a closer experience of Kelantan’s cultural heritage.” She added that visitors can take part in activities such as baling tin, decok, biddah, konda kondi, silat tari, decorated kolek, ayam serama displays, traditional cooking and pulut sirih junjung arrangements. Rohaniza said the festival will showcase demonstrations of traditional games, such as wau bercahaya, sepak raga bakul, tarik upih, archery and coconut-shell racing, many of which are largely unknown to the younger generation. There will also be a range of exhibition and sales areas under segments such as Pasar Melayu Klasik, Foodie Fest and Wakaf Seni Budaya, alongside government agency showcases and local entrepreneurs, as well as sharing sessions with social media influencer Biso Demo Mek Yun and several successful Kelantan-born business figures. She said the festival, themed Pakat Mari Belako, Tengok Mene Kito , aims to highlight Kelantan’s artistic and cultural identity while giving artists a platform to showcase their creativity, Bernama reported. Meanwhile, Kelantan Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamaruddin Md Nor said the festival, jointly organised by the department and state government, has received strong backing from 20 sponsors committed to ensuring its success. Nga said the initiative is expected to reduce landfill dependency while creating new economic opportunities within the circular economy supply chain. “Recycling is not only about reducing waste. It also creates jobs and generates economic value across the circular economy.” In addition to the existing 131 Drive-Through Recycling Centres, the ministry is targeting the development of 18 Waste-to-Energy facilities to diversify energy sources and strengthen long-term sustainability. The government said the combined measures are part of a wider effort to modernise waste management and reinforce environmental sustainability under the Malaysia Madani framework.

o Initiative marks shift from passive approach to one centred on rights, active participation and empowerment: Social welfare committee

SHAH ALAM: The state government has launched the Selangor Persons with Disabilities Policy and Action Plan 2026-2030 to strengthen inclusion and support the holistic development of the state’s approximately 150,000 registered persons with disabilities (PWDs). State Women Development and Social Welfare Committee chairman Anfaal Saari said the comprehensive policy marks a significant shift from a passive welfare-based approach towards one centred on rights, active participation and empowerment. “This proactive step is intended to ensure the PWD community is recognised as an equal strategic partner in the state’s development. “The policy was formulated based on field studies involving PWDs, caregivers, NGOs, government agencies and academics,” she told reporters after launching the policy at Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Dewan Tuanku Canselor here on Tuesday. TAWAU: A total of 22 federal projects in Sabah classified as “sick” projects require closer monitoring and improvement. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said land-related issues and poor contractor performance were among the factors contributing to the delays. “Some of these projects have been delayed due to land issues. If that is the cause, we need to find ways to expedite the process. I do not want Sabah to be branded as a state with ‘sick projects’. We want to move away from that image. “If land issues are the main obstacle, then a special task force to deal specifically with such matters should be established. It could perhaps start in Tawau, such as for the Immigration Detention Depot upgrading project under Package 1.” Mustapha said if delayed or “sick” projects were caused by incompetent contractors, appropriate measures must be taken to address the issue, including replacing the contractors concerned. In addition, he said 83 development projects have been recorded in Tawau, with 44 projects worth RM50 million at the pre-implementation stage. Commenting on a petition calling for Filipino refugees holding IMM13 documents in Sabah to be repatriated to their home country, Mustapha said the matter should be studied by the Home Ministry and Foreign Ministry. He said the issue must also take into account historical, legal and international policy considerations. The online petition has garnered more than 38,683 signatures in the five days since Friday. – Bernama ‘Sick’ projects need closer monitoring

transparent implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the policy, with government agencies and stakeholders expected to play accountable roles. She added that as a follow-up measure, the Selangor Disability Action Council has begun advocacy and awareness workshops with local authority planners and engineers to improve compliance with existing guidelines. Earlier, accompanied by council chairman and Batu Tiga assemblyman Danial Al-Rashid Haron, Anfaal presented RM90,000 in grants to three recipients under the Selangor Inclusive Innovation Programme. She also presented awards to PWD students who excelled in the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, 2025 bachelor’s degree graduates and participants of the recent Global IT Challenge in South Korea.

On Anfaal acknowledged that making older developments fully PWD-friendly could be challenging, but improvements could begin with new developments. She said the state government would determine mandatory UD requirements to be incorporated into development planning and complied with by developers, Bernama reported. “The action plan must serve as a genuine instrument of change and not merely remain a document on paper.” Anfaal said the state government is fully committed to ensuring accessibility,

Anfaal said the policy is designed to bridge the gap between policymaking and implementation through a structured framework guided by five key pillars, namely quality of life and social equity, education and lifelong learning, productivity and economic development, accessibility and universal design (UD), as well as governance and advocacy. She said the policy, which is guided by the principles of maqasid syariah, also seeks to improve access to healthcare services, early intervention programmes, mental health support for PWDs and caregivers, economic participation, and inclusive worship facilities.

STRIKING SHOW ... Dancers performing a creative gamelan programme at the Batik Lantern Ceremony: Shining the Art of Traditional Clothing of Perak, which took place at the Tuanku Chancelor’s Hall, Sultan Azlan Shah Campus of the Sultan Idris Education University in Tanjong Malim yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Recycling facilities to be mandated in over 1,000 malls

approvals, stakeholder engagement, voluntary registration and public awareness campaigns involving state governments, local authorities and industry players. From January to June 2027, pilot projects will be introduced at selected local authority areas alongside amendments to by-laws to test implementation and infrastructure readiness. The third phase, from July to December 2027, will introduce targeted mandatory enforcement through licensing conditions based on findings from the pilot phase. Full enforcement is scheduled to begin in January 2028, with continuous monitoring to integrate recycling facilities into Malaysia’s broader solid waste management system.

Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“By making recycling facilities a licensing requirement, we are making it easier for the public while boosting sustainable development.” He added that the aim is to make recycling “as easy as shopping”, with accessible facilities in malls nationwide allowing consumers and businesses to separate and deposit recyclable materials conveniently. Malaysia generates more than 39,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, placing continued pressure on landfill capacity. The government said improving recycling rates is key to reducing dependence on disposal sites while strengthening resource recovery systems. The programme will be rolled out in four phases beginning this month. The first phase focuses on

PETALING JAYA: More than 1,000 shopping malls nationwide will be required to install recycling facilities by the end of the year, in a sweeping government move to turn everyday waste into economic value and accelerate Malaysia’s shift towards a circular economy. The initiative, announced by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, follows a Cabinet decision on Friday and will make recycling facilities a mandatory condition for business licensing at major retail premises. Nga said the policy reflects the government’s push to treat waste not as a burden but as a resource with economic potential.

THURSDAY | JUNE 11, 2026

5

Rosmah to pay RM67.5mil to Lebanon-based jeweller

Eight held for wildlife offences in joint operation KOTA BHARU: Eight Myanmar nationals, including two women, were arrested in a joint operation involving police and the Wildlife and National Parks Department against illegal hunting and wildlife offences at a 24ha durian plantation in Kampung Mia, Kuala Krai. Kuala Krai district police chief Supt Mazlan Mamat said acting on a tip-off, police and the department jointly conducted the Op Bersepadu/Op Khazanah from midnight until 6am yesterday. Authorities also found a baby boy and a baby girl with the group. He said an air rifle and two spears, believed to have been used for illegal hunting, were seized during the operation. In a statement Mazlan said inspections also uncovered items believed to be wildlife body parts including six claws, 12 fangs and seven bones as well as a container filled with substance believed to be wildlife meat. The case is being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960, Section 7(1) of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1958, and the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716). He said the success of the operation showed the effectiveness of the cooperation between police and the wildlife department as well as the importance of information provided by the public in efforts to combat illegal hunting and the unlawful possession of wildlife parts. Mazlan said stern action would be taken against anyone involved in wildlife-related offences. – Bernama Vehicle break-in gang crippled, 10 cases solved KOTA BHARU: Police have crippled a criminal group known as Geng Saga believed to be behind a series of vehicle break-ins and thefts in Kota Bharu and Pasir Mas. The raid resulted in police solving 10 cases involving losses estimated at RM23,000. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the breakthrough followed a raid by the state police contingent headquarters’ Criminal Investigation Department in front of a petrol station in Jalan Long Yunus here at about 2am on May 30. The operation was conducted following a report on a vehicle break-in and theft in Tunjong, he said. Mohd Yusoff said three local men aged between 49 and 56 were arrested during the raid, while police seized various items believed to be linked to the group’s activities, including two Proton Saga cars, a laptop computer, four mobile phones, two backpacks, 10 bank cards, two international passports and a MyKid. “We also seized a slingshot, two spark plug fragments and a pair of pliers believed to have been used to break vehicle windows,” he said. He added that checks showed the three suspects had a total of 12 criminal and 32 drug-related records, while urine tests were positive for methamphetamine. – Bernama

to the plaintiff. There is no evidence proving that the remaining 43 pieces of jewellery were ever seized by police at all.” The judge noted that a critical aspect of the defendant’s defence collapsed due to her failure to call material witnesses who were purportedly involved in the handling, locking, packing, safeguarding and movement of the jewellery, Bernama reported. He said the defendant attempted to rely on unnamed “security personnel”, “bodyguards”, “staff”, “butlers” and other unidentified individuals to explain how the jewellery was packed, how the bags were locked and transported and who handled the keys during the transfer of the items from Sri Perdana, Putrajaya to Pavilion 45 here and how the jewellery was safeguarded there before the police raid. “However, none of these material witnesses was called to testify at the trial,” he added.

jewellery were in fact seized by the police and the jewellery remained intact and accounted for throughout the alleged chain of custody. However, the defendant failed to do so. “The defendant’s attempt to shift focus onto speculative explanations concerning the raid and seizure by the police is untenable. The fact remains that the defendant failed to return the remaining 43 pieces of jewellery and cannot satisfactorily account for their fate,” said Quay. He added that the defendant had consistently maintained in her testimony that the jewellery had been delivered to her for viewing and publicity purposes. Quay further observed that while it was claimed the jewellery had been seized by the police during the 2018 raid, the evidence adduced established only one fact with certainty. “One item of jewellery was eventually identified during the forfeiture proceeding and returned

o Global Royalty filed lawsuit against wife of ex-PM for allegedly making false claims that authorities seized 44 pieces of jewellery

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here ordered Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor to pay RM67.5 million to Lebanon-based jeweller Global Royalty Trading SAL over the loss of 43 pieces of jewellery, within one month from yesterday’s date. Judge Datuk Quay Chew Soon also ordered the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to pay costs of RM75,000 each to Global Royalty and the third parties, namely the inspector general of police (IGP) and the Malaysian government. On March 29, 2023, Global Royalty filed a lawsuit against Rosmah, alleging she falsely claimed that 44 pieces of jewellery, including diamond necklaces, bracelets and tiaras, sent to her by the company’s agent, had been seized by the Malaysian authorities under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. However, the company claimed that only one of the 44 pieces of jewellery was retained by police and the remaining 43 pieces were not in their custody. Global Royalty further asserted that Rosmah had shifted the responsibility to the Malaysian government when, in fact, the jewellery had gone missing. Quay when delivering yesterday’s decision via Zoom, ordered Rosmah to pay RM67,461,027.37 within one month, together with interest at 5% per annum from the date of judgment until full settlement. The judge also dismissed Rosmah’s claim for an indemnity against the third parties. Quay said the court found that the defendant (Rosmah) had failed to discharge her obligations as a bailee, noting that the non-return PUTRAJAYA: More speed-reduction measures, including speed bumps, should be installed along roads in Genting Highlands to reduce crash risks and improve road safety, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said. He said greater attention should be given to measures aimed at slowing vehicles and minimising crash risks, particularly at critical locations and key access routes to and from the hill resort. “There is an urgent need to review and expedite the implementation of more technology-based monitoring measures to enhance road safety management. “Safety measures cannot only be introduced after accidents occur. We

of the jewellery constitutes prima facie evidence of negligence. He said the plaintiff (Global Royalty) does not bear the burden of proving the precise manner in which the jewellery disappeared while it was under the defendant’s custody. The judge further noted that the defendant could not merely cite the police raid, the possibility of seizure or that her bodyguards had handled the bags to discharge the legal burden imposed on her as a bailee. “The defendant must affirmatively prove what precisely happened to the jewellery, that its loss did not arise from her negligence and that the 43 pieces of

Rosmah told to pay within one month, together with interest at 5% per annum from the date of judgment until full settlement. – BERNAMAPIC ‘Enhance road safety measures in Genting Highlands’

management, he said any violations affecting public safety should not be taken lightly. He said enforcement agencies must take action and impose stricter oversight on drivers with outstanding summonses, expired road tax, dangerous driving records or those operating poorly maintained vehicles that pose safety risks. Tiong said the crash involving two buses and a sport utility vehicle (at km15 of the Genting Highlands Genting Sempah downhill road on May 30 had highlighted the need for stronger regulation of tourist vehicles, stricter background screening of drivers and more effective road safety enforcement mechanisms. – Bernama

government and enforcement agencies in implementing safety improvements in the interest of public safety and corporate social responsibility. “Protecting tourists’ safety, safeguarding the country’s tourism reputation and improving the quality of tourist transport services are shared responsibilities. We must be result-oriented and proactive in identifying and addressing weaknesses rather than allowing the same problems to recur,” he said. Tiong said his ministry would hold further discussions with Genting Highlands management to obtain a clearer picture of the resort’s current road safety management practices. On the issue of tourist vehicle

must act from a preventive standpoint and minimise risks as much as possible,” he said in a statement after chairing a coordination meeting on the recent tour bus crash in Genting Highlands on Tuesday. Tiong said the Road Transport Department had previously proposed the installation of speed trap facilities along the route, but the proposal could not be implemented as the road is privately owned. However, he stressed that despite the road being privately managed, it still involves the safety of tourists and the public. He expressed hope that the management of Genting Highlands would cooperate with the

THURSDAY | JUNE 11, 2026

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Four officers jailed over acid attack

Reuters earlier obtained satellite images confirming the platform’s presence, although an image taken on June 1 showed it was no longer at the mouth of the shoal. The Philippine Coast Guard said it was last observed in the middle of the lagoon. Philippine officials refused to speculate on the platform’s purpose or whether they view its presence as an escalation by China, which last year announced the creation of a national nature reserve at the shoal. Jay Batongbacal, a professor at the University of the Philippines and a maritime law expert, said the photos were reminiscent of Mischief Reef, one of seven artificial islands that China has built in the South China Sea. “They started with the base, then small huts that kept getting upgraded,” Batongbacal said, adding that he saw the structure as part of China’s “actions to incrementally change the facts on the ground”. Asean is negotiating with China on a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea but an agreement remains elusive. – Reuters members of Indonesia’s military intelligence unit with ranks of captain, first lieutenant, and second sergeant, another judge, Zainal, said. The first defendant was given the heaviest sentence because he was the one who executed the attack and “provoked” the others to join in, Zainal said. The second defendant was the one who came with the idea to use acid, while the third and fourth defendant “acted passively” by “participating” in the attack, he said. Prosecutors had previously demanded that all the defendants be sentenced to two and a half years. The chief of the military’s intelligence unit resigned in March in what a military spokesperson described as a form of responsibility for the attack. Another judge said the defendants prepared the attack because they were “offended and outraged” by Andrie, who interrupted a closed-door parliamentary meeting in a hotel attended by military officials. The meeting last year concerned revisions to military law that would allow more soldiers to be appointed to civilian posts. They were also outraged because

JAKARTA: An Indonesian military court yesterday sentenced four military officers to jail terms of up to three years for their involvement in an acid attack on an activist known for campaigning against the growing role of the military. One defendant was sentenced to three years in jail, a second to two and a half years, the third to two years and the fourth to one and a half years, judge Fredy Ferdian said, adding the first and second defendants were also dishonourably discharged from the military. He said the attack was not influenced by any “chain of command”. The four officers were found guilty on charges of serious premeditated assault after attacking Andrie Yunus, a deputy coordinator with the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence, a rights group also known as KontraS. Responding to the ruling, the defendants’ lawyers said they would consider an appeal. The four soldiers were all o Judge says no chain of command influence

(From left) Sami Lakka, Nandala Dwi Prasetya, Budhi Hariyanto Widhi Cahyono and Edi Sudarko were found guilty by a military court yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

defendants’ own initiative and spontaneity,” he said. The assault inflicted burns on 20% of Andrie’s body and left his right eye heavily damaged.

Amnesty International Indonesia said the verdict brings no justice to Andrie and “fails to duly consider the involvement of other actors or the chain of command”. – Reuters

Quake death toll rises to 46 GENERAL SANTOS: Rescuers in the southern Philippines pulled a body from the rubble of a collapsed supermarket yesterday, as the death toll from a major earthquake climbed to 46. The 7.8-magnitude tremor just off the coast of Mindanao on Monday brought down buildings, triggered landslides and set off tsunami warnings across a swathe of the southern island. Joey Deluvio, 39, was one of two employees at a supermarket in General Santos City that has been the focus of recovery efforts despite the constant threat of aftershocks. Life-detecting equipment had traced a “weak pulse” earlier in the operation, local rescuer Michelle Chua told AFP yesterday, but “when they got to the body ... there were no signs of life”. Deluvio’s body was found pinned between two beams. The national disaster agency raised the death toll to 45 yesterday, while the number of people missing jumped dramatically from four to 17. However, the figure for fatalities did not include Deluvio, the civil defence office confirmed. Most of the additional dead were from Davao Occidental province, and Andrie had accused the military of being the mastermind behind nationwide protests in August last year, the judge said. “The attack stemmed from the

Remove floating platform, China urged MANILA: The Philippines said it is urging Beijing to remove a floating structure placed at Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, adding that it will not allow the atoll to be turned into a man-made island. shoal and said China’s activities there, including research, are legitimate. Photos also showed the presence of buoys and a different antenna.

Manila on Tuesday lodged a diplomatic protest with China over the presence of a “movable platform”, which the Philippine Coast Guard said was likely deployed by Chinese research vessels. “From the lens of defence and security, we are doing what we can to perform our mandate, and that includes preventing Bajo de Masinloc from being developed into another man-made island,” Philippine Navy spokesperson Roy Trinidad told a press briefing. Security officials shared photos of the floating structure, showing a square platform with several people on board and an antenna. The structure appeared to have been built from wooden planks forming a central deck, surrounded by cylindrical flotation devices. China has neither confirmed nor denied it is responsible for the structure. Its Foreign Ministry on Tuesday reiterated that Beijing had “indisputable sovereignty” over the

Filipinos living on the mountainside evacuating yesterday after a landslide following the quake in Barangay Kapatan, Glan, Sarangani province. – REUTERSPIC

He advised coastal communities to immediately evacuate to higher ground when a strong tremor strikes. “People living in coastal communities should know the natural signs of impending local tsunamis,” he said. Bacolcol mentioned three signs of an upcoming tsunami – strong shaking, a sudden drop or rise in sea level and a roaring sound coming from the sea. “If any of these signs are observed, then they should evacuate immediately to a higher place.” – AFP/Bernama

most had been killed in landslides or collapsing buildings, civil defence official Rafaelito Alejandro said. All areas along the six active trenches in the Philippines could experience an earthquake of up to 8.2 in magnitude, the head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said on Tuesday. These trenches are the Philippine Trench (located from East Luzon to Southeast Mindanao); East Luzon Trough; Manila Trench; Negros Trench; Sulu Trench; and Cotabato Trench, Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said.

Philippines foreign minister to meet Myanmar ethnic groups MANILA: Philippine Foreign Minister Ma Theresa Lazaro said yesterday she intends to meet ethnic groups from Myanmar in the coming days to learn about the situation and seek solutions. “I intend to meet certain groups and find out how we can help,”she said at a forum in Tokyo. The Philippines is this year’s Asean chair and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has appointed Lazaro as his special envoy to Myanmar. Lazaro did not specify whom she will meet and where. “We’ll see how it works,”Lazaro said. Myanmar has been ravaged by conflict since 2021 when protests against a coup were suppressed by the

Myanmar since a civilian government took over in April. Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing has said his new government will strive to normalise relations with Asean. – Reuters

military, unleashing civil war involving a loose alliance of rebel groups. Myanmar’s leadership has since been barred from attending top Asean meetings but the bloc has been seeking ways to re-engage with

THURSDAY | JUNE 11, 2026

7

‘AI must serve humanity, not dominate it’

Nine charged over deadly HK fire

HONG KONG: Authorities here charged seven people and two companies yesterday over the world’s deadliest residential building fire in decades, which killed 168 people at a public housing estate last year. The massive blaze, which engulfed seven of the eight high-rise apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court estate in November, prompted a months-long investigation in to the cause. Public hearings were told that almost all life saving fire safety measures had failed on the day of the blaze because of human error. Authorities “today charged seven individuals and two companies with 25 counts of offences, including manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud, ‘money laundering’, attempting to pervert the course of public justice, and tax evasion”, the government said in a statement yesterday. The seven people charged included directors and inspectors of a consultancy firm involved in the estate’s renovation, as well as the main contractor involved in the project. Substandard construction safety netting and cigarette butts were focal points of the probe into the causes and rapid spread of the world’s deadliest residential building fire since 1980. Fire alarm systems for seven of eight blocks had also been deactivated, which “greatly shortened the time for residents to evacuate”, leading counsel Victor Dawes had told an independent committee conducting the probe. – AFP More charges piled on shooting accused SYDNEY: A man accused of committing one of Australia’s worst mass shootings, at Sydney’s famed Bondi Beach last December, has been charged with 19 additional offences. Naveed Akram was initially charged with 59 offences in the days following the shooting that killed 15 people, including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder and a terror offence. Akram’s lawyer, Leonie Gittani, said 19 additional charges had been filed. Court records showed the new charges included 10 counts of shooting with intent to murder, six counts of discharging a firearm with intent to resist arrest and three counts of causing wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent to murder. Akram, 24, has yet to enter a plea. His father, Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead at the scene. The attack stunned a nation known for its strict gun laws, prompting renewed calls for tighter controls. – Reuters Pumice clogs remote PNG island shore WELLINGTON: Thick rafts of volcanic pumice ejected by an undersea eruption in Papua New Guinea’s Bismarck Sea have blocked boats, damaged fishing grounds and fuelled fears of food shortages, the leaders of remote coastal communities on Manus Island said. The eruption, still underway, began on May 8 about 125km southeast of the island, satellite observations show, sending floating pumice and discoloured water outwards from the site. Local government official Jayso James So-on said: “Our livelihoods are based on saltwater, and with the influx of the pumice, it’s affecting daily activities,” he said, adding reefs had been covered and sea transport to Lorengau, the provincial capital, disrupted. Images show brown pumice rock lines the island’s coast, in places 2-3m deep, say residents, allowing them to walk in areas once covered in water. Such pumice rafts form only when gas-rich magma erupts at the right depth to foam and float, said volcanologist Mike Rosenberg of Earth Sciences New Zealand. – Reuters

o Safeguard values, corporate media told

On the challenges accompanying rapid technological progress, Shen warned that the digital landscape was increasingly affected by misinformation, algorithmic influence and emotional manipulation. “Technology can build an interconnected world, but it can also erect invisible walls. In today’s internet, issues such as misinformation, algorithmic domestication, and emotional manipulation are assaulting the public opinion ecology with unprecedented, cascading waves of debate.” Shen also stressed the importance of international collaboration to ensure the benefits of AI reached all societies and helped narrow technological disparities. He said CMG would continue to strengthen partnerships with media organisations to promote exchanges, enhance cooperation and support the development of a more open and inclusive digital communication landscape. The forum, themed ‘Upholding and Reshaping: The Media’s Mission in the Intelligent Era,’ was organised by CMG and the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government. – Bernama

ensuring that algorithms transmit goodwill instead of amplifying bias,” he said. Also present were Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Reuters president Paul Bascobert and Rector of the United Nations University and the United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Tshilidzi Marwala. They joined representatives from media organisations, technology companies, academia and government agencies to exchange views on the future of media in the era of AI. Shen said the media’s role in the AI age went beyond adopting new technologies and involved safeguarding the values of civilisation and promoting human well-being. “The media’s mission in the intelligent era is not merely a technical proposition, but a value-driven one concerning the direction of civilisation and human well-being,” he said. He said CMG was expanding the use of AI across its operations to create new forms of storytelling and deepen the integration of culture and technology, while enabling traditional Chinese culture to be presented in innovative ways.

CHONGQING: Artificial intelligence (AI) should remain a force that benefits humanity, with its advancement guided by ethics, inclusivity and shared responsibility among media professionals, China Media Group (CMG) president Shen Haixiong said. Echoing the need for AI to benefit humanity, Shen quoted President Xi Jinping as saying: “Artificial intelligence should be an international public good that benefits all of humankind.” Addressing the 5th CMG Forum here yesterday, Shen said the rapid advancement of AI had made the media’s role more important than ever in ensuring that technology served humanity rather than dominated it. “The more advanced AI becomes, the more precious the media’s mission truly is. CMG always insists that technology must serve humanity rather than dominate it,

Protesters waving the national flag outside a vote-counting centre in Seoul yesterday. – AFPPIC

Students protest in ballot shortage row SEOUL: University students across South Korea staged protests yesterday as anger grew over ballot paper shortages at recent local elections. over his brief martial law declaration in late 2024.

political affiliation,” said Hwang In-seo of Yonsei University’s student council. Analysts say the National Election Commission, a constitutional body with limited external oversight, has long faced gaps in internal discipline and review mechanisms. A Seoul court this week ordered evidence from an affected polling station in the capital be preserved for investigation, while local media reported prosecutors and police had agreed to set up a joint investigation team. The evidence includes ballot boxes and CCTV footage, a representative of the Seoul Eastern District Court told AFP.

Lee’s ruling liberal Democratic Party won most races in the vote for mayors, local government officials and assembly members, but failed to flip the critical Seoul mayoral seat. The head of the election watchdog has resigned over the ballot paper row, but authorities have not offered to hold a new vote, sparking huge protests at the weekend. Student unions at 18 universities said they will hold new demonstrations. “We are determined to protest because people are universally outraged regardless of

Dozens of polling stations nationwide were short of around 7,000 ballot papers on June 3 election day, official data showed. The supplies were eventually replenished on voting day, but the mishap fuelled fury in a nation where unfounded claims of vote tampering have found a growing audience. The local election was the first nationwide vote since President Lee Jae Myung took office following conservative Yoon Suk Yeol’s ouster