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Authorities urged to act on parties benefitting from exploitation of foreigners with no bargaining power. Call to prosecute landlords of ‘immigrant slum’

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

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SCAN ME No. 9190 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Visits by PM lauded Report on h page 2 Positive outcomes of discussions in Russia, Turkmenistan enhance energy security, oil and gas cooperation and economic partnerships: BRICS International Malaysia

A coalition of more than 60 civil society organisations plans to submit a memorandum on the issue to MPs tomorrow. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Reduction would worsen shortages in manpower, facilities and essential resources: Civil society groups ‘Reconsider proposed RM4.65b cut in healthcare allocation’

Second Meeting of Fifth Session of 15th Parliament starts today Cost of living pressures, subsidy rationalisation and fractured Opposition expected to dominate debates.

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MONDAY | JUNE 22, 2026

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Recent visits abroad by PM boost energy security

o Engagements with Russia, Turkmenistan underscore ability to maintain constructive relationships across major global blocs, says BRICS International Malaysia

constructively to an increasingly multipolar global order. “Energy security remains a critical pillar of national resilience. A robust long-term cooperation framework with Russia, complemented by deeper upstream energy collaboration with Turkmenistan, can support Malaysia’s long-term economic objectives while creating opportunities for Malaysian companies across trading, refining, logistics, technology, training, infrastructure and investment sectors.” Jaziri Alkaf emphasised that any future arrangement should be underpinned by rigorous due diligence, transparent governance, strong commercial safeguards, financial viability and full compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. He said these developments could provide a strong foundation for expanded cooperation not only in oil and gas but also in energy transition, technology, food security, the halal industry, Islamic finance, industrial development, the digital economy, education and regional connectivity. “We encourage policymakers, businesses and stakeholders to build upon this momentum in a strategic and responsible manner to strengthen Malaysia’s long-term resilience and economic competitiveness.”

KUALA BRICS International Malaysia welcomes the positive outcomes of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visits to Russia and Turkmenistan, particularly in advancing Malaysia’s long-term energy security, enhancing oil and gas cooperation and strengthening strategic economic partnerships. Its chairman Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Sufian said Anwar’s engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov underscore Malaysia’s ability to maintain constructive relationships across major global blocs while advancing its sovereign economic priorities. “The assurance from Russia to support Malaysia’s long-term oil, gas and diesel supply requirements represents a positive and timely development,” he said in a statement yesterday. He said the strategic partnership involving Petronas and Turkmenistan represents an important milestone in Malaysia-Turkmenistan relations, LUMPUR:

building upon more than three decades of cooperation in the oil and gas industry. Petronas’ continued presence in Turkmenistan reflects Malaysia’s established expertise in upstream energy operations, technology transfer, talent development and responsible resource management. He said the engagements with Russia and Turkmenistan demonstrate Malaysia’s commitment to a diversified energy diplomacy strategy – one that enhances supply security, creates new commercial opportunities and positions Malaysia as a credible bridge between Asean, Central Asia, Eurasia and the broader Global South. Jaziri Alkaf said these developments are consistent with Malaysia’s independent, pragmatic and non-aligned foreign policy, Bernama reported. He said the partnership reflects a broader commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation, increasing economic flexibility and contributing

WITH LOVE AND GRATITUDE ... His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim with a bouquet of flowers presented by Her Majesty the Queen of Malaysia Raja Zarith Sofiah as well as his children and grandchildren in conjunction with Father’s Day. – PIC COURTESY OF SULTAN IBRAHIM SULTAN ISKANDAR FACEBOOK PAGE

‘Success of Petronas reflects capabilities of nation’ KUALA LUMPUR: The success of Petronas in expanding its role in Turkmenistan’s energy sector opens access to some of the world’s largest gas reserves, thus strengthening Malaysia’s position in the global energy landscape, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. cooperation with Turkmenistan, including collaborations with state concern in a statement yesterday. Azmi said the latest energy agreements, which also extend to Russia through a cooperation between Petronas and Rosneft, underscore both Malaysia’s strong diplomatic relations with the two countries and Petronas’ long-established reputation as a trusted global energy player.

Subsidised diesel to cost less next month

Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Turkmennebit and state enterprise Hazarnebit, to enhance its presence in the Caspian Sea and expand its upstream portfolio in the country. Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said while government-to-government ties play an important role in facilitating the agreements, Petronas’ credibility and track record were equally crucial in securing opportunities in the global oil and gas industry. “Securing opportunities in a foreign country’s upstream sector is never a small feat, especially in a highly strategic and competitive industry like oil and gas,“ the geostrategist said

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians will pay less for subsidised diesel from next month when the government cuts its price to RM2.10 per litre nationwide while stopping leakages and tightening eligibility controls. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the move in Bintulu, saying that a new MyKad-based targeting system, mirroring the existing Budi Madani RON95 framework, would ensure that only eligible citizens benefit from the subsidy while non citizens and ineligible users pay market rate. The reform would establish a single diesel price nationwide, including in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, ending longstanding regional disparities, said the Finance Ministry in a statement. It said subsidised diesel currently costs RM2.15 per litre in East Malaysia, against a market price of RM4.37 per litre in Peninsular Malaysia. “With the reform, eligible Malaysians in Sabah and Sarawak will see the subsidised price reduced from RM2.15 to RM2.10 per litre while the system is fully standardised nationwide.” It said the wide gap between subsidised and market prices had fuelled diesel leakages and cross-border smuggling. The policy shift also comes amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia which continue to pressure global oil prices. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan will announce further implementation details today.

He said in a post on X yesterday that the development reflects high confidence in Malaysia’s capabilities as well as Petronas’ excellent track record of operating in Turkmenistan for three decades. On Saturday, Petronas, through its wholly owned subsidiary Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd, signed several new agreements to strengthen long-term strategic

“These partnerships did not emerge overnight. They were built on years of diplomatic engagement, commercial trust and mutual confidence. They demonstrate how strong international relationships backed by a world-class national oil company can open doors for Malaysia on the global energy stage.” – Bernama

Peacekeeping force in Lebanon not at border area: Minister KOTA TINGGI: Malaysian Battalion 850-13, which is deployed on a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, is operating from a central base that provides a security advantage as it is located away from the border area, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. involved in any ground fighting in the event of unrest along the Lebanon-Israel border. He added that area near the border line is controlled by peacekeeping forces from other countries, including France and Indonesia. Bangladesh prime minister on first official trip to Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will undertake an official visit to Malaysia today to further strengthen the close bilateral relations between the two countries and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will mark Tarique’s first bilateral official visit abroad since assuming office in February 2026. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Rahman would be accorded an official He said the tactical positioning directly reduces the risk of Malaysian forces being “We do have an area that we are guarding. Our advantage is that we are not on the Lebanese and Israeli borders but are positioned in the middle. So we are safe should any ground

battle occur,” he said after attending a free fuel programme at BHPetrol Felda Air Tawar 2 yesterday. Mohamed Khaled said national forces must not be complacent as the current threat has now shifted to aerial attacks. He said the risk of attacks involving air assets such as drones and fighter jets still exists, regardless of the forces’ positioning. – Bernama

welcoming ceremony followed by a bilateral meeting with Anwar at the Perdana Putra Complex. Both leaders are expected to explore opportunities to further strengthen collaboration in key sectors. – Bernama

MONDAY | JUNE 22, 2026

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Parliament convenes amid Opposition fault lines o Analysts expect subsidy rationalisation and reform pledges to dominate Dewan Rakyat debates Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Wawasan draws together veterans, ex-ministers and professionals PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has been elected president of Parti Wawasan Negara (Wawasan), a new multiracial opposition party drawing together veteran politicians, former ministers, sitting MPs and professionals, with questions over its registration status yet to be fully resolved. The appointments were confirmed at Wawasan’s first annual general meeting on Saturday. Veteran politician and former Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim has been named chairman, while former Johor Bersatu associate chief Datuk Tan Lek Khang is deputy president. The party’s five vice-presidents include former Malacca Bersatu chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik, Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, former MCA Youth secretary-general Datuk Leong Kim Soon, Datuk Mohd Omar Mustapha and Datuk Huan Cheng Guan. Indera Mahkota MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah has been appointed secretary-general, with Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad named information chief. Mohd Badrul Ezan Mohd Yusof takes on the role of executive secretary, while Datuk Arifin Tobias was appointed treasurer-general. The party also unveiled 25 central committee members, among them Gerik MP Fathul Huzair Ayob, Padang Rengas MP Azahari Hasan and former Universiti Teknologi Mara vice-chancellor Tan Sri Prof Dr Ibrahim Shah Abu Shah. Wawasan was introduced as the official platform for Gerakan Reset at the Reset Malaysia Convention in Tanah Merah, Kelantan on June 13, in which PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang announced that Hamzah would return as Opposition Leader, taking over from Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar. Ahmad Samsuri, who was appointed to the post on May 16, remains Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman. Hadi also confirmed that Wawasan will contest the upcoming Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections under the PN logo. However, the party’s formation has not been without controversy. Questions have been raised over its registration status after Parti Wawasan Negara was found listed in the Registrar of Societies database under registration number PPM-004-07-08062009 – a record linked to the now-defunct Parti Cinta Malaysia. Hamzah has sought to dismiss the concerns, saying the matter is not an issue as the party is essentially a rebranding of an existing registered entity. “I took over a party, we only changed the name,“ he was quoted as saying. Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin-led Wawasan party – which is PAS-backed – has also signalled its intention to contest in Johor. The newly rebranded Bersama party, led by former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, announced on Saturday it would contest the Johor state election, marking its electoral debut. The party is expected to announce its slate of candidates on Friday. Muda has also confirmed it will defend the Puteri Wangsa seat, naming 26-year-old Rashifa Aljunied as its candidate. Incumbent party president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz will not be defending the seat as she is expected to pursue future parliamentary ambitions. Nomination day is set for June 27, with early voting on July 7, and polling day on July 11, according to the Election Commission. Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Cost of living pressures, stalled institutional reforms and a fractured opposition are set to define the Second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament, which begins today. Political analysts say subsidy rationalisation and the government’s long promised reform agenda will dominate debates in the Dewan Rakyat even as fresh fault lines within the Opposition bloc threaten to dilute parliamentary scrutiny of the administration. International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Dr Syaza Shukri said the Opposition enters the sitting in a more complicated position following the apparent divergence between PAS and Bersatu. “The Opposition previously had little in terms of its own agenda of holding the government accountable. It could become even more difficult now because there may be less coordination, especially between PAS and Bersatu, the two biggest opposition parties.“ While noting that Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin remains Opposition Leader, Syaza said operating without a united front could prove increasingly awkward. She nonetheless expects bipartisan support on matters of national interest, including security concerns linked to Rohingya refugees and legislation such as the Environment Quality Bill. More contentious battles, however, are likely over cost of living issues and fuel subsidy rationalisation. “Both sides will frame these issues to their advantage. The government will defend its policies, while the Opposition will use them to criticise the administration.” Syaza added that scrutiny would also fall on the government’s ability to deliver on its institutional reform commitments, particularly as the country moves closer to the next general election. “For a long time, the government’s message has been that it needs time. It has had that time now, so questions will be asked about what has been achieved and whether its policies have benefited the people,“ she said. Among the reforms likely to face close examination are four key promises announced earlier this year – limiting the prime minister’s tenure, separating the roles of Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor, establishing an ombudsman institution and introducing a Freedom of Information framework. “These reforms were promised this year, and with election season approaching, it

As the august House resumes today, opposition divisions could complicate efforts involving government policies. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

parliamentary proceedings. “PAS is now freer to sharpen its attacks, while Bersatu is in a more defensive position. “Scrutiny may become louder but less coordinated, which could provide the government with some room to manoeuvre on routine legislation.” She cautioned, however, that major reforms requiring bipartisan support could still face significant challenges. Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said one of the most pressing questions is how the opposition will conduct itself in Parliament. “The most interesting aspect will be how the opposition reacts now that there appears to be two opposition blocs – one led by PAS and the other by Bersatu.” Azmi noted that Hamzah remains caught in the middle as Opposition Leader, raising questions about how he will manage his relationships with both PAS and the government. “I’m sure Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will be vocal and critical towards the government but I’m not sure how PAS, together with Hamzah, will manoeuvre its relationship with the government – whether they will be as critical as before or become friendlier. That relationship will be interesting to watch in the coming weeks.” Perikatan Nasional is also targeting all 56 seats, but internal fault lines have emerged within the coalition. Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the party was prepared to face PAS head on in certain constituencies after seat negotiations broke down, citing a lack of consultation between the two parties. Muhyiddin acknowledged strained relations within the opposition bloc while maintaining that Bersatu remained confident of its electoral prospects. The rift deepened on June 9 when PAS severed electoral ties with Bersatu, while stopping short of leaving PN altogether. Bersatu has since indicated it will still contest under the PN banner. Further complicating the opposition landscape, the

becomes increasingly important for the prime minister to demonstrate progress on his institutional reform agenda,” Syaza added. Prof Dr Kartini Aboo Talib @ Khalid, who holds the Malaysian Studies chair at Victoria University of Wellington similarly identified three broad themes expected to dominate proceedings: cost of living pressures, institutional reform timelines and evolving opposition dynamics. She said MPs from both sides are likely to demand clearer explanations on subsidy retargeting, food price stability and the implementation of the progressive wage model. “These remain the most politically salient issues and the government will be expected to show tangible progress.” Kartini also pointed to renewed attention on several overdue reform measures, including the Political Financing Bill, the separation of the Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor roles, and the Parliamentary Services Act. “These reforms have been repeatedly signalled but have yet to be tabled and the delays will invite scrutiny from civil society and Opposition lawmakers.“ On the Opposition’s internal dynamics, she said the PAS-Bersatu split had introduced a new layer of complexity to principled, capable and committed to delivering progress while safeguarding public welfare. The announcement comes as political parties intensify preparations for the state election, with all major coalitions positioning themselves for a full-scale contest. Within PH, PKR is expected to contest at least 20 of Johor’s 56 state seats, while DAP will field candidates in 17 seats – 10 of which it currently holds – according to party secretary general Anthony Loke. Amanah is expected to field 19 candidates. On the other side of the divide, Barisan Nasional has confirmed it will contest all 56 seats. Johor caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the decision was aimed at securing a full mandate to govern the state.

Anwar to announce candidates for Johor polls

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will lead Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders to Bukit Gambir, Johor tonight as the coalition prepares to name its candidates for the 16th Johor polls. Anwar, who is also PH chairman, announced via Facebook that he would join coalition leaders at 8pm at the Bukit Gambir Extreme Park field for the candidate announcement. “God willing, I will be in Bukit Gambir to announce the candidates who will carry the people’s mandate in the 16th Johor state election,“ he said. He said Johor deserves leadership that is

MONDAY | JUNE 22, 2026

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Boost public healthcare budget, govt urged o Coalition of 60 groups to submit memo

Graduate jobs mismatch pressing issue, says academic PETALING JAYA: Nearly two million graduates are trapped in jobs below their qualification level, a far more damning measure of higher education outcomes than unemployment figures, economist and former university provost Geoffrey Williams said. Williams said the biggest issue facing graduates was underemployment as they leave universities burdened with debt and accept whatever work is available, regardless of whether it matches their qualifications. “Unemployment is low, but underemployment is high. This is the measure to watch. Almost two million are in this category, more than one third of all graduates,“ he told theSun. Data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia showed that 1.96 million tertiary educated Malaysians were in skill-related underemployment in the third quarter of last year, making up 35.5% of employed degree and diploma holders. Graduate unemployment, by comparison, stood at just 3.2% in 2024. Williams said graduate employability should not be treated as a measure of university success. “Graduate employability is not a good measure of university success because if businesses do not supply graduate-level jobs, universities cannot do anything about that.” He rejected the notion that universities should primarily function as workforce training centres, even as industry associations continue to highlight the gap between academic output and labour market needs. “The fact is that universities are not training centres – they are not set up to train graduates for the labour force. Most academics have never worked outside of a university and do not know what employers want.” Williams said traditional employability measures fail to capture whether graduates are actually securing graduate-level positions. “Traditional employability statistics are already irrelevant because they do not show that graduates have graduate-level jobs. “One big mismatch for universities is that they prepare graduates for formal contracts that do not exist in large enough numbers.” Citing Higher Education Ministry tracer studies, he added that about 90% of graduates worked for employers while only 10% became entrepreneurs – a ratio he said was poorly suited to the realities of the modern economy. “In a world of artificial intelligence, gig economy and micro-enterprises, employment will be more informal. World class universities are preparing people for that and Malaysian universities need to catch up.” Williams also said the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) played an important role in maintaining quality across the sector. He said without the agency’s oversight, standards in higher education would deteriorate. On June 14, MQA chief executive Prof Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran said Malaysian higher education met international standards and dismissed claims that declining standards were behind graduate employment difficulties. He also said strong academic results alone were no longer sufficient and graduates must equip themselves with additional skills to remain competitive. – by T.C. Khor

further hikes until adequate public hospital alternatives are available. The memorandum further proposes higher taxes on private hospitals benefiting from medical tourism, with revenue channelled to public healthcare. It noted that Penang recorded more than 527,000 foreign patients in 2025, generating over RM1.1 billion in revenue while government hospitals continued to face funding and staffing constraints. The coalition said austerity efforts should target wastage, leakages, luxury government spending and non-essential mega projects before healthcare and education budgets are cut. Among the organisations backing the memorandum besides PSM are Aliran, the Consumers’ Association of Penang, the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism, Islamic Renaissance Front, Muda, Sahabat Alam Malaysia, Women’s Aid Organisation, Undi18 and several health, student and community-based groups. regulatory framework that supports high-quality development while facilitating the creation of more sustainable cities. Nga also revealed that Malaysia has more than 500 million square feet of green-index buildings, which is another testament to public private partnerships to promote the Sustainable Development Goals. He added that PAM will be invited to participate in the review process to ensure industry expertise and professional insights are incorporated into the proposed reforms. He also highlighted that the ministry is studying the High Court decision allowing certified architects to submit applications for development orders to cut red tape, reduce costs and expedite the process. Earlier, Nga was conferred the prestigious PAM President’s Award in recognition of his efforts in strengthening collaboration between the government and the architectural profession to advance the country’s built environment. He is the fifth recipient of the award in PAM’s 102-year history. Previous recipients include former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. In support of PAM’s continued efforts to promote architectural excellence and public appreciation of good design, Nga also announced a RM30,000 contribution from the ministry towards the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival 2026. – Bernama

budget cut of about 10%, while assuring that core healthcare services would not be affected. With the ministry allocated RM46.5 billion under Budget 2026, the reduction would amount to about RM4.65 billion. The coalition argued that Malaysia continues to spend below the level needed to meet growing healthcare demands. It said any savings should be reinvested into healthcare and education instead of being removed from those sectors. “The country’s public healthcare system requires greater investment,” it said, reiterating its call for public healthcare spending to reach at least 5% of the GDP. It also opposed funding cuts to university hospitals, citing fee increases of up to 233% at University Malaya Medical Centre from Jan 1 last year and said university hospitals play an important role in providing a more affordable alternative to private healthcare, particularly in urban areas. It also called for a freeze on

to MPs over proposed cuts which may worsen shortages in manpower, facilities

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

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opposition. The coalition questioned how savings of RM4.65 billion could be achieved solely through measures such as reducing overseas courses, hotel events and development projects, as reportedly outlined by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “The government must provide a detailed and transparent breakdown of the proposed cuts, including the categories involved and the amount of savings expected from each category,” it said in a statement signed by 60 non governmental organisations and five individuals. On April 30, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry was expecting a

PETALING JAYA: A coalition of more than 60 civil society organisations will submit a memorandum to MPs tomorrow urging the government to increase, rather than reduce, public healthcare spending as the system is under strain. The groups, under the Save Public Healthcare System Campaign, are opposing a proposed cut of about RM4.65 billion to the Health Ministry’s 2026 allocation, saying it may worsen shortages in manpower, facilities and essential resources. PSM central committee member Gandipan Gopalan told theSun that the memorandum, led by Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj, would be submitted to MPs from

Housing Ministry to review building certification framework KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local Government Ministry will undertake a comprehensive review of the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) framework and the wider development approval and certification ecosystem to support sustainable urbanisation and ensure the regulatory framework remains responsive. Minister Nga Kor Ming said the ministry will establish a dedicated task force to conduct a holistic assessment of the CCC framework, which was first introduced nearly two decades ago in 2007 as part of a major reform of Malaysia’s building control system. “The review will focus on reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, enhancing efficiency through digital integration, closing regulatory loopholes and strengthening service delivery while safeguarding public interest,“ he said in his speech at the 2026 Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) President’s Awards and 102nd anniversary annual dinner on Saturday. He said the reforms are aimed at creating a more transparent, efficient and business-friendly

Nga (centre), who was conferred PAM’s President’s Award, said a dedicated task force will be set up to conduct a holistic assessment of the CCC framework. – PIC COURTESY OF NGA KOR MING FACEBOOKPAGE

MONDAY | JUNE 22, 2026 5 Call for landlords to be prosecuted PETALING JAYA: Housing policy experts have called on authorities to prosecute landlords, not just occupants, over the Hulu Langat “foreigner flat” case, adding that renting unsafe, overcrowded premises to vulnerable tenants with little bargaining power amounts to housing exploitation. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) real estate expert Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Najib Razali said the case must prompt a shift in focus from who lives in such premises to who controls, profits from and maintains them. “(The authorities) must identify who profits from unsafe rental arrangements, impose responsibility on those parties and prevent informal high-density housing from becoming commercially viable in the first place. “When premises are subdivided or rented out in unsafe conditions, the issue is not only who lives there, but who controls, profits from and maintains the premises. “The policy principle should be that responsibility follows control and profit,“ he told theSun . Muhammad Najib said the case does not necessarily point to an absence of laws but raised questions over whether existing powers were triggered and coordinated early enough when private premises were allegedly converted into high-density rental accommodation. He cited the National Land Code 1965; Town and Country Planning Act 1976; Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974; Local Government Act 1976; Uniform Building By Laws 1984; Fire Services Act 1988 and Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 as relevant to land use, planning approval, building safety, fire risk, sanitation, waste and public health. He added that the Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 was also relevant when accommodation was linked to employment, but may not fully cover informal private rentals when tenants were not housed directly by employers. “The issue is not only unlawful occupation, but also the existence of a rental market operating outside planning approval, building safety control, tenancy oversight and minimum habitability standards.“ Meanwhile, UTM housing community expert Assoc Prof Dr Noorsyidi Aizuddin Mat Noor cautioned against framing the issue solely as a foreigner or Rohingya matter. “It is a much larger issue involving property governance, control over building use, rental monitoring and enforcement, which must now be seen in the context of integrated enforcement. It can no longer work in silos.“ He added that private ownership does not entitle landlords to build, alter or rent premises without oversight, as land remained subject to land-use conditions, planning permission, building approval and other statutory requirements. He also said governance gaps typically emerged after approval, when premises originally intended for ordinary use were subsequently converted into included small rooms, unregistered dormitories or high-density rental units. “When a house is converted into high-density accommodation, the change is clear and visible. “At that point, there should be records, a monitoring system, inspections or a response to the situation. Instead, it appears to have been left alone.“ Noorsyidi said the existing approach of waiting for complaints, issuing notices and demolishing structures was no longer adequate. “We need to move enforcement from being reactive to being preventive, with proactive rental governance.“ – By Faiz Ruzman

‘Foreigner flat trauma’ leaves residents troubled

and people could stay there.” An officer from the Hulu Langat parliamentary service centre met at the site confirmed no foreign occupants remained. He said the service centre had been conducting daily checks to relay updates to authorities, with enforcement remaining under the district office and Kajang Municipal Council. He added that the owner had been given a two-week period to carry out demolition works. “We also have to remember that demolishing is not so simple. There are people’s houses in front, so the safety aspect has to be taken care of. “The owner is the one demolishing it. If he complies and demolishes it, the government does not have to spend money. “Now that he has started demolishing it, we have to give him time to do it. We check on the progress every day to monitor the situation,” he told theSun . The Selangor government and Hulu Langat District and Land Office had previously said enforcement action had been ongoing since 2016, involving notices, compounds, integrated operations and demolition. llegal occupation notices were issued in 2017, 2020, 2021 and on March 13 last year, while the municipal council had issued notices and compound offers in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021. When asked about the whereabouts of former occupants, the officer said information was limited as they had dispersed. “They have gone everywhere. They are around, but we do not know where their new place is.”

A 32-year-old bread seller from Cheras, who has been trading near the site for six months, said customers had spoken of foreign tenants living in the area for years. One customer mentioned Rohingya tenants renting units for up to a decade, with monthly rents cited at between RM300 and RM400 – lower than Naim’s figures, although both accounts placed the cost at several hundred ringgit. “People around here were not happy with (the landlord) because he rented the place to foreigners,” the trader said. A check by theSun found additional structures and a settlement behind the main block had been demolished, leaving behind piles of concrete, twisted metal, wood, damaged water tanks and other debris. The main block remained standing but appeared vacant and cordoned off with tape and used zinc sheets and wooden panels. Inside, abandoned items that included refrigerators, plastic chairs, bottled water, household goods and storage racks were visible. A demolition worker at the site said earlier enforcement operations had involved police, immigration and district authorities, and claimed as many as 30 to 40 families had once occupied the structures. “Before this, there were many people here. But after the operation by immigration, police and the district office, there is no one now.” The worker also claimed a section of the area had been used as parking space before being converted into living quarters. “At first, (the landlord) said he wanted to have a parking lot for cars. “After that, he built something like a house,

o Sungai Tekali locals wrestle with pent-up unease, resentment towards owner

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

HULU much-discussed “foreigner flat” in Sungai Tekali now stands empty and cordoned off but residents say years of overcrowded units populated by migrants have left behind rubbish, unease and deep resentment towards the property owner. A retired resident near the site, who asked to be known only as Naim, 65, said foreign tenants who had previously moved freely around the neighbourhood were no longer present following enforcement action, but the damage to community relations remain. He added that residents had long been troubled by the number of individuals crammed into the units, which were allegedly rented out for between RM500 and RM600 a month. “One kitchen, two rooms. Then they packed it full. People did not like it because there were too many of them,” he told theSun . He also said rubbish was a recurring complaint, with food wrappers and other waste allegedly left along pathways and beneath trees. Naim said resentment was directed not only at former occupants, but also at the owner, whom residents believed had profited from the rentals. LANGAT: The

A check by theSun found the additional structures and settlement behind the main block had been demolished, leaving piles of concrete, twisted metal, wood, damaged water tanks and other debris. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Cops arrest brothers in RM1.7 million drug bust KUALA TERENGGANU: Police have arrested two brothers suspected of using their house in Kampung Duyong Besar here as a storage facility for drugs worth RM1.76 million. syndicate that smuggled it into the country via sea routes,“ he told a press conference yesterday.

cigarettes that could induce intoxication.” Mohd Khairi said police also seized various assets worth a total of RM149,000 during the raid, comprising a car, three motorcycles and RM6,000 in cash. He added that the remand period for the two brothers, which began on June 15, has been extended by another seven days to facilitate further investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Mohd Khairi said Ops Tapis Khas, conducted from June 12 to 14, resulted in the arrest of 243 individuals for various drug-related offences. – Bernama

He said both suspects tested negative for drugs, adding that the 50-year-old man has 13 drug-related records, while his younger brother has no criminal history. He also said the drugs seized, estimated to be sufficient for 44,000 doses, are believed to be intended for the international market. “Based on our investigations, the ganja buds were meant to be sent overseas. They would have been processed to extract liquid, which we believe is used for electronic

Terengganu police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairudin said the siblings, aged 39 and 50, were arrested with about 22kg of suspected ganja buds during a raid at about 3.30pm on June 14 under Ops Tapis Khas. “Initial investigations found that both suspects acted as storekeepers for a syndicate believed to have been active since March. The drug supply is believed to have been obtained from an international

MONDAY | JUNE 22, 2026

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India holds exam resit after leak

annually by millions of candidates competing for just over 100,000 undergraduate seats. The intense competition has fuelled a vast coaching industry and created opportunities for criminal networks seeking to profit from paper leaks and exam fraud. The leak prompted a backlash from students and parents after last month’s exam was scrapped, with Indian media reporting suicides of some teenagers. India’s Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested the alleged kingpin behind the leak, identifying him as a chemistry lecturer. The NTA said that messaging apps were used “by cheating rackets to defraud candidates” by sharing leaked questions. Telegram head Pavel Durov said the week-long ban would not work, arguing that the “leaks just moved to other apps” and that the issue was the “insiders who leaked the exam materials”. The controversy came on top of another dispute over the online marking system used for tests taken by nearly two million high school students, with many alleging incorrect grades or results were assigned to the wrong candidates. Public anger has also fuelled the rise of the satirical youth-led “Cockroach People’s Party”. – AFP Thai investigators seized more than 100 protected wildlife remains. According to a Traffic Southeast Asia Facebook post, authorities crippled a gang trying to smuggle 130kg of cut elephant ivory and animal carcass along the Thai-Lao border on May 16. Laos shares borders with Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, making it a strategic location for trafficking, according to wildlife experts. – Bernama Takaichi Cabinet losing support TOKYO: The approval rate for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet slipped to 55.8%, the lowest point since she took office last October, a Kyodo News poll showed yesterday, amid lingering uncertainty over the economic fallout from the West Asia conflict. In the weekend telephone survey, 54.7% of respondents felt no need to send Japanese Self-Defence Forces to Hormuz to secure the safe passage of commercial vessels, while 36.6% thought otherwise. With households continuing to struggle with elevated prices, the poll also showed that the largest share of responses, at 43.9%, said lowering the consumption tax rate on food and beverages from 8% to 1% is acceptable if the idea allows for faster introduction, while 22.6% called for cutting it to zero, as pledged by the ruling parties. – Bernama

NEW DELHI: India’s 2.2 million aspiring medical students sat for a re-examination under tight security yesterday, after the last test was scrapped following a paper leak that triggered widespread outrage. The failure of the hugely competitive exam, along with a separate marking fiasco in high school tests, sparked an outcry and fuelled youth protests demanding the education minister’s resignation. The authorities say they have deployed more than 200,000 officials, including police and restricted the Telegram messaging app. The National Testing Agency (NTA) said it had put in a place a “multi-layered security framework to ensure a fair and transparent examination”. That includes biometric authentication, AI-enabled camera surveillance and GPS tracking of question papers, it said. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), the gateway to India’s medical colleges, is taken o Tight security includes biometric authentication Four days later, wildlife rangers seized 294 live wild animals at Vang Tao Checkpoint in Champasak Province that leads to Ubon Ratchathani Province in Thailand. Turtles, pythons, green snakes, gold-ringed cat snakes and lizards were seized from the suspects. The seizures followed the arrest on May 27 of a Thai woman operating a traditional medicine and souvenir shop in Nakhon Phanom, northeastern Thailand.

A medical student hugs her mother before leaving for the re-examination in Ahmedabad. – AFPPIC

Mekong wildlife ring busted PHNOM PENH: Recent seizures of endangered animals and wildlife products along the Thai-Laos border have exposed a thriving black market. “The species are not native to Laos,” said the newspaper. The Lao Wildlife Enforcement Network found 60kg of illegal wildlife products in Luang Prabang.

Sand miner hurt near volcano JAKARTA: An eruption of Mount Semeru on Saturday left a sand miner with severe burns after he was struck by superheated volcanic material in East Java province. The eruption lasted about four minutes and generated pyroclastic flows, fast-moving avalanches of hot gas, ash and rock fragments from the volcano’s summit, said Mukdas Sofian, a volcano observer at Indonesia’s Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation. The miner, Very Irawan, 33, suffered burns to about 80% of his body and was admitted to hospital for intensive treatment. Irawan and several colleagues were collecting volcanic sand deposited by previous eruptions when a mass of unstable volcanic material collapsed into a river channel, his brother, Aris Susanto said. Indah Amperawati, the head of the Lumajang district, said authorities had repeatedly warned residents not to carry out mining in hazardous areas around Besuk Kobokan. “I have already appealed to people not to conduct mining activities in the southeastern Besuk Kobokan sector within a 13km radius,” she said. Sand mining has become an important source of income for many communities living around Mount Semeru. The volcano’s eruptions deposit large quantities of sand and stone that are highly valued by the construction industry. Mount Semeru, standing at 3,676m, is the highest mountain on Java and one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. – Bernama

Authorities confiscated ivory objects, gallbladders, pangolin scales and rhino horns. Boxes of elephant skin powder, bear gallbladder, hornbill head and tubes of herbal medicine suspected to contain wildlife ingredients were also seized.

Lao authorities rescued animals and seized wildlife products in Luang Prabang and Champasak provinces last week, The Laotian Times reported. “The animals were found in an express bus travelling between Pakse and Bangkok.

WATER WORKOUTS ... Yoga enthusiasts twisting and turning at a water park on International Yoga Day in Ahmedabad, India. – REUTERSPIC

MONDAY | JUNE 22, 2026

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Starmer quit poser

Iceland resumes whale hunt

REYKJAVIK: One of Iceland’s two remaining whaling ships set out this week to hunt the giant mammals after a two-year hiatus. Iceland is one of only three countries that still openly permit whaling, alongside Norway and Japan – despite international criticism from the public and animal welfare organisations. A protester chained himself to the mast of the vessel before it left the port of Reykjavik on Friday. He climbed down in the evening and was escorted away by police, RUV media said. “It is so disheartening to see Iceland’s whaling boat leave port to begin another season of whale slaughter despite overwhelming evidence that there is no humane way to kill a whale,” Joanna Swabe of the Humane World for Animals NGO said after the second vessel headed out to sea. “These ocean giants will very likely endure an agonising death for meat that virtually no one in Iceland wants to eat,” she said. Iceland cancelled its whale hunt in 2024 and 2025, partly because economic woes had cut demand and the industry was not deemed sufficiently profitable. The International Whaling Commission banned the commercial killing of whales in 1986 amid alarm at the declining stock of the marine mammals. Iceland and Norway are the only two countries still openly practising commercial whaling in defiance of the moratorium. Japan hunts the ocean giants for what it claims is “scientific” purposes, even if most of the meat ends up on the market for consumption. Iceland’s Marine and Freshwater Research Institute has recommended a reduction in the number of whales harpooned this season, which runs from mid-June to mid-September. The 2026 annual number of fin whales killed should not exceed 150 animals, a 28% drop on the recommended annual catch for the period 2018-2025, it said. The fin whale is the second largest animal on Earth after the blue whale. The Institute set an annual quota of 168 animals for the minke whale hunt this year, a 23% drop. The government is due this autumn to table a Bill on banning whaling altogether. – AFP Bolivia deploys military to quell protests LA PAZ: Bolivia’s president declared a state of emergency on Saturday and deployed soldiers and bulldozers to demolish road blockades that have paralysed the Andean nation. For more than six weeks, unions, indigenous groups and coca farmers have marched through cities and blocked roads across the country with rubble, logs and debris in protest against the conservative government. Major cities have suffered acute shortages of fuel, food and medicine, the economy has lost billions of dollars, and the protests have threatened to topple Bolivia’s first non-socialist government in two decades. President Rodrigo Paz appeared in a predawn televised address on Saturday to warn protesters they would face “the full force of the law” as he moved to end the crisis. He declared a 90-day state of emergency, which curbs the right to protest and allows the military to be deployed domestically. Hours after his address, AFP reporters in the city of El Alto saw squads of soldiers and armed police moving in a convoy as bulldozers moved in to clear road blockades. Some residents clapped as they passed. One man handed a bag of bread to a police officer riding in the back of a pickup truck. “I’m very happy,” said Carla Butron, a 39-year old shopkeeper. “Everything has been difficult here in El Alto during these 50-odd days.” In La Paz, military police and navy personnel guarded the presidential palace and police were stationed on main squares. – AFP

LONDON: British Business Minister Peter Kyle said yesterday he has no reason to believe that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is planning to announce his resignation. Speaking to Sky News, Kyle said he had a “frank” conversation with Starmer on Friday. Britain’s Observer newspaper said Starmer was expected to resign today and set out a timetable for his departure, although a government source said the prime minister remained focused on getting on with the job of governing. Asked about reports that Starmer was preparing to resign, Kyle said: “I have nothing to believe that they are true. I am seeing a lot of speculation out there.” “Today, as in every other day I’ve ever o No reason to think Starmer will resign: Minister

known Keir, he is out there working hard. At the same time, he is also trying to create the space where he can think and reflect on the political realities and challenges, and the opportunities that are before us.” Kyle declined to go into detail about the details of his Friday conversation with Starmer, beyond saying that it was lengthy. “Not once did he ever ask about self-interest. It was always about the country.” The threat to Starmer’s position, which has been building for months, increased sharply on Friday when leading party rival Andy Burnham won a seat in parliament that would allow him to launch a formal leadership challenge. The Observer report said Starmer was discussing the matter with his wife at his Chequers country residence before making a final decision, and that senior Labour figures expected a clear statement on his future as soon as today. – Reuters

Kyle said he is ‘seeing a lot of speculation’. – AFPPIC

Los Angeles declares emergency LOS ANGELES: The second-largest city in the United States was under a state of emergency on Saturday as fire crews fought a days-long battle against a stubborn warehouse blaze that has filled the air with acrid black smoke. “This is a major, multi-jurisdictional incident,” said Mayor Karen Bass. The declaration will “ensure the city has the resources it needs”. “The smell of smoke has reached most of the city, and we encourage everyone to limit exposure as much as possible,” said the Los Angeles Fire Department. The fire has been contained to the warehouse but continues to burn, spewing fumes that smell of burning plastic. A thick cloud of smoke engulfs the area where the fire was burning in Los Angeles. – GETTY IMAGES/AFPPIC

But fire officials have since lifted those orders, saying the smoke is not toxic or different from a normal structure fire. Air quality officials have issued warnings for people in affected areas to avoid going outdoors. City Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, who represents the district where the fire is burning, raised concern over long-term health impacts in Boyle Heights. “Residents have lived through days of smoke, shelter-in-place orders, disruptions to daily life and questions about what this means for their health and wellbeing,” she said. – AFP protest last year, is calling for a test area to be set up, to be followed by further spots if possible. It argues that water quality is good enough for safe swimming more than 80% of the time. The city’s water regulations prohibit swimming in the Spree in central Berlin. The Berlin Senate, the top municipal authority, has so far seen no reason to amend the rules or allow exceptions. – Bernama

Earlier, residents of the area surrounding the warehouse in Boyle Heights, a diverse neighbourhood in east Los Angeles, were warned to shelter in place, close windows and avoid outdoor activities. Authorities opened 24-hour relief centres for people unable to escape the smoke.

The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in a 46,400sq m frozen food warehouse, where burning foam insulation, suspected ammonia leakage and melting solar panels have complicated the firefight, officials said.

Spree River swimmers lobby to end Berlin ban BERLIN: Several hundred people in Berlin took part in a swim-in protest on Saturday against the century-old ban on swimming in the city’s Spree River. Among them was Steffen Krach, the Social Democratic Party lead candidate for Berlin’s September state election. “Vote out 101 years of the ban!” the association demanded.

A spokesman for the Flussbad Berlin Association said there were 500 swimmers and 500 people demonstrating on the banks. With temperatures nearing 30ºC, swimmers entered the Spree River in central Berlin around midday.

Swimming in the inner-city stretch of the Spree in Berlin has not been allowed since May 20, 1925. Pollution and associated health risks were the reason at the time. The association, which held a similar