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No. 9203 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

The Penang Hawkers Association said forcing eatery operators to provide free plain water would inevitably erode profits. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN t t id f l i t ld i it bl

Experts call for fair safeguards in parental bullying liability. page 6 Free water spat PH Johor manifesto based on original ideas: PKR veep page 3 INSIDE Penang eateries protest proposal to mandate free drinking water for customers. Call to extend Budi Diesel to Sarawak rural homes. C t

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NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday JULY 5, 2026

‘PH manifesto result of good planning, not copied’ Data clearly shows ideas original, developed by coalition leadership after months of deliberation following indications that state polls would be held, says PKR veep candidate Guna Balakrishnan.

KLUANG: PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has dismissed claims that Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) manifesto for the 16th Johor state election was copied from those of other parties. He said it was developed by the coalition’s leadership over several months, and that initiatives such as affordable housing and healthcare assistance were the result of careful planning by the PH leadership. “It is up to them to say whatever they want but the data and facts clearly show that these are original ideas developed by the PH leadership after months of deliberation following indications that a state election would be held,” he said. He was speaking after the Jelajah Johor Ke Depan, Undi Harapan programme in Simpang Renggam here on Friday, Bernama reported. Also present were PKR vice-president R. Ramanan, Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil, PH candidate for Machap Nur Hafiz Roslan, PH Benut candidate Abd Razak Ismail and PH Layang-Layang

Johor to gain if federal, state govts under same coalition: Minister KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is on the right track under the Madani government, and strong cooperation between the federal and Johor state governments is key to accelerating development and economic growth in the state, said DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming. He said in a statement that Johor stands to benefit further when both levels of government are administered by the same coalition. “Close collaboration between both levels of government has enabled development plans, infrastructure projects and public initiatives to be implemented more efficiently for the benefit of the people.” Nga said a stable relationship between the federal and state governments would help boost economic growth, attract more investments and create better job opportunities for local communities. He cited the RM110 billion in investments secured by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority for Johor last year. He added that closer coordination would further position Johor towards sustainable and inclusive development. Nga said the Madani government remains committed to supporting Johor through continued investment, quality public services and people-centric policies aimed at improving living standards. He stressed that political stability, policy consistency and strong cooperation are essential to sustaining investor confidence and ensuring long-term prosperity. He highlighted Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for foreign investors as one of the nation’s achievements. Nga said clear policies, strong fundamentals and stability had attracted RM426.7 billion in FDI in 2025. He also cited the country’s resilient trade performance, with Malaysia recording a trade volume of RM3.1 trillion in 2025 despite global economic uncertainties. Nga further pointed out Malaysia’s improved ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index from 67th to 54th place, as well as stronger international credit ratings following Moody’s upgrade of the country’s outlook to A3 stable. – Bernama A total of 172 candidates are contesting the 56 state assembly seats. Polling has been set for July 11 and early voting will be held on July 7. had yet to openly express their support. He said the presence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also PH chairman, at campaign events in Johor would boost the morale of party workers and strengthen voter confidence in PH.

“We set a bold target because the need is substantial. It is based on surveys and focus group discussions with our team. “The figure is based on necessity, not capability, and we will work towards achieving it.” Amirudin, who is also PH Johor election machinery director, said grassroots campaign efforts had received encouraging feedback, although he believes that many voters

Commenting on criticism that PH’s affordable housing target would be difficult to achieve, Amirudin, who is also Selangor menteri besar, said the target reflects the current needs of the people. He said the Selangor state government had approved the construction of 174,000 affordable housing units, of which 40,000 had been completed.

Anwar launches platform for development of Bumi entrepreneurs PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated at the launch of SParK 2026: Business Transformation, the flagship platform of Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB). Anwar, flanked by Rastam (second from left), presenting the Aspirasi PUNB award to Mohamad Emir Mohamad Fauzi and Siti Nurdiana Kamalul Arifin at the event in Putrajaya yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Grow to as low as 3.5% per annum at the same event. sustaining long-term growth. “PUNB’s priority is to ensure that more bumiputera companies are capable of expanding their businesses, to strengthen corporate governance and grow

It also introduced three programmes – Prosper Grow Biz Express, Prosper Grow Fuel Up and Prosper Grow Auto Biz – to improve financing access and strengthen entrepreneurs’ working capital. The financing target will be achieved through PUNB’s existing financing facilities, which include Prosper Grow, Prosper Great and Prosper Impact/Nova, alongside enhancements to programmes that are more targeted to meet entrepreneurs’ needs. Held ahead of PUNB’s 35th anniversary, SParK 2026 brings together PUNB entrepreneur partners, bumiputera entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, industry players, digital ecosystem participants, development agencies and strategic partners through conferences, knowledge-sharing sessions, business exhibitions and sales activities. “SParK is not just an annual event but also a transformation platform that reflects PUNB’s commitment to developing bumiputera entrepreneurs to be more structured, competitive and capable of

sustainably in line with the nation’s development agenda,” said PUNB chairman Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa. PUNB has supported the development of more than 15,500 entrepreneur partners through various financing and business support programmes since it was established in 1991. Its total approved financing has reached RM5.15 billion across a wide range of bumiputera business sectors. Rastam said PUNB’s role has continued to evolve, with its financing and support no longer focused solely on the conventional retail and distribution sectors but also on high-impact sectors and high-value economic activities. At the same event, PUNB exchanged an MoU with the Statistics Department and the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation to strengthen entrepreneur development through data, technology and innovation. – Bernama

The agency has announced a financing approval target of up to RM2.25 billion for the development of bumiputera entrepreneurs from 2026 to 2030. The target, under the R30 Strategic Framework, is to accelerate the growth of bumiputera companies, enhance their commercial scalability, create quality employment opportunities and strengthen the country’s key supply chains. Anwar said the national agency, established to develop bumiputera entrepreneurs, has performed well. “If it continues to perform well, we will increase the allocation (from the Finance Ministry). “PUNB is currently one of the agencies implementing the government’s agenda by focusing on the priorities we have outlined, while also working closely with all relevant agencies,” said Anwar. The agency also announced the reduction of the financing rate for Prosper

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday JULY 5, 2026

Experts laud parental liability for child bullying

RM429m allocated to boost Johor enforcement agencies KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry has allocated over RM429 million since 2023 to strengthen the welfare of personnel and enhance the operational capabilities of enforcement agencies in Johor. Its minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the allocation covers police, the Immigration Department and the Prisons Department. He said investing in personnel welfare goes beyond providing better facilities, describing it as a strategic effort to ensure enforcement officers can carry out their duties more efficiently, safely and effectively in safeguarding public security. “When enforcement personnel have a more conducive workplace, comfortable quarters and modern operational facilities, the public also benefits through improved service delivery and a safer, more secure environment. “The ministry will continue to ensure every allocated fund is utilised optimally to safeguard the welfare of personnel while strengthening the security of the people of Johor.” Saifuddin Nasution said the allocation comprises RM174.8 million for projects that have been completed or are under implementation, and RM255 million for projects in the planning stage. Projects under implementation include the acquisition of land for the Pengerang district police headquarters, the purchase of office premises and quarters for the Johor Bahru Immigration Department, and the upgrading of Kluang Prison. Those in the pipeline include the construction of the Segamat district police headquarters, which will involve a police station and residential quarters, the consolidation of the bus passenger terminal at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex, as well as upgrades to the kitchen workshop at Kluang Prison and the water supply system at Simpang Renggam Prison. He said the initiatives reflect the Madani government’s commitment to ensuring every state receives the support it requires. – Bernama

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

New law requires strict legal criteria and fair probes before penalising parents, says education group

and responsible conduct. “Safeguards must also be in place to ensure parents are treated fairly when the law is enforced,” she added. Noor Azimah said parents should only be held jointly liable after a fair and transparent investigation establishes the facts, with clear legal criteria defining negligence rather than imposing automatic liability simply because a child engaged in bullying. She added that parents must be given the chance to present evidence that they had exercised reasonable care, guidance and supervision over their children before any liability is imposed. Child clinical psychologist Dr Noor Aishah Rosli said while parents play a fundamental role in shaping their children’s values and behaviour, they should not automatically be blamed for bullying incidents. She said parental liability should instead be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account whether parents had made reasonable efforts to educate and supervise their children. “As children grow into adolescence, they develop a greater capacity to understand the consequences of their own actions and make independent decisions,” she explained. “If we want to put the blame for bullying on parents, I do not think that is quite right because sometimes parents have taught their children but their children still make the choice to bully.” Nevertheless, she noted that the new law could serve as a deterrent by encouraging parents to pay closer attention to their children’s behaviour.

PETALING JAYA: A new legal provision holding parents jointly liable for their children’s bullying behaviour could strengthen parental accountability, but it should be applied carefully as bullying is driven by a range of factors beyond the home, said experts. Under the Anti-Bullying Act 2026, parents of underage bullies may be held jointly liable and ordered to pay up to RM250,000 in compensation depending on the victim’s losses and suffering. Parent Action Group for Education chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said involving parents is justified as they shape their children’s values, empathy and behaviour, but bullying is

their children’s behaviour, friendships and online activities. “It may encourage greater parental involvement, particularly by making parents more aware of the consequences of bullying.” She also said the new law could strengthen collaboration between schools and parents, provided communication does not only take place after bullying has occurred. “Instead, there should be regular communication on students’ behaviour, early intervention when warning signs emerge and shared strategies to promote respect

rarely caused by a single factor as it is influenced by family, peers, school climate, mental health and online interactions. “Parents today face a far more complex environment than previous generations. Bullying no longer occurs only within school compounds. “It can continue around the clock through social media, gaming platforms, private messaging apps and anonymous online accounts,” she noted. She said the possibility of legal and financial consequences could encourage parents to become more involved in monitoring

Noor Azimah said the possibility of legal and financial consequences could encourage parents to become more involved in monitoring their children’s behaviour, friendships and online activities. – AI GENERATED IMAGE BY MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Thai and M’sian border forces tighten cooperation after Narathiwat blast PASIR MAS: Thai authorities have said the safety of Malaysians entering the country remains a top priority after a bomb explosion in Tak Bai, Narathiwat, which left two Malaysians injured. General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade “The Thai government has expressed concern over the incident and said the safety of Malaysians will remain a top priority,” he told reporters after a courtesy call by Surathep at the Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex here on Friday. particular emphasis on the GOF in the Sungai Golok border area. “We are not focusing on any particular case or incident but rather on cooperation to address cross-border crime, such as drug smuggling, illegal immigration, arms smuggling and other criminal activities.” “We maintain a very good relationship with our Malaysian counterparts, with shared ideas and policies, and close cooperation through various platforms, including the Regional Border Committee meeting. government is committed to ensuring the safety of all parties and will continue to work on restoring tourist confidence to visit Thailand.”

He said the compensation was disbursed on Friday through a Thai government fund to assist victims of security-related incidents, including compensation for injuries and property damage, Bernama reported. On June 29, Muhammad Yusri, 38, and Abdullah Syarapi Abd Rahman, 45, were injured after a homemade explosive device hidden in a roadside drain exploded near the Sapom junction in Tak Bai district at 11.40am local time.

The Thai government has also handed over compensation of 650,000 baht (about RM80,000) to one of the two Malaysians victims. Narathiwat governor Boonchuay Homyamyen said the Thai government regrets the incident that injured the Malaysians, adding that security measures would continue to be strengthened to protect residents and tourists. “We will not sit idly by. The Thai

Commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain said this was conveyed by Thailand’s Neighbouring Countries Coordination Centre (NCCC) deputy chief General Surathep Nukaeow. He said Thai authorities have indicated that they would extend appropriate assistance, including compensation for victims, while stepping up border security to prevent criminal threats.

He said policy-related matters would continue to be discussed through existing bilateral mechanisms, while the NCCC would help expedite coordination at the operational level. Surathep added that authorities in both countries have long shared aligned goals and policies in maintaining security along the border.

Ahmad Radzi said the meeting focused on enhancing border security cooperation through existing bilateral mechanisms. He said the NCCC has created chances for closer collaboration between the security agencies of both countries. “Today’s meeting concentrated on cooperation between Thai and Malaysian security forces, with

NATIONAL 4 theSun on Sunday JULY 5, 2026

Eateries against proposal to mandate free plain water

Durian growers urged to diversify products SUNGAI SIPUT: Durian growers are urged to be creative in producing value-added products to help address the oversupply of the “King of Fruits” during peak seasons. State Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun said growers should not rely solely on selling fresh fruit as there are various market opportunities that can be explored. He said the government, through the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), is also helping to strengthen durian marketing by providing 90 sales centres nationwide and setting a price of RM2.70 per kilogramme for durian kampung to reduce losses faced by growers in the event of oversupply. Mohd Zolkafly said among areas with durian processing centres are Batu Kurau, Taiping and Chui Chak in Langkap, enabling growers to send their produce directly to operators for processing and marketing. He said the durian season occurring simultaneously across all states could lead to excess supply but this could be mitigated through efforts to diversify marketing channels and processing activities. He added that the durian season is nearing its end, with harvest declining and market prices expected to gradually stabilise. – Bernama City council funds hospital bus service GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Island City Council has allocated RM900,000 annually for the free Central Area Transit shuttle bus service linking Komtar with the Penang Hospital, three private hospitals and several healthcare facilities in the city centre. Its engineering director Cheah Chin Kooi said the service aims to encourage greater use of public transport, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and help ease traffic congestion and shortage of parking space. He said the service, which began operating on Jan 1, has received encouraging response, with daily ridership nearly doubling from about 300 passengers to some 600. “The eight-kilometre route is served by three Rapid Penang buses operating daily from 6am to 8pm, making 36 trips at 20-minute intervals.” Cheah added that the service was designed to provide patients, senior citizens and caregivers with easier, safer and free access to healthcare facilities. – Bernama

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Hawkers Association has pushed back against a proposal to make plain drinking water free at eateries, saying a mandatory policy would erode profits and burden businesses. Its president Ooi Thean Huat said the proposal is not feasible and should not be made compulsory. “Whether to provide free plain water or charge customers who do not order drinks should be left to individual business owners. Every eatery has different operating costs and a different business model.” He added that food operators are already grappling with rising costs, including electricity, manpower and equipment maintenance. “Beverage sales are an important source of income for many eateries. Drinks generate income for many outlets, so proposal will inevitably affect businesses’ Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com ‘Beverage sales form important source of

Real estate negotiator Kwok Kum Kay, 59, said restaurants charging premium prices for food and beverages should provide complimentary plain water. “For kopitiams and food courts, charging between 50 sen and RM1 is acceptable. But if they can offer plain water free of charge, it would benefit consumers. “A self-service system could be introduced at kopitiams to make it fair for operators.” Rama Murthy, 67, a former engineer, said many banana leaf restaurants provide complimentary plain water as part of the dining experience. “Most banana leaf restaurants provide plain water free of charge. They usually place a jug of water on each table for customers to help themselves.” However, retiree Raymond Koay, 68, said obesity and the consumption of sugary drinks ultimately come down to personal choice and discipline. “Restaurants that can afford it should provide free plain water. “But coffee shops are different. They rent out stalls to hawkers for between RM30 and RM50 a day, yet still rely heavily on beverage sales. “If they have to provide free plain water, they might as well just instal a water dispenser and go home.”

RM2 for a glass,” she said, referring to both hawker centres and restaurants. “After all, not many people would opt for plain water, so it should not be a major concern for business owners.” Nurul Nabilah Azhan, 25, a technician from Kedah, also welcomed the proposal, saying many restaurants already provide free plain drinking water. “It is a great idea. Many restaurants are already doing this, so it would be easy for more places to adopt it. “I usually order plain water with my meal, but afterwards I will often buy sweet drinks from outlets such as coffee or bubble tea. “Not everyone has the privilege of choosing healthier options, so it would be good if restaurants encouraged healthier choices by making them more accessible and appealing,” she added. Sharifah Nur Jannah, 45, who works in marketing and is based in Johor Bahru, said she fully supports the proposal and noted that many restaurants already provide complimentary plain water regardless of what customers order. “When I eat out, I usually order plain water. I treat sweet drinks as a dessert, so having plain water with my meal helps me balance my sugar intake.”

a profit margin of about 40%, helping operators cover their operating costs. Making free plain water mandatory will inevitably affect businesses.” He also said while some eateries charge between 50 sen and 80 sen for customers who do not order beverages and others charge for plain water, such decisions should remain at the discretion of the business owner. He added that most community events already provide free drinking water for attendees, which he described as “good for health”. On Wednesday, the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy urged the government to require all licensed food establishments to provide customers with free plain drinking water to encourage healthier choices and reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, 54.4% of Malaysian adults, which is more than 11 million people, are overweight or obese. However, consumer opinions are divided. Seri Delima resident Jennifer Ooi, who is in her 40s, welcomed the proposal. “It is a good idea. They should provide plain water free of charge instead of charging customers between 50 sen and

Felda lemon venture bearing fruit KLUANG: The Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) is undergoing an economic transformation as a shift from traditional oil palm cultivation to lemon farming is proving to be a lucrative new source of income for settlers. beverages, soap, fragrances and massage oils, offering more stable returns than conventional crops such as oil palm and banana. To strengthen its business ecosystem, Koperasi Usaha Anak Felda Bhd has adopted a contract farming model that protects growers from price manipulation while ensuring a stable supply of raw materials.

The initiative, spearheaded by Koperasi Usaha Anak Felda Bhd in Ayer Hitam, Johor, not only diversifies agricultural activities, but also supports the national food security agenda by reducing Malaysia’s reliance on imported citrus fruits. Its chairman Alizan Amin, 51, said the project was launched in 2020 as a proactive effort to diversify crops in the wake of the economic challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. “We started with just about 10 lemon saplings as a trial before gradually expanding the project. Today, we have more than 1,000 trees planted on a 1.82ha site.” He said lemons were selected because of their strong commercial value and potential to be processed into a wide range of value-added products, including

“We purchase lemons from local growers at a guaranteed floor price based on size and grade, starting from about RM1 per fruit. This protects them from exploitation by middlemen while allowing the processing facility to focus on manufacturing value-added products.” Its lemon farm supervisor Asrafi Muhajir, 51, said many initially dismissed the project because Felda land is generally characterised by hard, rocky soil that is considered unsuitable for citrus cultivation. “Many people thought we were crazy because of the soil conditions. However, we persevered by improving the soil with nutrient-rich organic material

Alizan said lemons were selected because of their strong commercial value and potential to be processed into a wide range of value-added products, offering more stable returns than conventional crops such as oil palm and banana. – BERNAMAPIC

wild boars and monkeys. “Lemon trees are also highly resistant to common diseases and produce fruit throughout the year, making them a sustainable long-term crop.” – Bernama

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development,” he said. He added that lemon trees offer several natural advantages, including their high acidity, which helps repel wild animals such as

SUNDAY | JULY 5, 2026 | 5

Merafak Sembah Ucapan Setinggi-Tinggi Tahniah

Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, D.K., D.K.S., D.K.H., D.M.N., D.U.K., D.K. (Kelantan)., D.K. (Johor)., D.K. (Perak)., D.K. (Selangor)., D.K. (Negeri Sembilan)., D.K. (Perlis)., D.K. (Pahang)., D.M.K., S.M.D.K., S.S.S.K., S.H.M.S., S.G.M.K., S.P.M.K., S.S.D.K., S.S.P.K. Sultan Negeri Kedah Darul Aman Dan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultanah Maliha binti Almarhum Tengku Ariff, D.K., S.S.S.K., S.H.M.S., S.S.D.K., D.S.D.K. Sultanah Negeri Kedah Darul Aman Bersempena Dengan Sambutan Ulang Tahun Hari Keputeraan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Sultan Negeri Kedah Darul Aman Yang Ke-84 Pada 5 Julai 2026 Bersamaan 19 Muharam 1448H Allah SWT Lanjutkan Usia Tuanku Sembah Takzim Daripada Lembaga Pengarah, Pengurusan Dan Kakitangan

NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday JULY 5, 2026

Call to provide Budi Diesel for Sarawak rural homes

understand difficult realities while nurturing resilience and hope. She added that proceeds from the sale of her picture book will be channelled to global humanitarian efforts, including relief programmes and medical initiatives that provide free healthcare for refugees in Malaysia. Priced at RM69 each, the book is available at Restu Shop in Shah Alam and Putrajaya, and Twigs Bookshop. To date, more than 600 copies of “The Olive Tree That Remembered” have been sold. The book has also reached readers in countries such as Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Australia, Canada and Brazil. The event was also attended by Johor caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and Barisan Nasional candidate for Larkin Mohd Hairi Mad Shah. Onn Hafiz said the Johor government has allocated RM3.6 million for the initiative as part of its efforts to strengthen early childhood education under the state human capital development agenda. – Bernama First community kindy to use English medium JOHOR BAHRU: The Bangsa Johor Kemas Kindergarten has become the first community kindergarten in Malaysia to integrate English-medium instruction and digital learning into its early childhood education programme. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the initiative marks a progressive step towards modernising the country’s early childhood education system and making it more competitive. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development minister, said the approach complements the Johor government’s efforts to nurture a future generation equipped with stronger skills, digital literacy and the competencies needed for 21st-century education. “The kindergarten’s uniqueness lies not only in the Bangsa Johor identity, but also in its curriculum, pedagogy and teaching methods, which differ from those of other Community Development Department kindergartens nationwide. “The teaching of the Quran remains a priority without compromise. What sets the kindergarten apart is its strong emphasis on English language proficiency and the use of modern technology. “More importantly, the project is fully funded by the Johor government,” he said at the kindergarten Leadership Parents Engagement Session here on Friday.

Through “The Olive Tree That Remembered”, Norashikin hopes to introduce children to the universal values of kindness, resilience, hope, peace and humanity, without delving into politics. She said every aspect of the book, from its carefully considered dimensions to its colour psychology, was thoughtfully designed to help children stay focused while creating opportunities for parents and children to read it together. Norashikin, who is also an experienced trainer in the field of education, believes stories have the unique power to help children in the federal government on this predicament surrounding Budi Diesel,” said Abun, who is also Sarawak PKR information chief. Tourism, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Chiew Choon Man said he had also formally spoken to the relevant ministries in Putrajaya. “The Budi Diesel implementation mechanism in Sarawak needs to be refined as many are still left out. “The use of diesel generators for producing electricity involves a big rural population who have no electricity supply. “This situation is unique to Sarawak,” said Chiew, who is Miri MP and Sarawak PKR Youth chief. Meanwhile religious communities and NGOs involved in running charity and welfare projects in the rural territories of Sarawak are also facing difficulities. Sarawak DAP central committee member Stanley Chiew said these groups are missing out on subsidised diesel. “They have to pay market rate and they are encountering problems in registering their vehicles for Budi Diesel. “It has come to our attention that there are many religious and non-governmental charitable bodies having a big number of pick-up trucks and small lorries that are missing out on the Budi Diesel scheme. “These religious organisations and NGOs are running charity programmes and helping in food delivery and transport for many rural residents, students and travellers daily in remote districts. “They have to spend a lot of money on diesel daily. The federal government must look into their plight immediately,” he said in a press statement.

Thousands in remote areas in dire need of inclusion in subsidy scheme to help reduce cost in generating electricity, says senator Ű BY JOSEPH PETER newsdesk@thesundaily.com Senator Abun Sui Anyit said residents are unable to access government-subsidised Budi Diesel for generator sets for electricity-generation.

“These affected residents have to pay market rate to buy diesel or else their homes and farms will have no electricity. “This is a big problem affecting a large number of residents in the largest state in the country,” he said in a press statement. Abun, who is Sarawak Parti Keadilan Rakyat senator for the Belaga district in central Sarawak, has called for urgent attention by Putrajaya. “I have alerted the officials

KUCHING: A large number of Sarawak residents living in interior areas are in dire need of diesel subsidy from the government to help them to reduce cost in generating electricity. Many remote settlements and longhouses are not connected to the main power grid and residents rely entirely on diesel powered generators (gensets) to operate basic appliances, lights, and water pumps.

Diesel and have to pay almost double the subsidised rate as there is still no mechanism to provide Budi Diesel for gensets. “There are thousands of people throughout remote Sarawak who need diesel to power generator sets to produce electricity in their longhouses and farms. “They are not able to buy diesel at the Budi Diesel rate (of RM2.10 per litre) as there is still no mechanism to provide Budi

Remote residents rely entirely on diesel-powered generators to operate basic appliances, lights and water pumps. – AI GENERATED IMAGE BY MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Delivering message of peace to children via picture book KUALA LUMPUR: For Norashikin Abdul Latiff, the experience of managing a community kitchen for war-affected families in the remote regions of Afghanistan left a profound emotional impact. war to the process of reunification of the community. preschool years so children grow up valuing peace. with wisdom, empathy and compassion.

She also expressed concern that repeated exposure to news about wars, disasters, bullying and human suffering could gradually dull the emotional responses of children. “What once seemed shocking could eventually become normal in their eyes. “I chose to produce a printed book instead of a digital one to encourage children to put their gadgets away for a while (and read the book). “As parents and as a society, we may not be able to shield children from every harsh reality in the world. But we can help them understand those realities

“Many of the children were so traumatised by the conflict that they would scream and run away whenever strangers approached, although we came to offer humanitarian aid. “The horrors of war had left lasting emotional scars on them. When I returned home, I realised that the importance of peace and empathy is a message we must share with our own children as early as possible,” Norashikin, who is also director of corporate communications at Yayasan Restu, told Bernama. The mother of five believes that awareness of human suffering should be nurtured from the

Having seen how the conflict had left deep psychological scars on the people, including children, who continue to live with trauma, she was moved to take action. The result was “The Olive Tree That Remembered”, a children’s picture book that delivers the message of peace. The story is written from the perspective of an ancient olive tree that has stood through generations. It bears witness to the passage of time, from an era of peace through the devastation of

theSun on Sunday JULY 5, 2026

WORLD 7

Iranian mourners flock to week-long funeral rites

Singapore reports data breach SINGAPORE: The personal data of about 70,000 people in Singapore was exposed in a cybersecurity incident involving an IBM-managed cloud environment. The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) said preliminary investigations found “unauthorised access to a data set created for the sole purpose of vendor development and testing” in a cloud environment managed by IBM for the Singapore Titles Automated Registration System (STARS) and eLodgment System. The authority said the dataset, created in 1998 and updated periodically, was intended to contain only mock and anonymised records but instead included the names, National Registration Identity Card numbers and addresses of about 70,000 individuals. “This information should have been anonymised but was not. Investigations are ongoing to determine how this occurred,” it said. The authority said the affected testing environment is separate from its operational systems. “There is no connection or compromise to the live systems used for operations.” It said property ownership and lodgment records remain secure and unaffected, adding that affected individuals have been notified, while investigations are being conducted with IBM, Cyber Security Agency and Government Technology Agency. It said a police report has been filed and the Personal Data Protection Commission notified. – Bernama BEIJING: China said yesterday it had launched a coast guard patrol east of Taiwan to replace a naval task force whose presence off the island’s coast had angered Taipei and caused alarm in some Western capitals. The fleet will conduct “law enforcement patrols” in the area, China’s Coast Guard said, adding it would strengthen patrols in jurisdictional waters. Taiwan’s Coast Guard said it had deployed vessels and would use “all necessary measures to forcefully expel vessels harassing our waters”. This is the second time in a month that China has sent Coast Guard ships into the waters off Taiwan’s east coast. It risks escalating a diplomatic dispute that has drawn in the US, France, Germany and Britain. China patrols east of Taiwan

DUBAI: Mourners thronged a vast prayer complex in Tehran yesterday as the week long funeral ceremonies of slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei began with the national anthem, religious eulogies and readings of the Quran . Iran is staging mass funeral processions for Ali, whose 37-year reign was brought to an end in February by the first airstrike of ߑ the war launched Ayatollah Ali to be laid to rest in Mashhad

everything. Every minute we save is a life protected,” he said. Social Development and Human Security Minister Nikorn Soemklang said Thailand was ready to work with trusted partners, adding that shared commitment could be translated into concrete action through stronger legal frameworks, closer cooperation, effective law enforcement and meaningful protection for victims. – Bernama The casket was unveiled on Thursday to a throng of sobbing supporters, who were swaying and beating their heads in time to a sung lament, as flowers were thrown from the bier into the crowd. On Friday the casket was laid in state in the great prayer hall built to honour his predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Authorities ߑ plan to mobilise millions of people for big processions over the coming days, offering transport, food and lodging to buoy the numbers. The new supreme leader, Ali’s son Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen in any new image since being wounded in the strike that killed his father. Some mourners carried portraits of the new supreme leader . Also seen among the crowds was the yellow flag of Hezbollah, which has been battling Israeli forces in southern Lebanon since the regional war broke out. “We came because we promised the supreme leader we would stay with him until the end,” Reza, a 37-year-old university professor, told AFP. “All these people are here for him. “We shouted for a long time that we would sacrifice our lives for the leader, but he was the one who sacrificed himself for us.” The funeral ceremonies followed memorial events for Ali on Friday at the same venue, which were attended by delegations from several countries. – Reuters/AFP

photographs of the leader. “Death to America” chants echoed through Tehran’s Mosalla on the day of the farewell to “Mr Martyr”, state broadcaster Seda va Sima said. Water misted from rooftops to cool mourners in the summer heat. Ali’s casket will remain in the Mosalla until evening today. His body was expected to be taken to Qom, Najaf and Kerbala, the great Shi’ite centres of Iran and Iraq, before being laid to rest on Thursday ߑ in Mashhad, home to the country’s holiest pilgrim shrine.

by the US and Israel, in a show of public devotion to the Islamic Republic’s theocratic state and revolutionary zeal. Television footage showed his casket draped with the Iranian flag and topped with his black turban. It was placed along with four other caskets of his slain family members on a large black platform that resembled the Kaaba , the cube-shaped structure ߑ at the centre of Islam’s holiest site in Mecca. The vast courtyard of the complex, the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, was filled with mourners, many waving Iranian flags and carrying

Mourners gather at the Grand Mosalla to pay their final respects to Ali. – AFPPIC

Thai ‘Shield’ to combat cyber scams BANGKOK: The International Operational Dialogue on

Trafficking Information Exchange and Linked Database”, or Shield, is the focal point of the collaboration, integrating cross border communications, banking transaction records and mobility data to map and dismantle complex global fraud syndicates. Tatchai emphasised that the strength of partnership lies in real-time, actionable intelligence sharing and timely operations. “In this fight, timely action is

Centre, said delays in information sharing between authorities often slow investigations, arrests and the rescue of victims. “To address these challenges, the Thai government has developed a centralised web app that enables participants to exchange data securely and efficiently,” he told delegates from partner nations and international organisations. He said the “Scam and Human

Countering Cyber Scams and Forced Criminality concluded here on Friday with the rollout of an information-sharing platform designed by Thailand to dismantle cyber scam and human trafficking networks. Tatchai Pitaneelaboot, deputy commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police and director of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons

China said the first operation in June was in response to an announcement by Japan and the Philippines that they would begin formal talks on maritime boundaries. – Reuters Opening of Gundam official store in London draws fans

wars in space and on Earth. The Japanese series began to take off in Britain as more English-language episodes became available in 2020. – Bernama

title was aired in 1979, spawning a successful franchise that included sequels, movies, comics, video games and plastic toys. The story revolves around Gundam giant robots fighting

here that I didn’t expect to see,” said a 22-year-old man who had waited with his sister for about five hours. The Gundam anime series became a huge hit after its first

About 200 products were on display and customers holding boxes of “Gunpla”, as Gundam plastic model kits are known, formed queues to buy them. “There are so many kits I found

TOKYO: An official store selling plastic model kits from the robot anime “Mobile Suit Gundam” series opened on Friday in London, becoming the second outlet in Europe after Germany.

theSun on Sunday JULY 5, 2026

WORLD 8

US turns 250 Trump warns of ‘attack’ on American identity

star Jason Kelce, was best man, the statement said. The bride and groom wore looks created by Christian Dior and Swift chose jewellery by Cartier, according to the statement. No photos were released. Stars including Jennifer Lopez, Ed Sheeran, Jimmy Fallon and Abby Wambach were spotted entering the Garden on a sweltering day when temperatures topped 38º Celsius. Hugh Grant, Jason Sudeikis and Ethan Hawke also walked into the venue. Onlookers including fans known as “Swifties” strained to catch a glimpse of the celebrity crowd at the event dubbed “America’s royal wedding” and held amid heavy security at a site that sits atop one of New York’s major transit hubs. – Reuters Mass protests in Germany ERFURT: Thousands a German city yesterday, blocking major roads and disrupting public transport, in a bid to shut down the annual congress of the far-right AfD party. About 20,000 people flocked to Erfurt, in Thuringia state, according to police, to protest against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party that tops national opinion polls. The protesters, led by an alliance dubbed “Resistance”, blocked routes into the city, with some abseiling from a motorway bridge. Several groups staged sit-in blockades around the city centre. But most AfD delegates managed to reach the conference centre where the congress began on time. “It’s important to send a signal against the shift to the right,” said demonstrator Lene Krug, 19, from Gera, east of Erfurt. “The AfD is an anti democratic party that spreads hate.” The AfD’s rapid rise has unnerved many Germans, who feel they have a special duty to fight far-right politics given Germany’s dark Nazi past. Some have seen a deliberate provocation in the AfD holding its Erfurt conference on the 100th anniversary of a Nazi conference in nearby Weimar, a charge the AfD denies. But Tino Chrupalla, one of the AfD’s co-leaders, lashed out at the protesters, saying they had been “carted in here from all over the country by the establishment parties in trucks”. This year the AfD is eyeing power for the first time as state elections loom in Germany’s ex-communist east, its electoral heartland. Polls indicate it could win an absolute majority in September polls in Saxony-Anhalt state. – AFP of demonstrators flooded

Democratic Party carried a string of US primary victories. The president has cast the rise of the left ahead of November’s midterm elections as “communists” on the rampage, posing a major “threat” to the country. On Friday, Trump said there has been an attempt to “beat the American spirit out of us, alienate us from our history” in recent years. While his language fell short of the more violent anti immigrant rhetoric he has wielded in past speeches, the underlying message was clear. “You do not have to be born here, but you do have to love what we have built,” he said. The location of Trump’s speech was a fitting backdrop for a president who views

himself as one of the greats. Trump’s supporters have even introduced legislation to have his likeness chiselled beside those of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. For Americans, the 250th festivities offer a moment for reflection as well as celebration. After two and a half centuries of triumphs and tragedies, slavery and freedom, civil war and world wars, surveys indicate a nation divided. A Quinnipiac University Poll showed 61% of Americans thought the US was not living up to the ideals stated in the Declaration of Independence – though even opinion on that was divided, with most Republicans thinking it did, and most Democrats thinking it didn’t. “There’s too many people that hate each other, steal from each other. They don’t love each other,” said Los Angeles-based artist Johnny Presley. “I’m sick of the way this country treats people. I’m sick of the way this country treats its foreign neighbours.” For others, like American Iranian Karisa Tavassoli, an educator in Atlanta, the basics of the American dream still ring true. “I have safety, I have freedom of speech, I have freedom of religion, I can wear whatever I want as a woman,” she said. “There are many flaws here, but we have something very special that’s worthy of protecting,” she said. Alonzo Coby, a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, is grateful to be able to celebrate 250 years of the United States. “But I want people to remember that Native Americans have been here a lot longer,” he said. – AFP

WASHINGTON: America turned 250 yesterday – a landmark birthday that coincides with a time of deep national division and a president determined to seize the festive centre stage. The independence anniversary also comes in the middle of a brutal heatwave that has placed some 160 million Americans under major or extreme heat warnings, playing havoc with planned parades and block parties in towns and cities across much of the country. But the searing temperatures have done little to deter President Donald Trump, who has gone to great lengths to ensure the event becomes, in

large part, a celebration of himself. Late on Friday, the president visited the Mount Rushmore national monument for an address under the gaze of the giant granite heads of four of his legendary predecessors. While he lauded American exceptionalism and praised the country’s past leaders, he said that the American identity was “under a renewed attack”. Taking aim at domestic “radicals and extremists”, he charged that there was “a resurgence of the communist menace in our land”. It is a theme that Trump has repeatedly hammered home in recent weeks, as the anti establishment left of the

Soldiers cutting a cake on Friday during the Three Armored Corps and Central Texas Freedom Ball at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center in Killeen, Texas. – BRANDON BELL/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFPPIC

Welcome migrants, Pope urges leaders LAMPEDUSA: Pope Leo marked the 250th anniversary of US independence yesterday with an appeal to Americans to welcome and protect not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human,” he told the United States. Lampedusa, which lies manner, integrating immediate relief efforts into a long-term strategic plan capable of receiving, protecting, supporting and integrating migrants”.

Swift, Kelce tie the knot NEW YORK: Pop music megastar Taylor Swift and football player Travis Kelce are married, the singer’s publicist announced on Friday as guests attended a star studded celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York that capped a three-year love story. “JUST&T MARRIED!” flashed on giant screens on the exterior of the Manhattan sports arena. Swift’s publicist confirmed via email that the Grammy-winning musician had wed the Kansas City Chiefs star.

He also called on them to help improve conditions in migrants’ home countries so that fewer people feel compelled to leave. “The pope’s visit speaks to every one of us,” said Kandeh Abdourahman, a migrant who arrived in Lampedusa in 2015 after travelling across five African countries, the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean. It is “a reminder that our stories are seen, that welcome is not just a word but an act of humanity”, said Abdourahman, now a cultural mediator with the International Rescue Committee. – Reuters

between Tunisia, Malta and Sicily, sits on one of the deadliest migration routes. Many migrants arrive after crossing the Mediterranean in overcrowded boats. Among those gathered near Italy’s southernmost port to see the pope were newly arrived migrants, Italian Coast Guard rescue officials and aid groups. Leo told them he had come to show that the pope “continues to accompany you, support you and encourage you”. The pope also called on European leaders to tackle migration “in a comprehensive

immigrants, in a letter sent to his home country as he visited Italy’s migrant frontline island of Lampedusa. Leo also urged the world to become “more human” and to help those fleeing war and poverty. He urged European leaders to do more to help arrivals, which have topped 7,000 this year. In an appeal sent to the US, Leo said the Catholic value of defending life includes “welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants”. “To receive (immigrants) with compassion and generosity is

Comedian Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony, said the publicist’s statement under the headline “Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Are Married!” The statement described Sandler as a friend of the couple. Swift’s brother, Austin Swift, served as “man of honour” and Kelce’s brother, retired football