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p 21 Malaysian-made app helps with everyday life

p 22 Aisha Retno delays album due to busy schedule

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Billboards could boost road safety

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Medium could be effective in reducing road crashes when combined with traffic campaigns and strict enforcement action: Miros

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (fourth from right) said the annual event allows both domestic and foreign tourists to enjoy local traditions, food, performances and customs. – T.C. KHOR/THESUN

‘PAS backing in Johor boosts support for PH’ BN-friendly move by Islamist party creating extra push for campaign outcomes: Coalition sec-gen

CM joins thousands for heritage festival opening Celebrations to mark inscription of George Town as Unesco site on July 7 eighteen years ago.

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King extends birthday greetings to Sultan of Kedah KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim yesterday extended greetings to the Sultan of Kedah Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah on his 84th birthday. guard of honour held in conjunction with His Royal Highness’ birthday at Dataran Medan Bandar in Alor Setar. In attendance was the Raja Muda of Kedah Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin. Royal Malay Regiment took part in the parade led by Mejar Muhammad Nasrullah Abdullah. The main guard of honour was accompanied by the Royal Malay Regiment Central Band led by Kapt Muhamad Fauzee Japar.

he said in a post on his Facebook page. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also extended birthday wishes to Sultan Sallehuddin. “I pray that His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kedah, Her Royal Highness the Sultanah and the entire Kedah royal family will always be blessed with Allah SWT’s mercy and grace, and be granted lasting good health, peace, happiness and enduring sovereignty.”

Seri Anwar Ibrahim also conveyed birthday wishes to Sultan Sallehuddin, Bernama reported. Anwar prayed that Sultan Sallehuddin, the Sultanah of Kedah Sultanah Maliha Tengku Ariff and the entire Kedah royal family would continue to be blessed with Allah SWT’s mercy and guidance, and be granted good health, wellbeing and enduring sovereignty. “ Daulat Tuanku. Dirgahayu Tuanku ,”

Also present were Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and State Secretary Datuk Seri Norizan Khazali. A total of 103 members and three officers from the 6th Battalion of the

In a post on his official Facebook page, the King prayed that Sultan Sallehuddin would be blessed with happiness, good health and a long life by Allah SWT. Sultan Sallehuddin inspected a

The celebration also featured a ceremonial flypast comprising two EC120B aircraft and three PC-7 MK II aircraft. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk

Defence Forces chief, IGP lead Kedah honours list ALOR SETAR: Defence Forces Chief Jen Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman and IGP Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail headed the list of recipients of honours and medals in conjunction with the 84th birthday celebration of the Sultan of Kedah Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah at Istana Anak Bukit yesterday.

Darjah Datuk Setia Diraja Kedah which carries the title Datuk . They are Syarikat Air Darul Aman CEO Radzuan Osman, Alor Setar Mayor Datuk Abdul Gafar Yahya, Immigration Department Director General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban and Fisheries Development Authority director-general Dr Abdul Salim Tajudin. Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah was conferred the Darjah Datuk Setia Pahlawan, which also carries the title Datuk . The Darjah Setia Sultan Sallehuddin Kedah was awarded to Kedah state executive council member Mejar (Rtd) Mansor Zakaria and PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden. A total of nine individuals received the Darjah Setia Diraja Kedah (SDK), including Kedah State Islamic Religious Affairs Department director Syeikh Mohamad Subhi Abdullah, Langkawi Development Authority deputy CEO (Management) Maznim Ismail, Kedah Public Works Department director Mohd Fisal Ismail and Muda Agricultural

Sultan Sallehuddin conferred the Darjah Datuk Seri Setia Pahlawan Yang Amat Dihormati, which carries the title Datuk Seri Pahlawan, on both recipients. Orang Besar Enam Belas Datuk Syed Khairol Anuar Syed Abidin was bestowed the title Datuk Jaya Perkasa while Datuk Tan Hong Eng received the title Datuk Jaya Dermawan . Orang Besar Tiga Puluh Dua Datuk Mohamad Che Nai was conferred the title Datuk Johan Bakti while Datuk Seri Boon Som Inong received the Datuk Biram Jaya title. Meanwhile, Kedah assembly speaker Zubir Ahmad was conferred the Darjah Datuk Setia Sultan Sallehuddin Kedah , which carries the title Datuk . Four individuals received the JOHOR BAHRU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed his commitment to steering Malaysia towards becoming a great and successful nation. Speaking at a dinner with the Chinese community here on Saturday, Anwar expressed his aspiration to be remembered as a leader who engages with every segment of society, regardless of race. He said given his current age and stage of leadership, his primary focus is to leave behind a legacy of fair, clean and dedicated leadership that serves all communities in the country. “Every single citizen in this country is important. As prime minister, I must serve everybody. I must show I love my people. “I’m already old. Tomorrow when I retire, I want people to say Anwar loved the people and the people loved him back. So, let’s look after this nation as our own, together. That

Sultan Sallehuddin and Sultanah Maliha arriving for the investiture ceremony at Istana Anak Bukit in Alor Setar yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

K. Subramaniam, Real Estate and Housing Developers Association Kedah/Perlis chairman Yeoh Su Guan and Bismi Empire Sdn Bhd president Jaffri Ahmad. – Bernama

Jamaliah Omar, Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital Neurosurgery Department head Dr Adam Mohd Zakaria, the hospital’s senior consultant general surgeon Dr Manisekar

Development Authority general manager Zulkifli Romli. Also receiving the SDK were the Health Ministry dental health programme deputy director Dr

PM reaffirms commitment to make nation successful

“The economy is growing, we want it to be distributed fairly, ensure that homes, stalls, basic facilities, quality of education are improved. “I want children to understand, power is a trust to be used, not to enrich yourself. “Politics is not about enriching oneself. Politics is about service,” he said. – Bernama Renggam and Mersing as districts that still need investment and high-impact projects. He gave an assurance that he would continue to drive development in Johor regardless of the outcome of the state election outcome. Anwar added that strong state-federal ties would smoothen the way for development agendas and urged Johoreans, including those working in Singapore and elsewhere, to return and vote in the upcoming polls.

country’s current economic boom, profits obtained should be distributed fairly to all levels of society and not for the personal interests of certain individuals. He said the country’s economic growth should be translated into the people’s wellbeing through the provision of comfortable homes, good basic facilities and quality education. progress lies with the people. “We’ve been independent for nearly 70 years, yet we’re still fighting over race, (such as) ‘This person can be a friend, DAP cannot. DAP in KL is fine, but not in Johor.’ “Chinese, Indians, Malays... you decide who you want as friends.” Anwar said the federal government is now giving greater attention to the state to ensure that growth is not confined to Johor Bahru but spreads to other areas as well. He also pointed out Simpang

o ‘My primary focus is to leave behind legacy of fair, clean and dedicated leadership that serves all communities in the country’

time for Malaysians to move past race-based politics and channel all efforts into nation-building, Bernama reported. He said the mandate to choose leaders capable of fostering cooperation for state and national

is the only way we can succeed.” Also present at the event was Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman, stressed that it is

DAP has never disputed rights of Malays, says Anwar MUAR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has refuted the narrative of certain quarters that are trying to portray DAP as a racist organisation, and stressed that the party has never disputed the rights of Malays. 20.23ha of land in Bandar Malaysia as Malay Reserve Land. He said as the leader of the Unity government, it is his responsibility to be fair to all races to ensure that the prosperity of the country could be enjoyed by everyone. “We do programmes for Berhad, (DAP) has no problem. “But I have to ensure that programmes for the Chinese are not blocked. Poor Chinese should be helped, poor Indians should be helped, the majority of poor Malays should be helped,” he said at the “Meeting Anwar Programme” at a restaurant here yesterday. Anwar added that despite the Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman, said as proof, DAP has never objected to plans to gazette Bumiputeras, increase allocations for Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional

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PAS strategy boosts PH in Johor o Backing BN in non-contested seats while fighting Umno elsewhere swaying voters and driving support for coalition, says sec-gen Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Bukit Batu candidate lodges police report KULAI: Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for Bukit Batu state constituency, Arthur Chiong Sen Sern expressed regret over the actions of irresponsible parties who committed sabotage and treacherous acts against his campaign materials. He revealed that his party flag was thrown into a drain, while several campaign billboards were also torn down in the incident in Kampung Sri Paya which was reported on Saturday. Following this, Arthur said a police report had been lodged at the Air Bemban police station to enable the authorities to conduct an investigation. “A similar incident also occurred in Taman Putri, the billboard and flag were sabotaged.

PETALING JAYA: PAS’ decision to back Barisan Nasional (BN) in seats they are not contesting has helped boost Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) support in Johor, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. The PH secretary-general said the coalition’s assessment at the halfway point of the Johor state election campaign showed a “very convincing” trend of support in priority seats. He said the trend was partly due to PH’s campaign strategy and political statements by its opponents. “Some of it is because of the party strategy we used, but at the same time, we also see that our opponents are helping to boost support for us.

“The most significant this week was when PAS, which leads Perikatan Nasional (PN), made an open announcement that it was only contesting 11 seats and in areas where it is not contesting, its support would be given to Barisan Nasional.” Saifuddin, who is also Home minister,

However, so far we do not know who the perpetrators were,” he said at a press conference at the Bukit Batu operations room here yesterday. provocation, Chiong stressed that the matter had not in the least discouraged

Despite facing such

Saifuddin said PH had graded priority seats in the campaign, adding that support levels differed from one constituency to another. He said this after meeting members of the Chinese community at a breakfast session with Maszlee (seated right) yesterday. – PIC COURTESY OF SAIFUDDIN NASUTION FACEBOOK PAGE

him from continuing to campaign to defend the seat. He meanwhile called on all parties to practise mature politics and campaign harmoniously without involving any elements of hostility or treachery. The Bukit Batu seat will witness a five-cornered contest involving Chiong (PH-PKR), R. Kumaran (BN MIC), M. Premanand (Muda), G. Tamili (Bersama) as well as Independent candidate, Kamaruzaman Ali. The Johor polls will witness a total of 172 candidates contesting for 56 state seats with polling day set for July 11, while early voting is on July 7. To get the latest news on Johor polls, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/. – Bernama

said this after meeting members of the Chinese community at a breakfast session with Puteri Wangsa candidate Dr Maszlee Malik yesterday. He said the move had drawn various reactions among Johor voters. Voters, he elaborated, were asking why PAS was urging support for its candidates in seats where it was contesting against Umno, but asking voters to back BN in seats where PAS was not contesting. “In the 11 seats where PAS is contesting against Umno, PAS’ campaign is ‘vote PAS.’ But in seats where PAS is not contesting, votes must be given to Barisan Nasional. “At the same time, there are 16 PN seats contested by Bersatu, but PAS says it does not support Bersatu. “So this message shows how PAS is

he added. Saifuddin said another boost for PH was the appearance of former Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi on the coalition’s platform in Felda Ulu Tebrau on Saturday. Puad had attended a PH programme in support of Maszlee Malik’s candidacy, saying he was present as a supporter of the Unity government and not as a representative of any party. Saifuddin said he had advised Puad to present only facts without drawing political conclusions, adding that the public could judge his decision for themselves.

of support.” PH’s

taking the people of Johor for granted. They can simply arrange things according to their political taste and that is not good.” PKR is contesting 20 seats, Amanah 19 and DAP 17 in the Johor state election. Saifuddin said PH had graded priority seats in the campaign, adding that support levels differed from one constituency to another. He said Puteri Wangsa, for example, was not the same as Johor Lama, while Larkin was not the same as Endau. “What I mean is that, in these areas, the first half of the campaign has shown a very convincing trend

manifesto, Saifuddin reaffimed, was easy to understand, reasonable, had clear timelines and contained pledges that could be achieved. He said the response received by PH so far had also been very encouraging, with the coalition attributing the convincing support leans on two factors. “First, we are beginning to see the impact of the campaign strategy arranged by PH. Second, we are also being helped by political statements from our opponents. “That is the assessment for the first half. There are still seven days left,”

TVET Commission to be finalised by year-end, says Zahid

Telcos urged to check rural connectivity issues first-hand: Communications minister

BATU PAHAT: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has described telecommunications companies as still being lax in addressing internet coverage issues in rural areas despite having sufficient data to identify problem locations. He said he would summon all telecommunications companies together with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to seek explanations and expedite improvements in areas still facing internet connectivity issues. “I came here following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directive for ministers to go to the ground and see the actual situation. If possible, the CEOs of telecommunications companies should join me so they can experience first-hand the difficulties faced by residents when communication services are frequently disrupted. “I see a certain attitude among the telcos. They are being complacent. We have the data and they also have the data, but I feel the data is not being fully utilised. “The people expect 5G, but the speed at which they resolve customers’ problems is perhaps at the level of 2G or EDGE,” he told reporters after inspecting telecommunications issues in Kampung Parit Jepon, Bukit Naning here

on Saturday. Fahmi said he had also brought Johor MCMC director Syed Isa Shekh Alsagoff to inspect the situation in the area following complaints from residents about poor telecommunications coverage. He said MCMC would issue a notice to telecommunications companies to immediately carry out network optimisation works, as there was already a telecommunications tower in Bukit Naning, but its signal still failed to cover Kampung Parit Jepon and the surrounding areas. Apart from optimising the existing network, Fahmi said plans to build a new telecommunications tower would also be considered to improve coverage in the Batu 14, Batu 15 and Batu 16 areas. He said the area’s terrain, as well as its vast oil palm and pineapple plantations, had also affected signal strength. Commenting on similar issues occurring in other rapidly developing areas, Fahmi said the matter would be raised during his meeting with telecommunications companies, as there were still areas not included in network upgrade plans under the relevant programme. – Bernama

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The establishment of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Commission, together with the tabling of the related legislation in Parliament, is expected to be finalised by the end of this year. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the commission would be set up to replace the National TVET Council as part of efforts to further strengthen the country’s TVET ecosystem. Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development minister, said extensive engagement sessions with various stakeholders were currently underway before the next steps could be taken. “Once these engagement sessions are completed, we will submit a Cabinet paper for approval. Although policy approval has already been obtained, approval to table the matter in the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara is still being processed as it involves careful legal considerations.” He said this at a press conference after officiating the Johor TVET Mara Roadshow at the Educity Sports Complex here today. Also present were Rural and Regional Development Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang and Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

Zahid, who is also chairman of the National TVET Council, said the establishment of a dedicated commission is in line with the implementation model adopted by developed countries that have similar bodies. He said the commission’s role would not be limited to policy formulation but would also encompass the implementation and enforcement of the policies it sets. Meanwhile, commenting on the impact of Undi18 in Johor, Zahid said young voters play a critical role in shaping the state’s future leadership. He said voters aged 40 and below, including those aged 18, now make up 52% of the state’s electorate. In this regard, the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman expressed hope that the younger generation would work together with caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi in driving Johor’s development agenda. “We are confident that they (the young people) have a close affinity with Datuk Onn. We are once again presenting him as a young leader. “ Insya Allah , with the consent of the Palace, this will provide continuity in his leadership as the menteri besar of Johor.”– Bernama

MONDAY | JULY 6, 2026

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

Thousands attend George Town Heritage Celebrations

GEORGE TOWN: The streets here were filled with colour, music and activity on Saturday as thousands of revellers turned up for the opening festival of the George Town Heritage Celebrations. Children and adults painted batik and clay pots, strung beads, made paper lanterns and tried their hand at traditional activities. Others browsed heritage books, watched Teochew puppet demonstrations, enjoyed Chingay and lion dance performances, and explored exhibitions showcasing the city’s diverse cultures. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow joined the crowds on a walkabout through Armenian Street and the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi precinct, stopping at community booths to chat with exhibitors and visitors. At one booth, he tried manning a Teochew puppet and at another, he donned a traditional Indian Muslim attire, including a red fez and checkered sarong . Chow said the festival had grown following the strong response to the event last year. “The organisers (expanded) the celebration area to accommodate more participants and visitors

times between 1905 and 1911, transforming the island into one of the Tongmenghui’s (Chinese Revolutionary Alliance) most important overseas bases. During those visits, he rallied support among the overseas Chinese community, raised funds and planned revolutionary activities that contributed to the 1911 Xinhai Revolution, which overthrew the Qing dynasty and led to the establishment of the Republic of China. Penang Island Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the tamarind, also known as asam jawa , is a staple ingredient in Malay, Indian and Peranakan cuisine, making the sapling “a blend of a monumental global legacy and the everyday flavours of Penang heritage”. Sun’s great-grandniece, Alexandra Sun, founder and chairman of the Sun Yat Sen Cultural Foundation based in Beijing, and a descendant of Sun’s elder brother Sun Mei, brought three saplings to Malaysia. Sun Yat Sen Museum director Khoo Salma Nasution said two would be planted in Penang, while the third would go to Ipoh on July 7 during the launch of the Perak Sun Yat Sen Centre. The ceremony forms part of the commemorations marking Sun Yat Sen’s birth anniversary and was organised by Chung Shan Wooi Koon Association president Tham Sau Hoong. The event precedes the relaunch of the Penang Sun Yat Sen Heritage Trail, which traces key sites linked to his revolutionary activities in George Town. The relaunch took place yesterday at the Chung Shan Wooi Koon Association, at 30 King Street. Among those present at the tree-planting event were Penang Heritage Trust president Clement Liang, Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Humanities History Section chairman and senior lecturer Dr Tan Chee Seng, representatives from the Nanjing Normal University and representatives of the Penang Island City Council. – By T.C. Khor expectations. Organisers initially expected about 20,000 visitors, but estimated attendance had reached some 30,000 by Saturday evening. Ang said attendance over the four-day celebration is expected to reach between 40,000 and 50,000. “The quality of the experience is just as important as the numbers. If visitors leave with a stronger connection to George Town and choose to return in the future, then we have achieved our objective.” Among those accompanying Chow were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye, Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying and Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng.

o Festival allows visitors to explore local traditions, identity: Chief minister

commemorated the 160th birth anniversary of Chinese revolutionary leader Dr Sun Yat Sen with the planting of a tamarind sapling derived from the historic tree that he planted at his ancestral home in Cuiheng Village, Zhongshan in Guangdong, more than 143 years ago. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the original tamarind tree was listed as a nationally protected Grade I ancient tree in China’s Compendium of Ancient and Famous Trees in 2006. “This tree is not merely a botanical specimen but a living witness to Dr Sun Yat Sen’s early revolutionary journey. It symbolises resilience, patriotism, peace and friendship,” he said during the tree-planting ceremony on Saturday. He added that the planting resonated with history, celebrated more than a century of friendship and symbolised the continuation of shared cultural heritage between Penang and China. Chinese Consul General in Penang Zhou Youbin said the sapling, propagated from the century-old tree planted by Sun, had now taken root in Penang, where the revolutionary leader once united overseas Chinese in support of China’s democratic revolution. “As the tree sends forth new shoots, may our hearts across mountains and seas look together towards the future,” he said, adding that the tree symbolised the deep-rooted friendship between China and Malaysia. The tree was planted at Armenian Street Park, opposite the Sun Yat Sen Museum at 120 Armenian Street, which served as Sun’s Southeast Asian revolutionary headquarters in 1910. It was in Penang that he convened the historic Penang Conference, launched the fundraising campaign for the Huanghuagang Uprising and founded the Chinese media Kwong Wah Yit Poh. Sun visited Penang a total of six grow and reach a wider audience, making it an event many look forward to annually.” The celebrations will continue until July 7 with a 5km George Town Heritage Walk, Historic Buildings Open House, cultural performances, storytelling sessions and more than 30 workshops organised by more than 40 community partners. Visitors could also explore 12 heritage buildings, including temples, churches, mosques and clan association buildings, many of which are rarely open to the public. George Town World Heritage Incorporated general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee said visitor turnout on opening night exceeded

platform for individuals to learn about and appreciate the cultural heritage that makes George Town special.” The celebrations this year coincide with the 18th anniversary of George Town’s inscription as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Describing the milestone as a sign of maturity, Chow said it should encourage organisers and participating communities to continue improving the festival while preserving the traditions that make George Town unique. “Every community possesses traditions and stories. While only a portion could be showcased each year, the celebration continues to

following the surge in attendance recorded last year. “As a result, 43 community organisations are taking part in this year’s celebration, with activities spread across a wider area. “Besides the main festival grounds, programmes are also being held around Armenian Street and the Khoo Kongsi precinct, allowing visitors to enjoy a broader range of cultural experiences,” he said after the walkabout. He added that the annual celebration allows both locals and tourists to discover the traditions, food, performances and customs that have shaped George Town’s identity. “The event is an important

Tree planted to honour Chinese icon GEORGE TOWN: Penang

Rainbow thosai adds colour to event GEORGE TOWN: One of the most popular attractions at this year’s George Town Heritage Celebrations was the Penang Hindu Association’s (PHA) rainbow thosai, prepared with natural ingredients instead of artificial colouring. “Although thosai is our heritage, today they have taken it one level higher. Sundarajoo (second from right) with Murugiah (left) at the PHA thosai -making booth, showing the multi-coloured dish. – T.C. KHOR/THESUN

and restore wellness balance. Sundarajoo said the demonstration offered visitors an opportunity to discover a less-known aspect of Indian heritage. “According to tradition, this knowledge is linked to Bodhidharma, the Indian Buddhist monk who travelled to China and whose teachings became associated with the Shaolin Temple and its martial arts.” PHA president Datuk P. Murugiah said the exhibition was designed not merely to showcase Indian traditions but also to encourage the public to appreciate and experience them. “The traditional practices represent a valuable aspect of our cultural heritage. “By preserving and sharing them, especially with the young generations, we could ensure the continuation of our cultural identity while helping visitors appreciate the ingenuity of past generations, which could inspire the future.” – By T.C. Khor

“These thosais are multi-coloured because they are made from different natural ingredients, giving each one its own colour and flavour. “There is nothing artificial about them. We use butterfly pea flower, spinach and curry leaves, beetroot, carrot, turmeric and purple cabbage,” he told theSun . Beyond the colourful dish, PHA also introduced visitors to yoga sessions, demonstrations of varma kalai (pressure point massage) by the Malaysian Varma Kalai Association, masala tea served in traditional clay cups, and an activity in which visitors painted and kept the cups after enjoying the beverage. Dr K. Kaniappan of the Malaysian Varma Kalai Association demonstrated the varma kalai practice, and curious onlookers gathered as he explained how pressure applied to specific points is traditionally believed to relieve pain

The showcase formed part of the association’s Art of Relaxation exhibition, combining food, wellness and cultural traditions to encourage visitors to experience Indian heritage firsthand. Prepared in a vibrant spectrum of colours, the South Indian staple quickly became one of the festival’s most photographed attractions, drawing curious visitors eager to discover the secret behind its striking appearance. The colourful thosai reflected this year’s “Kongsi Cerita” (Sharing Stories) theme. Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said the thosai demonstrated how a traditional dish could evolve while remaining true to its roots.

MONDAY | JULY 6, 2026

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Use billboards with other actions for road safety: Miros

Govt urged to take action on synthetic drugs KUALA LUMPUR: The Alliance for a Safe Community has urged the government to implement a comprehensive national response to address the growing abuse of synthetic drugs. Its chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the matter was particularly linked to vape products, accounting for 73% of drug abuse cases and contributing to worsening mental health problems among youth. He added that data from enforcement agencies showed the trend had become a serious public health, mental health and social crisis requiring urgent intervention. “Unlike conventional drugs, synthetic drugs are manufactured using dangerous chemical compounds that are often far more potent and unpredictable. Their effects on the brain could be devastating. “Frequent use could damage brain function and alter normal chemical activity, increasing the risk of severe mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, psychosis, violent behaviour, and in some cases, long term schizophrenia-like symptoms.” Lee said many young individuals were unaware that substances inhaled through vape devices could rapidly impair judgment, damage the brain and trigger serious psychiatric conditions, while the discreet appearance of the devices made enforcement more challenging. He added that the condition, commonly referred to by medical experts as a dual diagnosis, in which an individual simultaneously suffers from substance use disorder and a mental illness, was more difficult to treat because both conditions reinforced each other. To tackle the problem, Lee called for tougher nationwide enforcement against the manufacture, trafficking, online sale and distribution of synthetic drugs, especially those concealed in vape liquids and cartridges, as well as stronger border controls to curb the smuggling of synthetic drug precursors. He also urged the government to expand awareness campaigns in schools, colleges and universities, strengthen mental health screening for individuals undergoing drug rehabilitation, and enhance collaboration among the National Anti Drug Agency, Health Ministry, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies and mental health professionals. Lee also called on parents and teachers to recognise early warning signs of drug abuse and mental health problems, while urging the authorities to review existing laws on vape products to prevent them from being exploited as a delivery system for dangerous synthetic substances. “Drug rehabilitation today must go beyond treating addiction alone. “It must also address the psychological and psychiatric consequences of synthetic drug use. “Without integrated treatment, many recovering addicts will remain vulnerable to relapse, self-harm, violence, homelessness and involvement in crime.“ – Bernama

awareness must be continuous, adding that Malaysia could not afford to treat road deaths as routine. Lee, who is also a National Road Safety Council member, said the council had recently discussed the daily toll of 18 road deaths, with more than 60% involving motorcyclists. “With 18 people dying on our roads every day, it is far too serious a matter to be ignored. Even one death is too many.” He added that highways were filled with billboards advertising commercial products, housing and consumer goods, but dedicated road safety messages were rarely seen. “I think the private sector must play a crucial role in this. Companies could still use billboards to advertise their products, but beneath the advertisement, they could include road safety messages. “At the same time, LED signboards could also be used along highways and other roads. For example, they could show how many people are dying on the roads every day and provide up-to date figures. “Road safety is a government responsibility, but it is not only a government responsibility. It is a shared responsibility.”

seatbelt use, in which many passengers still refused to comply despite knowing seatbelts save lives. He said a Miros study found that 70% of rear passengers who did not wear seatbelts, despite understanding their importance, said they would only do so if enforcement action was taken. “That means they would wear it only if tickets were being issued or if someone was issuing summonses. That is why it has to be a package. It cannot be standalone.” On July 4, Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali said reckless and dangerous driving cases rose nearly 50% in the first six months of this year. He added that 1,278 investigation papers had been opened from Jan 1 to June 28 compared with 852 in the same period last year. He also said the main causes included non-compliance with traffic rules and signals, dangerous overtaking, cutting in, tailgating, failure to give way and provocation through excessive horn use, hand gestures or verbal disputes. Meanwhile, Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said road safety

o ‘Move would be effective when supported by enforcement and awareness campaigns’

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

anything else, the effectiveness is very, very low. “But if the billboard carries the same message (as other platforms), it would be effective for that period of time.” He added that signs placed before automated awareness safety system cameras or police checks were therefore more effective than generic reminders to drive carefully. He also said reckless driving was a broad category and could involve speeding, aggression, impaired judgment, slower reaction time or influence from illegal substances, making a singular billboard message difficult. “You could put up an advertisement saying, ‘Don’t drink and drive,’ but how many people will really follow it if there is no enforcement? “Campaigns and advertisements are good. They are important to create awareness. “But creating awareness by itself, without further action, has low effectiveness.” Wong said the limits of awareness could be seen in rear

PETALING JAYA: Road safety billboards and signage could reduce crash rates, but are unlikely to change driver behaviour if used only as a standalone reminders, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) said. Its chairman Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon said such messaging could help only when supported by enforcement, wider campaigns and clear targets such as speeding, tailgating, overtaking or seatbelt use. “It is not behavioural change, but the crash rate could reduce. “However, that depends on the situation. It is not that you simply put up a sign or billboard and it automatically reduces crashes. It also comes with other factors,” he told theSun . Wong said billboard campaigns were more effective when they reinforced the same message carried through other platforms, including radio, newspapers and enforcement operations. “If it stands alone, without Mother arrested for negligence KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested the mother of two children who were filmed sticking their heads out of a moving car’s sunroof. Kajang police chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof said the 30 year-old woman was detained after she came to the police headquarters to give her statement on Saturday. She was later released on police bail after her statement was recorded. Naazron said police had detected a video showing the two children, aged four and six, on social media. He added that the incident was believed to have taken place along the Grand Saga Highway in Cheras near Kampung Batu 1, and a police report was received at 5.28pm on Saturday. The case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 and Section 336 of the Penal Code for negligent acts endangering the life or personal safety of others. He advised the public to always comply with traffic laws and practise responsible behaviour to ensure their own safety and that of other road users, especially when it involved children. – Bernama

Azhar Helmi said firefighters used special equipment to extricate the two deceased individuals before their remains were handed to police. – PIC COURTESY OF KELANTAN DAILY FACEBOOK PAGE

SUV crashes into surau , two killed KOTA BHARU: Two Indonesian women died after the sports utility vehicle (SUV) they were travelling in crashed into a surau . Station chief Azhar Helmi Mustofar said the department received an emergency call regarding the incident at 6.34am before

at the scene as a result of being trapped with serious head and body injuries.” Azhar Helmi said firefighters used special equipment to extricate the two deceased individuals before their bodies were handed to police for further action. He added that the four other injured individuals were sent to the Tengku Anis Hospital for treatment, while the rescue operation ended at 7.44am. – Bernama

mobilising seven members from the Pasir Puteh station and six members from the Ketereh station to the location. “There were six individuals in the vehicle and all of them were Indonesians. Two female passengers in the back, in their 30s and 50s respectively, were confirmed dead

The SUV is believed to have skidded before ramming into a surau at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Jawa 2 on Jalan Selising-Bukit Merbau in Pasir Puteh. The two victims and four other individuals were in the vehicle during the incident. Pasir Puteh Fire and Rescue

MONDAY | JULY 6, 2026

6

China frees jailed pastor

o Ezra Jin arrives in LA

BEIJING: China has released the founder of an underground church who has been detained since October, his church and family confirmed to AFP yesterday, after US President Donald Trump raised his case with counterpart Xi Jinping. Ezra Jin is the founder of Zion Church, one of China’s unregistered churches that some Christians choose to worship at instead of state sanctioned ones regulated by the government. Jin, also known by his Chinese name Mingri, was detained along with other church members on Oct 10 on “suspicion of the illegal use of information networks”. Trump raised his case when he visited Xi in May, and had said the Chinese president would “strongly consider” releasing him. On Saturday, rights group ChinaAid said in a statement that Jin had arrived in Los Angeles after being released from detention in China. The pastor was told by Chinese officials that his release “resulted from discussions between US President Donald J Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, and was presented as a goodwill gesture coinciding with America’s Independence Day”, the statement said. “We thank God for this tremendous miracle,” Jin’s daughter Grace said in a statement. “We hope this is a signal of a positive turn for people of faith in China and relations between our two nations.” Her statement thanked Trump and his administration “for their tremendous leadership”. AFP has contacted China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment. China’s ruling Communist Party has historically regarded organised

Super typhoon nears US Pacific islands Guam residents install metal barricades on a restaurant. – AFPPIC

WASHINGTON: People in Guam and the Northern Marianas moved to emergency evacuation centres and made last-minute preparations yesterday, hours before a “super typhoon” was projected to bulldoze through the US Pacific territories. Super Typhoon Bavi was forecast to roar westwards over the area from early today with winds of 260 kph, equivalent to a category 5 hurricane, and gusts of up to 315 kph. The National Weather Service called the typhoon“very dangerous”, warning of “tropical storm force” winds from yesterday afternoon and “catastrophic” damage near the system’s centre later. “Significant flooding from torrential rains and coastal inundation are expected,” the NWS said, with projected waves of up to 10.7m, the height of a 10-storey building, creating “extremely dangerous” conditions at sea. Pinky Cubacub, 55, said as she boarded up the windows of her eatery in Guam that she had lined up on Saturday to buy US$500 (RM2,035) worth of plywood at a lumber store. She said: “I cannot afford to lose

so many days. It hurts. Because I just started, whatever we’re making right now is just for rent, utilities, and my people, and supplies. I don’t even pay myself yet.” Call centre employee Arabella Paulino, 48, said: “My girls were saying to me it’s scary. But it will be okay.” “My house is concrete, so the worst that can happen is a window could blow in,” she said. Derma Soaladaob said she was going to a hotel. “I have a concrete house but with the noise and the wind, it’s scary,” said the 51-year-old, who drives a school bus for the US military. Tourist Miku Sakurai, 25, was supposed to fly back to Tokyo with her friends yesterday but their flight was cancelled because of the weather. “We will stay in the hotel when the storm comes. I am scared,” she said as heavy rain began to fall. The Northern Marianas in the western Pacific has a population of around 40,000, and nearby Guam, a separate US territory, although both are part of the Marianas archipelago, about 170,000. – AFP

Jin released as a goodwill gesture, say Chinese officials. – REUTERSFILEPIC

still being held, according to the church. Zion Church was founded in 2007 in Beijing. It grew to 1,500 members before shuttering in 2018 under pressure from Chinese authorities. The church maintained an online presence that flourished during the 2020 lockdown, amassing a following across 40 Chinese cities. Jin’s family relocated abroad after 2018 but he returned to China to be with the church, afterwards facing a travel ban. He has not seen most of his family, including two young sons, for more than seven years, his daughter told AFP last year.

religion with suspicion, and under Xi, has tightened scrutiny of unofficial groups. Authorities have been cracking down on unregistered churches in recent months. In June, an Early Rain Covenant Church service in southwestern Sichuan province was raided and two leaders detained. That followed the detention in January of several other leading members of Early Rain. The same week, Yayang church in eastern Zhejiang province was scaffolded and had its cross removed, AFP reporters saw. Eight of the Zion Church members detained in October are

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

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MONDAY | JULY 6, 2026

7

Trump hails US

TAIWAN RESUMES FRIEND-FOE CLASSES

Eight wounded in New York shooting NEW YORK: At least eight people, including four children, were shot and injured on the US Independence Day holiday in New York City’s Coney Island neighbourhood, ABC News said yesterday, citing the New York City Police Department. Officers from the NYPD responded to reports of a shooting at about 10.30pm (10.30am, Sunday, in Malaysia) on the Brooklyn neighbourhood West 31st Street, the NYPD said in a statement to ABC News. The injured included two men, two women, and four children – aged 14, 12, seven and six – according to the news outlet. It quoted the NYPD as saying all victims had been transported to hospitals. Seven were in stable condition, it said, while a 21-year-old woman was in critical condition. Police said they recovered a firearm. The NYPD did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. – Reuters BEIJING: China and Russia will hold their annual joint naval exercises this month and conduct patrols in unspecified areas of the Pacific Ocean, Beijing’s Defence Ministry said yesterday. The naval forces of both countries will take part in the “Joint Sea-2026” exercise in “waters and airspace” off Qingdao, a major military port and seaside resort in China’s east, a Defence Ministry statement said. “Following the exercise, some forces from both sides will conduct a joint maritime patrol in relevant areas of the Pacific Ocean. This arrangement is aimed at jointly responding to security challenges and safeguarding regional peace and stability.” The statement did not provide details about the scale of the mobilisation. Beijing and Moscow have held their “Joint Sea” exercises since 2012, with last year’s edition near the eastern Russian port of Vladivostok. – AFP TAIPEI: Taiwan’s military has resumed “anti communist” patriotic classes for its graduates after a quarter-century gap, the Defence Ministry said. During the Cold War, campaigns in Taiwan warning against the dangers of “bandits” in China were widespread. But the formal “patriotic education” for military graduates ended in 2002. The ministry said the classes for its military academy graduates had been restored due to rising military and infiltration danger. “It is necessary for them to clearly understand national security threats and recognise the military mission of why we fight, and for whom we fight,” it said. “The aim is to establish among graduates a clear awareness of friend and foe.“ – Reuters CHINA, RUSSIA TO HOLD JOINT NAVAL DRILLS

BR I E F S

The Republican president has in the past repeatedly referred to left-wing Democratic candidates who have won a string of primary elections as “communists”, although he did not explicitly do so on Saturday. Before Trump, presidents generally avoided in-person appearances at July 4 celebrations, but he has blurred the line between official commemoration and campaign-style politics. Aside from a similar address that Trump gave in 2019, no US president has delivered a July 4 speech on the Mall since 1951. Visitors had waited hours to get into the event, contending with stepped-up security and temperatures that reached 39ºC. The record-breaking heatwave forced the cancellation of several parades and other events in the area. Authorities ordered an evacuation when a line of thunderstorms approached, forcing spectators to shelter in nearby museums and government buildings before they were allowed to return. Trump’s speech lasted less than 40 minutes, far shorter than many of his past speeches. Other visitors included the white nationalist organisation Patriot Front, which marched through the capital earlier in the day and rode on Metro trains serving the region. Police said they had not received any reports of violence. The Trump administration’s Freedom 250 group has largely sidelined a nonpartisan body set up in 2016 to handle the 250th anniversary and has fenced off much of the 2.4km Mall for a “Great American State Fair” featuring attractions such as a Ferris wheel alongside displays by conservative groups and defence contractors. Freedom 250 says the fair aims to showcase the people and innovations that make the US “the greatest nation on Earth”. Several Democratic-led states declined to send delegations, and many performers scheduled to appear dropped out, citing concerns about partisanship. Trump opened the event with a rally on June 24. Crowds were sparse at first but have swelled in recent days, forcing visitors to wait in entrance lines that stretched several blocks. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that a majority of Americans, including three-quarters of Democrats and half of Republicans, think the events celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary have grown too political. Trump has sought to remake wide swathes of the capital city ahead of the 250th celebration, with mixed results. Many fountains and statues have been renovated, but problems have beset a much-touted US$15 million (RM61 million) renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Security cameras and soldiers now stand watch over its peeling paint and algae-fouled waters. – Reuters

broad appeals to patriotism with pointed attacks on perceived ideological threats. Trump lauded American achievements such as war victories, the lunar landing and the Wright brothers’ pioneering flight, as well as the US system of government in general. But he also urged Congress to pass stalled legislation that would limit mail ballots and require proof of citizenship to register to vote, and said he had “wiped out” Iran’s military and cautioned against a rise of communism in the United States. “We like to stop a threat like that immediately and before it begins. It’s like a cancer – you’ve got to cut it out and you got to cut it out fast,” he said.

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump marked the 250th anniversary of the United States on Saturday with a campaign-style speech that repeated his calls for new voting restrictions, warned that “communists” could gain ground in the country and cycled through what he touted as his achievements. After a storm-related delay of nearly two hours, Trump appeared on the National Mall in Washington to deliver a speech that mixed o White nationalist group makes appearance

Fireworks celebrating America’s anniversary explode behind the US Marine Corps War Memorial early yesterday in Arlington, Virginia. – ALEX WONG/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFPPIC

Nepal PM marks 100 days of rapid progress KATHMANDU: One hundred days after taking power promising sweeping reform, Nepal’s 36-year-old rapper-turned-Prime Minister The two have since been released without charge while investigations continue. stops of a Nepali prime minister, to his foreign minister.

“The brakes will only be applied when we reach our destination,” Shah said. The government has presented a US$13.8 billion (RM56.2 billion) spending plan focused on infrastructure, technology, health and education, while pledging to stabilise the economy.

100-point agenda on governance, anti graft measures, service delivery and digitalisation. About 70 measures have been implemented, with the rest underway, according to the government. Shah said in a rare reform

“In three months, we know very little about the man we have elected as the prime minister. He needs to open up,” said journalist Pranaya Rana. Few predicted the scale of Shah’s landslide victory in the March 5 general election, the first vote since the youth-driven anti-corruption protests toppled Oli’s government. His rise was powered by the same public anger that drove young protesters onto the streets, fuelled by a lack of economic opportunities and corruption among the elite. The government launched a

Observers say that first move set the tone for the government’s subsequent actions – fast and symbolically loaded but also often legally contested and executed with little patience for institutional processes. Shah has kept a low profile, preferring to communicate through social media and even delivering his victory speech as a rap song. He has also avoided meetings with foreign envoys and relegated visits to India and China, the traditional first

Balendra Shah (pic) has upended the government while remaining an elusive public figure. The former mayor of Kathmandu, better known as “Balen”, reached the milestone yesterday and has moved quickly since taking office. Just a day after he was sworn in, police arrested former prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli and his ex-interior minister on the recommendation of an inquiry commission into the deadly September 2025 uprising.

“The nation is standing at a decisive crossroad of economic reform,” said Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle. – AFP

public address to a meeting of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party last month that his administration was “on an expressway” towards change.