27/07/2026

MONDAY | JULY 27, 2026 5 Top cop Ayob Khan retires from service KUALA LUMPUR: Outgoing Deputy IGP Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay yesterday urged members of the force to safeguard its integrity and never sacrifice its honour for personal gain. In his farewell address, he reminded personnel not to tarnish the reputation of an institution built on the blood, sweat and sacrifice of fallen comrades. “Do not ruin this force for personal interest, do not sell your dignity for money, do not use power to oppress the weak and never forget that behind every police badge we wear, there are people expecting justice.” He was speaking during the handing-over of duties ceremony with Bukit Aman Special Branch director Datuk Seri Ibrahim Darus, who assumed the role of acting deputy IGP effective yesterday, at the Police Training Centre. IGP Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail witnessed the ceremony. Ayob Khan, who officially retired yesterday after nearly 35 years of service, also urged members of the force to uphold integrity at all times, especially when no one is watching. “It is not about who we are when praised, but who we are when no one is looking. Remember, humans may not see, superiors may not know, but Allah always sees.“ Born in Kota Setar, Kedah, Ayob Khan described his years in the force as more than just a career, saying it had taught him the meaning of courage, loyalty and sacrifice. “I know what it feels like to leave family behind for the call of duty, to work under pressure, and I know what it feels like when sincere service goes unappreciated. However, never stop doing what is right because Allah never lets sincere deeds go to waste.“ Throughout his career, Ayob Khan held several key positions, including in the Special Branch Counter-Terrorism Division, as Johor police chief, Narcotics Crime Investigation Department director and as Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director. – Bernama Immigration Dept denies detainee deaths KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Immigration Department has denied a claim alleging that many Filipino detainees had died due to overcrowding at the state’s immigration detention depots. State Immigration director Datuk Sh Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof said the allegation was false, baseless and misleading. She also said a photograph circulating on social media was not taken at any Immigration detention depot in Sabah. “All Filipino detainees housed at the Immigration detention depots in Sabah are in good condition while awaiting repatriation to their home country.” She added that throughout their detention, all detainees are provided with appropriate care and protection in accordance with the law and the prevailing standard operating procedures. She also said detainees are provided with basic necessities, including meals served according to a fixed schedule and in line with menus and nutritional standards approved by the Health Ministry to meet the needs of both adults and children. She said detainees are also given access to medical treatment whenever necessary, as well as other essential needs. Sitti Saleha said the repatriation of Filipino detainees via sea from Sandakan to Zamboanga, which had previously been the main repatriation route, has been suspended by the Philippine authorities since February, affecting the smooth implementation of the repatriation process. “To ensure that repatriation continues, Sabah Immigration Department is using alternative routes, namely flights from Kota Kinabalu to Manila and sea transport from Lahad Datu to Bongao. “However, repatriation through alternative routes is subject to the detainees’ families agreeing to bear the travel costs.” – Bernama

Govt to focus on welfare for Armed Forces members

TAMPIN: The government is prioritising housing, education and welfare for Armed Forces personnel to enable them to focus fully on defending the nation, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said yesterday. He added that ensuring the wellbeing of service personnel and their families remained a key government responsibility, with initiatives that include the construction of 1,300 military family housing units at Kem Syed Sirajuddin in o Move to ensure military personnel able to serve with peace of mind: DPM

peace of mind.” He said the sacrifices of military personnel deserve continued recognition as they have not only defended the nation’s sovereignty during times of conflict but also safeguarded Malaysia’s peace and security. Last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the welfare of serving and retired military personnel remains a government priority, in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the country’s stability and security. Anwar said RM844 million has been allocated under this year’s housing services budget to upgrade and develop military family housing nationwide. He added that the allocation covered new housing projects and infrastructure upgrades at military camps.

Gemas and improved educational support for their children, Bernama reported. “Concern for housing, education and the welfare of all Armed Forces personnel must be prioritised by the government,” he said when officiating at the Southern Zone Armed Forces Family Day Carnival, which was also attended by Army Chief Jen Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman at Kem Syed Sirajuddin. Ahmad Zahid said the government was equally committed to improving educational facilities for military families, including providing safer and more suitable transport for children travelling to school. “When their children receive a good education and their families’ welfare is protected, members of the Armed Forces will be able to carry out their responsibility of defending the nation with

Ahmad Zahid watching a coconut-bowling game session at the carnival. – BERNAMAPIC

Disaster aid available up to four times yearly: Nadma JERTIH: Malaysians affected by disasters are eligible to receive the Bantuan Wang Ihsan aid up to four times a year, subject to the claim conditions set by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).

access the aid more easily through Nadma’s digital registration and community verification system, which has helped expedite the verification process and the disbursement. “Victims are now registered through the myIBJKM system, in which they only need to register or update their information by scanning the QR code provided at every temporary relief centre.” Jefny said Nadma is encouraging more strategic collaborations with NGOs as partners to strengthen community disaster preparedness through the implementation of programme courses. He also said the programme emphasises active community participation in identifying disaster risks, planning mitigation measures, enhancing preparedness and carrying out early actions before, during and after disasters. – Bernama

“If they are affected by another disaster after the three-month period, they are eligible to submit a new application,“ he told reporters after closing the Community-Based Disaster Risk Management programme organised by Yayasan Ikhlas in Kampung Raja on Saturday. Jefny said 108,000 heads of household nationwide received aid amounting to RM108 million during the 2025/2026 Northeast Monsoon season. He added that the figure was lower than the previous monsoon season, when 287,000 heads of household received aid involving an allocation of RM287 million. “The reduction in the number of recipients and the amount disbursed is because our country did not experience as many major disasters this season compared with the previous one.” He also said disaster victims could now

Its Community and Social Development Section director Jefny Muhammad said the assistance is provided to ease the burden of households affected by disasters such as floods, landslides, fires, tidal waves and other calamities. He added that each eligible head of household is entitled to RM1,000 for each claim, allowing recipients to receive up to RM4,000 a year if they are affected by disasters on four separate occasions. “However, claims are only allowed once every three months. If they are affected by disasters twice within a three-month period, only one claim can be made.