04/08/2026

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TUESDAY AUG 4, 2026

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TUESDAY | AUG 4, 2026

WEEKLY FOCUS MONDAY Technology and social media

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1MDB lawyers aim to prove Najib central figure in US$5.6b fraud

TUESDAY Family and parenting

WEDNESDAY Fashion and beauty

THURSDAY Home and living

FRIDAY Travel and leisure

Healthy eating habits Nurturing children’s relationship with food – P22

SATURDAY Food and beverage

Ex-PM exerted full control over fund to enrich himself and close associates, court hears.

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY PAS ready to expand BN-PN cooperation nationwide

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SCAN ME No. 9233 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

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p 23 Gen X, Millennials find it hard to sustain lifestyle

p 24 Up to 45% dementia cases can be delayed

p 25 Spider-man: Brand New Day falls short in nuance

F1 fans hope Madani rates will put Sepang race within reach With official prices still under wraps, local enthusiasts urge organisers to keep admission affordable.

Report on — page 2

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Deputy president says Negeri Sembilan success paves way for potential pacts in Malacca and beyond.

ALOR ALLURE ... A pedestrian walks past vibrant lotus pond murals along a revitalised alleyway in Jalan Alor, Kuala Lumpur, where city transformation initiatives have turned once-overlooked backlanes into lively cultural hubs and popular tourist attractions. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Fix Copyright Act Report on h page 3 Amend Malaysia’s 1987 statute to clarify AI authorship rather than using proposed governance Bill, ensuring long-term intellectual property clarity, says lawyer.

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Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PAS keen on continuing BN-PN polls coooperation

PETALING JAYA: PAS has expressed readiness to expand the Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional (BN PN) cooperation forged in the Negeri Sembilan state election to the impending Malacca polls and potentially the federal level, saying the alliance has proven its electoral value. PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the Negeri Sembilan election results demonstrate that cooperation between the two coalitions delivers positive outcomes and warrants further discussions on whether the model should be replicated elsewhere. “We saw that the cooperation in Negeri Sembilan produced very good results and achievements. “At the national level, we are prepared to hold negotiations and discussions, and decide whether to continue the cooperation based on what we have seen of the public mood. “If possible, it should not be limited to Negeri Sembilan. The Negeri Sembilan model should be brought to Malacca and, if possible, to

public prosecutor, ensuring equal constituency allocations for government and opposition lawmakers as well as implementing fairer electoral boundary reforms. Ong also questioned the appointment process for Election Commission chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun, saying it should have involved broader parliamentary consultation. He said fair electoral boundary reforms, expected to begin this year and conclude by 2028, could strengthen PH’s prospects in future elections. “Pushing for these reforms is the right thing for PH to do even if it ends up in the opposition post-GE16. The long-suffering PH supporters deserve as much.” a Selangor assemblyman which could lead to the seat being declared vacant. Amirudin said the speaker must first determine the status of the seat before referring the matter to the EC, which will then decide whether a by election should be called. He said the commission would also consider the relevant legal provisions, including whether the remaining term of the state legislative assembly warrants holding a by-election. Amirudin had previously said the matter was being reviewed with the state legal adviser to ensure that any action taken complied with existing laws. On a separate issue, Amirudin said the Selangor government would continue strengthening efforts to tackle the stray dog problem while balancing public safety with animal welfare. He said local authorities had been taking continuous enforcement action. Amirudin also dismissed claims that local councils only acted on stray animal issues after public pressure. – BY THESUN TEAM some had already prepared to contest. They had worked for five years but when the party issued its directive, I saw that the mood was very positive.” He said cooperation between the BN and PN campaign machineries during the election showed that both parties were capable of supporting one another despite fielding candidates from different parties. Tuan Ibrahim said no formal discussions on cooperation for the Malacca election had taken place as the state legislative assembly has yet to be dissolved. “For now, each party is carrying out its work, and the decision will depend on the dissolution of the Malacca state assembly.”

Orang voting overwhelmingly for the BN-MCA candidate.” Ong said PH’s support declined in 30 of the state’s 36 constituencies compared with the 2022 general election, indicating that the setback was more than just a transfer of votes between BN and PN. He said PH’s strategy of courting Malay voters through short-term political manoeuvres had failed. Ong urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the coalition’s leadership to instead prioritise reforms that formed PH’s founding agenda. He added these include introducing a 10-year limit on the prime minister’s tenure, separating the roles of the attorney-general and Asli voters PETALING JAYA: The fate of a disputed Selangor state seat is expected to be determined this week, with the Election Commission (EC) set to decide whether a by-election is necessary once the state assembly speaker makes an official ruling on the seat’s status. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the state government would not interfere in the process, stressing that the matter must proceed according to the law and the respective roles of the speaker and the EC. He said the state government is awaiting formal notification from the speaker while legal officers are preparing the necessary advice before the matter is referred to the relevant authorities. “We will abide by whatever decision the EC makes following the speaker’s announcement,” Amirudin reportedly said after attending the state civil servants’ assembly and the launching of the Jalur Gemilang campaign yesterday. The issue arose following allegations over the eligibility status of after the recent state election. For PAS, which had remained outside the Negeri Sembilan government since independence because of its limited electoral success in the state, the arrangement marked a significant political shift. Tuan Ibrahim said the biggest challenge was not reaching an agreement among party leaders but ensuring that grassroots members from both coalitions could work together on the ground. He said initial reservations among party members were overcome after party leaders issued clear directives, enabling both sides to coordinate their election campaigns effectively. “Initially, some felt slighted and were not entirely receptive because

o Negeri Sembilan election results show alliance can deliver positive outcomes, warrants further discussions on whether model should be replicated elsewhere, says party deputy chief

prepared to negotiate with any party interested in working together, although any agreement would depend on the respective strengths and interests of those involved. The prospect of continued BN-PN cooperation follows the alliance’s success in Negeri Sembilan, where the two coalitions secured enough seats to form the state government

the federal level as well.” His remarks come as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the Malacca state election, with BN signalling openness to broader cooperation under a “BN Plus” formula. Malacca BN chairman and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said on Sunday that the coalition was

‘Status of disputed Selangor seat to be decided this week’

TOWARDS BETTER TIES ... Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, who is also Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation minister, arriving at the KL International Airport yesterday for a two-day official visit to Malaysia. – BERNAMAPIC

Call for PH to return to political, institutional reform agenda

He attributed the BN-PN victory largely to the consolidation of Malay votes that had previously been split between the two coalitions. “In a 57% Malay electorate state like Negeri Sembilan, where an estimated 80% of Malay voters supported BN or PN, this translates into an electoral advantage of slightly more than 7% for BN and PN candidates.” Ong estimated that PH secured only about 8% of the Malay vote although more than 90% of Chinese voters who turned out continued to back the coalition. He added that it was, however, insufficient to retain Chennah, which was won by MCA. “Chennah was effectively a 40% Chinese seat with the 60% Malay and

political and institutional reformation even if it is too late to fight against the BN-PN wave that is coming in GE16,” Ong said in his analysis of the election results. BN won 18 seats in Saturday’s election, including two secured by MCA, while PN captured seven seats, comprising four won by PAS and three by Wawasan. PH retained 11 seats, with DAP winning nine and PKR two. The result also saw senior PH leaders Anthony Loke and former menteri besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun lose their state seats in Chennah and Linggi, respectively. Ong said PH’s vote share fell to 39.7% from 44.4% in the 2022 general election while BN’s support rose to 35.2% from 22.2% recorded in the 2023 state election.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: After its crushing defeat in the Negeri Sembilan state election Pakatan Harapan (PH) must return to the political and institutional reform agenda that propelled it to power instead of relying on short-term electoral strategies, said former Bangi MP Dr Ong Kian Ming. He said the coalition’s loss, which saw the Barisan Nasional (BN)- Perikatan Nasional (PN) alliance secure a combined 25 of the state’s 36 seats, exposed the failure of PH’s efforts to regain Malay support and should serve as a wake-up call ahead of the 16th general election (GE16). “PH should go back to its roots of

TUESDAY | AUG 4, 2026

3 ‘Amend existing Act to address AI copyright concerns’

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

GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia should amend the Copyright Act 1987 to clarify who owns and controls copyright over AI-generated works instead of attempting to address the issue under the proposed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Bill, a lawyer says. Esther Ong, senior partner at Messrs Esther Ong Tengku Saiful & Sree, said questions of authorship, originality, ownership and copyright exceptions are fundamentally copyright issues that belong under the Copyright Act, which already governs intellectual property (IP) rights and fulfils Malaysia’s obligations under international copyright treaties. “Embedding copyright rules in a technology-specific statute dates them the moment the technology moves,” she told theSun . Her comments come as the government prepares the AI Governance Bill. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo confirmed on July 13 that the proposed law would regulate AI systems rather than AI-generated content, leaving copyright matters to existing laws. Ong said the Copyright Act is better suited because it is organised around creative works and legal rights rather than specific technologies, enabling it to remain relevant through successive technological shifts from photocopiers and the internet to Brandguard founder and CEO Visharad Venugopal Mannadiar said many businesses wrongly equate a licence to use AI-generated content with ownership of enforceable IP rights, exposing themselves to potential legal disputes. “The first question is whether copyright exists in the output at all. “Copyright law is built around identifiable authorship and original creative effort, so protection for a purely machine-generated result remains uncertain,“ he told theSun . His comments come as the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) conducts a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Copyright Act 1987, including the treatment of AI-generated content and the use of copyrighted works to train AI systems. The consultation closes on Aug 14. Visharad said businesses should first determine whether copyright exists in the AI-generated output before considering ownership. He added that they must then establish who owns the human contribution, which may depend on whether the work was created by an employee, freelancer or agency, as well as the contractual arrangements between the parties. “The third question is whether the output is safe to use. “An AI platform may give the business contractual permission to use an output, but that does not necessarily mean the business owns enforceable copyright or that the output does not resemble somebody else’s work.

o Focus on creative works and legal rights makes current law more suitable: Lawyer

way of checking.” However, she emphasised that users remain responsible for AI-generated content they choose to publish, particularly if they deliberately prompt AI systems to reproduce specific works or imitate protected assets. She also urged organisations adopting AI to be mindful of broader legal and commercial risks, including uncertainty over copyright protection, infringement claims, inaccurate or fabricated content, authenticity and disclosure issues, and the difficulty of proving human creative contribution. She highlighted confidentiality breaches as a particular concern for law firms, saying many users overlook restrictions buried in AI platforms’ terms of service before uploading client documents or legally privileged material. “If the human contribution isn’t documented at creation, it can’t be reconstructed at enforcement and rights that might have existed become unprovable. “The practical advice is simple: keep the record of the human hand.”

“Even the one country that protected machine-made works on paper has just recommended deleting that protection.“ She added that as AI tools become increasingly sophisticated, AI-generated works also risk reproducing protected creative expression from existing works. She urged businesses and content creators to reduce those risks by using AI tools trained on licensed datasets when possible, negotiating contractual indemnities, avoiding prompts that reference living artists or protected works, conducting similarity checks before releasing commercially important assets, and retaining records of prompts, iterations and edits. Ong said primary responsibility for copyright infringement should rest with AI developers because they determine the datasets used to train their models. “They are better placed to negotiate a single licensing agreement covering all uses, rather than leaving millions of individual users to clear rights they have no

prompting lacks skill. It plainly involves skill. The problem is control over expression.“ She described prompting alone as “skill without control”, while prompting combined with selection, iteration and modification gives users greater control over the final expression, which is the element copyright law has traditionally protected. She added that countries are continuing to refine their legal approaches to AI-generated works. She also said the US Copyright Office has generally adopted a stricter position, while Chinese courts have recognised copyright when there is sufficient human creative control over the final expression. Ong said Malaysian law similarly focuses on the degree of human contribution in determining originality.

smartphones and generative AI. She added that the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) should continue administering copyright matters, while the proposed Central AI Authority focuses on AI governance. She also said the Bill could complement the Copyright Act by requiring greater transparency from AI developers over the datasets used to train their models. Ong said one of the biggest unresolved questions surrounding AI-generated content is whether the level of human involvement is sufficient to qualify a work for copyright protection. She added that a prompt itself could qualify as an original literary work if it is sufficiently expressive but that does not automatically extend copyright protection to the AI-generated output. “The problem isn’t that He also said businesses adopting generative AI must understand the legal risks surrounding ownership, originality and copyright infringement instead of relying solely on the technology’s convenience. Visharad said companies should also avoid depending on copyright protection alone and instead adopt a layered IP strategy to safeguard AI assisted creations. He added that meaningful human involvement must remain central to the creative process, with the final work edited, refined, selected and shaped by a person rather than simply accepted from an AI system. He also urged businesses to clearly define ownership through contracts with employees, designers, agencies and freelancers, conduct clearance searches before launching AI-assisted content, and strengthen protection through trademark registration, industrial design protection, development records and, when appropriate, voluntary copyright notification. Visharad summed up the practical approach as“create, clear and control”. “Create with meaningful human involvement, clear the output for legal risks, and control it through contracts, registrations and records.“ He said the amount of time spent producing AI-generated content should not determine authorship, adding that what matters instead is whether the individual exercised meaningful creative control over the final expression. “A person could spend three weeks entering prompts without exercising meaningful control over the final expression. “Another person may spend less time but make substantial creative

Businesses cannot assume ownership of AI content: IP expert GEORGE TOWN: Paying for an artificial intelligence (AI) platform or writing the prompt does not automatically give businesses ownership of AI-generated content, an intellectual property (IP) expert has said. “Permission to use an AI output is not the same as ownership of enforceable IP.”

Visharad said he expects disputes involving AI-generated works to become more common, including cases involving synthetic voices, likenesses, imitation of distinctive creative styles and AI outputs that reproduce substantial parts of existing works. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN decisions by developing the concept, controlling the composition, rewriting sections, combining

He also called for amendments to the Copyright Act 1987 to provide greater legal certainty over AI-assisted works while balancing innovation with the interests of human creators. Visharad said the law should distinguish between AI-assisted works and predominantly AI-generated works, while also clarifying how copyrighted material may be used to train AI systems. “Malaysia should be pro-AI without becoming pro-piracy. The aim should be to encourage innovation while ensuring that human creators remain part of the economic value chain.” – By T.C. Khor

involving AI-generated works to become more common, including cases involving synthetic voices, likenesses, imitation of distinctive creative styles and AI outputs that reproduce substantial parts of existing works. “The central question in many cases will be accountability. Who selected the tool, who supplied the material, who approved the output and who benefited commercially from it?” He advised businesses to adopt formal AI-use policies rather than merely keeping folders of screenshots of prompts.

elements, redrawing the output and deciding what the final work should look like.” He also said someone who merely accepts the first AI-generated result has a relatively weak claim to authorship, while a person who directs and substantially shapes the final work has a much stronger claim. “Treat AI as an assistant, not as the final decision-maker. The human must still be able to identify what they personally contributed.” Visharad said he expects disputes

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F1 fans urge organisers to offer affordable ticket prices

young Malaysians interested in motorsport to develop strong technical and automotive skills, adding that Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes provide an important pathway into the industry. He said Malaysia was well placed to develop a skilled motorsport workforce, citing strong public interest in the automotive sector, growing career opportunities and world-class facilities such as the Sepang International Circuit. – Bernama Over 14 million benefit from fuel subsidy scheme KUALA LUMPUR: More than 14.2 million Malaysians have benefited from the targeted Budi Madani RON95 subsidy scheme, with the government estimating annual fiscal savings of up to RM4 billion. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the programme has reached more than 14.2 million of the 16.7 million people eligible for subsidised RON95 fuel, with beneficiaries consuming more than 13.4 billion litres between October 2025 and June 2026. He said the unsubsidised RON95 price, which fluctuates according to market rates, applies only to those who are ineligible for the subsidy, including non-citizens and Malaysians who do not meet the BUDI95 criteria. “Based on actual BUDI95 usage data from October 2025 to June 2026, fewer than one per cent of BUDI95 users consistently consume more than 200 litres of RON95 per month. “On an average, RON95 consumption is around 100 litres per month,“ he said in the Dewan Negara yesterday. He was replying to Senator Datuk Bobbey Ah Fang Bin Suan who sought details on the annual savings generated through the targeted subsidy mechanism. Amir Hamzah said annual fiscal savings are estimated at between RM2.5 billion and RM4 billion depending on global crude oil prices, exchange rate movements and actual fuel consumption. Responding to a supplementary question from Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) recommendation that Malaysia gradually phase out fuel subsidies, Amir Hamzah said Putrajaya would continue with its targeted subsidy approach instead of removing assistance altogether. “We fully understand that the OECD has recommended the withdrawal of all subsidies but we cannot do that in this country. What is important is that we provide subsidies in a targeted manner rather than making abrupt changes as suggested by the OECD.” The OECD has urged Malaysia to gradually eliminate fuel subsidies as part of broader fiscal reforms, saying that the move would strengthen the government’s financial position as the country moves closer to high-income nation status. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: With ticket prices for the Formula One race in Sepang still under wraps, fans are urging organisers to introduce affordable MyKad and Madani rates to ensure that Malaysians can experience the championship’s first race at the circuit in nine years. Ticket prices have yet to be announced because Bahrain, which is hosting the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia from Oct 2 to 4, will determine pricing as it is to pay the estimated US$70 million to US$80 million (RM285.87 million to RM326.71 million) hosting rights fee and receive all ticket-sale revenue. Fans interviewed by theSun said entry-level tickets priced between RM250 and RM500 would be reasonable, while acknowledging that premium seats would inevitably cost more. Senior public relations associate Niraen Paranjothy, 24, said attending the race would be about more than just the action on the track. “Seeing names like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc in Malaysia would be surreal. It’s the whole F1 atmosphere that I’ve been wanting to experience on home soil.” The Kuala Lumpur-based fan said activities such as fan zones, team activations, merchandise and opportunities to meet current and former drivers would make the event o Bahrain, which is hosting the Grand Prix in Malaysia, to determine pricing as it is to pay estimated hosting rights fee of over RM285m and receive all ticket-sale revenue Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

F1 representatives have completed an initial inspection of Sepang, with SIC confirming that the circuit does not require resurfacing. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

priced Madani tickets although these would not include premium seating. As of yesterday, official ticket prices and the sale date were yet to be announced, although SIC had previously indicated that sales could begin as early as the first week of August. Television programme producer Rofariz, 39, shared the excitement over Formula One’s return to Sepang but expressed hope that the race weekend would feature more fan activities and promotional events beyond the on-track spectacle. “Sepang is a favourite track among F1 fans around the world and I’m excited about the race. I want to experience the new era of F1. The regulations have changed and will provide a different experience from the last race in 2017.” He, however, expressed concern that Bahrain’s control over ticket pricing, coupled with Formula One’s commercial considerations following the earlier disruption of

Universiti Malaya STEM Centre director Assoc Prof Dr Mas Sahidayana Mokhtar said Formula One should be viewed not merely as entertainment but also as a powerful demonstration of STEM in action. “F1 embodies STEM in its most tangible form, through the mechanical engineering of the car, the physics of the circuit layout, the chemistry of fuels, the mathematics of speed and even the biology of the driver. even more memorable. Niraen said ticket prices ranging from RM300 to RM1,500 would be reasonable across different seating categories, but expressed hope that organisers would offer lower-priced MyKad or Madani tickets between RM250 and RM500 for general admission or selected grandstands. “Demand is much higher now, sponsorships are bigger than ever and F1 is ultimately a premium global product. While everyone wants affordable tickets, I think fans also understand that prices today won’t be what they were a decade ago.” On July 28, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif had said Bahrain would pay the hosting rights fee and receive all ticket-sale revenue, leaving the kingdom to decide ticket prices. He added that SIC is negotiating for a special MyKad rate. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also said the government is considering lower

two Middle Eastern races, could result in higher prices. Rofariz said tickets priced from RM450 onwards would be reasonable for regular seating but proposed that a limited allocation of one-day tickets be made available to Malaysians for about RM300. F1 representatives have completed an initial inspection of Sepang, with SIC confirming that the circuit does not require resurfacing. Improvements to runoff areas and supporting infrastructure are expected to be carried out. Formula One and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) announced on July 26 that Sepang would host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia from Oct 2 to 4, marking the championship’s return to the circuit for the first time since 2017. The race will be held between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, subject to final agreements and approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

‘Grand Prix offers boost for STEM and motorsport talent development’ KUALA LUMPUR: Formula One’s return to Malaysia is being hailed as more than a sporting spectacle, with educators and motorsport the world’s most technologically advanced sports. “These are the dimensions we need to highlight so that the younger generation sees F1 not just as entertainment but as a concrete application of STEM in action.” engineering, materials science, software programming, data analytics, race strategy, sports physiotherapy and occupational health and safety. Shafiq encouraged

professionals describing it as a rare opportunity to inspire a new generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The one-off Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, made possible by an unexpected change to the 2026 race calendar, is expected to showcase how cutting-edge science and engineering underpin one of

Her views were echoed by M’s Racing director and race engineer Shafiq Rosli, who said success in Formula One depends on multidisciplinary expertise rather than the driver alone. He said every member of a racing team, from engineers and technical crews to strategy specialists, plays a vital role in ensuring peak performance on race day.

She said exposure to Formula One could help bridge the gap between classroom learning and industrial applications, encouraging students to see STEM subjects as practical and relevant rather than purely theoretical. Mas Sahidayana said the motorsport industry also offers a broad range of careers beyond driving, including mechanical

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Counsel aim to prove central role of ex-PM in alleged fraud o Najib allegedly used ministerial power to fast-track 1MDB transactions: Lawyer Commissioner Mohamad Redzuan Idrus, counsel Datuk Lim Chee Wee said the evidence would show that Najib exercised overwhelming control over 1MDB’s management and board, enabling a series of transactions that ultimately benefited himself and those close to him. He further argued that Najib’s simultaneous roles as Finance minister and chairman of 1MDB’s board of advisers between 2009 and May 31, 2016 effectively placed him in control of the company’s directors and management, making him a shadow director under the Companies Act 1965. Energy (Langat) Limited and Global Diversified Investment Company Limited, formerly known as 1MDB Global Investments Limited.

Syndicate exploits Immigration Dept loophole PETALING JAYA: A syndicate is believed to have illegally obtained temporary work permits through a compromised Immigration Department system before supplying foreign workers to employers for between RM8,000 and RM10,000 each. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the syndicate allegedly targeted foreigners in the Klang Valley who had overstayed or did not possess valid immigration passes before placing them with employers in need of workers. “The syndicate also supplied foreign workers to employers requiring manpower at a rate of RM8,000 to RM10,000 for each worker. “The syndicate is believed to have been operating since early this year,” he said in a statement yesterday. He said eight Myanmar nationals, including a woman suspected of acting as an illegal agent, were arrested during a special operation at a house in Bandar Mahkota Cheras, Selangor, at about 3:50pm on Aug 1. He added that the operation followed a joint operation by the Immigration Department and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on July 28, which led to the arrest of a Myanmar man believed to be the syndicate’s mastermind under Op Crack. He also said initial investigations found the woman was allegedly linked to the suspect, who is believed to have orchestrated the illegal issuance of temporary work permits. Zakaria said another Myanmar man and six Myanmar women, believed to have been waiting to be placed with employers, were also arrested, adding that the suspects were aged between 29 and 56. “Initial checks found that the Myanmar woman suspected of acting as an illegal agent held a temporary employment visit pass for the services sector. “Four Myanmar women had overstayed, while one man and two women did not possess any valid passes or travel documents to remain in the country.” He said Immigration officers seized 16 Myanmar passports, one vehicle, copies of temporary employment visit passes believed to be fraudulent and documents related to the supply of foreign workers. He also said the suspected agent is being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Passport Act 1966, while the remaining seven suspects were detained for alleged immigration offences, adding that all eight were taken to the Putrajaya Immigration Office for further action. “We will conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify the syndicate’s network and take firm action against any activity that violates the country’s laws.” – By Faiz Ruzman

exchanged views on the challenges facing Asean and discussed efforts to strengthen the defence sector’s contribution towards upholding Asean Centrality, as well as preserving peace, stability and prosperity in the region. He also said both sides agreed that the defence sector has an important role in supporting Asean’s goals and strengthening cooperation among member states. Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled said Leong reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with Malaysia. He added that the cooperation extends beyond bilateral ties to include collaboration at the Asean level as well as through the Five Power Defence Arrangements. – Bernama Besides Najib, the defendants are former 1MDB finance director Terrence Geh Choh Heng, former legal counsel Jasmine Loo Ai Swan, former executive director Casey Tang Keng Chee, former chief investment officer Vincent Beng Huat Koh, former chief operating officer Radhi Mohamad, former investment director Kelvin Tan Kay Jim and former chief investment officer Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil. The plaintiffs allege the defendants committed breach of trust, breached statutory duties, abused their powers and conspired to misappropriate 1MDB funds. On Dec 26 last year, Najib was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment and fined RM11.4 billion after being convicted on four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.3 billion in 1MDB funds. was no special treatment for the organisers or participants of RXZ Members 8.0.” He added that apart from traffic offences, police recorded four criminal cases during the event period, down from six during last year’s gathering. The cases included the theft of a Yamaha 125Z motorcycle outside the Gong Badak Motor Circuit and a fraudulent homestay booking in Wakaf Tengah, Kuala Nerus, which resulted in losses of RM1,200. Police also carried out 15 drug enforcement operations at seven homestays and around the event grounds, leading to three arrests. Five investigation papers were opened under the Poisons Act 1952 and the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

Describing the case as a “betrayal of public trust”, Lim said the suit would demonstrate that Najib had breached the confidence placed in him as the country’s leader. “This case is about betrayal, the betrayal of public trust, the betrayal of the rakyat who entrusted and elevated a fellow citizen to the pinnacle of national leadership and a betrayal by that very same individual of national interests.“ The plaintiffs then called their first witness, Richard Templeman, director of investigations at UK-based Kroll Advisory Ltd. The civil suit was filed on May 7, 2021 by 1MDB and its subsidiaries – 1MDB Energy Holdings Limited, 1MDB Energy Limited, 1MDB

He alleged that Najib used his positions as prime minister, Finance minister, controller of Minister of Finance Incorporated (MOF Inc), sole shareholder of 1MDB and chairman of the fund’s board of advisers to influence directors into approving transactions with “undue haste”. He further alleged that those actions were intended to enrich Najib, his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, his stepson Riza Aziz and fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, along with members of Low’s family. “As a result of these misappropriations, the plaintiffs suffered losses amounting to US$5,644,525,051,” Lim told the court.

KUALA LUMPUR: Lawyers acting for 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) yesterday told the High Court they would prove former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak was at the centre of an alleged fraud that caused the sovereign wealth fund and its subsidiaries to lose US$5.64 billion. The submission came on the opening day of the long-awaited civil trial brought by 1MDB and four of its subsidiaries against Najib and seven former company officers and associates over the alleged misappropriation of the fund’s assets, Bernama reported. Reading the plaintiffs’ opening statement before Judicial

US reaffirms defence commitment KUALA LUMPUR: The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence ties with Malaysia, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said yesterday after meeting US Ambassador to Asean Kevin Kim. Kim Hourn and Singapore Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence Joseph Leong. On his meeting with Kao, Mohamad Khaled said they

Mohamed Khaled said the assurance was conveyed during a courtesy call held on the sidelines of the 37th Annual Military Law and Operations Conference (Milops) 2026 in the capital. “The US will always pay attention to enhancing and further strengthening close ties between the two countries, including in the defence sector,“ he told reporters after the meeting. He added that the discussions focused on strengthening existing bilateral relations and did not involve policy matters. Apart from Kevin, Mohamed Khaled also received courtesy calls from Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Transport Act 1987. He added that among the offences detected were the use of modified exhaust systems and registration plates that failed to comply with legal specifications. Police also arrested six riders – four local men, a local woman and a 22 year-old Singaporean man – for allegedly riding recklessly. Mohd Khairi said they would be charged under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 at the magistrates’ courts in the districts where the alleged offences were committed. He also said they face up to five years’ imprisonment and fines ranging from RM5,000 to RM15,000. “The action taken shows that there

COURT CONDUCT ... A man is escorted away by police at the Sessions Court after pleading not guilty to carrying out armed robbery last month. – BERNAMAPIC

Five killed in crashes tied to motorcycle event

Kemaman and Dungun, and not within the event grounds. He also said the victims comprised four men and one woman aged between 20 and 48. “Two of the fatal crashes involved Yamaha RXZ motorcycles, while the remaining three involved a Yamaha 125Z, Yamaha Y15 and Honda Vario,” he told a press conference at the Terengganu police headquarters yesterday. The event, held at the Gong Badak Motor Circuit in Kuala Nerus on Friday and Saturday, attracted about 160,000 visitors. Mohd Khairi said police issued 1,850 summonses for various traffic offences and seized 222 motorcycles under Section 64 of the Road

Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA Five individuals were killed in road crashes involving participants travelling to and from the RXZ Members 8.0 motorcycle event in Terengganu as the annual event recorded nearly three times more crashes than last year. Terengganu police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairudin said 29 road crashes were recorded during the two-day event, up sharply from 11 during RXZ Members 7.0 event last year, adding that fatal crashes also rose from two to five. He said the crashes occurred on federal roads and the East Coast Expressway 2 in Kuala Terengganu, TERENGGANU:

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Digital tools for special needs children KOTA BHARU: Digital learning and gamification are transforming the way children with special needs learn, helping them stay engaged, build confidence and better understand lessons tailored to their individual abilities. o Gamification and interactive technology help improve focus, motivation, communication and self-confidence, says education centre founder with autism, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and developmental delays. “It helps with the learning process. The visual and interactive approach helps improve focus, understanding, communication skills and around specific learning outcomes. “Gamification allows students to learn through enjoyable experiences without compromising learning objectives.

She also credits the unwavering support of her husband, Khairie Asraf Khaidir, 33, throughout her journey. The couple have a son, Muhammad Khalif Adyan, who is just over a year old. A simple keychain takes about 15 minutes to complete, while an intricate wall hanging can require two to three days, depending on its size and complexity. Nur Anira said her six years as a floral adviser have helped sharpen her creativity, deepen her understanding of customers’ preferences and improve her ability to market her handmade products. “My creations have attracted the attention and admiration of visitors from Tunisia, India and France during exhibitions and craft fairs I participated in. It gives me confidence that Malaysian handicrafts have the potential to reach international markets, even though I have yet to receive orders from overseas.” Her handcrafted pieces are priced between RM10 and RM200 depending on the size and intricacy of the creations. Nur Anira hopes to open her own studio and workshop to share her skills and passion for macramé with other craft enthusiasts. - Bernama “Students do not merely play, but also solve problems, make decisions, repeat exercises and receive immediate feedback.” He said combining technology with structured gamification enables teachers to make lessons more meaningful. It also encourages special needs students to participate actively, develop essential skills and gain greater confidence in their own abilities.

self-confidence for those with special needs such as autism and ADHD.” Wan Zakaria described gamification as an educational method that incorporates game elements such as challenges, rewards, scores, achievement levels and immediate feedback into classroom activities. Unlike conventional games, he said, every activity is designed

Bizara education centre founder Wan Zakaria Wan Abu Bakar said technology should not be viewed merely as a classroom tool, but as a means of creating a more inclusive learning environment that caters to different learning styles. “For special needs students, this approach is highly significant as many of them are visual learners and require different forms of stimulation

Care Centre here yesterday. Wan Zakaria said interactive smartboards allow teachers to present lessons through pictures, videos, animations, simulations and touch-based activities, making learning more engaging and easier to understand. He said the approach is particularly beneficial for children

to maintain their attention when lessons are delivered interactively. “Technology serves as a medium to enhance teachers’ teaching processes, while gamification also helps improve motivation, attention span, memory retention and self-confidence when students successfully complete tasks,“ he told Bernama at the Bizara Inter

Graduate turns therapeutic craft into full-time business PASIR MAS: What began as a creative hobby has blossomed into a full-time business for Nur Anira Akmal Che Ab Aziz, who says every knot she ties in her macramé creations brings a sense of calm and purpose.

The 34-year-old Universiti Putra Malaysia graduate, who holds a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture, has been running her macramé business full-time since 2022, transforming cords into handcrafted accessories and decorative pieces while pursuing a craft she describes as deeply therapeutic. Macramé is the art of creating decorative patterns by knotting cords or strings without the use of needles or specialised tools. Nur Anira fondly refers to the craft as her “cord of patience”, saying every piece demands precision, focus and perseverance. “When I focus on tying one knot after another, my mind becomes calmer. That’s why I see macramé as a form of therapy,“ she said when met in Bandar Lama Pasir Mas recently. She said although cords, scissors and decorative accessories are essential materials, creativity remains the most valuable element in every

Nur Anira with her macramé creations and other handmade items, including keychains, bracelets, phone straps, wall hangings and plant holders. – BERNAMAPIC

Today, Nur Anira produces a variety of handmade items, including keychains, bracelets, phone straps, wall hangings and plant holders, with many of her designs inspired by nature, particularly flowers and leaves.

found her true calling. “At first, I taught myself. There were many times when I had to untie and redo the knots after making mistakes, but the process taught me to be patient and never give up.”

macramé creation. Her interest in handicrafts began during her secondary school years, but it was only after discovering macramé through YouTube and Pinterest that she

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Suu Kyi meets Red Cross official

Court acquits former India wrestling chief NEW DELHI: A court here acquitted the former head of the Indian wrestling federation yesterday of charges of sexual harassment and stalking. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, 69, had been accused by female wrestlers of groping and demanding sexual favours. The case triggered weeks of demonstrations in 2023 led by top wrestlers, including world championship winner Vinesh Phogat and Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik, who demanded Singh’s removal as the head of the Wrestling Federation of India. Singh’s lawyer, Rajiv Mohan, said he had been “honourably acquitted”. The court reached its verdict after finding “inconsistencies” in statements and “contradiction on major issues”, he said. Singh’s supporters set off firecrackers and showered him with flower petals while chanting slogans after the ruling. “I had said that day that I would hang myself if found guilty,” Singh told reporters. “Today, I am walking free after being honourably acquitted.” Prosecutors said they would examine the court’s decision and would take “appropriate action” before higher courts. Delhi police charged Singh in 2023 with sexually harassing and stalking women wrestlers after months of mounting pressure from protesting athletes. – AFP Police station blast kills 17 PESHAWAR: At least 17 people were killed in a blast outside a police station in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday, a rescue group and a regional police official said. The explosion took place in the Kabal area of Swat, a district in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. A pro-police rally of local residents was taking place in the same area on Sunday, but it was not immediately clear whether the rally was the intended target. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan group claimed responsibility for the attack. At least 34 people were wounded, according to a spokesperson for Rescue 1122. The rescue official said the death toll rose to 17 from 14 after three victims died in hospital. The victims included seven police officers and 10 civilians. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed “deep grief and sorrow over the blast”. The police said an operation had been launched to arrest anyone linked to the attack. Militancy in Pakistan’s border areas has risen sharply in recent months, targeting mainly the military and police. The Pakistani government blames Afghanistan, accusing it of providing support to militants. The Afghan government has denied the accusations. – Reuters

government to allow independent verification of her well-being. In late April, authorities said that she had been moved to house arrest. Following a meeting between Myanmar’s foreign minister and counterparts from Asean in Bangkok last month, Thailand’s top diplomat Sihasak Phuangketkeow called for access to Suu Kyi “so that we can be able to verify the claims” of her good health. But the new administration has so far been reluctant to provide access to Suu Kyi, including a May request by the Philippines to allow an Asean special envoy to meet the detained leader. The daughter of the country’s independence hero General Aung San, Suu Kyi was held under house arrest for a total of 15 years under a previous government at her family residence on Yangon’s Inya Lake, where she famously gave impassioned speeches to crowds of supporters over the metal gates of the property. – Reuters

After a marathon run of secret trials following the coup, Suu Kyi was sentenced to 33 years, convicted of charges ranging from corruption and inciting election fraud to violating state secrecy rules. Her allies maintain the charges were politically motivated and aimed at sidelining Suu Kyi, arguably the most popular politician in the country of 51 million people. The sentence was later reduced to 27 years, and further cut by one sixth in April, leaving her with 18 years still to serve, according to a member of her legal team. Suu Kyi’s son, Kim Aris, said last December that he had little information about her health – receiving only sporadic, secondhand details about his mother’s heart, bone and gum problems – and not heard from her in years, fearing she could die without him knowing. Myanmar’s administrations has repeatedly said Suu Kyi is in “good health”, even as international pressure has grown on Myanmar’s

Naypyitaw, government spokeswoman Khine Khine Soe said in a message via Telegram. The ICRC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In two of the four photographs provided by the spokeswoman, Suu Kyi, dressed in traditional Burmese attire, is seen with Baecque in a sparsely furnished, wood-panelled room containing only two chairs and a desk. In another photo, offering a rare glimpse inside what appears to be her residence, Suu Kyi is seen cutting a birthday cake inscribed with her name, with a clothes rack and storage boxes visible in the background. A fourth photograph is a close-up of the cake, inscribed with “Happy Birthday Aunty Suu 19.6.2026”. Reuters was not able to independently verify the location and the date when the pictures were taken. No earlier version of the pictures was found posted online before yesterday.

There were 236 people on board the vessel when it left Indonesia’s second-largest city, Surabaya, for Makassar on Sulawesi island on Sunday morning, search and rescue agency head Nanang Sigit said. Nanang told Kompas TV 229 people had been rescued alive and five bodies were also recovered. “Mathematically, only two that have yet to be evacuated. We are confirming this data with the shipowner,” he said. Numbers provided by officials have fluctuated wildly. The last toll given on Sunday was 41 people missing and five dead from a total manifest of 271 people. Arman Asmara Syarifuddin, an East Java police official, told Kompas TV yesterday some 28 people were still missing. The reason for the discrepancy was not clear. The fire broke out on Sunday morning as passengers were eating breakfast, survivor Muhammad Abdul Karim told reporters in Surabaya after disembarking from a rescue vessel. “Initially, the smoke entered the information room, the sleeping quarters. And then explosions happened,” he said. The blaze originated in the stern, sending passengers fleeing to the bow where they were all given life jackets, Muhammad said. He said he jumped overboard with an elderly man as the fire came closer, YANGON: Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi met a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross yesterday, a spokeswoman for the Myanmar government said, as regional countries press for access to the 81-year-old. The Nobel Peace Prize winner has been in detention since February 2021 when an elected civilian government led by her was ousted by Myanmar’s military in a dawn coup. Since then, Suu Kyi’s exact whereabouts and health conditions have been difficult to determine, with no foreign leader or envoy having publicly met her. Suu Kyi met Arnaud de Baecque, resident representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross to Myanmar in the capital o Nobel Prize winner detained since 2021

Survivors recall blasts before ferry fire SURABAYA: Survivors said yesterday they heard blasts moments before an Indonesian passenger ferry caught fire, killing five passengers and prompting many to jump into the sea, with some still missing more than 24 hours later.

Survivors Arif Hidayat and his wife Denik Rohana at Tanjung Perak port in Surabaya yesterday. – AFPPIC

night to find survivors even as estimates of the number of missing people kept changing. Most evacuees were taken back to Surabaya, a six-hour boat ride from where the ferry ran into trouble. Bambang Susilo, 36, said he felt the blaze come closer to the bow of the ferry and the floor getting warmer, convincing him and a female passenger to jump into the sea.

and saw flames engulfing “almost all” of the ferry as he looked back. “The waves were big and the ship coming to save us was quite far. Those were our fears when we were about to jump,” said Muhammad, who was rescued drifting at sea in his life jacket about seven hours later. He said he had not seen any lifeboats aboard the ferry. Rescuers worked through the

“We had no choice but to surrender” to our fate, he told reporters at the Bhayangkara Hospital in Surabaya, where he was waiting to retrieve the body of a colleague. Bambang and five other survivors had swum to the nearest rescue ship, some 5km from the blazing ferry. Another rescue vessel was deployed yesterday to help find the missing, said Nanang. – AFP

Heavy rain, floods batter southern India, 11 killed KOCHI: Heavy rains and floods battered parts of southern India over the weekend, killing at least 11 and displacing thousands in the state of Kerala, and setting off a landslide that killed at least three in Karnataka. The death toll in rain-related incidents rose to 11 by Sunday and nearly 7,700 people were evacuated to around 275 relief camps across Kerala. Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan said yesterday he would be meeting district officials to review

Heavy rains also forced closures of many schools across the state, while the government postponed a state level teacher recruitment exam. In Karnataka, heavy rains triggered a landslide that killed a couple and their son on Saturday. – Reuters

relief camp arrangements. On Sunday, he said clean-up operations had begun in flood-affected areas. The state is likely to see strong winds and moderate rainfall in some areas, the state’s disaster management authority said.