21/08/2026

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Accused claims trial to five counts involving dangerous driving resulting in deaths of three pedestrians. Driver in Immigration truck crash charged

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

Report on — page 5

SCAN ME No. 9250 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Measures to boost security screening at KLIA approved Report

‘Gentleman trait should be nurtured from early age’ Report Qualities introduced during childhood would develop men capable of playing positive family role: Expert on — page 4

on — page 3

Cabinet gives nod to protocols involving checks on passengers, flight crew and ‘high-risk’ baggage.

A financial specialist said wages that are just enough to cover food, rent, transport and utilities could leave individuals trapped in a cycle of struggle. – ADAM AMIR HMZAH/THESUN

Pay not just for subsistence Report on h page 2 Minimum wage should fulfil more than merely meeting expenses and allow for savings, financial cushioning and home buying plans: Economist

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KL-bound plane aborts takeoff at Narita airport CHIBA: A Kuala Lumpur-bound Malaysian Airlines plane aborted takeoff on Thursday morning at Narita airport near Tokyo due to a problem with the aircraft, according to Kyodo News. Black smoke was reportedly seen coming from the airplane when it was moving onto one of the runways at about 10.40am local time. Airport authorities said the incident prompted the closure of the runway affected, that is currently being inspected, Xinhua reported. The plane was carrying a total of 160 passengers and crew members, and there have been no reports of injuries, the report said. – Bernama-Kyodo/Xinhua

Anwar with content creators at the TikTok Shop Summit 2026 in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

adjustment has to happen at company level. She pointed to the wide gaps that could exist between the highest and lowest-paid workers in an organisation, adding that companies should examine whether such disparities are excessive. “I’m not saying that everyone should be paid equally. Of course, wages have to correspond with productivity. I personally hope that the increase in wages is at least equal to inflation, or higher, so that our standard of living actually improves.” Ida said raising the statutory minimum wage alone would not resolve Malaysia’s broader labour market problems, particularly if employers continue to underpay workers. She said enforcement against illegal underpayment, including cases involving foreign workers, should remain important to ensure that higher wage floors translate into better wages. – By HARITH KAMAL PM: SST adjustments to ensure tax burden on poor not hiked KUALA LUMPUR: The government will not consider the basic principle of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a broad-based tax, but will remain open to making adjustments to improve the implementation of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the government could consider some components of GST, stressing that the core principle is not to increase the tax burden on the poorest segment of the population. “I’m not prepared to consider the basic essence of GST because it is still a broad-based tax. “ “It will impose tax on every single citizen, including the poorest of the rakyat . So, that principle must be observed,” he said after officiating at the TikTok Shop Summit 2026 yesterday. Anwar, who is also Finance minister, had earlier announced that the government was considering reforming its consumption tax regime to make it more progressive and efficient, including potentially reintroducing aspects of a broad-based GST. The issue has been widely discussed, with various proposals highlighted, including a tax on electronic payment transactions to broaden tax revenue as well as bringing back GST to enable the government to achieve its fiscal targets. Malaysia adopted the SST regime after moving away from GST in 2018 amid an outcry over rising living costs. “Whether we need to make some adjustments to improve the implementation of SST or some components of GST, of course, we can do that. “But the core principle of this Madani government is not to increase taxes on the very poor. “Therefore, the GST principle cannot be considered.” – Bernama

‘Wage policy must allow savings, not just pay bills’

He added that a broader policy discussion could involve an adequate wage of about RM2,500 to RM3,000 by 2030, stressing that this should not be treated as a formal estimate from his housing study. He said the range could serve as a policy discussion benchmark for moving beyond subsistence towards financial resilience and asset accumulation, subject to proper research into living costs, productivity, household composition and savings needs. Najib said Malaysia is effectively facing two affordability problems at once – a gap between wages and the cost of living, and another between household incomes and asset prices. “Minimum-wage increases may help workers meet current expenses but housing affordability will remain difficult if house prices continue to rise faster than household savings capacity.” He said a successful wage policy should not be judged only by whether workers could survive from one month to the next. “It should also consider whether employment provides a realistic pathway from income to savings, home deposit accumulation and long-term household wealth.” He added that without that shift, Malaysia could see wages rise while workers remain unable to accumulate the assets needed to improve their long-term financial security.

o Salaries must be adequate for wealth growth, financial cushioning and owning a home, says academic

█ BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

higher living costs, workers may earn more in nominal terms but still have little capacity to save for a housing deposit. “In this situation, wage growth does not translate into wealth growth.” Najib had previously projected that Malaysia’s average house price could rise from about RM506,277 in 2025 to between RM558,971 and RM677,513 by 2030, depending on annual price growth. He added that if the RM1,700 minimum wage merely rose at the same pace as house prices, it would need to reach about RM1,877 under a 2% annual house-price growth scenario, RM2,068 under 4% growth and RM2,275 under 6% growth by 2030. He said this means a wage of about RM2,300 could be viewed as a defensive benchmark simply to keep pace with the highest housing-price growth scenario. Najib said RM2,300 would not necessarily make home ownership affordable. He said higher living costs could absorb much of any wage increase before workers have a chance to build sufficient savings for a housing deposit.

PETALING JAYA: The minimum wage review should not be based solely on whether workers could meet their monthly expenses, said an expert in property economics and finance. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia associate professor Dr Muhammad Najib Razali said wages must also be adequate for enabling savings, financial cushioning and eventually, owning a home. He said wages that merely cover food, rent, transport and utilities could leave workers trapped in a cycle in which their salaries increase on paper but their financial position barely improves. “An adequate wage should also leave enough disposable income for savings, financial resilience and eventual asset ownership.” Najib said the distinction is important because wage growth does not automatically translate into wealth growth. “If wage increases are largely absorbed by

‘Raise minimum salary but adjust pay scales for different levels too’ PETALING JAYA: If Malaysia raises the RM1,700 minimum wage without adjusting pay scales further up the chain, graduates and skilled employees could end up earning barely more than those at entry level, said an academic. “If the government wants to increase the minimum wage, the increase should not only apply to the lowest rank in an organisation. Wages across the other ranks should also be adjusted accordingly.” person to live decently in Kuala Lumpur. “What more now, with inflation having increased due to rising oil prices and other factors.” She added that the problem extends beyond minimum-wage workers, with some graduates and skilled workers receiving salaries that do not adequately reflect their qualifications.

She was commenting on Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan’s statement that the government is reviewing the RM1,700 minimum wage, with the National Wages Consultative Council to decide whether it should be maintained or raised. Bank Negara Malaysia’s 2018 estimate put the living wage for a single person in Kuala Lumpur at RM2,700 a month. Ida said that figure is already significantly higher than the current minimum wage, with the gap becoming harder to justify as living costs rise. “Even the data from 2018 showed that RM2,700 was probably the basic wage needed for a single

Putra Business School associate professor Dr Ida Md Yasin said any increase in the wage floor would have a ripple effect across organisations, requiring employers to reassess pay for workers at different levels rather than simply increasing salaries at the bottom. “We cannot have a situation in which a graduate earns almost the same as someone at the lowest rank, or perhaps only RM500 more than them.” Ida said the government’s wage review should be more than a question of how much to add to the RM1,700 floor but also how the increase would affect the broader wage structure.

She said sometimes, wages do not reflect the skills employees have but they have no choice because there are not enough job opportunities. Ida said this is particularly concerning as Malaysia pushes towards higher-value industries, in which better-skilled workers should command stronger wages. “If a company is making a profit, we need to look at how that profit is distributed. Some of it can also be used for reinvestment.” Ida said the issue could not be solved through the minimum-wage policy alone as much of the

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KLIA security gets major overhaul

o 17 measures approved, with six immediate steps to tighten screening and controls at airport: Transport Ministry

the measures are progressively expanded to other international entry points based on threat levels, operational requirements and the suitability of each location,” the statement said. The ministries also said the government was committed to implementing all recommendations professionally, with integrity and in accordance with the law, while taking into account individual rights, data protection, as well as the interests of passengers and the aviation industry. The measures are expected to strengthen national security, improve the integrity of Malaysia’s international entry points and maintain confidence among Malaysians, tourists and the international aviation community in the country’s security system.

short, medium and long-term actions. The medium-term phase will focus on strengthening technology, assets and human resources, while the long-term phase will involve transforming systems, information sharing and governance, as well as expanding the measures to other international entry points nationwide based on risk levels and the suitability of each location. The plan was drawn up following several incidents that raised concerns over the integrity of national security controls, including the detention of a Malaysian citizen in Indonesia over alleged involvement in drug smuggling, as well as several high-profile security incidents. “KLIA will serve as the pilot location for implementation before

and relevant staff,” both ministries said in the joint statement yesterday. In addition, police personnel will be increased at strategic locations as a deterrent, with additional General Operations Force personnel deployed for each shift at the airport’s Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. “The government will also strengthen security and intelligence information-sharing through the National Immigration Command Centre.” A joint technical committee, chaired by the secretaries-general of both ministries, will also be established immediately to coordinate implementation, resolve cross-agency issues and monitor the overall action plan. The six measures form the short term priorities under a broader 17 recommendation plan covering

█ BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

the integrity of the country’s border security system. The six priority measures include targeted risk-based screening of flights, passengers, crew and baggage identified as high-risk, as well as tighter security vetting and access controls for aviation personnel and others requiring access to restricted areas. “The government will also strengthen drug screening for aviation personnel through pre employment, periodic and random testing involving pilots, cabin crew

PETALING JAYA: The Cabinet has approved 17 recommendations to strengthen security screening, risk management and controls at KL International Airport (KLIA) and the country’s international entry points, with six immediate measures to be implemented as “quick wins”. The measures, contained in a joint memorandum by the Home Ministry and Transport Ministry, are aimed at addressing concerns over

New higher education law in the works: Zambry

‘Rethink engineer shortage’

█ BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s talent needs in the electrical and electronics sector shouldn’t be framed purely as a shortfall of degree-qualified engineers, says Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. He said industries also required diploma-level talent and existing workers with specialised skills, with the frequently cited shortage of almost 60,000 engineers needing to be examined according to actual workforce requirements. “If we go deeper, the requirement actually relates to the needs of the respective industries. It does not necessarily have to be at degree level. It may be needed at diploma and certificate levels.” Zambry said his ministry was working with other ministries, agencies and industries to better align talent development with market demand. This included expanding stackable programmes for existing workers who required additional training as companies introduced new machinery and technologies. He said a worker who had spent a decade in an industry might not require another full qualification but could instead undergo targeted upskilling at universities, polytechnics and community colleges. He also said the broader challenge was no longer simply whether graduates could secure employment, but whether their jobs matched their qualifications, skills and productivity. “The issue is no longer simply whether graduates are unable to get jobs. What matters is whether graduates are getting jobs that do not match their qualifications, skills and productivity. “We need to shift from graduate employability to graduate earning power.” The PSKG 2026-2030 will guide the ministry’s graduate employability agenda over the next four years, including efforts to strengthen alignment between higher education, industry and changing labour-market requirements. Zambry said greater attention is needed on underemployment and graduates’ mobility into higher-skilled occupations rather than relying solely on headline employment rates. He also urged employers to play a greater role in developing the talent they required. “The problem with you (industry players) most of the time, you expect us to provide certain numbers of engineers, but you don’t come forward to work together with us.” Zambry said universities could provide engineering fundamentals, but companies also needed to identify and help develop specialised competencies required by their technologies. He said industries should serve as “co educators” alongside higher education institutions through training, upskilling and closer collaboration on workforce needs. – by Faiz Ruzman

KUALA LUMPUR: The Higher Education Ministry will set up an independent committee and formulate a transitional legal mechanism as part of efforts to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) and replace it with a new higher education law. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said a separate group would also be established to develop the proposed One Higher Education Act, while stakeholders across the higher education sector would be involved in the process. He said the transitional mechanism was necessary to ensure universities could continue operating under a valid legal framework while the new legislation was being developed. “There must be a transitional mechanism. We do not want to announce the repeal today, only to be faced with the question of how universities will function when there is no Act governing the legal aspects. “So, we need to find an interim legal mechanism while we work towards the new framework. “It will take a little time, so I hope everyone can be patient. We want to create a new Act and we cannot leave anyone out. All parties will be involved.” Zambry said this after launching the Graduate Employability Strategic Plan 2026 2030 here yesterday. He added that although preliminary work on the One Higher Education Act had already begun at ministry and policy levels, the independent committee would undertake a broader examination before the legislation was finalised. Zambry said Auku could not be viewed solely through provisions concerning students, as it also provided the legal foundation for the establishment and governance of universities, academic matters and the position of academic staff. He said only seven of its 44 sections directly concerned students, while the remaining provisions dealt with other aspects

Zambry (second from left) at the launch of the graduate employability plan at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. The plan is aimed at empowering the competitiveness and employability of local graduates in alignment with current industry needs. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement on Aug 16 that Auku would be fully repealed, with no replacement legislation restricting or suppressing student activities. Anwar said students should instead remain subject to laws generally applicable to all citizens. Following Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said any replacement legislation would focus on the administration and management of universities and university colleges, with student matters excluded from the new framework. The Higher Education Ministry had earlier said the proposed One Higher Education Act was already outlined under the Malaysia Higher Education Plan 2026-2035, with the broader reform intended to address institutional autonomy, academic freedom, governance and accountability across the higher education system.

of university administration. Zambry said the proposed overhaul would also have to address academic freedom, including existing restrictions affecting academics under the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000 (Act 605). He said the exercise would also examine the alignment of other legislation governing higher education, including Act 605 and the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996, saying the existing laws were not fully harmonised. “We have to look at the academic context as well. Do not forget that academics and lecturers are also the foundation of universities, and they need the freedom to express their views. “When we change this, it cannot simply be a change of name while the old matters remain. We have to look at it in the context of the present and the future.” The government’s move follows Prime

Umno committed to ensuring stability in govt: Azalina KUALA LUMPUR: Umno is committed to the stability of the Federal government and will continue to honour the Unity government agreement signed after the 15th General Election (GE15), said Umno Information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. based on mutual respect without erasing their respective political identities, orientations or positions.

agenda is implemented and people’s wellbeing remains the foremost priority until the end of the term,” she said in a statement yesterday. On claims that Umno had “betrayed” PKR in the recent Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, she said the matter should not be assessed in isolation or based on state level political developments, but assessed calmly and responsibly based on facts. – Bernama

The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said differences at the Federal level must be managed maturely to prevent them from affecting governance and public confidence. “Our priority must be to ensure that the Federal government remains stable, reform

She said the agreement was signed to establish and ensure the stability of the Federal government throughout the 15th Parliament, with cooperation among parties

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‘Gentleman trait begins in childhood’

KUALA LUMPUR: The qualities of a gentleman should be nurtured from an early age, particularly during childhood and adolescence, to develop men who are responsible and able to play a positive role in their families and society. National Population and Family Development Board Counselling and o Character development depends on parenting during formative years: Expert Major KL roads to be resurfaced in stages KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 59km of roads in the capital, covering about 1.3 million square metres, will be resurfaced in stages under the Eight-Road Resurfacing Programme. The two-phase initiative aims to extend the lifespan of road surfaces by up to 50% while ensuring the roads remain pothole-free. The first phase, involving five routes, began this month and is being implemented in stages, at a total cost of RM61.64 million, with an implementation period up to 24 weeks. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the main focus of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall 2026 Budget was to return to basic services to ensure the welfare and safety of city dwellers. “For the expenditure, the lifespan (of the roads) is expected to increase by up to 50% compared with standard patching, thereby reducing maintenance costs by up to 40%. This time the expenditure is substantial, but we want to ensure it is worthwhile,” she said at a press conference after inspecting the road resurfacing works on Wednesday. Also present was Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud. Hannah added that the investment was being closely monitored to ensure the quality of the resurfacing works remained at an optimum level. “The works are only carried out at night, between 10pm and 5am, so as not to disrupt peak traffic hours. Therefore, road users are asked to be patient as the main roads cannot be fully closed. This is the best balance we can achieve.” Meanwhile, Fadlun said City Hall had allocated a budget of over RM100 million for the comprehensive resurfacing project, with the second phase involving routes spanning 15km at a cost of RM43 million. He added that the resurfacing works, using the mill and pave method, were chosen as they offered greater durability compared with conventional patching methods.

Nancy said previous advocacy programmes such as Aku Wanita@KRT had reached more than 3,600 participants, with 230 survivors benefiting from free group psychological intervention sessions. She also urged the public to share information and seek early assistance through the Talian Kasih 15999 hotline, Social Welfare Department offices and One-Stop Crisis Centres at government hospitals. The programme is part of the ongoing Road to EVAW campaign, leading up to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on Nov 25, followed by the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. – Bernama Boost fraud awareness in rural areas: Minister PETALING JAYA: Awareness campaigns on online fraud or scams need to be strengthened and expanded to remote areas to protect rural communities from cyber threats that are increasing due to widespread internet access. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said efforts to raise awareness should be taken to the grassroots level through the involvement of parent-teacher associations, residents’ associations and Rukun Tetangga. “Not everyone can come to the hotel to join the forum or awareness campaign, so we have to take the programme to the town halls and meet with the villages. “When we provide internet to remote villages, it means that even scammers could go to remote villages without leaving their workplaces. This is our challenge,” he said when speaking at the launch of the National Anti Scam Awareness Programme 2026 yesterday. He added that since Jan 1, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission had requested the removal of 476,516 online contents involving various categories of offences. He also said of the total, 302,139 were content related to online gambling, while another 128,312 were content containing fraudulent elements. Fahmi said Facebook recorded the highest number of fraudulent content take-down requests, which were 67,115 contents or 52%, followed by TikTok with 50,642 contents. He added that social media platforms have a role to ensure that their services are not misused for criminal activities. He warned that through the country’s online security legal framework, any platform that fails to ensure the safety of its users could face fines of up to RM10 million in court. Meanwhile, Fahmi reminded victims of fraud to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre via 997, which now functions equivalent to a police report. – Bernama “Efforts to develop gentlemen are also closely linked to strengthening family institutions, as responsible men who support their partners could contribute to the creation of more harmonious families.” On current challenges, he said the influence of digital platforms and social media had become a dominant factor in shaping public perceptions and expectations of what defines a gentleman. He added that men and women were exposed to various information through social media, which could influence their respective views on the characteristics of an ideal gentleman.

responsibilities without seeking praise or attention. He also said providing support in household matters, including caring for children and managing family needs, could be a meaningful way for husbands to support their partners. Md Noh said the Lelaki Idaman Programme by the board was not merely to recognise men who already possessed positive qualities, but also to serve as a platform for those seeking to make a paradigm shift and improve themselves. “A mature man should be able to accept constructive criticism and view it as an opportunity to improve, without focusing too much on who delivers the feedback.”

Intervention Unit chief assistant director Md Noh Saiman said the development of such character depended greatly on parenting styles and examples set by parents throughout a child’s growing years, Bernama reported. “The most important aspect is the upbringing process because what children see and observe from their parents will be processed in their minds,” he said during Bernama Radio’s Suara Alfa programme titled “Lelaki Budiman: Suami Idaman” yesterday. He added that the concept of a gentleman extended beyond having a polite or romantic demeanour, as it encompassed sincerity, honesty and the willingness to shoulder

Yeoh with Fadlun (right) as they check on the progress of the resurfacing works. – PIC COURTESY OF DEWAN BANDARAYA KUALA LUMPUR OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

in September, involves three routes over an implementation period of 24 weeks, namely the Batu Caves Roundabout to Jalan Sultan Sulaiman Junction (Jalan Kuching and Jalan Kinabalu) route; Kampung Pandan Roundabout to PJD Tower (Jalan Tun Razak) route and the arch to the Kuala Lumpur Selangor border (Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Highway Phase 3) route. The use of stone mastic asphalt and light-reflective thermoplastic paint is also being implemented to improve visibility and heavy-load durability, thereby enhancing road user safety. – Bernama

The first phase involves five main routes, namely the Sultan Iskandar Highway to Jalan Damansara to Jalan Istana route; Syed Putra Roundabout to Mid Valley Megamall (inbound and outbound) route; Jalan Sultan Ismail (Jalan Kuching slip road to Jalan Imbi) route; Jalan Ampang (Intermark slip road to Jalan Raja Chulan) route and the highway entrance slip road facing the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Highway Phase 1) up to the SPE Highway entrance slip road and the SPE Highway entrance slip road to the arch (Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Highway Phase 2). Meanwhile, Phase Two, scheduled to begin

Programme to aid 1,400 domestic violence survivors KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has launched the Santun Kasih Pemandiri@Keganasan Rumah Tangga programme to assist 1,400 domestic violence survivors nationwide in rebuilding their lives. “The government stands ready to guide them towards self-reliance and a safer new life,” she said at the launch of the programme yesterday. drug abuse with 444 cases and financial stress with 378 cases. She added that financial abuse also warranted attention, including situations in which a husband had the means but refused to provide for the family’s needs, leaving his wife to shoulder household expenses alone.

She added that police statistics showed cases of domestic violence increased to 4,014 between January and June this year, compared with 3,678 cases during the same period last year. She also said Johor recorded the highest number of cases during the first six months of the year with 721, followed by Selangor with 614 and Perak with 405. Nancy said misunderstandings and communication problems remained the leading causes, accounting for 1,967 cases, followed by

Its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the programme targets at least 100 participants in each state, with a focus on strengthening psychosocial support and legal assistance, as well as empowering women affected by domestic violence economically. “We are not merely raising awareness. We also want to restore the victims’ confidence, showing them that every crisis they face has a solution through the proper channels of action.

“Remaining silent sends the wrong signal to one’s partner, as failure to provide financial support constitutes a form of financial abuse. The responsibility of supporting the family and children is a shared commitment that must be upheld by both parties.” She said the ministry also provided a special allowance to enable survivors to attend court proceedings involving child maintenance claims.

FRIDAY | AUG 21, 2026

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Immigration truck driver in city centre crash charged o Accusedclaims trialincaseinvolvingdeathsofthreepedestrians

Volunteer, housewife

charged with animal cruelty KLANG: A Klang City Council volunteer and a housewife pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court to separate charges of committing animal cruelty against a dog during a stray dog catching operation last month. Muhammad Shah Idham Nor Haikal Shaharom, 24, and S. Roghini Devi, 42, were alleged to have snared and dragged the dog, named Rocky, allegedly causing the animal pain last month. They entered their pleas after the charges were read out separately to them before Judge Mujib Saroji yesterday. According to the charge sheets, Muhammad Shah Idham is accused of unreasonably snaring the male dog using a loop, thereby causing it pain. Meanwhile, Roghini is accused of unreasonably dragging the same dog, also causing it pain. Both offences were allegedly committed in front of a house at Jalan Sama Gagah 20 in Taman Telok Gedung Indah, Port Klang between 11pm and 11.30pm on July 29. The charges were brought under Section 29 (1) (e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, punishable under Section 29 (1) of the same Act, which provides for a maximum fine of RM100,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both. Earlier, the Selangor Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) prosecuting officer Mohd Sharif Sabran proposed bail of RM20,000 for each accused, with additional conditions that they surrender their passports to the court and report to the state DVS office. However, lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, representing Muhammad Shah Idham, and lawyer Jeremy Vinesh Anthony, representing Roghini, each requested bail of RM3,500, citing their clients’ full cooperation throughout the investigation. The court subsequently granted bail of RM6,000 with one surety for each accused and ordered them to report to the Selangor DVS office once a month. The court set Oct 8 for case mention. Meanwhile, at the Magistrate’s Court, Roghini pleaded not guilty to a charge of keeping a dog aged over three months without a valid licence from City Council. The offence was allegedly committed at the same location and time under Section 3 of the Dog Licensing and Dog Breeding Establishment (Klang Municipal Council) By-Laws 2007, which provides for a maximum fine of RM2,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Magistrate A. Karthiyayini granted her bail of RM1,000 and set Oct 8 for mention. – Bernama Five held over Jalur Gemilang offences JOHOR BAHRU: Five individuals have been detained to assist investigations into three cases involving the upside-down display of the Jalur Gemilang in Johor. Johor deputy police chief Hoo Chuan Huat said the cases were reported in Kulai, Pelangi Indah and Iskandar Puteri. He added that those detained comprised two men aged 25 and 43 in Pelangi Indah, a 56-year-old man in Iskandar Puteri, and a 34 year-old man and 48-year-old woman in Kulai. “Investigations are still ongoing and once completed, the investigation papers will be referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers for further action,” he told a press conference yesterday. Hoo urged all parties to take responsibility by ensuring the national flag is displayed correctly. – Bernama

with the Immigration Department for 11 years, had no previous convictions and was not a flight risk. “The purpose of bail is to ensure the accused’s attendance in court, and he has not been found guilty. My client will cooperate fully and attend court until the case is concluded.” Aliaa then allowed Mohd Akbar bail of RM12,000 for each charge, with an additional condition that he report to a nearby police station once a month. His driving licence was also suspended until the case was concluded. The court set Oct 27 for mention for the submission of documents. Meanwhile, the Immigration Department has suspended the duties of Mohd Akbar. Its director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the action was taken to enable authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. “Our department’s immediate action is to suspend the driver’s duties until the case is resolved and to provide full cooperation to the police in the case. “(The department) is also conducting an internal investigation from the aspect of compliance with standard operating procedures.”

KUALA Immigration Department “Black Maria” vehicle driver was charged in the Magistrate’s Court with five offences, including dangerous driving that resulted in the deaths of a father and his two daughters on Wednesday. Mohd Akbar Zainol, 43, pleaded not guilty to all the charges, which were read out before Magistrate Aliaa Anwar yesterday, Bernama reported. For the first to third charges, the accused was alleged to have driven the vehicle dangerously, resulting in the deaths of Shaik Mohd Firdaus Shaikh Yahya, 53, and his two daughters Siti Norshazlin, 24, and Siti Darwisyah Auni, 12, on Jalan Sultan Ismail at 1am on Aug 19. The charges were framed under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which provides for imprisonment of between five and 10 years and a fine of between RM20,000 and RM50,000, as well as disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving licence for at least five years. For the fourth charge, Mohd Akbar was alleged to have driven the same vehicle without LUMPUR: An

due care and attention, resulting in injuries to Nor Hayati Rozali, 55, at the same location, time and date. The charge was framed under Section 43 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a fine of between RM5,000 and RM10,000, and a maximum jail term of 12 months. For the fifth charge, he was alleged to have failed to comply with a traffic signal by running a red light at the Jalan Sultan Ismail intersection at the same time and date. The charge was framed under Section 79 (2) of the same Act, which provides for a fine of between RM300 and RM2,000. DPP Syajaratudur Abd Rahman proposed bail of RM15,000 with one surety for each charge, with additional conditions that the accused report to a nearby police station every month and surrender his passport to the court until the case is concluded. Lawyer Izzat Amir Saharudin, representing Mohd Akbar, sought the minimum bail, saying his client had school-going children and was also responsible for his elderly mother. He added that the accused, who had served

Hoo (second from right) showing some the seized drugs at the Johor police headquarters. – BERNAMAPIC

Johor cops seize drugs worth RM7.93 million, nine arrested

JOHOR BAHRU: Police busted a drug trafficking syndicate and seized various types of drugs worth RM7.93 million and arrested nine individuals in three separate raids in the district on Aug 12. State deputy police chief Hoo Chuan Huat said the raid by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division of the Seri Alam IPD at 3.45pm saw the arrest of eight local men and one foreign woman aged between 35 and 65. He added that three men were arrested in the first raid at a house in Masai with the seizure of 39.8kg of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 4.91kg of ketamine, 3.85kg of erimin pills, 5,216g of syabu and 22.72kg of ecstasy.

vape cartridge processor. He added that the syndicate is believed to have been active since January and used houses in the gated area as stores before distributing them to the local market. He also said initial urine screening tests found that all individuals tested positive for methamphetamine, while six of them had previous drug-related records. All the individuals, who were remanded for seven days from Aug 13 until Wednesday, had their remand extended from yesterday until Aug 25 to assist in investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. – Bernama

“Four men were arrested in the second raid at a raft house in Masai with 572g of ecstasy,” he said at a press conference yesterday. He also said a third raid in Ulu Tiram saw the arrest of a foreign man and woman along with 230 syabu cartridges, 1.149kg of ecstasy powder, 358g of syabu , 1.925kg of erimin 5 pills and 24 bottles of ketamine liquid. Also seized in the operation were five cars, two speedboats and RM11,320 in cash. Hoo said all the suspects had their own roles including mastermind, runner, assistant, store keeper, drug juice provider, boat mechanic, raft keeper, and ecstasy pill and

FRIDAY | AUG 21, 2026

6

Rustic charm of Bagan Datuk

BAGAN DATUK: For those seeking a relaxing getaway away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Bagan Datuk offers a memorable experience, including exploring fishing villages and visiting the picturesque Sky Mirror. Located about three hours from Kuala Lumpur by road, this coastal district in Perak offers visitors the chance to experience rural life, enjoy various recreational activities and take photos at scenic locations. Recently, several media representatives and 55 Muslim-friendly tourist guides participated coastal district in Perak offers visitors chance to explore fishing villages and other picturesque attractions o Located about three hours from Kuala Lumpur by road,

KUALA LUMPUR: Distance was no barrier for the Malaysian community in Auckland, New Zealand, to come together to celebrate National Month. The staging of Hikayat - Malam Teater Malaysia 2026 , featuring the play Biru, themed around the spirit of struggle and patriotism, enlivened the atmosphere at the Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre in Auckland on Aug 15. Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand Abu Bakar Mamat said the theatre production was organised by the Auckland Malaysian Liaison Bureau, a student organisation in Auckland. “This was a collaboration with the High Commission of Malaysia in New Zealand and carried a message closely connected to the identity and spirit of Malaysians. “As one of the colours of the Jalur Gemilang , enjoy the blooms almost all year round. Apart from its vast sunflower fields, which are favourite spots for selfies, the garden also offers a heart-shaped arch, swings, colourful bridges and a “Stairway to Heaven” for photography buffs. Children can also enjoy feeding ducks and fish, Bernama reported. At Sungai Burung Aquarium, visitors can see various freshwater fish species such as giant arapaima, arowana and gar as well as animals such as rabbits and peacocks. They can also experiment with different poses and photo angles against 3D illusion murals. A 15-minute boat ride from the Bagan Datuk jetty is another favourite attraction – the Beting Beras Basah, the venue for the Sky Mirror phenomenon which occurs on a shallow sandbank several times a month when the tide recedes and creates a mirror-like surface that reflects the sky and clouds. Tourist guide Rozy Sibon, who participated in the familiarisation trip, said Bagan Datuk has the potential to be promoted as a short getaway destination through well-planned travel packages, given that its various attractions are located relatively close to one another.

blue symbolises the unity of the Malaysian people. “In the context of the National Day celebrations, the production also highlights the meaning of independence and liberation, safeguarding dignity and national identity as well as the aspiration to build a better future for Malaysia,” he said in a statement. Programme director Ikram Abdul Rahim said the play tells the story of the struggle to defend the homeland from colonial rule in order to preserve harmony and unity while also facing the challenge of betrayal. The event was enlivened by shouts of “Merdeka” as well as kompang and dikir barat performances. Representatives from the University of Auckland, the Malaysian diaspora and the local community attended the event. – Bernama “What makes Bagan Datuk unique is the variety of products it offers such as the Sunflower Garden, Tuminah Hamidi Mosque, Sungai Burung Aquarium and Sky Mirror, which can be combined into a single tourism package.” She said the availability of parking facilities for large vehicles is also an advantage for tour operators bringing in groups, although more three and four-star hotels would be needed to strengthen the reputation of the district as a holiday destination. The Tuminah Hamidi Mosque, a floating style mosque situated along the banks of the Perak River, offers a tranquil setting that is particularly enchanting at sunset. The architectural beauty of the mosque is reflected in its spacious main prayer hall with a high ceiling adorned with intricate Islamic calligraphy and decorative motifs. Natural lighting further enhances the bright and serene atmosphere inside the building. The mosque can accommodate up to 5,000 individuals and features an air-conditioned prayer hall and ample parking space, making it a comfortable stop for Muslim tourists while also offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate Islamic architecture.

in a media familiarisation trip organised by the Islamic Tourism Centre to explore the diverse tourism products and attractions in Bagan Datuk. The programme started in the Bagan Sungai Burung area, from where one can explore the coastal fishing village by buggy, gaining a closer look at the lives of the local community and the fishing activities that have shaped the identity of the area. It highlighted how the village atmosphere and daily activities of the local residents can be developed as community-based tourism products. Local tourism operator Khor Weng Kiang said efforts to develop tourism in Bagan Sungai Burung began in 2014 and later expanded with the introduction of attractions such as the Sky Mirror, Sunflower Garden and Sungai Burung Aquarium. “As a fisherman’s son, I saw many young people leaving the village for jobs in the cities after finishing school. We felt this needed to change, so we began developing our own tourism products.” The 1.5ha Sunflower Garden, featuring more than 2,000 sunflower plants, was developed in stages to ensure that visitors can

Performance enlivens National Month celebrations in Auckland

Ikram said Biru tells the story of the struggle to defend the homeland from colonial rule in order to preserve harmony and unity while also facing the challenge of betrayal. – PIC COURTESY OF HIGH COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA, WELLINGTON, FACEBOOK PAGE

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FRIDAY | AUG 21, 2026

7

Vietnam proposes ending death penalty for six offences

TAIPEI: Taiwan’s government yesterday proposed an 18% rise in defence spending for next year, including for drones and missiles, taking it above NT$1 trillion (RM127 billion) for the first time as Taipei bolsters its military to ward off China. The budget details come as Beijing, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has ramped up military and political pressure over the past few years to assert its claims, which Taipei strongly rejects. Taiwan also faces calls from Washington to spend more on its own defence, mirroring US pressure on Europe, something Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has embraced. The government said in a statement following a Cabinet meeting to approve the 2027 general budget that defence spending in 2027 would reach NT$1.12 trillion, exceeding 3% of GDP. Defence Ministry comptroller bureau head Hsieh Chi-hsien told reporters that the ministry’s plans include supplementary spending on drones and missiles, for which the government had previously been unable to get parliamentary approval. Lai faces a challenge from Taiwan’s opposition-dominated Parliament, which only passed this year’s budget late last Friday after months of delays. The two main opposition parties say they will not write blank cheques for the government, though they have repeatedly stressed that they support defence spending. In May, Parliament approved extra defence spending of US$25 billion (RM101 billion), or only around two-thirds of what the government had wanted and excluding money for domestic programmes such as drones. The budget includes funds for veterans and the coast guard, which has an auxiliary role to the navy in protecting Taiwan’s maritime areas. Lai had already announced the defence spending number earlier this week. Taiwan’s government has made military modernisation a key policy platform and has repeatedly pledged to spend more on its defences, including developing made-in-Taiwan submarines, given the rising threat from China. Beijing’s military operates almost daily in the waters and skies around Taiwan, and it has also been honing new tactics, such as coastguard “law enforcement” patrols off the island’s east coast in the Pacific Ocean. Taiwan finished its annual Han Kuang military drills last week, simulating a range of battle scenarios, including how to break a potential Chinese maritime blockade. China’s Defence Ministry called the drills a “wasteful charade” that “stoked war panic”. – Reuters Plan to boost Taiwan defence spending Four killed in Japan train mishap TOKYO: Four people died in Japan yesterday after being hit by a train, authorities said, in a country renowned for its normally excellent rail safety record. The incident involving four workers took place at Shin-Kanuma Station, north of Tokyo, the Fire Department said. “The four were confirmed dead,“ a department official told AFP. Another official had said earlier when emergency services arrived, three workers were still trapped under the train, while one was on the platform. “Before being taken to hospital, all four of them were unconscious.“ Emergency services were first called at 10.47am (0147 GMT). Nippon TV reported that the workers were removing weeds from around the train track. Japanese railways have one of the best safety records in the world, with fatal incidents extremely rare due to high levels of maintenance and training, and use of advanced technology. Famously there has never been a passenger fatality from a derailment or a collision on Japan’s network of “shinkansen” bullet trains. – AFP

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said: “It is not about legitimacy, it is about reality.” However, campaign group Special Advisory Council for Myanmar said this week “by embracing a warlord, Thailand has torched its credibility”. The decision to also allow a visit from Ye Win Oo was “adding to its ignominy”, the statement added. Last week, investigators from the United Nations said the military that Ye Win Oo leads is escalating its aerial attacks on civilian targets. The United Nations’ Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar’s annual report also documented a pattern of arbitrary detentions, torture and sexual violence committed by the military. Myanmar’s government called the publication “one-sided allegations against Myanmar’s security forces based on unverifiable and inaccurate information”. – AFP SHIJIAZHUANG: Eight people were killed and three others injured in a fire at a ground-floor commercial outlet in north China’s Hebei Province yesterday, local authorities said, reported Xinhua. The fire broke out at 3.40am at the outlet in Haigang District of Qinhuangdao City, the district government said. Firefighters, police officers, emergency management personnel and medical workers quickly arrived at the site for rescue operations, and the fire was extinguished at 4.30am, it added. The three injured individuals were sent to hospital for treatment and are in stable condition. Further investigation into the fire is underway. – Bernama-Xinhua subjects of wanted notices, and for crimes committed against the state, according to the Public Security Ministry. Human Rights Watch raised concerns about other proposed changes that would increase penalties for acts deemed to “infringe upon the interests of the state” and “oppose the Communist Party of Vietnam”. “Vietnam’s criminal laws need to be revised to become more protective of people’s rights, not to facilitate greater abuse by police,” said the group’s Asia director Elaine Pearson. The National Assembly is expected to debate the Bill in the coming weeks before bringing it to a vote at its next session, which begins in October. If approved, the revised criminal code would take effect in March 2027, newspaper Tuoi Tre reported. Capital punishment data is a state secret in Vietnam and it is not known how many people are on death row in the country. Lethal injection is the only method of execution after the abolition of firing squads in 2011. – Reuters Eight dead in China commercial outlet fire

o Bill w​ ould retain use of punishment only for treason, murder, terrorism and production of illegal narcotics: Minister

HANOI: has proposed abolishing the death penalty for six offences, including drug trafficking and the rape of minors, as part of a revision of the country’s criminal code presented to Parliament yesterday, state media reported. Public Security Minister Luong Tam Quang told the National Assembly that the draft code would retain the use of capital punishment for only four crimes, including treason, murder, terrorism and the illegal production of narcotics. “The narrowing of the scope institutionalises the (Communist) Party’s policy, aligns with progressive legislative trends, and enhances Vietnam’s standing in criminal judicial cooperation, extradition and mutual legal assistance,” the ministry said in a statement earlier this week. The proposal follows amendments that Vietnam’s government

took effect in July 2025, which removed the death penalty for eight offences, including embezzlement and activities aimed at overthrowing the government. The changes spared property tycoon Truong My Lan from execution after she was convicted in a US$12 billion (RM48.5 billion) fraud case. Under the draft law, other offences that would no longer be punishable by death include rioting, crimes against humanity and war crimes, according to online newspaper VnExpress. While proposing a reduction in the number of offences punishable by death, the draft would also introduce tougher sentencing provisions. The amendments would enable prosecutors to take aggravating factors into account for offenders who flee and become

CYBORG CANINE ... A mechanical dog dressed in a lion dance costume interacting with a visitor at the Soartecn Inc booth during the Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robot Show in Taipei yesterday. – AFPPIC

Thai, Myanmar military chiefs meet for talks BANGKOK: Thailand’s top general welcomed Myanmar’s military chief for talks yesterday, the latter’s first foreign trip in office as his coup-staging armed forces shake off their pariah status. nations’ 2,400km border, where the war has seeded instability.

A former spymaster for Myanmar’s ruling junta, Ye Win Oo has been sanctioned by nations including the United States for his role in the coup. The ensuing civil war is estimated to have claimed 100,000 lives. The international community is divided over how to deal with Myanmar since the elections. Democracy watchdogs have derided the vote as a charade to rebrand military rule while excluding the popular Suu Kyi, sidelining her party and punishing dissenters with prison time. But Thailand is among a band of neighbouring nations, sharing unavoidable border issues with Myanmar, which have used the polls as a cue to reset relations. This month, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul granted Min Aung Hlaing a red-carpet welcome in Bangkok. Defending the decision to host, Thai

Myanmar’s military ousted an elected government in a 2021 putsch, detaining its leader Aung San Suu Kyi and sparking a civil war in which it is accused of rampant rights abuses. The post-coup leadership was isolated for five years but has started a diplomatic offensive, touting deeply restricted polls that it staged around the start of this year as a return to normality. After the elections, Min Aung Hlaing – who led the coup as armed forces chief – took over as civilian president, handing the office of military leader to staunch loyalist Ye Win Oo. Thai military chief Ukris Boontanondha yesterday greeted Ye Win Oo at a hotel in the capital Bangkok. Their talks are expected to focus on the