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9 773141 151009 ‘Bad move to opt out of Perkeso Lindung 24 Jam scheme’

Risky gamble to give up family welfare protection just to save a few ringgit monthly: Activist

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

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SCAN ME No. 9274 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Living on the edge Report on h page 3

High costs, unexpected expenses or medical emergencies could force even reasonably well-paid Malaysians to borrow money or rely on credit.

An economist said a sudden critical need to pay an expense of just RM1,000 could be enough to expose how financially fragile a household really is. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

PM takes cross-border forest fires issue directly to Prabowo Environmental threat discussed at informal talks during 18th BRICS Leaders Summit dinner.

Calm waters ahead for Umno while riding on big Blue Wave Resurgence attributed to established nationwide organisation and years of governing experience.

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PM discusses issue of forest fires with Prabowo NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has taken the issue of cross-border forest fires directly to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, putting the regional environmental threat at the centre of their informal talks during the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit dinner. In a post on his official social media accounts following engagements with several global leaders, Anwar said the discussions with Prabowo also covered the conflict in West Asia. “With President Prabowo Subianto, we also touched on the issue of forest fires as well as the

Concrete steps needed for financial future of emerging economies: Anwar NEW DELHI: High debt burdens, unfair trade practices and global economic instability are choking developing nations, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, calling on emerging economies to take concrete steps to secure their financial future. Addressing global leaders at the 18th BRICS summit, Anwar said the rapid pace of technological advancement was widening the contradiction between global progress and the economic realities confronting poor nations, where mounting interest payments are consuming funds needed for essential public services. “We meet at a moment of great contradiction. Technology has rarely advanced faster. “Yet for much of the developing world, economic uplift remains remote. No nation should be forced to choose between honouring its debts and honouring its obligations to its people.” Anwar called for financing mechanisms that are “fit for purpose” to tackle debt distress while urging greater use of local currency settlements and Islamic capital markets to reduce over-reliance on traditional Western financial frameworks. He also called on BRICS members and partners to share technical expertise, training and development experience in critical emerging sectors, including semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). On the green transition, Anwar said countries should be allowed to move at a pace suited to their respective stages of development, including through technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage. Anwar described BRICS as a critical engine for greater geoeconomic independence, with its vast integrated market providing member states with opportunities to diversify trade and build shared prosperity. He said Malaysia’s participation as a partner country was rooted in strategic autonomy, allowing it to chart its own path and stand by its decisions on the world stage. Linking economic stability directly to global security, Anwar warned that the conflict in the Middle East is fuelling inflation, pushing up energy prices and threatening vital sea lanes far beyond the immediate conflict zone. “Malaysia’s position is clear. Sovereignty must be respected, civilians protected and the arteries of the global economy kept out of the battlefield.” Meanwhile, Anwar said Malaysia is looking into acquiring India’s advanced BrahMos air-to-surface missile system to strengthen its air defence capabilities. In an earlier interview with Indian news channel NDTV, Anwar confirmed that talks were under way with Indian officials, although no final deal had been signed. He said he had raised the potential purchase directly during bilateral discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Anwar said the final decision rests with the Royal Malaysian Air Force, which would assess whether the system meets its technical and strategic requirements. The BrahMos is a high-speed cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia. It can be launched from aircraft to strike targets on land or at sea and is known for its high speed and accuracy. – BY AZURA ABAS

It also reaffirms the bloc’s commitment to resilient global value chains, aimed at helping developing economies move into higher-value manufacturing instead of remaining primarily exporters of raw materials. On climate policy, the declaration takes a pragmatic approach, recognising that developing economies must balance energy transition with economic growth. It acknowledges that fossil fuels will continue to play a necessary role for developing countries as they transition towards cleaner energy. For resource-rich Southeast Asian nations, the declaration goes further by upholding their sovereign rights over their natural resources while promoting resilient clean-technology mineral supply chains. Crucially, it calls for local processing and value creation rather than mere extraction, ensuring that resource-rich nations have a greater share of the economic gains from their own resources. On geopolitics, the declaration anchors its vision of a multipolar world in the 1955 Bandung Principles – sovereign equality, non-interference and the peaceful resolution of disputes. These are principles that have long underpinned Malaysia’s non-aligned foreign policy. Paragraph 36 addresses another issue close to Putrajaya – the safety of UN peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), following recent escalations of conflict in West Asia. BRICS leaders condemned attacks on UN personnel and facilities, demanded full accountability and made clear that the safety of peacekeepers is non-negotiable. For Malaysia, with its troops actively serving in Unifil, the issue is particularly significant. The 2026 New Delhi Summit makes one thing clear: Malaysia’s BRICS partnership is no longer simply about diplomatic positioning. From the fight against cross-border scams and cheaper, safer cross-border payments to stronger protection for Malaysian peacekeepers and greater space for developing economies in global decision-making, the declaration puts practical priorities at the heart of Malaysia’s engagement with BRICS. development of the conflict in West Asia, which requires consensus and joint action.” Anwar also renewed his invitation to Prabowo to visit Malaysia as soon as possible so that several pending bilateral matters could be discussed and finalised. Recent reports have highlighted a sharp spike in forest and peatland fires across Kalimantan and Sumatra, driven by dry weather and widespread “slash-and-burn” practices to clear land for oil palm and agricultural expansion. Indonesian authorities have deployed cloud-seeding planes and water-bombing helicopters while arresting dozens of individuals and targeting companies linked to illegal burning. The dinner on Saturday also provided a platform for wider diplomatic outreach, with Anwar meeting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbekistan Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Kuchkarov, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. “Our discussions touched on global geopolitical developments, especially the conflict and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza as well as tensions in West Asia. “This situation demands a unified resolve from the international community, especially world leaders, to stop the bloodshed and work towards a fair and lasting solution.”– BY AZURA ABAS

Anwar being received by his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the summit in New Delhi. – BERNAMAPIC New Delhi Declaration adopted unanimously

o For Malaysia, as bloc’s partner country, blueprint puts multilateral weight behind issues that matter to rakyat

payment platforms. To fight back, member countries have committed to strengthening international cooperation to trace and recover stolen funds, protect victims and shut down illegal operations across borders. They also pledged closer cooperation among Customs and tax authorities, financial intelligence units, police and technology companies, with the goal to harness data analytics and risk-based monitoring to detect fake invoices and fraudulent payments in real time, before the money disappears. On the economic front, the declaration offers structural support for emerging markets seeking greater protection from global financial shocks. BRICS leaders called for urgent International Monetary Fund and World Bank quota realignments to increase the voting shares of emerging markets and developing economies without diminishing the representation of developing nations. Crucially, for Malaysian exporters and businesses, the document tasks the BRICS Payment Task Force with accelerating low-cost, secure cross-border payment tools and encouraging local currency settlement in trade and investment to reduce foreign exchange exposure. The summit also advanced mechanisms to help MSMEs secure working capital and integrate into international trade. This is complemented by calls to digitise trade documentation and strengthen cooperation across Special Economic Zones to streamline cross-border trade flows. As a global semiconductor hub and trade-reliant nation, Malaysia also stands to benefit from BRICS’ firm rejection of unilateral economic restrictions. The declaration takes aim at unilateral tariff hikes, non-tariff barriers and trade-distorting measures.

AZURA ABAS at 18th BRICS Summit, New Delhi

NEW DELHI: As world leaders wrapped up the 18th BRICS Summit in the Indian capital yesterday, the unanimous adoption of the landmark 45-page New Delhi Declaration set out a sweeping blueprint for a more resilient, multipolar global order. For Malaysia, a BRICS partner country, the declaration has tangible implications far more than diplomatic paperwork. It puts multilateral weight behind issues that matter directly to Malaysians, from dismantling cross-border scam syndicates and reducing currency risks to protecting Malaysian peacekeepers serving abroad. Adopted under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, the declaration contains 140 detailed paragraphs, reflecting consensus among member nations. Against a backdrop of rising trade tensions, financial uncertainty and global polarisation, the outcomes offer Putrajaya stronger international backing for key economic, security and foreign policy priorities. For ordinary Malaysians, perhaps the most immediate outcome is the push for a multilateral crackdown on cross-border financial fraud. Recognising the severe security threat it posed to Southeast Asia, BRICS leaders explicitly condemned the growing reach of organised criminal syndicates. The declaration flags the escalating threat of transnational organised crime and illicit financial flows, with leaders expressing serious concern over cross-border financial fraud operations that exploit digital technology and

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Walking on financial tightrope o Even reasonably well-paid individuals may be forced to borrow or rely on credit when sudden expense of just RM1,000 arises, says economist debt commitments.” He pointed out that as a result, even when salaries increase, the amount of disposable income left at the end of the month may remain limited.

“If a household has to borrow or use credit to deal with a relatively small unexpected expense, it indicates that its financial buffer is thin.” Mohamad Idham also said households with limited disposable income could increasingly face a trade-off between meeting immediate needs and putting money aside for emergencies or retirement. “When current expenses become more urgent, emergency savings and retirement contributions may be postponed, potentially creating a cycle of financial vulnerability. “Without sufficient emergency savings, households may turn to credit when faced with an unexpected expense.” He said additional debt would then increase monthly commitments, leaving even less room for future savings and over time, this could also weaken retirement preparedness and increase dependence on family members or government assistance later in life. Mohamad Idham said the situation could become more serious if households with limited savings are hit by a larger financial shock, such as job loss, medical expenses or major household or vehicle repairs. “Such events can push families from having limited savings into significant debt.” He said policymakers should therefore focus not only on increasing household incomes but also on strengthening overall financial resilience. He added that this includes creating more high-quality and better-paying jobs, improving productivity and real wage growth, strengthening financial literacy and encouraging automatic emergency savings. He also called for efforts to ensure that essential costs such as housing, healthcare, transport and education remain manageable. “Social protection for gig workers and those with irregular incomes should also be strengthened. “Ultimately, the objective should not simply be to ensure that Malaysians can meet their expenses today but that they have a sufficient financial buffer to cope with tomorrow’s unexpected shocks.” “Higher salaries will definitely help,” he said, adding that any government able to provide greater financial support for unexpected expenses would have his strong support. “Whichever government can implement that will have my 100% vote.” Nik added that better financial literacy could help workers manage their money more effectively although this alone could not address the wider pressure created by rising living costs. Johan echoed Nik’s view that higher wages and lower living costs would give workers greater financial breathing room. “The cost of almost everything has gone up and it is much harder to stretch one’s salary today.” – BY KIRTINEE RAMESH

proportion of their income on food, housing, transport, healthcare or education may experience much greater cost pressures than what the headline inflation figure suggests.” Mohamad Idham said the RM1,000 threshold should not be interpreted as meaning that the entire Malaysian middle class is financially weak. He said some households could have relatively high incomes or assets but still lack sufficient liquid savings that could be accessed immediately during an emergency, while others might earn reasonable salaries but face high monthly commitments, including housing costs and debt repayments. “Therefore, the RM1,000 threshold is less about measuring wealth and more about measuring financial liquidity and resilience.

Mohamad Idham said the more important measure of whether Malaysians are becoming financially better off is not simply whether wages are rising but whether their real purchasing power is improving. He said a household could receive a higher salary but still feel financially stretched if the cost of essential goods and services increase at a similar or faster rate. He added that headline inflation figures might not fully reflect the financial pressure experienced by individual households because spending patterns vary significantly. “Families spending a large

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH

of household financial resilience. He added that the issue should not be viewed simply as poor financial discipline or a failure to save, as rising costs and high monthly commitments are leaving many households with little disposable income to build an emergency buffer. “While many Malaysians may be earning more in nominal terms, much of that additional income can be taken up by essential expenses such as food, housing, transport, healthcare, education and

PETALING JAYA: A sudden RM1,000 expense could be enough to expose how financially fragile a household really is, with even reasonably well-paid Malaysians potentially forced to borrow or rely on credit when an unexpected payment arises, said Universiti Teknologi Mara Economics senior lecturer Dr Mohamad Idham Md Razak. He said the ability or inability to come up with RM1,000 for an emergency is an important indicator

Without adequate savings, an unexpected expenditure due to a car breakdown could force an individual to borrow money or rely on credit. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Living payday to payday common predicament PETALING JAYA: Stretching RM10 worth of petrol until the next payday, relying on leftover food or anxiously watching hard-earned savings “I wouldn’t say I feel financially secure,” she said, adding that a higher salary and lower living costs would give her more room to save.

just to survive.” He said food, petrol, tolls and vehicle maintenance left him with almost no savings, while unexpected expenses could quickly wipe out whatever remained. “You never know when you’ll suddenly have to fork out most of your savings or salary.” While acknowledging that rising costs are also driven by factors beyond the government’s control, Nik said higher salaries would give lower income workers more financial breathing room. “We can’t fully point fingers at the government. Geopolitical conflicts have also escalated the issue and placed a financial burden on petrol subsidies.” Nik said higher salaries are needed to keep pace with the rising cost of living.

He said he tries to save between RM100 and RM400 a month but unexpected expenses, including car repairs and maintenance, could quickly wipe out whatever he had managed to put aside. For 28-year-old marketing specialist Tasha, an unexpected RM1,000 bill would also likely mean borrowing money or using a credit card. “My current salary is just enough to cover my commitments and monthly expenses, including food and daily spending.” Tasha said she tries to save RM300 to RM500 a month but unexpected expenses often force her to dip into her savings. She said housing, loans, food and transport take up much of her income, leaving little room to build a financial buffer.

“Living in the city, sometimes you just have to learn to tolerate the higher prices because there isn’t much you can do about it. Like nasi lemak for RM7? Okay, I have to think it’s normal here.” For 26-year-old journalist Nik, the financial strain became real when his car broke down on a highway, resulting in a RM570 repair bill and another RM200 in towing charges. He added that the unexpected expense came on top of RM630 in rent, about RM60 in monthly phone bills and other family-related emergencies. “Living in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, earning less than RM3,000 will often make you tighten your belt

disappear for an unexpected car repair is the predicament of many Malaysians today. For environmental consultant Johan Setiyo, 32, an emergency RM1,000 expense would likely mean reaching for his credit card or borrowing money. Johan said he does not consider himself financially secure as he struggles to save more than RM300 a month. “Almost 60% of my salary goes towards bills and other commitments. There have been times when I had only RM10 for petrol or had to rely on leftover food until payday. It feels like I’m constantly trying to make my money last until the next salary.”

MONDAY | SEPT 14, 2026

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PAS rejects call for Terengganu polls

Awang Azman said Umno appears less interested in finding a political bloc to shelter it and more focused on deciding which partnerships could maximise its electoral prospects. – ADAM AMIR

Ű BY THESUN TEAM

excludes PH. Syaza said Anwar would probably try to extend the current government for as long as possible, but Umno also had reasons to delay making any final decision until its negotiations with PAS became clearer. “I disagree with Zahid’s challenge,” she said, referring to the Umno president’s call for those who wanted to end the arrangement to act quickly. “A motion of no confidence should come from outside PH. If he’s serious, he should do it. Without that, it’s all talk.” However, she said the political calculations could change once Umno and PAS reached a concrete agreement. “Maybe if they can come to a concrete agreement, they might pull the trigger in the middle of next year.” – By Harith Kamal PETALING JAYA: PAS has rejected Umno’s call for a state election in Terengganu to test the sincerity of their political cooperation, saying elections should not be used as a measure of trust between parties. PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said there was no reason to dissolve the Terengganu legislative assembly as the state government remains stable. “An election is not a tool to measure the sincerity of political cooperation. It is a mandate from the people.” He added that voters should not be subjected to the political pressure and cost of an election when there was no compelling reason for one. Tuan Ibrahim was responding to Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who proposed that one of the four SG4 states hold an election to test the party’s commitment to Malay unity and cooperation with Umno. “Let us try to see how sincere our friends are. We ask one of their states to hold an election. You hold an election, I want to see what formula you use. Do it in Terengganu,” Mohamad said in his winding-up speech at the 2026 Umno General Assembly yesterday. He said such an exercise would show whether both sides were genuinely prepared to work together rather than merely seeking political advantage. “If you are sincere, then let us do it together. If you want to follow the plan, one for you, one for me.” Tuan Ibrahim said the formula used in Negeri Sembilan, in which parties retained seats they had won while negotiating over seats they had not, offered a better model for cooperation. He added that the previous state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan were held because circumstances warranted them or their terms had matured. He also said dissolving Parliament would be more appropriate if a fresh national mandate was needed. Umno was wiped out in the 2023 Terengganu state election, winning none of the 32 state seats. It also lost all eight parliamentary constituencies in the state in the 2022 general election. Umno Kuala Nerus division chief and former Terengganu menteri besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman has also urged party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to tread carefully in negotiations with PAS. “Think carefully, Datuk Seri. Otherwise, we may end up with 40-0 again,” he said, adding that any deal must ensure both sides benefit.

HAMZAH / THESUN

Umno resurgence tied to political scenario: Analysts

Awang Azman said with its president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi backing a “sincerity test” for its “new friends” in PAS, the party is now looking to test whether the two sides could work together at state level before taking the cooperation further. International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said the party’s growing confidence was also reflected in its increasingly open consideration of a future without PH. “I believe the recent speeches, especially by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, show that Umno is now serious about thinking about a future without PH. “Before this, Zahid was coy about it. But now, I think it’s clear that the Unity government is nearing (the end of) its shelf life and the next configuration is PAS-BN without a doubt.” She added that therefore, Umno’s resurgence does not necessarily signal a return to its pre-GE14 political dominance. She said instead, the party appears to have regained something arguably more important in a fragmented political landscape – bargaining power. She also said Umno retains its own machinery, a continuing electoral base and enough political weight to consider several possible routes to GE16. Syaza said with PH facing its own problems, Umno now appears increasingly confident that it could negotiate from a position of strength rather than simply seek a place within another political bloc. arrangement with PH. He added that seat allocation would be a major stumbling block, particularly as Umno increasingly seeks room to cooperate with PAS. “Malacca will be the first test or the next test in this particular issue because it is very, very obvious that Barisan don’t want to go solo.” Azmi said Umno should instead be expected to pursue its own interests or work with other political forces before GE16. He said this could create an unusual situation for the Unity government, adding that the administration could remain intact while the parties within it prepare for different electoral battles. He also said Umno could continue supporting the government in Parliament while simultaneously negotiating with PAS and considering a post-GE16 arrangement that

He added that PH’s difficulties had given Umno an opening that would have been harder to imagine after the party’s historic defeat in GE14. However, Universiti Malaya sociopolitical analyst Prof Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Umno’s improved position is also rooted in assets that survived its years in political decline. He added that the 2026 Umno General Assembly marked a shift from a party searching for political allies to one trying to determine the formula most likely to return it to power. “Umno has moved from asking ‘who are our friends?’ to ‘what formula can help us win?’” he said, adding that the distinction was significant. He also said Umno may no longer possess the overwhelming dominance it enjoyed before GE14 but it retains an established nationwide organisation, electoral machinery and years of governing experience. Awang Azman said the party’s improved performance in several state elections had further strengthened its negotiating position. He added that the result is an Umno that appears less interested in finding a political bloc to shelter it and more focused on deciding which partnerships could maximise its electoral prospects. He also said that has changed how the party approaches PAS. He said rather than immediately committing to a formal coalition, Umno appears to be exploring cooperation that could be adapted to individual states and constituencies. electoral partner. Syaza said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should instead focus on strengthening his relationship with East Malaysian coalitions Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah if he wants to counter a possible PAS-BN alignment. “It won’t be easy, but he has to figure out how to counter PAS-BN.” Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan went further in assessing the future of the PH-BN relationship. “I would say the Pakatan-Barisan alliance is not on borrowed time, but I think it’s already over.” He said Malacca could provide the next indication of whether Umno is prepared to abandon any expectation of a pre-election

o ‘Prior governing experience and improved performance at state polls among key factors’

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL

PETALING JAYA: Eight years after losing federal power for the first time in its history, Umno is once again speaking from a position of confidence, with analysts saying its resurgence has less to do with a return to its old dominance than the growing weaknesses of its rivals. Its call for an earlier general election at the 2026 Umno General Assembly reflects a calculation that the political tide may be shifting in its favour, particularly as Pakatan Harapan (PH) grapples with internal problems and the Unity government faces growing public dissatisfaction. Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said Umno was right to push for an earlier election as the party was currently benefitting from positive momentum. “Umno is strong at the position relative to PH, as PH has its own internal problem that just is not being resolved.” Azmi pointed to issues, including DAP losses and the question of succession within PKR, while also saying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was “most probably” not as popular as before.

‘Unity govt partnership in doldrums’ PETALING JAYA: The Unity government may survive until GE16 but the political partnership between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) seems to be in dire straits, analysts say.

International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said Umno’s increasingly open discussion of a future without PH suggested the relationship had moved beyond ordinary political bargaining. She added that the Unity government was politically incapacitated, although it remained in place for now and could continue functioning until Parliament is dissolved. Her assessment comes as Umno increasingly signals it is preparing for a different political configuration, with PAS emerging as its most obvious potential

MONDAY | SEPT 14, 2026

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‘Risky move to opt out of Lindung 24 Jam scheme’

Remains of heli crash victims sent home

Ű BY THESUN TEAM

transparency and cooperation between the Health Ministry, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Life Insurance Association of Malaysia. Another SCA patient, Hafizuddin Fuat, 37, a freelance groom stylist, said subsidised public services could reduce costs, but patients may still face limited testing options, long referral processes and specialist services concentrated in major centres. He called for sustained public funding for clinically appropriate genetic tests, clearer referral guidelines and a national registry to support planning. “The system should not wait until one family member develops severe symptoms. Families need earlier information and a clearer route to counselling and appropriate testing.” Lion Tein Yeah, 55, an unemployed former photo-shop assistant living with SCA in Kuala Lumpur, said financial protection must also remain affordable. “Medical, life, critical-illness and employer provided insurance play an important role. The government and insurance providers should ensure that protection is accessible to people from every background.” – By Faiz Ruzman MIRI: Five families finally have their loved ones back. After days of forensic work following the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash near Long Lellang, the remains of the five victims were released to their families yesterday after their identities were officially confirmed through DNA analysis by police and the Chemistry Department. At the Miri Hospital Forensic Department, the remains were released for the final journey home, bringing to an end a painstaking identification process following the tragedy. Four healthcare workers and their pilot, who died while serving some of Malaysia’s most remote communities, are now being taken to their respective hometowns. Medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamarudin was flown via a Air Force aircraft to Kota Bharu in Kelantan to be laid to rest at the Seri Kedeper Cemetery in Kampung Baung, Pengkalan Chepa. Nurse Debra Moset was returned to Kuching, with burial set for today at Kampung Semadang in Padawan. Assistant medical officer Alexson Adit Henry returned to his family in Miri yesterday, ahead of his burial tomorrow at the Anglican Cemetery Lambir. Nurse Jessie Paya Jok returned home to Miri yesterday, with her final rites to be held today at the BEM Cemetery Lambir. Pilot Kapt Zainol Afiq Bee Sham was flown via Malaysia Airlines to Kuala Lumpur before being taken to his final resting place at the Forest Heights Cemetery in Senawang, Negeri Sembilan. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Health Ministry coordinated the transport of the remains to their respective final resting places following official confirmation of their identities. He thanked the Armed Forces for providing the air logistics needed to bring the deceased home, as well as police, Chemistry Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Sarawak Islamic Religious Department and the Miri Hospital management for their tireless efforts from the search-and-rescue operation through to the identification and handling of the remains. “The deep concern, continuous prayers and love expressed by the public for our healthcare personnel provide a deeply meaningful boost of strength for the family members and colleagues at the ministry as we face this immensely challenging time.“ The FDS operations remains temporarily suspended pending a full investigation, review and comprehensive assessment following the crash.

expense reimbursement, funeral and benefits for dependants, rehabilitation aids and implants. Mohammed Azman said about 10,000 workers who had initially withdrawn had since returned to the scheme. He said although the withdrawal period had ended, workers could apply to rejoin at any time. He added that Perkeso would continue engaging employers and workers to explain the scheme and encourage participation, emphasising that social protection served as a safety net against poverty. Lee urged those who had opted out to take the opportunity to return. “The good news is that if you opted out, you can join again at any time by filling out a form.”

“Accidents do not wait until you are at work. A fall at home or a crash on a weekend road trip could happen to anyone.” He also pointed to the scheme’s starting contribution rate of 0.75%, urging workers to weigh the small savings from opting out against the potential financial impact on their families. Perkeso’s briefing showed that 8.5 million workers, or 87.6%, remained enrolled after the Cabinet’s July decision not to make contributions compulsory. The remaining 12.4% withdrew before the opt-out window closed on Aug 31. Between June 1 and Aug 31, the agency received 6,330 claims, averaging 69 a day, and paid RM9.97 million in benefits. The benefits included temporary and permanent disablement payments, medical

o Activist urges workers to rejoin Perkeso to safeguard financial future of families

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN

PETALING JAYA: Workers who opt out of Perkeso’s accident protection to save a few ringgit could be gambling with the future of their families, said Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. He urged workers who had withdrawn from Perkeso’s Lindung 24 Jam scheme to reconsider the consequences, in case an accident left them disabled and unable to earn a living. “Giving that up to save a few ringgit is a risky gamble for any family. Protecting your family’s future should not stop when you clock out for the day.” Lee was responding after Perkeso urged low-paid workers to rejoin the scheme, following findings that they made up more than half of those who opted out but accounted for a larger proportion of claims. At a press conference on Sept 9, Perkeso CEO Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed said workers earning below RM3,500 accounted for 52% of those who opted out, but 74% of those submitting claims. Lee said the figures exposed a worrying gap between the workers most likely to need assistance after an accident and those giving up their protection. “In short, the people who need this safety net the most are the ones giving it up.” He cautioned workers against assuming that private medical cards or company insurance offered sufficient protection, emphasising that covering hospital bills was different from providing financial support to dependants when a worker could no longer earn. He added that workers needed to look beyond the immediate cost of medical treatment and consider the financial support available in the event of disability or death. For Muhammad Ashrol Rani, the barrier became painfully real after spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) emerged in five members of his family. Doctors proposed sending a blood sample from his younger brother, Abdul Halim Rani, overseas for genetic testing, but the family could not afford to proceed. The decision left Ashrol, 31, without the certainty the test could have provided about the inherited condition affecting his family. “For our family, the cost of genetic testing was a major barrier to obtaining confirmation. “When my late mother first became ill, we spent thousands of ringgit seeking treatment in the hope that she would recover. “As the same condition began affecting her children, our income gradually declined and we could no longer meet treatment costs as before,” he told theSun . Ashrol, who is now the primary caregiver to three relatives living with the progressive

DOCUMENT DECLARATION ... The Immigration Department carried out checks on more than 2,500 foreign workers in Kuala Lumpur yesterday to root out individuals without permits. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Cost of tests impeding diagnoses for genetic diseases PETALING JAYA: For families battling rare inherited diseases, getting answers could come with a hefty price tag, with genetic testing still out of reach for some patients who require samples to be sent overseas. disorder, said the family initially knew little about SCA and only recognised a possible inherited pattern after balance problems persisted and several relatives became affected. are now available locally, he estimated that tests that still require overseas processing could cost patients between RM3,000 and RM5,000.

“Progress has been made and should not be dismissed, but local genetic testing remains limited to a small number of rare diseases. Whether a family benefits depends on whether Malaysia could test for that particular condition. “Not everyone wants to know their genetic status while they are still asymptomatic, especially when a positive result offers no treatment. It may also affect their future insurability, giving them another reason to avoid testing.” The issue was raised publicly in 2024 by physicians Dr Wong Tze Cheng and Dr Ng Shu Hui, and University Malaya consultant clinical geneticist Prof Thong Meow Keong. Writing in The Edge Malaysia , they said insurers could potentially use predictive genetic results to deny coverage or impose higher premiums, discouraging individuals from undergoing testing. They proposed a moratorium preventing insurers from using such results in coverage decisions, alongside clearer ethical guidance,

On Aug 25, Utusan Malaysia reported that his mother and eldest sister had died after developing SCA, while his sister Suriani, brother Abdul Halim and niece Nor Hafizah Abdul Rahman are living with the progressive disorder. Ashrol left full-time employment and began selling drinks to give him the flexibility to care for the three family members. “SCA seemed to enter our family without us realising it. We did not initially understand that problems with balance could indicate a serious hereditary condition. “We only became aware after it continued for some time and involved several family members.” For Kuala Lumpur resident Wong Chee Yean, who lives with SCA, diagnostic capacity has improved, but wider consequences remain unresolved. Wong said blood samples from his family had to be sent to Singapore when his grandmother and mother were diagnosed in the 1990s. He added that although some genetic tests

MONDAY | SEPT 14, 2026

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Penang proposed as UN Secretariat base

Ű BY T.C. KHOR

GEORGE TOWN: Penang should be considered as the base of a United Nations Secretariat for Southeast Asia to strengthen Asean’s geopolitical clout and give the region a more influential voice in an increasingly multipolar world, the Penang Institute said. Its executive director Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng said Southeast Asia must recognise its strategic importance and claim a greater role in shaping the international order. “This would indeed strengthen the geopolitical role of Asean and the region. “It does not take much for us then to imagine that Penang, proud of being humble, global yet local, modern yet with feet sufficiently planted on the ground, can be the home for that secretariat. It is up to us,” he said in his opening speech at the inaugural Penang Peace Dialogue on Sept 5. During the dialogue, titled “Bridging Civilisations in a Multipolar World”, Ooi called for Southeast Asia to assert a greater role in a changing global order while recognising and embracing the differences and Its director Tamar Gabelnick said Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam are among countries in the region grappling with the consequences of explosives used during past conflicts. She said more than 270 million cluster bombs were dropped on Laos during the Vietnam War, with about 80 million said to be still in the ground today, 50 years after the war ended. “People are still being killed and injured every year by (explosives from) a war that officially ended before many were born,” she said at the opening of the Scars of War: An International Photography and Art Exhibition at the Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery in Gelugor on Sept 10. Gabelnick said Cambodia and Vietnam were still clearing land littered by bombs and landmines. “In parts of Vietnam, the land is so dangerous that farmers cannot safely work their own fields.” She also raised concerns over the continued use of cluster munitions and other explosives in current conflicts, claiming such ordnance were used last year along the Cambodia-Thailand border, as well as in the ongoing conflict in Myanmar. Gallery founder Prof Lin Xiang Xiong said the exhibition was part of its broader “Art for Peace” initiative, through which the Global Chinese Arts & Culture Society promotes dialogue between Eastern and Western civilisations and uses art and culture to encourage greater understanding. He said the gallery, which opened in December last year, was working with ICBL-CMC to present the exhibition and dialogue as “another new beginning” for the initiative. The exhibition comes days after the inaugural Penang Peace Dialogue:

Asean own secretariat in Jakarta, while there is currently no dedicated UN body for the Southeast Asian region. The Penang Institute, one of Malaysia’s major think tanks, is funded by the state government. Established in 1997, it conducts socio-economic research and publishes policy analysis on state and national development issues. Other issues raised during the Penang Peace Dialogue included a proposal by former Indonesian president Joko Widodo for a United Nations 2.0, and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM 2.0) proposal by economist and research advisor at Khazanah Research Institute, Emeritus Prof Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram. maintains its

shaped by the influence of China, India, European colonial powers, Japan and the United States. For Ooi, however, peace goes beyond simply preventing armed conflict. “Peace is not simply the absence of war. Peace is not merely a ceasefire. It is a state of mind, a culture, a value system. “War is easy, by all present accounts. Peace is hard. Keeping the peace is harder than making war.” He said peace requires societies to be accepting of differences, open to change and resilient in times of crisis. “We are already living in the age of modern multipolarity. It is up to us to make that age a peaceful and inclusive one. Penang has a part to play in that process.”

o Move would strengthen geopolitical role of Asean and region, says think tank official

concept of Indo-Pacific within which to place the Southeast Asian region, Penang is still centrally located. In fact, even more so.” Ooi said Penang’s diversity had made it conscious of both the benefits and challenges of multicultural interaction, while its economy had evolved from a port economy into a major industrial and semiconductor hub. He added that Penang’s potential role in promoting peace should also be viewed against the broader history of Southeast Asia, which had been

diversity that have shaped the region. He said Penang’s history, location and multicultural character make it particularly suited to such a role. “Penang is where many seas meet, and where civilisations congregate,” he said. He described the island as being at the northern end of the Straits of Malacca, the southern end of the Andaman Sea, the eastern end of the Bay of Bengal and the western end of the Nusantara. “Even if we choose to accept the modern geopolitically coined

Danger, death continue after wars GEORGE TOWN: The deadly prospect of landmines and cluster munitions continues to haunt Southeast Asia decades after wars have ended, with unexploded ordnance killing and maiming civilians, said the International Campaign to Ban Landmines - Cluster Munition Coalition (ICBL-CMC).

Gabelnick, Gobind and Lin viewing a display at the gallery during the opening of the exhibition. – T.C. KHOR/THESUN

borders, or geopolitics, but ultimately about people, with ordinary people often carrying its deepest scars. Gobind said peace could not be secured by governments alone, with diplomats and civil society participation, experts clearing land of mines, journalists preserving the truth, artists keeping society’s conscience awake and technologists protecting what the world saw and remembered all having a role to play. – by T.C. Khor military strategy

from returning home, farmers from working their land, communities from rebuilding and children from walking safely. “In this very real sense, the scars of war can remain long after the war itself has ended.” Gobind also said the work of ICBL-CMC remains important, as its advocacy had helped keep the humanitarian consequences of such weapons before the conscience of the international community. He said war was not simply about

said Malaysia understood the value of peace, pointing to the country’s commitment to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, commonly known as the Ottawa Convention. He said Malaysia signed the treaty on Dec 3, 1997, and ratified it on April 22, 1999. “That commitment reflects a clear principle that weapons endangering civilians long after war have no place to co-exist with our citizens.” He added that landmines could continue to prevent families

Bridging Civilisations in a Multipolar World, held on Sept 5 and 6, which brought together political leaders, scholars and other international figures to discuss peace and the challenges posed by an increasingly multipolar world. While the dialogue examined the political and institutional dimensions of peace, the exhibition turns the focus to the human cost of conflict, including the scars left by weapons long after the fighting has ended. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo

MONDAY | SEPT 14, 2026

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Ferry capsizes off Java, six dead, 130 missing

When a disaster response team finally pulled him to safety on Sept 4, Sah’s first question showed how deeply the ordeal had disoriented him. “When I was rescued I first asked, how many days has it been?” Sah, 30, told AFP, while on his way back home in Saptari district yesterday. “He said that it has been 10 days. I thought it had been just a few days.” Sah was among hundreds of workers at hydropower projects hit by the catastrophic Aug 26 flood, triggered by a glacier collapse on the China-Nepal border. Sah’s extraordinary survival was a rare ray of hope after a disaster that killed at least 1,429 people and left more than 5,640 missing, the majority in Nepal. Struggling to hold back tears as friends and family welcomed him with garlands and a cake, Sah recalled how the disaster struck with stunning speed. “I was on duty, and then suddenly an unthinkable flood hit us, with waves that were several metres in height,” he said. Workers had received warnings that floodwaters were approaching, but did not get enough time to escape, he said. “We did get information to stay alert, that a big flood is coming. As much as possible, we tried to be alert and evacuate our friends,” Sah said. “But the water did not give us much time ... we shut down everything, and tried to rescue and evacuate our friends.” Within minutes, however, the tunnel was engulfed by raging waters. Separated from his colleagues, Sah found himself stranded with little idea whether anyone would ever reach him. His faith helped carry him through the days of darkness and isolation. “I survived because of my deep belief and confidence,” he said. “I was chanting a mantra and the divine energy I received because of that allowed BANJARMASIN: Rescuers in Indonesia said at least six people were killed and 130 others were missing yesterday after a ferry sailing between Java and Borneo was hit by bad weather and capsized. The Virgo Transport 8 , carrying 243 passengers and crew, had lost contact with its shipping company early yesterday after departing from Surabaya. Basarnas, Indonesia’s national search and rescue agency, said in its latest update that six people were killed and 130 were missing, adding that 107 people had been rescued. There were 213 passengers and 30 crew members on board, the agency said. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the ship had capsized. “From the information we received, based on helicopter surveillance, the ship capsized but has not sunk. As of 3pm it had not sunk yet,” he said in Banjarmasin. Local search and rescue chief I Putu Sudayana earlier told AFP that the ship’s captain had reported to its owners before losing contact that the vessel was “tilting”. Rescuers battled waves of up to 2.5m to reach the ferry, Sudayana told reporters. “It is extremely risky for vessels. Even our Basarnas vessel, which is 40m long, is at great risk,” he said. A Basarnas helicopter has joined the operation, he added. The vessel’s last position was in the Java Sea, about 150km from its destination. Heri Purwanto, head of the Banjarmasin Sea Port Authority, said the ship, which was also carrying vehicles, lost contact at 2am. “We responded quickly. Our main focus and top priority is the safety of everyone on board the ship,” Heri Purwanto said. Rescue authorities have established a

o Vessel carrying 243 passengers, crew

command centre at the Banjarmasin port, with paramedics and ambulances on standby. Dozens of relatives and friends of the passengers checked a whiteboard on which the names of people rescued were being updated. Jenah, 26, said she came to the command post for information about her older brother. “I am shocked. I haven’t received any more information,” she said. “He was travelling alone. I hope he survives. I couldn’t contact him since last night.” Marine accidents are a regular occurrence in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands that relies heavily on boat connections for daily transport and tourism. Lax safety standards and unpredictable weather are the main reasons for the disasters. On Monday, a speedboat carrying eight people, including five journalists working for news agencies, went missing near Mount Anak Krakatau in Banten province. The journalists were sent to cover the volcano’s eruption. – AFP

Relatives of missing passengers gather as a rescue officer writes updates on a whiteboard in Banjarmasin yesterday. – AFPPIC

Myanmar revokes status of UN envoy YANGON: Myanmar said yesterday its UN ambassador, loyal to ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, is occupying the office illegitimately, as the organisation prepares to weigh his replacement. The United Nations formed a credentials committee this month to decide whether to accept Naypyidaw’s candidate for UN ambassador or stick with Kyaw Moe Tun, who has for more than five years ignored the government’s claims that he no longer represents Myanmar. The Foreign Ministry said Kyaw Moe Tun was “dismissed from civil service” effective Feb 27, 2021 for not complying with state orders, committing treason and colluding with “terrorist organisations”, according to a statement published in the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper. The ministry also accused Kyaw Moe Tun of misusing state funds and property, including the premises of the UN Permanent Mission of Myanmar in New York, and working with the exiled opposition “National Unity Government” (NUG), which the government has branded a terrorist group. “Kyaw Moe Tun’s continued representation of Myanmar at the United Nations does not constitute formal recognition of his legitimacy,” the ministry said. “Rather, his continued status is merely a temporary arrangement, with the Credentials Committee decision deferred annually.” The members of the UN committee, who will weigh whether to replace Kyaw Moe Tun, include the Bahamas, Belgium, Benin, China, Jamaica, Russia, Uganda, the United States and Vanuatu. The committee generally announces its annual credentials decisions around November. Pro-democracy groups and the parallel civilian government, the NUG, have helped Kyaw Moe Tun retain his position through international advocacy and lobbying campaigns. The Myanmar government said it is working through Interpol, the United States National Central Bureau, American agencies and diplomatic channels to seek legal action against him. Myanmar has been embroiled in civil war since a military coup in 2021 ousted the elected government of Nobel laureate Suu Kyi, ending the country’s decade-long experiment with democracy. – AFP/Reuters

Nepal tunnel survivor recounts ordeal SAPTARI: For 10 days, Nepali hydropower worker Sanjay Sah survived in darkness inside a flooded tunnel, drinking muddy water and losing all sense of time as he desperately prayed for rescue.

Sah being greeted by his mother at his residence in Saptari. – AFPPIC me to not be scared or fall into despair,” he said. “I was able to stay there.” With no clean water to drink, he survived on whatever he could find. “There was water, but it was muddy. I only had that,” he said.

never gave up hope of seeing her husband again. “God has helped us, we had our hopes,” she said, holding her daughter in her arms. Sah, who spent several days recuperating in a Kathmandu hospital, says he has mixed emotions. “I am happy, but I feel sad too. I was able to get a second life, to survive there. But many of our friends were there,” he said. As rescuers continue searching through the tunnels, Sah urged authorities not to abandon the effort. One Chinese worker was rescued on Sept 5, the day after Sah but no one has been found since then. “I hope the government continues its search. It is possible there might still be someone alive. “Or they will be able to find bodies and hand them over to their families.” – AFP

The darkness and isolation might have been overwhelming, but Sah was not entirely alone. Another trapped worker, Kabir Maharjan, 45, had survived nearby. “We were separated but speaking to each other.” The ability to hear another human voice offered a lifeline to Sah. Eventually, after days of excavation and painstaking rescue efforts, search teams broke through to the trapped men and brought them out alive. Sah’s wife, Lakshmi Kumari Sah, said she