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Govt mulls inclusion of peer grooming in Child Act

Ministry studies issue closely to protect minors from double jeopardy: Nancy Shukri

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

Report on — page 4

SCAN ME No. 9290 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Back to Myanmar Report on h page 5 Malaysia begins the first phase of a 5,000-person voluntary repatriation programme by sea.

Myanmar nationals due to be repatriated from Malaysia sit inside a bus at Lumut yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

Report on — page 2 DAP chief ties his exit directly to the day former PM Najib Razak is released to house arrest. Loke resigns from Cabinet, but with a catch

No single price tag for haze costs Economists say hidden burdens fall heavily on individuals, businesses and government mitigation budgets.

Report on — page 3

WEDNESDAY | SEPT 30, 2026

2

Loke to temporarily remain in Cabinet

was a party decision intended to reaffirm DAP’s position on Najib’s house arrest. “This is a party decision, based on DAP’s response and position on the issue of Najib’s house arrest, which we do not agree with.” He also said Anwar had acknowledged that Najib had yet to return home and therefore asked him to continue performing his duties until that happened. “So he (Anwar) said, while Najib has not returned home, continue your duties. If, say, tomorrow he is released and returns home, then my resignation takes effect.” Despite having tendered his resignation, Loke said he remained in charge of the Transport Ministry and would continue serving until his resignation took effect. He also said there was currently no replacement for him. When asked whether he was rushing to push through projects before leaving office, Loke rejected the suggestion. “I am doing my duties not because I am going to leave the post. The ministry’s planning is not done at the last minute. “We have plans throughout the year. We have a strategic plan every year managed by the ministry’s secretary-general. “Our duties and execution are based on our strategic plan.” Loke had announced his decision to resign on Sept 19 following a DAP Central Executive Committee meeting in response to the conditional pardon granted to Najib. The move followed the party’s discussion on the issue of Najib serving the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, with Loke saying his resignation was intended to reaffirm DAP’s position on the matter. Anwar had previously said he

o Official resignation tied to commencement of Najib’s house arrest

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA Transport Minister Anthony Loke has handed in his resignation, but will stay on in Cabinet for now, with his exit tied to the day when former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak begin serving his house arrest. Loke said he handed his resignation letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Monday after meeting him, but Anwar asked him to continue carrying out his duties temporarily while he considers the resignation. “I want to emphasise that my resignation letter has been handed to the prime minister. I had a discussion with him yesterday (Sept 28). “In that discussion, he asked me to continue my duties for the time being. He will make a decision,” he said at a press conference on the sidelines of Malaysia Maritime Week 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday. Loke said he had agreed to remain in office, but insisted that there must be a defined timeframe for his resignation to take effect. “That timeframe is the day Najib returns home. On that day, my resignation will take effect.” Asked when that would be, Loke said he did not know when Najib would be allowed to return home. “I don’t know. Do you know when Najib will return home? I don’t know either. Maybe he will leave tomorrow. Who knows?” He added that his resignation LUMPUR:

Loke said Anwar had acknowledged that Najib had yet to return home and therefore asked him to continue performing his duties until that happened. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

to Anwar upon returning from China, where he accompanied the prime minister on a three-day working visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou at the invitation of the Chinese government.

political interests for the party to withdraw from the government, adding that such pressure could destabilise the Unity government. Loke subsequently said he would submit his resignation letter

advised Loke to reconsider his resignation and would hold further discussions with the DAP secretary general to hear his explanation. He also said DAP should not yield to calls from parties with

Mahathir: ‘I didn’t expect her to die today’

Anwar defends Myanmar repatriation KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended Malaysia’s decision to repatriate Myanmar nationals, saying it was unfair to blame the government for seeking a long-term solution to an issue that has persisted for decades. He said Malaysia would continue negotiations with Myanmar to safeguard the welfare, safety and basic rights of those being repatriated, while emphasising that the country could not (Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing) to Malaysia. We will continue to negotiate and look at the parameters of how this problem can be resolved.” He added that any repatriation must be carried out in an orderly manner, with appropriate safeguards for the welfare of those returning. “There is no country that can simply accept hundreds of thousands, and some countries receive millions. So we need to negotiate.”

Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

children, were taking turns to accompany Mahathir so he would not be left alone. The sudden loss had also left the family struggling to adjust to a home without Siti Hasmah. Marina said the family had grown accustomed to having her mother at

appreciation to the Pahang royal family for making the journey to offer their condolences and pay their last respects to Siti Hasmah. Siti Hasmah died at about 9.20am on Monday at the National Heart Institute at the age of 100. For the family, the loss is deeply personal,

PETALING JAYA: “I didn’t expect her to die today (Monday).” Those poignant words from former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad ( pic) captured the shock and grief of losing his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, who had appeared to be in good health just hours before her death. Mahathir, 101, said he had not expected his lifelong companion to die after she appeared well the night before. In a video shared on Mahathir’s social media accounts, he was seen speaking with Pahang ruler Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who had travelled to pay his final respects to Siti Hasmah. “I didn’t expect her to die today (Monday). She was quite well last night,” Mahathir told the former king in a sombre exchange. Al-Sultan Abdullah offered words of comfort to the grieving former prime minister. “ Allah loves her more. Tun, you have to take care of yourself,” he said. Mahathir also expressed his

home and was finding it difficult to accept that she was no longer there. “We all miss her. We were used to seeing our mother at home but now it is difficult to believe that she is gone.” Their son, Mukhriz Mahathir, said his father remained by her side until her final breath. Marina also thanked members of the public who came to pay their last respects to Siti Hasmah at the mosque and grave yesterday. “I, and the whole family, am deeply touched by all the messages and tributes given to our mother.” She added that the tributes were particularly meaningful as many people regarded Siti Hasmah as their own mother.

Media reports said Malaysia began the first phase of its Voluntary Repatriation Programme yesterday, involving 1,476 Myanmar nationals identified by the Myanmar authorities. The group is part of 5,000 Myanmar nationals scheduled to return in stages following discussions between both governments. Anwar said Malaysia would continue using diplomatic channels to establish the appropriate parameters for the process, including safeguards for those returning. When asked whether Myanmar had provided assurances on the safety of those being repatriated, Anwar said the authorities had so far agreed to receive their nationals. – By Harith Kamal

particularly for Mahathir, who had spent nearly seven decades with her. Their daughter Datuk Marina Mahathir said her father remained in good health but was struggling with the loneliness and grief of losing his wife and lifelong companion. “Of course, my father is sad. She was his partner for 70 years. He is just feeling lonely, so we are all trying to spend as much time with him as possible, day and night,” she said after visiting Siti Hasmah’s grave at the National Heroes’ Cemetery in Precinct 20 yesterday. Marina arrived at about 10.40am and placed a bouquet at her mother’s grave. She said family members, including her siblings and their

indefinitely accommodate hundreds of thousands of individuals without addressing the issue at its source. “Our position is to protect their welfare and human rights, but to condemn Malaysia for taking this initiative, I think that is unfair. “We are trying to find an amicable solution.” Anwar was speaking after officiating at the Professional Conference and Exhibition 2026 at the KLGCC Convention Centre yesterday. He added that the situation in Myanmar remained complex and could not be resolved simply by urging Malaysia not to repatriate its nationals. “That is why I invited him

WEDNESDAY | SEPT 30, 2026

3 ‘Financial losses caused by haze difficult to calculate’

Air quality unhealthy in several states

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Air quality readings in several states remained in the unhealthy range by 4pm yesterday amid haze, with Environment Department data showing a sharp spike from moderate levels recorded a day earlier. According to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Johan Setia in Selangor recorded the highest reading at 176, followed by IPD Serian in Sarawak (175), Bandaraya Melaka and Nilai (174) and Pasir Gudang (173). Other high readings included Larkin, Shah Alam and Bukit Rambai (170), Cheras (169), Batu Pahat and Port Dickson (167), while Putrajaya, Tangkak and Seremban stood at 165. In Selangor, all stations indicated unhealthy readings at 4pm, starting with Johan Setia (176), Shah Alam (170), Klang (164), Banting (162), Kuala Selangor (160) and Petaling Jaya (159). At noon on Monday, several of the same stations were still in the moderate range, including Petaling Jaya (64), Shah Alam (68), Klang (59), Cheras (74) and Putrajaya (59). APIMS trend charts showed readings rising from Monday afternoon and continuing into yesterday, with Petaling Jaya crossing into the unhealthy range yesterday morning before reaching 159 by 4pm. Beyond the Klang Valley, Johor continued to record widespread unhealthy readings, led by Pasir Gudang (173) and Larkin (170), followed by Batu Pahat (167), Tangkak (165), Kota Tinggi (164), Pengerang (163), Segamat (160) and Kluang (155). In Malacca, Bandaraya Melaka recorded readings of 174, Bukit Rambai (170) and Alor Gajah (162). In Negeri Sembilan, Nilai reached 174, while Port Dickson recorded 167 and Seremban 165. Several areas outside the earlier high-reading cluster also worsened by 4pm, including Jerantut (145), Kemaman (137), Kuala Terengganu (135), Minden (128), Balik Pulau (117) and Samalaju (116). In Sarawak, IPD Serian recorded 175, followed by Kuching and Samarahan (158), while northern Sarawak remained comparatively low, with Limbang (26), ILP Miri (32) and Miri (41). Sabah’s readings were mostly lower, with Kota Kinabalu at 34, Keningau (42) and Kimanis (49), all within the good range. Slightly higher readings were recoded in Sandakan (58) and Tawau (81). Under the API scale, 51 to 100 is moderate, while 101 to 200 is unhealthy. APIMS data showed PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant at the affected stations. PM2.5 refers to fine particles which could penetrate deep into the lungs and pose health risks.

o Govt, businesses and individuals to likely bear hidden costs: Economists

the root causes of haze and how environmental damage arising from it could be addressed and compensated. Meanwhile, economist Prof Dr Geoffrey Williams said the full cost of haze could not be captured by a single figure, as many losses were borne directly by individuals and businesses, and might not be visible in overall economic growth figures. “Despite the haze, the economy continues to grow, so it is the costs to individuals and businesses that we have to account for, which might not always be seen in aggregate.” He added that the haze could raise healthcare and household costs, cause productivity losses when workers missed work or schools closed, and hurt tourism if visitors had a poor experience. “Ultimately, individuals and businesses pay the costs, not the government. This is an economic externality, in which those responsible for the pollution do not bear its full costs. “In the long term, the costs are absorbed, in the short term we are all paying.”

government subsidies and treatment for haze related illnesses, should also be factored into any assessment of the economic impact. “When assessing the economic impact of haze-induced losses, all government expenditures related to haze mitigation efforts must be considered.” He also said healthcare expenditure was likely to account for the largest share of the costs, followed by losses in tourism and related business activities. Nanthakumar said the financial burden would ultimately fall on the government, making recurring haze a long-term economic concern for Malaysia. “Otherwise, Malaysia will have to deal with persistently elevated costs, leading to an ongoing economic burden and hindering the nation’s growth due to regional haze issues.” He added that greater cooperation with Indonesia was essential to address the recurring problem, while Asean should review the Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and strengthen regional efforts to tackle haze. He also said greater clarity was needed on

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The economic damage caused by haze has no clear price tag, with much of the hidden cost being absorbed through higher healthcare bills, lost working time, childcare expenses and losses suffered by businesses, economists said. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia economist Prof Dr Nanthakumar Loganathan said calculating the precise financial cost of a severe haze episode was difficult, but its impact could be felt across tourism and related sectors, including food and beverage, transport and hotels. He added that healthcare costs, particularly Nanthakumar said greater cooperation with Indonesia was essential to address the recurring problem, while Asean should review the Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and strengthen regional efforts to tackle haze. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

M’sia does not have legal route for compensation: Academic PETALING JAYA: The Asean

principle of responsibility and the practical ability to establish, enforce and obtain remedies against a specific polluter. “AATHP does not automatically give Malaysia the authority to enter another country, arrest foreign companies, close plantations or impose penalties on companies suspected of causing fires.” Safari said enforcement would depend on the laws and authorities of the country where the fires occurred, as well as cooperation between the affected and source countries. He added that the agreement focused on preventing and managing haze but did not provide a direct mechanism for Malaysia to seek compensation from a source country or foreign company for economic and health losses caused by the haze. “As a result, Malaysia would still face significant legal and evidentiary hurdles if it sought to recover the economic, health or other losses caused by transboundary haze.” He also said Malaysia could, in

He added that proving the causal link could be difficult as multiple fires could occur simultaneously, while authorities would also need to establish how smoke travelled across borders and contributed to specific health, economic or environmental losses. Safari said quantifying the damage was another challenge, as the impact of haze could extend beyond air-quality readings to healthcare costs, reduced productivity, transport and aviation disruptions, tourism losses, environmental damage and government response costs. He added that Malaysia also generally could not directly apply its domestic laws to activities or companies operating entirely within another country, making cooperation with the source country essential for investigations and access to land ownership, concession, company, fire and forensic information. “The main challenge is therefore not simply the absence of legal provisions, but the gap between the

coordinated response, rather than automatic compensation or direct enforcement against polluters. “Malaysia would need strong scientific and forensic evidence linking specific fires and pollution to a particular company, individual or source. “Authorities would also need to establish jurisdiction, ownership or control of the affected area, a clear causal link between the fire and damage suffered in Malaysia, as well as an effective mechanism to pursue and enforce any claim.” He also said one of the key challenges was identifying the party responsible, as satellite hotspot data could identify fire locations but did not necessarily establish who started, controlled or was legally responsible for the fires. “Malaysia must establish not only that the haze originated from outside the country, but also identify the party responsible for the fire and demonstrate how the fire caused specific damage in Malaysia.”

principle, take legal action against a foreign company suspected of causing a fire, but the arrival of haze in Malaysia alone would not be sufficient to establish liability. Safari said Malaysia would need to prove the source of the fire, the company’s connection to it, the conduct or negligence forming the basis of liability, the link between the fire and damage suffered in Malaysia, and the compensation sought. However, he said jurisdiction and enforcement in the country where the company or fire was located remained major obstacles. On making the “polluter pays” principle applicable to transboundary haze, Safari said Asean would need to strengthen the existing framework beyond prevention, monitoring and cooperation. He added that a stronger regional mechanism should establish a clearer process to attribute the pollution, determine liability, provide compensation and enforce claims. – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi

framework on transboundary haze may offer cooperation and prevention but it does not give Malaysia a straightforward legal route to claim compensation for the health, economic and environmental damage caused by haze from abroad. Universiti Teknologi Mara chemical engineering faculty lecturer Dr Safari Zainal said Malaysia would first have to establish a clear link between specific fires, those responsible and the damage suffered here before any compensation claim could be pursued. He added that potential parties that could be held responsible included companies or concession holders, individuals who caused fires and, in certain circumstances, governments of countries where the fires originated. However, Safari said the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) primarily provides for cooperation, monitoring, information sharing, prevention and

WEDNESDAY | SEPT 30, 2026

4 ‘Budget must prioritise prevention, primary care’

Child Act amendments may address peer grooming PETALING JAYA: The government is considering whether proposed changes to the Child Act 2001 could deal with children whose behaviour has moved beyond acceptable limits, including what has been called peer grooming. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said her ministry is studying the matter with other ministries, including the Home Ministry. It must first look at the latest developments before adding any new provisions to the amendments, she said. She explained that the amendment process is ongoing and the ministry will decide whether peer grooming should be included or how else it should be handled. Under the law, a child is anyone aged below 18, she noted. However, Nancy said some acts committed by children go well beyond what is normally seen as childhood behaviour. She added that the matter needs closer study because the ministry does not want children to face double jeopardy. Discussions will be held with the relevant ministries to decide what can go into the amendments. Nancy was speaking to reporters after launching the National Reproductive Health Symposium at The Everly Hotel in Putrajaya yesterday. Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar had disclosed that police arrested 53 people, aged between 13 and 56, in the nationwide Op Pedo Bersepadu PDRM-MCMC 3.0, which ran from Sept 14 to 16. Eight of those arrested were minors. Kumar said they were found producing animated child sexual abuse material and selling it online. On the timeline, Nancy said the amendments would take time because the ministry has to factor in recent developments and new issues. It wants the changes to be comprehensive enough that nothing more needs to be added later. She also said the ministry is taking into account everything happening in the country, adding that any gaps in existing laws would be addressed by turning the feedback into legislation. Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com design, advanced packaging, semiconductor equipment, software and AI, Malaysian companies could participate in more parts of the value chain.” Goh highlighted the growing role of AI in manufacturing, saying its bigger opportunity is not simply automation but “augmentation”. He said an experienced engineer supported by AI could analyse problems faster while a technician equipped with intelligent tools could diagnose equipment more effectively. A manufacturer using real-time data could make better decisions while an SME using AI could access capabilities that previously required much greater resources, he added. Goh said Penang is already developing AI talent through InvestPenang’s GBS Industry Academy 2.0 – GenAI Talent Ready, launched in 2025 to train and upskill talent in areas including IC design, embedded software, global business services and robotic automation.

PETALING JAYA: Health and economics experts are calling on the government to put more money into disease prevention, primary care and healthcare manpower in Budget 2027. They say this is needed to deal with the rising toll of non-communicable diseases (NCD) and to get ready for a greying population. Taylor’s Business School economist Prof Dr Poon Wai Ching said the healthcare system should shift from a treatment-oriented model towards prevention, stronger primary care, chronic disease management and community-based healthy ageing. She said greater investment in early intervention could prevent diseases from progressing, reducing complications and avoidable hospital admissions while easing pressure on the healthcare system. “Healthcare budgets should increasingly be outcome-based,” she said, adding that spending should be assessed based on outcomes such as waiting times, access to care, disease control, avoidable hospitalisation, healthy life expectancy, independent ageing and patients’ out-of-pocket costs. Poon added that the objective should be to ensure Malaysians not only live longer, but also remain healthy and independent for longer without facing financial hardship when healthcare is needed. She also called for more sustainable healthcare financing through stronger risk pooling, targeted subsidies and more efficient public-private purchasing, rather than relying solely on increased government expenditure. Financial protection should also be strengthened for households, particularly for essential medicines, chronic disease treatment and long-term care, while avoiding blanket subsidies that could place an unsustainable burden on public finances. Poon emphasised that Budget 2027 should recognise ageing as more than a healthcare issue by building an “ageing well” economy involving preventive healthcare, o Greater investment could prevent diseases from progressing, reducing complications and hospital admissions: Specialist Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com GEORGE TOWN: Penang is gearing up to train 1,000 integrated circuit (IC) design engineers as it seeks to move beyond manufacturing and capture a bigger share of the semiconductor value chain by designing the chips of the future. State Trade and National Unity exco Goh Choon Aik said the target, set by the Penang Chip Design Academy (PCDA), includes developing capabilities in areas such as AI chips, advanced packaging and high-speed memory. “The semiconductor value chain does not begin at the factory. It begins with ideas, architecture, design and intellectual property,” he said at the Advanced Asia – Innovation and Manufacturing conference at the Iconic Marjorie Hotel in Bayan Baru yesterday. Goh said PCDA brought together industry, academia, electronic design automation Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Sharifa Ezat said while Malaysia has built many hospitals, infrastructure alone would not ensure an efficient healthcare system without sufficient manpower, assets and expertise. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

design companies, according to InvestPenang. Goh said the state needs to move from simply developing a workforce to developing an “innovation force”, with continuous upskilling and reskilling needed as technology changes. He said universities, technical and vocational education and training institutions, training centres and companies must work together to ensure what is taught remains closely connected to industry needs. Goh said Penang’s approach is not limited to developing IC design talent, but also involves building an ecosystem capable of supporting companies across more parts of the semiconductor value chain. He said the Penang Silicon Design @5km+ initiative brought together the IC Design and Digital Park, PCDA and the Silicon Research and Incubation Space to provide the infrastructure and talent needed to support innovation. “If we could strengthen capabilities in IC patients succumbing earlier to cardiovascular related deaths. “If these basic components are not prepared, then cases would stack up and we are not able to manage them properly.” Sharifa Ezat also said almost all areas of Malaysia’s public healthcare system are under strain, despite efforts by the Health Ministry to maintain services with available resources. She said Malaysia spends less than 5% of its GDP on healthcare and argued that spending could be increased in line with other developing countries. She stressed that the funding gap could affect public health programmes, primary care services, clinic infrastructure and access to essential medicines. She also said while Malaysia has built many hospitals, infrastructure alone would not ensure an efficient healthcare system without sufficient manpower, assets and expertise. She called for more strategic human resource planning, including appropriate doctor and nurse-to-population ratios, better remuneration as well as improved working conditions. Sharifa Ezat said healthcare workers need stronger retention measures as burnout and staff departures could increase the workload and strain on remaining personnel.

providers and the Penang Skills Development Centre to strengthen IC design capabilities. The academy is part of the Penang Silicon Design @5km+ initiative, alongside the Penang IC Design and Digital Park and Silicon Research and Incubation Space, which seek to connect infrastructure, talent, research, startups and industry. A 2025 Kenanga Research analysis estimated that Malaysia had between 10,000 and 15,000 IC designers, with most working for multinational companies, while shortages of engineers and IC designers remained a challenge for the industry. The National Semiconductor Strategy has set a target of developing 60,000 highly skilled engineers by 2030 to support the expansion of Malaysia’s semiconductor industry, including in IC design, advanced packaging, and research and development. Penang is also seeing growth in its IC design ecosystem, having attracted more than 50 IC primary care, rehabilitation, digital monitoring, home care, professional caregivers and community support. She also said integrating healthcare with Malaysia’s emerging care economy could help address rising healthcare costs and family caregiving burdens while allowing older Malaysians to remain healthy, independent and socially engaged for longer. Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said NCDs should be a key focus of Budget 2027, particularly heart disease, diabetes, stroke, hypertension and cancer. She explained that risk factors need to be managed more effectively through primary care and public health programmes before illnesses become severe enough to require hospitalisation. “Better treatment, detection and drugs are the mainstay, but the human resources to manage them must be made available.” She said a lack of treatment capacity and specialists could result in patients facing lengthy waiting times, particularly for procedures and specialised treatment. She cited cardiovascular disease as an example, noting that insufficient treatment centres and specialists such as cardiologists could delay procedures and contribute to

Penang to train 1,000 IC design engineers

WEDNESDAY | SEPT 30, 2026

5

First phase of Myanmar repatriation begins

Ex-PM to challenge charge of failure to declare assets KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will challenge the charge he faces over failure to declare assets, comprising RM14.7 million in cash, millions in foreign currencies and five gold bars. His lawyer Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad said the application would be filed once the defence receives and reviews all case documents. “There are several legal issues we will raise. We will certainly challenge the reasonableness and validity of the charges,“ he said after the case mention before Sessions Court judge Suzana Hussin. Earlier, DPP Ifa Sirrhu Samsudin told the court that the prosecution had handed over some case documents to the defence yesterday. She said five volumes had been submitted under Section 36 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, including seizure and asset declaration documents belonging to Ismail Sabri. “We request the court fix a mention date for the handover of the remaining documents and the witness list.“ Amer Hamzah confirmed receipt of the five volumes and requested that the balance be handed over before the next mention date. The court then fixed Dec 4 for case mention. Ismail Sabri, 66, is accused of failing to declare cash totalling RM14,772,150, SGD6,132,350 (RM19 million), USD1,461,400 (RM5 million), CHF3,000,000 (RM14 million), EUR12,164,150 (RM56 million), JPY363,000,000 (RM9 million), GBP50,250 (RM271,326), NZD44,600 (RM102,842), AED34,750,000 (RM38.6 million) and AUD352,850 (RM1 million). He is also accused of failing to declare five 1kg Petak Suisse Fine Gold bars, one 100g Petak Suisse Fine Silver bar and one 5g 999 Fine Gold coin. The assets were all listed in an MACC notice dated Jan 10, 2025. The offence is alleged to have been committed at MACC headquarters, No. 2, Lebuh Wawasan in Presint 7, Putrajaya on Feb 7, 2025. He is charged under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009, which carries up to five years’ jail and a maximum fine of RM100,000 upon conviction. – Bernama Man to face RM42m abuse of power suit PETALING JAYA: A former senior management officer of a corporation is expected to be charged in court tomorrow over alleged abuse of power involving payments of about RM42 million to several companies. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) detained the man, believed to be in his 50s, on Monday as part of its investigation into several issues linked to the losses suffered by UiTM Holdings Sdn Bhd in 2023. Preliminary investigations reportedly show that the alleged offence took place in 2017. The suspect is believed to have approved payments for operating expenses to companies in which he is said to have had an interest, the source added. MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, which covers abuse of position.

and logistics. “The repatriation programme is part of efforts to manage foreign nationals and immigration detainees in a more orderly manner. “It is being carried out voluntarily, safely and responsibly based on procedures agreed with the Myanmar government.” The group is being repatriated aboard UMS Moattama , UMS King Sin Phyu Shin and Myanmar navy hospital ship UMS Thanlwin . About 850 officers and personnel from several agencies, including the Immigration Department, navy, police, National Security Council, Foreign Ministry and Home Ministry, were involved in the operation. The Home Ministry said subsequent phases would proceed subject to the completion of identification, documentation and verification processes, as well as logistical readiness and operational coordination between Malaysia and Myanmar.

at 4am before the detainees were transported in 46 buses to the navy base. Home Ministry deputy secretary-general (Policy and Control) Datuk Makhzan Mahyuddin said vessels from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Marine Police and navy would escort the two Myanmar warships and hospital ship to the edge of Malaysian waters as a security measure. “The individuals were identified by the Myanmar government and their names submitted to Malaysia through a diplomatic note dated Aug 13. “Coordination was then carried out involving the Home Ministry, Foreign Ministry, National Security Council and Defence Ministry, taking into account operational and logistical requirements.” He added that the Immigration Department acted as the lead operational agency, handling identity verification, documentation, inter-agency coordination, security

o Final health checks, identity verification and documentation began at 4am before detainees were transported to navy base

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Only RTM and Bernama were invited to cover the operation on-site, with a Home Ministry spokesperson saying coverage for the first phase was limited due to space constraints at the departure area. According to Bernama, the 1,476 comprised 1,370 men, 79 women, 20 boys and seven girls aged between eight and 60. They were drawn from 14 Immigration detention depots nationwide, with the largest groups coming from the Belantik depot in Kedah and Tanah Merah depot in Kelantan. Final health checks, identity verification and documentation began at Manjung District Stadium

PETALING Malaysia yesterday began the first phase of its voluntary repatriation programme involving 1,476 Myanmar nationals, with the group processed in Manjung, Perak before being transferred to the navy base in Lumut for departure by sea. In a statement yesterday, the Home Ministry said the group formed the first batch of 5,000 Myanmar nationals identified for phased repatriation following agreement by the Myanmar government to receive them and consent from the individuals involved to return voluntarily. JAYA:

Makhzan said vessels from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Marine Police and navy would escort the hospital ship to the edge of Malaysian waters as a security measure. – PIC COURTESY OF HOME MINISTRY two Myanmar warships and

Former CEO accused of deceiving board KUALA LUMPUR: Former Felda Investment Corporation (FIC) Sdn Bhd CEO Mohd Zaid Abdul Jalil was charged at the Sessions Court yesterday with two counts of deceiving the FIC board of directors over the appointment of a company for a proposed commercial Development On Fe Lots In Jalan Semarak, Kuala Lumpur”. He is alleged to have known that the company was only qualified to be appointed as Project Delivery Partner–Master Planner. The alleged deception led the FIC board to approve Synergy Promenade’s appointment as RM691.7 million. The Valuation and Property Services Department had initially estimated the market value of all the lots at RM180 million, and he is also alleged to have known that the department had never given Felda that initial estimate.

He is charged under Section 417 of the Penal Code, which carries up to five years’ jail, a fine, or both upon conviction. DPP Mohd Radzi Shah Ab Razak sought RM50,000 bail in one surety per charge, requiring the accused to report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office monthly and surrender his passport to the court. The accused’s lawyer Mohd Shahrullah Khan Nawab Zadah requested bail at RM10,000 for each charge, citing his client’s financial difficulties and his full cooperation in the investigation. The court granted bail at RM60,000 bail in one surety for both charges, along with the additional conditions sought by the prosecution, and fixed Oct 29 for the submission of documents.

The deception purportedly induced the board to accept an offer from Synergy Promenade based on a minimum guaranteed return of RM500 million or 10% of gross development value, whichever was higher, a decision the board would not have made had it not been deceived. Mohd Zaid is accused of committing the offences at the Board Meeting Room, Level 50, Menara Felda, Platinum Park, No. 11 Persiaran KLCC on Jan 16 and April 29, 2014, Bernama reported.

development project and the market valuation of 24 parcels of Felda-owned land 12 years ago. Mohd Zaid, 55, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial after the charges were read out before judge Rosli Ahmad. According to the first charge, Mohd Zaid, in his capacity as CEO, is accused of deceiving the FIC board into believing that Synergy Promenade Sdn Bhd was qualified to be appointed as Project Delivery Partner–Master Developer for the “Proposed Commercial

Project Delivery Partner–Master Developer for the project, an approval it would not have given had it not been misled. On the second charge, in his capacity as CEO, he is accused of deceiving the FIC board into believing that the market value of 24 Felda-owned lots slated for commercial development, as reported by Firdaus and Associates Property Professionals Sdn Bhd, was RM330.96 million, when he knew the actual reported figure was

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Ahmad said smart highways are not merely about modernising infrastructure but about using technology to create safer and smoother journeys. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

Smart roads ahead

KUALA LUMPUR: Highways in Malaysia are entering a new phase, with technology, smarter traffic management and improved infrastructure being deployed to make journeys safer, smoother and more efficient for millions of motorists. Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said the country now has a 2,151km highway network spanning 34 routes and operated by 28 concessionaires. About six million vehicles use highways in Peninsular Malaysia daily, while approximately 200,000 vehicles travel on highways in Sabah and Sarawak. “In Peninsular Malaysia, people use the highways to commute to work, conduct business, send their children to school or return to their hometowns. “Therefore, the government, through the Works Ministry and the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA), is committed to continuously prioritising safety, comfort and maintenance across the highway network so that the people can continue to benefit from it,” he said during a recent podcast session. Malaysia’s highway story began in March 1964, with toll collection introduced two years later on the 24km Tanjung Malim-Slim River Highway, which, according to Works Ministry data, was the first highway in Malaysia and Asia. The initial 50 sen toll was abolished in 1994 following the completion of the North-South Expressway. The Federal Highway, constructed in 1974 and fully completed in 1977, marked the beginning of the country’s expansion into controlled-access highways, where entry and exit are regulated through designated points to ensure safety and smoother traffic flow. The sector subsequently expanded rapidly, particularly after the North-South Expressway (NSE) was completed and opened to traffic. Highway operations were also gradually transferred from the Public Works Department (PWD) to private companies under the privatisation policy from the 1980s. Today, highways connect villages, towns, industrial areas and major destinations nationwide, while urban and intercity routes play increasingly important roles in supporting mobility and economic activity. Ahmad said urban highways helped address

o AI, real-time monitoring and infrastructure upgrades in the works for safer, smoother and more efficient travel, says deputy minister congestion in metropolitan areas and shorten travel times, while intercity highways facilitated the movement of goods and logistics, stimulated social activities and supported economic growth. In Sarawak, the completed Pan Borneo Highway serves as a key link between towns and districts. In Sabah, five of its 35 work packages have been completed, with the project targeted for full completion by 2030. “The Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah, meanwhile, is still under construction, with five of the 35 work packages completed. The project is targeted for full completion by 2030,” said Ahmad, Bernama reported. Motorists using both highways are not required to pay tolls, with the government previously deciding against tolls on the Pan Borneo highways in Sabah and Sarawak due to factors including the lack of alternative routes similar to those in Peninsular Malaysia. Ahmad said accidents could not be completely avoided but their impact on traffic flow could be reduced through preventive measures, continuous maintenance and faster incident response. “For incident management on the ground, every highway is also required to have an Emergency Response Plan (ERP), issued by MHA, as a standard reference for concessionaires,” he explained. MHA and concessionaires have patrol teams on standby to remove vehicles involved in accidents, while contra-flow lanes can be

faster decision-making and improve incident detection and response. “ITS play an important role through various components, including smart CCTV, automated vehicle and incident detection systems, electronic message displays, weight in-motion (WIM) systems, smart traffic lights and smart LED street lighting. “These technologies will be coordinated and connected to MHA’s traffic management centre to help manage traffic flow more efficiently, continuously monitor highway conditions and enable incidents to be identified and addressed more quickly.” Digital toll payment systems and real-time communication are also being expanded to make transactions faster and provide motorists with timely information on traffic conditions, accidents, lane closures and maintenance works. “Recently, MHA and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen telecommunications coverage along highways. “This cooperation is an important step because the highways of the future must not only provide safe and efficient journeys, but also ensure that users have continuous access to stable communication networks.” Looking ahead, the government and concessionaires aim to introduce the multi-lane free flow (MLFF) system which is a barrier-free toll payment system designed to improve traffic flow. Ahmad said implementation would adopt a business-to-business approach, with concessionaires appointing service providers without imposing financial implications on the government. “According to the plan, MLFF will be implemented in stages, beginning with the single lane fast flow (SLFF) system in 2027, following the finalisation of the necessary amendments to the relevant acts and legislation.”

opened when overturned or obstructing vehicles block an entire highway. In cases where vehicle removal is expected to take longer and a contra-flow cannot be activated, a mandatory-exit procedure directs motorists to nearby federal or state roads through the nearest interchange. Technology is also playing a growing role. The MHA Traffic Management Centre monitors traffic around the clock through 873 CCTV cameras and 278 variable message sign (VMS) displays. “Users can also obtain the latest traffic information through MHA’s official accounts on X, TikTok and Facebook, as well as digital applications such as TuJu, to check traffic conditions and plan their journeys more effectively.” The government and concessionaires spend RM2.7 billion annually on operating and maintaining the highway network, Ahmad said. From January to March 2026, contracts worth RM5.18 billion were awarded to Bumiputera contractors, involving 1,286 contractors. Among major projects under way are the Juru-Sungai Dua Traffic Dispersal Project and additional lanes on the North-South Expressway from Yong Peng (North) to Senai (North), aimed at increasing capacity and easing congestion. MHA is also installing 3,000 solar-powered LED lights along the NSE, Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway, East Coast Expressway and Seremban-Port Dickson Expressway, with completion expected by year-end. Under the Bitara Madani initiative, 571 motorcycle shelters are already operational nationwide as of 2025, with 15 more targeted this year to provide safer refuge during heavy rain. Ahmad said smart highways are not merely about modernising infrastructure but using technology to create safer, more comfortable and smoother journeys. Artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) are being adopted to analyse traffic information, support

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Vietnam arrests three on terrorism charges

21 Myanmar citizens held over donations YANGON: Myanmar has arrested 21 people it said had transferred money to an online fundraising platform linked to the opposition National Unity Government (NUG), the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported. It said authorities had identified the details of more than 2,700 people who allegedly provided financial support to the People’s Revolution Supply Family (PRF) website, which was established by the NUG. The arrested individuals live in townships in Myanmar and will face legal action. The report said investigations will continue, while financial accounts linked to the funding will be closed and confiscated. The National Unity Government, Myanmar’s parallel civilian administration formed by remnants of Aung San Suu Kyi’s party and other groups, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Opposition groups have long used unofficial payment channels, online fundraising, cryptocurrency and bond sales to raise funds. Diaspora communities play a major role in supporting opposition groups, providing financial support through overseas transfers and alternative payment channels. In Kyauktaw, two local aid workers said yesterday the death toll from an airstrike in west Myanmar rose to 50. Witnesses said aircraft bombed the riverside commercial hub in Kyauktaw town, Rakhine state, around midday on Monday. “The death toll has reached 50, and 58 people were injured,” said aid worker Wai Hun Aung. – Reuters/AFP development challenges in Papua are part of a policy that systematically violates human rights, saying credible allegations of abuses are taken seriously by national institutions. Its Foreign Ministry said such allegations are addressed through mechanisms such as the independent National Commission on Human Rights, and stressed that discussions on Papua should reflect the situation in its entirety. The statement followed concerns raised by Solomon Islands and Vanuatu over alleged human rights violations in Papua, Indonesia’s easternmost region, with Jakarta exercising its right of reply during the 81st UN General Assembly on Monday. The ministry said Indonesia would continue to engage constructively through relevant mechanisms and promote dialogue and cooperation based on facts. – Bernama MAN IN THE DOCK OVER FAKE CROCODILE PHOTO SINGAPORE: Police here charged a man yesterday with posting a fake AI-generated picture of a crocodile at reservoir that sparked public concern and an intensive search. Ye Lin, 30, from Myanmar, was charged with “communicating a false message” and obstructing the course of justice. Police alleged that Ye created the picture of the saltwater crocodile using artificial intelligence last month before sending it to a colleague. Authorities were then alerted of the possible presence of a deadly predator at Pandan Reservoir. They “discovered that the photograph was fake”. Ye told a court yesterday he intended to plead guilty, the Straits Times reported. Ye could face a prison term of up to three years, or a S$10,000 (RM31,901) fine or both if found guilty. He also faces an additional seven-year sentence or a fine, or both, on an obstruction of justice charge. – AFP INDONESIA DENIES PAPUA RIGHTS ALLEGATIONS JAKARTA: Indonesia has rejected allegations that security and

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prosecuted in accordance with the law. The ministry said the three men “confessed” to being Viet Tan members and “carrying forged documents to illegally enter Vietnam to conduct terrorist and sabotage activities”. The terrorism charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail. Viet Tan’s US-based executive director Duy Hoang told AFP Thuan and Hiep had no intention of entering Vietnam. “Essentially, they’re being charged with belonging to Viet Tan,” Hoang said. More than 160 political prisoners are detained in Vietnam, according to Human Rights Watch. Campaigners say previous cases of “transnational repression” by Vietnam include the 2017 kidnapping of fugitive Vietnamese executive Trinh Xuan Thanh from a Berlin park, and the 2023 abduction of Vietnamese blogger and government critic Duong Van Thai in Thailand. Both men were seeking asylum outside Vietnam but were ultimately returned and jailed. Hoang said he believed the recent detentions were the first of a person with non-Vietnamese citizenship being “abducted outside of Vietnam because of that person’s political activities”. – Reuters/AFP

carrying an Australian passport. It did not provide further information about Son’s nationality, but said he was born in 1980. Viet Tan said in a statement that Thuan and Huy (also known as Tran Hiep) had been abducted in Cambodia and forcibly taken to Vietnam. It said they disappeared in Cambodia on Sept 18 while travelling to Kaoh Andaet, an area in the south of the country near the Vietnamese border. Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters in Adelaide that the government was providing consular assistance to Huy and his family. The Norwegian embassy in Hanoi referred Reuters’ queries to the government in Oslo. A Cambodian government spokesperson said he had no information about the arrests. “Viet Tan strongly condemns the abduction of two of its members in Cambodia and the fabricated charges,” the group said. Viet Tan called on the governments of Norway and Australia, as well as international human rights organisations, to press Hanoi for the men’s immediate and unconditional release. Vietnamese authorities said the investigation was continuing and that they would be

HANOI: Vietnam police have arrested three people, including a Norwegian citizen and an Australian national of Vietnamese origin, accusing them of terrorism, in an operation that a pro-democracy group says was conducted in Cambodia. The three men were identified by Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security as Nguyen Duc Thuan, Ho Pham Hiep Huy and Thai Cong Truong Son. It said they were arrested on Sept 18 trying to cross illegally from Cambodia into Vietnam. The ministry said the men had admitted to being members of Viet Tan, a US-based pro democracy group that Vietnam’s Communist government designates as a terrorist organisation. The three were “illegally entering Vietnam to conduct terrorist and sabotage activities”, the ministry said. They are also accused of forging seals and documents, according to the ministry. It said Thuan, born in 1974, was carrying a Norwegian passport and Huy, born in 1975, was o Pro-democracy group says trio abducted in Cambodia

Thai Airways battles baggage chaos BANGKOK: Thai Airways struggled to resume regular services yesterday following heavy rain, though the government said floodwater in the capital Bangkok was expected to recede within three days if no more rain fell. over two to three days last week, nearly as much as the sprawling low-lying city usually gets in the whole of September. Passengers queue to claim baggage from Thai Airways flights at Suvarnabhumi Airport. – REUTERSPIC

remain stranded at the airport, but these would be cleared within 72 hours, according to Chai. Thailand’s Cabinet has approved over 4 billion baht (RM485.9 million) to address the impact of the floods, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said, adding that another long term drainage project costing 160 billion baht had also been given the go-ahead. Some 1,267 businesses across 40 provinces have been affected by flooding, including 52 factories and 1,162 small and medium enterprises, according to Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa. Nationwide, economic damage caused by the flooding was estimated at over US$320 million (RM1.3 billion). – Reuters

At least 23 people have been killed across Thailand, including four in Bangkok, due to heavy rains and floods in 42 provinces since Sept 16, the Interior Ministry said in a statement. Although Bangkok’s main airports kept running through the weekend rain and flooding, some baggage handling operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport were severely affected, with 69 Thai Air Force personnel called in on Monday to support ground operations of Thai Airways. Around 5,600 bags from Thai Airways flights

Thai Airways plans to cut about 30 flights, about 30% of its planned departures from Bangkok, its Chief Executive Chai Eamsiri told reporters. The reduction in flights from Bangkok will last for at least three days, he said. “Almost 100% of flights over the past two days were delayed, with fewer than 3% on schedule as operational capacity could not be sustained,” he said. Bangkok received around 320mm of rain