03/10/2026

IS S N 314 1 -1517

SATURDAY OCT 3, 2026

RM1

9 773141 151009

Malaysian passport climbs to second place globally

Home minister says achievement reflects global confidence in security of nation.

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY Nepal pledges cooperation to establish status of missing 54 Safe return of solo traveller from disaster zone beacon of hope for families awaiting updates.

Report on — page 3

SCAN ME No. 9293 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

MCMC quizzes social media platforms over deepfake of grieving Tun M

Report on — page 3

Report on — page 4

Media regulator condemns manipulation of authentic bereavement footage and warns of strict action.

Aston Martin's Canadian driver Lance Stroll steers his car during the first practice session yesterday ahead of the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang. – AFPPIC

F1 live on RTM! Report on h page 2 PM says free-to-air broadcast allows citizens across country to enjoy historic Bahrain GP hosted at Sepang.

SATURDAY | OCT 3, 2026

2

KUALA 2026 Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix (GP) in Malaysia, which begins today, will be broadcast live via RTM. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this move would allow the excitement of the world-class race to be shared and enjoyed by all citizens across the country. “Great news for all Malaysians! RTM will broadcast the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia in 2026 live so that the excitement of this race can be enjoyed together. “I hope this live broadcast gives people in every corner of the country the opportunity to experience the thrill of the world-class race from the Sepang International Circuit (SIC),” he said in a post on his Facebook page yesterday. The race will take place at SIC from today until Sunday. On Thursday, Anwar participated in the Pit Lane Walk held in conjunction with the race and discussed hosting preparations with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister LUMPUR: The

F1 Bahrain GP to be aired live on RTM, says Anwar

conducted. But it’s okay, we move on.” Lee also claimed that access to RM3 million in allocations for the Petaling Jaya constituency had previously been blocked and that the funds were being managed by party representatives instead of the elected MP. He said the situation had become more serious following his suspension as he could no longer debate or state his position within the party. Lee said he had spoken out on several issues, including the Urban Redevelopment Act, the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System, the Sales and Service Tax, university admission for STPM holders and guidelines on riba in Selangor. “However, the people’s problems will not stop just because I have been told to remain silent.” Lee said he joined PKR as his first political party and had devoted much of his younger years to its cause, including participating in street demonstrations and facing charges under the Peaceful Assembly Act. He said he remained committed to progressive and multiracial politics, institutional reform and a Malaysia that embraced diversity. Lee also thanked Petaling Jaya residents for their support, citing his involvement in efforts to stop the Petaling Jaya Dispersal Link project, delay the Selangor Intelligent Parking plan, push for a public hospital in Petaling Jaya and address flooding issues. He said his Petaling Jaya service centre would continue operating despite his resignation as MP. Asked whether he would join another political party, Lee said he had already made a decision but declined to elaborate. “I’m quite sure all of you know where I’m going but today I want to focus on my decision to resign as an MP.” On whether he would be the last PKR MP to resign, Lee said: “I don’t know. You have to ask them. I can only decide for myself.” Lee’s resignation took effect yesterday. Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Sultan Ibrahim and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj Sultan Ibrahim. Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari and Bahrain’s ambassador to Malaysia Dr Waleed Khalifa Al Manea. Upon arrival, Prince Salman walked past a guard of honour mounted by 28 officers and personnel from the First Battalion Royal Ranger Regiment led by Captain Muhamad Thabrani Mohamad Sharudin.

1999 to 2017 before it was dropped from the F1 calendar, Bernama reported. The prestigious race’s return to Malaysia follows successful diplomacy between His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and King Hamad Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain. Earlier yesterday, Prince Salman arrived in Malaysia for a special visit in conjunction with the race. The special aircraft carrying Prince Salman landed at the Bunga Raya Complex, KL International Airport at 12pm yesterday. On hand to welcome him were the Tunku Temenggong of Johor

o ‘Broadcast will allow excitement of world class race to be shared and enjoyed by all citizens across the country’

International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain. The agreement allows the Bahrain GP to remain on the 2026 F1 calendar after the race, initially scheduled for earlier this season, was cancelled due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Malaysia previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang from

of Bahrain Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during a phone call. SIC was selected to host the 2026 F1 Gulf Air Bahrain GP, making the iconic circuit the temporary venue for the prestigious Bahraini race. In July, Formula 1 confirmed Malaysia as the host for the race from Oct 2 to Oct 4, following an agreement between Formula 1, the

Petaling Jaya MP had been inactive in PKR affairs: PM Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung had long stayed out of party affairs and the former PKR leader had not attended party meetings or congresses. “So, it is appropriate. If he is no longer interested, there is no problem,” he told reporters after visiting the Malaysian Royal Air Force quarters yesterday. Anwar, who is also PKR president, said Lee should leave on good terms and thanked him for his contributions. He also said the constituency allocations would remain unaffected while ongoing projects would continue without disrupting schools, surau , mosques, temples, roads or other facilities. “We have made sure that the projects continue. He does not need to be the MP. If he wants to give his views we can accept them. But it does not mean that because the MP resigns, projects should stop. That is not right.” Earlier, Lee announced his resignation as the Petaling Jaya MP, effective immediately, after his party membership was suspended for three years. Lee said he had submitted his resignation letter to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul yesterday after meeting him at 3pm to hand over his duties. He said he would submit his resignation from PKR by Monday. “I, Lee Chean Chung, have today decided to resign as the MP for Petaling Jaya without conditions. There are no conditions,” he said at a media conference yesterday. Lee said his decision came after he received written notification on Wednesday evening that his PKR membership had been suspended for three years. “I have not been given the opportunity to give evidence or an explanation. Not even a hearing was

Work to refurbish RMAF quarters being expedited KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the relevant parties, including Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh, to expedite efforts at the Royal Malaysian Air Force quarters so that housing can be provided. apartment blocks formerly used by the TUDM personnel in Sungai Besi would be refurbished and are expected to be ready for occupancy in 2027. She said the two blocks comprise 80 units each, which would provide a total of 160 units. development formed part of the company’s commitment involving 50ha of Malay Reserve Land, with the current 10ha parcel being the first phase. She said details on the project’s investment value are still being evaluated and could not be disclosed at this stage. Anwar, with Wan Shamilah, after visiting the site of the RMAF apartment refurbishment project in Sungai Besi yesterday. – QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI/THESUN

“The existing buildings are in good condition and suitable for refurbishment. “We have already started refurbishment works. As you can see, the grounds have been cleared and work is already under way. “As this is Malay Reserve Land, our target market will be the Malay community.” Wan Shamilah said the

“I have already asked for the refurbishment to be expedited, and Hannah Yeoh is also involved, to expedite the recovery so that we can provide housing,” he said after visiting the Royal Malaysian Air Force quarters in Sungai Besi yesterday. KLCC Development Sdn Bhd head Wan Shamilah Wan Muhammad Saidi said two

She added that further details on the development are still being finalised. The RMAF Sungai Besi quarters are currently abandoned and unoccupied following the complete relocation of the air base’s operations to Sendayan Air Base, Negeri Sembilan, in 2018. – by QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI

SATURDAY | OCT 3, 2026

3

Ministry: Gazette padi-growing areas to sustain rice cultivation PUTRAJAYA: State governments have been urged to gazette padi-growing areas to sustain rice cultivation and strengthen the country’s food security after the rice self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) declined last year. SSR measures how much of a country’s domestic demand for a particular food or agricultural product it can meet with its own production. According to the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, the proposal was among the matters discussed with state agriculture executive councillors at the second Agriculture and Food Security Ministers Meeting 2026 chaired by its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu on Thursday. The ministry said the proposal takes into account the decline in rice cultivation areas, which contributed to the fall in the rice SSR from 68% in 2018 to 54.3% in 2025, as well as a recommendation in the Auditor General’s Report to gazette padi-growing areas to preserve the amount of land used for rice cultivation. “Malaysia’s reliance on imported rice was estimated at 1.416 million metric tonnes, worth RM2.953 billion in 2025,” the ministry said in a statement yesterday. Agriculture executive councillors from nine states, representatives from state Economic Planning Units, Finance Ministry and Economy Ministry as well as senior officers, department heads and agency chiefs under the ministry attended the meeting. The ministry added that the meeting also discussed measures to strengthen the country’s food-producing areas by zoning them in structure and local plans, in line with the National Land Use Master Plan. Among the measures are the immediate gazetting of 24 state agro-food areas under Permanent Food Production Parks, Permanent Ruminant Production Parks and Aquaculture Industry Zones, as well as implementing the Livestock Farm Regularisation Scheme and Food Area Protection Mechanism in Sabah and Sarawak. “These measures support the ministry’s efforts to raise the SSR for strategic commodities while increasing domestic production and strengthening the country’s food resilience and security.” It said the meeting also considered a proposal for state governments to participate in the Malaysia Fest in Singapore which has served as a platform to promote Malaysian agro-food products since 2006 through the Malaysia Fruits, Food Fiesta programme, giving local entrepreneurs greater opportunities to enter the Singapore market. “Malaysia Fest has shown positive growth, with attendance rising from 75,000 in 2017 to 179,400 in 2025, while sales increased from RM6.59 million to RM15.8 million.” It said the meeting also reviewed the status of the National Agro-Food Empowerment Programme under the 13th Malaysia Plan, with 347 projects worth RM349.15 million approved out of 782 applications totalling RM2.09 billion received this year. Also discussed were the findings of the 2024 Outcome Evaluation Study of the Land Optimisation Programme. – Bernama

Nepal to help establish status of missing Malaysians

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Nepali prime minister agrees to facilitate efforts to help families obtain certainty about loved ones, says Anwar

Nation records 28.8 million international visitors this year KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s tourism sector continues to show positive momentum with 28.8 million international visitors from January to August, a 1.8% increase compared with the same period last year. Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (promotion) Mohd Akbal Setia said the positive performance reflects the continued appeal of Malaysia as a tourism destination and the importance of strengthening international tourism partnerships. “The development is particularly relevant as the country continues to strengthen its industry under the Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 campaign.” He was delivering a speech on behalf of Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing at the opening of the International Tourism, Arts and Culture Exhibition and Conference 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday. Mohd Akbal said tourism is an important economic driver contributing over 15% to Malaysia’s GDP, with its benefits extending across the tourism value chain to support businesses and livelihoods, from hotels and e-hailing services to local artisans and family-run restaurants, Bernama reported. “In only its second edition, the conference has brought together 154 exhibitors from 35 countries, reflecting the organisers’ and industry partners’ commitment to establishing this event as an international platform for the tourism, arts and culture sectors.” He said the platform is vital for expanding joint promotions and creating new tourism experiences. emergency response team, the Nepal Tourism Board, local authorities and travel agencies to establish the whereabouts and status of those still unaccounted for. Viewpoint at 3.26pm on Aug 25, a day before the floods and landslides struck. Nagthali Viewpoint is situated on higher ground, well above the Rasuwagadhi area. He said the man had been stranded for some time due to damaged roads and bridges, while disruptions to electricity, water supply and Wi-Fi further affected his ability to move around and communicate. Recent reports said about 5,700 people, including more than 600 foreign nationals, remain missing, while the death toll had reached 1,451. The Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu has also been coordinating with Nepal’s

KUALA LUMPUR: Nepal has agreed to cooperate with Malaysia in efforts to establish the status of Malaysians who remain unaccounted for following the floods and landslides that struck the country. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah had agreed to facilitate efforts to help the families obtain certainty on the status of their loved ones. “I have had conversations with the prime minister, and he is willing to give all the cooperation. We have asked the attorney-general to follow through. “They have their laws, (we have) our laws. The (applicable) period is six or seven years, while theirs is three.

“But we can still apply to the courts, and he said he will give all the cooperation necessary to facilitate this so that the families can get the results as soon as possible,” he said after visiting the Royal Malaysian Air Force quarters in Sungai Besi yesterday. Earlier, media reported that one of the 55 Malaysians reported missing in Nepal has been found safe and has returned home. Malaysia Solidarity: Families in Hope spokesman Dr Manivannan Rethinam said the Foreign Ministry informed the families in an official update yesterday that the man arrived safely in Malaysia yesterday

morning and was reunited with his family after 37 days of uncertainty. Manivannan said the update was shared through the ministry’s WhatsApp group. A spokeswoman for the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu also confirmed that a Malaysian man arrived at the embassy on Wednesday and identified himself as one of the 55 Malaysians reported missing following the Aug 26 floods. Manivannan said direct communication with the man’s next of kin indicated that the Chinese Malaysian, who had been travelling alone, was at Nagthali

‘Passport’s second-spot ranking reflects global confidence in Malaysia’ Saifuddin Nasution said Malaysian passport holders now have access to 175 destinations worldwide, providing them with greater mobility. – BERNAMAPIC

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s second place ranking in the world for passport strength is an achievement that reflects global confidence in the stability, security and integrity of the country’s systems, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The Malaysian passport climbed to second spot in The Passport Index Global Ranking 2026, up from third place the previous year. He said the achievement also brings tangible benefits to the people through wider access to international travel while opening up more opportunities in education, careers, business and investment.

them with greater mobility. He added that the achievement is the result of continuous efforts by the Home Ministry and the Immigration Department to ensure that the country’s immigration system and travel documents continue to have high standards of integrity and security. “In terms of business growth and investment, it makes it easier for Malaysian entrepreneurs to explore new markets, build international business networks and create more economic opportunities, ultimately benefiting the country.” – Bernama

“Under the Madani Economy framework, the country’s key focuses include raising the growth ceiling by expanding its international reach, strengthening its diplomatic standing and enhancing competitiveness on the world stage,” he said in a post on his Facebook page yesterday. Saifuddin Nasution said the country needs to have strong, credible and trusted systems to ensure that the doors to global opportunities remain wide open to Malaysians. He also said Malaysian passport holders now have access to 175 destinations worldwide, providing

SATURDAY | OCT 3, 2026

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

4

MCMC takes action over manipulated Tun M video

Company seeks to resolve dispute over massive quit rent increase PETALING JAYA: Berjaya Hills Resort Berhad (BHRB) is seeking to resolve a disagreement with the Pahang government over a 13-fold increase in quit rent, which the resort operator said could affect investor confidence. The dispute began in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the state government revised quit rent rates for BHRB. Its annual bill rose from RM2.4 million in 2019 to RM33.7 million in 2020, an increase of 1,304%. BHRB operates major tourism properties in the area, including Colmar Tropicale, The Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort and Berjaya Hills Golf Resort, which attract domestic and international visitors. In a statement yesterday, BHRB described the increase as unprecedented in Malaysia and claimed that no landowner globally had faced a land tax revision of such scale. Between April 2020 and December 2022, BHRB submitted 11 appeals to the state government seeking a review and tax remission. The annual bill was eventually reduced to RM25.75 million, still 973% above the 2019 rate. BHRB said it paid about RM42.65 million in quit rent and associated penalties under protest between 2020 and 2026. It continued to seek a review from the state administration, including the menteri besar, but said it received no response. The company initiated judicial review proceedings at the Temerloh High Court in April 2023. The court dismissed its application in May 2024, ruling that the judiciary could not interfere with the state government’s policy decisions on land taxation. The Court of Appeal upheld the ruling on July 16 this year. BHRB filed an application for leave to appeal to the Federal Court on Aug 14, and the application is scheduled to be heard on Dec 8. On Sept 28, state authorities initiated enforcement action. BHRB said the measures affected staff quarters, the central laundry facility and other essential operations. While respecting the decisions of the High Court and Court of Appeal, BHRB said it was disappointed by the rulings. It described the enforcement action as heavy-handed and irregular while its application to the Federal Court remains pending. The company maintained that the measures disrupted its operations and went against its legitimate expectations as a long-term operator. BHRB, which has extensive properties in the state and on Tioman Island, added that the tax increase and enforcement action could impact domestic and foreign investment in Pahang. It said it remains hopeful of a favourable legal outcome and urged the state government to resume discussions towards an amicable resolution. In the meantime, BHRB said it would take the legal steps necessary to protect its operations, employees and their families. – by Andrew Sagayam

o Social media platforms contacted following circulation of AI-generated footage linked to death of Siti Hasmah

Technology should not be used to distort the truth or exploit someone’s grief at the expense of dignity and humanity,” the commission said in a statement. The incident comes amid growing concern over deepfakes. In March, the government warned that deepfake technology was increasingly being used to fabricate content, often targeting the likenesses and voices of prominent public figures. MCMC has been working with social media platforms and law enforcement agencies to curb harmful online material. The public was urged to verify digital material before sharing it, avoid creating or distributing misleading content, and report suspected deepfakes to platform moderators or the authorities.

the recent death of his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said yesterday it had contacted the relevant platforms to address the video. It warned that action could be taken under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 if any law was found to have been breached. The video appeared online shortly after Siti Hasmah’s death on Sept 28 at the age of 100. MCMC condemned the manipulation of genuine footage during a period of bereavement, saying that distorting the context of an event to mislead the public or undermine the dignity of grieving families “should not be taken lightly”. “While AI offers significant benefits, the technology must be used responsibly.

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s media regulator has contacted social media platforms over AI-manipulated footage showing former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad grieving

Commuters waiting for the train at the Seksyen 7 Shah Alam station. – BERNAMAPIC

LRT3 boosts businesses along Shah Alam line SHAH ALAM: Three months after it began operations, the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) Shah Alam line is boosting local businesses as rising ridership creates opportunities for traders and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME). The 37.8km line also improves access to commercial areas and attractions, including Jambatan Kota in Klang, Section 7, Universiti Teknologi Mara and Shah Alam Stadium, with the potential to support domestic tourism. Little India, the Sultan Abdul Aziz Gallery and Heritage Trail Art Safari easier to reach. “Tourists do not need to worry about parking issues or traffic congestion, as they can use public transport to travel from one location to another,” he said. The LRT3 project, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on June 28, cost RM16.63 billion and is expected to benefit about two million residents along the route between Bandar Utama and Johan Setia in Klang.

Student Muhammad Noor Fadzly, 25, said the LRT3 gave him more travel options for getting to campus, visiting commercial areas and running daily errands. “I used to rely heavily on my own vehicle and had to deal with traffic congestion, but now it is much easier to travel to commercial areas for food, services or daily errands,” he said. Snacks entrepreneur Lizawati Shukor, 46, who has been in business for 25 years, hopes the LRT3 will bring more customers to her business near Pasar Jawa. She said business had increased since the line opened, giving her confidence that the area could remain a hub for MSME. Lizawati said the business area, which has been operating since the 1970s, had historical significance and could benefit further from better public transport access. First-year student Nurul Asyiqin Mohd Sham, 20, said her first ride on the LRT3 left a positive impression, citing affordable fares, short waiting times and comfortable trains. – Bernama

For Shahjahan Jalal Khan, 48, a cendol vendor at Jambatan Kota, the nearby LRT3 station has brought more customers to the family business, which his father started at Pasar Jawa in the 1970s. Shahjahan, who took over the business in 2015, said he had previously relied heavily on regular customers, but sales had risen since Jambatan Kota station opened on June 29. “We can now sell up to 800 bowls of cendol a day, especially on public holidays and weekends,” he said. He added that the line could also support domestic tourism by making attractions such as

The Shah Alam line connects to the city centre through interchange stations at Glenmarie 2 and Bandar Utama. Prasarana Malaysia Bhd has deployed 40 feeder buses and 40 Rapid On-Demand vans to support the line. It is targeting 67,000 passenger trips a day in the first year of operation, rising to a projected 117,700 a day within five years. Prasarana’s My50 pass helps reduce commuting costs, encouraging more residents to use public transport and leaving them with more to spend at businesses along the route.

SATURDAY | OCT 3, 2026

5

Psychiatric assessment ordered for murder accused o Court seeks to

Sarawak GOF makes seizures worth RM84m

The charge, under Section 3 of the Kidnapping Act 1961, read with Section 34 of the Penal Code, carries a prison term of between 30 and 40 years and whipping. Tengku Arif Bongsu and married couple Nidarahayu and Raibafie also face an additional 19 charges involving more than RM250,000 under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. – Bernama KUCHING: The Sarawak Brigade General Operations Force (GOF) carried out 29 successful raids across six operations from Sept 14 to 30, with seizures valued at an estimated RM84.42 million. Its commander SAC Datuk Lim Bak Phai said 41 people were arrested, comprising 30 locals and 11 foreigners. He said the cases involved various offences, including storing and selling cigarettes and liquor without Customs clearance, illegally trading subsidised fuel and smuggling controlled goods and frozen products. “Additionally, the operations involved the collection and processing of timber without a permit, immigration and drug offences, as well as the processing and sale of ketum water,” he said in a statement yesterday. He said Ops Taring Libas in Tatau, Kuching and Betong resulted in the seizure of logs, processing equipment, diesel, machinery and lorries worth RM76.83 million. “ Ops Taring Bravo in Sri Aman recorded the seizure of diesel, skid tanks, machinery and lorries worth RM3.79 million, while Ops Taring Batas/Awas at five locations involved immigration offences, drugs, subsidised fuel and smuggling, with seizures valued at RM2.18 million. “ Ops Taring Alpha at five locations involved the seizure of untaxed cigarettes and liquor worth RM1.46 million, while Ops Taring Chiller in Miri recorded the seizure of 2,826kg of frozen products worth RM158,995,”he said. Under Ops Taring Mitra, two local men were arrested for allegedly processing and selling ketum water. Officers seized 15kg of ketum leaves, 138 bottles of ketum water, equipment and RM1,042 in cash, with a total value of RM7,849. – Bernama Woman fatally struck on bridge KUALA TERENGGANU: A woman, believed to be mentally challenged, was killed after being hit by a car while lying in the middle of the road on the Sultan Mahmud Bridge here early yesterday. Kuala Terengganu district police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor said police received a call from a member of the public at 2.15am about an accident involving a Proton Waja and a pedestrian. “Initial investigations found that the incident occurred when the driver, travelling from Gong Badak in Kuala Nerus towards Kampung Gong Sentul in Kuala Berang, hit a pedestrian who was lying in the middle of the road. “Due to the close distance, the driver was unable to avoid the pedestrian. Ainun Wahab, 39, died at the scene after suffering serious injuries to several parts of her body,” he said in a statement. – Bernama

determine whether woman fit to stand trial over killing of mother IPOH: The Magistrate’s Court yesterday ordered a woman charged with murdering her mother to undergo a psychiatric assessment. Magistrate Norizan Riduan made the order under Section 342(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code to obtain a report on whether Chew Loong Thye, 49, is fit to stand trial. Chew is alleged to have murdered her mother, Ching Lai Khieng, 70, at a house in Laluan Kledang Utara 6, Taman Wang, Menglembu, between 7.15pm and 7.30pm on Sept 27. She nodded after the charge was read to her in Cantonese. No plea was recorded as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court, Bernama reported. Earlier, when Norizan asked whether she was taking psychiatric medication, Chew said she was unsure. The court set Nov 2 for mention

Chew being escorted by police at the court complex. – BERNAMAPIC

in her death. Ching, who was bedridden and needed around-the-clock care, had recently been discharged from a care home in Pusing. She had returned to the family home, where she was being cared for by Chew and her son-in-law.

been stabbed by her daughter. On Sept 28, Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said Ching had been found with a fatal stab wound to her chest. Police suspected that her daughter, who had a history of psychiatric treatment, was involved

and submission of the psychiatric report and related documents. DPP Ainin Sofiya Azlaini appeared for the prosecution, while Chew was unrepresented. The media previously reported that Ching had been found dead at the house and is believed to have

Health officer ordered to enter defence on sex charges PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court ruling upholding the acquittal of a health officer on seven charges of having unnatural sex with a woman and ordered him to enter his defence. A three-member bench chaired by Datuk Noorin Badaruddin allowed a prosecution appeal against the Kota Bharu High Court decision on Dec 10, 2025, which upheld the acquittal of Mohd Faris Helmi Ab Rahim, 38, on all seven charges under Section 377B of the Penal Code. “The High Court’s order Sessions Court before another judge to enable the respondent to enter his defence in accordance with the law, and the case management date at the Pasir Mas Sessions Court is fixed for Oct 15, 2026,” said Noorin, who sat with Datuk Hayatul Akmal Abdul Aziz and Datuk Meor Hashimi Abdul Hamid on Thursday. On April 16, 2024, the Pasir Mas Sessions Court acquitted and discharged Mohd Faris Helmi after finding that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against him. station in Salor. The offences were allegedly committed between 5.30pm on July 29, 2019, and 1pm on Sept 18, 2021. Section 377B of the Penal Code carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and whipping. Noorin said the Sessions Court judge had erred in law by applying the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt at the close of the prosecution case. the respondent’s defence. “We find that the High Court also failed to correct the error and instead upheld the Sessions Court’s decision. Therefore, there are proper grounds for this court to intervene in the decisions of both courts.” Noorin said the woman’s testimony was direct evidence concerning the acts at the centre of the charges and was not intrinsically incapable of belief.

“A witness’s credibility may be challenged, but that does not mean the evidence is intrinsically incapable of belief. “Whether the witness’s evidence ultimately withstands proper scrutiny at the conclusion of the entire case is a matter that should be decided after the respondent has been given an opportunity to answer the prosecution’s case.” – Bernama

“By treating the question of consent or lack of consent as an element that the prosecution was required to prove under Section 377B, the Sessions Court judge erred in finding that the evidence of the first prosecution witness (the victim) was insufficient at that stage, when the evidence was not intrinsically incapable of belief, and the matters raised against her were matters that should properly be tested through

The decision was subsequently upheld by the Kota Bharu High Court. According to the seven charges, Mohd Faris Helmi allegedly had unnatural sex with a 34-year-old woman who owned a bakery, in a car in front of a religious secondary school in Pasir Mas and at a petrol

upholding the decision of the Sessions Court is set aside. We find that a prima facie case has been established against the respondent (Mohd Faris Helmi) on the charges under Section 377B of the Penal Code. Therefore, the respondent is ordered to enter his defence. “The case is remitted to the

Arrest warrant issued for missing accused KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court has issued an arrest warrant for one of eight individuals charged with detaining a Palestinian man to obtain secret information about software used to hack mobile phones. court that efforts to find him at his home in an oil palm plantation area had been unsuccessful. The bailor said a police report had been lodged.

The trial, which began on July 7 last year, has heard eight prosecution witnesses and is scheduled to resume on Oct 12. According to the charge, the eight allegedly acted with common intention to detain the 31-year-old victim to obtain secret information on how to create and deactivate software used to hack mobile phones. The offence was allegedly committed at Jalan Mayang here at 10.40pm on Sept 28, 2022.

since January and the authorities are still trying to locate the accused,” she said. Mohd Arief Emran subsequently revoked Muhammad Iqmal’s RM50,000 bail. The seven other accused are Tengku Arif Bongsu Tengku Hamid, 45, Mohamad Naziree Mustapha, 45, Faizull Hardey Mohd Isa, 47, Mohd Zaidi Mohd Zain, 60, Nidarahayu Zainal, 40, Raibafie Amdan, 45, and Edy Ko’im Said, 46.

DPP Zailin Nadia Zubir said police had also been unable to locate Muhammad Iqmal since Sept 11. “The police went to Tanjung Sepat, Kuala Langat and interviewed the named individual’s (Muhammad Iqmal’s) father, but he said Muhammad Iqmal had not returned to the village

Judge Datuk Mohd Arief Emran Arifin issued the warrant after Muhammad Iqmal Abdul Rahis, 31, failed to attend case management proceedings yesterday. Asked about his absence, Muhammad Iqmal’s bailor told the

SATURDAY | OCT 3, 2026

6

Apam balik flavours drawing crowds

KOTA TINGGI: With a family recipe that goes back 19 years, the Jalan Mawai “apam balik” here continues to draw customers from across the district. Despite the rising cost of its ingredients, its original flavour version is sold for as little as RM4 apiece. Shop manager Nelta Efrida Zulfadhli, 37, said all ingredients are prepared daily. The flour batter is freshly made at the premises, and the corn is prepared in-house instead of from a can. “We have raised prices previously, but we are mindful of our customers. Given our high sales volume, we have managed to maintain a profit margin and have no plans to raise prices for the time being,” she told Bernama recently. o Shop in Johor offers Nutella, Japanese red bean paste, pistachio, matcha, peanut butter and Lotus Biscoff options

with sales of between 600 and 700 on weekend days, adding that sales are higher at the Jalan Dhoby outlet due to better traffic, especially at night, compared with the Larkin Sentral location. Teo, who is from Batu Pahat and has more than 17 years of experience in the food and beverage sector, said establishing Donuf has helped him significantly in areas such as cost management, operations and business development. He said he focuses on attitudes, skills and commitment when hiring. demand added between RM2,000 and RM2,500 to daily sales on regular days and about RM4,500 during the holidays, peaking occasionally as high as RM6,000. The original version is the bestseller, followed by the Nutella and Japanese-style with red bean paste options. Other flavours offered include pistachio, matcha, peanut butter and Lotus Biscoff. She previously also supplied her products at events such as public tea receptions in Mersing and Kota Tinggi and at Hari Raya gatherings in Johor Bahru. A key challenge of the business is a shortage of workers, particularly when trying to meet demand for event catering. “Many have contacted us for orders, but if we take (workers) from another branch, that shop will have to close (for the day),” she said, adding that they have a branch in Kota Tinggi. Her current focus is to expand her target market via social media platforms such as TikTok instead of opening more branches, to ensure product consistency. “It is better to focus on one location and reach more people, making sure they know about our shop and products.”

Nelta Efrida showing the various ‘apam balik’ sold at her shop. – BERNAMAPIC

part-time workers. The business started using 5kg of flour daily in 2007, increasing to as much as 55kg daily during holiday seasons. Nelta Efrida said the rise in

“Customers are not only from the surrounding areas. Some come from as far as Skudai, Kulai, Simpang Renggam and Mersing just to buy our ‘apam balik,’” said Nelta Efrida, who has three full-time and two

Her husband, Mohd Shahrizal Supri, 41, is the second generation operator of the family business. Nelta Efrida, now a mother of three, joined the business in 2009 after they were engaged.

Pastry chain targets 100 outlets by 2029 JOHOR BAHRU: Artisanal bakery Donuf founder Arron Teo has set a target to open 100 outlets nationwide by 2029 following positive growth since starting operations in April. the year, while another six will follow next year, with plans to raise the number of outlets to 20 by 2028. emerged more than a decade ago when he noticed that his friends often had to choose between enjoying a doughnut or a puff pastry.

friends and customers. “We asked them to try the products without telling them the combinations. They gave their feedback, and I combined their various suggestions to improve along the way,” he said. Donuf has 12 flavours currently, that includes cocoa, Bebe Berry, Vani (vanilla), Gaya Kaya, Matchi, Lemo, Ono and Garu-Garu. Chocolate and strawberry flavours are among the most popular. He said Donuf currently sells about 300 to 400 pieces a day on weekdays,

“Johor will be one of our key markets, with a target of at least five outlets before we expand to Kelantan, Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Sabah and Sarawak,” he told Bernama at the Jalan Dhoby outlet. Teo, 32, said opening a Donuf outlet involves an investment of about RM400,000, excluding recipe development costs and research and development expenses. He added that the idea for Donuf

“I have many Malay friends, and they enjoy eating doughnuts and puff pastries. So I thought, why not combine the two so people can enjoy the taste of a doughnut, along with the cream and crispy texture of puff pastry in a single product?” Teo experimented and modified the recipe more than 20 times to achieve the right taste and texture, and also gathered feedback from

Donuf offers a hybrid product that combines a doughnut with puff pastry. “There are currently two outlets at Jalan Dhoby and Larkin Sentral, with monthly sales reaching as much as RM70,000,”Teo said. Two additional outlets at Angsana Mall and Senai International Airport are expected to open by the end of

SATURDAY | OCT 3, 2026

COMMUNITY 7

Book chronicles 100-day intellectual journey across 15 countries KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah recently officiated at the launch of “Kembara Dunia: 100 Hari, 40 Syarahan, 15 Negara”, authored by respected scholar Prof Emeritus Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang. global society. “My travels around the world gave me a deeper understanding of the dynamics and mechanisms of change that have enabled small nations such as Qatar, Norway and the Netherlands to nurture citizens with a broad outlook and a global mindset.

KOTA BHARU: The lights go down, and a white screen fills with moving shadows. Behind it, the tok dalang (puppeteer) guides carved puppets that bow, fight and dance in silhouette, accompanied by a traditional Malay ensemble and the voice of a storyteller. Audiences never see the colourful puppets themselves, only sharply defined shadows that bring tales such as Hikayat Seri Rama to life. Yet the puppets are far from simple props. Each is crafted with care, often by artisans who are also tok dalang . Kelantan wayang kulit practitioner Kang Boon Ann, also known as Che Ann, said the puppets carry floral motifs and delicate patterns that audiences never see, and that making them demands intense concentration. Che Ann, a Peranakan Chinese, is one of the few people in Kelantan still actively preserving the shadow puppet theatre show, an art form more closely linked with the Malay community. His wife and two children also perform under the Sri Cindayu Wayang Kulit Association. Che Ann, 58, fell for the puppets at age seven and has spent more than three decades making them, while also serving as tok dalang of the Published by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Press, the book chronicles the author’s intellectual journey across 15 countries, including Japan, Germany and the United States, from April 16 to July 26, 2025. Beyond a travel account, the book captures the author’s encounters, observations and reflections, offering readers a broader perspective on knowledge, research, higher education and societal development across the countries he visited. Zaini, in his speech at the launch, said the journey saw him deliver 40 lectures and engage with more than 1,000 people through formal and informal sessions at various locations. “Throughout the journey, I had the opportunity to discuss, explore and reflect on various important issues, particularly those concerning career and contributions, education, development, leadership, sustainability and the future of

“They have achieved a high level of development in specific areas and have even gained influence in regional geopolitics,” he said. Meanwhile, UTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim said the publication underscored the role of intellectual mobility in connecting knowledge networks across borders. “In an increasingly interconnected world, universities must nurture scholars who are not only knowledgeable but also broad minded, capable of engaging in cross-cultural dialogue and confident enough to showcase Malaysia’s wealth of knowledge to the world.” The ceremony was also attended by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, UTM Board of Directors chairman Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar and about 500 guests. Zaini, who is also Malaysian Qualifications Agency chairman, has held key leadership positions in

Sultan Nazrin flanked by Saarani (left) and Zaini during the book launch. – BERNAMAPIC

academia and government, serving as UTM vice-chancellor from 2008 to 2013 and later as secretary-general in several ministries with portfolios spanning Higher Education,

Environment, Water, Energy, Green Technology, Human Resources and Health. His contributions have earned him the 2009 Merdeka Award and the

National Engineering Icon 2025 award, while his extensive portfolio of works includes more than 300 scientific articles, 2,000 general articles and 58 books. – Bernama

Kelantan puppet maker keeps wayang kulit craft alive

o Peranakan Chinese master practitioner creates traditional props by hand and also teaches technique to novices

these should not be broken. Seri Rama’s puppet, for example, must be green, while his younger brother Laksamana is red. He said there are more than 100 characters in wayang kulit , and that the art reflects human life, with rulers and commoners, old and young, heroes and villains. Secondary characters allow more freedom with colours, but traditional motifs must still be respected. While demand for performances has been slow, the market for puppets is healthier. Through steady publicity, including live puppet making demonstrations on his digital platforms, Che Ann receives regular orders. The best-sellers depict Seri Rama, Sita Dewi, Hanuman Kera Putih and Rawana. Buyers are mostly collectors or people seeking distinctive decorations, and some orders come from Singapore and Switzerland. Large, intricate pieces sell for about RM600 each, while others cost RM300 to RM550. He knows similar handmade puppets could fetch more than RM1,000 in places like Central Market in Kuala Lumpur, but keeps his prices affordable so the heritage art stays within reach of people from all walks of life. Filling orders is getting harder because of a scarcity of good cowhide. Today’s cattle, he said, are

association. At his workshop in Kok Lanas, he told Bernama that the puppets are the soul of every performance. He uses cowhide, which he says is soft and suits the main characters. Goat hide, in his view, is too thin except for small supporting figures, while buffalo hide is too thick. Preferably fresh, the hide is first dried in the sun. In very hot weather, this takes about a month. The hair is then removed by hand and the character is sketched on the surface. The hardest stage follows. With only nails of different sizes and a metal hammer, Che Ann punches thousands of holes to form intricate patterns. These pock marks let light through, so the puppet’s face, clothing and accessories appear in detail on the screen. One slip can spoil the whole design. Machines can speed up the punching, he said, but cannot match hand skills. The time needed depends on complexity. He can finish three simple characters, such as villagers or attendants, in a day. A principal figure like Seri Rama, or an elaborate piece such as a banyan tree or palace, can take up to a week. For Che Ann, preserving the tradition means following the rules set by earlier generations of tok dalang . Every character has its own identity and philosophy, he said, and

Puppets made without preservatives can last decades if kept away from moisture. – BERNAMAPIC

carving puppets died with him. He therefore runs puppet-making workshops at schools and universities, and at events organised by cultural agencies. Through these efforts, more people are coming to see wayang kulit as an appealing heritage craft, not just puppets moving behind a piece of cloth. His approach is to let people learn the craft by showing how the puppets are made. Once they try hammering the nails themselves, he said, they begin to appreciate and love the art form. As long as his hands can hold the hammer and his eyes stay sharp enough to guide each strike, Che Ann intends to keep carving, with every hole punched a small assurance that Kelantan’s wayang kulit will survive for generations.

mostly raised on commercial feed, so their hides are fattier, less firm and duller when dried. This makes punching harder and paint absorption uneven. Grass-fed cattle of the past, he said, gave cleaner, brighter hides. Hides from local breeds are also harder to find as larger imported breeds such as Charolais now dominate the market, and their hides are too thick. A single piece of local cowhide can take a month to obtain. Puppets made without preservatives can last decades if kept away from moisture. Damp storage is their biggest enemy, he said, so during the monsoon season, they must be taken out and dried again to prevent mould. Che Ann believes his decades of work would be wasted if the skill of

Che Ann said the puppets carry floral motifs and delicate patterns that audiences never see. – BERNAMAPIC

SATURDAY | OCT 3, 2026

FOLLOW

ON YOUTUBE

8

Malaysian Paper

/theSunMedia /

Taiwan receives first F-16V fighter jets from US

Developing countries hit by crises WASHINGTON: Rising energy costs, a super El Nino and soaring borrowing costs are increasing pressure on developing countries, with conditions nearing those of the pandemic when the G20 suspended debt payments for the poorest nations, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said yesterday. Global policymakers are expected to discuss the huge challenges facing developing countries at the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in the Thai capital Bangkok from Oct 12 to 18, UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo told reporters. He said events could trigger a “domino effect with many, many countries being pushed into financial distress“, but stopped short of calling for a new round of debt relief. The IMF-World Bank meetings will bring together top financial officials from around the world for talks on the global economy, AI, climate change and other challenges, as government borrowing costs hit their highest in several decades. At the same time, the strongest El Nino weather effect since 1950 is expected to trigger more floods in some regions and droughts in others, plunging an expected 49 million more into food insecurity by the end of 2027. De Croo said UNDP surveys conducted since the start of the Iran war showed that it has morphed from a regional conflict to “a crisis which has an impact on about 100 countries”. Many governments have taken steps to shield their citizens from the surge in oil prices but their fiscal coffers are now running low and their debt levels are rising, with no real relief in sight, he said, adding that countries should focus on measures to help the most vulnerable. While some countries are diversifying their energy sources and adapting their food systems, those efforts would take time, leaving them in a “really tough, tough spot” for now, he said. UNDP chief economist George Gray Molina said a major shift was seen in September as some governments began to allow higher energy prices to flow through to citizens, and started rolling back subsidies, tax relief and other steps that had kept food and energy prices largely in check since the war began. – Reuters Unemployment rate rises in Japan TOKYO: Japan’s unemployment rate in August rose to 2.5% from 2.4% in the previous month, deteriorating for the first time in five months, Kyodo News reported, citing the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry. The number of people with jobs increased by 30,000 from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted 68.34 million, the ministry said. Of those not employed, 810,000 left their jobs voluntarily, likely in search of better working conditions, up 8% from July, while 400,000 were dismissed, rising 5.3% from the previous month. The number of people newly seeking jobs grew 2.2% to 460,000, according to the ministry. “The job market is not in bad shape,” a ministry official said, adding that more workers quit to seek better opportunities than for other reasons. “The increase in voluntary job departures appears to have been the main driver of the latest rise in the unemployment rate.” Over the past two years, the unemployment rate has always rebounded the month after falling to 2.4% or lower. The job availability ratio was unchanged from July at 1.18, meaning there were 118 jobs available for every 100 job seekers, according to separate data from the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry. Eight of the 11 sectors saw declines, led by accommodation and restaurant services with an 11.1% drop, followed by a 10.2% decrease in wholesale and retail, it said. – Bernama-Kyodo

SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said yesterday Seoul would take “further measures” if Ukraine refuses to publicly apologise over what he called its unilateral disclosure of North Korean prisoners of war (POW) being sent to South Korea. Seoul has taken a hard stance on Ukraine disclosing the transfer of two soldiers captured fighting for Russia, warning that their families could be targeted by Pyongyang. The POW were captured by Ukrainian forces early last year after being deployed alongside thousands of North Korean troops to support Russia’s war against Ukraine, in exchange for economic and military assistance to Pyongyang. Hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed last week the transfer in remarks at the United Nations, Lee expressed his dismay, with Seoul claiming that confidentiality was key to protecting the relatives of the POW. Seoul later demanded an official apology from Ukraine, saying both sides had reached a “clear understanding” during consultations to keep the transfer confidential – citing concerns for the safety of the POW families in TAITUNG: The first two of a batch of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets ordered in 2019 arrived in Taiwan yesterday after months of delays, helping to strengthen an air force that has to scramble almost daily to shadow China’s military. Taiwan faces a rising military threat from Beijing, which claims the democratically governed island as its own territory. Taipei has complained of repeated delays to weapons ordered from the United States, its most important international backer and arms supplier. The delivery to Taitung’s Chihhang Air Base on the island’s mountainous east coast comes amid growing concern in Taiwan about the Trump administration’s commitment to arming Taipei, despite Washington saying there has been no change in policy. The aircraft, which flew via Hawaii and Guam, touched down at noon (0400 GMT). Speaking to reporters at Parliament in Taipei shortly before, Defence Minister Wellington Koo said there would be other new F-16Vs arriving soon, although he did not give details. “Of course, we will not only have these two by year-end.” The United States in 2019 approved an US$8 billion (RM32.6 billion) sale of Lockheed Martin F-16V fighter jets to Taiwan, a deal that would take the island’s F-16 fleet to more than 200 jets. But issues that included software problems have delayed delivery of the planes. The arrival of the first two comes almost exactly a week after US President Donald o We continue standing with friends and allies across Indo-Pacific to advance shared prosperity, security and values: Washington

A Lockheed Martin F-16V fighter jet landing at Taitung’s Chihhang Air Base yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

published by RBC-Ukraine and other Ukrainian outlets on Thursday. Sybiha said he would “not like to call it an incident”, describing it instead as a “diplomatic misunderstanding”. “South Korea is an important country for us. And I very much hope for momentum, continued cooperation and concrete results that we are indeed achieving with them.“ North Korea is known to retaliate against defectors and their families. Both POW are identifiable as they had been photographed by South Korean media before their arrival to the South. Seoul’s spy agency said Zelensky may have disclosed the transfer of the North Korean soldiers to boost public support in South Korea for Seoul providing arms to Ukraine, a lawmaker said on Wednesday. South Korea has in recent years emerged as a major arms exporter, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 and including through a multibillion-dollar arms deal with Poland. But it has refrained from supplying Kyiv with lethal weapons, citing its long-standing policy of not arming countries engaged in active conflicts. – AFP unwilling to provide Taiwan its most advanced fighters, such as the F-22 or F-35. An upgrade programme for Taiwan’s existing F-16s was completed in 2023. The United States is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself but the two have no formal diplomatic relations. Beijing has repeatedly told Washington to stop arming Taiwan. The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the arrival of the F-16s. “We continue standing with friends and allies across the Indo-Pacific to advance our shared prosperity, security and values – that includes Taiwan,” a US State Department spokesperson said when asked about the new F-16s. – Reuters

North Korea. “If Ukraine continues to refuse to acknowledge the facts and publicly apologise, we will take further measures,“ said Lee, accusing Kyiv of making him out to be a “liar”. “This is a matter concerning the dignity of the Republic of Korea and its people, and cannot be overlooked.“ Analysts say from South Korea’s perspective, keeping the transfer of the POW confidential may have partly been for Ukraine’s sake, as making it public could have complicated Kyiv’s own prisoner exchanges with Russia. In domestic South Korean politics, however, Seoul’s approach “could prove problematic”, said Myongji University political science professor Shin Yul, given the current administration’s dovish approach to the nuclear-armed North. “The government has acted swiftly in this case involving Ukraine, while exercising extreme caution over the North Korean landmine incident (that injured South Korean soldiers). That contrast could leave the public deeply dissatisfied.” Lee referred yesterday to an interview with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. Trump said in May, after meeting Xi in Beijing, he was holding a new US$14 billion package for Taiwan in abeyance, although he did approve one worth US$11 billion in December 2025. US officials believe a Chinese invasion of Taiwan before 2028 is increasingly unlikely, individuals familiar with US thinking told Reuters. Taiwan holds its next presidential election in early 2028. “China’s intention to annex Taiwan by force has never changed,” said Koo. The F-16Vs have advanced avionics, weapons and radar systems to better counter the Chinese air force, including its stealthy J-20 fighters, although Washington has been

Seoul warns of ‘further measures’ if no apology received