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Saifuddin clarifies distinction between ancestry of foreign spouse and ethnic registration of child. Marriage does not confer Bumiputera status

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

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SCAN ME No. 9304 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Prep now for El Nino Report on h page 2 Fomca urges government to shield households from potential spike in utility and food costs.

Cooling off on the job. A worker finds relief from the scorching sun. Fomca warns that temperatures forecast to exceed 41°C between March and May next year could strain both households and harvests. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Safety net for workers

Building better roads

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‘Up to six-month financial relief available for retrenched employees and those affected by wage adjustments’.

Government prioritising resilient infrastructure, smarter technology and better connectivity under 13MP: Minister

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Early action urged as Super El Nino threatens households

‘Measure Budget 2027 by results, not allocations’

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

PETALING JAYA: The government should measure Budget 2027 by whether it delivers better jobs, more productive businesses and stronger domestic industries rather than by the size of its allocations, said senior analyst Ng Sze Fung. Ng, from independent, non-profit public policy research institute Bait Al Amanah, said additional spending should strengthen productive capacity, improve public services and generate lasting economic returns. “A bigger budget is not necessarily a better budget. What matters is whether every additional ringgit is stretched to produce better economic opportunities for Malaysians and positive spillover effects for the economy.” The RM510 billion spending and investment envelope is up 8.5% from RM470 billion in 2026. Ng said with growth forecast to moderate from 4.8%–5.3% in 2026 to 4.2%–5.2% in 2027, continued public spending could help sustain domestic economic activity, but a larger budget does not by itself guarantee stronger growth. He also said the fiscal deficit is projected to narrow from 3.6% of GDP in 2026 to 3.3% in 2027, but operating expenditure of RM376.8 billion, alongside debt servicing and other recurring commitments, would limit fiscal flexibility. He added that the government needs to strengthen revenue collection, improve spending efficiency and continue reforming subsidies and procurement without undermining essential services or long-term investment. Ng said the increase in financing facilities and loan guarantees from RM50 billion to RM57 billion should be accompanied by practical support to help SMEs become more productive. He said access to financing alone would not necessarily improve productivity, adding that SMEs also need help adopting technology, developing workers’ skills and reaching larger markets. He proposed linking financing programmes with technical assistance, workforce development and stronger industry ties. “Their effectiveness should be measured by improvements in business productivity, market expansion and the creation of better-paying jobs rather than financing disbursement alone.” Ng also called for the one-percentage-point cut in income tax rates for eligible SMEs and MSMEs to be complemented by incentives that encourage productive investment. He proposed that the government review existing tax incentives and strengthen compliance to ensure revenue forgone delivers meaningful economic returns. “The real question is not whether businesses pay slightly less tax but whether the tax system encourages them to invest, become more productive and create better jobs.” Under the GEAR-uP programme, government-linked investment companies will mobilise RM25 billion in investments. Ng said the funds should help domestic companies commercialise technology, expand operations and compete internationally, while remaining commercially sustainable and generating appropriate risk-adjusted returns. He said the investments should also be assessed by whether they develop technology, strengthen domestic supply chains and create high-skilled jobs. He called for a time-bound transition for MSMEs with annual sales below RM50 million that are exempt from the minimum wage increase to RM2,000 from June 2027. Ng said income classifications alone might not reflect differences in household needs, including living costs, access to public transport and family responsibilities. He said subsidies remain necessary to cushion immediate cost-of-living pressures but better wages, affordable transport and reliable public services are equally important to make living costs more manageable over the longer term.

expenditure, particularly among lower-income families who already spend a substantial portion of their income on essential food items.” He also urged authorities to closely monitor agricultural production, food supplies and prices, while strengthening enforcement against profiteering and unjustified price increases. Saravanan said elderly residents living alone, outdoor workers and families in poorly ventilated homes would be particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, making targeted financial assistance and public health protection equally important. He stressed that the federal government must immediately initiate a nationwide, multi-agency preparedness programme rather than wait for extreme weather to strike, with clear responsibilities for authorities and utility providers. “Preparedness today could prevent greater hardship tomorrow,” he said, stressing that early intervention would likely cost far less than dealing with the financial, social and health consequences of delayed action. “The government must lead, utility providers must act and consumers must prepare. The time to start is now, not when El Niño is already affecting our daily lives.”

o Fomca calls for national preparedness programme involving ministries, utility providers, regulators, public health agencies

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

energy-efficient appliances announced under Budget 2027, saying the incentive may be insufficient to help poorer families replace ageing refrigerators and air-conditioners. “For a low-income family, RM200 may not be sufficient to make the purchase of a new energy-efficient refrigerator or an air conditioner affordable,” he noted. Saravanan proposed higher targeted incentives and an appliance trade-in scheme for B40 households, senior citizens and persons with disabilities to help reduce long-term electricity costs without adding to their financial burden. Beyond rising utility bills, he said prolonged dry weather could disrupt agricultural production and food supply chains, potentially driving up the prices of essential goods and placing further pressure on household budgets. “Depending on the severity and duration of the conditions, disruptions to food production and supply chains could place additional pressure on food prices. “This would directly affect household

PETALING JAYA: The government is being urged to introduce early measures to protect households from potential cost-of-living increases, as climate forecasts point to a significant El Niño event in 2027 that could stress utility supplies and food prices. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) CEO Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said prolonged extreme heat could deepen financial hardship for families already struggling with daily expenses, particularly low-income households unable to afford higher utility bills or energy-efficient cooling appliances. His warning comes as the Meteorological Department projects that temperatures could exceed 41°C between March and May next year, potentially surpassing the country’s all-time record of 40.1°C set in Chuping, Perlis, in April 1998. Department director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the anticipated Super El Niño could be more intense than the 1997/1998 and 2015/2016 episodes, with its index projected to exceed 2.5, compared with the previous peak of 2.3. Against this backdrop, Saravanan said Malaysia could not afford to wait until extreme heat triggers water disruptions, surging electricity demand and higher food prices before taking preventive action. “Preparedness must begin now and the government must take the lead.” He called for an urgent, coordinated national preparedness programme involving ministries, utility providers, regulators and public health agencies, adding that a fragmented response would leave vulnerable communities exposed. Saravanan said prolonged hot weather could force households to rely more heavily on air-conditioners and fans, pushing up electricity consumption, while reduced rainfall could threaten reservoirs, water catchments and agricultural production. However, he cautioned against placing the burden of conservation entirely on consumers while inefficiencies in electricity and water supply systems remain unresolved. He also urged the government to increase the Nur Madani rebate of up to RM200 for

PAYING RESPECTS ... Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad reciting Surah Yasin and offering prayers for his wife, the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali at a tahlil ceremony held at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Malaysia, China enhancing cyber scam security BEIJING: Cross-border investigations and the recovery of assets stolen through cyber scams are among Malaysia’s key priorities in strengthening security cooperation with China, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. visit to Beijing and Tianjin, which began on Monday. He said Malaysia and China are also strengthening intelligence sharing, and coordinating investigations and enforcement operations to address cross-border crime. remains close. Ahmad Zahid said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has held several discussions with his Chinese counterpart on the matter.

He also said Malaysia, through the Drug Prevention Committee that he chairs, recognises the need for cross-border cooperation, with both countries making good progress in their efforts. On cyber scams, he said Malaysia joined a programme under the International Alliance Against Telecommunications and Cyber Fraud on Sept 10, with cross-border investigations and stolen asset recovery identified as priorities. “To strengthen the legal framework against cybercrime, I personally tabled the Cybercrime Bill in the Dewan Rakyat during the parliamentary meeting last July.” – Bernama

Both countries have established a joint security committee, which also focuses on addressing drug smuggling. “Besides intelligence sharing and enforcement, we are adopting new methods to obtain early information on drug smuggling operations and facilities used to process illicit drugs. “These efforts are underway and will be further strengthened,” he said, adding that cooperation between Malaysian police and China’s National Narcotics Control Commission

He said closer bilateral cooperation would help both countries address transnational crimes while delivering practical benefits under their comprehensive strategic partnership, particularly in security and law enforcement. “We face several challenges in dealing with cyber scams as the victims are not limited to Chinese nationals. That is why I believe bilateral cooperation between our countries is crucial in addressing this problem.” Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development minister, is on a five-day working

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Retrenched employees eligible for insurance support

backdrop, the government was targeting 20,000 refugee registrations under the programme in 2027, up from approximately 6,000 this year. He added that the initial target comprises 4,010 refugees held at immigration detention depots and another 2,000 living outside the facilities. He also said the registration exercise would be expanded as authorities gained experience in conducting identity verification, biometric registration and security screening. – By Harith Kamal Malaysia and Singapore will hold a technical working group meeting on Nov 5 to review the emergency response plan for Johor’s Linggiu Dam, Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said. He told the Dewan Rakyat that the review would cover flood inundation maps, early warning systems and evacuation zones. He also said sirens would be installed in critical areas to alert residents to potential emergencies and facilitate evacuations. CITIZENS TOLD NOT TO POLICE REFUGEES Malaysians have been warned against taking the law into their own hands when confronting Rohingya refugees, with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail urging the public to leave enforcement to authorised agencies. He told the Dewan Rakyat that suspected offences should be reported to the police, following concerns over videos showing individuals confronting refugees and aggresively demanding to see thier UNHCR documents. M’SIA DECLINES HAGUE GROUP OFFER Malaysia has declined proposals to co-chair The Hague Group alongside South Africa over concerns that international treaty commitments could conflict with the Federal Constitution, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said. He added that Malaysia would remain a co-sponsor of the coalition, which comprises approximately 40 countries seeking greater accountability for Israel’s actions against Palestinians. GOVT STUDYING DATA CENTRE REQUIREMENTS The government is reviewing the actual electricity and water requirements of data centres amid concerns that operators are requesting more power capacity than they consume, Energy Transition and Water Transformation Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said. He added that the Energy Commission was assessing electricity demand, particularly in southern Peninsular Malaysia. He also said data centre operators could consider generating their own electricity through solar energy or battery storage systems, subject to regulatory approval. REVIEW PLANNED FOR JOHOR DAM

BR I E F S

second quarter of 2026 also demonstrates that minimum wage increases strengthen domestic demand without undermining price stability.” He also said the government would intensify price monitoring and anti-profiteering enforcement while allocating RM700 million for 30,000 targeted Rahmah Sales programmes nationwide. Akmal said another RM50 million would fund 5,000 Agro Madani sales programmes.

could face legal action, including fines or imprisonment. Addressing concerns that higher wages could push up consumer prices, he said inflation had remained manageable despite previous wage adjustments. He added that inflation eased from 1.8% in 2024 to 1.4% last year, while remaining at 1.7% in the first quarter of this year and around 1.9% to 2% in the second quarter. “Strong GDP growth of 5.4% in the first quarter and 6% in the

o Up to six months’ allowance to help provide financial relief during job search: Minister

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

following the wage revision. Under Budget 2027, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the minimum wage would increase from RM1,700 to RM2,000 beginning June next year, benefiting more than four million workers. However, Akmal said the government recognised the need to balance higher employee earnings with business sustainability, particularly among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME). He noted that businesses

PETALING JAYA: Employees who lose their jobs because their companies restructure to absorb Malaysia’s higher minimum wage of RM2,000 can receive unemployment support for up to six months, as long as they are covered by the Employment Insurance System (EIS). Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the assistance would provide temporary financial relief to affected workers

while they searched for new employment, amid concerns that the wage increase could trigger retrenchments and higher operating costs. “If adjustments to the minimum wage result in company restructuring and employee

recording annual sales below RM50 million would be exempted from the new minimum wage requirement to allow sufficient time to adjust their financial arrangements and business operations.

AT THE DEWAN RAKYAT

retrenchments, affected workers covered under the EIS will be eligible to claim benefits, including the Job Search Allowance, to support their livelihood for up to six months,” he told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He was responding to Sri Gading MP Aminolhuda Hassan , who sought clarification on measures to prevent job losses, rising consumer prices and additional financial pressure on smaller businesses

The MSME sector currently employs about 8.09 million workers, accounting for 48.7% of Malaysia’s workforce. He also said enforcement of the revised minimum wage would be carried out by labour departments in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak under the National Wages Consultative Council Act 2011. Akmal said workers could lodge complaints against employers who failed to comply, while offenders

Akmal said workers could lodge complaints against employers who failed to comply, while offenders could face legal action, including fines or imprisonment. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

‘Child of Malay-foreign Muslim spouses can be Malay’ PETALING JAYA: A child born to a Malaysian Malay and a foreign Muslim spouse can be registered as Malay, but marrying a Malay citizen does not give the foreign spouse Malay ancestry or Bumiputera status. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said parents of children born from legally recognised marriages between Malaysian Malays and foreign Muslims could choose whether to register their child’s ethnicity according to the mother’s or father’s ancestry. descent, the mother or father may choose whether the child is registered according to either parent’s ancestry, whether Malay or that of the foreign national,” he said in a written parliamentary reply on Monday. However, he clarified that foreign Muslims who marry Malaysian Malays do not automatically become ethnically Malay, as their original ancestry remains unchanged. “Marriage between a foreign Muslim national and a Malaysian of Malay descent does not change the foreign national’s ancestry to Malay. “Their ancestry remains foreign nationals.” Saifuddin also emphasised that determining Bumiputera status and eligibility for associated rights or privileges falls outside the NRD’s jurisdiction. He added that such eligibility was governed by the relevant laws, policies and conditions imposed by the respective government agencies or authorities. Under Article 160(2) of the Federal Constitution, a Malay is defined as a person who professes Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language and conforms to Malay customs, while also meeting specific ancestry or birth-related conditions linked to Merdeka Day. The constitutional definition means that professing Islam or marrying a Malay citizen alone does not automatically establish a person’s status as Malay. Asylum seekers entering country as tourists: Home minister PETALING JAYA: Some asylum seekers are entering Malaysia as tourists on social visit passes even before the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has decided on their applications for refugee status, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He said individuals from conflict “Some may be in Yemen, Syria or Afghanistan, or other countries facing circumstances that force people to leave. “They submit their applications, but before UNHCR in Kuala Lumpur has even made a decision, they arrive here as tourists on social visit passes,”he said during minister’s question time. the office to ask about the status of their applications. That is the reality.” He was responding to Putrajaya MP Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin, who questioned whether the government’s Refugee Registration Document programme could encourage further arrivals and create opportunities for syndicates to exploit the registration process. will not be given the opportunity to be considered under the (programme).” He also said Malaysia was currently dealing with approximately 225,000 refugees recorded by UNHCR, although authorities lacked comprehensive information on their identities, whereabouts and security screening status. “If a child is born from a marriage legally recognised under Malaysian law between a foreign Muslim national and a Malaysian of Malay unchanged, and the National Registration Department (NRD) does not determine or alter the ancestry of He was responding to Labis MP Pang Hok Liong, who asked whether foreign Muslims married to Malaysian Malays could be recognised as Bumiputera and enjoy the rights and privileges accorded to the community, as well as the conditions governing such recognition. Meanwhile, Article 153 of the Federal Constitution safeguards the special position of Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak, alongside the legitimate interests of other communities. – By Harith Kamal

“We only have the numbers. We do not know their names, where they are, how old they are or even their addresses, let alone their security screening status.” Saifuddin said against this

Saifuddin said some applicants subsequently gathered outside the UNHCR office in Jalan Bellamy, Kuala Lumpur, seeking updates on their applications. “Every week, they gather outside

Saifuddin said the government had introduced a January 2023 cut-off date to prevent the programme from becoming an incentive for new arrivals. “Anyone who entered after that date

affected countries were applying for refugee status online before travelling to Malaysia, despite having yet to receive a decision from the United Nations refugee agency.

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‘Ageing assets, climate hazards straining road network’

Influencers advised not to exploit 3R issues for content KUALA LUMPUR: Social media influencers have been reminded not to exploit issues involving race, religion and royalty (3R), particularly religious rituals, for online content, in the interest of preserving harmony in the country’s multiracial society. National Unity Deputy Minister R. Yuneswaran said influencers with large followings should be more responsible in producing content and spreading positive values instead of playing on 3R sentiments. He was commenting on a widely spread issue involving an influencer who is believed to have participated in a religious ceremony during a Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves, Selangor. Yuneswaran said the ministry views issues involving religious rituals seriously and expressed hope that it would be handled tactfully, adding that the investigation has been left entirely to the religious authorities and police. He urged the public not to rush to judgement or politicise the issue, but rather to allow authorities to conduct their investigation and resolve the matter promptly. In addition, he invited social media influencers to work with the ministry to promote the Federal Constitution, Rukun Negara and National Nationhood Programme. On Sunday, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department confirmed that it has begun investigating a widely spread post involving an individual believed to be Muslim who was alleged to have participated in another religion’s ritual in contravention of Islamic law. Meanwhile, the investigation into the video allegedly showing a Muslim individual participating in a non-Muslim religious ritual has been referred to relevant authorities. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the parties concerned would provide updates on the investigation after obtaining complete information on the matter. He was speaking after attending the Madani Knowledge Assembly with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim here on Monday, Bernama reported. The event began with welcoming remarks by Zulkifli before an opening lecture by Turkish Islamic scholar Sheikh Prof Dr Muhammad Fadhil al-Jilani al-Hasani on Imam al-Ghazali’s interpretation of Surah Yusuf. Zulkifli said the Islamic Development Department and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department are continuing their monitoring efforts and raising public awareness of the issue.

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Govt must rethink how streets are designed, maintained, protected to remain reliable for future generations: Minister

“When it is implemented, it will of course use AI as well.” He said technology is already being used in road planning, management and maintenance, including at monitoring centres handling road operations. “We must move together with industry players globally. Technology is very dynamic. “On AI, we are already applying it in managing, planning and maintaining our roads – federal roads, state roads and roads under local authorities. We are using AI.” MLFF is a barrier-free toll collection system that allows vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping at toll booths. The system was announced by the government in 2022 as part of plans to introduce barrier-free toll collection on highways. The conference, held with the sixth International Road Federation Global Asia-Pacific Regional Congress, involved 118 technical papers and 112 exhibition spaces. public comfort. “Through the initiative, we want to provide facilities that are not only clean, attractive and fragrant but also smarter and more comfortable for the public. “The use of smart technology allows cleanliness and maintenance standards to be monitored more efficiently, systematically and continuously,” he noted. Meanwhile, Nga said participation in the ministry’s Toilet of the Year Awards has increased by 146%, from 345 entries in 2023 to 849 this year. The awards ceremony will be held on Oct 20, covering eight categories comprising shopping complexes, petrol stations, hotels, rest and service areas, restaurants, schools, houses of worship, and local authorities. He emphasised that the awards encourage private-sector participation in efforts to improve public sanitation standards. Nga added that the ministry would intensify its cleanliness initiatives ahead of Visit Malaysia 2027, noting that the condition of public toilets could influence tourists’ experiences and perceptions of the country. He also called on Malaysians to regard the upkeep of public toilets and their surroundings as a shared responsibility.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s road network is facing growing pressure from traffic demand, ageing assets, higher maintenance costs and climate-related hazards, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi yesterday. He said extreme heat, floods, landslides and seismic risks have added to the challenge of keeping roads reliable, requiring the government to rethink how roads are designed, maintained and protected so that they remain reliable for future generations. He was speaking during his opening address at the 13th Malaysian Road Conference and Exhibition here. Nanta said the 13th Malaysia Plan, covering 2026 to 2030, marks a shift from simply building more roads to developing networks that are more resilient, intelligent and sustainable, while being better PUTRAJAYA: A total of 11,835 school and public toilet upgrades have been carried out nationwide since 2023 under the government’s Clean, Attractive and Fragrant initiative, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. He emphasised that the improvements involved 1,592 toilets under local authorities and toilet facilities at 10,243 schools, through cooperation between the ministry, local authorities and the Education Ministry. He added that 3,182 of the 3,940 public toilets under the administration and operation of local authorities nationwide have achieved ratings of four stars and above, representing 80.8% of the total. “Public toilets reflect the level of civilisation, the culture of cleanliness, the image of our cities and the progress of a nation.” Nga was speaking when officiating at Malaysia’s first smart toilet facility under the initiative at Dataran Putra here yesterday. The facility is equipped with automatic flushing systems, touchless water taps and soap dispensers, as well as an Internet of Things-based fragrance system. Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

and public infrastructure issues from Aug 1, 2023 to Aug 31 this year, of which 22,131 involved roads under ministry agencies while 48,101 were referred to local authorities and other agencies. He stressed that 21,444 of the ministry-related complaints, or 96.90%, have been resolved while the remaining 687 are under investigation. He also emphasised that the figures show a need for a clear channel for road users to report defects and safety concerns. At a press conference after the opening, Nanta said the Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) toll system would use digital technology and AI when it is rolled out in the future.

integrated with economic activity. “High-quality road connections remain vital to trade, logistics, tourism, regional integration and rural development.” He also said the Works Ministry’s priorities include completing the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah and Sarawak, the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road, the Kota Bharu-Kuala Krai Highway and the Lebuhraya Lingkaran Tengah Utama. The ministry would continue upgrading heavily used federal roads and strengthening access to ports, airports, economic corridors, industrial parks and logistics centres, he added. Nanta said MYJalan had received 70,232 complaints on road damage

11,800 public schools, toilets upgraded since 2023

Nga (right) inspecting the facilities at the Clean, Attractive and Fragrant restroom alongside ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr M. Noor Azman Taib (left). – BERNAMAPIC

smoke detectors, user feedback panels and an app to track cleaning activities. He said the technology would allow authorities to monitor cleanliness and maintenance more efficiently while improving

Other include cubicle occupancy indicators and environmental sensors that monitor lighting, air quality, ammonia levels, temperature and humidity. It also incorporates automated floor cleaning and drying systems, features

Call to set up halfway house for child cancer patients in Sabah KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Sabah Branch has urged the state government to establish a dedicated halfway house for children from rural and remote districts. Its chairman Dr Brandon Patrick Senagang said such a facility is urgently needed at the Paediatric Oncology Unit at the Sabah Women and Children Hospital, where between 80 and 100 new childhood cancer cases are recorded annually, with nearly half involving patients from outside Kota Kinabalu. “Many of them come from Pitas, Kota Marudu and Kudat while a large proportion are diagnosed with acute leukaemia, requiring treatment that undergoing cancer treatment and their caregivers, particularly those

family members for extended periods. “I believe this is an area in which the Sabah government can and should take the lead. These are Sabah children, and many of the families affected come from our most distant and underserved districts.” – Bernama

could last up to eight months. “For families living several hours away, the challenge is not limited to the illness itself. They must also find accommodation, bear transport and daily living costs, and in many cases leave behind employment and other

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MyEG, Zetrix under joint scrutiny

o Police to refer any evidence of possible corruption to MACC for further action

between May 19 and Sept 30 that the companies had failed to transfer despite receiving 35 reminders. He also said a RM231 million cheque issued by MyEG could not be processed following instructions from the company. Following the suspension, Zetrix AI said it had proposed a settlement to the government and was working to resolve its outstanding obligations and restore the affected services, subject to regulatory approval.

the investigation. It said the investigation would be conducted independently, fairly and in accordance with the law. The investigation follows the Transport Ministry and Road Transport Department’s suspension of MyEG and Zetrix AI as government revenue collection agents on Oct 5 over RM314 million in outstanding remittances. Transport Minister Anthony Loke previously said the amount was government revenue collected

with PDRM to examine the matter and share information in investigating offences that fall under the police’s jurisdiction.” The commission said police would refer any information suggesting possible corruption to MACC for further action. MACC urged anyone with relevant information to assist the authorities and cautioned the public against speculation or spreading unverified claims that could compromise

Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

AI Berhad after receiving a formal complaint last week. In a statement yesterday, MACC said it received the complaint on Oct 7 and was aware that police were already investigating the matter. “MACC will cooperate closely

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will work with police to examine allegations involving My EG Services Bhd (MyEG) and Zetrix

Teacher denies negligence over death of student KOTA BHARU: A teacher pleaded not guilty in the Magistrates’ Court yesterday to charges of causing a student’s death through negligence and endangering another student’s life in a car crash at a school last year.

Oil palm smallholder held with 42 air rifles KOTA KINABALU: Police seized 42 air rifles of various brands and 456 small boxes of pellets during an operation in Sook, Keningau, and arrested an oil palm smallholder at a hut. Keningau district police chief Supt Erwansyah Abdul Basir said the 50-year-old local man was arrested during Op Laras on Monday after he failed to produce a valid licence or permit for the weapons. “Initial investigations revealed that the suspect is believed to have been selling air rifles for between RM350 and RM500 each around the Keningau district. “The pellets were believed to be sold for between RM30 and RM50 per pack of 10 small boxes. Police also seized five camouflage patterned gun bags,” he said in a statement. Keningau is an interior district of Sabah, about 120 kilometres south of Kota Kinabalu. Erwansyah said police were investigating where the weapons came from and whether the supply network extended overseas. He said the case was being investigated under Section 8(a) of the Firearms Act 1960 for possession of unlicensed weapons. Police were also examining whether Section 7 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971, concerning firearms trafficking, applied. He said police viewed the possession and sale of unlicensed weapons as a serious threat to public safety and urged anyone with information to contact them. – Bernama Five M’sians held in Japan over drug smuggling TOKYO: Five Malaysian nationals have been arrested at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on suspicion of attempting to smuggle around five kilogrammes of cocaine from Malaysia, with an estimated street value of 120 million yen (US$758,000 or RM3.1 million), concealed beneath the insoles of their shoes, Kyodo News reported. Police suspect the five may have been recruited as drug couriers, as questioning revealed that they were facing financial difficulties and had communicated with an unknown individual through a messaging app offering a high degree of anonymity. Four of the suspects have admitted to the allegations, while one has denied them, according to police. All five were arrested on Saturday. Customs inspectors initially discovered bags of cocaine concealed beneath the insoles of two suspects’ shoes, with each shoe containing 500 grammes of the drug. Statements from the two suspects subsequently raised suspicions that they had been travelling with others, leading police to locate three more suspects at the airport with cocaine concealed in their shoes in the same manner. – Bernama-Kyodo

Sakinah Ismail, 57, entered the pleas after both charges were read before Magistrate Wan Mohd I’zzat Wan Abdullah. The first charge alleges that she committed a negligent act that caused the death of a Form One student at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tanjong Mas at 1.40pm on Apr 12, 2025. The charge, under Section 304A of the Penal Code, carries a maximum jail term of two years, a fine, or both upon conviction. The second charge alleges that Sakinah endangered another Form One student’s life by striking her with an SUV at the same place and time. It was brought under Section 336 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail term of three months, a fine of up to RM500, or both upon conviction. Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Nadzir Abdullah appeared for the prosecution, while lawyers Muhammad Hasif Hasan and Wan Fadhil Fayyadh Wan Mohd Zuhairi represented Sakinah. The prosecution sought bail of RM3,000 for both charges. The defence requested a lower amount, saying Sakinah had no prior offences. The court granted her bail of RM2,000 with one surety for both charges and set Dec 6 for mention and submission of documents.

Sakinah being escorted to court to face charges. – BERNAMAPIC The crash occurred in front of the school’s surau.

injured. Preliminary investigations found that Sakinah had allegedly pressed the accelerator by mistake before the car veered off and struck the students. – Bernama

One student died at the scene from severe head injuries, while the other was seriously

Seven-year-old injured in dog attack ISKANDAR PUTERI: A seven-year-old boy was injured after being attacked by a pack of six to eight stray dogs while playing at a playground near low-cost flats in Lima Kedai on Monday. Kota Iskandar assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad said the attack occurred between 3pm and 4pm. The boy fell and rolled on the ground as he tried to escape.

stray dog problem. Pandak called for immediate action to protect residents, particularly children, even if it drew objections from non-governmental organisations. “How long are we going to allow this to happen? Do we have to wait for someone to die before action is taken?” He also visited the younger boy and expressed hope that effective measures would be put in place to prevent similar incidents, especially in residential areas with public facilities. In an earlier incident on Sept 5, two-year old Nur Haira Wafiqah was reported to have suffered serious injuries to several parts of her body after being attacked by five stray dogs in Kampung Tambak, Peserai, Batu Pahat. – Bernama

Johor Bahru for treatment. He said the attack was deeply concerning and required immediate action by the authorities, particularly as it was not the first such incident in the area. At about 6am the same day, a 15-year-old boy was attacked by a pack of eight stray dogs. The teenager managed to drive them away and flee to the building’s staircase, but suffered a leg injury. Pandak said he had met the teenager and advised him to seek treatment at a nearby clinic. The seven-year-old remained under treatment at Sultanah Aminah Hospital. He said the matter had been brought to the attention of the local authority and that Iskandar Puteri City Council was expected to conduct an operation that night to address the

“Fortunately, a man who witnessed the incident threw stones at the dogs from a distance, helping to save the boy. “I was informed of the incident by the village head and went to the flats to inspect the location,” he told Bernama when contacted. Pandak said the boy sustained injuries around his eye, neck, head and body and was taken to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital in

Police seek witnesses after motorcyclist killed KUALA LUMPUR: Police are seeking witnesses to a crash at KM13.1 of the Cheras-Kajang Highway that killed a 23-year-old motorcyclist. Kajang police chief ACP Naazron Abdul control while travelling from Kuala Lumpur towards Kajang and fell into the path of a lorry.

The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving. Police urged witnesses to come forward, particularly anyone with dashcam or other video footage of the crash. – Bernama

“The lorry, proceeding straight ahead, was unable to avoid the victim and struck him, resulting in his death at the scene.” Naazron said the lorry driver had yet to report the crash to the authorities.

Yusof said in a statement yesterday that the crash was reported at about 6pm on Monday. Initial investigations suggest the rider lost

WEDNESDAY | OCT 14, 2026

6

Rise of rental bikes in the Camerons

o Two-wheelers help visitors beat highland gridlock

Cameron Highlands on two wheels comes with limits. Saiful does not allow customers to ride his motorcycles along steep routes towards Gunung Brinchang and Big Red Strawberry Farm because of the risk of accidents and damage. “There have been many cases of riders falling and motorcycles getting damaged,” he said. Another operator, Muhammad Rozeimie Rohimi of Mirza Razia Enterprise, began renting out motorcycles in Kampung Taman Sedia, where he lives, about a year ago. His fleet includes the Yamaha Avantiz and Honda Vario, with rates ranging from RM40 for four hours to RM130 a day, depending on the model. Customers are expected to compensate him for damage sustained during the rental period. For minor damage, such as a broken lamp, the repair cost is assessed, with customers able to pay for the repair or buy a replacement part online and have it delivered to the shop. Fuel arrangements are negotiated between the operator and customer. Those who collect a motorcycle with a full tank are expected to return it with a full tank. Rozeimie plans to expand his fleet with larger-capacity models, including the Honda ADV160 and Yamaha XMAX 250. “Many customers ask for bigger bikes,” he said.

reasonable too,” she said. For rental operator Saiful Nazir, the demand for two-wheel travel presented an opportunity to build a business after the Covid-19 pandemic left many people jobless. The former hotel worker from Padang Serai, Kedah, started renting out motorcycles in 2022 with a fleet of six. He has since focused on Vespa models to distinguish his business from other operators. “Before Covid, there were already people renting out motorcycles here, but not that many,” he said. Bookings are generally strongest from Thursday to Sunday and rise further during public holidays, he added. Saiful charges RM140 for a 24 hour Vespa rental, RM120 for 12 hours and RM75 for a minimum five hour rental. His shop operates round the clock, and he buys both new and second-hand motorcycles in cash. To keep operating costs down, he handles maintenance himself, including changing engine oil and replacing damaged parts. “If you look after the motorcycles properly, maintenance isn’t a problem,” he said. Most of his customers are locals, and the rental process is straightforward. Customers must complete a rental form, pay a RM100 deposit and produce their identity cards and valid driving licences. Two helmets are provided, although customers may use their own. But the freedom of exploring

Ű BY T.C. KHOR AND MASRY CHE ANI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

CAMERON For visitors hoping to make the most of their holiday, the quickest way to explore Cameron Highlands may not be by car but on two wheels. Rental motorcycles offer a practical alternative to avoid gridlock and limited parking, allowing tourists to visit more attractions without spending hours on congested roads. Cameron Highlands recorded 2,100,358 tourist arrivals in 2025, a 52.45% increase from 1,377,732 the previous year, according to Tourism Pahang statistics. Last June, district police chief Supt Azri Ramli cited rising vehicle numbers, limited parking and two lane roads as factors contributing to congestion, particularly around Kea Farm and Jalan Ringlet. For visitor Noaziah Abd Wahab, the choice was simple: leave the car at the hotel and switch to a scooter. Having driven up with friends, she decided to rent a motorcycle rather than risk losing valuable holiday time in traffic. “The roads in Cameron Highlands are badly jammed and I didn’t want HIGHLANDS:

Limited parking and two-lane roads are among factors contributing to congestion in Cameron Highlands, particularly around Kea Farm and Jalan Ringlet. ( Inset ) Visitor Noaziah finds it easy to get around on a two-wheeler. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

to waste time,” she told theSun . With two people able to travel on one motorcycle, she found it easier to get around without having to worry

about parking. “I would recommend that visitors rent a motorcycle when they come here on holiday. The price is

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WEDNESDAY | OCT 14, 2026

7

Philippine VP Duterte faces one charge

o Prosecutors focus on unexplained wealth

votes needed to find her guilty. With at least four senators loyal to the vice-president now absent from the trial – two in jail, another in hiding and a fourth on extended medical furlough abroad – only 14 votes are needed to find her guilty. Senators voted that the constitutionally required two-thirds guilty verdict by “all members of the Senate” referred only to those “capable of participating”. Despite her impeachment by the House of Representatives, the vice president remains firmly in the lead in polling for the 2028 presidential election, independent surveys show. – AFP President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed their concerns over the derailment. Zardari ordered the authorities to “conduct transparent investigations to determine the cause of the accident”. At least 34 people were killed in August 2023 in southern Pakistan near Nawabshah when a train came off the tracks. Crashes and derailments occur frequently on Pakistan’s antiquated railway system, which has nearly 7,500km of track and carries more than 80 million passengers a year. The colonial-era network still has tracks, junctions and bridges dating back more than 150 years, although modernisation is underway as part of the massive China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. – AFP

stand on its own,” Luistro said, referring to allegations that Duterte had failed to declare all her assets, something government officials are required by law to do each year. “We’re going all in here. We believe that the evidence is substantial and compelling and warrants the respondent’s removal from office.” Chief defence lawyer Sheila Sison called the ruling “completely unfair”, noting prosecutors had already put 14 witnesses on the stand to lay out evidence against the vice-president. Last month, in a ruling widely seen as a blow to Duterte, the 24-seat Senate approved a lower threshold of

submitted to the members of the court for a vote or for a verdict of conviction or acquittal,” Senator and presiding officer Francis Escudero said in approving the motion. The unexpected move by prosecutors on the trial’s 39th day came after they presented weeks of evidence backing the now-dismissed charges. Chief prosecutor Gerville Luistro told the tribunal the decision would ease the court’s job and speed up the conclusion of the trial, which began on July 6. “The prosecution believes it has presented sufficient evidence for Article 2 (unexplained wealth) to

funds and a death threat made against President Ferdinand Marcos also be eliminated. Sara Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, has been on trial before the Philippine Senate for months, with conviction on any of four charges carrying a punishment of barring her from elected office permanently. The court is still weighing the last remaining charge, and thus she could still be hit with a ban that would end her bid to become president in 2028 if found guilty. “Articles 1, 3, and 4 shall no longer form part of the Articles of Impeachment ... shall not be

MANILA: A Philippine impeachment court yesterday granted prosecutors’ request to drop two charges against Vice-President Sara Duterte, including an alleged assassination threat against the president, leaving accusations of unexplained wealth the sole remaining count against her. Prosecutors, who last week requested a bribery charge be removed from the case, asked yesterday that allegations of misused

Train derailment kills four MULTAN: At least four people were killed and over a dozen others injured in a train derailment yesterday near Multan in the south of Pakistan’s Punjab province.

Farooq Ahmed, a spokesman for Punjab’s emergency services department, said four people had been killed and at least 17 injured while the cause of the incident remained unknown. Ahmed said 11 ambulances and 30 rescue workers had been dispatched to the scene after the accident was called in at 5.21am (8.21am in Malaysia). A rescue worker at the derailment site confirmed at least four people were killed in the incident giving a higher figure of 25 people injured. An AFP journalist saw the body of one person who had died in the accident inside a train carriage.

A mother and child wearing face masks look on from a bridge in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan. – AFPPIC

Indonesia contains fires JAKARTA: Indonesia has brought forest and land fires in six provinces largely under control, with

remain the most challenging provinces,” he said, adding that authorities were preparing weather modification measures ahead of rainfall forecast from mid-October into November. Central Kalimantan military commander Maj-Gen Zainul Arifin said firefighting operations in Tanjung Puting National Park were difficult due to scattered fire locations, swampy terrain and dangerous wildlife. “The fire locations are widely scattered and the terrain is swampy. There are also dangerous animals, including crocodiles and snakes, so we must take precautions to ensure the safety of our personnel,” he told the meeting. Zainul also reported a shortage of portable water pumps, as vehicles could not reach some affected locations while existing equipment remained deployed for operations elsewhere. – Bernama

the largest remaining affected area at 524.69ha, including 513.89ha within Tanjung Puting National Park, followed by Jambi with 81.50ha and West Kalimantan with 16.34ha. According to BNPB, more than 60,177 personnel from various agencies were involved in the firefighting operations, supported by water bombers, with more than 80% of newly burned areas extinguished each day on average. Looking beyond the immediate firefighting efforts, Prabowo reiterated his proposal to expand the forest police force to 70,000 personnel to strengthen forest protection, suggesting that the national police or military could assist with training. BNPB chief Suharyanto said Tanjung Puting National Park remained a major concern, with additional personnel and equipment deployed to tackle fires in the protected area. “Central and South Kalimantan

firefighting now concentrated on just 639.23ha after nearly 130,000ha were affected. President Prabowo Subianto said the remaining areas requiring firefighting had fallen to fewer than 1,000ha following extensive efforts to contain the fires. “Without large-scale intervention, we would not have been able to handle this situation, especially as we prepare to undertake mitigation measures,” he said in a video released by the Presidential Secretariat yesterday. Figures presented by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prabowo on Monday showed that firefighting had been completed across 129,260.36ha, leaving 639.23ha still requiring attention. Central Kalimantan accounted for

Late Cantopop diva Anita Mui’s ashes missing HONG KONG: The ashes of late pop superstar Anita Mui, once dubbed the “Madonna of Asia”, have gone missing from a monastery here. Mui’s family reported to the police in July after a fan spotted that the urn was no longer in its place, but without going public.

The statement, coinciding with what would have been Mui’s birthday, triggered outrage from fans. Hong Kong police said in a statement yesterday that the case had been referred to the Regional Crime Unit of New Territories South. No arrests have been made as yet. – AFP

But on Saturday they issued a statement saying that the lack of progress in the investigation was causing them “tremendous distress and emotional anguish”.

The diva of Cantopop, a popular music genre sung in the Cantonese language, died from cervical cancer aged 40 in 2003 after selling millions of records.

Passengers gather as ambulances queue up at the site of the derailment near Multan yesterday. – AFPPIC