14/06/2025

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SATURDAY JUNE 14, 2025

Rocket made by UTM students launches into world competition final stages RM40,000 Rimau-1 targets to achieve maximum height of 3,000m set by event organisers in Texas, US.

SCAN ME

SATURDAY | JUNE 14, 2025

RM1

WEEKLY FOCUS MONDAY Technology and social media

TUESDAY Family and parenting

WEDNESDAY Fashion and beauty

THURSDAY Home and living

FRIDAY Travel and leisure

SATURDAY Food and beverage

Authentic Korea Must-try dishes from Gangwon state – P20

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY Malaysia stands in solidarity with all affected by Air India crash Foreign Ministry expresses sincere sympathy and condolences to families who lost loved ones and those impacted by tragedy. SCAN ME No. 8821 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) Report on — page 2

Report on — page 5

p 21 K-pop’s Treasure at launch of new Brice flavour

p 23 Make dad feel special with these Father’s Day gifts

p 25 What to expect in Squid Game’s final season

Report on — page 4 Johorean bets on combination of MyKad number and ‘God-sent digits’ appearing on incense stick lit at temple. Banker wins RM10 million Sports Toto 4D Jackpot

All tour and express buses and lorries exceeding 3,500kg registered after 2015 are required to have a functioning Speed Limiter Device by October while those registered before that year are required to do so by January 2026. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Speed limit from Oct 1 Enforcement involving buses and heavy vehicles aimed at ensuring drivers do not exceed 90kph.

Report on — page 3

SATURDAY | JUNE 14, 2025

2 M’sia expresses condolences over crash

o Consulate general in Mumbai has confirmed no Malaysian on board Air India flight

extended condolences to all those affected. “Our hearts are with the passengers, crew and their loved ones during this tragic time. We stand with Air India and all who have been impacted by this tragedy.” Batik Air Malaysia also shared a condolences message to the people affected by the crash. “Our deepest condolences. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the Air India incident. In the skies, we may fly under different names, but in moments like this, we stand together as one aviation family. To the passengers, crew and loved ones, you are in our thoughts.”

The lone survivor, identified as Viswashkumar Ramesh, was occupying seat 11A, police said. Flights by airlines from Malaysia to Ahmedabad are unaffected and remain on schedule as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has reopened for operations after temporary closure following the deadly crash. Currently, AirAsia Malaysia operates five weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Ahmedabad, while Malaysia Airlines has eight direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Ahmedabad every week, Bernama reported. Malaysia Airlines has also

assistance the consulate general at +91 22 6996 5757 or visit its office at Unit 12A1, 12A2 and 12A3, 13th Floor, Supreme Headquarters Building, 14th & 33rd Road, near Link Square Mall, Bandra West, 400 050 Maharashtra, India. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members when it departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad at 1.38pm local time. Air India confirmed that those on board included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian. may contact

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia stands in solidarity with the governments and people of India, the United Kingdom, Portugal and Canada following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, which went down shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday. The Foreign Ministry expressed sincere sympathy and condolences, especially to the families who lost their loved ones and those affected

by the tragedy. The aircraft, which was bound for Gatwick in London, reportedly crashed into the hostel complex of a medical college in a residential area near the airport, killing more than 240 people. The Consulate General of Malaysia in Mumbai confirmed that no Malaysian was on board and the situation is being monitored. Malaysians in need of consular

Police co-op may be granted development projects PETALING JAYA: The Royal Malaysia Police Cooperative may be given the opportunity to carry out physical development projects under the Home Ministry, subject to its governance performance and compliance with financial procedures. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the proposal was made following a policy announcement by the prime minister, who in principle supported the idea of allowing the cooperative to participate in certain infrastructure works under the ministry’s development expenditure. “These are primarily physical development projects such as the construction and upgrading of state and district police headquarters.” Among the projects identified were the replacement of the ageing state police headquarters in Kelantan, Perak and Penang as well as new district police headquarters in Wangsa Maju, Kapit and Padang Besar. “Projects under the Home Ministry typically involve agencies such as the Public Works Department or PBLT Sdn Bhd. “But if the cooperative demonstrates good governance, competence and the ability to deliver projects at a reasonable cost, then the prime minister is open to considering them as an implementation partner,” he said at a media conference during the 90th Annual General Delegates Meeting of the Royal Malaysian Police Cooperative. “This is not a direct award. All financial rules still apply. But the prime minister’s confidence is based on the belief that if cooperatives are given space, the benefit will be returned to over 100,000 of their members.” Saifuddin added that police infrastructure projects remain a priority under the Home Ministry’s development budget, which is the third largest after the Education and Health ministries. He said any proposal by the cooperative to take part in such projects must still undergo the due process of project bidding and review by the Economy Ministry. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, who also spoke at the event, said the cooperative’s financial performance has remained strong, allowing it to declare its highest dividend payout to date. It recorded a profit of RM50.14 million in 2023, with total membership reaching 119,920, up from 114,000 the previous year. “Share capital increased to RM586.6 million and our total assets as of January 2024 stood at RM1.134 billion.” Razarudin said the cooperative would distribute RM36.14 million in dividends, translating to 58% on share capital and 9.2% on sales capital, the highest distribution recorded by it to date. – By FAIZ RUZMAN

Anwar, accompanied by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, at the event in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Govt mulls writing off Kolej Unikop debt

Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

the people or by God. We must manage with transparency and purpose,” he said, alluding to his early years in public service and emphasis on accountability even during his time studying abroad. He warned against mismanagement, stating that even a profitable cooperative or institution could fall into disrepair without clear oversight. He urged the police cooperative to ensure that projects are not only profitable but well managed. “If one project yields RM100,000, then show us how it benefits members. Don’t just focus on big profits, think about sustainability and public service impact.” Anwar also spoke on Malaysia’s efforts to future-proof its economy through talent development. He said investments in data centres and semiconductor sectors are rapidly growing, with companies investing tens of billions of ringgit. “These are not just economic figures. That’s why we’ve pushed for reskilling and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Already, we’ve recorded 140,000 new TVET participants this year alone.”

including in policing and law enforcement. He commended the police for their exceptional performance during recent regional events involving foreign dignitaries and leaders. “I must express deep appreciation for how efficiently and discreetly our police personnel handled security during major Asean-level meetings. Foreign envoys were impressed. “They noted the professionalism, efficiency and composure of our officers throughout, from traffic to perimeter security.” He added that Malaysia’s law enforcement reputation has quietly become a point of pride and national credibility in international diplomacy. “Some may overlook it, but the ability to organise high-level summits with such order and safety speaks volumes about our institutions. I am proud of our police force for their exemplary work.” Anwar said many do not realise the long hours and unpredictable conditions under which police officers operate, be it rain or shine, day or night. “I’ve said this before. Everyone in a position of responsibility will be questioned, whether by

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday announced that the government is considering writing off the premises debt of Kolej Unikop, an educational institution linked to the Royal Malaysian Police Cooperative, as part of a broader effort to ease financial burdens faced by public service cooperatives. Speaking at the 90th Annual General Delegates Meeting of the cooperative, Anwar said this should not be mistaken for a blanket debt cancellation for all cooperatives. He said the move would be a way to support initiatives that serve public interest, particularly those that enhance education and professional training among Malaysians. “Let’s ensure cooperative-led initiatives bring meaningful returns to members and serve broader national goals.” Anwar’s remarks signal continued federal support for institutions with close ties to civil service sectors, especially those that contribute to upskilling youths such as Kolej Unikop, which offers various diploma and professional courses,

Prioritise critical sectors that boost GDP, says PM MALACCA: State governments must prioritise critical sectors that contribute to GDP to ensure holistic national development, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. electronics industry. “I often remind participants at special state-level development meetings that priorities listed by central agencies, the Economy Ministry and the state governments must be aligned and focused on the actual needs of the people. “State and district leadership must also He said priority under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) should be given to projects related to the electrical and

understand the ministry’s focus, as the demands placed on the federal government often exceed its economic capacity due to various constraints and this must be acknowledged,” he said in a statement after attending the special Malacca State Development Meeting on Thursday. – Bernama

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Speed limit rule for heavy vehicles starts in October

Journalists Day celebration kicks off with carnival KUALA LUMPUR: The National Journalists Day 2025 celebration, themed “Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics,” officially kicked off yesterday. Organised by the Communications Ministry with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, the three-day celebration runs until tomorrow. It began with a carnival, held at the ground floor concourse of Sunway Putra Mall here from 10am to 10pm. The carnival, expected to attract 5,000 visitors, was officiated by Communications Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Telecommunications Infrastructure) Mano Verabathran. The carnival features 20 booths, including those from Bernama, Radio Televisyen Malaysia, Astro, TV AlHijrah and digital portals such as RotiKaya and Vanakkam Malaysia, as well as participation from media agencies in Sabah and Sarawak. Among the activities at the carnival are Bernama’s mini studio, pocket talks, Bernama services, as well as quizzes, lucky draws and a news reading challenge. Nearly 100 strategic partners are sponsoring and contributing to the celebration, an increase from 44 last year. The celebration is expected to gather around 1,000 media practitioners from both domestic and international organisations, making it an important platform for strengthening professional networks and empowering journalistic ethics in the era of artificial intelligence. The celebration will continue today with a forum at Dewan Tun Hussein Onn, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, followed by the main event officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Dewan Merdeka. – Bernama Move to improve reproductive health awareness KUALA LUMPUR: The teaching time for the Reproductive and Social Health Education Guidelines module will be increased in the implementation of the 2027 School Curriculum. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the module, which was launched in November last year, among other things, aims to increase reproductive health awareness among the community, especially students, teachers and parents. “All educational institutions under the Education Ministry are requested to comply with the guidelines to address the issue of sexual harassment. Psychosocial support services also need to be further strengthened to provide support to students,” she said in a statement yesterday. Fadhlina said the ministry takes seriously media reports on the existence of paedophile pages on social media featuring school students, and urged that such pages be reported immediately. “The existence of social media pages that display pornographic and immoral content needs to be curbed,” she said. – Bernama

significant step towards ensuring commercial vehicles meet safety standards, reducing accident risks and protecting lives and property. He said RTD will soon hold a meeting with major vehicle manufacturers and relevant certification bodies to discuss the implementation. Loke highlighted that this is not the only step being taken to address road safety, but the enforcement of SLDs is a crucial element aimed at strictly controlling the speed of heavy vehicles. “Operators who fail to comply with the SLD requirements will not be allowed to operate their vehicles on public roads, including vehicles without valid SLD functionality certification or Puspakom approval.”

He stressed these inspections will ensure that SLDs installed at the factory adhere to the national speed limit, which is capped at 90kph for all buses and heavy vehicles. “Even if the road’s speed limit is higher, such as 110kph on highways, the SLD will still cap the vehicle’s speed at 90kph.” He added that on roads with lower speed limits, such as 60kph zones, drivers are expected to comply with the set limits. “Manufacturers are required to standardise their SLD configurations to only allow a maximum speed of 90kph,” he said, urging all industry players to cooperate fully with the initiative. Loke said this comprehensive enforcement initiative marks a

o Initiative marks significant step towards ensuring safety standards, reducing accident risks, protecting lives and property, says minister

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

documentation and renewal rules apply,” he said at a press conference yesterday. Loke also said the Road Transport Department (RTD) will expand its conformity of production checks at manufacturing plants, first introduced in April 2025 for commercial vehicle models with vehicle type approval from 2015 onwards.

SHAH ALAM: The Transport Ministry has set a deadline of October 2025 for buses and heavy vehicles to activate existing Speed Limit Devices (SLD), and January 2026 for new installations. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the SLD is a speed control system designed to limit a vehicle’s maximum speed, playing a vital role in preventing speeding, especially among vehicles carrying heavy loads or passengers. He said enforcement will be rolled out in phases. Starting October, all tour buses, express buses and heavy goods vehicles over 3,500kg registered from January 2015 must have a certified SLD functionality report. This report, issued by approved parties, must be renewed every two years, submitted during Puspakom inspections and Land Public Transport Agency permit applications, and kept in the vehicle at all times. “Meanwhile, from January 2026, vehicles registered before 2015, including rebuilt and used SHAH ALAM: The Transport Ministry will revamp the Sistem Keselamatan Jalan Raya (Kejara) demerit system, which failed to effectively penalise traffic offenders. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the system, which was designed to award demerit points to drivers who commit traffic violations, has not been functioning as intended. “We acknowledge that the Kejara system is not working. “It has failed to award points to drivers with outstanding summonses. “This overhaul is aimed at addressing the current loophole, where many drivers avoid penalties simply by not settling their fines. “It will ensure prompt and consistent enforcement so that

Loke said SLD configurations to be standardised to only allow a maximum speed of 90kph. – AMIRUL

SYAFIQ/ THESUN

imported heavy vehicles, must activate any existing SLD in their electronic control unit. The same ‘Ineffective’ Kejara demerit system to be revamped

road safety. “This is a shared responsibility involving public, users, drivers and transport companies. “It’s not that we lack laws or regulations, they exist.” In another development, Loke said the owner of the lorry involved in the crash that killed nine Federal Reserve Unit personnel will be taken to court. He said the company’s operator licence has been revoked, and none of its vehicles are allowed to operate. “These are criminal offences, but the victims’ families also have the right to file civil suits against the company to seek compensation and damages.” – By QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI ministry said. The ministry added that the Madani government is committed to positioning the 19th Consal as a key platform to advance libraries as agents of social transformation and human empowerment, in line with national and regional unity objectives. – Bernama

platform to identify such drivers, so this system will help address that issue. When companies hire drivers in the future, they will be able to check whether the individual has a record or not. “Some companies may not be conducting background checks at present, but the tools are there. Why aren’t the operators checking? We need to look at the issue in a holistic way.” Loke said bus operator associations must also play their part by working with the ministry, including blacklisting problematic operators or companies, and removing them from their membership. “Blaming the Transport Ministry alone will not solve the problem of

errant drivers are held accountable without unnecessary delays,” he said yesterday. The Kejara system was introduced in 2017 as part of the Automated Awareness Safety System aimed at reducing road crashes by identifying and penalising repeat traffic offenders. Under the system, drivers who accumulate too many points risk having their driving licence suspended or revoked. Loke also said the Transport Ministry is developing a new centralised database system that will be integrated with the Road Transport Department and police systems to track drivers with past offences or problematic records. “Right now, there is no unified scheduled to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The congress aligns with Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean in 2025 and reflects the nation’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation anchored in the values of unity, knowledge and inclusive societal development.

Malaysia to host 19th Southeast Asian Librarians Congress PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will host the 19th Southeast Asian Librarians Congress (Consal), a four-day event beginning next Monday at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. The National Unity Ministry said “The congress will focus on the role of libraries as strategic partners in community development, catalysts of knowledge ecosystems for

marginalised and differently abled groups and supporters of the Sustainable Development Goals in bridging social gaps,” the

in a statement the congress, themed “Embracing Inclusivity, Empowering Humanity”, is

SATURDAY | JUNE 14, 2025

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Malaysian Paper

/thesun

Good location vital for success of MyKiosk initiative

Banker hits RM10m jackpot with ‘God sent’ numbers combo

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Boiler seized from belacan factory IPOH: The Perak Environment Department has seized a boiler from a belacan processing factory following the discovery of thousands of dead fish floating in drains in Kampung Sungai Payung and Kampung Sungai Tiang Baroh in Bagan Datuk. Perak Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said the factory is believed to have discharged untreated water into nearby drains. “Further checks inside the factory found traces of reddish stains on the floor beneath the boiler which is used to produce steam for heating and cooking shrimp before it is processed into belacan . “The boiler has been seized for investigation purposes as it is believed to be the source of the reddish, untreated wastewater discharged into the drain, which resulted in the death of the fish.” Teh said the case is being investigated under Section 38(1) of the Environmental Quality Act (Amendment) 2024. Meanwhile, he said the Perak Environment Department did not rule out the possibility that the mass fish deaths could have been due to low oxygen levels, which ranged from 0.13 to 0.78 mg/l, compared with the normal level of around 6.5 mg/l and above. “The Envrionment Department will also obtain information on the cause of the fish deaths based on the analyses of fish samples taken by the Fisheries Department.” – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: A banker from Johor won the RM10.38 million Sports Toto 4D Jackpot 1 of the June 8 draw by combining his identity card number and “God-sent” digits. When collecting his winnings at the STM Lottery head office in the capital, the 49-year-old winner said he went to a temple to make offerings to express gratitude and devotion to Buddha during the Wesak Day celebration last month. “I bought a lucky number incense, which displays some lucky numbers when it is lit. So, I bet on the lucky numbers, combining with the numbers from my personal identity card to form the winning combination – 3866 and 5899. “I then proceeded to bet on the same pair of numbers for six draws and they actually won me the jackpot!” he said, adding that he is a long time Sports Toto punter. He said despite the fact that he had become a mutli-millionaire, he would continue to work. “I have my own plans. I want to travel the world with my wife and make unforgettable memories with my winnings. He bought a System 4 ticket, that won him RM10,382,079.25 and another RM672 as System Play bonus. Meanwhile, the Sports Toto 4D Jackpot 1 (i-System) game on May 31 had a total of 110 winners from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Sarawak. The winners shared RM28,069,403.00 from the total of RM34,511,559.64. STM Lottery confirmed the recent big winnings. On May 31, the Sports Toto 4D Jackpot 1 (i-System) was won by several winners from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Sarawak who placed bets on the numbers 5720, 6202 and 6408, sharing a jackpot amount of RM28,069,403.00.

PETALING JAYA: The success of the MyKiosk programme may ultimately hinge on two key factors – strategic location and the willingness of traders to seize opportunities. A check by theSun at the Lake Park Hillpark parking lot in Puncak Alam, where several MyKiosk stalls are located, revealed strong interest from operators, encouraged by the steady stream of customers in the area. The site, selected and managed by the Kuala Selangor Municipal Council, has been praised for its strategic placement with scenic surroundings and ample parking, making it an attractive and convenient stop for visitors. While some traders acknowledged that rental fees for the kiosks are higher than for o Stalls at Lake Park Hillpark in Puncak Alam attract steady stream of customers due to strategic placement in scenic surroundings and ample parking space Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

own restaurants. Adi Amri Rizman, 35, said hesitation among some traders to absorb higher costs might help explain why certain kiosks remain unoccupied. Having previously spent two years as a roadside vendor, Adi also rejected suggestions of cronyism linked to the initiative. “There’s no such thing. We applied on our own. There was no red tape or favouritism,” he said, adding that the process with the council had been straightforward. He believes that both location and product selection play a key role in the success of the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s MyKiosk initiative, which aims to support the B40 group and MSMEs by providing standardised, safe and comfortable business spaces. “In most cases, local authorities set up these kiosks in areas where informal trading was already taking place. Where there were once tents, there are now kiosks.” On product strategy, Adi said traders need to be responsive to their surroundings. “For example, a kiosk outside a shopping mall can’t sell the same goods as one by the roadside. Traders need to be adaptable. It is not just about selling what they’re used to, but about meeting local demand.” As of November last year, 7,243 MyKiosk units have been approved across 133 local authorities nationwide.

traditional roadside stalls, many reported encouraging sales. They rejected allegations of cronyism in the selection of kiosk operators, stressing that the process was transparent and merit-based. “Before operating this kiosk, I was trading under a tent nearby. Then, I found out through the council’s Facebook page that applications for the kiosks were open. “I applied and went through the standard process. I filled in a form at the council office and was later called for an interview,” said Shafawati Abdul Aziz, 41. She added that she was interviewed by a panel of 15, underscoring the council’s rigorous selection approach. “They asked about my business experience, how long I’d been trading and my long-term plans. The focus was clearly on selecting committed entrepreneurs, not people who would sublet the kiosks.” The entire process took about two months, and Shafawati has now been operating the kiosk for three months, earning a five-figure monthly income. She expressed appreciation for the council’s location choice. “If the kiosks are set up where there’s no demand, people won’t come, and traders won’t apply. It just won’t work.” Shafawati added that MyKiosk could be the launchpad for small traders like her with dreams of eventually opening their

The MyKiosk initiative aims to support B40 traders and MSMEs by providing standardised, safe and comfortable business space. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

SST expansion boon for local fruit industry PONTIAN: The government initiative to expand the scope of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) by imposing a 5% sales tax on all imported fruits has been described by pineapple growers in Johor as a proactive move to protect the local fruit industry. Haji Osman. With over 30 years’ experience in the pineapple industry, Mohammad Anal, who started growing pineapples on just a 0.4ha plot and now owns 94ha, exports them to other countries, including Singapore.

local products, it could also help farmers and fruit growers to ensure their produce has a place in the local market.” MD2 pineapple grower Firdaus Sapari, 39, agreed that the SST expansion would give local fruit growers “breathing space” if demand for local fruits rises. He said consumers tend to shift away from local options when imported fruits are sold at lower prices. This discourages farmers who face challenges in continuing crop maintenance due to rising operating costs and market instability. Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said once the SST is imposed on imported fruits, consumers would shift to local options due to lower prices. – Bernama

Johor is Malaysia’s largest pineapple producer, with 10,366.6ha and a production volume of 280,878 tonnes. This accounts for 63.7% of Malaysia’s total pineapple output, valued at RM682.53 million. Ariffin Ali, 51, who grows Morris and Josapine pineapples at Kampung Parit Haji Alias in Pontian, said the initiative also positions local produce to be more competitive in terms of pricing, ultimately benefitting farmers. “This is the right time to implement the SST expansion. Apart from encouraging the use of

Pineapple farmer Mohammad Anal Talhah, 53, said with lower prices, the move would encourage a shift in consumer demand for local fruits, including pineapples, especially for the premium MD2 variety, which is widely grown commercially. “I don’t think having more growers would reduce demand. Pineapples have never been in oversupply. There is always demand but that demand is somewhat ‘dampened’ when competing with imported fruits,” he said at his pineapple plantation in Kampung Parit

SATURDAY | JUNE 14, 2025

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Rocket made by UTM students soars to final stages of contest

Two killed in lorry-trailer collision

Police probe explosion in residential area BUKIT MERTAJAM: Police are investigating an explosion at Taman Serumpun here, which caused damage to three houses. Central Seberang Perai District police chief ACP Helmi Aris said they received information from the public regarding a loud explosion in the residential area at 1.05am on Thursday. “The explosion is believed to have originated from a firecracker thrown into one of the houses. The impact of the explosion also caused damage to two adjacent houses. “The incident caused damage to the ceilings and yards of all three houses. “Vehicles at two of the houses were also damaged.” Helmi added that the incident could be related to debt issues. Those with information are urged to come forward to the district police headquarters or contact senior investigating officer ASP Assan Alimudin at 012-441 8081. – Bernama and one later succumbed to injuries at a hospital. A government-led special task force found that the lorry was carrying gravel despite being licensed only for coal, was overloaded by over 70% and lacked proper safety restraints in the rear compartment. The task force also highlighted issues related to road design, insufficient vehicle inspections and a lack of reinforced structures in the lorry. BATU PAHAT: A lorry driver and his assistant died after being involved in a crash at Km81.9, North-South Expressway, southbound on Thursday morning. Batu Pahat district police chief, ACP Shahrulanuar Mushaddat Abdullah Sani said those who died in the crash at 8.30am were driver R. Pubalan, 45, and his assistant R. Sivasanthiran, 35. Initial investigations found that the incident occurred when the lorry carrying electronic goods, crashed into the back of a timber trailer. “As a result of the collision, the timber trailer crashed into an oil tanker,” he said. “The driver and his assistant, who suffered serious head, chest and leg injuries, were confirmed dead at the scene, while the driver of the timber trailer, who suffered minor leg and chest injuries, was taken to the Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital in Batu Pahat. “ The driver of the oil tanker was not injured.” Shahrulanuar said the case is being investigated under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. – Bernama

evidence of UTM students’ ability to compete on the global level and highlighted the quality of the country’s higher education. “We are very proud of this achievement, and hope it will be an inspiration to Malaysia’s younger generation to continue to be brave in challenging themselves and be innovative in the fields of technology and space science,” he also said. The UTM Rocketry Team is now awaiting the final results of the competition. The competition brings together more than 7,000 students from 172 higher education institutions worldwide, with only 176 teams selected to compete in the finals. The official presence of the UTM team places Malaysia on par with other prestigious universities in the field of aerospace engineering.

components but involved intensive research, repeated testing and meticulous attention to every technical and safety aspect. “The handmade rocket took a total of more than nine months to build and was the result of teamwork, consisting of 40 people from various technical disciplines. “The project began early testing in January and was only seriously worked on in March, with an intensive two-month construction period. “This participation is not just a competition, but a symbol of our team’s spirit of innovation, resilience, and cooperation bringing the Malaysian spirit to the international stage,” said Arykummara. Meanwhile, UTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim described the achievement as

o Team creates Malaysian first in engineering competition, bringing honour to country on global stage, says varsity

JOHOR BAHRU: A group of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) students created history by launching their rocket Rimau-1 in the International Rocket Engineering Competition 2025, being held in Midland, Texas, in the United States. UTM said in a statement the achievement makes the university the first Malaysian team to advance to the competition’s final, bringing honour to the country on the global stage. The prestigious six-day competition, which is organised by the Tripoli Rocketry Association, ends today. According to the statement, the UTM Rocketry Team is led by final year mechanical engineering student T.K. Arykummara, with Brenden Huang Hong Quan, K. Raahull, Izzat Idlan Amir Raslan and S.N. Shivee Prakkaash as teammates. The five represent a combination of students from the mechanical engineering and electrical engineering faculties, Bernama reported. “Interestingly, the team also developed a rocket parachute system as a safety measure, in addition to using ammonium perchlorate as the main fuel to propel the rocket to the target altitude of 3,000m in the Texas airspace. Although Rimau-1 was built at around RM40,000 the total expenses, including travel and logistics, amounted to RM200,000. “The project received support and financial assistance from the Mechanical Engineering Faculty, the

Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs, UTM International as well as several other sources,” said the statement. Arykummara said in the same statement that the rocket, which is 2.8m in height and weighs 28kg, was built using fiberglass and carbon material. The rocket is expected to reach an altitude of 3,000m in accordance with the height requirements set by the organisers. He said the process to build the rocket was not just about assembling

The UTM students striking a pose with their rocket and displaying the Jalur Gemilang . – PIC COURTESY OF UTM

Despatch rider charged with sexual assault of daughter KUALA LUMPUR: A despatch rider pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here yesterday to committing sexual assault against his six-year-old daughter last year. Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, read together with Section 16(1) of the same law. M. Saravanan requested bail be set at RM20,000 in one surety, along with an additional condition that the accused must report to the nearest police station once a month.

The was unrepresented, appealed for a lower bail on the grounds of his RM2,000 monthly income and that the victim is living with his ex-wife. Judge Azrul Darus set July 16 for mention and granted the accused bail of RM5,000 in one surety. He must report to the nearest police station once a month until the disposal of the case. – Bernama accused, who

Section 14(a) provides for a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and whipping, while Section 16(1) carries a jail term of up to five years and a maximum of two strokes of the cane. Deputy public prosecutor

“The accused must surrender his passport to the court and is prohibited from contacting or disturbing the victim, as he is the child’s biological father and has visitation rights,” said the prosecutor.

The 37-year-old father of two is accused of committing the offence at a house in Kampung Datuk Keramat here between June 28 and July 10, 2024. The charge is framed under

Internal protocols for personnel transport being reviewed: IGP

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“Whatever improvements are required, whether structural, procedural or logistical, we will implement them to avoid another tragedy like this,” he said. The crash occurred on May 15 in Jalan Chikus–Sungai Lampam along the Gerik-East West Highway, involving an FRU truck and a lorry carrying FRU Unit 5 officers. The collision resulted in the death of nine officers. Eight died at the scene

here yesterday. He added that the current practice of storing operational gear and officers together in the same vehicle poses safety risks and will be re-evaluated. Razarudin said police will present internal recommendations to the Home Ministry’s safety committee, aligning them with findings from the Transport Ministry’s separate investigation.

others, underscored the importance of segregating personnel from equipment during transit. “In the Teluk Intan incident, the vehicle was transporting personnel to the deployment site, not during an active operation. “That’s exactly why proper separation between passengers and equipment is necessary,” he said after the 90th Annual General Delegates Meeting launch ceremony

PETALING JAYA: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the Royal Malaysia Police is reviewing its internal protocols for personnel transport following the fatal crash involving members of the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) last month. Razarudin said the incident, which claimed nine lives and injured several

SATURDAY | JUNE 14, 2025

6

Abandoned buildings bane of property market

KUALA LUMPUR: Resembling haunted houses from horror films, abandoned buildings – from stalled projects to neglected heritage sites – are a familiar sight in urban areas. Overrun by thick bushes, with some even sprouting trees from within, these structures are more than just eyesores. They pose serious risks to the surrounding communities, providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes that spread diseases such as dengue, and attracting dangerous animals such as snakes. Experts believe it is time to resolve the long standing issue, especially as Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia department of civil engineering associate professor Dr Norwati Jamaluddin said abandoned buildings should not be left to deteriorate. “Apart from their dilapidated appearance, abandoned structures often create hazardous environments, with risks such as collapsing fixtures due to lack of maintenance. “They also tend to attract individuals who o Neglected structures devalue surrounding units, burden authorities and let criminal activities fester

engage in activities such as vandalism, drug abuse and other crimes, leading to public unease,” she told Bernama. Norwati added that abandoned units drag down the value of surrounding properties and could become an economic burden for agencies, including local authorities. “They also burden local councils through lost tax revenue and increased maintenance, restoration and enforcement costs.” She also linked abandoned buildings to the Broken Windows Theory, which suggests that visible neglect propagates deeper, systemic problems if left unresolved. “If a structure continues to deteriorate, it could lead to higher losses down the line, especially if it requires complete reconstruction. “Even if these buildings are privately owned, government image still suffers due to perceived poor management,” Norwati said, adding that the authorities should assess whether to reuse, demolish or rebuild on such sites. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia faculty of engineering and built environment senior lecturer Nasrudin Sharkawi said stalled projects reflect failures in coordination and implementation in the construction industry. “There are several contributing factors, including impractical designs that ignore local context, resulting in projects failing to attract buyers or tenants even after completion.” He added that delayed or cancelled funding, particularly for government projects, could leave structures partially built and abandoned.

According to Kuala Lumpur City Hall records, a total of 48 abandoned buildings have been identified around the capital as of Feb 20. – A D I B RAWI YAHYA/THE SUN

were commercial premises. She added that abandoned buildings are not limited to suburban areas but are also found in high-value commercial areas in the city centre, such as Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Pudu and Jalan Gombak. According to the National Housing Department, as of May 31, there were 17 static category abandoned private housing projects nationwide, some dating back to 1989. The department added that 45 other projects are in the process of being revived. Apart from private commercial and residential properties, abandoned government owned premises also contribute to the problem, such as the heritage-status Federal Court building opposite Dataran Merdeka, reported to be abandoned in January. Similarly, the state government office complex on Jalan Changkat Jong in Teluk Intan, Perak – once a bustling centre for official affairs – now stands unused.

“If such projects are later resumed, the cost of completing them is often higher than the original budget due to additional expenses such as repairing damage, vandalism or theft at unmonitored sites.” Nasrudin said similar issues affect heritage buildings, which are caught between the need to preserve their historical value and the challenge of adapting them for modern use. He also said in many cases, efforts to restore such buildings are hampered by various problems, including legal constraints, overly strict conservation guidelines and a lack of appropriate incentives for building owners. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa was previously reported as saying a total of 48 abandoned buildings have been identified around the capital as of Feb 20. She said according to the latest records from Kuala Lumpur City Hall, 25 of them were residential buildings while the remaining 23

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COMMUNITY 7

Students star in dynamic kabaddi extravaganza o Sprightly sports celebration sees participation from 17 varsities

SERDANG: Over 500 students from 17 universities across the country converged recently for a day-long tournament to celebrate the energetic contact team sport of kabaddi and also football. Held at Universiti Putra Malaysia, the Asuran Championship 3.0 was organised by the UPM Hindu Association in collaboration with the UPM Student Affairs Department and the Malaysia Kabaddi Federation. The kabaddi courts were filled with adrenaline, strategy and grit, with both male and female teams giving their all. The football matches also drew loud cheers. “This tournament wasn’t just about competition; it was about bringing students together — from different campuses, backgrounds and beliefs — through the power of sport,” said UPM Hindu Association president Santosh Subramaniam. “We’re proud of what we built here and excited to see Asuran grow even bigger in the years to come.” Balakong state assemblyman Ong Chun Wei and Malaysia Kabaddi Federation president Dr. Paul Selvam Devadoss were present to witness the action and congratulate the winners. Their support underscored the importance of youth involvement in sports and also the growing recognition for traditional games like kabaddi . The men’s kabaddi competition was won by the Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia team and the women’s competition by Universiti Utara Malaysia. The Universiti Teknologi Malaysia team emerged champion in football. The event was teeming with an atmosphere of mutual respect, cultural pride and unforgettable memories.

Women players during a high powered moment while playing kabaddi , known for being

intense and quick-paced.

Chung (right) receives the RCKK Vocational Award for his invaluable contributions to forestry research from Taitim.

Forest conservator Arthur Chung honoured with vocational award KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Forestry Department Deputy Chief Centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sepilok on June 6.

The trip was part of the club’s activities in observance of this year’s Rotary Environmental Month. Chung had assisted the late Dr Stephen Sutton, an RCKK member, on the gazettement of the Kinabalu Birdwing butterfly which was recognised as the state butterfly of Sabah in 2023. They had worked with the Sabah Biodiversity Centre and other relevant agencies. Chung earned his B.Sc. in Zoology and M.Sc. in Entomology from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and his D.Phil. in Tropical Forest Entomology at University of Oxford, UK. He has been working with the Sabah Forestry Department for the past 31 years. He currently also heads the Forest Research Centre. In 2023, he was conferred the Science and Technology Award from the Malaysia-Toray Science Foundation. - BY JOSHUA CHANG

Conservator of Forests Dr. Arthur Chung was recently presented with the Vocational Award by the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu (RCKK) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to forestry research and development. The ceremony took place at the Forest Research Centre in Sandakan. RCKK president Datuk George Taitim and vocational service director Joshua Ho commended Chung, who has co authored 13 books and written numerous research papers, for the advances made in the field. Expressing his gratitude, Chung thanked the Rotary Club for the honour, stating that the recognition motivates him to continue his work in forest conservation and research. The presentation coincided with a visit by RCKK members, led by Taitim, to the Forest Research

Meor Abdullah Zaidi (seventh left) receives the award from Ismail (sixth left).

Sustainable bamboo project bags award

Ű P. CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

council, its project aims to promote bamboo as an alternative sustainable material, not only in the production of landscape furniture but also as shade trees planted for carbon absorption. It would also enhance urban biodiversity and at the same time reduce the “urban heat island” phenomenon in town areas. Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia’s former president Datuk Ismail Ngah presented the award to the council’s senior director of services, Meor Abdullah Zaidi

Meor Razali. The council hailed it as a fitting recognition of its efforts to strengthen the implementation of nature-based solutions in urban landscape development. It noted that there is increasing awareness in the community towards climate change, biodiversity loss and the need for balanced development in line with nature. The council also thanked its staff, strategic partners and the community who gave support and commitment in the project’s success.

IPOH: The Ipoh City Council has won an architectural award for its Parks and Landscape Department’s unique project called “Bamboo: Sustainable Solution for Green Landscape”. The Green Initiatives Award for the government sector was given during the 15th Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards ceremony held at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur on May 24. According to a statement by the