18/08/2025

MONDAY | AUG 18, 2025

5 Visa does not grant immunity from Malaysian laws

Bukit Aman takes over probe into attack on Rafizi’s son SHAH ALAM: Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the investigation into an attack on the son of Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has been handed to the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department. He said the case was transferred to federal police as it required a more comprehensive and centralised investigation. “Individuals with any information related to this case are urged to channel it to the nearest police station to assist with the investigation. “The cooperation of the community is appreciated to ensure justice and transparency in the investigation process,” he said in a statement yesterday. Last Wednesday, police confirmed that Rafizi’s son was attacked at about 2pm in the pick-up and drop-off area of a shopping mall in Putrajaya. Rafizi, a former deputy president of PKR, alleged that the attack involved two men dressed in black and wearing helmets on a motorcycle, with one of them dragging his son before assaulting him with a syringe. He also said his wife received threats at 1.12am and again at 11.02am last Thursday, the day after the attack, both containing the phrase “Be quiet! If you continue, AIDS” along with a syringe emoji, from the same phone number. Shazeli was previously reported as saying the child is stable and the hospital has taken blood samples to trace any harmful substances. “So far, investigations at the scene have not recovered the syringe believed to have been used in the incident.” Following the attack, police tightened security measures for Rafizi and his family. He said six individuals had been called to provide statements, including Rafizi, his wife, his son and other related parties. He also said it was too early to determine whether the attack was politically motivated. “ Alhamdulillah , our initial investigation based on CCTV footage has given us some leads. “We are reviewing not only footage from the shopping mall, but also from nearby (premises). “The public is advised not to speculate or make assumptions that could cause unrest or provoke uncontrolled reactions,” he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, Section 324 and Section 352 of the Penal Code. – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: The visa held by foreigners does not grant them the freedom to break the law. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said action will be taken against any foreign national who violates Malaysian laws, including breaching pass conditions, posing a security threat or disturbing public order. He said consequences for such violations include pass cancellation, blacklisting and deportation, and this principle is applied consistently, irrespective of background or status. “Visa status, whether as a student, investor, long-term visit pass holder or participant in the Malaysia My Second Home programme, does not provide immunity from the laws of this country. “The safety of Malaysians and

o Safety of citizens, sovereignty of nation non-negotiable: Home minister

communications technology at 4,477 and other sectors at 3,585. “The presence of Chinese nationals in the workforce is concentrated mainly in professional sectors and large-scale projects requiring specific technical expertise, not in the category of unskilled foreign workers.” He said in line with the aspirations of the Madani government, the country remains open to investment, education and international cooperation, but such openness would never come at the expense of public safety and national sovereignty. He also urged citizens to remain calm and confident that the authorities are carrying out their duties effectively and would continue to do so. “Every threat will be dealt with accordingly, to ensure Malaysia remains a safe, sovereign and prosperous nation for all.” initially targeted 16 teams, but the response was overwhelming and now we have 273 teams.” The programme includes basic training such as marching drills conducted by firefighters and teachers, as well as swimming lessons as an additional safety skill. “Our awareness programmes aim to educate the public on fire prevention and emergency safety, train them to be more prepared while awaiting rescuers and instil the understanding that safety is a shared responsibility.” Nor Hisham said community engagement is further promoted through talks, exhibitions, fire drills and initiatives such as “One Home, One Fire Extinguisher” and the “Sedia Urus Risiko Isirumah”, with more than 12,000 programmes targeted annually. He added that no fees are charged for events held at fire stations, except when the hall facilities are used. “Many people prefer the engine bay as it provides an atmosphere closer to the firefighting experience.” He said programmes held under the Community Fire Learning Centre initiative not only bring firefighters closer to the community, but also reflects the commitment of the department to providing public service. – Bernama ready to assist, including offering a reward for information leading to the identification and prosecution of the offender. “Report what you see, speak up for the voiceless and let us build a Malaysia that is safe for all living beings.” Individuals with information can contact SAFM at 013-7066770 or via email at enquiry@animal.org.my.

“We begin with Kelab Bomba Cilik for children aged five to six, in which they are given basic fire safety lessons and exposure to water hazards, as the department also serves as the secretariat of the Water Activities Safety Council.” He said the education continues at secondary level through the Kadet Bomba programme, while at the tertiary level, fire brigades have been set up in 12 institutions offering diploma and Malaysian Skills Certificate, along with the the sovereignty of the nation are non-negotiable,” he told Bernama. He said enforcement duties are conducted in a professional manner, without discrimination or exceptions based on race or country of origin, particularly in cases involving foreigners. He added that the authorities investigate all reports involving foreign nationals and take appropriate action to ensure public safety, including in cases that receive media coverage. “Recent incidents involving foreigners have drawn public attention, but it must be emphasised that each case would be (addressed) through existing laws.”

Saifuddin said Malaysia has specified that the recruitment of low-skilled foreign workers is permitted only from 15 officially designated source countries and China is not among them. He added that the presence of Chinese workers in the low-skilled category is tied to high-impact government projects, including the East Coast Rail Link. “As of Aug 15, a total of 30,679 Chinese nationals were registered as professional expatriates in Malaysia, with the construction sector recording the highest number at 10,825, followed by manufacturing at 6,407, services at 5,385, information and Nasution

Fire Dept engages community to boost safety education PUTRAJAYA: The Fire and Rescue Department continues to Kor Siswa Bomba in three public universities.

strengthen fire safety education by emphasising the principle of “prevention is better than cure” through community participation and structured programmes involving all age groups. Its director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the awareness programmes cover children as young as five years old up to adults, using a phased and community-based approach.

“When they are involved from a young age, they indirectly become part of the firefighters’ family, which helps us engage with the community more effectively.” He also said the department launched the “Bomba Junior” programme last year to expand fire safety education in primary schools. “Previously, no such programme existed at the primary level. We

Nor Hisham said the programmes aim to educate the public on fire prevention and emergency safety and train them to be prepared while awaiting rescuers. – BERNAMAPIC

Stray dog found skinned alive in Malacca, witnesses sought

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Area and called on police and the Department of Veterinary Services to launch an immediate investigation. SAFM president Kalaivanan Ravichandran described the act as “not just a crime against an animal, it is a stain on our collective humanity”. He said the level of cruelty is alarming and underscores a need for stronger enforcement and public education on animal welfare.

“Animal abuse is a serious offence and must be addressed under the law.” Under Section 29 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, anyone found guilty of abusing or neglecting an animal can face a fine of up to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both. SAFM stressed the importance of swift action to ensure justice is served,

urging witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. “As a nation, we cannot afford to normalise such violence. It is critical that the perpetrator is brought to justice, not only to serve as a deterrent but to send a clear message that animal abuse will not be tolerated.” He also called on authorities to pursue the case with urgency and transparency, adding that SAFM is

PETALING JAYA: A dog was found skinned alive in Krubong, Malacca, with images showing the animal writhing in pain, in an act of cruelty that has horrified Malaysians. The Stray Animal Foundation Malaysia (SAFM) has condemned the incident in the Krubong Industrial