14/08/2026

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3120-3485

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Haze due to dry weather linked to El Nino, says expert

Environmental NGO warns climate change impact from deforestation could exacerbate situation.

Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY M’sia should consider reclaiming F1 hosting rights: Tun M

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SCAN ME No. 9243 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

Poor response to health checks for commercial vehicle drivers Fewer that 20 individuals participated in screening initiative since launch last month: Minister

Report on — page 2

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‘Shifts in currency value have made fees more manageable than when country exited sector.’

MERDEKA MOOD ... Balik Pulau resident Abd Hamid Hussain putting up Jalur Gemilang decorations at his residence in Titi Teras, Penang, using 1,500 pieces of the Malaysian flag to brighten the compound in conjunction with National Day on Aug 31. – BERNAMAPIC

Teen to be tried for murder Report on h page 5 Fifteen-year-old linked to killing of Bandar Utama secondary schoolgirl charged as adult but faces detention at discretion of Ruler due to age factor.

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Malaysia urged to reclaim Formula 1 hosting rights

Menon said food is another important link between the two communities, with nasi lemak, satay, laksa among dishes enjoyed by both, in addition to durian. He called on Singaporeans and Malaysians to continue working towards a shared future. More than 1,200 guests, including government representatives, the business community, members of the diplomatic corps, friends of Singapore and Singaporeans living in Malaysia, joined the celebration. Guests were treated to iconic classic tunes from Singapore and Malaysia by The Straits Ensemble, the flagship ensemble of Pasat Merdu, a Singaporean non-profit organisation dedicated to intercultural exchange. Singapore celebrated its 61st National Day on Aug 9. – Bernama Time needed to explain School Pupil Protection Policy: Minister KUALA LUMPUR: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek called on educators to remain calm and give the ministry room to explain the School Pupil Protection Policy, which has recently caused concern among many parties. She said the policy was designed to ensure comprehensive protection for all parties dealing with pupils, with priority given to the safety of students, teachers and the entire school community. Fadhlina said the policy also provides detailed guidelines on the responsibilities of all parties as well as the actions to be taken should any untoward incident occur at schools. “I have instructed the Education Ministry director-general and its legal adviser to hold a special session with stakeholders to address the concerns raised by teachers. “The ministry is committed to ensuring that every policy is executed carefully and responsibly to create a safe school environment,” she said in a post on her Facebook page yesterday. The policy, announced via a professional circular dated July 1, requires staff and external parties with official dealings with schools and their members to sign a School Pupil Protection Policy Compliance Pledge as a gesture of their commitment to pupil safety. The circular outlines five main areas of education reform, namely mental health, reproductive and social health education, child sexual violence and substance abuse prevention, pupil protection policy as well as teacher welfare and pupil voice. Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) said it is working to hold negotiations with the ministry to have the pledge withdrawn and replaced with other, more professional measures. NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon added that while the union supports the ministry’s efforts to keep pupils safe and protected at school, it deems the pledge requirement inappropriate and believes it undermines the ability of teachers to provide the best protection. He also said the document risks exposing teachers to civil lawsuits. – Bernama

█ BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Financial factors have changed considerably since rising costs prompted nation to relinquish world event in 2017, says Tun M

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia should look at reclaiming its Formula 1 (F1) hosting rights as shifts in currency value have made the fees far more manageable than when the country exited the sector, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Speaking on the DR.M podcast, Mahathir said the financial picture behind hosting has changed considerably since rising costs prompted Malaysia to drop the global event in 2017. “Money values have changed. In the past RM100 million was huge, but today RM100 million feels like what RM50 million used to,” he said, adding that if he were still in government, he would consider bringing the race back to the country.

cost has long since been recovered. “We earned enough to cover the building cost, so we are essentially using the facility free of charge now. Whatever comes in now is profit.” He attributed Malaysia’s 2017 exit to a steep hike in annual hosting fees under F1’s American ownership, pointing out that it had risen from RM50 million to more than RM100 million. He said while that figure was unaffordable at the time, today’s tourism benefits justify revisiting the decision. He added that Sepang’s purpose-built layout gives it an edge over street circuits like that of Singapore, since it was designed for high-speed racing without disrupting city traffic.

“When we started promoting tourism, people asked what we had to offer since we didn’t have pyramids like Egypt. We had to create events,” he said, adding that F1 weekends drew about 100,000 spectators who filled hotels, restaurants and generated substantial foreign spending. He said hosting F1 was never just about ticket revenue but about global exposure, putting Malaysia on par with established European racing destinations and generating lasting benefits for tourism, hospitality and aviation. Mahathir also said the circuit’s original RM200 million construction

His comments come as Sepang International Circuit prepares to temporarily host the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix from Oct 2 to 4. The 5.543km circuit, known for its high-speed corners and unpredictable tropical weather, remains one of the sport’s most recognisable venues. Mahathir suggested that the government use the October race to gauge the economic case for reviving the Malaysian Grand Prix. He said Sepang was built on swampland in 1999 as a deliberate move to boost the country’s tourism profile.

Mahathir said the original RM200 million construction cost of the circuit has long since been recovered. – SUNPIC

Closer S’pore-M’sia relationship vital in volatile world, says envoy

KUALA LUMPUR: The increasingly intertwined Singapore-Malaysia relationship reinforces the importance of closer cooperation between the two countries amid a rapidly changing and more volatile world, said Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon. “Our bilateral relationship is so intertwined and interrelated that it is in our mutual interest to work together on a wide range of issues,” he said in his remarks at the 61st National Day reception held on Wednesday. “That is why ‘Closer Together’ is a fitting theme for this year’s reception. It epitomises not only the historical ties between our two countries but also the friendship and cooperation that have strengthened and deepened over the years.

“The movement of people on both sides will grow further with the completion of the Johor Bahru Singapore Rapid Transit System Link.” Menon also highlighted the mutual assistance extended by both countries during times of need. He said during the floods in Hat Yai in southern Thailand last year, Malaysia helped support Singaporeans making their way home. “Likewise, when Singapore organised repatriation flights recently from West Asia, it helped bring Malaysians to safety. “Overall, the Singapore-Malaysia relationship is a testament to the peribahasa ‘ Bagai isi dengan kuku ’ – two countries and peoples bonded by our shared history, kinship and growing cooperation.”

exchanges and dialogue throughout the year.” Menon added that the two countries continued to engage across various domains, including the arts and culture. He said in April, the Singapore Ballet had performed “Ballet Illuminations 2026”, a triple bill of classical and contemporary works, at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, while in June, Singapore’s Ding Yi Music Company shared the stage with the Malaysia Century Chinese Orchestra at the “Festival Orkestra Kuala Lumpur”, organised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall. “The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone has brought jobs and opportunities for both our peoples and will play an important role in catalysing growth in our region.

“As in the Chinese idiom feng yu tong zhou, we are in the same boat and will have to weather the storm and choppy waters together.” Menon said the commitment to strengthening the bonds between the two countries is shared at the highest levels, as reflected in a series of high-level visits and exchanges this year. He said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam made his first state visit to Malaysia in July at the invitation of His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim, and in February, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong visited at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong was here in May while ministers on both sides kept up a strong rhythm of

FRIDAY | AUG 14, 2026

3 Lukewarm response to RTD health screening initiative

‘Selangor MB pact offer tactical move to curb BN-PN advance‘ PETALING JAYA: Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari’s offer to cooperate with any party ahead of GE16 is a tactical move to counter growing cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional, rather than a sign of any imminent political realignment, said an analyst. Ilham Centre executive director Dr Hisommudin Bakar said Pakatan Harapan’s structural weakness, namely the absence of a Malay party capable of making significant inroads into the Malay voter segment, was the driving force behind the overture. “The structural problem facing PH at present is quite clear. It does not have a Malay party that is truly capable of making significant inroads into the Malay voter segment. “PKR still has its limitations, while Amanah has yet to develop a sufficiently broad grassroots base to counter the influence of Umno or PAS,”he told theSun. Hisommudin said the experience of GE14 in 2018 may once again become a reference point, when PH’s cooperation with Bersatu provided an important bridge to the Malay voter segment that had previously been difficult for the Opposition to penetrate. “Bersatu may not have been the biggest party in the coalition, but its presence helped provide Malay legitimacy to PH and opened up room for a significant shift in votes, resulting in BN being defeated for the first time in history.” He said growing cooperation between BN and PN could leave PH with increasingly limited strategic options, particularly if the two blocs were able to avoid three-cornered contests and consolidate their support in Malay majority and mixed seats. He acknowledged that the memory of the Sheraton Move remained a major obstacle in terms of trust between the two sides, but said political necessity could yet override it. “Politics ultimately moves according to necessity and survival. If BN-PN is increasingly close to forming a strong electoral bloc, PH and Bersatu may find their strategic options becoming increasingly limited. “In such circumstances, cooperation need not necessarily arise from compatibility, but from the realisation that moving separately could cause both sides to face a greater defeat in GE16.” When asked whether Amirudin’s offer could also be seen as a precursor to broader PH-Bersatu cooperation, he said the matter would ultimately have to be addressed by the top leadership of both parties. █ BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

█ BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o With fewer than 20 sign-ups, Transport Ministry stepping up awareness efforts to boost participation for subsidised programme

from the administration a potentially consequential political move. However, the party has not indicated that it intends to make an immediate decision to leave the government. Its leadership is instead expected to use the congress to assess its position and gauge grassroots sentiment. Loke said any discussion over DAP’s political direction can wait until the congress is over. – by Harith Kamal thorough physical examination had actually been carried out. “We are not saying it was not done, but it simply could not be determined whether a thorough examination had been conducted.” Under the new system, doctors at participating clinics will key in their findings directly into an online system integrated with the Road Transport Department’s (RTD) MySikap platform, allowing health reports to be accessed when drivers renew their licences and reducing reliance on physical forms. The programme, launched in collaboration with the Human Resources Ministry, Socso, RTD and the Malaysian Medical Association, involves 500 participating clinics and is scheduled to run until December. The government has allocated RM12.4 million for the programme, including RM7 million from Socso and RM5.4 million from the Finance Ministry. At the same time, Loke said the ministry was changing the way it communicates road safety messages, particularly to younger Malaysians, with RTD partnering Monsta Studios Sdn Bhd to use animation and short-form digital content. He said conventional channels such as billboards and television advertisements remained relevant but were no longer sufficient as smartphones and social media increasingly shaped how Malaysians consumed information. “Our main target is children, so that awareness of safety can be instilled in them from their school days. When we give children this safety awareness, it can indirectly change the attitudes of their parents.” Loke said children could influence their parents’ driving behaviour by reminding them about road offences and safer practices. He described the RTD-Monsta partnership as an “out of the box” approach that could pave the way for more public-private collaborations in communicating safety and other public-interest messages. Loke said the ultimate goal was to encourage Malaysians to internalise road safety messages and translate them into safer behaviour.

PUTRAJAYA: Fewer than 20 commercial vehicle drivers have taken up a subsidised health screening programme since its launch last month, prompting the Transport Ministry to step up efforts to encourage drivers to take their health and road safety more seriously. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the response to the Pemandu Sihat dan Selamat (PSS) initiative remained low despite drivers paying only RM30 for a comprehensive health examination, with the Social Security Organisation (Socso) subsidising the remaining RM55. “I was informed a few days ago that not even 20 people had participated within the one-month period that we had planned,” he said at the Transport Ministry’s monthly assembly and National Month celebrations here yesterday.

needed among drivers. He urged drivers, particularly older ones, to undergo comprehensive health screenings to detect conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which could otherwise go undetected. Loke said the initiative was also intended to address shortcomings in the existing health certification process for commercial drivers. While health examinations have long been mandatory, drivers previously only had to submit a medical examination form certified by a doctor or clinic when renewing their vocational licences, making it difficult to determine whether a

Launched on June 30 and implemented from July 1, PSS targets about 30,000 commercial vehicle drivers aged between 40 and 59 in its initial phase. Loke said the programme was aimed at improving drivers’ health and wellbeing, particularly those responsible for carrying passengers and operating commercial vehicles. “When we look after the welfare of drivers, we are actually looking after the safety of road users,” he said. Speaking to reporters later, Loke said the low participation could be because the programme was still new and greater awareness was

Speaking at the ministry’s monthly assembly and National Month celebrations yesterday, Loke said the low participation to the programme could be because it was still new and greater awareness was needed among drivers. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Loke ‘very relaxed’ ahead of DAP meet PUTRAJAYA: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has moved to quell speculation over his political future, insisting he was “very relaxed” ahead of DAP’s national congress on Sunday, where the party’s position in the Unity government is expected to come under renewed scrutiny. Loke, who is DAP secretary never indicated that he was preparing to leave the Cabinet. “Why did you think it is my last? I have never mentioned that. I don’t know why you ask such a question. I am very relaxed today,” he told reporters after the ministry’s monthly assembly here. The party’s national congress this Sunday at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre is expected to provide a platform for delegates to assess DAP’s position in the administration led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, including concerns raised by its grassroots.

well as concerns over the political cost of remaining in office. The debate has also raised questions over whether DAP should continue shouldering responsibility for decisions made by the broader coalition while facing voters at the next general election. DAP currently has five ministers and seven deputy ministers in the Federal government, giving it a significant presence in the Cabinet and making any decision to withdraw

DAP’s role in the Unity government has come under renewed scrutiny amid frustration among some supporters over the government’s performance and policy direction, as

His remarks come as DAP faces an increasingly pointed debate over whether remaining in government is helping or hurting the party politically ahead of the next general election.

general, dismissed suggestions that yesterday’s monthly assembly at the Transport Ministry could be his last before the congress, saying he had

FRIDAY | AUG 14, 2026

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‘Haze driven by El Nino and deforestation’

Company allays fears over genetically modified rice trial

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

worse haze conditions and provide predictions of its movement. Maqrun Fadzli also advised the public to avoid open burning and reduce outdoor activities to avoid health risks due to unsatisfactory air quality. As of this afternoon, data from the Air Pollutant Index Management System portal showed 10 areas recording unhealthy levels, involving Samarahan, Serian, Kuching, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Mukah and Sibu in Sarawak, as well as Johan Setia in Selangor, Cheras in Kuala Lumpur and Minden in Penang. – Bernama He added that biotechnology is not intended to replace conventional agronomic practices. Instead, it supports integrated weed management and sustainable farming practices. On Wednesday, Agriculture and Food Security Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak said Malaysia currently does not allow the use of genetically modified rice, but controlled research is important to help the government understand the technology’s potential in ensuring future food security, as reported by Berita Harian. PETALING JAYA: Zen Cropscience Sdn Bhd has sought to allay concerns over the potential cross-pollination of genetically modified (GM) rice, saying the proposed trial plot is 70km from the nearest rice cultivation area. Its director Lee Kim Chai said concerns were raised by a coalition of 61 farmers, consumer and environmental organisations that opposed the proposed confined field trial of GM MR219 rice at Kampung Kepayang, Perak. He said there would be no cross-pollination in the current trial as it would be conducted in an enclosed environment. “Our plot is 70km away from the nearest rice cultivation area.” The farmers had raised concerns over the risk of genetic contamination of conventional and wild rice through cross-pollination, as well as the potential effects of glyphosate-tolerant rice. Lee said concerns over pesticide resistance are more complicated as resistance among weeds is mainly linked to farming practices rather than the crop variety itself. He said good agricultural practices include rotating pesticides and using pesticides with different modes of action. “Actually, GM crops use less pesticide.” He added that conventional practices involve the use of different herbicides. Lee said the technology used by Zen Cropscience is intended to address some of the problems faced by rice farmers, including weedy rice, bacterial blight and rice blast disease. These concerns were among those raised by the coalition in its objection submitted to the Biosafety Department on Aug 7. He emphasised that the proposed trial is strictly a small-scale confined field trial and not intended for commercial cultivation, market distribution or entry into the human or animal food supply chain. He added that all harvested plant material would be safely contained and destroyed in compliance with regulatory requirements. “The trial would be subject to multi-layered containment measures, including strict spatial isolation buffers, physical barriers, vector control, dedicated equipment and post-harvest monitoring,” he noted. Lee said the research is intended to generate scientific evidence on the rice’s performance under Malaysian field conditions and assess its safety, efficacy and viability.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s latest haze episode is being driven by a combination of prolonged dry weather linked to El Nino and ongoing deforestation, with environmentalist saying climate change could make such episodes more frequent and severe. RimbaWatch director Adam Farhan said while haze in Sabah and Sarawak appears to be originating from Indonesia, wind data suggests that the haze affecting Kuala Lumpur could instead be linked to peat swamp fires near Banting. He said transboundary haze remains a persistent regional problem, but stressed that dry conditions and forest degradation are contributing to the increased risk of fires. “Indonesian authorities have cited El Niño as a significant cause of the current forest burning as it has contributed to a longer dry spell and decreased rainfall.” However, he emphasised that independent data, including from Global Forest Watch, continues to show extensive deforestation across Sabah, Sarawak, Kalimantan and Peninsular Malaysia. “Both of these events are drivers of forest burning and eventual haze.” Adam added that climate change could worsen the situation by increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. He noted that 2024 recorded an average global temperature more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, while Malaysia is expected to face increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns by 2050 and 2100, with some areas facing higher rainfall and others greater drought risks. He said Malaysia, Indonesia and Asean must move beyond responding to haze episodes after air quality deteriorates and instead address the underlying causes of forest fires and climate change. He called for an immediate and permanent ban on the conversion and degradation of natural forests, alongside stronger recognition of Indigenous communities’ rights over their traditional territories. He also urged countries in the region to o NGO calls for permanent ban on degradation of natural forests and stronger recognition of indigenous rights over traditional territories █ BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Sharifa advised the public to remain indoors as much as possible, drink plenty of plain water and use suitable respiratory masks when going outside. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

201–300 very unhealthy and 301–500 hazardous. She said prolonged exposure to haze could have serious respiratory and cardiovascular consequences, particularly among children, older people and those with existing respiratory or heart conditions. These could include asthma attacks, reduced lung function, stroke, high blood pressure, heart attacks and premature deaths, she said. In the short term, exposure to haze could cause coughing, wheezing, sore throat, irritated or red eyes, chest discomfort, shortness of breath and skin irritation. Sharifa advised the public to remain indoors as much as possible, drink plenty of plain water and use suitable respirator masks when going outside. She also recommended using air purifiers and effective air filters indoors, while avoiding open burning. She said for vulnerable individuals, medical advice should be sought to prevent respiratory attacks, while those severely affected may need to temporarily relocate to areas with cleaner air. “If exposure is long term, more cases would present with cardiovascular and respiratory problems and premature deaths.” She added that while some short-term symptoms caused by poor air quality could be temporary, prolonged exposure could lead to more serious and lasting health consequences.

enshrine the right to a clean, safe and healthy environment in their Constitutions, saying this could strengthen legal avenues to address environmental problems, such as transboundary haze. “Thirdly, these countries must start acting on increased climate mitigation to prevent the exacerbation of climate change. “This could include, for example, phasing out high-emitting activities, such as fossil fuels,” he noted. Adam emphasised that Asean should honour climate commitments, such as the 2030 Glasgow Declaration on Forests and Land Use, which aims to prevent and reverse forest degradation. He said protecting forests and recognising Indigenous land rights should go hand in hand, pointing to evidence that Indigenous communities are often better stewards of biodiversity than existing administrations. “The current haze should serve as a warning for governments to strengthen preventive measures rather than relying on emergency responses whenever air quality deteriorates,” he said. Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said the public should take air pollution seriously once the Air Pollutant Index exceeds 100, with readings of 101–150 considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151–200 unhealthy for everyone,

No change in air quality expected over next few days KUALA LUMPUR: The haze situation affecting the country is not expected to show any significant changes for the next three to five days, according to the Meteorological Department. Its National Weather and Earthquake Operations Centre senior director Maqrun Fadzli Mohd Fahmi said although rain is forecast to occur in several places, it is not yet able to restore air quality on a large scale. will be a little rain compared to the current dry conditions. “We hope the rain would help but if the air is very hazy, a little rain may not be able to remove the effects of the haze.” He said the haze situation is worse in the west and south of Sarawak, resulting in the closure of more than 100 schools in Serian on Wednesday, as well as affecting areas in the peninsula, including the Klang Valley. September, which causes drier conditions and less rain. “When we do not get much rain, the weather will be hotter and this hot weather contributes to the risk of burning. From the burning, smoke and what we call haze are produced.” According to him, the department constantly monitors hotspots using satellite images to identify forest fire areas before combining wind direction data to project the movement of smoke and suspended particles.

“From the information we have so far, we have not seen a major change in the situation. We expect the situation to remain almost the same and in the next few days, there

Maqrun Fadzli said the main factor contributing to the situation is the southwest monsoon that usually occurs from May to

He said the information is used to identify areas with the potential to experience

FRIDAY | AUG 14, 2026

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Teen to face trial over killing of student

o If convicted, fifteen-year-old linked to stabbing of Bandar Utama secondary schoolgirl liable for detention at discretion of Ruler

Soldier hurt in accidental shooting at gun range No plea was recorded at the time as murder cases fall within the High Court jurisdiction, Bernama reported. PETALING JAYA: A soldier was hospitalised on Wednesday after being struck by a bullet fired by a fellow serviceman during a training exercise in Port Dickson – the third safety-related incident to involving the Armed Forces in under two months. The Army Strategic Communication Branch said the shooting occurred at 2.15pm at the 75m firing range in Menyala, when personnel were training ahead of the Army Shooting Skills Test, an annual marksmanship competition. In a statement yesterday, the army said a serviceman conducting drills fired at a target roughly 25m away, unaware that trooper Muhammad Akhmal Shahrudin was positioned behind it. The bullet entered Akhmal’s right cheek and exited through his left jaw. Akhmal was rushed to the Port Dickson Hospital, where doctors controlled the bleeding and stabilised him. Doctors found no internal injuries and he remains in stable condition, although sedated for continued treatment. The army said it would launch an internal review and a formal investigation to establish the cause of the incident and any contributing lapses. Army chief Jen Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman said he is saddened by the incident and prayed for Akhmal’s recovery. Police have also opened a separate investigation. Negeri Sembilan deputy police chief SAC Nasharudin Mohd Shariff said preliminary findings indicated that Akhmal was among several personnel at the range when he was hit by a round from a colleague’s weapon. He confirmed that Akhmal was later moved to Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital in Seremban for specialised treatment and remains stable. Wednesday’s shooting adds to growing scrutiny of training safety within the Armed Forces. On June 16, 6th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment corporal Norazmi Abu Bakar and 1st Squadron Royal Engineers Regiment private Siti Khadijah Sungip were killed in a grenade explosion during a training exercise at Hobart Camp in Gurun, Kedah. The army halted all grenade-related training in response. Barely two weeks after that, on June 29, two soldiers were hurt during a live-fire drill at the same camp. The army convened a board of inquiry and suspended all live-fire training involving support weapons pending the probe, which is examining human error, technical faults and adherence to SOPs. █ BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com On Jan 30, the prosecution obtained consent of the Attorney General’s Chambers to transfer the case from the Petaling Jaya Magistrate’s Court to the Shah Alam High Court, after a psychiatric evaluation confirmed that the teenager was fit to stand trial. On Oct 22, 2025, he was charged in the Petaling Jaya Magistrate’s Court with the murder of his schoolmate.

di-Pertua Negeri. The prosecution, conducted by DPPs Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin, Aqharie Durranie Aziz and Ahmad Iqbal Aziz, called three students, teachers, the victim’s mother, a pathologist and a senior investigating officer as witnesses during the proceedings. As the accused is a minor and his identity cannot be disclosed, the proceedings were held on camera. On Feb 12, the teenager had pleaded not guilty after the charge was re-read to him in Mandarin before Adlin.

the 16-year-old victim in the female student toilet at a national secondary school between 9.20am and 9.35am on Oct 14, 2025. The charge was framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty. However, under Section 97(1) of the Child Act 2001, the death penalty cannot be imposed on offenders aged under 18. Instead, under Section 97(2) of the same Act, the court may order the offender to be detained for a period determined by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Sultan or the Yang

SHAH ALAM: The High Court has ordered a 15-year-old boy to enter his defence on a charge of murdering a female student at a secondary school in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya last year. Judge Adlin Abdul Majid issued the order after finding that

the prosecution had successfully established a prima facie case against the teenager. Lawyer Kitson Foong, representing the accused, confirmed the court order to reporters after proceedings yesterday morning. The boy is accused of murdering

Maritime agency inspections yield RM4b seizures

PETALING JAYA: More than 116,000 inspections were carried out by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency as of July 24, resulting in seizures of over RM4.38 billion amid growing maritime security threats. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the agency has conducted 116,192 inspections and 26,253 searches, resulting in 562 arrests. It also carried out 129 search and rescue operations involving 638 victims. “The achievement reflects the scale of responsibility and commitment of the agency in ensuring the country’s waters remain safe, sovereignty is protected and lives at sea could be saved,” he said during the AW189 helicopter acceptance ceremony for the agency at the Maritime Air Station in Subang yesterday. He said the agency faces an increasingly complex maritime security landscape, including cross-border crime, drugs, weapons and migrant smuggling, human trafficking, encroachment on national fisheries resources and economic crimes. “Malaysia has a maritime zone spanning 556,285 square kilometres and sits along major global trade routes, with the sea serving as a key contributor to trade, the oil and gas industry, fisheries, tourism and the wider economy. “The security and sovereignty of our waters are important in ensuring the wellbeing of the people and the stability of the country. “The agency must continue strengthening its surveillance, enforcement and technology-based rapid response capabilities to ensure the country’s waters remain safe and its sovereignty and interests are protected.” Saifuddin said the agency also plays a key role as the country’s frontline maritime enforcement agency, including as the lead agency for search and rescue operations. Meanwhile, the first of four AW189 medium-lift helicopters has been delivered to █ BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Saifuddin inspecting the interior of the AW189 helicopter after officiating at the agency’s helicopter acceptance ceremony at the Maritime Air Station in Subang yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

regarding his alleged mental illness. Norizan ordered Abdul Halim to undergo a psychiatric assessment under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code to determine his mental condition and whether he is fit to stand trial. The court fixed Sept 11 for mention of the case pending post-mortem and psychiatric reports. Earlier, Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin confirmed that the 54-year-old man died at the care home from blunt-force trauma to the head. Initial investigations found that the victim is believed to have been beaten and stomped on by several residents on the instructions of a caregiver after he allegedly behaved aggressively and disturbed other residents on the night of Aug 3. – Bernama of up to 1,166km, a top speed of 313kph and an endurance of up to five hours, allowing operations day and night in various weather conditions. It can be crewed by five personnel and carry up to 14 passengers, giving the agency greater flexibility for missions far from the coastline, particularly in enforcement, surveillance and rescue operations. All four helicopters are being procured under the Fourth Rolling Plan of the 11th Malaysia Plan, under a five-year contract running from Jan 19, 2024 to Jan 18, 2029.

the Maritime Enforcement Agency, boosting the agency’s aerial surveillance, enforcement and search-and-rescue capabilities. He emphasised that the acquisition forms part of efforts to modernise the agency’s air assets amid increasingly complex maritime security threats. “The AW189 would enhance the agency’s capabilities in aerial surveillance, enforcement, search and rescue, Medevac and special operations, enabling faster and more effective responses,“ he said. Saifuddin added that the aircraft has a range

Four care home residents charged over death of man IPOH: Four residents of a care home in Tanjung Rambutan have been charged at the Magistrate’s Court here, one with murder and the other three with culpable homicide not amounting to murder involving the death of a fellow resident last week. He was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which provides for the death penalty or between 30 and 40 years’ jail, as well as at least 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.

Zaid, Radzuan and Abdul Halim were jointly charged under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code, read with Section 34, with committing an act with the intention of causing the victim’s death at the same place, time and date. The offence carries up to 30 years’ imprisonment and a fine upon conviction. After the charge was read, Abdul Halim told the court that he has schizophrenia and had previously received treatment at Hospital Bahagia before being placed at the care home. However, DPP Zarris Sofea Zainudin said the prosecution has reviewed the investigation papers and received no official information

Ahmad Faiz Mohd Rauhi, 35, was charged with murdering Mohd Fauzir Hussin, 54, while Zaid Shaari, 50, Radzuan Suboh, 55, and Abdul Halim Mohd Niza, 47, were charged with causing the victim’s death. No pleas were recorded from the men after the charges were read on Wednesday before magistrate Norizan Riduan as the offences fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court. Ahmad Faiz allegedly murdered Mohd Fauzir at Pusat Jagaan Bakti in Taman Chong Kwee, Tanjung Rambutan between 5pm and 5.41pm on Aug 4.

FRIDAY | AUG 14, 2026

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Independent art movement marks golden anniversary

Competition for students at higher education institutions KUALA LUMPUR: Students at higher education institutions will have the opportunity to showcase their digital creativity through the Aimaginasi Malaysia competition, which is being held for the first time in conjunction with the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations. The competition, organised by the Malaysian Information Department, aims to encourage the integration of illustration art and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to produce graphic visuals in the form of posters, while nurturing digital creative talent and critical thinking among the younger generation. The department’s Visual Communications and Design Division deputy director Nor Azli Mohd Nor Azian said the use of AI in the competition is to expand the ideas and creativity of participants rather than replace their own thinking. “We encourage students to use AI as a supporting tool to broaden their creativity. It is not meant to replace their creativity as they are the ones producing the work,” he said on Bernama Radio’s Fokus 30 programme. He said the competition is open to students from public and private higher education institutions nationwide, with participation open from Aug 10 to Sept 20. “Participants may submit more than one entry based on three themes, namely Generasi Kini, Aspirasi Malaysia (Today’s Generation, Malaysia’s Aspirations), Merdeka Digital: Inovasi Anak Bangsa (Digital Freedom: Innovations by the Nation’s Youth) and Kreatif: Membina Malaysia Masa Depan (Creative: Building Malaysia’s Future).” Nor Azli said each work must have a high resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch), comprise 40% AI-generated content and 60% original images and be edited using graphic design software, Bernama reported. He added that participants must also submit the working or original files to enable the judges to assess the creative process and provide a brief description of the poster in no more than 300 words. He said the competition aims to enhance understanding of the ethical use of AI to ensure that the works produced are original.

Mustapha Ibrahim, Ali Mabuha Rahamad, Zulkifli Dahlan, Maryam Abdullah, Siti Zainon Ismail, Ismail Abdullah, Abdul Ghafar Ibrahim, Yusof Gajah, Mad Anuar Ismail, Abdul Mansoor Ibrahim and Mazlan Noor Along. Faizal, who has been active in the arts scene for almost 30 years, said the exhibition has two sections – the gallery and archival documentation spaces. He said the gallery section is organised into four periods to showcase the evolution of works by Anak Alam artists across the decades. He added that the archival section brings together various materials related to Anak Alam, including correspondence, exhibition catalogues, posters, photographs, newspaper clippings, Bernama reported. “Bringing these works together was no easy task as some of the artists have passed away while others live in different places. “The main challenges were time and distance, in addition to me personally coordinating the delivery and collection of the artworks and contacting the artists.” Johan, who was part of the Anak Alam community in the 1970s, described the exhibition as a historic occasion as it provides an opportunity to reassess the contributions of the movement after five decades. “If literature has Asas 50, then the arts, painting and artistic activities have Anak Alam. To me, Anak Alam is an extraordinary institution, an unparalleled art movement in history,” he said while opening the exhibition. Johan said Anak Alam, initially driven largely by artists and poets, evolved as subsequent generations introduced new elements through theatre and open-air performances. He said his experience with Anak Alam also shaped his life journey as the movement not only taught him about art but also creativity and human values. “Anak Alam is unique. It is not registered, there are no AGMs and there is no president or deputy president. “It was established as a bureaucracy-free independent collective while remaining respectful of the country’s administration. “That is what enabled Anak Alam to survive to this day,” said veteran artist Mazlan Noor Along, 70.

o Exhibition featuring more than 60 visual artworks, archival materials from 12 artists being held to celebrate occasion

KUALA LUMPUR: Anak Alam, an influential independent art movement in Malaysia, is marking its 50th anniversary with the Anak Alam 50 Tahun (1974-2024) exhibition at Harta Space in Ampang Point, Ampang. Exhibition curator Faizal Sidik said the exhibition features more than 60 visual artworks and archival materials from 12 Anak Alam artists, spanning various art forms including painting, poetry, sculpture and theatre. The exhibition, from Aug 6 to 31, traces the

development of the movement from the 1960s. “It aims to examine the contributions of each Anak Alam artist as every one of them has a distinct identity. “We want to look at what they have contributed over these 50 years and what today’s young generation can learn from them,” he said after the launch of the exhibition by National Journalism Laureate Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar recently. The artists featured are Latiff Mohidin,

Johan being given a briefing by Faizal (left) after the opening ceremony. – BERNAMAPIC

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FRIDAY | AUG 14, 2026

7

Rescuers continue search for missing ferry passengers

Japan protests Putin visit to disputed islands MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin yesterday visited Russia’s far-eastern Kuril islands for the first time, prompting a“strong”protest by Japan, which also claims the territory. Russian-Japanese relations have long been dogged by tensions over the contested islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories and seized by the Soviet Union in 1945. The Kremlin posted a video of Putin on one of the four main islands, with Russian media saying he visited a fish-processing plant and was given caviar. Putin travelled to the islands after visiting the nearby Russian island of Sakhalin on Wednesday, where Russia’s navy was conducting drills. In Sakhalin, Putin held a meeting “on ensuring the security of Russia’s eastern borders,“ RIA Novosti said. Japan responded with a stern condemnation. “The Northern Territories are an inherent part of Japan’s territory both historically and under international law, and the government of Japan strongly protests the visit,“ Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said. Ties have worsened since the full-scale conflict in Ukraine began in 2022, with Japan joining other G7 countries in sanctioning Russia and giving money and non-lethal defence aid to Kyiv. Putin on Wednesday called Japan’s sanctions “unprovoked”. “Japan has identified Russia as a main source of threats. I would like to point out that we are not threatening Japan. On the contrary, it has territorial claims against our country.“ Russia and China have also moved closer, with their navies and air forces conducting joint exercises in areas around Japan, promoting Japanese jets to scramble hundreds of times a year. North Korea, which this month termed Japan’s military build-up a “transformation into a war state”, has also sent troops and artillery shells to help Russia’s war against Ukraine. Japan’s latest defence white paper issued this month again highlighted growing risks from all three countries. The New York Times reported in July that that Russia had turned Japan into a “den of spies” and a key source of dual-use technology needed for its war in Ukraine. The Soviet Union took the strategically located volcanic archipelago north of Hokkaido in the final days of World War II, and has maintained a military presence there ever since. In 2010, then-president Dmitry Medvedev became the first Russian leader to visit the territory. – AFP

occurrence in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands that relies heavily on boat connections for daily transport and tourism. Lax safety standards and unpredictable weather are said to be the main reasons for the disasters. Five individuals died last week when a ferry caught fire off Java Island. A ferry transporting more than 70 passengers sank while sailing near Selayar, a small island south of Sulawesi, last month. Four bodies were recovered, but the search operation ended with 14 individuals still officially missing. – AFP

Muhamad Hariyadi. Survivor Kiky Okta Pradika, 25, told reporters in Lembar on Lombok Island on Wednesday that he had grabbed a life jacket before jumping overboard with several other passengers. “There were a few hours before there was any help.” Another survivor, 45-year-old Sutrisna, remembered passengers panicking and scrambling for life jackets as lifeboats were lowered from the stricken ferry. “The evacuation was difficult because the waves were big, and when the rescue ship came, the waves were even bigger than the ones ealier.” Marine accidents are a regular

o Five individuals remain unaccounted for

BALI: Rescuers the Lombok Strait off Indonesia’s Bali Island yesterday for five individuals declared missing after a ferry fire that killed one and sent dozens of passengers scrambling overboard, officials said. A total of 211 individuals were rescued alive and brought ashore by vessels that rushed to the scene on Wednesday, including a navy ship and another ferry in the vicinity. A 19-year-old Indonesian woman was found dead. Yesterday, the effort had shifted combed

to “the search for five passengers” unaccounted for, the search and rescue office of Mataram on Lombok Island said in a statement. The ferry had been heading from Bali to Lombok when it ran into trouble in the early hours of Wednesday. “In addition to direct searches, we have also instructed ships passing through the Lombok Strait to provide initial assistance or immediately inform the command post if they find any victims,” said search and rescue official

A worker carries a rescued child at the Lembar port in West Lombok. – AFPPIC

Taiwan restricts internet speeds during military drill TAIPEI: Millions of residents in Taiwan were forced indoors and hypothetical Chinese air attacks on communications infrastructure.

the situation, I think it can help me with some of my emergency responses in the future,“ hospital worker Gary Chen, 39, told AFP as he lay in an intensive care unit bed pretending to be in a critical condition. ICU nurse Lily Ku said staff were learning “how to move the hospital beds down to the basement and make the transition”. “The resources would be different so we would simplify everything.“ – AFP

staged combat scenarios for its troops and reservists to practise responding to a Chinese attack. On Wednesday, coast guard and navy ships held a joint exercise to escort a vessel during a simulation of a Chinese blockade in waters east of the island. An exercise in the underground carpark of a hospital near Taipei on Thursday demonstrated a war-time medical facility. “If I play the role of a patient and actually experience and understand

capital Taipei at 2:30pm (0630 GMT), sending residents into underground carparks, subway stations, shopping malls and office buildings in the annual air raid drill. Normally busy streets became quiet as police directed traffic to pull over and waved residents into shelters. This year’s drill also included a reduction in mobile internet speeds for the first time, briefly stifling access to video calls, live streams and food delivery apps during

“Whether it’s going to reflect a total internet shutdown, I think is unlikely. But I think having people get a sense of how it may feel to have an internet disruption is important,“ Ben Lewis of the analysis website PLATracker told AFP ahead of the drill. “I think also to test the resilience of civilian communications and internet systems is very important.“ During the 10-day Han Kuang drills that end today, Taiwan’s military

mobile internet speeds slowed for 30 minutes yesterday during a simulation of a Chinese attack on the island democracy. The drill was part of Taiwan’s annual “Han Kuang”military exercise that aims to prepare the island of 23 million for a potential Chinese invasion. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to annex it. Loud sirens sounded across the