30/08/2026

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday AUG 30, 2026

Another 91 across Nepal and China remain uncontactable, says Wisma Putra 72 Malaysians safe in Tibet

PETALING JAYA: The Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) confirmed that 72 Malaysians stranded in Tibet following devastating floods and landslides in Nepal’s Rasuwa district were safe, while 91 others across Nepal and China remained out of contact. It said in a statement on Saturday that its consular response had been expanded to assist Malaysians affected by travel disruptions on the Chinese side of the border, in addition to those in Nepal. The ministry said the 72 Malaysians in Darchen, in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, were safe and in good health. The Malaysian embassy in Beijing remains in contact with the group and is helping arrange their departure from the region. Their families have also been informed. Separately, Chinese authorities and family members reported that another 36 Malaysians could not be contacted in areas affected by telecommunications disruptions. Wisma Putra said it was working with Chinese authorities and the families involved to re-establish contact. It is also cross-checking the

cases against reports of Malaysians missing in Nepal to avoid double-counting. In Nepal, 55 Malaysians remained out of contact after two others were successfully reached. The Malaysian embassy in Kathmandu continues to coordinate with Nepal’s Emergency Response Team, the Nepal Tourism Board, travel agencies and local authorities to locate those still unreachable. The two figures bring the total number of Malaysians out of contact on both sides of the Nepal-China border to 91. Search and rescue operations in Nepal are continuing, while authorities are monitoring the risk of further water surges originating from the Tibet Autonomous Region. As of 5pm Nepal time, or 7.15pm Malaysian time, on Aug 28, Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that 771 people had been rescued, including 116 foreign nationals. Based on the official list available then, no Malaysians were among the foreign nationals rescued. Nepal police raised the

A man carries his belongings after collecting them from his damaged house following the disaster. – REUTERSPIC

Tabung Haji and Felda. He also his government’s legal action against those implicated, rejecting claims that he was being overly aggressive. “People are upset that I am being tough and going after people. But I am not the one making the arrests. “The public placed their trust in me. People want their money, yet some of you took it and squandered billions. “I intend to put a stop to that and return what is owed to the people,” he said. reached the people. He added that Malaysia was not short of resources, but funds intended for ordinary citizens were often lost through leakages. “Who says Malaysia is poor? The problem is that the benefits are not reaching the grassroots. A great deal is lost through leakages.” Anwar said efforts to strengthen governance must continue despite criticism, as protecting the interests of the people and the country remained the government’s core responsibility. defended Those relevant information may contact the ministry at +603-8887 4570 or dutyofficer@kln.gov.my. Wisma Putra also urged the public not to speculate or circulate unverified information while efforts continued to establish the safety and whereabouts of those affected. Further updates will be issued through official channels once the information has been verified. with

after the Federal Court dismissed Kedah’s bid to challenge a ruling barring the state from refusing to renew licences for lottery and pool-betting operators. Sanusi had said the future of gambling activities in Kedah now rested with Anwar, adding that residents would hold the prime minister responsible if such operations were allowed to continue. On a separate matter, Anwar expressed frustration that billions of ringgit meant for the public had allegedly been lost through corruption, citing issues involving “We cannot punish someone who is not guilty. I said RM12 billion was lost. How did that happen? When did it happen? Who was responsible? “If there is solid evidence after an investigation, the case goes to court and the judge decides. If the person is not guilty, let him go. If he is, then it is off to Sungai Buloh or Kajang, whichever applies. That is how governing works,” he said, referring to prisons in both locations. Anwar noted that such cases were pursued to safeguard public funds and ensure their benefits confirmed death toll to 616 in a bulletin issued on Saturday morning, with 1,924 people still reported missing nationwide. The disaster was triggered by a glacial lake outburst and flash flood that swept through the Bhote Koshi river valley on Aug 26. Wisma Putra’s Operations Room in Putrajaya has been operating around the clock since Aug 27 to coordinate information and assist affected Malaysians and their families.

RM4.6m boost for religious institutions BUTTERWORTH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has approved an additional RM4.6 million this year to upgrade basic infrastructure at 27 Islamic educational institutions across Penang. The allocation is more than double the RM2.11 million provided last year for upgrading works at 11 such institutions in the state. Anwar, who is also Finance minister, said the funds would be used for various improvements at community religious schools and other Islamic educational institutions. “Last year, we provided more than RM2 million for Penang. This year, I announced RM4.6 million for community religious institutions. “The allocation will fund upgrading works involving walls, fences, religious schools, new kindergarten buildings and Quran memorisation academies,” he said at the National Tadabbur Perdana and Maidah Wanita Madani Permatang Pauh programmes at Masjid Muhajirin yesterday. Anwar said the government would continue addressing the needs of community religious schools and Islamic educational institutions to strengthen religious education facilities nationwide. He added that efforts to enhance Islamic education should keep pace with technological developments, including the use of artificial intelligence in Quranic and Islamic studies. However, he stressed that technology must be guided by sound values and strong moral principles. “AI must be grounded in values and morality. It should not simply be used to develop talent and understanding without either.” – Bernama

Anwar rejects ‘gambling boss’ label PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hit back at critics who labelled him a tauke judi (gambling boss), pointing out that his government reduced the number of special lottery draws from 22 to eight a year. Permatang Pauh Entrepreneurs Resurgence Scheme in Penanti yesterday. He added that his critics should examine their own record before attacking him.

Anwar was referring to the period between 2020 and 2022, when the annual number of special draws increased from eight to 22 under previous administrations before being reduced by the Madani government. His remarks appeared to be directed at Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who recently criticised Anwar

Anwar, who is also Finance minister, said the reduction showed that his administration was taking steps to curb gambling activities. “You allowed 22 special draws a year. I reduced the number to eight. Is that enough? No. But why should I be the one being insulted over this?” he said at the launch of the

PM defends action on public fund losses PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he was puzzled by the criticism directed at the Madani said yesterday. He added that any allegation involving missing public funds must be properly investigated to determine how and when the losses occurred and who was responsible.

government whenever it acted to address losses or leakages involving public funds. He said remaining silent was not an option because inaction would leave the country bearing the losses, yet taking action also attracted criticism. “Look at the Tabung Haji situation, for instance. If we do not act, the country loses out. If we act, we are criticised. I honestly do not understand,” he

He stressed that government intervention did not mean an individual had been presumed guilty, as investigations and legal action must be based on evidence. Where sufficient evidence existed, the matter should be brought before the courts for a judge to decide.